The Daily Dispatch-October 31, 2009 by The Daily Dispatch

CMYK Friday Night Football Ticker ... J.F. Webb 22, N. Vance 21 … Bunn 34, Warren 8 ... Chapel Hill 17, S. Vance 8 ... Poll: Burr’s approval rating 37 percent

King daughter elected head of SCLC

Christian movie coming to local theater

Local & State, Page 4A

Nation, Page 6A

Faith, Page 1C SATURDAY, October 31, 2009

Volume XCV, No. 255

(252) 436-2700

www.hendersondispatch.com

50 cents

Police call off chase Officers say pursuit would be reckless Daily Dispatch/ASHLEY STEVEN AYSCUE

Trick-or-treat downtown-style Trick-or-treaters cross Winder Street while visiting downtown merchants Friday afternoon. The event was sponsored by the Downtown Development Commission and downtown businesses. To view or purchase photos, visit us on the Web at www.hendersondispatch.com.

Little ones and even some bigger ones braved the misty rain to trick-or-treat downtown businesses along Garnett Street Friday afternoon. Above, a devilishly cute little girl waits for candy outside Variety Wholesalers.

A pair of bomb threats to the Vance County Courthouse cleared the building today and caused authorities to search for explosives, but none were found. Sheriff Peter White said that the first call claiming the presence of a bomb at the courthouse was received shortly after 9 a.m. Only a few minutes later, a second call was placed making the same claims. White said the build-

ing was evacuated and “a thorough search was conducted by the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, and no explosives were found.” The sheriff said the search included K-9 “Beretta,” a dog trained in explosives detection and handled by Deputy Tony Wallace. White said the search was completed in about one hour.

Four arrested in Vance on felony drug charges From STAFF REPORTS

The Vance County Narcotics Enforcement Division has arrested four people on drugs charges, Sheriff Peter White said Friday. Donte Lamont Macon, 19, of 3299 Rocky Ford Send comments to news@ Road, Louisburg, and Trahendersondispatch.com. vonn Keeondre Wiggins, 17, of 411 Jane Ave. were both charged with: • Felony possession with intent to manuKittrell facture, sell and deliver Daylon R. Owens, 66 cocaine. Raleigh • Felony possession Duncan C. Rogers, 39 with intent to manufacWarrenton ture cocaine.

Deaths

Index Our Hometown . . . . . 2A Business & Farm. . . . 5A Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . 8A Light Side . . . . . . . . . 9A Sports. . . . . . . . . . 1-4B Comics . . . . . . . . . . . 6C Classifieds. . . . . . . 7-9C

Weather Today Breezy

High: 79 Low: 52

Sunday

Roy G. Jones, 59 Wilton Lessie D. Strother, 98

Sleep in Sunday

Obituaries, Don’t forget to set4A clocks back one hour 11 12 1 2 10 at 2 a.m. Sunday. 3 9 8

7 6 5

Sleep in Sunday

Don’t forget to set clocks back one hour 11 12 1 10 2 at 2 a.m. Sunday. 9 3

A.M. rain High: 59 Low: 44

Details, 3A

7 6 5

Henderson police on Friday pursued but failed to catch a vehicle believed to be displaying a fictitious registration. According to a source at the Henderson Police Department, the chase was suspended as the car sped up N.C. Highway 39 North because officers deemed the pursuit to be too reckless to continue. The fleeing car ran a red light at the intersection of Dabney Drive and U.S. 158 Bypass in the vicinity of Advantage Ford and Staples. Skidding through the turn with an HPD car flashing its blue lights and blaring its siren close behind, the suspect car would have struck the vehicle of a Daily Dispatch employee had the newsroom worker not swerved toward the shoulder and median of the stretch of road that comPlease see POLICE, page 4A

Pair of bomb threats at courthouse defused From STAFF REPORTS

From STAFF REPORTS

• Felony maintaining a dwelling for keeping and selling cocaine. • Possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond for each was set at $45,000. Kasbun Hicks, 53, of 75 E. Chavis Lane, Kittrell, was charged with: • Felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine. • Sale and delivery of cocaine. • Possession of drug paraphernalia. Hicks is being held on $40,000 bond. Tyrone Yancey, 28, of

815 Beckford Drive was charged with: • Felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, two counts. • Felony possession with intent to manufacture cocaine. • Felony maintaining a dwelling for keeping and selling cocaine, two counts. • Sale and delivery of cocaine. • Possession of drug paraphernalia. A Nov. 23 court date was set for all four suspects. Send comments to news@ hendersondispatch.com.

Elections officials fine Easley PanelSaving also asksSaving for a criminal probe of campaign finances ends ends Sunday

Sunday

tions since By GARY D. ROBERTSON he left office Associated Press Writer Don’t forget Don’t forget in January. to set to set The RALEIGH — Former clocks back clocks back board’s Gov. Mike Easley’s camone hour one hour paign was ordered Friday at 2 a.m. at 2 a.m.five memto pay $100,000 Sunday. as stateSunday.bers voted

unanimously Easley elections officials called AP AP Friday to ask for a criminal probe in12 12 1 1 11 11 the sanctions 10 first official 2 10 2 the Wake County district attorney to examine against Easley stemming 9 3 9 3 from a stream of investiga- whether crimes occured, 8

4 8 4 7 6 5 7 6 5 <AP> DAYLIGHT SAVINGS END 102709: Graphic to be

used as a reminder of daylight saving time; two sizes; 1c x 1 1/4 inches; 46.5 mm x 32 mm; 1/2c x 2 1/8 inches; 20 mm x 54 mm; with any related stores; MMS; ETA 2 p.m. <AP>

largely related to previously undisclosed airplane flights taken by Easley while a candidate and piloted by a political ally, McQueen Campbell. “There has been evidence received of election law campaign finance violations that suggest Please see EASLEY, page 3A

Woman, 91, assaulted in home invasion Burglar took several items before leaving From STAFF REPORTS

Henderson police are seeking help in solving a home invasion case involving an assault on an elderly woman. Police say that on Thursday, officers of the HPD responded to a residential burglary on Oakdale Circle that had occurred sometime during the night. Officers found a 91-yearold woman who had been assaulted by the burglar. Authorities say an individual entered the home, assaulted the resident and stole several items before leaving. HPD encourages anyone with information related to this case to call the Police Department at 438-4141 or Crime Stoppers at 4921925. Crime Stoppers pays rewards of up to $1,000 for information that helps solve this or other crimes. Callers can remain anonymous. Send comments to news@ hendersondispatch.com.

Our Hometown

The Daily Dispatch

Mark It Down Today Burlington employees’ reunion — Former employees of the Oxford Burlington Industries plant are meeting at 2 p.m. at the home of Robin Rice Wolford, 7034 Frederick Road, Oxford, to plan a reunion. For more information and directions, call (919) 692-1063. Oxford Farmers’ Market — The Oxford Farmers’ Market, located on the corner of McClanahan and Lanier streets across from the police station in Oxford, is open from 7 a.m. to noon. The market plans a fall festival today. Walk-a-thon — Boy Scouts Troop 620 and the American Diabetes Association will hold a walk-a-thon from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the track at the YMCA on Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. Prizes and t-shirts will be raffled off at the event. For more information, call 433-6426. Trick-or-treat — The Kerr Lake Volunteer Fire Department will have a children’s Halloween party from 6-8 p.m. at the fire station at 5021 Satterwhite Point Road. Snacks, candy and punch will be served. All trick-or-treaters welcome! Henderson trick-or-treat — The official trick-or-treat hours for the city of Henderson are 6-9 p.m. Only trick or treaters 10 years and younger are permitted to trick or treat in the city limits. Vance County Farmers’ market — The Vance County Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon. The market is located at the intersection of Williams and Arch streets in downtown Henderson. Vendors interested in selling at the market should contact Wayne Rowland at 438-8188. Warren County Farmers’ Market — The Warren County Farmer’s Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon at the corner of Market and Main streets in historic downtown Warrenton. All produce is locally grown by the vendors. For more information or to receive a vendor application, contact the Warren County Extension Center at 257-3640. Dee’s Music Barn — Dee’s Music Barn, 3101 Walters Road, Creedmoor, will be featuring Ace In The Hole with James Protreat at 7 p.m. For more information, call (919) 5285878. Ridgeway Opry House — Performing this week are Julia Morton, Verlin Bailey, Matt Nelson, Alan & Betsy Reid, Joyce Chisenhall, Donny Gilliam and Ronald Puett & Frieda. Open mic night. Doors open at 6 p.m. Music starts at 7 p.m. Reopening – The reopening of the Soldiers Memorial Sports Arena in Butner will be from 10 a.m. to noon along 24th Street and between D Street and E Street.

Monday Community meeting — A community-wide meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Henderson City Council Chambers at City Hall, 134 Rose Ave., to discuss a possible housing development for the Flint Hill community. City council members and City of Henderson employees involved with the project will present the plans and answer questions. The public is invited to attend. Granville School Board — The Granville County Board of Education will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. at the Granville County Board of Education Administrative Offices, 101 Delacroix St., Oxford. Fundraiser — The Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers fish plate sale will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the 200 Seafood Restaurant. The Crime Stoppers board and volunteers will be serving trout, French fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies. Plates will be available for eat-in or take-out. A drink will be available for those people dining in. The cost of the meal is $6 with proceeds benefiting the programs of the Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers. Planning board — The Planning Board for the City of Henderson will meet at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 134 Rose Ave. Granville Commissioners — The Granville County Commission will meet at 7 p.m. in the commission meeting room, 145 Williamsboro St., Oxford. Vance Commissioners — The Vance County Board of Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, 122 Young St., Henderson.

Vance County fair boasts 700+ exhibits Over 700 individual and group exhibits are on display in the home, farm and garden tent at this year’s Vance County Regional Fair. Flowers and potted plants lead the way with almost 300 youth and adult items followed by over 150 hobby and handicraft exhibits. Mary Helen Area Jones residents may Cooperative view the Extension exhibits today on the last day of this year’s event. A Best of Show award is chosen from among the blue ribbon winners in each department. The award includes a tri-color ribbon and an additional cash prize. The following individuals won Best of Show: field, garden and farm (adult), Marjorie Walters, and youth, Taylor Mosley; canning and honey (adult), Carole Caniford; bread, cake,

candy and cookies (adult), Frances Fennimore, and youth, Sequoia Epps; decorated cakes (adult), Shannon Abbott; clothing (adult), Mae Crudup; house furnishings (adult), Frances Finamore; arts and crafts (adult), Jean Bell, and youth, Annie Duke (age 7 and younger), Mikayla Stone (ages 8-12), and Lela Hunt (ages 1317); flowers (adult), Vivian McIntyre, and youth, Cody Helmick; and pumpkin (adult), Dean Smith. Other special canning awards include canned vegetables (adult), Ada Clifton (blue), and Melony Paul (red); and pickles and relishes (adult), Carole Caniford (blue) and Melany Paul (red). In addition, Vivian McIntyre received the award for the most horticulture blue ribbons, and Mary Jane Fink was awarded recognition for the most outstanding arrangement.

Educational exhibits Eleven organizations prepared educational exhibits. The Vance County Cooperative Extension

Senior center to offer series on safe use of prescription medications The Vance County Senior Center will hold a series of presentations on promoting safe and appropriate prescription medication usage during November and December. All the presentations in the series begin at 11 a.m. at the senior center and are open to anyone interested in attending. The first presentation on Nov. 5 will promote medicine-use knowledge and education to prevent medication misuse. On Nov. 12, the topic will be communicating with doctors about medication. In recognition of National Caregivers’ Month, the third presentation will be held on Nov. 18 to support caregivers in learning how to assist their loved ones with medication management. On Dec. 5, the final presentation of the medication series will discuss over-the-counter medication and it’s inter-

action with prescription medication. Representatives from SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) will be available after each presentation to assist with reviewing Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and signing up for help paying for prescription drug plans through Part D of Medicare. For further information or assistance with Medicare, please contact the senior center at (252) 430-0257.

The Daily Dispatch encourages readers to submit news items and photos for inclusion in the paper. News items may be dropped off at our newspaper offices at 304 S. Chestnut St. in downtown Henderson or mailed to The Daily Dispatch, P.O. Box 908, Henderson, NC, 27536. News items may also be e-mailed to communitynews@hendersondispatch.com or faxed to (252) 436-0125. For more information, contact Linda Gupton, features editor, at 436-2837.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY OCTOBER 30 & 31 ASTRO BOY (PG) - 7:30 PM THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Classic Movie) (PG) - 9:15 PM COUPLES RETREAT (PG-13) - 11:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st (Single Feature Only) ASTRO BOY (PG) - 7:30 PM

Join Us For Our TRUNK OR TREAT and COSTUME CONTEST FRIDAY & SATURDAY October 30 & 31! Children with costume GET IN FOR FREE!

Festivities begin at 6:00 PM 3336 Raleigh Road • Henderson

(252) 438-6959 • www.Raleighroaddrivein.com

Tax holiday Qualifying Energy Star products will be exempt from sales and use tax when purchased between 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in November and 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday. For 2009, the dates are Friday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 8 An “Energy Star qualified product” is “a product that meets the energy efficient guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United

States Department of Energy and is authorized to carry the Energy Star label.” Clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and programmable thermostats will be exempt from state and local sales and use tax when purchased during the sale tax holiday period. There is no threshold as is the case with items sold during the August sales tax holiday for clothing, school supplies, computers, etc. Items purchased for use in a trade or business and rentals are not covered by the exemption and will be subject to the applicable tax. An item is eligible for the exemption if the customer pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order and takes an action to fill the order for immediate delivery. The delivery can occur after the holiday period. However, an order is not considered for immediate delivery if the customer requests delayed shipment.

Tips from the Vance Co. Parenting Task Force Praise and reward honesty! Praise your children for being honest about their mistakes and difficulties. Teach them about honesty and how dishonesty is destructive to themselves and others. Tell them the story of the boy who “cried wolf” so often no one believed he was telling the truth when he was in trouble. If one of your children has

a problem with frequent lying, set up a reinforcement program where he or she gets a sticker or token for each day without lying. These stickers or tokens can be traded in for games, treats and special time with you. Source: Incredible Years by Carolyn Webster-Stratton By Vickie Jones, N.C. Cooperative Extension

Get The Daily Dispatch delivered to your home for only $2.88 per week Call 436-2800

Everything MUST Go!

438-9060

DaviD vick Racing & Sports

Marketplace Shopping Center

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (R)

Monday-Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm

MICHAEL jACksON: THIs Is IT (PG)

Crossroads Shopping Center

FRI & SAT: 1:20, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20 & 9:20PM SUN: 1:20, 3:20, 5:20 & 7:20PM MON-THUR: 5:20 & 7:20PM

FRI : 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15 & 9:30PM SAT: 12:45, 3:00,5:15, 7:30 & 9:45PM SUN: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15 & 7:30PM MON-THUR: 5:00 & 7:15PM

FRI, SAT & SUN: 3:00 & 7:20PM MON-THUR: 7:20PM

RALEIGH ROAD OUTDOOR THEATRE

Center received the Best of Show award with other blue ribbons going to Boy Scout Troop 605, BSAVenture Crew 605, the Vance County 4-H Livestock Club, and the Kerr Lake Master Gardeners. Red ribbon exhibits included Granville-Vance District Health Department, Jubilee Sertoma, and Girl Scout Troop 372. Vance County Farm Service Agency, Child Care Resource and Referral, and Vance-Granville Community College received honorable mention.

Marketplace Cinema

CIRQUE DU FREAk: THE VAMPIRE’s AssIsTANT (PG13)

Community News

Saturday, October 31, 2009

sAW VI (R)

FRI & SAT: 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 & 9:15PM SUN-THUR: 5:15 & 7:15PM

WHERE THE WILD THINGs ARE (PG) FRI: 1:10, 3:10, 7:10 & 9:10PM SAT: 3:10, 5:10, 7:10 & 9:10PM SUN: 3:10, 5:10 & 7:10PM MON-THUR: 7:10PM

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (R) FRI & SAT: 12:55, 3:05, 5:15, 7:25 & 9:35PM SUN: 12:55, 3:05, 5:15 & 7:25PM MON-THUR: 5:15 & 7:25PM

THE sTEPFATHER

(PG13) FRI. & SAT: 12:50, 5:10 & 9:30PM SUN: 12:50 & 5:10PM MON - THUR: 5:10PM

CritiC’s ChoiCe PAPER HEART (PG13)

FRI 10/30/09 @ 5:00PM SAT & SUN: 10/31-11/1/09 @ 1:00PM

THE COVE

(PG13) MON.-FR. 11/2-11/6/09 @ 5:00PM SAT & SUN: 11/7 - 11/8/09 @ 1:00PM

www.marketplacecinemas.com

Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm Corner of I-85 & NC 39 • Exit 214 Henderson, N.C. (252) 492-7223 • dvracing@inet4u.com

WWW.DAVIDVICKSPORTS.COM

Celebrate Halloween at The Movies @ MARKETPLACE CINEMA

24 Hour Movie Line (252) 438-9060 • WWW.MARKETPLACECINEMAS.COM

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10/30 & 10/31 • 9AM-11AM EACH DAY Moonwalk, Games, Costume Contest & Prizes • ADMISSION FREE!

Then Join Us For A Movie… WALLACE & GROMIT: CURSE OF THE WERE RABBIT (PG) FRI & SAT 10/30 & 10/31: 11AM & 1PM SUN 11/1 @ 1PM & 3PM

Admission All Seats $2.50

South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church will host their Annual

Chex Car Care EXPRESS 492-7031

Convenient Location: 256 Flemingtown Road Henderson, NC 27537

Our $29.00 Oil Change Qualifies you to win up to $250.00 – Appointment Not Necessary! – Open Daily - Extended Hours Everyday

EARN YOUR POINTS TODAY! Oil Change - automatic enrollment for Chex VIP Program (points can be accumulated)

Many Benefits With This AD! (bring this ad in and qualify)

• $1.00 OFF Buffet while you wait (breakfast, lunch or dinner)

• Get Coupon - for “DEEP” Gasoline Discounts - Exxon • Qualifies you to WIN UP TO $250 • FREE 100 Points (Sweepstakes Games) • Free Internet Access • Enrolls you in the Chex VIP Program • Extended Hours

Saturday, October 31st, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm! Come out and enjoy free hot dogs, candy, games and of course a Cake Walk! The whole family will enjoy this day of events including LIVE music and ministry!

Fun for all ages! South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church 905 American Road, Henderson • 438-3322

From Page One

The Daily Dispatch

NATIONAL WEATHER

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day. Seattle 56/43

Billings 60/38

San Francisco 65/54

Minneapolis 46/37

Denver 46/32

Los Angeles 80/56

-10s

-0s

Atlanta 66/44

Houston 75/50 Miami 88/74

Honolulu 85/73

Hilo 84/68

Juneau 38/32

Washington 74/49

El Paso 68/45

Fairbanks 16/1

Anchorage 29/16

New York 67/51 Detroit 54/37

Chicago 50/35 Kansas City 58/43

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

SUNDAY

59°

52°

79°

44°

Partly sunny; breezy, warmer

Mostly cloudy, showers around

Cooler; a little morning rain

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

63°

66°

45°

40°

Periods of clouds and sunshine

59° 41°

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Plenty of sunshine, but cool

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 .................................................... 61° Low ..................................................... 54° Normal high ........................................ 67° Normal low ......................................... 43° Record high ............................ 86° in 1996 Record low .............................. 24° in 1965

Moon Phases

Precipitation 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest. ......... Trace Month to date .................................. 1.03” Normal month to date ..................... 3.08” Year to date ................................... 27.36” Normal year to date ...................... 36.94”

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

79/52

Rocky Mt.

86/56

70/52

70/50

60/44

Durham

Raleigh

80/53

Charlotte

81/58

Cape Hatteras

Fayetteville

74/56

7:36 a.m. 6:18 p.m. 4:47 p.m. 5:18 a.m. 6:37 a.m. 5:17 p.m. 4:18 p.m. 5:22 a.m.

79/66

83/59

LAKE LEVELS

Wilmington

82/66

Elevation in feet above sea level. Data as of 7 a.m. yesterday. 24-Hr. Lake Capacity Yest. Change Gaston 203 199.51 -0.02 Kerr 320 293.67 +0.25

24-Hr. Capacity Yest. Change 240 212.75 +0.20 264 247.45 -0.02

Lake Jordan Neuse Falls

REGIONAL CITIES Today

Sun.

Today

Sun.

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

60 60 70 80 60 72 80 80 66 83 83 70 65 84 66

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

72 82 82 83 80 80 81 82 81 78 79 86 81 82 70

44 45 51 52 43 51 53 55 43 59 59 52 49 64 45

r c pc pc r c pc pc r pc pc pc r pc r

59 51 52 60 66 53 61 57 60 62 63 55 61 72 60

38 38 42 44 41 41 43 49 38 47 45 43 43 55 39

pc pc pc pc s pc pc sh pc sh sh pc pc t pc

53 63 59 60 64 64 62 63 58 53 52 56 54 66 50

pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc pc c

62 71 70 67 70 71 64 72 62 59 59 62 65 69 57

43 51 46 51 52 55 57 52 45 42 44 46 45 53 43

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

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

per month The Daily Dispatch

Call 436-2800

that Mike Easley and others may have violated North Carolina law,” board Chairman Larry Leake said. The board wants prosecutors to sort out the truth over repairs performed on Easley’s Raleigh home and overseen by Campbell. Easley and Campbell gave contradictory statements during four days of testimony to the board. Thomas Hicks, Easley’s personal attorney, said after the hearing his client got what he wanted and he’s confident the twoterm Democratic governor did nothing wrong. In an unusual closing argument Thursday, Hicks said prosecutors would have more resources to examine whether criminal charges are necessary. “When I go to a tribunal and ask for it and they give me what I want, that makes me happy,” Hicks told reporters. Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby immediately asked the court system to remove him from the case because he and Easley are longtime friends. The Administrative Office of the Court agreed and assigned the case to Rowan County District Attorney Bill Kenerly. Easley appointed Willoughby’s wife to the State Board of Education, and Easley’s son is working this year as a law school intern in Willoughby’s office. “Having a district attorney handle the case that was not connected to the former governor would instill confidence in whatever decision is made,” Willoughby said in an interview. Board members agreed it was clear The Mike Easley Committee failed to report flights that Campbell said he flew for Easley between 1999 and 2004. Testimony from Easley and campaign leaders suggested no one had made it their job to ensure vendors such as Cambpell, who piloted at least 54 flight

N.C. court stays order blocking subpoena for Easley aide RALEIGH (AP) — The North Carolina Court of Appeals has blocked temporarily an order that prevented the State Board of Elections from forcing an ex-aide to former Gov. Mike Easley to testify. The appeals court issued Friday a temporary stay on a Wake County judge’s order that quashed the board’s subpoena of Ruffin Poole, Easley’s former legal counsel. Poole filed a petition Monday asking a judge to halt the subpoena from being enforced as the board investigated Easley’s campaign and the state Democratic Party. The judge agreed but put reasons under seal. It wasn’t clear whether Poole will appeal to the state Supreme Court. The board adjourned its hearing Friday but chairman Larry Leake said it still wants to talk to him under oath. legs for Easley during that period, were in campaign reports. The board told the Easley campaign to give up the value of the flights — which the board determined to be $60,000 — and to reimburse the elections board $40,000 for its investigation. The board’s decisions may diminish Easley’s reputation as a former attorney general who stayed clear of wrongdoing. He had forged a law-and-order persona while putting away violent drug dealers as a coastal prosecutor. “It can’t help but cause problems with your feelings about a guy when he was supposed to be the top cop in the state,” said Andy Dedmon, a former Democratic leader in the Legislature during Easley’s first term. “When you’re somebody who keeps getting thrown rocks at you, after awhile they’re going to bruise you.” The activities of Campbell and Easley already have gotten the attention of federal prosecutors, and a grand jury has been calling witnesses to testify about a coastal subdivision where Easley and his wife purchased a lot and the hiring of former first lady Mary Easley at North Carolina State University. Easley appointed Campbell to the N.C. State

ay yd r e Ev

Country Style Steak Sandwich Combo

ay yd

EASLEY, from page one

er Ev

Home delivery ONLY

Deluxe

299

$ 99

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

1020 S. Garnett St. • Henderson, NC 27536

XII I

II III

VIII VII VI

IV V

X IX

XII

III

VIII

VII

Skip Satterwhite

Account Executive

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

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

www.westerinsurance.com The Daily Dispatch (USPS 239-940) is published skipsatterwhite@ncol.net • www.westerinsurance.com Tuesday through Sunday mornings, except Dec. 25, by Henderson Newspapers Inc. 1020 S. Garnett St. • Henderson, NC 27536 Periodicals postage paid at Henderson, North Carolina, 27536. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Dispatch, P.O. Box 908, Henderson, N.C., 27536

How to reach us

FREE

DirectTV® System Up to 4 Receivers

comes w/mayo, lettuce & tomato

1020 S. Garnett St. • Henderson, NC 27536

University board, but he resigned as board member this year as scrutiny grew over Mary Easley’s post. She was later fired. The state Democratic Party also was ordered to forfeit $9,000 in campaign funds for two donations solicited by the Easley campaign from contributors who testified they were told the money would pay Easley expenses. But the board didn’t include the party in its request to examine potential charges. The forfeited money from the Easley campaign and party go to the public schools. The board had been examining whether Easley’s campaign could spend as it chose money from the $2 million it had raised for the party from the 2000 and 2004 campaign. Party executive director Andrew Whalen said the board “fully exonerated” the party of election law violations. The board hearing was the latest this decade involving a high-profile Democrat. Then-Agriculture Commissioner Meg Scott Phipps and House Speaker Jim Black also received board penalties. Both ultimately went to federal prison. As for Easley, state Republican Party Chairman Tom Fetzer said Friday “no one should take

satisfaction in this embarrassing spectacle, the net effect of which has been to reduce and diminish the citizens’ confidence in their government.” Much of the case hinged on the testimony of Campbell, a Bladen County native and family friend of the governor who testified Easley suggested that he file invoices for flights to get reimbursed for repairs to Easley’s Raleigh home that Campbell said reached $11,000. Easley testified Campbell’s version of events “never, ever happened.” Campbell testified he filed two bogus invoices with Easley’s campaign. Campbell attorney Hill Allen declined comment Friday. Easley campaign attorney John Wallace said he doesn’t believe the campaign has enough money right now to pay the $100,000. The campaign had $164,000 as of June 30, but the campaign has legal fees. The board approved a motion urging the Legislature to pass a law requiring candidates to be personally liable for monetary penalties from the board if the campaign can’t pay. “If all candidates clearly understand that if their committee messed up and the (board) might be trying to get into their personal pocketbooks, I think it will make them more attentive,” Leake said.

includes 1 side & Drink

Wester Insurance Agency

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

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Northside Electronics

159 N. Cooper Drive • Henderson NC 27536

252-492-6544

Burglar & fire alarms central vac video surveillance

alarm monitoring for $16/mo.

ahner security

Call Dave Arner at 438-7181

incorporated

In Business since 1988

Skip Satterwhite Account Executive

Phone: 252-438-8165 • Fax: 252-438-6640 Cell: 919-522-3825

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

Delivery 436-2800

skipsatterwhite@ncol.net • www.westerinsurance.com

circulation@hendersondispatch.com

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

Newsroom 436-2830

news@hendersondispatch.com

Sports 436-2840

sports@hendersondispatch.com

Sunday, November 1st

Subscription rates Carrier delivery, where available Home Delivery Yearly 6 months 3 months Monthly

$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.

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

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.

We Look Forward To Seeing You! Linda, Michael, Danny, Sandy and Anne

Local & State

The Daily Dispatch

Poll: Burr’s approval rating at 37 percent among adults By MIKE BAKER Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH — North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr has a 37 percent approval rating among adults in the state as he prepares his campaign for re-election, according to a poll released Friday. The Elon University survey shows that 22 percent of respondents disapprove of the way the Republican lawmaker is handling his job. Fortyone percent didn’t know how they felt Burr about his performance. Democrats are eager to challenge Burr in his reelection bid next year. His numbers are better than two Democrats in office — Sen. Kay Hagan and Gov. Beverly Perdue — but his approval numbers are lower than those seen in a

similar poll done of former Sen. Elizabeth Dole two years ago. Dole, who had approval ratings of 50 percent in September 2007, was ousted from her seat last year. “Given what happened to Dole, they should be very concerned by these numbers,” said Elon University Poll Director Hunter Bacot. “Among the public, there seems to be some lack of clarity of who he is and what he stands for.” The Elon poll surveyed 703 adults from Monday through Thursday of this week. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. Hagan lagged behind her Senate counterpart, with an equal breakdown of people — 35 percent on each side — approving or disapproving of her work. Perdue’s numbers show 36 percent approve and 47 percent disapprove. Paul Shumaker, Burr’s

longtime political consultant, said the poll means nothing in the context of the 2010 election. He noted that the poll surveyed the general public, not voters, and that Burr wasn’t polled directly against any Democratic candidates. But Shumaker did tout Burr’s comparisons to Perdue and Hagan. “I’m highly encouraged and highly optimistic,” he said. Bacot said Burr’s numbers may fluctuate quickly once Democrats settle on a candidate. He also said the campaign has plenty of time to improve the numbers, especially among the large segment of respondents who don’t appear to know him very well. President Barack Obama received the highest marks among individuals in the survey, with 53 percent of respondents approving of his performance and 44 percent disapproving.

Dispatch carriers injured in wreck From STAFF REPORTS

OXFORD — A pair of carriers for the Dispatch had to be taken to Duke University Medical Center after a motor vehicle wreck shortly before 6 a.m. Friday on Salem Road northeast of Oxford, state Trooper Brian Moseley said. Noel Robertson, 42, of 1503 Bobbitt Road, Kittrell, was driving a 1992 Ford station wagon southwest when the vehicle went to the left and across the center line, Moseley said. The vehicle went off

the pavement, struck a ditch, struck a driveway culvert and took out the mailbox at 4188 Salem, which is near the junction of Salem, Huntsboro Road and Tabbs Creek Road, Moseley said. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its roof and on the northeast bound shoulder of Salem, Moseley said. And the vehicle was totaled, Moseley said. In the vehicle with Robertson was Brittany Parrish, 19, of 1810 Rock Mill Road, Henderson, Moseley said. Both persons were in stable condition at Duke, Moseley said.

Moseley said there was speculation Robertson had maneuvered to avoid a deer, but Moseley said Robertson was being treated at the wreck scene by emergency personnel and said the Highway Patrol had to deal with other wrecks in Granville County. The wreck along Salem happened at 5:45 a.m., Moseley said. A Dispatch route supervisor finished delivering the newspapers to customers along that route. Send comments to news@ hendersondispatch.com.

POLICE, from page one prises the north end of 158 Bypass and the I-85 North on-ramp. The newsroom witness observed the vehicle to be an older model Chevrolet Beretta with a deteriorating white paint job and out-of-state license plates believed to be from Florida. The driver was a younger white male wearing a baseball cap and there appeared to be a passenger in the vehicle,

as well. After heading up I-85 North, the fleeing car apparently exited onto N.C. 39 at Andrews Avenue and headed north toward Williamsboro. “Officers discontinued the chase due to the reckless manner and the high rate of speed of the suspect’s vehicle,” said an email to the Dispatch from HPD Lt. Charles Pulley. “However, we are continu-

ing the investigation into the identification of the driver of the vehicle.”

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Deaths Daylon R. Owens KITTRELL — Daylon Ray Owens, age 66, a resident of 6575 Raleigh Road, died Thursday, October 29, 2009, at Duke Raleigh Hospital. Born on October 3, 1943 in Vance County, he was the son of Annie Currin Owens of Henderson and the late Lonnie Owens. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War. Mr. Owens was a retired self-employed truck driver and was a member of New Hope

Roy G. Jones WARRENTON — Roy Gene Jones, 59, of 1466 Baltimore Road, Warrenton, died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services are incomplete at this time but will be announced later by Boyd’s Funeral Service in Warrenton.

Duncan C. Rogers RALEIGH — Duncan C. Rogers, 39, of 607 O’Kelly St., died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. He was born on Feb. 9, 1970, to Johnnie B. Magbie and the late Geraldine RogersMagbie of Vance County. Funeral services will be professionally directed at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Kittrell First Baptist Church in Kittrell, with the Rev. McArthur Clemons officiating. Burial will follow in the Kittrell Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kittrell. The public viewing will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday at Feggins & Feggins Funeral Chapel in Wake

Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at New Hope Baptist Church by the Rev. Henry Abbott. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Princella Stallings Owens, of the home; one daughter, Joy Hedgepeth of Henderson; two sons, Steven Owens and Marty Owens, both of Henderson; one sister, Brenda Owens, of Henderson; two brothers, Vincent Owens of Henderson and Robert Owens of Wake Forest;

and two granddaughters, Vanessa Hedgepeth and Kasey Owens. The family will receive friends Sunday night from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at J.M. White Funeral Home. At other times they will be at the home at 6575 Raleigh Road. Serving as active pallbearers will be Wade Ayscue, Louis Barker, Jay Ellis, Matt Bowen, Robie Horton, and Bud Williams. Arrangements are by J.M. White Funeral Home.

Forest and on Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at Kittrell First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Dion Debnam-Rogers of the home; father, Johnnie B. Magbie of Henderson; two stepsons, Trenton and Wesley Walker, both of the home; a sister, Sonya Hall of Henderson; and two brothers, Johnnie S. Magbie of Henderson and Tony Magbie of Durham. Funeral arrangements are by Feggins & Feggins Funeral and Cremation Services of Wake Forest.

be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at Banks UMC by the Revs. Cliff Wells, Jack Snyder and Ray Gooch. Entombment will follow in the church cemetery. Surviving are her daughter, Peggy S. Rogers of Raleigh; her son, J. Rufus Strother of Raleigh; her sister, Mandy D. Boyette of Wake Forest; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Thomas K. Rogers Jr.; her sister, Allene Garner; and her brother, Joseph Davis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Banks UMC, 2632 Highway 96 South, Franklinton, N.C. 27525; or to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1611, Oxford, N.C. 27565. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Banks UMC and other times at the home of Peggy Rogers, 6248 Fountainhead Drive, Raleigh. Arrangements are by Gentry-Newell and Vaughan Funeral Home of Oxford.

Lessie D. Strother WILTON — Lessie D. Strother, 98, died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009. She was born Nov. 16, 1910, in Granville County and was the daughter of the late Raymond Joseph and Lessie Weathers Davis. She was the widow of J. Frank Strother. She retired as a licensed practical nurse at Granville Hospital and was the oldest member of Banks United Methodist Church. Funeral services will

Paid Obituary

Federal regulators close nine banks in West NEW YORK (AP) — Regulators have shut down nine banks, including California National Bank. The move Friday brings the number of failed U.S.

Flowers Funeral Home www.ﬂowersfuneralhome.com

banks this year to 115 as the still-weak economy produces a stream of loan defaults. The banks are mostly in the West and had combined assets of $19.4 billion

at the end of September. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation says U.S. Bank in Minneapolis agreed to assume the deposits and most of the assets of the banks.

J. M. White Funeral Home 60 Zeb Robinson Rd. Henderson

“Commitment to Caring Personal Service”

438-5139

438-4717

1833 Oxford Rd., Henderson

Member of the International Order of the Golden Rule.

24 Hour Service

252-492-6911 926 S. Garnett St. Henderson

U.S. military deaths in Iraq war at 4,353 By The Associated Press

Comin g . . .

As of Friday, Oct. 30, at least 4,353 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003. The figure includes nine military civilians killed in action. At least 3,475 military personnel died as a result of hostile action, according to the military’s numbers. The AP count is two fewer than the Defense Department’s tally, last updated Friday at 10 a.m. EDT.

Sunday, November 22nd

Purchase Internet Time & Surf the Net! Get FREE (500 Sweepstake Points).

HOW? Bring in this ad and get 500 Free Sweepstakes Points 1 Coupon per day. Expires November 7th, 2009

TING EXCI ES! GAM

CASH PRIZE PAID

on the spot

“

10 FR Poin0 Swe EE” ts E epst ver ake yD ay!

Deuces Jacks Wild! or Better!

Shamrocks!

....Play and Win! Ladies Night on Wednesdays & Men’s Night on Thursdays!

BROTHERS INTERNET CAFE 1549 Dabney Drive • Henderson, NC • (Behind KFC and McDonalds) (252) 436-2232 • Hours : Everyday 9:00am-Until

This Winter Sports special edition will include boys’ and girls’ basketball, swimming and wrestling previews from Tri-County Schools. All team photos, schedules and rosters will be included. ACC Basketball schedule will also be included.

Advertising Deadline

Tuesday, November 10th

252-436-2820

Contact your sales representative today. Brenda Faucette, Gina Eaves or Kelly Bondurant.

Business & Farm

The Daily Dispatch

Area

A DAY ON WALL STREET

Dow Jones industrials

10,000 8,000 J

Pct. change from previous: -2.51%

High 9,962.13

2,400

Nasdaq composite

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

-52.44 J

Pct. change from previous: -2.5%

High 2,095.09

October 30, 2009

-29.92

In this Sept. 14 file photo, road workers begin construction along California interstate 215 north in San Bernadino County. The White House said Friday new job numbers will show the president’s economic stimulus plan has directly created or saved about 650,000 jobs.

Government says stimulus plan saved or created 650,000 jobs By BRETT J. BLACKLEDGE and MATT APUZZO Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON — About 650,000 jobs have been saved or created under President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan, the White House said Friday, saying the president’s goal of 3.5 million jobs by the end of next year is on track. New job numbers from businesses, contractors, state and local governments, nonprofit groups and universities were scheduled to be released publicly later Friday. White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein said the figures will show that, when adding in jobs linked to $288 billion in tax cuts, the stimulus plan has created or saved more than 1 million jobs. Government recovery plans — everything from the $787 billion stimulus to tax credits for buying new homes to government deals on new cars — are credited with helping the economy grow again after a record four straight losing quarters. But the job market has yet to show signs of recovery, putting pressure on the White House to show that the stimulus was worth its hefty price tag. The economy

has shed millions of jobs since Obama signed the stimulus in February, giving Republicans ammunition to say the government is spending too much for too little effect. The White House says the report bolsters its case that the economy would have been far worse without the stimulus — a package of government spending, tax cuts, state aide and social programs. Friday’s data will have its limitations, since calculating “jobs saved” will always produce an inexact estimate and collecting data from so many sources is certain to produce errors. But the number released Friday represents the most accurate head count of stimulus jobs to date, one that is more precise than previous estimates based on White House economic formulas. And it represents the most extensive effort ever by any administration to calculate the effect of a spending program in real time. “It’s a great example of the unprecedented transparency, where the American taxpayer can point and click and see their taxes creating jobs,” Bernstein said. The White House promised the data would be far more reliable than the first

batch of numbers, on federal contracts, which the administration initially embraced, then branded a “test run” after thousands of errors were discovered. Teachers are expected to represent the largest number of jobs in the report. With state budgets in crisis, federal aid helped governors avoid major cuts in education, which officials said spared hundreds of thousands of teachers from the unemployment line. In Indiana, where officials reported saving 13,000 teaching jobs, Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels warned against putting too much stock in the job numbers. “I personally wouldn’t try to tell a taxpayer that this had any effect that I can see on the economy or let alone that there is some specific number of jobs attached to it,” Daniels said earlier this month. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, said Friday “there’s just no doubt” that the federal aide spared 6,100 government jobs, including teachers, police officers and firefighters, in his state.

Pct. change from previous: -2.81% SOURCE: SunGard

hol ban. That recommendation goes to the Division of Coastal Management. The commission considered the ban after problems on Masonboro Island, including garbage left behind each July 4th. The proposed rule change largely mirrors ordinances already in effect for state parks and forests. It would outlaw the

High 1,065.41

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

Low 1,033.38 AP

MARKET ROUNDUP 103009: Market

Currencies & etals charts show Dow,M S&P 500, and

Nasdaq; stand-alone; 2c x 4 1/2 inches; 96 mm x 114 mm; staff Aluminum - $.8613 per lb., London Metal NEW YORK (AP) — Key currency exEditors: All figures as of: 5:25:59 PM EST change rates Friday: Exch. NOTE: Figures reflect market fluctuations after not match other AP content close; Coppermay -$2.9137 Cathode full plate, LME. Dollar vs: ExchgRate PvsDay Copper $2.9475 N.Y. Merc spot Fri. Yen 89.98 91.49 Lead - $2295.00 metric ton, London Metal Euro $1.4730 $1.4845 Exch. Pound $1.6447 $1.6548 Zinc - $1.0008 per lb., London Metal Exch. Swiss franc 1.0252 1.0181 Gold - $1040.00 Handy & Harman (only Canadian dollar 1.0797 1.0662 daily quote). Mexican peso 13.1740 13.0675 Gold - $1039.69 troy oz., NY Merc spot Fri. Metal Price PvsDay Silver - $16.230 Handy & Harman (only NY Merc Gold $1039.70 $1046.40 daily quote). NY HSBC Bank US $1040.00 $1045.00 Silver - $16.246 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot Fri. NY Merc Silver $16.246 $16.646 Platinum -$1325.00 troy oz., N.Y. (contract). Platinum -$1326.30 troy oz., N.Y. Merc spot Nonferrous Fri NEW YORK (AP) — Spot nonferrous metal n.q.-not quoted, n.a.-not available r-revised prices Friday:

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

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON — Consumer spending plunged in September by the largest amount in nine months, reflecting the end of the government’s Cash for Clunkers auto sales program. Incomes, the fuel for future spending, were flat. While the government reported that the overall economy grew in the JulySeptember period, signaling the end of the worst recession in seven decades, the weakness in spending and incomes as the quarter ended underscores the fragility of the recovery. The Commerce Department said Friday that spending dropped 0.5 percent in September, the first decline in five months. Personal incomes were unchanged as Associated Press writer Scott workers contend with rising Bauer in Madison, Wis., conunemployment. Wages and tributed to this report. salaries fell 0.2 percent, erasing a 0.2 percent gain in August. A second report showed that wages and benefits inpossession and consumpcluding health care rose just tion of alcohol and other 1.5 percent for the 12 months controlled substances on ending in September. reserve property. That’s the smallest inThe commission supported language banning public crease for the Labor Department’s Employment Cost intoxication.

Index on records that date to 1982. The concern is that much of third-quarter economic growth stemmed from temporary government programs such as the clunkers sales incentives that ended in August. The government said Thursday the gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic health, expanded at an annual rate of 3.5 percent in the third quarter, the first increase after a record four straight declines. A 3.4 percent rise in consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of total economic activity, powered the gain. However, some economists believe that consumer spending will slow sharply in the current quarter, lowering GDP growth to perhaps 1.5 percent. Analysts said the risk of a double-dip recession cannot be ruled out over the next year. The 0.5 percent drop in consumer spending in September followed a 1.4 percent surge in August which was propelled by the big jump

in car sales that month as consumers rushed to take advantage of the clunkers’ incentives. Last month’s drop in spending resulted in a boost in the savings rate to 3.3 percent of after-tax incomes, up from 2.8 percent in August. The Obama administration is being encouraged to extend some of the elements of the $787 billion economic stimulus package that Congress passed in February to jump-start the economy, but the White House has been cautious in endorsing various proposals being advanced by Democratic lawmakers for fear of pushing the federal budget deficit even higher. The deficit hit an all-time high of $1.42 trillion for the budget year ending Sept. 30. But inflation remains in check. An inflation gauge tied to consumer spending edged up just 0.1 percent in September, after a 0.3 percent August rise. Excluding food and energy, the gauge rose 1.3 percent over the past year, well within the Federal Reserve’s comfort zone.

You May Have Gotten Your Flu Shot, But Has Your Dog? Canine Influenza is a highly contagious virus known to cause respiratory illness and spread rapidly from dog to dog. Protect your pet

today with the new influenza vaccine.

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

West Hills Veterinary Centre

(252) 438-7163

158 By-Pass West Gwynn Lane PO Box 590 • Henderson, NC 27536

Join Us Saturday, October 31st for

Downtown Don’t Worry...

• FREE Estimates • Auto Body Repair

We’ll straighten everything out!

• Auto Glass Installed • Insurance Claims Welcomed

COLLINS COLLISION REPAIR CENTER 3688 Raleigh Rd. Henderson

252-438-3133 Owners Charles & Clecy Collins

Tony’s Auto Salvage UP TO $100 CA$H

FOR YOUR JUNK CAR TODAY!

al c o L e Fre k-Up Pic

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

5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

99¢ Buffet (does not include beverage)

2817 US 158 Bypass, Henderson, NC 27537

For Children Up to Age 12 Participating Businesses Will Have A Ribbon On Their Door

Give Us A Call At:

252-492-5071 800-346-0429

From 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Every Thursday Night is Kids Night!

Ages 12 & under Limit 2 children per adult

This Ad Sponsored by the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation Children’s Regular Buffet $4.99

52.09 25.67 49.33 14.58 23.91 53.31 35.30 15.82 71.67 7.00 14.26 0.59 25.09 120.61 59.05 23.56 3.39 5.25 19.57 3.69 60.55 18.11 58.00 37.53 3.98 50.40 48.48 8.43 2.96 19.11 41.59 29.59 46.03 49.68 27.52 3.95 67.80

Consumer spending falls; incomes flat

N.C. commission: No alcohol ban on Masonboro Island ATLANTIC BEACH (AP) — The Coastal Resources Commission is recommending that the state not ban alcohol on Masonboro Island and the state’s nine other coastal reserve sites. The Star-News of Wilmington reported the commission met Thursday in Atlantic Beach and decided not to recommend an alco-

1,400

Low 2,040.21

Standard & Poor’s 500 AP Photo/Nick Ut

7,000

Low 9,684.54

October 30, 2009

1,036.19

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

9,000

-249.85

2,045.11

Stocks

11,000

October 30, 2009

9,712.73

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Nation

The Daily Dispatch

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Civil rights group elects King daughter president By ERRIN HAINES Associated Press Writer

ATLANTA — The daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has been chosen as the first woman to head the civil rights organization that he coKing founded. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference

announced the election of the Rev. Bernice King as its eighth president Friday morning. Interim President Byron Clay called King and said she accepted the position. “In the spirit of your father, Martin Luther King Jr., we look forward with anticipation to your leadership,” Clay told King, 46, as reporters listened to his end of the conversation. She could be heard responding, “Thank you very much.”

“SCLC is a great organization with a rich history,” Clay told reporters. “She is excited. I am excited. The nation will be excited.” Today, SCLC has roughly 10,000 members and nearly 80 chapters in 17 states from Georgia to California. The group has also opened a nonviolent conflict resolution center in Israel, with plans to open 10 international sites in 10 years. Martin Luther King Jr. was the SCLC’s first presi-

Police: Dad ran over ‘Westernized’ daughter PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — An Iraqi immigrant accused of running down his daughter in Arizona with his car because she was becoming “too Westernized” has been arrested in Georgia, authorities said Friday. Jim Joyner, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service in Atlanta, said Faleh Almaleki was arrested Thursday when he arrived at Almaleki Atlanta’s airport, sent from the United Kingdom after authorities denied him entrance. Almaleki, 48, awaits extradition to Arizona and will face two counts of aggravated assault, according to Peoria police. He is accused of striking and then running over his 20-year-old daughter and a family friend with his Jeep on Oct. 20 as the women were walking across a Peoria parking lot. Noor Almaleki remains hospitalized in serious condition after undergo-

ing spinal surgery. The friend, Amal Khalaf, is in serious but stable condition, according to family members. Khalaf, 43, is the mother of Noor Almaleki’s boyfriend. Police said the Almalekis moved to Peoria from Iraq in the mid-1990s. Family members said Noor Almaleki had been living with her boyfriend and Khalaf, and Faleh Almaleki was upset that his daughter had become too “Westernized,” had failed to live by traditional Muslim values and had disrespected the family. After the incident, authorities said Almaleki drove his vehicle to Mexico and abandoned it in Nogales, where Mexican officials later located and seized it. Almaleki made his way to Mexico City, where he boarded a plane to London, but United Kingdom Port of Entry authorities denied him entry into the country. They contacted U.S. authorities and Almaleki was put on a flight back to Atlanta, where he was arrested upon arrival.

‘Palimony’ figure Michelle Triola Marvin dies LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michelle Triola Marvin, who fought a landmark “palimony” case against her former lover, actor Lee Marvin, has died. She was 76. Family spokesman Bob Palmer says Marvin died Friday morning of lung cancer at the Malibu home she shared with actor Dick Van Dyke, her partner of 30 years. Marvin lived with Lee Marvin for six years and took his name. They broke up in 1970 and nine years later she sued for nearly $2 million, even though she had no alimony rights because the couple never married. Her lawyer dubbed the request “palimony” and the name stuck. She eventually won $104,000, although the award was overturned.

The case set a precedent in California law that allowed unmarried partners to sue for financial support, and many similar cases followed.

dent, serving from 1957 until his death in 1968. His eldest son, Martin Luther King III, was president from 1998 to 2003. Bernice King inherits an SCLC and issues much changed from the days of her father’s leadership. And she will have to work to rebuild the organization, which has stumbled in recent years. “She can hearken back to her father’s legacy, but she’s going to have to redefine it,” said Emory

University political science professor Andra Gillespie. “She now, as his child, is going to have to figure out a way to push that legacy forward so we don’t perpetuate a stagnant, chauvinistic civil rights agenda.” Internal bickering has overshadowed signs of progress for SCLC that included paying off millions in debt and opening a $3 million headquarters in Atlanta. A former state director in Florida accused

several national leaders of financial mismanagement and the president of the Los Angeles chapter last fall clashed with leadership over his support for gay marriage in California. Charles Steele resigned as president on Jan. 31 and still works with the group as a conflict resolution consultant. Clay has served as interim president since February. It is not yet known when he will step down and King will take over as president.

Two parachutes manfunctioned in NASA moon rocket test flight By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer

AP Photo/San Jose Mercury News, Karen T. Borchers

Pamela Root holds her son, Adam, at home in San Jose, Calif.

Southwest kicks mom, cranky kid off Calif. flight SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Kids will be kids, but one cranky 2-year-old was acting too much his age for a Southwest Airlines flight crew who kicked him off a plane getting ready to leave for San Jose. Pamela Root says she was confident her son Adam’s screams of “Go! Plane! Go!” and “I want Daddy!” would subside once the plane took off Monday in Amarillo, Texas. But she says the plane taxied back to the gate and the pair was escorted off. The 38-year-old stay-athome mom wants an apology and compensation for the portable crib and diapers she had to buy for the extra night away from home. Southwest spokeswoman Marilee McInnis says removing a crying child from a flight is unusual, but crews have leeway to resolve situations. McInnis says the airline is looking into the incident.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Two of three parachutes malfunctioned in the test flight of a prototype moon rocket earlier this week, causing major damage to the booster, NASA said Friday. The problem caused the Ares I-X booster to slam into the Atlantic Ocean harder than expected. The booster was badly dented by the impact. Mission manager Bob Ess said Friday the damage is irrelevant because the booster is not meant to fly again. The parachute trouble does not detract from the overall success of Wednesday’s flight, he said.

“Don’t play this too much,” Ess urged reporters. “The parachute thing was like ‘Hey, look at that.’ We’re not worried about that. There’s no investigation. There’s no unusual thing we’re doing. We’re just going through our usual post (flight) tests.” All three parachutes on the first-stage booster opened following the twominute flight. One quickly deflated. Another deployed only part way. The booster, in essence, was brought down by the equivalent of 1 1/2 parachutes. Ess said the parachute lines may be to blame, but engineers won’t know for sure until the parts are inspected early next week.

The recovered booster arrived back at port Friday. The $445 million flight test was the first step in NASA’s effort to return astronauts to the moon. The White House may change direction, however, and scrap the Ares I in favor of other rockets and destinations. Initial indications are that the rocket was “rock solid” during liftoff, with no worrisome shaking from all the thrust, Ess said. There was concern a year ago, among some, that the launch vibrations could be violent. The definitive word, Ess said, will come once engineers get the data recorder back and conduct weeks of analysis.

Slain mosque leader’s followers deny FBI claims DETROIT (AP) — A Detroit mosque is dismissing as “utterly preposterous” the government’s allegations that its slain leader was part of a radical Islamic group. The FBI says agents killed Luqman Ameen Abdullah after he fired

on them Wednesday as they tried to arrest him on several charges, including conspiracy to sell stolen goods. Authorities say he had anti-government views and was a leader of a radical Sunni Islam group. The Masjid Al-Haqq mosque issued a statement

Friday calling the allegations “slanderous.” It says Abdullah was a respected member of mainstream Muslim organizations. One of Abdullah’s sons, Omar Regan, says his father was shot multiple times. He calls it “barbaric.”

Want to get your Dispatch subscription bill more quickly and help the environment at the same time?

Steak House and Bar Since 1979

Silo October Special

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

10 99

ALL YOU CAN EAT PRIME RIB BUFFET

6 pm - 9 pm Friday and Saturday Night

14 14

95 95 person per

(eat in only)

Limited Time Only

Go GREEN and let us e-mail your bill to your e-mail address rather than get it in the mail. You’ll get the bill quicker so that you have more time to pay AND you’ll be helping the environment! All you need to do is provide us with your name, address and your e-mail address and you’ll always get your bill on time. Contact us now and let us add you to the list of readers who are already taking advantage of this opportunity. Call the Dispatch Circulation Department at (252) 436-2800 or send an e-mail to Circulation@HendersonDispatch.com Remember: We will NEVER share your e-mail address with anyone outside of our company.

Nation

The Daily Dispatch

Saturday, October 31, 2009

News Briefs

Dorado

Three indicted in El Paso cartel killing EL PASO, Texas (AP) — An El Paso County grand jury has indicted three men, including a federal informant, on capital murder chargers in the contract killing of a fellow informant. Court records show that Ruben Rodriguez Dorado, 31; U.S. Army Pfc. Michael Jackson Apodaca, 18, and Christopher Duran, 17, were indicted on a charge of capital murder involving payment. The records show that Rodriguez is a Juarez cartel hit man and U.S. Immigrant and Customs Enforcement informant. The three, along with a juvenile and another man, are accused of fatally shooting fellow cartel lieutenant and ICE informant Jose Daniel Gonzalez Galeana. An arraignment hasn’t been scheduled. The three have been jailed since their August arrests.

Army commander: Afghan training crucial to success FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A top Army general says training Afghanistan’s military and police forces is critical if the U.S. wants to succeed and he’s confident the president will OK more troops for the war there.

Family of man sues over spring break death MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The family of a college student who died on a spring break trip to Mexico has filed a lawsuit alleging it happened after a struggle with a traveling companion who has competed in ultimate fighting competitions. University of St. Thomas freshman Josh Gunderson died March 24 after he apparently fell, hit his head and choked on his own vomit. His family’s lawsuit says Gunderson died after a confrontation with mixed martial artist Zachery Jensen, a bodyguard for Ashley Jones. The lawsuit claims Jensen told a hotel employee he woke to find Gunderson attacking Jones. The 27-year-old Jensen has competed on Spike TV’s reality series “The Ultimate Fighter.” Jensen did not return phone or e-mail messages left by The Associated Press.

Man sentenced to death in Tennessee torture slaying KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man convicted of kidnapping, raping and murdering a couple has been sentenced to death. The 28-year-old defendant, Lemaricus Davidson, showed no reaction Friday as jurors announced the sentence for the murders of 21-year-old college student Channon Christian and her 23-year-old boyfriend, Christopher Newsom. Davidson was found guilty of abducting the couple in Knoxville during a 2007 carjacking by several armed men. Both victims were raped. Newsom was fatally shot and Christian suffocated after she was choked and stuffed in a garbage bag and a trash can. Davidson’s brother was convicted in the same attack in August and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Two other defendants are awaiting trial.

CDC: Swine flu kids’ deaths jump to 114 ATLANTA (AP) — Heath officials say swine flu has caused at least 19

more children’s deaths — the largest one-week increase since the pandemic started in April. At least 114 children have died from swine flu complications since the spring. That’s up from 95 reported a week ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the statistics on Friday. CDC Director Thomas Frieden says more Tamiflu for children has been released from a national medicine stockpile. There have been spot shortages of the children’s version of the swine flu treatment. The CDC also reported that swine flu is widespread now in all but two states. Health officials estimate that many millions of Americans have been infected, though most suffer only mild illness.

Sen. Udall sees nukes as part of energy solution DENVER (AP) — U.S. Sen. Mark Udall is sponsoring a bill that would authorize research into modular, small-scale nuclear power plants to help meet energy needs while cutting carbon emissions. The Colorado Democrat said in a speech Thursday in the Senate that the threat of climate change

requires an “all-of-theabove solution.” Udall is a strong proponent of renewable energy and has been considered an ally of environmental groups. But he and others concerned about climate change increasingly have seen nuclear power as part of the solution because it doesn’t produce greenhouse gases. Opponents say nuclear power has several problems, including high costs and radioactive waste.

‘Big Brother 9’ winner held on drug charge BOSTON (AP) — The winner of the CBS reality TV show “Big Brother 9” has been ordered held without bail on a federal drug charge. Adam Jasinski is accused of attempting to sell 2,000 oxycodone pills. A magistrate judge ordered him held without bail Friday after a federal agent testified Jasinski told him he had been selling thousands of oxycodone pills every month in Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In an affidavit, the agent said Jasinski told him he had used the $500,000 he won on “Big Brother 9” in 2008 to buy the pills. The 31-year-old Jasin-

Care Chiropractic & Acupuncture

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

Call Dr. Myers TODAY!

Oil tanker leaking fuel into U.S. waters SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says an oil tanker has leaked fuel into San Francisco Bay, creating a slick at least a mile long. Coast Guard Petty Officer Melissa Leake says the Panamanian-flagged Dubai Star began leaking bunker fuel during a fuel transfer Friday morning. Officials don’t know exactly how much has spilled into the water. Coast Guard vessels and aircraft are on the scene about 2.5 miles southeast of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Blockbusters

Grand OpeninG ★

Care Chiropractic

Wendy’s

Graham Ave KFC

McDonalds

Pamper Yourself with the following services , currently 10% Off: I-85

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE PAIN!

• AUTO INJURY • WORK INJURY

Nails • Facials • Waxing • Massaging • Pedicures

• Chronic Headaches • Neck Injuries • Sports Injuries • Back Pain • Insomnia • Arthritis • Leg Pain MEDICAID/MEDICARE/MED COST • Shoulder/Arm Pain

Mon-Thurs 9:30-6; Fri 9:30-11 Now Accepting New Patients Insurance is filed for you in network for AETNA BCBSNC UHC CIGNA

ski was arrested Oct. 17. Oxycodone is a prescription painkiller that can produce a heroin-like high if crushed and then swallowed, snorted or injected.

Royal Nails & Day Spa

We have Moved to our new location 1305 Graham Avenue

Dabney Drive

Galeana

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell IV was confirmed by the U.S. Senate late Wednesday to lead the joint U.S. and NATO training mission in Afghanistan. He told The Associated Press on Friday that he’s confident that President Barack Obama will give Gen. Stanley McChrystal at least a portion of the 40,000 additional troops he’s requested for Afghanistan. Caldwell says that $12 billion as been allocated over the next two years to train enough competent Afghan forces so they can take more control of their country’s security.

(252) 436-2500 • www.hendersonbackdoctor.com

Come and Experience Elegance!

436-0444

388 Cooper Drive (Next to JC Penney)

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

LOOSE DENTURES? HENDERSON FAMILY DENTISTRY

www.carechiropracticcenter.com

Coming To Our Newspaper One Week From Today

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

Call for your complimentary consultation

252-492-6004

American Profile is all about America’s heartland. With regular features on unsung heroes, hometown profiles, regional food, family and more, American Profile is a celebration of the people and lifestyles that make up this unique landscape that we call home. And it’s all coming to your home one week from today. Look for it right here!

In case I didn’t already send this 8A

Opinion

The Daily Dispatch

XII I

II III

VIII VII VI

IV V

X IX

XII

VII

He came, he saw, he kowtowed II III

VIII

Saturday, October 31, 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 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

Our Opinion

Smile and say, ‘bring it on’ It takes chutzpah to grin and call it a good day after being slapped with a $100,000 fine and hearing that your campaign finance case has been referred to a special prosecutor to determine whether criminal charges are necessary. But throughout the many investigations of former North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, he, his wife and his legal team have maintained smiling faces and high spirits that seem quite contrary to the evidence against him. The State Board of Elections on Friday unanimously ordered Easley’s campaign to pay $100,000 to the state — $60,000 in reimbursements for illegally free campaign flights and $40,000 to cover the cost of investigating the matter. And the board likewise unanimously referred the case to Wake County prosecutors — that is, the office of District Attorney Colon Willoughby, a friend of Easley’s who immediately asked to be removed from the case and who was replaced by Rowan County D.A. Bill Kenerly. “There has been evidence received of election law campaign finance violations that suggest that Mike Easley and others may have violated North Carolina law,” said Board of Elections Chairman Larry Leake. Said Bob Hall of the watchdog group Democracy North Carolina in a statement to the media: “It’s a sad day when evidence justifies referring a governor for criminal investigation, but it’s in the best interest of the public and of the thousands of candidates who are acting properly for the State Board to make it clear that no one is above the law.” Easley’s attorney, Thomas Hicks, surprisingly had requested that the case be turned over to the district attorney. “When I go to a tribunal and ask for it and they give me what I want, that makes me happy,” Hicks said afterward. But why? After all, Hicks’ defense of Easley resulted in findings against his client and a fine of $100,000. Maybe it’s because the Easley camp’s arrogance seems almost irrepressible. John Hood of the John Locke Foundation, whose column frequently appears in this paper, has made note of same. But he also mentions that in the course of the Board of Elections’ hearings, Easley’s luster quickly faded. “I heard a man start out confident, employ his usual blarney to evade the early questions, and then begin to fall apart,” Hood writes. “Easley’s charm became smarmy. His bravado became arrogant. His faulty recollections became evasive.” That sort of performance in a criminal court could send Easley to prison. (And remember, these charges are some of the lightest levied against Easley. Federal officials are looking into other allegations, most of them uncovered by The News & Observer of Raleigh, including Easley’s acceptance of a free $50,000 country club membership, getting huge discounts on coastal property that other buyers didn’t receive and perhaps illegally documenting the deal, and other potential crimes.) By the end of the Board of Elections hearings, Hicks and Easley had to be well aware that the panel’s findings and fines were a foregone conclusion. And that probably so was a referral to criminal prosecutors. So, stand up, smile, and say “bring it on.” At least in criminal court, Easley will get a second chance to make a first impression. And if Hicks can win for him there, then our former governor can bill himself as not so much a crook, but merely a bad manager of campaign money. And where’s the crime in that?

Quotable “It’s just very cold.” — Prosecutor Dara Cashman, after three teenagers were charged as adults in the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl outside a homecoming dance in Richmond, Calif.

It seems Rocco Landesman, the head of the National Endowment for the Arts, didn’t get the memo, literally. On Sept. 22, stung by controversy over the administration’s effort to turn the arts community into proselytizers of its very special brand of hope and change, the White House issued a stern warning to all government agencies: Keep politics out of the arts. The White House denied that was ever the intent. Many in the media, as is their wont, took the Obama administration at their word. But not the Web site Big Government (which broke the story) and the Washington Times. They demonstrated that from the earliest days of the presidential transition, Barack Obama’s political operation sought to entrench the arts community in its “outreach” operations. Bill Ivey, Obama’s transition advisor on the arts, admitted in June: “I wanted to see some real connection between administration objectives and the capacity of all the cultural actors in government. I made some progress. I got some agreement.” That “progress” mostly came in the form of enlisting arts groups — groups that received stimulus money — in Obama’s national service agenda. Three days after Landesman was confirmed as the head of the NEA, his communications director, Yosi Sergant, told NEA grantees in a conference call:

“I would encourage you to pick something, whether it’s health care, education, the environment — you know, there’s four key areas that the corporation has identified as the areas of service.” Two days later, a host of arts organizations endorsed Obama’s health Jonah care plan: Goldberg “We call on Congress Tribune Media to pass: A Services health care reform bill that will create a public health option. ... There is little time to waste ...” Of the 21 groups signing the statement, 16 had recently received grants from the NEA or were affiliated with organizations that had. Sergant was thrown under the bus, and the Sept. 22 memo put an end to the story for the supportive media. But the story continues. Last week, Landesman gave the keynote address to the 2009 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference. In fairness, Landesman did not reaffirm the White House and NEA’s obvious initial intent to turn the allegedly independent government agency into an adjunct of Obama’s “Organizing for America” operation. He was more subtle than that.

Instead, Landesman embraced a timeless tactic of power politics. He debased himself with incandescently vulgar obsequiousness to his supreme leader. “There is a new president and a new NEA,” he proclaimed. “This is the first president that actually writes his own books since Teddy Roosevelt and arguably the first to write them really well since Lincoln. If you accept the premise, and I do, that the United States is the most powerful country in the world, then Barack Obama is the most powerful writer since Julius Caesar. That has to be good for American artists.” After more fawning praise for the “Optimist in Chief,” he added that proof of Obama’s desire to take the NEA in exciting new directions was the president’s “out-of-left-field choice to head the NEA, a signal I certainly took to mean he wasn’t interested in business-as-usual for the arts.” One must trust that Landesman’s interpretation of his own appointment is accurate. Let us pause to reflect on Landesman’s odd — by which I mean absurd — historical analysis. Obama has written two books, one good, the other a plodding concatenation of political clich√©s and bromides. Ulysses S. Grant’s memoirs, published by Mark Twain, were a literary triumph. Woodrow Wilson wrote many books of great import but of less literary

worth. JFK won a Pulitzer for one of his books — the one he didn’t write, alas. But Richard Nixon wrote plenty, as did Herbert Hoover, including two definitive texts, one on mining, the other on fishing. Oh, and Lincoln never wrote any books. In short, Landesman doesn’t know what he’s talking about. But he does know what he’s doing. What matters to him is not the power of Obama’s writing but the power of the writer. Why else compare a democratically elected president to one of history’s most iconic dictators? That is unless we are to believe he is a huge fan of Caesar’s “De Bello Gallico.” There have been far greater writers with power than Obama since Caesar. Among them: Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, Benito Mussolini, Vladimir Lenin and Marcus Aurelius. By displaying with brazenly self-abasing ignorance that he is wholly Obama’s man, Landesman is making it clear that the NEA is completely committed to Obamaism. There’s no need for any more of Mr. Sergant’s tacky, Chicago-style pay-to-play. Selfhumiliation sends a far more powerful signal. No doubt the provincial official has pleased his Caesar. You can write to Jonah Goldberg by e-mail at JonahsColumn@aol. com.

Other Views Centennial Campus at NCSU a hidden gem even 25 years later When former Gov. Jim Hunt pushed in 1984 to allot the first 385 acres for what would be called N.C. State University’s Centennial Campus, he had in his mind a public-private concept that he now describes as “unprecedented.” Judging by the number of universities that in the years since have attempted to follow the Centennial model, it appears the governor was pretty much right. And so it’s fitting that the new, futuristic library on the campus will be named for Hunt, a progressive governor in so many ways. The 25th anniversary of motivation they need to get to the Centennial Campus offers much accomplishment on polls and reclaim their state. And in Virginia, history is on which to reflect: several the side of the Bob McDonnell. thousand people, from stuIn every Virginia gubernatorial dents to business execuelection since 1977, the voters tives to faculty, now work have elected a governor from the on the site. There is a golf opposition party of the recentlycourse. There are, between elected president, no matter how the main campus and a high a margin of victory that biomedical campus aligned president had, including even my with it, over 1,300 acres father, Ronald Reagan. involved. There will be But we cannot rely on history to more facilities and people write itself. Nothing about these to come. elections is guaranteed for us. The Private companies candidates have done their part, obviously enjoy the contravelling around their fine states venience of relationships reaching out to voters. Now the with research faculty, and responsibility lies with us. researchers benefit from Will we stand up and send a modern facilities and the powerful message to President investment by private Obama and the Democrats in concerns in the pursuit Washington that we are not of discoveries. Students fooled by their empty promises? participate, and learn. The Will we show the pundits that the Republican brand is neither university has room to dead nor defeated, but that the grow outside of its Hillsborconservative principles we hold ough Street headquarters. are vital for today? N.C. State, with its The last time we had a newly- emphasis on the sciences elected Democratic president, and engineering, was inBill Clinton, two Republicans deed a good spot to break won election as the governors of new ground with publicNew Jersey and Virginia. The private partnerships, and next year, Republicans swept the result, with a quarinto elected office in Washington ter-century of experience in the ‘Republican Revolution of now in hand, has been an 1994,’ reinvigorating the national debate and rewriting the legisla- overwhelmingly positive one. tive agenda. Along the way, despite My friends, it’s time for another revolution. And it all starts ongoing expansion, some have mused that the next Tuesday when you step Centennial Campus is inside the election booth. rather like a well-hidden treasure. Better known Mike Reagan, the elder son of the ’round the world than in its late President Ronald Reagan, is own hometown? Oh, maybe chairman and president of The for a while. But only for a Reagan Legacy Foundation (www. reaganlegacyfoundation.org). E-mail while. comments to Reagan@caglecar— The News & Observer of Raleigh toons.com.

A fresh change and a new beginning? The ’09 elections On Tuesday, voters across the nation will take to the polls in the first elections since President Obama’s inauguration. At stake are critical state legislative races across our nation that will determine future redistricting boundaries, as well as important gubernatorial races in high-profile states. But Conservatives must also recognize that what is at stake goes beyond these tangible election results -- the results will be rightfully viewed as a voter referendum on President Obama, the Democratled Congress and their progressive agenda. This is why it is essential for Conservatives across our nation to get to the polls and pull the lever for Republican candidates -- even if you don’t see eye to eye on every important issue with that particular candidate. This important moment requires Conservatives to come together and unite behind our diverse pool of candidates so that we can direct our energy toward the defeat of Democrats nationwide. The two races that will deservedly garner the most attention next Tuesday are the elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia. In New Jersey, the Republican challenger, former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, has been garnering significant support for a traditionally blue state with an incumbent Democratic governor. Throughout most the last several months, polls showed Christie with a small lead, some of which has dissipated lately, as Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine has caught up and, in some polls, regained the lead. Christie has also struggled against Chris Daggett, a late-coming third-party candidate for governor. Since

his announcement he has seen steady and sizable gains, polling as high as 17 percent, and has directly contributed to Gov. Corzine’s gains. With President Obama having heavily stumped for Gov. Corzine, and given that the state went to the president by a 56.8 percent to 42.1 percent margin, Chris Christie has fought a rough battle, a battle which Michael he can win, if we can see the Reagan importance of Distributed by getting each Cagle Cartoons and every Conservative and Libertarian-leaning New Jerseyan to the polls. Failure to do so will lead to the continued tax increases, budget shortfalls and excessive spending that have heavily contributed to the rapid decline of the state’s economy, and will give national Democrats an important win to bolster their pursuit of dangerous domestic policies. In Virginia’s governor’s race, Attorney General and Republican Candidate Bob McDonnell is realizing significant gains over his Democratic opponent Creigh Deeds as they head into the home stretch -- holding a double-digit lead in some polls. What makes these numbers even more impressive, and a bit surprising, is the fact that just last year President Obama stunned the political world by capturing Virginia by a comfortable 6 percent. The Democrats’ recent electoral success there alone should give Conservative Virginians all the

The Daily Dispatch

Dear Abby

News From The Light Side SATURDAY Morning / Early Afternoon 10/31/09

On this date: In 1941, the Navy destroyer USS Reuben James was torpedoed by a German U-boat off Iceland with the loss of some 100 lives, even though the United States had not yet entered World War II. In 1959, a former U.S. Marine showed up at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to declare he was renouncing his American citizenship so he could live in the Soviet Union. His name: Lee Harvey Oswald. In 1998, a genetic study was released suggesting President Thomas Jefferson did in fact father at least one child by his slave Sally Hemings. Ten years ago: EgyptAir Flight 990, bound from New York to Cairo, crashed off the Massachusetts coast, killing all 217 people aboard. Five years ago: In the closing hours of their bitter campaign, President George W. Bush and challenger Sen. John

Today’s Birthdays: Author Dick Francis is 89. Former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk is 87. Actress Lee Grant is 82. Movie critic Andrew Sarris is 81. Former astronaut Michael Collins is 79. Former CBS anchorman Dan Rather is 78. Folk singer Tom Paxton is 72. Actor Ron Rifkin is 70. Actress Sally Kirkland is 68. Actor David Ogden Stiers is 67. Actor Stephen Rea is 63. Olympic gold medal distance runner Frank Shorter is 62. Actress Deidre Hall is 61. Talk show host Jane Pauley is 59. Actor Brian Stokes Mitchell is 51. Movie director Peter Jackson is 48. Rock musician Larry Mullen is 48. Actor Dermot Mulroney is 46. Rock musician Mikkey Dee (Motorhead) is 46. Rock singer-musician Johnny Marr is 46. Actor Rob Schneider is 45. Country singer Darryl Worley is 45. Actorcomedian Mike O’Malley is 44. Rap musician Adrock (Adam Horovitz) is 43. Songwriter Adam Schlesinger is 42. Rap performer Vanilla Ice (aka Rob Van Winkle) is 41. Rock singer Linn Berggren (Ace of Base) is 39. Reality TV host Troy Hartman is 38.