The Daily Dispatch - Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by The Daily Dispatch

CMYK Carver students stage Halloween program Senate health bill will have public option Community News, Page 6A

Southern soccer falls to Chapel Hill

Nation & World, Page 7A

Sports, Page 1B TUESDAY, October 27, 2009

Volume XCV, No. 251

(252) 436-2700

www.hendersondispatch.com

By WILLIAM F. WEST Daily Dispatch Writer

By AL WHELESS Daily Dispatch Writer

AP photo/SHAWN ROCCO, pool

McQueen Campbell is sworn in as he takes the stand during the state Board of Elections hearing on Monday in Raleigh. The board is gathering information on possible campaign violations by former Gov. Mike Easley and the state Democratic Party.

Ally accuses Easley McQueen Campbell says ex-gov asked him to file false campaign flight reports By GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH — Former Gov. Mike Easley’s political ally testified Monday that scores of campaignrelated flights went unreported and he turned in false air travel invoices to get reimbursed by Easley’s campaign for repairs he arranged for the governor’s home. McQueen Campbell, the former trustee board chairman at North Carolina State University, told the State Board of Elections that Easley asked him in 2004 to take care of some water damages and other repairs at the governor’s home in Raleigh, which he rented to someone else while living in the Executive Mansion. Campbell, the first witness to the Board of Elections in its public hearing investigating The Mike Easley Committee and the state Democratic Party, testified he paid for the repairs, valued at about $11,000. Easley suggested Campbell would be reimbursed with campaign funds and to use some unreported flights to pay them, Campbell testified. “He asked if there were unbilled flights,” Campbell

told elections board Chairman Larry Leake, who questioned Campbell as to what he believe Easley wanted him to do. Campbell responded: “For me to bill the campaign for unbilled flights to uncover those amounts.” Campbell said he filed two invoices through his aircraft company for undesignated flights, totaling a little more than $11,000. The campaign paid his company for them, according to campaign records. He also testified that he flew Easley around on his aircraft for eight years and listed the value of campaign-related flights over five years at $87,895. The unreported flights and alleged falsified repair payments through the campaign would appear to be campaign finance law violations. But Easley’s personal attorney, Thomas Hicks of Wilmington, challenged Campbell’s testimony under crossexamination. Hicks painted Easley as a busy chief executive who had little involvement in his day-to-day campaign finances and questioned why Campbell didn’t file invoices to seek reimbursements for actual flights that Campbell piloted

Mike Easley between October 1999 and October 2004. “He never told you to file a false invoice to this committee, did he?” Hicks asked Campbell. “Not specifically, but I understood what he meant,” Campbell responded. During a break, Hicks told reporters that the exgovernor would have never authorized Campbell to submit a false invoice. “If I was doing work for somebody and spending money and had to pay for my gas and my insurance I’d sure send an invoice,” Hicks said. “The governor wouldn’t do anything intentionally to violate any of the election law.”

Today

South Granville group did damage at Granville Central STEM — Four 17-yearold boys are out on bond after being arrested for allegedly vandalizing Granville Central High School on Sunday morning, Granville County Sheriff Brin Wilkins said. “They spray-painted the front of the building, some of the school buses, a driver’s ed car, the football field and turned over the bleachers at the football field and sprayed the scoreboard,” Wilkins said. Charged are: James Beverly Boone, of 602 Driftwood Circle, Creedmoor; Seydric Laquan Heser, of 2810 Clifton

Ave., also in Creedmoor; Daniel Johnson, of 1212 Arnhem Lane, also in Creedmoor; and Anthony Lee Byrd, of 1569 Appaloosa Trail, which is a Franklinton address. Boone, Heser and Byrd are accused of two counts of vandalism and one count of trespassing, while Johnson is accused of one count of vandalism and one count of trespassing. Bond for Boone, Heser and Byrd was each set at $3,000. Bond for Johnson was set at $5,000. All four face trial on Nov. 25. Wilkins said a deputy who was patrolling the area pulled onto the school grounds and saw a car at the gate, got out, felt the

hood, which was warm, and began checking. “And they took off running, but we caught them,” Wilkins said. “They just said it started as a prank and it got out of hand.” County Schools Superintendent Tim Farley called the boys’ alleged action “reprehensible,” but praised the Granville Central High staff for the cleanup. All four boys attend the South Granville high schools, Farley said. An attempt to obtain information from the South Granville administration about the status of the four boys was unsuccessful. Contact the writer at bwest@ hendersondispatch.com.

The City Council on Monday evening unanimously approved lifting a stay on a demolition ordinance on the dilapidated former Beacon Light apartment complex, giving City Code Compliance Director Corey Williams full authority to bring the property in line with municipal regulations. Councilman Garry Daeke led the vote of the seven members present. Councilman Bernard Alston was absent from the meeting, which lasted approximately 1 1/2 hours. Daeke said the property owner, Sharif Abdelhalim, has not answered what has happened regarding insurance proceeds as a result of fires at the 318 Boddie St. location. Additionally, Councilman Michael Inscoe asked why Abdelhalim has not used the insurance money to raze the fire-damaged buildings. And Inscoe said Abdelhalim has shown no evidence of having secured financing to renovate the property and has not demonstrated he can provide a letter of credit to give the city as a resource should he default. Williams told the coun-

Dreary

High: 62 Low: 54

cil Abdelhalim intends to go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, which will be meeting Nov. 3, to seek a variance and/or a special use permit. Williams said the local Technical Review Committee cited 21 matters needing addressing, including whether Abdelhalim has a hardship on the buildings, potential firewalls, sprinklers and individual meters. City Attorney John Zollicoffer said the Board of Adjustment has no authority to overrule the council, including on code enforcement or on the provision of homeownership spelled out in the paperwork. City Manager Ray Griffin pointed out the city has repeatedly asked Abdelhalim for a plan to redevelop the property. Griffin moments prior to the vote said this kind of puts Abdelhalim on notice with the words: “We’ve asked. We haven’t received. It’s time to move forward.” The HUD-sponsored low-income complex, which dates to 1973 and is located on the southeast side of the city, was closed in 2006 at the request of the previous council after the property had become notorious for crime and unsanitary conditions. Please see BEACON LIGHT, page 3A

Teen arrested for alleged assault, threats against SVHS personnel By AL WHELESS Daily Dispatch Writer

A 16-year-old girl was arrested Saturday on a charge of assaulting Assistant Principal Stephanie Ayscue inside Southern Vance High School on Aug. 27. The defendant — Chareshia Eaton of 1316 Lehman St. in Henderson — was also accused Saturday of threatening that same date to shoot Tannis Jenkins, a Southern Vance Please see EASLEY, page 3A employee. As for the assault

Teens arrested for trashing school Weather By WILLIAM F. WEST Daily Dispatch Writer

50 cents

Property owner doesn’t meet council demands; demolition a possibility

Unemployment across the state remains quite high

Contact the writer at awheless@hendersondispatch.com.

City done waiting on Beacon Light

Jobless rate falls in area

Unemployment in September dropped in Vance, Warren and Granville — just as it did in 73 other of North Carolina’s 100 counties — according to the Employment Security commission. While the state rate of 10.7 percent in August dipped to 10.4 percent last month, welcomed local descents within the same time-frame were: • Vance — 13.3 percent to 13 percent. • Warren — 13.3 percent to 12.7 percent. • Granville — 10.4 percent to 10.2 percent. Also in September, as a result of the changes, those without jobs in the labor forces were: 2,580 of 19,867 in Vance; 1,011 of 7,931 in Warren; and 2,625 of 25,848 in Granville. Unemployment rates increased last month in 14 counties, and remained the same in 10. The state’s lowest rate was Currituck County at five percent, while the highest was Scotland County at 16.5 percent. A total of 45 counties were at or below North Carolina’s unemployment rate of 10.4 percent. “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, he explained, “we must remember that most of these same counties remain at a high rate.” Carey added that “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.”

Wednesday High: 72 Low: 55

Details, 3A

Deaths

Our Hometown . . . . . 2A Business & Farm. . . . 5A Nation & World . . . . . 7A Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . 8A Light Side . . . . . . . . . 9A Sports. . . . . . . . . . 1-6B Comics . . . . . . . . . . . 7B Classifieds. . . . . . 8-10B

Butner

Contact the writer at awheless@hendersondispatch.com.

Man robbed by duo with gun By AL WHELESS Daily Dispatch Writer

Warming

Index

charge, Eaton is accused of putting both hands on Ayscue’s neck and pushing her into some lockers while the assistant principal was attempting to escort the girl to the school office. Both charges are misdemeanors. The two warrants were issued on Sept. 9. Eaton was given a custody release after her arrest. She is scheduled to appear in Vance County District Court on Nov. 16.

Maria H. Flores, 22 Durham David F. Taylor, 71 Henderson Bruce R. Lassiter, 47 Dorothy A. Roberson, 87 Marie R. Roberson, 84 Lucy P. Patterson, 95 Samuel J. Steagall, 39 Oxford David L. Adcock Sr., 82 Warrenton William G. Thompson Sr., 67

A 23-year-old Henderson resident told police he was robbed at gunpoint Friday night by one of two men who followed him for about a block after he left Star Grocery on Harriett Street. The victim, Brian Keith Salisbury of Walters Street, was not injured. He told investigators $12 was stolen from him during the incident which occurred about 8 p.m. in the 300 block of Old County Home Road. He described the thief with a handgun as being about 6-foot tall and in his 20s. The other man was older, said Salisbury. He said the pair wore dark clothes.

Obituaries, 4A Contact the writer at awheless@hendersondispatch.com.

The Daily Dispatch

Our Hometown

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Mark It Down Today 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.

Wednesday Blood drive — The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at Kerr Vance Academy from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information about local blood drives or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Twanna Jones, Granville-Vance Branch Manager at (252) 438-4813 or (919) 693-6550 or email JonesTJ@usa.redcross.org. Stroke support group — The Maria Parham Medical Center Stroke Support Group will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Center for Rehab Conference Room of the Brodie Waddill Building at Maria Parham Medical Center. The group follows the National Stroke Association Discovery Circles program, a nationally recognized stroke support group format. Stroke survivors, families, friends and caregivers are invited to attend. Please contact Liz Karan at 436-1604 with any questions. Wednesday Farmer’s market — The Wednesday Farmer’s Market, located near the track behind the Henderson Family YMCA, 380 Ruin Creek Road, is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. selling local produce. The market is sponsored by the YMCA, the Vance County Cooperative Extension Service and Maria Parham Medical Center. Venders interested in selling at the market should contact Wayne Rowland at 438-8188. Pasture-raised beef — The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Vance County Center, will sponsor a meeting on pastureraised beef at 6:30 p.m. in the upper conference room at the extension office, 305 Young St. The meeting will give new and established producers the most current information about raising cattle on pasture and how to market animals for greater profit from this growing alternative enterprise. For more information, contact Wayne Rowland at (252) 438-8188.

Thursday Health fair — The Vance County Senior Center will hold a health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A number of vendors will be present with information, printed materials and promotional items, plus door prizes. In addition, there will be diabetes screenings, blood pressure checks and spinal posture checks. The public is invited to attend. The senior center is located at 126 S. Garnett St. For more information, call (252) 430-0257. Childbirth classes — Prepared childbirth education classes are held at Granville Medical Center, 1010 College St., in Oxford, every Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the first floor conference room. Women who are scheduled to deliver their babies at any hospital are welcome to attend. To register for the classes, call the Childbirth Education Department at (919) 690-3208. Business After Hours — The Hampton Inn of Henderson, in cooperation with the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, will host a Business After Hours from 5:30-7 p.m. at the inn, located at 385 Ruin Creek Road. At the “Haunted Hampton Halloween Barbecue,” guests will be treated to barbecue and a variety of spooky treats as they network with other business owners and employees. Any Chamber member wishing to attend should RSVP to the Chamber at (252) 4388414 or by e-mail to membership@hendersonvance.org.

Friday Downtown trick or treat — The downtown Henderson merchants will sponsor trick-or-treat along Garnett Street from 4-5:30 p.m. with live entertainment, free face painting, balloon sculptures, cotton candy and popcorn. For children 12 and under accompanied by a parent. Weight loss group — TOWN (Take Off Weight Now), a non-profit weight loss group, will meet at Aycock Recreation Center at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

Participants and coaches in Project LIFT join Erskine Hawkins, N.C. state president of the Elks organization (shown on the third row, third from left) in the program’s weight-lifting room on the campus of Eaton-Johnson Middle School in Henderson.

Project LIFT in 12th year of operation at Eaton-Johnson Middle School The Project LIFT afterschool program has begun its 12th year of operation on the campus of Eaton-Johnson Middle School. The program, under the direction of William Hawkins, meets each Monday and Thursday from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in a classroom in the twostory building on the school’s campus. The purpose of the program is to offer its young participants a chance to focus their energies on learning the art of lifting weights and also to develop good character and good habits at school and home. Project LIFT currently serves 22 local students ranging in age from 6 to 15 years old. There are seven girls and 15 boys included in the current program participants. “This is a program that tries to mold the entire child,” Hawkins noted. “We give them something constructive to do with their time while they are here. They can spend their energy lifting weights and competing with one another and in competitions which we have them to enter. We also talk with them about having good character traits like respect and responsibility. We bring in guest speakers to talk with the youths about how to be good students and good citizens.” Hawkins also works with a group of adult coaches who work individually with the program participants and work with them as a group to improve their weight-lifting skills and to help them with the challenges facing youth today. The coaches include Lewis Brodie, Jeanette Bell, Harold Davis, Darnell Lewis, Wanda Burwell, Terry Pearson and Bobby Jones. Hawkins and the seven coaches all

volunteer their time to lead Project LIFT. On Oct. 12, the Project LIFT session featured a visit by Erskine Hawkins, who is the N.C. state president of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World. The Elks leader talked with the youth about the history of the organization he leads in North Carolina. He explained to them that the Elks is the largest predominately black fraternal organization in the world and boasts a membership of over 450,000 with lodges and temples in the United States, Canada, Mexico, West Indies, Virgin Islands, Panama and the Bahamas. The purpose of the organization is to help ensure the welfare and happiness of its members and to promote patriotism as well as the principles of charity, justice and brotherly and sisterly love. Williams Hawkins said Project LIFT asked the Elks leader to speak so that the students could see the good things the organization stands for and promotes within local communities. “This month we’re focusing on steering the students away from illegal gang activity,” Hawkins said. “We want to show them that you can be a part of an organization and do good things. The gangs

that exist for most youths promote bad things and our students need to know that they need to stay away from these kinds of groups and instead look to get involved in other groups or organizations that do good things for other people.” He added that representatives of the Henderson Police Department are scheduled to speak to Project LIFT participants at the end of October about illegal gang activity in the area and how they can avoid getting involved in these criminal organizations. With their weight lifting efforts, the students are now training for the World Championships in Norfolk, Va., on Nov. 7. Hawkins said the coaches plan to take the students in two vans to the championship competition. “It will be a great learning experience for them,” Hawkins said. “We’re taking 19 students and they’ll get a chance to be a part of an outstanding competition.” Hawkins says the weight lifting focus of the program enables the participants to channel their energy on something positive that they can challenge themselves in, set personal goals and work hard to achieve those goals. It also keeps the youths physically active and helps them to be more physically fit.

Students are referred to the Project LIFT program and can be enrolled in any local schools. They can be referred by school teachers or administrators, parents and adult leaders of community organizations. Several Project LIFT participants are part of the Vance County Boys & Girls Club. The participants and their parents have to sign a contract agreeing to their responsibilities in the program. If they do not meet their responsibilities or misbehave while in the program, the students can be taken out of the program, Hawkins said. Project LIFT is a registered non-profit organization. Anyone interested in making a donation to the program may do so by sending the contribution to Project LIFT, 907 Beckford Drive, Suite 130, Henderson, N.C., 27536.

Marketplace Cinema

Marketplace Shopping Center

438-9060 MICHAEL JACKSoN: THIS IS IT (PG)

MIdNIGHT SHOw - 12:01AM wed 10/28 wed-THUR: 5:00 & 7:15PM

CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT (PG13) MON-THUR: 5:10 & 7:20PM

SAW VI

(R) MON-THUR: 5:15 & 7:15PM

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG) MON-THUR: 5:10 & 7:10PM

Everything MUST Go!

DaviD vick Racing & Sports Monday-Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm

Crossroads Shopping Center Corner of I-85 & NC 39 • Exit 214 Henderson, N.C. (252) 492-7223 • dvracing@inet4u.com

WWW.DAVIDVICKSPORTS.COM

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (R) MON-THUR: 5:15 & 7:25PM

THE STEPFATHER

(PG13) MON-THUR: 5:05 & 7:10PM

CoUPLES RETREAT (PG13) MON-TUe: 7:20PM eNdS TUeSdAY

CritiC’s ChoiCe PAPER HEART (PG13) MON-FRI : 10/26-10/30/09 @ 5:00PM SAT & SUN: 10/31-11/1/09 @ 1:00PM

www.marketplacecinemas.com

EARLY BIRD SAVINGS For The Month of October

Mike’s BarBer and Beauty shop

CALL US FOR HOLIDAY BOARDING SERVICES FOR YOUR PET

Receive

25% OFF

Reg. Price of a Haircut

SALE!!

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

(252) 438-6960 Located at 1701 Parham St. in Henderson Behind the Snackers/Exxon Station on Dabney Drive

We Buy Gold! Now Paying Top dollar For your old Gold & Jewelry

Revlon

Company Store

$5 off $10 Purchase With this coupon

Henderson Square Shopping Center Trusted Jeweler Since 1922 Free Christmas Layaway Plan

87th Anniversary Sale Now In Progress

Expires 10/31/09 1503 Williamsboro Street Oxford, NC • 919-603-3177 MWF & Sat 10-5, Thurs 10-6

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

From Page One

The Daily Dispatch

NATIONAL WEATHER

BEACON LIGHT, from page one

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Seattle 51/40 Minneapolis 57/40

Billings 46/27

Chicago 59/47

San Francisco 64/49

New York 59/52

Detroit 62/48

Washington 60/51

Kansas City 61/45

Denver 52/28

Los Angeles 71/52

Atlanta 61/54 El Paso 75/56

Fairbanks 28/16

-10s

-0s

Houston 70/57 Miami 87/77

Honolulu 86/74

Anchorage 39/26

Hilo 83/70

Juneau 43/36

10s

20s

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

WEDNESDAY

76°

54°

62°

55°

Cloudy with rain, mainly Mild with occasional rain later

THURSDAY

Warmer with rain tapering off

FRIDAY

74°

76°

55°

57°

Partly sunny

SATURDAY

79° 54°

Partly sunny

Partly sunny, a t-storm; warm

ALMANAC

SUN AND MOON

Temperature

Sunrise today ........................... Sunset today ............................ Moonrise today ........................ Moonset today ......................... Sunrise tomorrow ..................... Sunset tomorrow ...................... Moonrise tomorrow .................. Moonset tomorrow ...................

Raleigh-Durham through 6 p.m. yest. High .................................................... 64° Low ..................................................... 44° Normal high ........................................ 69° Normal low ......................................... 44° Record high ............................ 81° in 1978 Record low .............................. 27° in 1962

Full

Last

New

First

Nov 2

Nov 9

Nov 16

Nov 24

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

WinstonSalem

Asheville

Henderson

Greensboro

62/54

Rocky Mt.

65/57

62/54

63/52

56/49

Durham

Raleigh

62/53

Charlotte

63/55

70/64

69/61

LAKE LEVELS

73/63

24-Hr. Capacity Yest. Change 240 212.56 -0.02 264 247.50 -0.02

Lake Jordan Neuse Falls

REGIONAL CITIES Today

Wed.

Today

Wed.

City

Hi Lo W Hi Lo W

City

Hi Lo W Hi Lo W

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

56 58 63 63 60 62 62 67 63 69 69 62 61 72 59

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

61 74 68 72 70 70 71 73 63 60 60 65 64 73 63

49 51 52 53 53 51 53 58 49 61 57 54 54 62 50

r r r r r r r t r r t r r t r

71 65 70 69 74 69 76 73 74 75 73 71 71 78 72

50 50 53 54 57 52 53 54 51 58 54 55 58 57 51

pc pc r r pc r r r pc r r r pc r pc

the former Beacon Light, said she has received concerns from residents asking she take a second or third look at the economic situation and the need for housing for citizens. And Evans told of visiting a homeowner with three additional families living at the residence. And Evans said she supposes one of the reasons she is swaying a bit is because of a presentation to the council about Section 8 housing by Sharon Sneed, of Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunity. Sneed said Section 8 has gotten a bad reputation. “And I’m not promoting Section 8,” Evans said. “I’m promoting a suitable place for our people to live.” And Evans said, “We have to think outside the box and try to do something to promote places for folks to live in the city of Henderson now.” Mayor Pro Tem Lonnie Davis said, “We always toss in the term ‘Section 8’ and I often wonder why” and questioned the necessity of doing so. Davis said he can name young people who obtained college degrees and who have obtained post-graduate degrees who once lived at Beacon Light. And Davis raised the question of the definition

55 63 58 60 65 62 62 61 55 53 53 57 53 63 52

r t t r t t t t r r r r r t r

75 77 80 79 78 77 73 77 70 65 69 78 77 77 72

55 56 55 59 62 58 60 56 52 51 53 55 52 60 55

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

r r r r t r r r r r r r r r r

Later Monday, a legal assistant to Easley’s campaign treasurer testified Easley called her in 2005 and told to her to pay Campbell’s air travel invoices even though they lacked supporting information. “I told him that we normally require some additional backup and he said I should go ahead and pay the invoice,” said Rebecca McGhee, relying on a memorandum she wrote to then-treasurer Dave Horne. The board — three Democrats and two Republicans — could issue fines or reprimands, refer the case to a district attorney for criminal charges, or exonerate the party and The Mike Easley Committee. Easley didn’t appear at the hearing and Leake said the ex-governor wouldn’t be called to testify until at

least Wednesday. Easley’s campaign committee, which handled millions of dollars, should have known that Campbell’s flights needed to be paid or pay him, said Bob Hall, executive director the campaign finance reform group Democracy North Carolina. “I don’t know if it can be explained away,” Hall said. As for the flights, Hall said, “they’re much more extensive than they thought of it before.” Leake said after Monday’s testimony that it was legal in 2005 for Easley to use campaign funds for nearly any purpose, including home repairs as long as it was reported accurately. Campbell, 38, testified he had known Easley for about 20 years and that he had provided flights to Easley’s campaign and for

CLARKSVILLE VETERINARY CLINIC

Caring for the Animals of Southside VA and Northern NC for over 12 years

Companion Animal Services - Call (434) 374-0166 X

XII I

II III IV V

X IX

XII

VII

II III

VIII

Est. Aug. 12, 1914 304 S. Chestnut St. P.O. Box 908 Henderson, N.C. 27536

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.

Farm/Large Animal Services - Call (434) 738-5197

For all departments dial 252-436-2700 or fax 252-430-0125

Delivery 436-2800

circulation@hendersondispatch.com

Classified 436-2810 Advertising 436-2820 advertising@hendersondispatch.com

Newsroom 436-2830

news@hendersondispatch.com

Sports 436-2840

sports@hendersondispatch.com

Carrier delivery, where available

$150.00 $75.00 $37.50 $12.50

Mail — In State

Mail — Out-of-State Mail Sun. — In State

Yearly 6 months 3 months Monthly

$162.00 $81.00 $40.50 $13.50

$186.00 $93.00 $46.50 $15.50

We strive for 6 a.m. delivery Tuesday-Friday, and 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 436-2800 between 6 and 10 a.m. Tuesday-Friday and 7 to 11 a.m. on weekends if you do not receive your newspaper.

Wayne Kinton Authorized Agent (252) 438-2635 wayne@cmiins.com

Call me for information on: • Individual Plans • Medicare Supplement Insurance • Dental Plans for Individuals • Health Savings Accounts

Every Thursday Night is Kids Night!

Subscription rates

Yearly 6 months 3 months Monthly

$120.00 $60.00 $30.00 $10.00

Mail Sun. Out-of- State Yearly 6 months 3 months Monthly

$132.00 $66.00 $33.00 $11.00

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

99¢ Buffet (does not include beverage)

Ages 12 & under Limit 2 children per adult

The Associated Press (AP) is entitled to use for publication all local news published in this newspaper as well as all AP news dispatches. Member of The Audit Bureau of Circulations and the Associated Press.

Country Style Steak Sandwich Combo

Deluxe

$ 99

includes 1 side & Drink

comes w/mayo, lettuce & tomato Cookin’ Up Down Home Cookin’ ®

Good Food • Good Service • Fair Price

444 Dabney Dr. , Henderson 492-4040 We Welcome Call In Orders Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10

Care Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Dr. Dennis Myers • 1503 Graham Avenue DON’T LET COMPUTER USE BE A PAIN IN THE NECK!

How to reach us

Yearly 6 months 3 months Monthly

report something. Two well-connected Easley fundraisers — developers Lanny Wilson and Nick Garrett of Wilmington — also testified that Easley’s campaign urged them to write checks to the state Democratic Party as a way to help pay for expenses related to Easley’s gubernatorial bid. “My understanding is the money I was donating would be used by the Mike Easley campaign,” Garrett said. But Jim Cooney, a Democratic Party lawyer, tried to refute testimony that indicated the donations could have been used to get around the $4,000 giving limit to the Easley campaign.

We have Moved to our new location 1305 Graham Avenue

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Dispatch, P.O. Box 908, Henderson, N.C., 27536

Home Delivery

personal use going back to the late 1990s, when thenattorney general Easley was running for governor. Campbell, who stepped down from the N.C. State University trustee board this year after scrutiny grew over the hiring of former first lady Mary Easley at the school, said his records showed he flew Easley on 61 flight legs from October 1998 to November 2000, when he was elected governor. When asked if he knew the flights could have violated campaign laws limiting individual donations to $4,000 per election, Campbell said he believed the campaign would let him know if he needed to ay yd r e Ev

Contact the writer at bwest@ hendersondispatch.com.

ay yd

SUBSCRIBE TODAY 436-2800

VIII VII VI

the former Beacon Light “does not have to be the way it used to be.” Councilman Michael Rainey said that there are places to rent but that the problem is people cannot afford to pay the cost because they do not have adequate income. At the same time, Rainey said, “We’re trying to enhance this town and trying to make people proud of where they live.” “And let’s encourage homeownership” instead of looking for ways to put a bandage on the problem, Rainey said. And Rainey added, “I’d hate to see us go back to putting in the same thing we had over there” at the former Beacon Light. Councilwoman Brenda Peace said, “We keep saying, ‘Going back to what we had’” at the former Beacon Light when the property was not properly managed. And Peace said everybody is not going to buy a home and said some want someone else to take care of the property. Evans moments prior to the vote said, “I do appreciate the fact that all of us have involved ourselves – and I say all – in this conversation.”

er Ev

we’ve got you covered

of affordable housing at the present time and said an affordable house to one person may not be an affordable house to another person. Davis did make clear that, before making derogatory statements about Section 8, “We need to look at the management of these houses.” Daeke reminded the council of the commitment to homeownership and said to question this now would seem to him to be a setback when homeownership has increased some nationally the last few weeks. Daeke said there are plenty of rental properties available in Henderson. And Daeke said, “I haven’t seen progress on this” and added Abdelhalim will have to go in with “one heck of a plan” to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Daeke said, “I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Evans said that, “I think sometime we need to think about people more than what was” and added that, “We’re busy beating that homeownership thing over the head when people don’t even have the money to pay for the houses that we’re talking about.” And Evans said that, with proper management,

EASLEY, from page one

Wilmington

Elevation in feet above sea level. Data as of 7 a.m. yesterday. 24-Hr. Lake Capacity Yest. Change Gaston 203 199.15 none Kerr 320 293.72 -0.08

The previous council wanted Beacon Light redeveloped with singlefamily homes. Abdelhalim acquired the property for $54,000 in a 2007 foreclosure sale. A majority of the present council in August stood firm in moving ahead with an order to demolish the structures down to a green field, but made clear the city would be willing to work with Abdelhalim. Abdelhalim was given a since-expired 45-day deadline to work out a schedule to bring the property into compliance, with a nine-month compliance deadline. Griffin noted that, given the council meeting times, the window actually extended 25 days. Abdelhalim was not present for the Monday evening meeting, with Williams saying Abdelhalim had to be in Mississippi. Abdelhalim’s real estate agent, Vance County Commissioner Terry Garrison, called for more time and asked whether it is realistic to continue the homeownership provision and, if so, to what extent the council can help Abdelhalim make a development a reality. Councilwoman Mary Emma Evans, while making clear she has been in favor of homeownership at

Cape Hatteras

Fayetteville

62/56

7:32 a.m. 6:23 p.m. 3:03 p.m. 1:22 a.m. 7:33 a.m. 6:22 p.m. 3:29 p.m. 2:20 a.m.

Moon Phases

Precipitation 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest. ......... Trace Month to date .................................. 0.81” Normal month to date ..................... 2.71” Year to date ................................... 27.14” Normal year to date ...................... 36.57”

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Children’s Regular Buffet $4.99

Call Dr. Myers TODAY!

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE PAIN

• AUTO INJURY • WORK INJURY • Chronic Headaches • Neck Injuries • Sports Injuries

• Back Pain Mon-Thurs 9:30-6; Fri 9:30-11 Now Accepting New Patients • Insomnia • Arthritis

• Leg Pain Insurance is filed for you in network for AETNA BCBSNC UHC CIGNA MEDICAID/MEDICARE/MED COST • Shoulder/Arm Pain

(252) 436-2500 • www.hendersonbackdoctor.com Insurance is filed for you in network for MEDICAID/MEDICARE/MED COST/BCBSNC

Mon-Thurs 9-6; Fri 9-1 Walk-ins & New Appts Welcome. (252) 436-2500

www.carechiropracticcenter.com

Local News

The Daily Dispatch

Xxxxxxday, Xxxxxx XX, 200X

Deaths Maria H. Flores BUTNER — Maria Hernandez Flores, 22, a resident of Murdoch Developmental Center died Sunday October 25, 2009 at Murdoch Developmental Center. Arrangements will be announced by J.M. White Funeral Home.

Bruce R. Lassiter HENDERSON — Bruce Randall Lassiter, 47, of 1610 W. Andrews Ave., Lot 7, Henderson, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at Maria Parham Medical Center. Born in Vance County, he was the son of the late Nathaniel Roosevelt “Sonny” Lassiter Jr. and Barbara Vernell Johnson Lassiter. He was a former employee of Sossamaon Trucking Company. He was a member of Fuller Chapel United Church of Christ. A graveside funeral service was held Monday at 11 a.m. at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Henry Abbott. Surviving are two sisters, Dianne L. Anderson and Lisa I. Stainback, both of Henderson; and a brother, Calvin W. Lassiter of Henderson. The family received friends Sunday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the home of Calvin and Vicki Lassiter, 569 Community House Road, Henderson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bruce Lassiter Funeral Home, c/o Flowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 138, Henderson, NC, 27536. Arrangements are by Flowers Funeral Home of Henderson.

Lucy P. Patterson HENDERSON — Lucy Pendergrass Patterson, 95, of 3839 Weldons Mill Road, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Maria Parham Medical Center. Born on April 2, 1914, in Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late Jimmy Pendergrass and Rodie Loyd Pendergrass. She was a retired tobacco farmer and homemaker. She was a member of New Bethel Church where she was a member of the Marilyn Duke Sunday School Class. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at New Bethel Baptist Church by the Revs. Frank Adam and Cleveland Harrison. Burial will follow in New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. She was survived by four daughters, Mary P. Meachan of Oxford,

William G. Thompson Sr. WARRENTON — William Gene Thompson Sr., 67, died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at his residence. Mr. Thompson was a Warren County native, born to the late Macon Thompson and Nettie St. Sing Thompson. Gene was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired from Harriet-Henderson as a production controller. After his retirement, he was employed with Variety Wholesaler. Mr. Thompson loved taking care of his garden very much. The Revs. Seth Miller and Jerry Davidson will conduct funeral services at Betty P. Carter, Pauline P. Richards and Sandra P. Perkinson, all of Henderson; two sons, J.T. Patterson of Clayton and Joseph Daniel “Dan” Patterson of Oxford; a sister, Miss Virgie M. Pendergrass of the home; 19 grandchildren; 30 greatgrandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Peter Patterson; a daughter, Dorothy P. Wallace; two sons, James W. Patterson and Baby Boy Patterson; and two grandchildren. The family will receive friends today from 7-8:30 p.m. at J.M. White Funeral Home. At other times they will be at the home. Serving as active pallbearers will be her grandsons, Randy Wallace, John Carter, Robert Carter, Brian Richards, Michael Perkinson, Dennis Patterson, Daniel Patterson, Matthew Paterson and Chris Patterson; and her great-grandsons, Dale Wallace, Anthony Grissom, Jonathan Mertz, John Wayne Reid, Ethan Reid, Houston Carter, Garrett Patterson, Chris Talley and Jake Tucker. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New Bethel Baptist Church Senior Citizens Fund, 1238 New Bethel Church Road, Henderson, NC, 27537. Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.

Marie R. Roberson HENDERSON — Marie Roberson Roberson, 84, formerly of Eastern Boulevard, Henderson, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at a local nursing home. Born in Vance County, she was the daughter of the late Reuben and Nannie Roberson Roberson. She was a homemaker. A graveside funeral ser-

FREE

DirectTV® System Up to 4 Receivers

11 a.m. today at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Hamm Thompson; his two children, April Thompson Sipfle and William Gene “Billy” Thompson Jr.; two grandchildren, Makenzie Vaughan and Selena Thompson; and four step-grandchildren, Trey Joyner, Josh Joyner, Ellie Sipfle and Gant Sipfle, Memorials may be made to the University of North Carolina Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill. Arrangements are by Blaylock Funeral Home.

Dorothy Anita Roberson

Paid Obituary

vice will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Elmwood Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Ronnie Matthews. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the cemetery immediately following the service. Arrangements are by Flowers Funeral Home.

Samuel J. Steagall HENDERSON — Samuel Jason Steagall, 39, a resident of 395 Lakeview Road, in the Epsom community died Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at his home. Born in Vance County on Jan. 15, 1970, he was the son of Dale Morris Steagall and Peggy Thomas Steagall of Henderson. Memorial services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church by the Rev. Frank Sossamon. In addition to his parents he is survived by two daughters, Tiffany Steagall Livengood of Henderson and Atlanta Morgan Steagall of Clayton; a son, Andrew Jason Steagall of Sanford; a brother, Christopher Scott Steagall of Henderson; and two grandchildren. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church. At other times they will be at the home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church, Building Fund, 905 Americal Rd Henderson, N.C. 27536. Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.

OXFORD — Dorothy Anita Roberson was born in Branchville, Va., on April 4, 1922, to the parentage of the late Willie Joyner and Marion Joyner. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Samuel I. Roberson, five brothers and two sisters. She received her early education in the Granville County school system, graduating from Mary Potter Academy in Oxford, N.C., in 1936. Dorothy continued her education at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Va., and received her B.A. Degree in Education in 1940 at the early age of 18. She later received her Master of Education Degree from North Carolina College in Durham, N.C. Dorothy was a science and math teacher for 40 years at Joe Toler and D.N. Hix schools in Granville County prior to her retirement in 1980. During her long career, she witnessed many changes in the education system, including the integration of the Granville County Schools. She was among the first African-American educators to teach in what had been racially segregated schools. She was an outstanding teacher and a positive

David F. Taylor DURHAM — David Franklin Taylor, 71, of 10 Malbry Place, Durham, died Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at the Hock Family Pavilion. He was the son of the late Benjamin Franklin Taylor and Esther Lyons Taylor. He was a former employee of John Umstead Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Dawes Taylor; two daughters, Trilby R. McClammy of Durham and Melinda L. Hester of Oxford; three sons, David Taylor Jr. and Benjamin Taylor, both of Newark, N.J., and James Dawes of Henderson; three brothers, Louis Taylor of Fayetteville, Birl Taylor Sr. of Oxford and Carnell Taylor of Baltimore, Md.; 11 We’ll straighten everything out!

Don’t Worry...

influence in the lives of all of her students, her family and the community. Prior to her illness, she was an active member of Les Gemmes, Inc. and a charter member of the Oxford-Henderson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Dorothy was a member of First Baptist Church in Oxford, N.C. She served in various capacities through the years including director of the Senior Choir. On Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, she quietly and peacefully entered a greater world in union with God. Left to honor and cherish her memory are her two children, Reginald J. Roberson (Gail) and Linda R. McAbee; three grandchildren, Lisa Peterson (Brian), Ryan Roberson and Jessica Roberson; a brother, Henry Plummer Joyner; nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves “special friends” Andrew and Esther McGhee, Roosevelt and Shirley Greenwood, Bernice Wiggins, Eunice Eaton, Bernice Colson and a long-time and devoted caregiver, Mildred Harris. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church by the Rev. Lacy Joyner. The burial will be in Meadowview Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Wright Funeral Home.

David L. Adcock Sr.

Paid Obituary

grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Betts and Son Funeral Home Chapel by Bishop James L. Hester. Burial will follow in Meadowview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors at 4068 Brookstone Drive, Oxford, at the home of the Rev. Kenneth and Malinda Hester. The viewing will be Wednesday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Betts and Son Funeral Home in Oxford. Arrangements are by Betts and Son Funeral Home of Oxford.

OXFORD — David Littleton Adcock Sr., 82, a resident of Oxford, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Granville Medical Center. He was a native of Granville County and was the son of the late Gold Damon and Ruth Smith Adcock. Mr. Adcock retired from Oxford Implement Co. and Al Sandling Chevrolet. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Seabees. He was also a member of Oxford United Methodist Church, a member of the Oxford Masonic Lodge No. 122, and a member of the American Legion Post 90. David liked listening to Bluegrass music and fishing. Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Oxford United Methodist Church by the Rev. Pat Hawkins. Burial will be in the Adcock Family cemetery in Berea. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Catherine Strickland Adcock; a son, David L. Adcock Jr. (Connie) of Oxford; two daughters, Cathy A. Yancey (George) of Oxford and Mildred A. Hartford (David) of Littleton, Colo.; two brothers, Edward G. Adcock of Oxford and Brent M. Adcock of Butner; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kathlyn A. Powell; and a brother, Drewery Adcock. The family will receive friends today from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Gentry-Newell and Vaughan Funeral Home. At other times, they will be at the home. Online memorials may be made to www.gnvfh.com; select obituaries. Arrangements are by Gentry-Newell and Vaughan Funeral Home of Oxford. Paid Obituary

Tony’s Auto Salvage UP TO $100 CA$H

FOR YOUR JUNK CAR TODAY!

al c o L e Fre k-Up Pic

Give Us A Call At:

252-492-5071 800-346-0429

2817 US 158 Bypass, Henderson, NC 27537

• FREE Estimates • Auto Body Repair

• Auto Glass Installed • Insurance Claims Welcomed

COLLINS COLLISION REPAIR CENTER 3688 Raleigh Rd. Henderson

252-438-3133 Owners Charles & Clecy Collins

Garnes Funeral Home Welcomes Mary Faines

Northside Electronics

159 N. Cooper Drive • Henderson NC 27536

as a Funeral Assistant. Mary will be serving Henderson and the surrounding areas.

252-492-6544

In your time of need call Mary Faines at

ICHIBAR JAPANESE RESTAURANT Dine In & Take Out 901 S. Beckford, Dr. Suite I, Henderson, NC 27536 Tel.: 252-438-7070/7068 Fax: 252-438-7068 Tue.-Thurs.: 11:00am-10:00pm Fri. & Sat.: 11am-11:00pm Sunday: 12:00noon-9:30pm Monday Closed We are located in Henderson Market Place

Bring in Coupon and receive

10% OFF Dinner Eat in or Take Out

Good For Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday Only! Not Valid with Other Discount. Expire Date: 1/31/10

(252) 767-2222 or 436-9548,

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

  

  

  

Steak House and Bar

Chex Car Care EXPRESS

Getting Your Oil Changed Here - Qualifies You To WIN Up To $250.00! Convenient Location: 256 Flemingtown Road Henderson, NC 27537

492-7031

Since 1979

Silo October Special

Monday thru Thursday ONLY! Prime Rib or NY Strip Dinner includes choice potato and salad bar

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRIME RIB BUFFET

6 pm - 9 pm Friday and Saturday Night

95 14 1495

per person

(eat in only)

Limited Time Only



 

  



Business & Farm

The Daily Dispatch

USDA announces beginning of 2010 DCP and ACRE signup From STAFF REPORTS

Denise Hight, Vance County Executive Director of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in North Carolina announced that enrollment for the 2010 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program has begun and will continue through June 1. “We at FSA urge producers to make use of the eDCP automated website to sign up,” said Hight. “The electronic service saves producers’ time, reduces paperwork and speeds up contract processing at their local FSA offices.” Hight adds eDCP is available to all producers who are eligible to participate in the DCP and ACRE Programs and can be accessed at www. fsa.usda.gov/dcp. To access the service, producers must have an active USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account, which requires filling out an online registration form at www.eauth.egov.usda.gov followed by a visit to the local USDA Service Center for identity verification. For those without internet access or if they prefer, producers can also visit any USDA Service Center to complete their 2010

DCP or ACRE contract. USDA computes DCP Program payments using base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Eligible producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute regardless of market prices. For 2010, eligible producers may request to receive advance direct payments based on 22 percent of the direct payment. Counter-cyclical payment rates vary depending on market prices. Counter-cyclical payments are issued only when the effective price for a commodity is below its target price. The effective price is the higher of the national average market price received during the 12-month marketing year for each covered commodity and the national average loan rate for a marketing assistance loan for the covered commodity. The optional ACRE Program provides a safety net based on state revenue losses and acts in place of the price-based safety net of counter-cyclical payments under DCP. A farm’s payment is based on a revenue guarantee calculated using a fiveyear average state yield and the most recent two-year national price for each eligible commodity. For the 2010 crop, the two-year price average will be based on the 2008 and

2009 crop years. An ACRE payment is issued when both the state and the farm have incurred a revenue loss. The payment is based on 83.3 percent (85 percent in 2012) of the farm’s planted acres times the difference between the state ACRE guarantee and the state revenue times the ratio of the farm’s yield divided by the state expected yield. The total number of planted acres for which a producer may receive ACRE payments may not exceed the total base on the farm. In exchange for participating in ACRE, in addition to not receiving counter-cyclical payments, a farm’s direct payment is reduced by 20 percent, and marketing assistance loan rates are reduced by 30 percent. The decision to enroll in the ACRE Program is irrevocable. The owner of the farm and all producers on the farm must agree to enroll in ACRE. Once enrolled, the farm shall be enrolled for that initial crop year and will remain in ACRE through the 2012 crop year. The June 1, 2010, deadline is mandatory for all participants. USDA will not accept any late-filed applications. For more information on DCP or ACRE, please visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.

FSA Guaranteed Loan Program increased From STAFF REPORTS

The loan limit for USDA Farm Service Agency’s Guaranteed Loan Program has been increased to $1,112,000, Denise Hight, Vance County Executive Director, announced. The increase was effective Oct. 1. The limit is adjusted annually based on the Prices Paid to Farmers Index, which is compiled by the National Agricul-

tural Statistics Service. The program allows commercial and farm credit lenders to extend cdredit to qualified applicants who otherwise would not meet their standard lending criteria. Participating lenders can use the program to strengthen a loan’s viability through a guarantee of up to 95 percent of the loan amount. Farmers interested in guaranteed loans should apply through a conven-

tional lender. FSA also offers the Direct Loan Program as an alternative for those unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Direct farm loans are governmentfunded and made by FSA. Except for emergency loans, the limit for loans under the program is $300,000. To apply for a direct loan, farmers should contact the Vance County FSA office.

Salute

Your Special Veteran and

Active Duty Serviceman or

Woman In Your Life We will run a special page on Wednesday, November 11, where you can express your love with their photo, name, rank, branch and date of service. It only takes $1200 (paid in advance) to place your salute to that special person.

Proudly We remember Their Courage, Their Sacrifice... our Freedom on Veterans day Wed., Nov. 11th

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

Dow Jones industrials

10,000 9,000 8,000

-104.22 J

Pct. change from previous: -1.05%

High 10,072.32

2,400

Nasdaq composite

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

-12.62 J

Pct. change from previous: -0.59%

High 2,183.61

Oct. 26, 2009

-12.64 J

Pct. change from previous: -1.17%

High 1,091.75

1,400

Low 2,136.92

Standard & Poor’s 500 1,066.95

7,000

Low 9,849.45

Oct. 26, 2009

2,141.85

Stocks

11,000

Oct. 26, 2009

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

Low 1,065.23

SOURCE: SunGard

MARKET ROUNDUP 102609: Market charts show Dow, S&P 500, and urrencies etals Nasdaq; stand-alone; 2c x 4 1/2 inches; 96 mm x 114 mm; staff Aluminum - $.8835 per lb., London Metal NEW YORK (AP) — Key currency exEditors: All figures as of: 5:25:05 PM EDT Exch. change rates Monday: NOTE: Figures reflect market fluctuations after close; may not match other AP content Copper -$3.0112 Cathode full plate, LME. Dollar vs: ExchgRate PvsDay Copper $2.9995 N.Y. Merc spot Mon. Lead - $2405.00 metric ton, London Metal Yen 92.21 92.10 Exch. Euro $1.4859 $1.5002 Zinc - $1.0289 per lb., London Metal Exch. Pound $1.6303 $1.6311 Gold - $1054.00 Handy & Harman (only Swiss franc 1.0189 1.0087 daily quote). Canadian dollar 1.0675 1.0523 Gold - $1042.10 troy oz., NY Merc spot Mexican peso 13.1590 13.0365 Mon. Silver - $17.495 Handy & Harman (only Metal Price PvsDay NY Merc Gold $1042.10 $1055.60 daily quote). Silver - $17.084 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot NY HSBC Bank US $1042.00 $1056.00 NY Merc Silver $17.084 $17.711 Mon. Platinum -$1362.00 troy oz., N.Y. (contract). Platinum -$1339.50 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot Nonferrous NEW YORK (AP) — Spot nonferrous metal Mon. n.q.-not quoted, n.a.-not available r-revised prices Monday:

& M

Listed below are representative interdealer quotations at approximately 4 p.m. Monday from the National Association of Securities Dealers. Prices do not include retail mark-up, mark-down or commission. ACS 53.49 ATT 25.31 Ball Corp. 49.84 BankAmerica 15.40 BB&T 25.51 Coca-Cola 53.23 CVS 36.50 Duke Energy 15.94 Exxon 73.23 Ford 7.47 General Elec. 15.01 Motors Liquidation 0.62 Home Depot 26.10 IBM 120.11 Johnson & Johnson 60.09 Kennametal 24.72 Krispy Kreme 3.99 Louisiana Pacific 5.64 Lowes 20.34 Lucent Tech. 4.32 Pepsico 60.47 Phillip Morris 17.98 Procter & Gamble 56.90 Progress Energy 37.23 RF Micro Dev 4.01 Royal Bk Can 52.18 RJR Tobacco 47.72 Revlon 5.85 Sprint 3.20 Sun Trust 19.85 Universal 41.85 Verizon Comm. 28.64 Vulcan 49.22 Wal-Mart 49.84 Wells Fargo 28.45 Wendy’s 4.28 Establis Delhaize 70.72

Newspaper circulation drop accelerates April-September SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Circulation at newspapers shrank at an accelerated pace in the past six months, driven in part by stiff price increases imposed by publishers scrambling to offset rapidly eroding advertising sales. Average daily circulation at 379 U.S. newspapers plunged 10.6 percent in the April-September period from the same six-month stretch last year, according to figures released Monday by the Audit Bureau of Circulations. It’s the largest drop recorded so far during the

past decade’s steady decline in paid readership — a span that has coincided with an explosion of online news sources that don’t charge readers for access. Many newspapers also have been reducing delivery to farflung locales and increasing prices to get more money out of their remaining sales. The latest decline outstripped a 7.1 percent decrease in the October 2008-March 2009 period and a 4.6 percent decline in last year’s April-September window. As both publications indicated earlier in the month,

The Wall Street Journal surpassed USA Today as the top-selling newspaper in the United States. The Journal’s average Monday-Friday circulation edged up 0.6 percent to 2.02 million — making it the only daily newspaper in the top 25 to see an increase. USA Today suffered the worst erosion in its 27-year history, dropping more than 17 percent to 1.90 million. The newspaper, owned by Gannett Co., has blamed reductions in travel for much of the circulation shortfall, because many of its singlecopy sales come in airports and hotels.

LOOSE DENTURES? HENDERSON FAMILY DENTISTRY Has The Solution For You!

MINI DENTAL IMPLANT SYSTEM How can mini dental implants help denture wearers? The Mini Dental Implant System calls for four of the 1.8 mm mini dental implants, which are about the size of wooden toothpicks, to be gently placed into the front of the patient’s lower jaw. It is a relatively painless procedure that Dr. Ghodrat can perform, usually only requiring a mild anesthesia. Your denture is then carefully adjusted by the dentist to allow it to snap onto the four mini implants. The result? A tight fitting, completely reliable system, that allows you to speak and eat with confidence. All performed in less than two hours, then you may go out and enjoy your favorite lunch.

Henderson Family Dentistry 560 Dabney Drive • Suite C • Henderson, NC 27536

Paid In Advance

deAdlINe: Tuesday, Nov. 3rd

Area

A DAY ON WALL STREET

9,867.96

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Call for your complimentary consultation P.o. box 908, 304 S. Chestnut St. Henderson, NC 27536

252-492-6004

CIRCULATION

The Daily Dispatch

Community News

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Walmart awards $500 grant to Clark Street Elementary

The Carver Elementary School’s One Step Above Reading Club’s cast of Halloween actors were (bottom row, left to right) Zitlaly Rodrequez, Aniah Kearney, Isis Taylor, Jarius Harris and Zachary Short; (top row, left to right) Marion B. Perry (reading club sponsor), Eric Henderson, Tyere Wiggins and Tiquirian Powell. Pictured separately is guest storyteller John Taylor, Carver Media Center specialist.

Carver students stage Halloween program for younger children Carver Elementary School’s One Step Above Reading Club members put on a program for the students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grades classes at the school recently. This is the third year the reading club members have participated in a Halloween program at the school. They enjoyed the day of fun because they had the opportunity to dress up like their favorite hero or

fantasy character, listen to Halloween tales, share treats, and showcased their reading skills by reading Halloween books to the students. The highlight of the program was surprise storyteller, John Taylor, Carver Elementary media center specialist. Taylor told a ghost story entitled “The Witch Bride,” which is part of a larger collection of ghost stories he has written called “Word of Mouth” that was

funded in part by the North Carolina Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. The captivating tale held the students’ attention from beginning to end. Club members all wore special costumes thanks to monetary donations from Kobie Edwards, Nekisha Williams, Lisa Hargrove and the Tokens of Love Program. The club members were all excited and smiling as they entered the room, dancing

Human Services. The new construction is slated to begin in 2010. “The community support we are receiving for the art gala is impressive,” said L. Lee Isley, chief executive officer for Granville Health System. “It reflects the importance our area places on the health system’s role in providing residents with the very best medical care. We certainly appreciate the many local businesses and community leaders that have offered their time and resources as we move forward with the expansion plan.” The gala will begin with a cocktail hour, including open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m.,

followed by a live art auction. Throughout the course of the evening, guests will have the opportunity to view items up for auction, as well as architects’ renderings of the upcoming Granville Health System expansion plan, including the new Emergency Department. Bidding for the main

1020 S. Garnett St Henderson, NC 27536 1020 S. Garnett St. • Henderson, NC 27536

Skip Satterwhite Account Executive

Phone: 252-438-8165 • Fax: 252-438-6640 Cell: 919-522-3825 skipsatterwhite@ncol.net • www.westerinsurance.com

art auction will begin at 8:15 p.m. Auction items will include donations from various local artists and those with ties to the community. Tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorships and event information are available by calling (919) 690-2149, or visiting ghsFoundation.org.

Walmart Distribution Center presented a $500 grant to John Hargrove and a few of his students at a check presentation ceremony held at Clark Street Elementary School on Oct. 22.

Kerr Lake Glassworks All of your Automotive, Commercial and Residential Needs Phone: (252) 492-6423 • Fax: (252) 492-6170 Email: kerrlakeglassworks@gmail.com Website: www.kerrlakeglassworks.com

YOUR SPONSORSHIP PUTS NEWSPAPERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ENTIRE CLASSROOM OF UP TO 30 STUDENTS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR!

You worked hard to earn it Let us help you save money by keeping it safe and secure Since 1909

Elementary underscores this commitment, and we are hopeful that through the Teacher Rewards Program, educators will be able to purchase the materials needed for the new school year.” The money will be used for the school’s Wild about Reading Program, said Hargrove. The goal of the program is to encourage students to read 20,000 books by June 1, he said. The new Teacher Rewards program is an extension of the retailer’s ongoing support of education and local community involvement. In 2008, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $66 million to fund educational programs and scholarships in communities across the country.

and marching to the song, “The Monster Mash.” Special thanks go to Jerriann Thacker, librarian with the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, for donating the music; Lance Snack Company for donating snacks; Lisa Hargrove for helping prepare the students for the program and taking pictures; and LaVonda Williams and Lisa Hargrove for decorating the stage.

Granville Health to sponsor art gala Nov. 21 to support expansion plans for medical center The Granville Health System Foundation will host its first Granville Health System art gala on Nov. 21 at the Granville County Shrine Club, 706 Roxboro Road, Oxford. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is black-tie optional. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the foundation and assist in funding the Granville Health System expansion plan. In mid-June, Granville Health System filed an application for a major expansion of Granville Medical Center’s Emergency Department with the Certificate of Need section of the Division of Health Service Regulation of North Carolina’s Department of Health and

Walmart is helping Clark Street Elementary purchase muchneeded classroom supplies through its new Teacher Rewards Program. At a check presentation ceremony at Clark Street Elementary, the school’s principal, John Hargrove, and a few of his students were presented with a $500 grant from the Walmart Foundation. Nationally, the Teacher Rewards program will enable Walmart and Sam’s Club to provide more than $4 million to 40,000 deserving teachers across the United States. “Walmart is committed to helping address unmet needs in the communities where we serve,” said human resource manager, Stephanie Battle “Our support for Clark Street

BUSINESSES, CIVIC CLUBS, PARENTS, CHURCHES, INDIVIDUALS:

As an adult, you know that reading the newspaper keeps you informed and in tune with what’s happening now, whether it’s across the globe or in your own backyard. Now imagine giving students that same opportunity. You can, through The Daily Dispatch’s N.I.E. Program.

Donate a subscription to a classroom and watch students explore the world around them!

“I understand just how important your family and ﬁnancial future are to you.” For a free, no-obligation quote for your home, auto, boat, life or business insurance needs Please Call:

SPONSORS WILL BE LISTED IN A “THANK YOU” AD BY NAME WITH THE CLASSROOM THEY ARE SPONSORING!

Skip Satterwhite

TO SIGN UP, CALL KAREN HOLT AT (252) 213-7831 OR A.J. WOODELL AT (252) 436-2801

Phone: 252-438-8165 Fax: 252-438-6640

TEACHERS & PRINCIPALS, CALL A.J. WOODELL AT (252) 436-2801 TO SEE HOW YOU CAN GET NEWSPAPERS FOR YOUR STUDENTS!

Account Executive

skipsatterwhite@ncol.net

ation

The Daily Dispatch

& World

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Senate health bill will embrace ‘public option’ By DAVID ESPO AP Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON — Health care legislation heading for the Senate floor will give millions of Americans the option of purchasing government-run insurance coverage, Majority Leader Harry Reid announced Monday, although he stopped short of claiming the 60 votes needed to pass a plan steeped in controversy. Reid, D-Nev., said individual states would have the choice of opting out of the program. His announcement was cheered by liberal lawmakers, greeted less effusively by the White House and noted with a noncommittal response by Democratic moderates whose votes will be pivotal. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, the only Republican to vote with Democrats on health care so far this year, issued a statement saying she was “deeply disappointed” in the approach the Democratic leader had chosen. Reid said, “While the public option is not a silver bullet, I believe it’s an important way to ensure competition and to level the playing field for patients with the insurance industry.” He said a long-delayed Senate debate on President Barack Obama’s call for an overhaul of the health care system would begin as

soon as the Congressional Budget Office completes a mandatory assessment of the bill’s cost and impact on coverage. Changes on the public option — and numerous other provisions in the measure — are possible during a debate expected to last for weeks. And officials said Reid had prepared several variations of key provisions so he could make adjustments in his bill at the last minute and still make sure he was within Obama’s target of a $900 billion price tag over a decade. Both the House and Senate are struggling to complete work by year’s end on legislation extending coverage to millions who lack it, to ban insurance industry practices such as denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions and to slow the rise in medical costs nationally. As in the Senate, attempts to complete drafting a measure in the House have been delayed by internal Democratic divisions on the details of a government-run option. Differences in bills passed by the House and Senate would have to be reconciled before any legislation reached Obama’s desk. In an appearance at a Florida senior center during the day, Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested a new name for the same approach to ease the opposition. She

News DEA agents among 14 dead in Afghanistan KABUL (AP) — A U.S. military helicopter crashed Monday while returning from the scene of a firefight with suspected Taliban drug traffickers in western Afghanistan, killing 10 Americans including three DEA agents in a not-sonoticed war within a war. Four more troops were killed when two helicopters collided over southern Afghanistan, making it the deadliest day for U.S. forces in this country in more than four years. U.S. military officials insisted neither crash was believed a result of hostile fire, although the Taliban claimed they shot down a U.S. helicopter in the western province of Badghis. The second crash took place when two U.S. Marine helicopters — a UH-1 and an AH-1 Cobra — collided in flight before sunrise over the southern province of Helmand, killing four American troops and wounding two more, Marine spokesman Maj. Bill Pelletier said.

The casualties marked the Drug Enforcement Administration’s first deaths since it began operations here in 2005. Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium.

Iraq hikes security after blasts kill 155 BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s government made progress on a new election law that could ease tensions and pledged tighter security Monday after suicide bombings claimed at least 155 lives, including as many as two dozen children trapped in a bus leaving a day care center. But those promises held little sway with Iraqis outraged at the government’s inability to maintain peace. The twin bombings in what was supposed to be one of the city’s safest areas came as Iraq prepares for pivotal elections in January that will determine who will guide the country through the U.S. withdrawal. The blasts seemed designed to undermine Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who has staked his political future

suggested “the consumer option.” Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., appearing at Pelosi’s side, used the term “competitive option.” Critics say that by any name, the approach amounts to a government takeover of the insurance industry. In deference to moderates, Reid also said he was including a provision for nonprofit co-ops to sell insurance in competition with private companies. Senate Democratic officials say the bill Reid envisions would require most individuals to purchase insurance, with exemptions for those unable to find affordable coverage. Large businesses would not be required to provide insurance to their workers, but would face penalties of as much as $750 per employee if any qualified for federal subsidies to afford coverage on their own. The bill will also include a tax on high-cost insurance policies, despite opposition from organized labor, officials said. In a gesture to critics of the plan, Reid decided to apply the new tax to family plans with total premiums of at least $23,000 a year. The Senate Finance Committee approved a tax beginning at $21,000 in total premiums. Nominally, the majority leader has spent the past two weeks

Brief

on restoring safety to the country.

Working on laptops, wayward pilots say WASHINGTON (AP) — Not sleeping, the pilots say. They were engrossed in a complicated new crew-scheduling program on their laptop computers as their plane flew past its Minneapolis landing by 150 miles — a violation of airline policy that could cost them their licenses. They were so focused on the scheduling — quite a complicated matter for the pilots after Delta Air Lines acquired Northwest Airlines a year ago — that they were out of communication with air traffic controllers and their airline for more than an hour. They didn’t realize their mistake until contacted by a flight attendant about five minutes before the flight’s scheduled landing last Wednesday night, the National Transportation Safety Board said Monday. By then, Northwest Flight 188 with its 144 passengers and five crew members was over Wisconsin, at 37,000 feet.

NOTICE OF A CITIZENS INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP FOR A TRAFFIC SEPARATION STUDY/RAILROAD CROSSING ANALYSIS IN THE CITY OF HENDERSON Tip Project No. P-4404

Vance

The North Carolina department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold the above Citizens Informational Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, beginning at 5p.m. and ending at h7p.m., in the Henderson City council Chambers, located in the Municipal Building at 1134 Rose Ave. NCDOT representatives will be available in an informal setting to answer questions and receive comments about the results of a traffic separation study that was performed in Henderson. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will be provided and is encouraged, Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above mentioned hours. There will be no formal presentation. The NCDOT rail Division performed a traffic separation study that included a railroad crossing analysis in Henderson. The proposed project includes the closure of existing railroad crossings at St. Matthews Street, Spring Street, Orange Street, Winder street, Rock Springs Street, Carolyn Court. Harris Street band Railroad Street. The traffic separation study also includes the upgrade of safety equipment as well as other railroad crossing improvements. The proposed closure of these railroad crossings is part of an effort to reduce the number of redundant and/or unsafe rail highway at-grade crossings statewide.

melding bills passed earlier by the Senate’s Finance Committee and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. But in reality, he has had a virtual free hand to craft a new measure in consultations with senior members of the two panels and top White House aides. “I feel good about the consensus that was reached within our caucus and with the White House,” he said at his news conference. And we’re all optimistic about reform because of the unprecedented momentum that now exists.” Within minutes, the White House released a statement saying Obama was “pleased that the Senate has decided to include a public option for health coverage, in this case with an allowance for states to opt out.” Obama has long voiced support for such a plan but has also signaled it is not a requirement for a health care bill he would sign. He has also said he would like bipartisan support for the legislation — and Snowe appears to be his last, best hope for that. She favors a standby provision for government coverage if there is not enough competition in the private marketplace. Reid said that was not in his bill. “We hope that Olympia will come back. ... She’s a very good legislator. I’m disappointed that the one issue, the

public option, has been something that’s frightened her.” Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who has long backed a government-run insurance option, said the approach “has a new life because as Americans have learned more about it, they have come to see it is the best way to reduce costs and increase competition in the health insurance industry.” Ben Nelson of Nebraska, the most conservative Democrat in the Senate, “is not committing how we will vote regarding any proposal Senator Reid is advancing,” said spokesman Jake Thompson. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., a moderate seeking a new term in 2010, said through a spokesman she intends to study the details and decide how to vote based on the impact on her home state. With the support of two independents, Democrats command 60 seats in the Senate, precisely the number needed to overcome any Republican filibuster. Asked about the prospects for success, Reid answered, “We have 60 people in the caucus. ... We all hug together and see where we come out.” While the controversy over government-run insurance is the most intense, there are numerous other issues to be settled before legislation can win passage.

NURSING HOME ABUSE Toll Free

Protecting Your Legal Rights

In spite of the best efforts of government agencies, nursing home patient abuse and neglect continues. If you know of someone who has been seriously abused or neglected, please call us today for a free consultation.

1-800-662-1234 RALEIGH OFFICE 410 Glenwood Avenue DURHAM OFFICE 3100 Tower Boulevard Also: Wilmington & Atlanta MartinandJones.com

John Alan Jones

Greg Martin Hoyt Tessener Spencer Parris

Servicio en Español

My Hospital Stephanie Strother FOR digital mammOgRaphy

“As a woman and a MRI technologist at granville medical Center, I’m excited to see how our new digital mammography is improving the lives of our patients. I am also very proud that my hospital was the first in our service area to incorporate the innovative technology of digital mammography. With our new digital mammography system, there’s no waiting for film to be developed and it uses much less radiation than conventional mammograms. Digital images are immediately available and can be shared with multiple physicians almost instantly. Our technologists can evaluate digital images as they’re taken, simultaneously adjusting view points on the system. That means women who choose Granville Health System for their mammograms spend less time in the exam room.” gRaNVillE hEalth SyStEm

919.690.3420 1 0 1 0 C o l l e g e S t r e e t, o x f o r d , N C

granvillemedical.com

For more information, contact Nancy Horne, NCDOT Rail Division - Engineering & Safety Branch, 1556 mail service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1556, phone: (919) 715-3686, or e-mail: nhorne@ncdot.gov. Citizens can also contact consultant Mark Freeman, Gibson Engineers, PC, P.O. Box 700, Fuquay-Varina, 27526, Phone: (919) 552-2253, or e-mail: mark.freeman@gibsonengineers,com NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Ms. Horne as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.

I’m proud to be a part of Granville Health System, where delivering quality care and excellent customer service are always our top priority.

Opinion

The Daily Dispatch

XII I

II III

VIII VII VI

IV V

X IX

XII

VII

Hey, Wall Street: Get off your high horse II III

VIII

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Our Opinion

Medicare fraud shows feds’ weak record on health care Excited about the prospects of the federal government entering the health care insurance business? Then you didn’t watch “60 Minutes” Sunday night. The long-running and respected CBS-TV news magazine detailed how Washington is fleeced every year to the tune of an estimated $60 billion by scam artists who defraud the Medicare program that provides coverage for senior citizens. And, the story reports, not only are the thieves shrewd, but the government seems too incompetent or at least incapable of stopping them. A “60 Minutes” reporter rode along with an FBI Special Agent assigned with tracking down the scam artists. But a small medical supply company that billed Medicare $2 million in the month of July was locked up and never staffed when the reporter visited, and nobody ever answered the phone. Some of the sham stores can’t even be located at any physical address. A Justice Department prosecutor estimated that Medicare theft is a bigger racket now in the state of Florida than is the drug trade. And a former Medicare thief — who was caught only when a “friend” turned him in to authorities — said he never made an honest deal in the medical supply business and told “60 Minutes” that stealing from Medicare was “real easy.” “Jut have somebody in an office answering the phone, like we’re open for business,” said “Tony,” whose name was protected by CBS. “And wake up in the morning, see how much, check your bank account and see how much money you made today. … “In 15 to 30 days you’ll have a direct deposit in your bank account. I mean it was ridiculous. It’s more like taking candy from a baby.” A 76-year-old woman who says she hasn’t been sick in 30 years has been complaining to the government for six years about fraudulent charges she’s witnessed on her regular Medicare “statement of benefits.” The government is “looking into it,” CBS reports. A former federal judge told CBS he received a Medicare statement showing he’d received two prosthetic arms. But both of his original arms are attached and just fine, thank you. CBS asked Kim Brandt, Medicare’s director of program integrity, why it seems so easy to steal from the government. “Well, it really does come down to the size and scope of the Medicare program, and the resources that are dedicated to oversight and anti-fraud work,” Brandt said. “One of our biggest challenges has been that we have a program that pays out over a billion claims a year, over $430 billion, and our oversight budget has been extremely limited.” Those who support major reform of the health care system and an increased federal role say that insurance companies are uncompassionate profiteers. The federal government’s track record in the health care business is one of getting robbed blind of your tax dollars. So, pick your poison, we suppose.

Quotable “Sadness is overwhelming today in the office. It’s as if we are sitting at a funeral in the office because many of our colleagues and people we know were killed.” — An Iraqi government employee, after 155 people were killed in twin suicide bombings that targeted government buildings in Baghdad. “I couldn’t be more excited. I feel like a 10-year-old kid.” — Alex Rodriguez, Yankees third baseman, who will play in his first World Series after New York beat the Los Angeles Angels for the AL pennant.

If a bank gives you money to buy a house, it gets to determine the mortgage, right? If a credit card company issues you a Visa, it tells you the terms, not the other way around, correct? Then why do financial institutions bailed out by the government cry foul when that same government — i.e., their bank — wants to set the rules? Isn’t that how they do business? Look. I am not one who thinks that limiting the pay of CEOs is going to make America solvent. But I do expect people to play by the same principles they impose. So I’m a little amused (at least before I get furious) that banks are whining when the people who lent them money — you and me — insist on some responsibility. Think about it. If these same Wall Street firms buy your company and start making slashes — sell off this division, close down this office — your complaints fall on deaf ears, right? Yet the folks at Citigroup, AIG or Bank of America now are wailing at the idea that their top dogs may get their bowls downsized. That instead of making hundreds of millions, they may be able

to make only hundreds of thousands. Hey. Like these same firms tell us. Be grateful you still have a job. Remember, when places like Citigroup got in trouble, it wasn’t over a $50 late payment — the kind of Mitch mistake for which they Albom routinely Tribune Media sock you Services or me with a fee or a raised interest rate. No, when they tripped up, it was billions. Hundreds of billions. They had one place to turn, the government, or it might have been doomsday. So the government gave them money. Our money. Lots of it. So much, for example, that the United States owns 34 percent of Citigroup. That’s a huge chunk. Enough to have a say in how that money gets paid back, right? So let’s take a peek at how Citigroup pays its people. Take the case of Andrew J. Hall. He is a top Citigroup trader. Exactly what he trades is hard to determine, since his

little corner is very secretive; so secretive, according to the Wall Street Journal, that it operates out of a dairy farm in Connecticut. This much we know. Hall trades in the energy field. Now, if two words ought to make people run and dive they are “secretive” and “energy.” Wasn’t secretive part of the problem with the mortgage crisis? And wasn’t energy betting what sank Enron? Yet Mr. Hall is one of Citigroup’s prized employees. And last year he was given a $100 million pay package. This year, reportedly, he is likely due the same. That’s $100 million. One man. I don’t care how much business he generates. In today’s world, in this economic quagmire, in a company that had to be bailed out, that can’t go on. Of course, bankers will insist you don’t understand. You don’t get it. This is the world they move in. If they don’t give monstrous pay packages to guys like Mr. Hall — who according to the Journal owns a 1,000-year-old castle in Germany where he can display his renowned art collection — he’ll jump ship. And? These places act as if

nobody will do it for less, nobody will be as good, or that they can’t possibly afford NOT to be in these risky, high-bet businesses because, well, how else could they afford 1,000-year-old castles in Germany? The thing is, when your high-prized talent makes those same risky bets the wrong way — i.e., the mortgage crisis — or abuses its power — i.e., the Enron scandal — you lose your right to a high horse. If you were like the rest of us, you’d be out of business. Instead, the government bails you out. And yet, in many cases, as soon as possible, you make a beeline back to doing things the way they used to be done. The worst part of this whole debate is the hubris Wall Street types evoke toward the rest of America, a belief that they are special because they are rich and always have been, that their lobbyists can and should finagle out of any government intervention. But you can’t live off the wallets of common people then act is if you’re above them. If Wall Street can’t understand why Main Street has no sympathy for its pay problems, it might want to spend a little more time down here. You know. Where its bank lives.

Letters to the Editor School’s not so bad after all To the editor:

Obama outs Fox, shows own flaw Surely President Obama and his advisors don’t really think that their feud with Fox News will do anything but enhance the cable network’s viewership. A deeper problem is what the flap over Fox reveals about Team Obama: They still seem to be more comfortable with campaigning than governing. I’m not happy about that. It does not fill me with glee to see Fox News star Sean Hannity joyfully replaying Obama’s 2004 come-together speech about how we’re “not red states or blues states” but “the United States of America” and asking where is Obama’s promise now? I don’t agree with Hannity on much. He’s only a tad more serious-minded as a newsclown, in my grumpy view, than his stable-mate Glenn Beck. But, as much as my wife might run from the house when she hears me say it, Hannity’s right on this one. Sure, it is disingenuous for right-wing pundits to accuse Obama of dividing the country, considering the five-star job they have done in turning us against each other. But if Obama is being judged by a different standard of civility, it is a standard that he set for himself. He promised to bridge Washington’s culture wars, not fire them up. That’s why it was disappointing to hear what every administration does sooner or later, blame media for their problems. White House communications director Anita Dunn threw down the gauntlet calling Fox “opinion journalism masquerading as news.” Senior adviser David Axelrod and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel offered similar views and urged other media not to be led around by Fox’s lead on any stories. Obama defended his team while also noting that he didn’t spend much time thinking about Fox. Right. So why talk

about it in such harsh terms? Irresistible as it may feel to lash back at media, when powerful people lash back at the media who cover them, they only make the media look sympathetic. They boost their adversary’s audience with curiosity seekers who wonder what all the Clarence fuss is about. They also Page provoke a classic reflex: Tribune Media Other media Services and pundits from all sides circle their — our! — wagons in solidarity, even when our embattled brothers and sisters make us feel like holding our noses while we defend it. In fact, Fox is what their defenders say it is, not a political organization but a news operation. It just happens to have some strong right-wing voices like Beck and Hannity who also happen to be two of their biggest audience attractions. Such phenomena were forecast in the movie “Network” in 1976. Back then the idea of a half-deranged demagogue set loose on a national audience for the sake of ratings still sounded far-fetched. These days the movie looks almost like a documentary. But, love Fox or hate it, it is a major news channel. Fox’s credibility got a boost from two recent scoops that eventually caused other media to play catch-up: They hounded “green jobs” czar Van Jones into resigning, mainly because years earlier he signed a loony 9/11 “truther” petition, and their crusade against the poor people’s activist group ACORN, famously assisted by two young conservative freelance undercover reporters.

So the White House is pushing back. Their real goal: Raise questions with other media so they’ll double-check anything they hear on Fox before they run with it. Try to isolate and marginalize Fox’s voice. Cut off Fox’s influence before it blossoms into the rest of the mainstream media. It’s the sort of strategy that pops up when you’re in campaign mode, a mode to which Obama’s team is intimately familiar. But there also comes a time to ignore the yammering from the press box and pick up the olive branches of negotiations, compromise and reconciliation that can bring opposing factions together. That was the big take-away in Sen. Lamar Alexander’s thoughtful speech last week. The Tennessee Republican, who worked for President Richard Nixon, cautioned Obama against creating a Nixon-like “enemies list” of media, industry or congressional adversaries. That’s a wise warning, even if the “list” in Obama’s case appears to have only one name on it. Hardball has its place. Obama doesn’t have to cave in to his adversaries to get things done. But his inner circle could use the pragmatic, independent, old-school voice of, say, Ronald Reagan administration veterans like David Gergen, enlisted by Bill Clinton’s White House, or Colin Powell, who has informally advised Obama. Every president needs campaign experts. But every president also needs people who know how to slip off to the private meeting and bring leaders together in ways that also bring the country together. That’s the change we’re still waiting for. E-mail Clarence Page at cpage@ tribune.com, or write to him c/o Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207.

My school’s name is the Vance County Learning Center. There are six permanent kids in my school. We have homework every night even on Christmas. This year our teacher says she is going to wrap our work like a present. We can wear hats in any color we want. We have to be at school between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. We go on a field trip at the end of every month. Sometimes we have a public quiz. We go play basketball at the park. We eat a lot of good food like Mexican food. You have to do all your work before we go out anywhere. We have a lot of classes like math, reading, social studies, English and language arts. We have some kids that have been suspended from public school. We do so much work they say they’ll be glad to go back to public school. Deonte Judkins, Vance County Learning Center Grade 7

My future plans To the editor: When I grow up I want to be famous. I want to have money. I want to have new clothes. I want to have the biggest house in the whole world. I want to have some cars. I want to have a job. I want to have kids. I want to have a family. I want to be famous. I want to be a millionaire. Shyheem Smith, Vance County Learning Center Grade 6

What’s your opinion? The Daily Dispatch welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed, include the author’s city of residence, and should be limited to 300 words. Please include a telephone number for verification. We reserve the right to edit comments for length, clarity, libelous material, personal attacks and poor taste. We do not publish anonymous letters, form letters, or letters where we cannot verify the writer’s identity.

The Daily Dispatch

Dear Abby

News From The Light Side TUESDAY Morning / Early Afternoon 10/27/09

8:30

9 AM

9:30 10 AM 10:30 11 AM 11:30 12 PM 12:30 1 PM

1:30