January 3, 2010

Page 1

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 3 ■ January 3, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ $1.25

Sunday

Decade in Review

INSIDE

First 10 years of 21st century eventful in Sevier County Staff Reports

5Wild week on way Pigeon Forge to host 20th Wilderness Wildlife Week Mountain life, Page B1

5Smoky Bears on fire Boys hoop team in uncharted territory Sports, Page A8

Local

Man charged for groping woman Woman allegedly sexually assaulted by suspect on New Year’s Day Page A3

Weather Today Mostly Sunny High: 30°

Tonight Mostly Clear Low: 13° DETAILS, Page A6

Obituaries Billy Ray Pack, 79 Maxine A. Lazzara, 77

DETAILS, Page A4

Index Local & State . . . . . A1-6 Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . A8-12 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . B6 Classifieds . . . . . . . . B6-7

Corrections The Mountain Press is committed to accuracy. Please report factual errors by calling 428-0748 Ext. 214.

The first decade of the new millennium brought its share of twists and turns for Sevier County. The economy emerged as the major story, as the downturn of recent years has been felt one way or another throughout the area. The county also saw its share of natural disasters, from droughts to flooding to wildfires. And it had some major new additions, including Smokies Park, Splash Country, and the Sevierville Events Center at Bridgemont. It was never easy to pick a top story or even a top three for each year, but the staff of The Mountain Press chose the following events as the top stories of the decade:

2000

The decade started off with a major addition to the county. Smokies Park drew 7,000 people for its inaugural game. The new hometown team won its first game 10-7 over the Chattanooga Lookouts. When Knoxville officials couldn’t agree on a site for a new home for the Knoxville Smokies baseball team to replace Bill Meyer Stadium, Judge Gary Wade and others campaigned for the team to relocate down Interstate 40 to Exit 407, and become the Tennessee Smokies. Sevierville gave $11.4 million for the facility, Sevier County threw in $5 million and the Smokies paid the remaining $3 million. The move spurred Sevierville officials to annex along Highway 66 into Kodak, all the way to Interstate 40, where the stadium sits northeast of Exit 407. The team started out as an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, but later switched to the St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks before affiliating with the Chicago Cubs. The stadium itself is managed by the Sevier County Economic Development Council; in addition to hosting the Smokies games it is also used for concerts, car shows and other events every year. Runner up: Another big opening drew headlines in 2000, as Walters State Community College moved to its new campus on Old Newport Highway.

self, along with members of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team. At its opening, the park included water slides, a wave pool, a “lazy river,” children’s area and other attractions. It was named the World Water park Association’s Best New Water Park in America that year. Since that time, it has added more attractions like Fire Tower Falls and Bear Mountain Fire Tower. Runner up: Wildfires spread over hundreds of acres on Bluff Mountain, destroying one home and threatening many other structures. Firefighters from throughout the area were called to aid in containing the blaze, and a team from California eventually helped to oversee the efforts.

2002

The bankruptcy filing of two resorts would become a long-running story. In October, Stetson and Associates and Deer Path Vacations LP announced they were filing for bankruptcy. They left hundreds of local businesses that had worked on their developments as creditors. They also left dozens of Christian families, including the families of several pastors, holding worthless titles. Among the problems discovered about the troubled projects was that in many cases structures had built across the actual property lines. Litigation concerning the failed projects stretched on for years. Runner up: Massive flooding across the county forced people from their homes in March, as a storm system dumped more than six inches of rain on the county in about 36 hours.

2003

The county lost one of its oldest and largest employers in November, when Dan River Inc. announced it was closing down its textile plant on Middle Creek Road. More than 400 people worked at the plant, which had been in operation since 1955. It was originally built by

File

In 2006, the Ultraflow was opened in an effort to ease traffic congestion for tourists and locals alike. Cherokee Textile Mills, but was purchased by Dan River Inc. in 1997. Officials with Dan River said the company needed to consolidate operations handled at the Sevierville plant with another location, and could no longer afford to keep the local plant open. The loss was a major blow for the county, as the mill offered steady, year-round work for its employees. The city of Sevierville eventually purchased the Dan River property, and later sold it to Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center for use in building a new hospital and medical offices to serve the county. Runner-up: A group

of Orlando businessmen purchased the 195-acre Jake Thomas farm for $20 million.

Jury charged Rockin’ Raceway manager Charles Stan Martin with second-degree murder in Alexander’s death; a local jury eventually convicted 2004 him on the lesser charge When 51-year-old June of reckless homicide. Carol Alexander fell to Testimony showed that her death on a ride at a the ride was a unique Pigeon Forge attraction prototype. It also showed in March, the accident that someone at the park led to national scrutiny, had apparently tampered changes in state legislawith the ride’s circuitry, tion and criminal charges disabling an alarm that against the manager of would have sounded if the attraction. the restraints were not Alexander fell from the properly secured before Hawk ride at the Rockin’ it started. Raceway when her safety The incident also led restraints failed while to changes in state laws the ride was completing concerning inspections a loop. Family members, of rides. including her son, witRunner-up: The 278th nessed the incident. A Sevier County Grand See review, Page A2

2001

The opening of Dolly’s Splash Country — later renamed Dollywood’s Splash Country — topped the headlines of 2001. The $20 million, 25-acre water park complements Dollywood as one of the county’s main tourist attractions. The May 19 opening featured an appearance from Dolly Parton her-

The 2004 death of 51-year-old June Carol Alexander, who fell to her death on the Hawk ride at the Rockin’ Raceway in Pigeon Forge led to national scrutiny, changes in state legislation and criminal charges against the manager of the attraction.

File

A2 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Sunday, January 3, 2010

review

3From Page A1

Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee National Guard was called up to active duty in the War on Terror. Two members with local ties, Sgt. Paul W. Thomasson III and Sgt. Victor Lieurance, gave their lives while serving. The unit was given a “Heroes Homecoming� locally upon their return in 2005.

2005

Gov. Phil Bredesen kept a key campaign promise by bringing fiscal restraint to the Tenncare health insurance program, but the reduced spending came at the cost of cutting some patients from the rolls and denying access to others. An estimated 5,773 Sevier County residents lost coverage, and local agencies scrambled to fill the void. Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic expanded its services, bringing in its first permanent physician, and the state Department of Health gave $800,000 to staff a primary care clinic. The Economic Development Council also started a new Smartcard program that helps employers that can’t afford commercial insurance provide for some medical care. Runner up: Sevier County Commission approved zoning ordinances for the first time ever, more than four years after voters approved a referendum calling for regulations.

2006

Traffic at “Malfunction Junction� — the intersection of Main Street and Winfield Dunn Parkway — will probably never flow smoothly during big tourist weekends. If it does, it will likely be cause for alarm for the county’s tourism driven economy. But the opening of Highway 448 — the Ultraflow bypass — created an alternative route for traffic moving through downtown Sevierville, moving some of it a few blocks from Forks of the River and through the Love Addition area. In so doing, it helped make the traffic jams on Highway 66 shorter, start moving faster and generally become more bearable for the visitors whose money the county depends on and for locals trying just trying to get around their hometown. It wasn’t a perfect solution — it still has critics, and city officials continue to look at possible tweaks to the design — but the state project helped improve the county’s traffic woes, especially while waiting for the often delayed widening of Highway 66. Runner Up: Officials with Covenant Health announced plans to build a new hospital and medical campus across from the current one.

2007

If creation of the Central Business Improvement District (CBID) represented a new vision for Sevierville’s future, the opening of the

Chapter 7 s

Sevierville Events Center showed that dream was on its way to reality. The district runs from Interstate 40 down Highway 66 to downtown Sevierville. Over the course of the decade, city officials agreed to more than $200 million in bonds as part of the project, to be paid for with sales tax funds from the district. The payment plan has drawn controversy, as the state law establishing the guidelines for CBID projects allows the city to use sales tax funds that would ordinarily go to the state and to the county to help pay down the bond. City officials have said that the $65 million Events Center was a means to an end — the city designated bond funds for so many other projects that the state rewrote the rules for File the districts after approvDolly Parton, acting as ambassador for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s 75th annivering Sevierville’s plan. That sary, sings during the official celebration held last year. The anniversary was the top story for the includes work on Veterans year. Boulevard, and possible downtown projects. The city eventually dropped plans for opment in Pigeon Forge a downtown parking garage, stopped after the “take-out lender� fell victim to the but purchased the property used for downtown parking. recession. The project itself eventuResidents are still waitally went into bankruptcy, ing for many of those and now the buildings sit projects, but the Events unfinished but near compleCenter has proved a strong tion as the banks look for a attraction for the city, with new developer to take over. events drawing thousands Other projects, like of people to the area some Dumplin Creek and weekends. Bridgemont, remain stalled Long-range plans call for because of the downturn, additional development in the district to bring in more although developers say they’re ready to start work sales tax revenues and pay down the bonds. Wilderness again once the economy turns. Resorts has opened its Runner-up: The future for promised hotel, condominione of the county’s oldest ums and water parks, but and most revered instituthe downturn in the econotions came in doubt when Pi my stalled plans for a commercial development across Beta Phi announced it had entered negotiations to sell File from the Events Center. The Sevierville Events Center opened its doors in 2007 and quickly Developer John Turley later the land where Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts is became a strong attraction for the city, bringing thousands of people to started some very visible located. The fraternity even- the area. work near Interstate 40 tually abandoned the plans, at Exit 407, but work on but Arrowmont officials News began to leak out Runners-Up: In 2008, properly inform the public the project has stopped as remain cautious and have about the impending bank- voters narrowly declined a of the need for the tax hike, he awaits a decision from discussed the possibility of ruptcy of the Belle Island referendum for a .25 perand this time the voters the Sevierville Board of buying the land themselves project, and the downturn cent increase in that the approved it. Mayor and Aldermen on helped reveal that Dennis county board of education Late in the year, the state whether the city will pay for or relocating. Bolze, a noted philanthropitched as a necessity for National Guard announced a road to serve his planned pist, was actually obtaining paying for construction that local guard members Dumplin Creek commercial 2009 his funds through a Ponzi of new schools to relieve were once again being development. For the second year in a scheme that bilked both overcrowding. In 2009, called to active duty. They Runner-up: After years row, the economic cloud local and international school officials brought were allowed to return of complaint about develhung over local and national investors out of millions of the matter up for a second home for Christmas before opments on ridgetops that news. dollars. vote, saying they failed to returning to training. locals say has ruined the Local officials have said views in Wears Valley and Sevier County was not as on Shields Mountain, local hard hit as other tourist governments hired a New areas, but unemployment York based company to come up with regulations on still reached double digits over the course of the year hilltop and ridgetop develat a time when it is ordinaropment. ily low. Local government budgets 2008 reflected the downturn with The recession was the top belt-tightening measures, story nationally, and in this and local charities felt the impact as well. Sevier case Sevier County wasn’t County United Way only isolated from the effects at got about half of its goal all. of $500,000, just three In 2008, the economic downturn slowly began to be years after drawing $1 million. That drop will be felt felt throughout the county. by charities and nonprofit Housing sales dropped, agencies throughout the and the local construction county that depend on it for industry felt the pinch. By support. November, the county’s The Sevier County Food unemployment rate reached ' Ministries averaged 1,300 6.8 percent, an unusual

& %$ clients a week, in another level for that time of year (%)& but not the highest it would sign of how local residents were struggling. get over the course of the recession. The cities began noting drops in tax revenues that Gift Certificates Available would result in budget cuts and hiring freezes in some 865.908.9248 cases. 3NELLING 3TUDIOS Conveniently located inside the Pigeon Forge Community Center Late in the year, work !LL !GES on the Belle Island devel-

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Local ◆ A3

Sunday, January 3, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

Man charged for allegedly groping sleeping woman By JEFF FARRELL Staff Writer

AP Photo/Knoxville News Sentinel, Saul Young

Unidentified suspects in custody sit outside at 205 Clifton Road in West Knoxville after members of the the Knox County Sheriff’s Office has raided the local “clubhouse” of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Knoxville, on Thursday.

Knoxville biker club raided by deputies KNOXVILLE (AP) — Knox County sheriff’s deputies stormed a motorcycle clubhouse with concussion grenades on New Year’s Eve and arrested two members for allegedly threatening an undercover officer. Mark Lester and Kenneth Foster, both 55 and members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, were both charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, according to Knox County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Martha Dooley. The Knoxville News Sentinel reported Saturday that they were both being held in lieu of $3 million

bonds. Lester is regional president of the motorcycle club and Foster is a local president, Dooley said. Also arrested were Cynthia Allison, 38, of Knoxville; Martha McCammon, 62, of Knoxville; and Roger Jarman, 57, of Lake City, according to Dooley. They were each charged with misdemeanor drug possession and released after posting $1,000 bonds. Dozens of heavily armed deputies stormed the clubhouse around 9 p.m. Thursday, using concussion grenades to disorient those inside. Several people were detained, but most were later released without charges.

“These guys are a menace to society,” Knox County Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones said. “Everything they stand for is illegal.” The raid was the culmination of a 14-month investigation in which an undercover deputy became a member of the motorcycle club after being recruited by Lester, Jones said. Jones said that in December, Lester and Foster allegedly threatened the officer with a semiautomatic pistol and stole his motorcycle vest, which is considered a status symbol and a way to identify other gang members.

GATLINBURG — Police here charged a local man with aggravated burglary and sexual battery after a woman said she woke up early New Year’s Day to find him groping her. Christopher C. Merritt, 24, of 616 Loop Drive in Gatlinburg, was being held Saturday at the Sevier County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond. Police say his alleged victim was asleep in her home with her boyfriend when she awakened at about 6:15 a.m., because Merritt was touching her buttocks. Merritt fled the house when she got up and confronted him; the woman then fled to her parents’ house, which is next door to hers. When police arrived, Merritt came out from beside the house. “Merritt showed back up at the scene and claimed to have been in the area chasing someone on foot,” Officer Gary McCarter said in the warrant for Merritt’s arrest. While they were talking, the woman came out and identified Merritt as the man who’d been in her home. The report doesn’t state whether Merritt had any previous relationship with his alleged victim. The Mountain Press does not generally identify the victims in alleged sex crimes. n jfarrell@themountainpress.com

arre s t s Editor’s Note: The following information was taken from the intake reports at the Sevier County Jail. All people listed within this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. u Gabriel Paul Carter, 19, of Powell, was charged Jan. 1 with underage driving while impaired. He was released on $1,000 bond. u Rebecca Faye Eichenberger, 46, of 901 Hidden Harbor Drive in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 1 with DUI and violation of implied consent law. She was released on $2,500 bond. u Scott Lawrence Enerson, 46, of 426 Ski Mountain Road Apt. 39 in Gatlinburg, was charged Jan. 1 with public intoxica-

tion. He was released on $1,000 bond. u Isauro Galvan Gomez, 35, of Lexington, Ky., was charged Jan. 1 with driving on a suspended license. He was released on $1,000 bond. u James Stanley Havens, 20, of McKee, Ky., was charged Jan. 1 with DUI and speeding. He was being held in lieu of $5,000 bond. u Eugene Floyd Henry, 46, of 711 Burden Hill Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 1 with domestic violence assault. He was being held in lieu of $2,000 bond. u Jimmy Alan Jordan, 44, of 415 Shirley Ave. in Pigeon Forge, was charged Jan. 2 with DUI and violation of implied consent law. He was being held in lieu of $2,500 bond.

u Justin Dow MacNeil, 19, of 870 Golden Circle Drive in Pigeon Forge, was charged Jan. 2 with underage consumption of alcohol. He was being held in lieu of $1,000 bond. u Ryan Scott McWilliams, 27, of 126 Reagan Branch Road in Seymour, was charged Jan.. 2 with public intoxication. He was being held in lieu of $250 bond. u Christopher Charles Merritt, 24, of 616 Loop Drive in Gatlinburg, was charged Jan. 1 with aggravated burglary and sexual battery. He was being held in lieu of $100,000 bond. u Kenneth Adrian O’Neal, 23, of San Ramon, Calif., was charged Jan. 1 with violation of an order of protection. He was

being held. u Michael Scott Ramsey, 29, of St. Barnardle, La., was charged Jan. 2 with two misdemeanor warrants from general sessions court. He was being held. u Refujio Javier Renteria, 32, of 426 Burden Hill in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 1 with public intoxication and disorderly conduct. He was released. u Juan Antonio Rios, 37, of 510 Ridge Road Apt. 9 in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 1 with DUI and driving without a license. He was released on $3,500 bond. u Robert Guy Ward, 33, of 2233 Grassy Branch Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 2 with aggravated sexual battery of a child less than 13 years of age. He was being held.

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A4 â—† Local/Nation

The Mountain Press â—† Sunday, January 3, 2010

2010 situation grows more difficult for Democrats WASHINGTON (AP) — An already difficult situation for Democrats in Congress is worsening as the 2010 political season opens. To minimize expected losses in next fall’s election, President Barack Obama’s party is testing a line of attack that resurrects George W. Bush as a boogeyman and castigates Republicans as cozy with Wall Street. Four House Democrats from swing districts have recently chosen not to seek re-election, bringing to 11 the number of retirements that could leave Democratic-held seats vulnerable to Republicans. More Democratic retirements are expected.

Over the holiday break, another Democrat, freshman Rep. Parker Griffith of Alabama, defected to the GOP. “I can no longer align myself with a party that continues to pursue legislation that is bad for our country, hurts our economy, and drives us further and further into debt,� said Griffith, who voted against Democrats’ three biggest initiatives in 2009: health care, financial regulation and reducing global warming. In the Senate, at least four Democrats — including Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and fiveterm Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd — are in serious trouble. The party

obituaries In Memoriam

Maxine A. Lazzara

could also lose its grip on seats Obama held in Illinois and Vice President Joe Biden long occupied in Delaware. Going into 2010, Democrats held a 257-178 majority in the House and an effective 60-40 majority in the Senate, including two independents who align themselves with Democrats. But they face an incumbent-hostile electorate worried about a 10 percent unemployment rate, weary of wars and angry at politicians of all stripes. Many independents who backed Democrats in 2006 and 2008 have turned away. Republicans, meanwhile, are energized and united in opposing Obama’s policies.

Maxine A. Lazzara, 77 of Sevierville, passed away at her home Friday, Jan. 1, 2010. She was preceded by her parents, Luther and Willie Woodruff; husband, Frank R. Lazzara Sr.; son, Samuel Allen Lazzara; sister, Joyce Windsor; and brother, Robert Woodruff. She is survived by her children, Jonnie & Gary D’Andrea of Knoxville, Toni Lee Lazzara of Phenix City, Al. Dr. Frank Russell & Myongyo Lazzara Jr. of Augusta, Ga. and Cathy Ann Elder of Sevierville; brother, Bill & Judy Woodruff of Sanford, Fla.; sister, Ora Lea Humburg of Sevierville; grandchildren, Lara Ann & Sam Kimber, Robert & Jennifer Miller, Chris & Gabby Turner, Matthew Lazzara, Brian Lazzara and Joseph Lazzara; two great granddaughters, Abigail Kimber and Chloe Miller; sister-in-law, Nancy Lazzara of Easton, Pa. and brother-in-law, Sal Lazzara of Easton, Pa.; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and great nieces and nephews and many friends. Funeral Services will be Sunday at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. Rosary Service at Rawlings Funeral Home. Rev. W.W. Cope and Deacon Larry West will conduct the services. Visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be Monday at noon at the Pigeon Forge Cemetery. Special Thanks to Summit Medical Group, Girling Home Health Care, Caris Hospice Group and Lincare. You may share your thoughts and memories with the family on our website. n www.rawlingsfuneralhome.com

Billy Ray Pack AP Photo/The Paducah Sun, John Wright

Pat Coombs of Stanley, Ky. gives the signal for boat driver Bobby Hill to make one more loop around Twin Oaks Lake near Paducah, Ky. Friday, as he participates in the Kentucky Lake Ski Nuts’ annual New Year’s Day water ski outing. This marked the 32nd time for the club to host the event.

New Year’s not too cold to deter water skiers PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) — It was freezing, but not cold enough to deter people in Kentucky and Tennessee from skiing on frigid waters to ring in the new year. Near Paducah, Ky., about five members of the Kentucky Lake Ski Nuts braved the Twin Oaks Lake

for a quick run over waters that hovered around 32 degrees. Joe Burkhead told The Paducah Sun it wasn’t the coldest day he’s ever skied — having once skied in the low 20s. In Memphis, Tenn., a few dozen hardy souls paid $30 each to ski the

Mississippi River to raise money for Dream Factory of Memphis, a nonprofit that grants the dreams of ill children. After his run in 36 degree weather, Bennie Chesteen of Brighton told the Commercial Appeal, “Thank You, Jesus. I survived another year.�

state briefs

Student trying to break record

CLARKSVILLE (AP) — An Austin Peay State University student will attempt to break the record for the longest continuous time playing a video game. David Scherer, a 19-year-old student, will start playing Grand Theft Auto on Sunday and plans to continue playing for 72 hours. WSMV-TV reports that the current Guinness record for longest continuous play of the game belongs to a man in India who played for

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MURFREESBORO (AP) — Murfreesboro police say a 31-year-old man was cooking methamphetamine in the back seat of his car, parked at a gas station, when he passed out.

The Daily News Journal reported a gas station employee called police to complain about the car, which had been parked at the pump for an hour on New Year’s Day. Police found Nathan E. Beasley passed out in the front seat and in the back seat, fluids in bottles that were in the process of a chemical reaction. Murfreesboro Assistant Fire Chief Allen Swader said the gas pumps were shut off as a precaution.

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MEMPHIS (AP) — Funeral services have been set for former Tennessee Lt. Gov. John S. Wilder on Sunday in West Tennessee. Wilder, a wily, eccentric and towering figure in Tennessee politics, died early Friday at a Memphis hospital following a stroke earlier in the week. He was 88. The Commercial Appeal reported that visitation for family and friends will begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Peebles Fayette County Funeral Home West Chapel along U.S. 64 near Oakland. The funeral begins at 2 p.m. with a private burial

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Billy Ray Pack, 79, of Sevierville, formerly of Logan, W.V., died Wednesday, December 30, 2009. He was a member of the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ and a retired meatcutter/manager of A & P Tea Company. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Polly Gore Pack; son and daughter-in-law, William Guy and Donna Pack; daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Tom Elkins, Kathy and Fred Murray, Valarie and Kenny Kitchen; brothers, Jerry and Tom, both of Logan, W.V.; sisters, Kathryn of Ohio and Toni of N.C.; 10 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to GSM Church of Christ Building Fund, PO Box 173, Pigeon Forge, TN, 37868. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with the funeral service immediately following with Minister Al Behel officiating. Interment service to be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at the Mausoleum in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Logan, W.V.

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Nation â—† A5

Sunday, January 3, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Obama cites al-Qaida link in plot

AP Photo/Harry Hamburg, File

During the GOP’s weekly radio address Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., said Saturday Jan. 2, 2010 the United States ultimately will overcome the daunting problems of war, recession and double-digit unemployment.

GOP leader says U.S. will overcome war and recession WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says the United States will overcome war, recession and double-digit unemployment. Challenges will be met, better days are ahead and the nation’s leaders will unite for the common good despite sometimes sharp political disagreements, which are the hallmark of a vibrant democracy, McConnell said in the GOP’s weekly radio and Internet address Saturday. “The new year always brings with it renewed hope and a spirit of optimism — qualities that have exemplified our nation and its people from the very start,� said McConnell, R-Ky. He drew a historical parallel, citing the colonial army of 230 years ago winning a great military victory amid the exhaustion of a war in which the colonists were facing impossible odds against the British. “Powerful forces may be aligned against us ... but when the challenges are greatest, Americans always join ranks,� the senator said. Democrats and Republicans have been sharply at odds over numerous issues in the last year, from economic stimulus to energy legislation to overhauling the health care system.

Cities, counties take back tax breaks CHICAGO (AP) — Cashstrapped communities have a message for corporations that promised jobs in return for tax breaks: A deal’s a deal. As the economy sputters along, municipalities struggling to fix roads, fund schools and pay bills increasingly are rescinding tax abatements to companies that don’t hire enough workers, that lay them off or that close up shop. At the same time, they’re sharpening new incentive deals, leaving no doubt what is expected of companies and what will happen if they don’t deliver. “We will roll out the red carpet as much as we can (but) they are going to honor the contract,� said Brendon Gallagher, an alderman in DeKalb, Ill., where Target Corp. got abatements from the city, county, school district and other taxing bodies after promising at least 500 jobs at a local distribution

center. So when the company came up 66 workers short in 2009, Target got word its next tax bill would be jumping almost $600,000 — more than half of which goes to the local school district, where teachers and programs have been cut as coffers dried up. The newfound boldness comes from communities and states that have long bent over backward to lure companies and jobs by offering abatements and other incentives — to the tune of an estimated $60 billion a year in the United States, according to the Washington-based economic development watchdog group Good Jobs First. The willingness to write — and enforce — the “clawback� provisions comes even as companies across the country struggle and against a broader backdrop of governments getting tough on business practices.

HONOLULU (AP) — An al-Qaida affiliate in Yemen apparently ordered the Christmas Day plot against a U.S. airliner, training and arming the 23-year-old Nigerian man accused in the failed bombing, President Barack Obama said Saturday. “This is not the first time this group has targeted us,� Obama said, reporting on some of the findings of an administration review into how intelligence agencies failed to prevent Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab from boarding Detroit-bound Northwest Flight 253. In his most direct public language to date, Obama described the path through Yemen of Abdulmutallab. He also

emphasized that the United States would continue its partnerships with friendly countries — citing Yemen, in particular — to fight terrorists and extremist groups. The U.S. plans to more than double its counterterrorism aid to the impoverished, fragmented Arab nation in the coming year to support Yemen’s campaign against al-Qaida. Obama’s homeland security team has been piecing together just how Abdulmutallab was able to get on the plane. Officials have described flaws in the system and by those executing the strategy and have delivered a preliminary assessment. A top counterterrorism official said Saturday

that al-Qaida and others extremists are working to test U.S. defenses and launch an attack on American soil. The failed attempt against the plane “is the starkest of reminders of the insidious terrorist threats we face,� said Michael Leiter, director of the National

Counterterrorism Center. “We know with absolute certainty that al-Qaida and those who support its ideology continue to refine their methods to test our defenses and pursue an attack on the homeland,� he said. The center, part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, draws experts from the CIA, FBI, Pentagon and other agencies who try to ensure that clues about potential attacks are not missed. A senior administration official had said the United States increasingly was confident of a link between Abdulmutallab and an al-Qaida affiliate, but Obama’s statement was the strongest connection between the two.

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A6 ◆

The Mountain Press ◆ Sunday, January 3, 2010

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n SEVIER COUNTY

Man charged with sexual battery

Sheriff’s deputies charged a Gatlinburg man Friday with aggravated sexual battery of a child after his alleged victim said he made her touch him several months previous. Robert Guy Ward, 33, of 2233 Grassy Branch Road in Gatlinburg, was being held at the Sevier County Jail without bond. The alleged victim, who is 10 years old, said her parents had left her and her 12-year-old brother alone with Ward in August when he made her touch his genitals. She said she yelled for her brother, who told the investigator he came into the room and saw Ward making her touch him. The Mountain Press does not generally identify alleged victims of sex crimes. n

Leah Avril, a former student and cheerleader at Sevier County High School, died recently. Her cheerleader coach, Tammie Leo, has begun a scholarship in Leah’s memory through the Sevier County High School Foundation. A scholarship will be awarded this spring to a student who was a junior varsity cheerleader. Taxable donations can be made to the SCHS Foundation, P.O. Box 4124, Sevierville, TN 37864; mark the check Leah Avril Fund. For more information, contact Nancy Hewitt at 607-0032. SEVIER COUNTY

Medic blood drives planned

Medic blood drives in Sevier County: n Jan. 4: Food City Gatlinburg, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. n Jan. 6: Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1103 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. n Jan. 7: Gatlinburg First Baptist Church, 111 Oglewood Lane, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. n Jan. 7: Sevier Farmers Co-op, 321 W. Main St., Sevierville, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. n Jan. 8: Sevierville Post Office, 711 Dolly Parton Parkway, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nation n

UTAH

Crews contend with 19 pythons

ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — Crews responding to a trailer fire in southern Utah had another factor to contend with: snakes. Kristeen Checketts, the animal control officer in St. George, says there were about 19 pet pythons in the trailer when it caught fire Thursday morning at an RV park in town. Once the fire was put down, Checketts and firefighters began pulling out snake after snake, most in cages and some up to 18 feet long. n

Lottery Numbers

HCA see fewer NICU admissions Credits limits on C-sections NASHVILLE (AP) — HCA officials say their hospitals have seen a 16 percent decrease since 2007 in neonatal intensive care admissions for fullterm babies. Dr. Steven Clark, HCA’s medical director of women’s and children’s clinical services, told The Tennessean the drop corresponds with a peri-

natal safety initiative that includes limiting elective C-sections and inductions for women who have not reached their 39th week of pregnancy. The initiative has led not only to later C-sections, but also fewer. The first-time C-section rate has dropped between 10 and 15 percent, he said. HCA’s “initiatives have led to a dramatic reduction in bad outcomes,” Clark said. “But more importantly, there is clear evidence these initiatives have improved the care

for countless mothers and babies.” March of Dimes Associate Director of Program Services, Tamara Currin, said some women chose to have an elective C-section or induction as early as the 34th week. Doctors sometimes allow it if the baby’s weight is good, but the baby’s lungs and brain may not be fully developed, necessitating hospitalization. A recent March of Dimes report card gave Tennessee an “F” for a premature

birth rate of 14.2 percent. In October, the March of Dimes recognized Nashville-based HCA’s initiative as a model at a national conference. A presentation by Clark at the conference noted, “As a profession, we have become sloppy and regularly violate the standard of care set by our professional organization.” The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology wants more hospitals across the country to use the 39-week-and-greater rule for elective deliveries.

MARYLAND

Furloughs prevent holiday marriages

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Budget woes mean couples who wanted to tie the knot at one Maryland courthouse on New Year’s Eve were out of luck. Dec. 31 is usually the second busiest day, after Valentine’s Day, for weddings at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Courthouse in Annapolis. But because of state furloughs to reduce a $2 billion budget deficit, no weddings were performed there Thursday.

Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 Midday: 6-6-0 Evening: 0-3-7

12 10

Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 Midday: 3-6-4-3 Evening: 1-8-4-1

16 14

Friday, Jan. 1, 2010

TODAY’S FORECAST

06-11-12-35-39

LOCAL: Sunny

Friday, Jan. 1, 2010 07-12-20-29-34-35 x4

SEVIERVILLE

Scholarship to honor Leah Avril

n

top state news

This day in history

High: 30° Low: 13°

Today is Sunday, Jan. 3, the third day of 2010. There are 362 days left in the year.

Windy

Chance of rain

n Last

0%

■ Monday Sunny

High: 32° Low: 14° ■ Tuesday Partly Cloudy

High: 33° Low: 16°

■ Lake Stages: Douglas: 958.5

Base: 25-35 inches Primary base: Machine groomed Secondary base: Powder Trails open: Ober Chute, Bear Run, Castle Run, Cub Way, Ski School and Mogul Ridge

nation/world quote roundup “After the blast, I heard cries, I saw dust, and I saw injured and dead bodies. See this rubble, see these destroyed homes? Everybody was happy before the explosion, but today we are mourning.” — Mohammed Qayyum, 22, as he recounted how his younger brother was one of 88 people killed when a suicide bomber struck in his Pakistani neighborhood.

“My grandchild did fine. It was scary. It was close. Really close. But we did it.” — Kurt Westergaard after a Somali man wielding an ax and a knife broke into the home of the Danish artist whose 2006 cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad with a bomb-shaped turban angered the Muslim world.

“I don’t think there’s one thing wrong with the American health care system. I got no special treatment other than what anybody else that would have called 911 and had been brought in with the same kinds of symptoms.” — Conservative talk radio show host Rush Limbaugh after he was hospitalized in Hawaii with chest pains.

The Mountain Press Publisher: Jana Thomasson Editor: Stan Voit Production Director: Tom McCarter Advertising Director: Joi Whaley Business Manager: Mary Owenby Circulation Distribution Manager: Will Sing (ISSN 0894-2218) Copyright 2008 The Mountain Press. All Rights Reserved. All property belongs to The Mountain Press and no part may be reproduced without prior written consent. Published daily by The Mountain Press. P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville, TN, 37864, 119 River Bend Dr., Sevierville, TN 37876. Periodical Postage paid at Sevierville, TN.

n On

this date

n Ten

years ago

On Jan. 3, 1959, Alaska became the 49th state as President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation.

■ Ski Report:

Staff

year locally

Sevier County Utilities District has received a number of calls about the December billing from customers wondering why they were seeing a big jump in prices even when the current price of natural gas had dropped. The explanation includes the fact they try to keep prices from spiking too greatly by averaging the costs over three months. Usage in November reflects prices through August, September and October.

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Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin fired Boris Yeltsin’s daughter (Tatyana Dyachenko) from her Kremlin post in one of his first official acts, moving quickly to distance himself from Yeltsin’s scandal-tinged administration. The last new daily “Peanuts” strip by Charles Schulz ran in 2,600 newspapers. n Thought

for today

“To have reason to get up in the morning, it is necessary to possess a guiding principle. A belief of some kind. A bumper sticker, if you will.” — Judith Guest, American author.

Celebrities in the news n

Shania Twain

TIMMINS, Ontario (AP) — Shania Twain carried the Olympic torch the final 400 yards into Hollinger Park, cheered on by t h o u sands of parka-clad fans who turned out in arctic condiTwain tions to see the hometown hero in person Friday night. After making her final turn toward the stage, Twain paused, held the torch aloft in her mittened left hand, and waved to the crowd. The country star then bounded the final few yards onto the stage, where she lit the Olympic cauldron.

Mountain Views

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” —United States Constitution, Amendment One

■ The Mountain Press ■ Page A7 ■ Sunday, January 3, 2010

commentary

Former POW Jack Pitchford remembered Jack Pitchford died last month. You may not have heard of him, but he was a hero. I was an editor at the newspaper in Natchez, Miss., when I first met him. He was a Natchez boy, a graduate of the local Catholic school who served his country in World War II. Pitchford was a fighter pilot, so when Vietnam became more than just a conflict, he took his skills to that conflict. Pitchford was on a mission against targets in North Vietnam when his plane was hit on Dec. 20, 1965. His shoulder was dislocated and his partner killed as a result. Pitchford was captured and held in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Pitchford survived that notorious POW camp, the same one where John McCain and other Americans were held. Pitchford was tortured, both physically and mentally, during his seven years as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese. All the while his friends and neighbors back in Natchez didn’t forget. They held prayer vigils and looked after his family. Students at Cathedral, his former school, showed their support by wearing prisoner of war bracelets. In February of 1972 the POWs held in North Vietnam were finally released. We all watched as TV showed their departure from the airplane that took them home, their salute to the awaiting officers and the joy felt throughout the country at seeing these brave men finally home. We at the newspaper were in touch with Jack’s family. We found out when he would be back in town. The POWs were instructed not to give interviews in the first days back home. He politely declined to talk to me because of those directives, but said he would as soon as the order was lifted. On the day he got the OK to talk, I met him at Cathedral School, where he would receive recognition from the student body. I saw him outside the door to the gym, and he said he’d meet me at his home after the program. Frankly, this was just a story to me. I never got drafted and never wanted to be part of this war. I had known Vietnam veterans and classmates who served, but never had much chance to spend time around them. Most Vietnam veterans didn’t come home and get invited to their old schools or receive recognition from any groups or clubs. They were not considered heroes then. The POWs, though, seemed to invigorate the spirit Americans had hidden or stifled for so many years of this unpopular war. Jack was different from the other Vietnam vets I had known of. He had survived seven years of horror and unimaginable experience in Hanoi, and I was simply a reporter looking for a story. I don’t remember much about what he said that day, but I do realize that Jack Pitchford would spend years overcoming his experience, while I would go on to the next story. I left Natchez a year or so later and didn’t come across Pitchford again. Until I saw the notice of his death at age 82, I had rarely thought about him. But his death and the glowing — and deserved — tributes that came his way reminded me of the interview and the contact. He never married and in later years reportedly opened up some about the war. Who knows how he managed to live the next 37 years with those memories and those nightmares? But he did, and I hope with happiness. I’m glad to have known Jack Pitchford. No, he had no family, no wife or children, to survive him. But he did leave behind a grateful and appreciative nation. And one nostalgic reporter. — Stan Voit is editor of The Mountain Press. His column appears each Sunday. He can be reached at 4280748, ext. 217, or e-mail to svoit@themountainpress.com.

Editorial

The year ahead

2010 promises to be busy, newsy — and very interesting Well, 2009 is officially in the books. On Monday, city and county governments, the school system and various agencies open their doors to a new year and a new decade. It will be — as all of them are — a busy, newsy year. The new year holds a lot of promise, but there are also a lot of tough issues that will have to be addressed. Among the more interesting courts stories that will unfold are the sentencing of former Gatlinburg businessman Dennis Bolze, who has pleaded guilty in connection with a Ponzi scheme; and the legal problems facing Dr. Rodney Carter, accused of sexual misconduct with several of his patients. Barring unforeseen circumstances, a couple of high-profile murder cases should also go to trial. County leaders will face their first elections since 2006 and it looks like those races will be quite heated. So far the incumbent office holders have already picked up the paperwork to run for reelection, as have a number of challengers in virtually each district. In Pigeon Forge, the tourism industry will again likely be the story of the year. The under-construction Titanic Museum Attraction is set to open in the spring, offering visitors a chance to get a glimpse inside the doomed ship and promising the city millions in new revenue. Dollywood, which cleaned up last year winning a host of awards in national amusement park competitions including ones for best Christmas festival and best production with Sha-Kon-O-Hey!, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. Among the events set to take place are the annual Dolly Homecoming Parade, and the unveiling of two new attractions – Adventure Mountain at Dollywood and Slick Rock Racer at its sister water park,

Splash Country. Certainly plenty of attention will remain focused on Belle Island Village, the combination development that was promised — and lauded in this space – for years before its developers declared bankruptcy and the lenders foreclosed on it in 2009. Where it will go from here has been the impetus for plenty of speculation. Sevier County Schools will continue to work with Arrowmont in the year ahead to consider the development of a Smoky Mountain School of Appalachian Culture and Arts. A task force was formed in the fall for the school, which would promote total academic growth and development of its students while preserving, protecting and promoting the history and culture of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s and Sevier County’s residents. The school system will also continue to work with Sevier County Bank on the Education Hall of Fame, with its first honorees recognized at the Teacher of the Year Banquet in April. The opening of the state-of-the-art LeConte Medical Center is almost here — hospital officials report it’s still on target for mid-February. Located on Middle Creek Road across from current hospital Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Sevier, it will include the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Professional Building, the Dolly Parton Center for Women’s Services and the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. It will be interesting to see what if any developments occur concerning the efforts of some to lure the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts out of Gatlinburg. And an announcement should be forthcoming about what attraction Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies will soon be putting into the space for-

merly occupied by its restaurant. Sevierville’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen has a major decision to make starting out the new year. Developer John Turley, whose successes include the Knoxville’s Turkey Creek development, is asking the city to pay for a road that would run through his Dumplin Creek project along Interstate 40. Turley is saying the proposed road, which would run from Highway 66 to Bryan Road, would also help the city in making a case to the state to build a new interstate exit at Bryan Road. He also claims it’s the final hurdle he faces before getting several major retail businesses to commit to coming to his project. But if the board agrees to pay for construction of the road, aldermen are concerned they’ll be setting a precedent that other developers will point to in the future. They’re also concerned about committing to an expensive project during a recession. Either way, city officials will be keeping their eyes on the Dumplin Creek development, as well as the planned development in the Bridgemont area, as signs that an economic recovery is reaching Sevierville — and that the city is on its way to paying down the bonds used to build the Events Center and fund the rest of the projects in the Central Business Improvement District. Local drivers and businesses will be watching the widening of Highway 66 with great interest as well. The longawaited project will help improve traffic coming into the county in the long run, but is currently a source of anxiety for drivers and concern for businesses along the route. It should be an interesting year, indeed. We’ll be watching.

Political view

Public forum Cattlemen’s Association members care about management of animals

care and management becomes questioned when the animal agriculture opponents, who are self-appointed animal specialists, publicize isolated incidents of mistreatment. Editor: These groups use those instances to promote Our Sevier County and Tennessee increased regulations for raising and handling Cattlemen’s Association members want the public — consumers — to know and understand animals and to meet their goal of no animal that we as cattle producers work hard to ensure agriculture. The cattle producers, in all states, have develour cattle are managed properly. Animal husbandry is the most important job oped a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program in cooperation with veterinarians, animal scienof all cattle producers. We as cattle producers tists, marketers, nutritionists and farm advisors have no tolerance for anyone that mistreats to assist cattle producers to receive up-to-date cattle in any way. animal husbandry information and practices. Unfortunately, our commitment to animal

The voluntary BQA program promotes best husbandry practices: feeding, nutrition, disease prevention and control, handling and transportation, grazing space and comfort. Also, Tennessee’s Master Beef Producer classes assist cattle producers to be informed on animal management practices. Cattle producers consider raising healthy cattle their responsibility in providing consumers a safe, wholesome and nutritious beef product for their families. Mike Sharp District Vice President Tennessee Cattlemen’s Assn. Sevierville

Letters to the editor policy and how to contact us: ◆ We encourage our readers to send letters to the editor. Letters must contain no more than 500 words. No more than one letter per person will be published in a 30-day period. Letters must be neatly printed or typed and contain no libel, plagiarism or personal attacks. All letters are subject to editing for style, length and content. Statements of fact must be attributed to a source for verification. All letters must be signed and contain a phone number and address for verification purposes. No anonymous or unverified letters will be printed. No letters endorsing candidates will be considered. The Mountain Press reserves the right to refuse publication of any letter. E-MAIL LETTERS TO: editor@themountainpress.com or MAIL LETTERS TO: Editor, The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville, TN 37864. For questions, call (865) 428-0748, ext. 214. The Mountain Press and its publishers do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed in letters and columns on this page.

Editorial Board:

State Legislators:

Federal Legislators:

◆ Jana Thomasson, Publisher ◆ Stan Voit, Editor ◆ Bob Mayes, Managing Editor ◆ Gail Crutchfield, Community News Editor

◆ Rep. Richard Montgomery

◆ U.S. Sen. Bob Corker

1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5981; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 rep.richard.montgomery@capitol.tn.gov

◆ Rep. Joe McCord

(202) 224-3344; Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., B40A, Washington, D.C. 20510

◆ U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander

(202) 224-4944; S/H 302, Washington, D.C. 20510

1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5481; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 rep.joe.mccord@capitol.tn.gov

◆ U.S. Rep. Phil Roe

1-800-449-8366 Ext. 10981; 320 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 sen.doug.overbey@capitol.tn.gov

◆ U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr.

◆ Sen. Doug Overbey

(202) 225-6356; 419 Cannon House Office, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5435; 2267 Rayburn Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515

Sports

Visit: The Mountain Press.com View/Purchase Sports & News Photos

■ The Mountain Press ■ A8 ■ Sunday, January 3, 2010

PREP BASKETBALL

Off to a smokin’ start

Bears’ 13-1 start is taking everyone by surprise

By JASON DAVIS Sports Editor SEVIERVILLE — For more than a decade the Sevier County Bearettes basketball team has been the feature attraction at Sevier County High School. Mired in a years-long streak of losing teams, the Smoky Bear boys often found themselves playing in front of diminished crowds as fans of the highly-successful Bearettes program filed for the exits. Not anymore. Last season things started looking up for Photo submitted the Bears. Under thirdThe Sevier County Bears basketball team poses with their all-tournament awards as well as their tournament championyear coach Ken Wright, ship plaque at the White County Christmas Tournament at White County High School in Sparta, Tenn. The Bears have the Purple and White taken off like a rocket this season with a 13-1 record. Last years’ team played above expectations with a 14-14 record. had their first non-losing season in over a decade. Going 14-14 for the season, the Bears surprised many and nearly pulled off a big upset of Lenior City in the District 4-AAA tournament behind a huge game from star forward Kent Benjamin. Fast forward to October 2009. With Benjamin now playing at Walters State Community College and no clear-cut superstars on the boys team, it looked like the team could revert back to its losing ways. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. The underclassmen Coach Ken Wright Bears learned something in the 2008-2009 season. They learned how to win. “I thought the team last year really started changing the attitude a little bit,” Wright, who’s now at the helm of a District 2-AAAleading Smoky Bears team that’s started the 2009-2010 season with an unbelievable 13-1 record. “The chemistry started coming together, and the work ethic started getting better, but mainly the attitude. The kids wanted to learn and wanted to win. I guess that was our first non-losing season there in about 15 years. That’s a long time to be down, so we’re kind of in uncharted territory right now, and it’s a great place to be.” Sevier County showed off their newfound confidence this past week, capping off a nine-game winning streak with three straight victories at the Sonic Shootout at White See SMOKIN’, Page A9

Smoky Bears’ next home game: Thursday, Jan. 7 versus Science Hill (12-5)

With no superstar players, the Bears have depended on their starters (clockwise from top left) Jordan Henrickson, Austin Nave, Zac Gonzalez, Zac Carlson and Josh Johnson (center) to share the team’s offensive responsibilities.

Sports â—† A9

Sunday, January 3, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Cobey Hitchcock/The Mountain Press

Coach Ken Wright talks to his players during a timeout at the LandAir Tipoff Classic at Greeneville this past November. The Bears’ only loss of the season, to undefeated Bearden, came at the Thanksgiving tournament.

3From Page A8

County High School. After a close five-point win over Gallatin and a double-digit victory over McMinn County, the Bears cruised to another big win over Daniel Boone in the tournament finale 54-41. Aside from confidence, the Bears are winning thanks huge defensive intensity, great chemistry and an unselfish team game based on an offense that can see any one of the five starters lead night’s scoring. Last Wednesday night’s championship win was a prime example. The Smoky Bears spread the scoring around, as Jordan Henrickson — the team’s big defensive stopper inside — led the way with a career-high-tying 14 points. Zac Carlson added 10 points, and Austin Nave, the team’s leading scorer with an 11.8 average, dropped in eight while leading the way on the boards rebounding. “That’s the whole key to this team,� Wright said. “We’re offensively balanced. Any of our guys can be the leading scorer any night, and they pretty much all have. All five of the starters have been the leading scorer at least once.� Four of the team’s starters — Henrickson, Nave,

“These (seniors) came in their freshman year, my first year. (Winning) just hasn’t happened this year, it’s been a process with these kids. We’ve pushed them hard, and we’ve lost a lot of kids along the way that weren’t willing to pay the price that these kids have. And now the fruits of their labor are coming to fruition for them. It’s about them, their attitude, their postitive thinking.� Carlson and point guard Zac Gonzalez made the All-Tournament team in the Shootout, and Wright lobbied for a fourth. “Josh Johnson should have been all-tournament just for his defensive effort,� Wright said. “Locking down the leading scorer from the other team in each game. (Tuesday night) their point guard was a great player, and Josh just harassed him and did a great job defensively.� Breaking down the four all-tournament players individually, Wright bragged about each one’s effort. “Henrickson was defensively a force in the middle all week, Carlson was a steady scorer throughout the week and really played heads-up basketball and Nave was a steady scorer and had an outstanding rebounding effort,� Wright said. “And I really thought Gonzalez came of age as a point guard in this tournament. He did a tremendous job breaking pressure. We faced a lot of presses and halfcourt traps and Zac did a tremendous job of breaking the pressure and getting

us into our offensive sets. He also had a 19-point game and did a tremendous job of running the ball club.� The coach also lauded the effort of his bench mob — Dakota Cogdill, Kel McCarter, Bentley Manning and Jordan Whaley. “The guys just played tremendously all week,� Wright said. “(Wednesday) night we started out kind of slow, I think the guys were just a little too hyped. I don’t know the last time Sevier County (basketball) won a championship of any kind, so it was really important for them to leave that place as a champion. “We were a little tight the first quarter, but we were getting great looks. We just didn’t have the shooting touch. We persevered, played great defense and had great effort rebounding and took a two-point lead into halftime. And then we came out the second half and our execution got even better, we started knocking down shots and continued playing great defense and kind of pulled away and ended up winning by 13.�

Pleased with the team’s effort so far, Wright knows that high school basketball isn’t about what you do before New Year’s Day. “We just ended the first season, the new season starts this week. Our goal wasn’t to be 13-1, our goal is just to play every game and do the best we can. If we play well, we’re going to give ourselves a chance to win,� Wright said. But Wright, who coached future college stars Ricky Moore (UConn) and William Avery (Duke) to a state championship and No.9 national ranking at Westside (Augusta) High School in Georgia, knows his team has made dramatic improvement from October, and will need to continue to do so to finish the season out with an elusive district championship. “Two months ago we were still struggling to become a decent team. I tell the guys all the time, we practice hard to beat the good teams. If you practice hard to beat the good teams you’re going to win the games against the bad teams. We just try to get that mental-

championship road is going to go through Morristown,� Wright said. “They’ve got just about everybody back from their district championship sub-state team, so we know that we’re going Ken Wright, SCHS head coach to have to play well there. They’re probably the ity in them. Winning is most talented team in our a habit and so is losing. district, although Cocke You just have to get that County, Jefferson County winner’s mentality about and Cherokee are all you. The program’s been real talented teams. But down so long, it’s just a again, I expect our kids to constant battle,� Wright step up to the challenge, said. and our kids expect to “These (seniors) came compete against them.� in their freshman year, The Bears’ next home my first year. (Winning) game is this coming just hasn’t happened this Thursday, and Wright year, it’s been a process said he’d love to see with these kids. We’ve the home crowd in full pushed them hard, and force as perennial power we’ve lost a lot of kids Science Hill comes to along the way that weren’t town. willing to pay the price “That’s one of those that these kids have. And games we schedule now the fruits of their against a state tournalabor are coming to fruiment team because bastion for them. It’s about ketball’s a tournament them, their attitude, their sport and it’s a good meapostitive thinking. And suring stick game for us,� the winner’s mentality is Wright said. “We’re realsetting in with them now. ly looking forward to the They expect to win when challenge, and we hope they take the court now. to have a big crowd for it. And that’s the biggest We hope the big crowd difference. They’re not comes and welcomes hoping to win — they’re these kids back. With a expecting to.� 13-1 record we’re hoping With their sights set on they’ll come out and supa district title, the Bears, port these kids, because who are 5-0 in District they sure deserve it.� 2-AAA play, will eventuThe girls game will start ally have to face off with at 6 p.m., while the boys the IMAC’s defending contest begins around champion Morristown 7:30. East (10-4, 5-1, currently second in the district). mpsports@themountainpress.com “I tell the kids the

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No. 3 Kentucky beats Louisville 71-62 By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer LEXINGTON, Ky. — DeMarcus Cousins scored 18 points and matched a season-high with 18 rebounds to lead No. 3 Kentucky past rival Louisville 71-62 on Saturday. Patrick Patterson and John Wall added 17 points each for the Wildcats (15-0), who matched their best start in 40 years by breaking a two-game losing streak to the Cardinals. Edgar Sosa and Jerry Smith led Louisville (10-4) with 11 points apiece but the Cardinals shot just 32 percent and couldn’t contain Wall when it mattered. The freshman star shook off a slow start by scoring six straight points during a decisive 14-3 run late in the second half after the Cardinals had surged to the lead. Louisville coach Rick Pitino was booed lustily early by the record Rupp Arena crowd, but the crowd quickly moved on after the Cardinals erased a 13-point deficit. Louisville pulled in front 42-41 on a free throw by Terrence Jennings with 9:51 remaining before Wall went

to work. He hit a tough leaner along the baseline to put Kentucky back in front then added a pull-up jumper to extend the lead to three. He stripped the ball from Louisville’s Peyton Siva and knocked down a pair of free throws after being fouled trying to finish on the break.

Perry Stevenson added a reverse layup, Ramon Harris drilled a 3-pointer and Patrick Patterson converted a three-point play to give Kentucky a 55-45 lead with 5:35 to go. Louisville kept scrapping but would get no closer than seven the rest of the way. Pitino and former friend turned friendly rival John

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The Mountain Press â—† Sunday, January 3, 2010

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Analyzing the BCS championship matchup By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer With perfect records and plenty of All-Americans, No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas showed few flaws on their way to the BCS national championship game on Jan. 7 in the Rose Bowl. How do they match up when the Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide have the ball? When Colt McCoy and the Longhorns are on the field? Two coaches — Colorado’s Dan Hawkins and North Texas’ Todd Dodge — provide insight and help break down the battle for the national title. WHEN TEXAS HAS THE BALL It’s all about McCoy. “They are very good on offense, but he is exceptional and that elevates the play of all those guys,� Hawkins said. McCoy, an All-American and two-time Heisman finalist, directs a spread attack that averages 432 yards per game (20th in the nation). The Longhorns generally line up with three receivers, one running back and a tight end. Offensive coordinator Greg Davis doesn’t show a lot of different looks. But they do what they do very well. McCoy gets rid of the ball fast and accurately (70 percent completion rate). Plus, he’s mobile and Davis likes to move the pocket around so McCoy is usually hard to pressure. McCoy’s scrambling and ability to run the option, helps make up for some of the Longhorns’ inconsistencies with a more traditional running game. “They may not run him very much but he can take off and run 50, 60, 70 yards on you,� Hawkins said. Alabama, No. 2 in the country in total defense, can counter McCoy’s quickness with one of the best group of linebackers and safeties in the country. “From a size and athleticism standpoint, (they) stand out in college football right now,� Dodge said. All-American Rolando McClain is as good as any linebacker in the nation. The 255-pound junior makes plays all over the field and is like an extension of coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. Dodge said Alabama tends to keep things basic on first and second down. It’s on third down that Saban and Smart get tricky. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow said in two games against Alabama, the Tide has not shown

Dave Martin/AP

In this Oct. 17, 2009, file photo, Alabama's Mark Ingram (22) runs away from South Carolina defenders Devin Taylor (98) and Chris Culliver (17). A year ago, Mark Ingram was a freshman backup showing considerable power and potential and a knack for reaching the end zone. Now, he's Alabama’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner and has his eyes set on a BCS National Championship. the same blitz more than twice. Dodge said the Longhorns’ up-tempo, nohuddle “Jet� attack could slow down Alabama’s blitzes and keep AllAmerican nose guard Terrence Cody on the field more than the Tide prefers. The 350-pound Cody tends to come out in passing situations. Texas All-American Jordan Shipley is the slot receiver and McCoy’s most reliable receiver by far. Shipley had 106 catches for 1,363 yards. The Tide might be best served using 215-pound strong safety Mark Barron to make it tough for the 190-pound Shipley to get off the line of scrimmage. Hawkins said the Buffaloes used an extra defensive back as their base defense against Texas, but that leaves a defense susceptible to the run. Alabama, however, might be good enough up front to handle the Texas running game with limited help from the secondary. “That’s a one-back offensive coordinator’s

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nightmare,� said Dodge, who also runs a spread offense. Since Ndamukong Suh and Nebraska dominated Texas’ line and sacked McCoy nine times in the Big 12 title game, the Longhorns’ line has been viewed as a weak spot. It’s not great, but it is good and here’s the best news for Texas: Nebraska’s defensive line is better than Alabama’s. Bottom line: Stop McCoy and you stop Texas. ——— WHEN ALABAMA HAS THE BALL The Crimson Tide plays offense the old-fashioned way, with two backs and the quarterback under center much of the time. “They would love to give it to their tailback 35 times a game and let it happen,� Dodge said. Not a bad plan when you have Ingram, who ran for 1,542 yards and 15 touchdowns, and freshman Trent Richardson, who added 642 yards rushing. But Texas has the No. 1 rush defense in the country, allowing 62 yards

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position to make plays on the ball. “Playing zone in and of itself helps you get a few more interceptions,� Hawkins said. “When you have your eye on the quarterback it helps you break to the ball.� And Hawkins added, “Your quarterback better get the ball out of his hands pretty quick or he’s going to be lying on his back.� Texas also has 40 sacks. Alabama’s offensive line, thought to be a potential weak link early in the season, has allowed only 13 sacks. AllAmerican guard Michael Johnson and the big guys up front manhandled Florida in the SEC title game and the Gators had the top-ranked defense in the country heading into that game. Bottom line: Alabama is built to win without getting a big day from its quarterback. Texas’ job is to make it necessary for McElroy to play well. ——— WHEN THE BALL IS KICKED Both teams have dangerous returners and solid kickers. Alabama’s Javier Arenas was fourth in the nation at 16.3 per return and kicker Leigh Tiffin was an AllAmerican. Shipley has returned two punts for touchdowns. D.J. Monroe has two kickoff return touchdowns. Hunter Lawrence was last seen kicking the game-winning field against Nebraska. ——— Prediction: Alabama 24, Texas 17.

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it against Texas. But on the flip side, Alabama is by far the best running team the Longhorns have faced. The Tide does have the weapons to open things up. Receiver Julio Jones’ numbers (42 catches for 573 yards and four TDs) suggest a sophomore slump, but he’s one of the top talents in the country. “His name might not get even mentioned, but that’s scary,� Dodge said. “You better not forget him because he will break your heart. Same goes for 6-foot-6 tight end Colin Peek. It’s up to quarterback Greg McElroy to get them the ball and against Texas that means deciphering defensive coordinator Will Muschamps’ zone blitzes and one of the most talented secondaries in the nation. McElroy, a junior firstyear starter, had a midseason slump but played his best two games of the season in his last two games, leading a comeback against Auburn and a runaway victory over Florida for the SEC title. “He is extremely accurate in the pocket, he can make all the throws,� said Dodge, who coached McElroy in high school. “When he plays within himself and understand that he has the talent around him, he is awfully good. “When he tries to step outside himself is when he has a problem.� Texas led the nation in interceptions with 24 behind All-American safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Aaron Williams. Muschamp, a disciple of Saban, puts those guys in

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Sports ◆ A11

Sunday, January 3, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press RACING WITH RICH

Oak Ridge National Lab has history in NASCAR

Dave Martin/AP

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow reacts as he comes out of the game late in the fourth quarter of a 51-24 win over Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl Friday.

Tebow, Gators make it look easy in Sugar Bowl By MARK LONG AP Sports Writer NEW ORLEANS — Tim Tebow walked toward the sideline, raised his arms above his head and shared a long embrace with Florida coach Urban Meyer. It wasn’t quite how either of them expected this season to end. It came in the Sugar Bowl instead of the national championship game. It came against Cincinnati instead of Texas. It was about redemption instead of perfection. Nonetheless, it was hard to top for both of them because of Meyer’s uncertain future, Tebow’s triumphant finale and a 51-24 victory over No. 4 Cincinnati that may have been as important as any of the others the two have shared during the last four seasons. “This last week was tough, just dealing with everything and just worried about others around you and stuff,” Tebow said. “But, you know, it still was special. To finish it off like this was special.” Tebow threw for a careerhigh 482 yards and three touchdowns, ran for 51 yards and another score and capped a storied college career with his finest performance. It was the best in BCS history, too. “It was incredible,” Tebow said. “Just a great game. It was exactly how you want to go out with these seniors and these coaches in your last game and your last time together. It just really doesn’t get any better than this.” Well, another national title was Tebow’s plan all season. But after a 32-13 loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game last month, Tebow had to settle for the Sugar Bowl. And anyone who thought the fifth-ranked Gators (13-1) wouldn’t be ready against the Bearcats (12-1) doesn’t know their emotional leader. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner completed his first 12 passes, led the

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Gators to scores on their first five possessions and finished with 533 total yards — more than anyone in Bowl Championship Series history. He topped former Texas star Vince Young’s record of 467 yards set against Southern California in the 2005 Rose Bowl. “They couldn’t stop Superman,” Gators guard Carl Johnson. “They needed some kryptonite.” The Bearcats lost their bid for a perfect season and surely will spend the next year listening to questions about whether they belong in the big games against the biggest boys. Florida, meanwhile, spent the last four weeks regrouping from the disheartening loss. Things got worse when Meyer announced his resignation last Saturday, three weeks after being rushed to the hospital because of chest pain. Meyer changed his mind the following day, and instead said he would take an indefinite leave of absence. No one knows how long he will be away or whether he will return at all. “I plan on being the coach of the Gators,” Meyer said, adding that he plans to do “everything I can to keep this train going in the right direction.” He also reiterated that his gut feeling tells him he’ll be back next season. “I just want to make sure my family and health are No. 1,” he said. “And I’ve got to get that right.” His wife, Shelley, said she had no idea what the future holds. “We just need to take a step back and think and relax and we’ll see what happens from here,” she said. “But this couldn’t have ended better right now, right here. This couldn’t have been a better day ever.” Meyer didn’t look like his fiery self against his alma mater. Then again, Tebow & Co. made this a stress-free

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game for every Gator. Cincinnati stacked the line of scrimmage, essentially forcing Tebow to beat them through the air. That worked for the Crimson Tide. It backfired for the Bearcats. The bulky left-hander had all kinds of time to pass and picked apart Cincinnati’s sketchy defense. He nearly had a career game in the first half alone. He completed 20 of 23 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, 18 yards shy of his previous career high.

To say that the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has played a role in history is not exactly breaking news. The east Tennessee facility played a pivotal role in the creation of the atomic bombs that were used to bring World War II to an end when they were dropped on Japan in August of 1945. Aside from that world changing history, the ORNL facility has also played a part in the history of NASCAR racing. And that particular role may well not be finished. In 2004 it became known that Richard Childress Racing had used ORNL’s High Temperatures Materials Laboratory to pinpoint a problem they were having with valve spring failures. Because of the help provided by ORNL, the RCR engine builders were able to solve their problem. Driving for RCR, Kevin Harvick won a 2005 race in Bristol, which is little more than a two hour drive from Oak Ridge, just after the release of the news that his team was receiving assistance from the facility. “We have very sophisticated equipment for finding out why things fail,” one ORNL official stated in explaining what the facility can specifically do to help race teams. “If it is a matter of parts breaking, fatigue, wear out or just have friction and wear problems, we can measure all sorts of failure mechanisms and

their problem and would have cost them large sums of money with no positive results gained. Instead, they discovered the issue that was hurting their performance, corrected it and saw help people learn how to immediate results. make their equipment It would likely be last longer.” a good bet that other Being that NASCAR teams have since benefitteams often operate in a ed in the same way from monkey see, monkey do ORNL. fashion Harvick’s 2005 Without doubt, when win has since spurred the groundwork was more such diagnostic laid for that all imporwork to have been pertant task that eventually formed by the science brought about the end and research center. of the 20th century’s However, this activgreatest conflict, no one ity may not be very well foresaw a day in which known to the general racing would someday public. gain from the scientific “We do work for research being done in NASCAR teams from Oak Ridge. time to time and we also As a side note, the do work for the CIA,” one person who supplied ORNL official said. “It much of the informaseems like the NASCAR tion for this piece was folks are every bit as a man named Fred secretive as the CIA, if Strohl who is part of not more so.” the Communications & The testing and diagCommunity Outreach nostics provided by the team for ORNL. In 1980ORNL facility can prove 81 Strohl served as sports to be invaluable for raceditor for The Mountain ing teams. In the RCR Press. case, that team was about Please contact me by to go in a direction that going to my website at would not have solved RacingWithRich.com. 2nd location in the Gatlinburg Space Needle!

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A12 ◆ Sports

The Mountain Press ◆ Sunday, January 3, 2010

SCOREBOARD BOWL GLANCE Bowl Glance By The Associated Press Saturday, Dec. 19 New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque Wyoming 35, Fresno State 28, 2OT St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Rutgers 45, UCF 24 ——— Sunday, Dec. 20 New Orleans Bowl Middle Tennessee 42, Southern Miss. 32 ——— Tuesday, Dec. 22 Las Vegas Bowl BYU 44, Oregon State 20 ——— Wednesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Utah 37, California 27 ——— Thursday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu SMU 45, Nevada 10 ——— Saturday, Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl At Detroit Marshall 21, Ohio 17 Meineke Bowl At Charlotte, N.C. Pittsburgh 19, North Carolina 17 Emerald Bowl At San Francisco Southern Cal 24, Boston College 13 ——— Sunday, Dec. 27 Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Clemson 21, Kentucky 13 ——— Monday, Dec. 28 Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Georgia 44, Texas A&M 20 ——— Tuesday, Dec. 29 EagleBank Bowl At Washington UCLA 30, Temple 21 Champs Sports Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Wisconsin 20, Miami 14 ——— Wednesday, Dec. 30 Humanitarian Bowl At Boise, Idaho Idaho 43, Bowling Green 42 Holiday Bowl At San Diego

Nebraska 33, Arizona 0 ——— Thursday, Dec. 31 Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Air Force 47, Houston 20 Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Oklahoma 31, Stanford 27 Texas Bowl At Houston Navy 35, Missouri 13 Insight Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Iowa State 14, Minnesota 13 Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Virginia Tech 37, Tennessee 14 ——— Friday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Auburn 38, Northwestern 35, OT Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Penn State 19, LSU 17 Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Florida State 33, West Virginia 21 Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Ohio State 26, Oregon 17 Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Florida 51, Cincinnati 24 ——— Saturday, Jan. 2 International Bowl At Toronto South Florida 27, Northern Illinois 3 Cotton Bowl At Arlington, Texas Mississippi 21, Oklahoma State 7 PapaJohns.com Bowl At Birmingham, Ala. Connecticut 20, South Carolina 7 Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. East Carolina (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4), 9 p.m. (ESPN) ——— Monday, Jan. 4 Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Boise State (13-0) vs. TCU (12-0), 8 p.m. (FOX) ——— Tuesday, Jan. 5

Orange Bowl At Miami Iowa (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (11-2), 8 p.m. (FOX) ——— Wednesday, Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl Mobile, Ala. Central Michigan (11-2) vs. Troy (9-3), 7 p.m. (ESPN) ——— Thursday, Jan. 7 BCS National Championship At Pasadena, Calif. Alabama (13-0) vs. Texas (13-0), 8 p.m. (ABC)

——— Saturday, Jan. 23 East-West Shrine Classic At Orlando, Fla. East vs. West, 3 p.m. ——— Saturday, Jan. 30 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 4 p.m. (NFL) ——— Saturday, Feb. 6 Texas vs. The Nation AllStar Challenge At El Paso, Texas Texas vs. Nation, 3 p.m. (CBSC)

T ransactions FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS— Released PK Mike Nugent. Signed DE Jason Banks from the practice squad. BUFFALO BILLS—Signed LB Ryan Manalac. Placed DB Todd Johnson on injured reserve. DENVER BRONCOS— Signed WR Matt Willis from the practice squad. Waived OT

Herb Taylor. MIAMI DOLPHINS—Signed LB J.D. Folsom from the practice squad. HOCKEY National Hockey League MONTREAL CANADIENS—Reassigned G Robert Mayer from Cincinnati (ECHL) to Hamilton (AHL). ST. LOUIS BLUES—Fired coach Andy Murray. Named Davis Payne interim coach. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING— Recalled RW Brandon Bochenski from Norfolk (AHL).

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ALAN L. WHITON, MD, Orthopedics

Mountain Life ■ The Mountain Press ■ B Section ■ Sunday, January 3, 2010

Overall impact important in choosing stories Picking out the top stories of the past decade proved to be a more daunting task than I first thought it would be. It was also a chance to look at the news from a different perspective from the daily deadline grind. First off, The Mountain Press didn’t always choose a “Top 10” list for its stories of the year. That meant culling from a list of a lot more stories than what I had anticipated going in, before letting other staffers have their say. But even when I got to the years where there was a supposed “top” story already picked out, I found that often there were other stories that proved to be more major as the decade had moved on. Guess it proves that journalism is the first rough draft of history — with emphasis on the “rough draft.” Truth be told, part of it is looking at things from a bigger picture, a broader view. In 2004, The Mountain Press chose the murder of former Sara Lee executive James Cockman as the top story. It was certainly a gruesome story, and one that captured a lot of attention: Cockman’s body was found in a freezer in Sevier County, and a couple with local ties were eventually charged in his death. Authorities said David Wendell Evans and Jennifer Annette Holloway kidnapped the Cockman, but accidentally suffocated him when they put duct tape over his mouth. It’s certainly the type of story that gets people’s attention. There’s no doubt in my mind that it sold a lot of papers, or that it was worthy of serious coverage from The Mountain Press. I can imagine how the staff came to the conclusion that it was the top story of that year; it happened in September and was likely still a major topic of discussion when they were making their choice. But in terms of impact on the community, in the long run — the big picture — it paled in comparison to other things that happened the same year. At least it did in the eyes of the folks who looked at it this week along with me. That was also the year that June Alexander fell to her death while riding on The Hawk, a ride at the Rockin’ Raceway attraction in Pigeon Forge. Her death led to criminal charges against the park’s manger, Charles Stan Martin, who was eventually convicted of reckless homicide, and to changes in state regulations for inspections of rides like The Hawk. In a tourist town with as many rides as Sevier County, those ongoing ramifications certainly qualified it as one of the stories of the decade. In fact, it was the only death that in the end rose to the top on its own as a top story of the decade. That shouldn’t take away from the tragedies experienced over the years. Whether lives are lost too soon, whatever the cause, the impact on the survivors can’t be overstated. But generally that impact isn’t as widespread as some of the other events we cover. When you really start to look back, some of the more “sensational” events start to loose their luster and the importance of others becomes more clear. And you start to see threads wind through the area. Losing the Dan River mill was a major blow to the job market, and for the people who had worked there. Eventually, though, that loss led to the perfect home for a new hospital that will serve Sevier County. Stories about the Central Business Improvement District/Tourism Development Zone plans for Sevierville and Pigeon Forge might not always seem like the “sexiest” stories, but the impact they can have on the community, over the course of years, can be enormous. It’s encouraging to think that the impact of a scandal can dwindle over time, while accomplishments like building a new city hall or a new park still resonate years later. So for the new year and the new decade, I hope we can continue to give our readers the stories they need to know about, along with the ones that get all of us talking. As your community newspaper, that’s our job. — Jeff Farrell is a reporter for The Mountain Press. Call 428-0748, ext. 216, or e-mail to jfarrell@themountainpress.com.

Wild week on way Pigeon Forge to host 20th Wilderness Wildlife Week From Submitted Reports PIGEON FORGE — More than 230 programs, almost 60 hikes, more than 150 expert presenters and dozens of volunteers are ready for outdoor enthusiasts to arrive for the 20th presentation of Wilderness Wildlife Week, Jan. 9-16. Wilderness Wildlife Week is an eight-day extravaganza of talks, demonstrations, presentations and hands-on classes about Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other outdoor topics. The City of Pigeon Forge stages the event, and all activities are free. Indoor programs are at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center. Transportation to and from all Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press hikes and excursions is from the A photographer zooms in on a pine cone in one of the many photography convention center, too. The first day’s schedule of 27 classes offered during Wilderness Wildlife Week. programs includes a four-hour nature photography workshop, a Wildnerness talk about the history of LeConte Wildlife Week Lodge, a session about fishing in the Smokies and a special chiln When: Jan. 9-16 dren’s program about comparing n Where: Music Road Hotel human senses and abilities to those & Convention Center of wild animals. Almost 20 pron Information Desk: Open grams designed for children are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. spread through the week. n Photo Exhibit: Open 9 Great Smoky Mountains a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 10-15, National Park Superintendent Dale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 16 Ditmanson is scheduled to give n Hike sign-ups: Doors opening remarks, and the first day close at 6 p.m. each day to will end with a photography show sign up for hikes two days from Ken Jenkins, the originator in advance, except for Jan. of the idea for Wilderness Wildlife 10 hikes when sign-up ends Week. at 11:30 p.m. A new program for 2010 is the n Info: (800) 251-9100, Listening Post, a project of the www.MyPigeonForge.com/ Smoky Mountain Storytellers wildlife Association. Wilderness Wildlife Week guests are invited to share a story with a storyteller and receive a free recording of that tale. The Listening Post will be open from 2-4 p.m. daily. Details of Wilderness Wildlife Week are available online at www. Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife or by Perennial favorite Herb Clabo is one of the Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press calling 1-800-251-9100. experts scheduled to speak at Wilderness Audience members Wildlife Week. He will speak from 10 to 11:30 react to those acting a.m. Jan. 12 in the Harp room in a new session, up in the Appalachian Sickness, Death & Dying in the Early Smokies. Funnies session.

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

One of the more popular activities for children is the Kids Track class about bears. The Learn About Bears through Activities sessions will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11.

Young and old alike put on their best funny face, walk their funniest walk and try to tell the funniest jokes in the Appalachian Funnies session. The session will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 14 in the Violin room at Music Road Hotel and Convention Center.

B2 â—† Local/State

The Mountain Press â—† Sunday, January 3, 2010

Lessons of a weekend of free health care By ADAM GELLER AP National Writer

doctor. In a country convulsed over health care, the scene MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. is alarming. But it is always the same, Stan Brock says. — The two-hour drive is done, but Hannah and Jack For 17 years, Brock has piloted a nonprofit called Hurst leave the Honda’s Remote Area Medical, engine running. offering free health care to Hannah’s prayers have the uninsured, the underinbrought them here. Now sured and the desperate. there’s little to do but turn Brock has seen so many up the car’s heat, get some crowds like the one outside sleep and wait for morning — and a set of glass and Union County High School he chides himself for losmetal doors to open. ing track of whether this Still, Hannah doesn’t complain. The 26-year-old is RAM’s 578th expedition mother of three has waited or its 587th. Yet in every crowd, there are hundreds “pretty much as long as I of Hannah Hursts, each a can remember� to escape the pain throbbing through unique testament to the her jaws. Jack lost his road nation’s ragged pursuit of construction job a year ago health care answers. Over the next two days, and health insurance is RAM’s volunteers will out of the question. If the answer to Hannah’s misery examine, extract and prescribe hundreds of lays behind those doors, solutions for individual what’s 10 hours more? aches and afflictions. They Out in the dark, the Hursts have plenty of com- will, in the few moments left, attempt to convince pany. Even before 10 p.m. patients they’ll probably on this Friday in late fall, never see again of the nearly 50 cars ring the lot. virtues of healthier living By 6 a.m. Saturday, more than 400 men and women and continuous care. They will try to answer Hannah stand tightlipped and Hurst’s prayers. bleary-eyed under the Big Lawmakers debating Dipper. reform could almost cerBy day’s end, as long as they keep tempers in check tainly learn something here in the trenches. and sleep from their eyes, But the most striking they will win the privilege lesson might also be the of care from a dentist or a

Sevier County School breakfast and lunch menus for Monday through Friday are as follows:

School Lunch Menu choice; cookie/ fruit; dessert; milk. Thursday milk. Breakfast: Choice of Tuesday Wednesday juice/fruit, cereal (hot/

Breakfast: Choice of juice/fruit, cereal (hot/ cold), toast/muffin, chicken biscuit; milk. Lunch: Choice of hamburger, cheeseburger salad bar or bowl; lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, baked potato wedge, green beans, fruit cup/ applesauce or manager’s

Breakfast: Choice of juice/fruit, cereal (hot/ cold), pancakes/waffles, toast, sausage biscuit; milk. Lunch: Choice of chicken nuggets, fish nuggets, fish on bun, salad bar or bowl; pinto beans, corn, slaw, fresh fruit, or manager’s choice; corn meal muffin, hush puppies, macaroni and cheese; baked fruit

Monday

Breakfast: Choice of juice/fruit, cereal (hot/ cold), sausage/biscuit, French toast sticks, eggs; milk Lunch: Choice of ham, roast beef, salad bar or bowl; whipped potatoes, peas/green beans, combination salad, orange wedges or manager’s choice; homemade rolls; Jello with fruit; milk.

cold), sausage biscuits, breakfast burrito, Danish/ sweet roll; milk. Lunch: Choice of pizza, cheese bread sticks, salad bar or bowl; tossed salad, okra, broccoli, fruit cup, marinara sauce or manager’s choice; peanut butter cookies; milk.

Friday

Breakfast: Choice of

>iXe[ Fg\e`e^ EX`cj Yp1 Cpee E`Zb › 8cjf ?\Xk_\i DXpÔ\c[ DXjjX^\j Yp1 KXepX >iffdj =XZ`Xcj Yp1 AXe`Z\ ?\ckfe Free grand opening gift with any service 1811 Parkway #101 Sevierville, TN (Across from IHOP)

Walk Ins Welcome (856) 365-1601 -ON 3AT AM PM s 3UN

juice/fruit, cereal (hot/ cold), sausage biscuit, toast/bagel, gravy; milk. Lunch: Choice of chili, cheese, chips, hot dog, salad bar or bowl; carrot/celery sticks, Mexican corn, shredded lettuce, salsa, fresh fruit or manager’s choice; baked fruit

most daunting: To fix health care inequities, expanding insurance alone may not be enough. “Good morning folks,� Brock booms in an accent crisp with authority. “We’re going to get started on time.� It is precisely 6 a.m. and Brock has just pushed open the high school’s doors, questions ready. “Who’s here to see a dentist?� More than half raise their hands. Who needs an eye doctor? Almost as many. Who needs a medical doctor? Scattered hands go up, but Brock expects that, too. “Really, they all need to see a doctor,� he says. “They just don’t want to lose their place on line.� Ronnie and Debbie Erwin have driven 2 1/2 hours from Johnson City. Insurance from her job covers his care for spinal stenosis. But the prescriptions caused his teeth to disintegrate and infection followed. Insurance doesn’t cover that. “My doctor said you’ve got to do something or it’s going to kill you,� Ronnie says.

Local ◆ B3

Sunday, January 3, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

No time limit on fulfilling for your dreams Well, this past week I was looking down into the holler toward Webb’s Creek thinking about how Leonardo Da Vinci, Sir Alexander Fleming and Susan Boyle share something in common. Each of them accomplished something special at age 47. Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, Fleming discovered penicillin and Susan Boyle sang a song on British television that changed her life. Susan Boyle went on to become the #1 selling artist on the planet Earth when her new CD was released in November. Leonardo DaVinci and Fleming did OK too. The Mona Lisa and penicillin were huge hits. Every once in a while I need a reminder that dreams have no age or height restrictions. It is especially sweet that Susan Boyle’s rise to fame and fortune came about when she sang, “I Dreamed a Dream.” It is never too early or too late to dream … and that’s a fact Jack! Susan Boyle’s story is an inspiration for everyone everywhere. She was born in Scotland and lived a very quiet life in a Scottish version of public housing with her mother and elderly cat, Pebbles. (I am guessing that her living arrangements might have changed now that she has a gazillion dollars.) She was born with a disability and as a young child was bullied and called “Susie Simple.” She has said in interviews that music has always been her best friend. Susan’s primary job throughout much of her life was caring for her mother, and neighbors said that after her death in 2007 at age 91, Susan wouldn’t come out of the house for days at a time. Susan Boyle of Scotland might have anonymously lived her life and come and gone except for one thing. She carried a dream and held on to it tightly.

Anniversary

Cole

Roy Cole and Julia Jane Shelton were married on Dec. 31, 1949, by the Rev. O.C. Craig. They have one daughter, Linda K. McCarter and husband George. Grandchildren are Julius, Roy, Melisa, Alan, Sarah, Angela and Issac; one grandson, Ray, is deceased. They also have three great-grandchildren, Linda Marie, Zachary and Nathan.

the judges and the entire world! Simon Cowell, one of the show’s cynical judges, said that after five seconds into the song he was thinking, “If she can hit the chorus this song will change her life forever. I can feel it!” Simon was right. Susan Boyle followed Susan Boyle followed her her dream and it took her dream by singing in local to heights she had never establishments and enterimagined. ing talent contests. Ten Susan and Leonardo years ago she took most of and Sir Edward were each her savings and recorded 47 years old when they a demo record. Nothing achieved their special happened with that, but dreams. Dreams truly have her dream stood faithfully no time limit or age limit by her side. I can picture and that is fantastic news her sitting inside that bland for each one of us. Here is family home, all alone, some more proof for you: singing to Pebbles. As a Marvin Hamlisch won non-glamorous middlean Emmy, Grammy and an aged spinster she bravely Oscar. He was the youngest auditioned for England’s person ever accepted to the version of American Idol, Juilliard School of Music at “Britains Got Talent.” age seven. Bob Dylan had Those early years when his first hit record, “Blowin’ kids made fun of “Susie in the Wind” at age 22. Simple” probably increased Future president, John F. her fear and anxiety, but it Kennedy, wrote his first didn’t stop her from getting book, “Why England Slept,” on that stage. She had a when he was 23. Henry dream and was carried on Ford built his first automoeagle’s wings. bile at age 33. She courageously faced Auguste Rodin sculpted the television show judges his most famous piece of and the world. Both were art, The Thinker, when he amazed and she won over was 64 years old. Ronald

Reagan became President at 69. Carl Sandburg published a new book of poetry when he was 85. Albert Schweitzer was working every day at his hospital in Africa at age 89. Gone but not forgotten, Smokies area resident, Grace McNicol, signed the register at the LeConte Lodge for the 244th time at age 92 in 1983. We all know people who pursue dreams while others just enjoy having them. I dream about living in national parks and writing 10 more hiking books. Imagining things we could accomplish or do is always the first step in the journey to get there. The dream and the journey ... that’s the ticket. Hold on to your dreams with all your might. That is just how it looks from my log cabin. — John LaFevre is a local speaker and co-author of the interactive national park hiking book series, Scavenger Hike Adventures.E-mail to scavengerhike@aol. com. Artist G. Webb of Pittman Center does the artwork for the column. Visit Gwebbgallery.com.

Wedding guidelines The Mountain Press publishes wedding, engagement and anniversary announcements and photos free of charge to subscribers of the newspaper. There is a $25 charge, payable in advance, for others wishing to publish announcements. Deluxe (enlarged) photos for anniversaries and engagements are available for an additional $15 charge, payable in advance. ■ Wedding, engagement and anniversary announcement forms are available. Announcements must be on appropriate forms. ■ Responses should be typed or neatly printed in blue or black ink and must include a contact phone

Submitted

Roy and Julia Jane Cole have been married 60 years.

number. The phone number is not for publication. ■ Announcements are published only on Sunday. Forms must be submitted no later than nine days prior to desired publication date. Announcements sent in after that may not be published in the next Sunday paper. Only anniversaries of at least 50 years will be published. ■ Wedding announcements received more than six months after the ceremony will not be published. ■ If a wedding date has not been set, announcements must state the anticipated month or season of the year, not to exceed 12 months out.

■ Announcements may include a photograph of the bride/bride-elect or the wedding/anniversary couple. Color photos can be submitted, but the should be of professional quality. Photos will not be printed in color. If we judge a photo to be of questionable quality or content, we will not print. ■ After publication, photos can be picked up at The Mountain Press front office or be returned be mail is a self-addressed, stamped envelope of appropriate size is provided. Please do not submit originals because the paper can not guarantee return. Photos should be labeled. ■ Studio photographs of the woman

or couple should be from the waist up, not full length; 5x7 is preferred. No photo credit will be published. ■ The announcement is subject to editing based on style, forms and space. Only information requested on the forms will be printed. ■ Wedding and engagement photos may be mailed to The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville, TN 37864-4810 or dropped by the newspaper offices at 119 Riverbend Drive in Sevierville. Announcements and jpeg photos also can be e-mailed to editor@themountainpress.com. Be sure to include a phone number with e-mailed items.

the

Check Out The Mountain Press

B4 ◆ Religion

The Mountain Press ◆ Sunday, January 3, 2010

Public pulpit

‘Pennies for Peace’ invests in local, international projects “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson had been on the New York Times best seller list for some time before I had the chance to read it. This son of Lutheran missionaries had a hiking challenge that missed the mark. He was a broken man from both sickness and injury from the hike and was rescued by people in a remote mountain village in Pakistan. Such a caring, healing, and life-restoring experience prompted in Greg a heart of gratitude. He had noted children doing school work without a building or books or paper and seldom being able to afford the $1 per day teacher. He promised to come back and build a school. Raising the money was more of a challenge than he had expected. Finally he was set and a grassroots effort availed them to property, labor and building materials. Once accomplished others heard of this and now the challenge was how to prioritize the needs for more

schools and supplies. In helping make this happen, he noted people who did not normally either talk or work together cooperating in this mutual endeavor. This included conversations with the Taliban. Now fast forward from the time of the book to a few Sundays ago. I had my children’s sermon prepared when I sat reading the comic strips. A “Pennies for Peace” article on the children’s page caught my eye. Here was a nationwide mainly school-based program to join in undergirding this endeavor which has peace-making potential. Thus I changed my message and challenged the people of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Newport to join these

children of good will and have our own “Pennies for Peace” jar at church in the Name of the Prince of Peace. An article to this effect was printed in the Newport Plain Talk and our Gatlinburg Rotary Club added this to their many local and international benevolence projects. Books instead of bullets has a nice ring. Grassroots involvement where the local people have a serious investment makes great sense. This Public Pulpit is sent praying that the Holy Spirit would elicit a positive response. So people of all ages, schools of all communities, believers and non-believers alike are invited to see what something as small as a penny can accomplish towards major purposes. Come join children of good-will in this endeavor. — The Rev. Arne Walker is a semi-retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who resides in Gatlinburg.

religion briefs

NKorea confirms American detained

a tsunami ripped across Asia. An outpouring of aid SEOUL, South Korea that followed the Dec. 26, (AP) — North Korea 2004, tsunami has helped acknowledged it has replace homes, schools and detained an American entire coastal communities for illegally entering the decimated by the disaster. reclusive country, news But at Saturday’s ceremowelcomed by relatives of nies, survivors spoke of the an Arizona missionary enduring wounds. who feared they would Thousands in never hear from him again Indonesia’s Aceh provafter he sneaked across ince, which was hardest the border. hit, held prayer services at Activists say they last mosques and beside the saw Robert Park as he mass graves where tens slipped across the frozen of thousands were buried. Tumen River into North The 167,000 people who Korea on Christmas Day, died in Indonesia accountcarrying letters urging the ed for more than half the country’s absolute leader total death toll. to step down and free the hundreds of thousands Town says ‘no’ to of people held in political homeless housing camps. After four days without SUGAR NOTCH, Pa. any word, relatives of (AP) — Officials in a small the 28-year-old Koreannortheastern Pennsylvania American said Tuesday borough are questioning they were relieved when a church’s plan to house the communist country a group of homeless men finally announced it had for a week. a U.S. citizen in custody Holy Family Church — though analysts say in Sugar Notch, Luzerne Park’s actions are likely to County, wants to house be seen as hostile to the around 40 homeless men regime and could draw a for a week in January. The long prison sentence.

Asian tsunami remembered

PHUKET, Thailand (AP) — Buddhist monks in orange robes chanted on a Thai beach, an Indonesian mother mourned her children at a mass grave, and a man scattered flowers in now-placid waters to commemorate the 230,000 killed five years ago when

church got a notice from the borough saying that’s a violation of local zoning laws punishable by a $500-a-day fine. Borough Councilman Herman Balas said he’s acting in the best interest of his constituents. He said some of the homeless men could be violent or drug users or have shady pasts.

Burglars steal 700-pound safe

Smoky Mountain Bible Institute Lesson #6 Welcome to class, Please take out your Bibles and prepare to take copious notes as the information that follows is of great value‚ Contradictions‚ That is what many have said the Bible contains when I have pointed out its divine inspiration and authority, It goes something like: How can I believe a book that contradicts itself? My first and favorite response to such a statement is: Oh really (hand them a Bible); show me one please. In the majority of cases I have discovered that I am talking to a parrot, because they are just repeating what they have heard someone else say. They typically do not or have not read the Bible. Then they say something like: Well, everyone knows they are in there. The most common example of a contradiction in the rare case that I get one is: The Old Testament says, eye for an eye, tooth for tooth‚ and the New Testament says, turn the other cheek. This would be a contradiction if the context were the same. However, that pesky 4th grade grammar tool, context‚ clearly shows two different contexts. Eye for an eye, is taken from Leviticus 24:20. You can clearly see (if you read, say 7 whole verses equaling one paragraph) that the context indicates the punishment should fit the crime. Turning the other cheek, which Matthew 5:39 never really says, but implies, is clearly (if you read the chapter) a list of loving responses to those who sin against us, Once we have been forgiven, it makes no sense for us to seek retribution against others for whom Christ also bled and died. Some argue that the New Testament overrides the Old Testament, but that is a complete contradiction of Christ’s words, Matt 5:17 ‘’Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them, (ESV). The greatest example of the truth that He came to fulfill the Old Testament is the over 300 prophesies that he fulfilled in His 33 years on earth, Most of the aspects of His birth, lineage, life, ministry, death and resurrection were written 1200 to 500 years before His birth, While there is debate on when they were written, even the most liberal of theologians will have to concede that most of these prophesies were written at a minimum of 300 to 400 years before His birth, The statistical impossibility of Christ accidently fulfilling even as few as 8 of these prophesies has so many zeros after the decimal point that no statistician would claim it to be anything other than impossible! But with God, all things are possible, especially the things that He reveals in His Holy word, Instead of giving you a long list of contradictions and prophecies, I decided to give you homework this month, Take a few moments and Google these two phrases and the lists and biblical answers will astound you: #1, Supposed or Alleged Bible contradictions; #2, Prophecies fulfilled by Christ. These two phrases or some variation of them will lead you on a long and interesting read, If you find yourself wondering who is correct, I suggest leaning on God’s truth and not on your own understanding or any explanation of any fallible man. Thanks for attending S.M.B.I., class dismissed.

NORTH VERNON, Ind. (AP) — Police say burglars stole a large safe during a break-in at a southern Indiana church. The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department told The Tribune in Seymour that St. Anne’s Catholic Church near North Vernon was broken into either late Sunday or early Monday. Someone forced open a rear door of the church and took the safe estimated to weigh more than 700 pounds. Police say the safe contained gold items valued at several thousand dollars.

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â—† B5

Sunday, January 3, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

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Betty Grubb By James Grubb

November 30th $25.00

Rosemary & Lyle McNabb By Bill& Karen McNabb

December 1st

Progressive/Barnes Realty

Anonymous

Terry & Elizabeth Bower

$30.00

Sarah “Mom� Ogle By Constable Bryan Lee Ogle

$300.00

December 10th

$50.00

December 2nd

Anonymous

Citizens National Bank

Leah V. Avril By Jeff Saas

$25.00

Red Roof Inn Pigeon Forge,Tn

$30.00

Pauline Davis

$50.00

Richard Keveson

December 3rd $200.00 Anonymous

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Anonymous

$50.00

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Anonymous $100.00 Steven Allen By Beulah & Garry Allen

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Our Son, Brian Michael By Doug & Barbara Michael

December 10th $25.00

December 4th

Gene & Reba Timmell

Leah Avril By Clay Branton

December 11th

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Jeffery &Georgia Scott

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Victor Rogers

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Charles Metcalfe

December 7th $100.00

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Stanley Dorsey And Gordan “Bud� Ireland By Tommy & Denise Dorsey

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Our Precious Daughter, Honey By Gregg & Tracy Price

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Rev. Rex & Blanche Waters By Larry Waters

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Dillon & Austin Canova By Leovijildo Mendoza

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With Thanks For Our Wonderful Friends By Russell & Patricia Brien

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Jesus Christ & 21 Grandchildren By John & Jo Lee

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Bob & Janet McMahan

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Robert & Linda Rutherford

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The International Gift Exposition In The Smokies, Owners Susan Mills & Jerry Mayer

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December 17th

Tom Waroway By Kim Abbott & Jamie Sutton

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Parkway Motors

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Our Grandchildren Cade,Garrett,Rylie Jo By Cindy & Mike Rawlings

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Tommy Walton By Nancy Walton

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Gordon & Tom Cagle By Jodie Cagle

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J.R. & RobeRta Romer

Kurt & Geri Smith Kenneth & Myrna Dance

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Jerry & Pamela Burkholder

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George & Helen Worsham By Marcus & Georgette McCroskey

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Brenda Huskey

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Tracy’s Woodworking

$15.00

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Ignacy Smieja

The Comedy Barn David Fee & Jim Hedrick

$100.00 Kay Parton

$75.00

Steven & Sally Bieritz

December 15th

Ms Mancke’s Fourth Grade Class Pigeon Forge Primary

Dr Edward Wear

$50.00

$50.00

$25.00 $25.00 Will

$25.00

Josh Hinchey From Brad Hinchey

$100.00

Sevier Co. Court Clerk Joe Keener And Staff

December 21st $100.00

Virginia Kent By Caroline Kent

$1,000.00

Mr. & Mrs Santa Claus

$50.00

Robert Ebinger & Margaret Thompson

2JO<GÂą

B6 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Sunday, January 3, 2010

Community Calendar Editor’s Note: The community calendar is printed as space permits. Only noncommercial, public events held in Sevier County will be considered. They are listed by date. To place an item phone 428-0748, ext. 214, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress. com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913.

Prayer In Action meets 6 p.m. Pigeon Forge UMC for a time of prayer for the United States and its government. Nondenominational.

Gatekeepers men’s Bible study, 6:30 p.m. 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591.

GateKeepers men’s community Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831.

Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study: n 10 a.m. Seymour Heights Christian Church (enter last door on right), Chapman and Boyds Highway n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn LeConte Photographic Society club competition 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Sevierville. Judy Cravy to present program on architectural photography in area. lecontephotographic. com.

Medic Blood Drive

Tuesday, Jan. 5

Gatekeepers

GateKeepers

Preschool story time 11 a.m. at Seymour Library. 573-0728.

Retired Citizens of the Smokies meets at 1 p.m. at Gatlinburg Community Center. Program on Porters Creek and spring wildflowers by Kenny Jones. 436-3010.

National Association Retired Federal Employees meets at 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge. 453-4174.

Prayer In Action

Seymour Story Time

Retired Citizens

NARFE

Monday, Jan. 4

Photographic Society

a.m. to 6 p.m., Food City Gatlinburg.

Preschool story time 10:30 a.m., Sevier County Main Library. 453-3532.

Mist B&B, Pullen Road n 6:30 p.m. Seymour UMC, Chapman Highway, back entrance n 6:30 p.m. Sevierville UMC, conference room

Blood Drive

Blood Drives

Wednesday, Jan. 6 Sevierville Story Time

Medic blood drive, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1103 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville.

Thursday, Jan. 7 Democrats

Sevier County Democrats meet 7 p.m., third floor of courthouse. Visit sevierdemocrats.com or call 617-2145.

Gatlinburg Gardeners

Sevier County Right To Life video contest open to high school students in Sevier County. Entries due today. 654-7685 or e-mail to sevcrtl@bellsouth.net.

Gatlinburg Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. at Community Center. Club will present “Tea Time Tidbits� by Kappy Lapides, Black Bear Tea Co. Meeting canceled if weather closes schools.

Kindness Counts

Hot Meals

Video Contest

Kindness Counts meets 7 p.m. at Sevierville IHOP. 654-2684.

Pokemon League

Sevierville Pokemon Trading Card Game League meets noon to 2 p.m. in community room at Sevier County Library on Court Avenue. 310-5140.

Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245.

Medic blood drive, 10

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville.

When you’re looking for a new place to call “HOME�, pick up a Press for the latest listing in Sevier County! OR Call M-F, 8A-5P and place your ad to rent/sell your place!!

(865) 428-0746 email to: class@themountainpress.com

107 LOST & FOUND Found Huskey dog in Kodak area. 9334850 110 SPECIAL NOTICES

Unauthorized use of The Mountain Press tubes for circulars or any other advertisement authorizes a minimum $250 charge for which the advertiser will be billed.

DIG UP

does not recommend or endorse any product, service or company. For more information and assistance regarding the investigation of FINANCING, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND WORK AT HOME OPPORTUNITIES, this newspaper urges its readers to contact the Better Business Bureau, 2633 Kingston Pike, Suite 2, Knoxville, TN 37919, Phone (865)692-1600.

TOPS weight loss chapter meets at 6 p.m., Parkway Church of God in Sevierville. 755-9517 or 429-3150.

Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study: n 9 a.m. UMC Pigeon Forge n 2 p.m. Blue Mountain

110 SPECIAL NOTICES

PHOTOS SUBMITTED If you submit a photo for publication, please pick it up after it runs in the paper within ONE MONTH of publication date. Our photo files will be discarded each month. Thank You!

105 YARD & TREE SERVICES

105 YARD & TREE SERVICES

... give the Classifieds a look.

428-0746

Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Clean up Leaf Removal Stanley

865-254-3844

105 YARD & TREE SERVICES

FIREWOOD

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245.

Friday, Jan. 8 Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. n 3 to 6 p.m. River Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

Notice of typographical or other errors must be given before 2nd insertion. The Mountain Press does not assume responsibility for an ad beyond the cost of the ad itself and shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for a typographical error.

Deadlines

Deadline Friday, 10 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Monday, 10 a.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.

Online

KELLY’S HOME

654-9078

Automotive Painter Immediate opening. Established Auto Paint Company. Need qualified and experienced Painter for mobile on established route. All work is supplied. Solid income. Training, equipment and material provided. References and good driving record required. Call Richard 865-5482005. EOE

http://www.themountainpress.com OR, www.adquest.com All line ads published in The Mountain Press are placed FREE on a searchable network of over 500 newspapers’ classifieds located at http://www.themountainpress.com. WANT TO KNOW WHEN A CLASSIFIED ITEM IS AVAILABLE? Go to http://www.adquest/request/ to register your request and we will notify you by e-mail when it becomes available in the Classifieds.

McKinney Lawn Service New Years Special Landscaping, French Drain All Drain work, Bobcat work All your yard service needs. !LL ODD JOBS s 1UALITY 7ORK Senior Discounts

236 GENERAL

IMPROVEMENT

Quality Work - Reasonable Prices

• Carpentry • Electrical • • Plumbing • Kitchens • • Bathrooms • Painting • Licensed & Insured

Call Ty 368-2361

SELL IT. 428-0746

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study: n 10 a.m. Seymour Heights Christian Church (enter last door on right), Chapman and Boyds Highway n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn

Cancer Support Group

Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group meets at Senior Center. Supper 6 p.m. program 6:45 by Barbara Edwards on stress. 428-5834 or 654-9280.

DAR

DAR Spencer Clack Chapter meets 7 p.m., Sevier County Library. Program on history of silver by Carrie Murphy.

Holiday Gift Certificates Available Now: $10 $20 and $50 Perfect gift for the whole Family 2891 PARKWAY PIGEON FORGE, TN (LOCATED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT#4 IN PIGEON FORGE)

s 777 30).#)4953! #/-

Legals

500 Merchandise

100 Announcements

600 Rentals

200 Employment

700 Real Estate

300 Services

800 Mobile Homes

400 Financial

900 Transportation

CAREGiver

Corrections

After the first insertion, want ads scheduled to be published again on Tue., Wed., Thu., or Fri. may be canceled or corrected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the day prior to publication. For ads on Sat., due Thu. prior to 3 p.m.; for Sun., Fri. prior to 10 a.m. and Mon., prior to 11 a.m.

Women’s Bible Study

Holiday Skate Sale!!!

236 GENERAL

Classifieds

GateKeepers men’s community Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831.

“#1 Selling Skate on Market� Reidell R3 All Sizes only $99

HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Trash it,

Cove Clothes Closet, 3238 Pittman Center Road at Old Richardson Cove Church, open 9-3 Saturdays only. Free clothing. 453-4526.

Boyds Creek Revival

... give the Classifieds a try.

4REE 3PECIALIST

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. n 10 a.m to 2 p.m. River Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

Medic blood drive at Sevierville Post Office, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Boyds Creek Church of God winter revival 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday,

GateKeepers

Angel Food

Cove Clothes Closet

Boyds Creek Revival

Monday, Jan. 11

Saturday, Jan. 9

Blood Drive

105 YARD & TREE SERVICES

Lic & Insured

Sevierville Lions Club indoor charity rummage sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and Saturday, 122 Bruce Street, downtown Sevierville. 453-2025.

Preschool story time 11 a.m. at Kodak Library. 9330078.

110 SPECIAL NOTICES

Edition Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Good News in the Smokies

great finds in the Classifieds.

Angel Food

Sunday, Jan. 10 Boyds Creek Church of God winter revival 11:30 a.m. Bishop G.R. Hill from Cleveland to speak.

Lions Club Rummage

Kodak Story Time

TOPS

110 SPECIAL NOTICES

n Gatlinburg First Baptist Church, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. n Sevier Farmers Co-op, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

11:30 a.m. Sunday. Bishop G.R. Hill from Cleveland to speak.

Bring a Smile to the Elderly! Join our team of caring, compassionate and reliable CAREGivers who are dedicated to improving the lives of our community’s senior citizens. We are the trusted source of companionship and nonmedical home care for seniors. No medical experience required. We offer competitive pay and a bonus program. Health insurance and retirement plans available. We offer hours to reflect your schedule, but some weekends, evenings or overnights required. We are looking for

Win

BG

in the Call. Collect. Classifieds: 428-0746

106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

C B Builders

Coplen Construction

Experienced local carpenter Does all types remodeling Additions & Repairs Licensed & Insured

Call Conley Whaley 428-2791 or 919-7340(cell)

DCC Construction

Residential & Commercial s .EW #ONSTRUCTION s 2EMODELING s 2OOlNG s #ONCRETE s #ARPENTRY s $ECKS Licensed & Insured 865-360-4352

Home repairs, Remodeling Additions, Elect, Plumbing, Kitchen, Bath, Painting, Flooring Big or Small, we do it all Licensed & Insure

Call Carl 865-654-6691

Classifieds.

106 HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Professional Painter for hire

1st class guaranteed work. Over 25 yrs. exp.

Phone Sam 865-453-6811

115 ROOFING SERVICES

Sevier County RooďŹ ng Quality Work s 3HINGLES s -ETAL s 7OOD 3HAKE *Senior Discounts *10 yr Warranty

Free Estimates countyrooďŹ ngcorp.com 865-236-2698

CART away unwanted items in the Classifieds.

Classifieds ‹ 7B

The Mountain Press ‹ Sunday, January 3, 2010 236 GENERAL dedicated and reliable people to serve in the Sevierville and Gatlinburg areas. To learn more about how you can make a difference, please call our employment line tollfree at 1-877-5815800 or visit us online at www.homeinstead.com/428.

Grand Crowne Resorts is celebrating their 25th anniversary by opening a new resort in Pigeon Forge. We are hiring Sales Reps Average pay 50k to 75k per year Paid training. Full benefit package No experience required. Limited number of positions available. Call 865-804-5672 or 865-428-9055 ext. 225 Local cabin company taking applications for Reservationist, Assistant Manager, and Cleaners. Apply in person at: 333 Ski Mtn. Rd. Gatlinburg.

308 ELDERLY CARE CNA, Available to for and sit your loved anytime. Call 964-3735

care with one, 865-

356 STORAGE BUILDINGS

10X10 or 10X20 SELF STORAGE Convenient Location! 411 South, left on Robert Henderson Rd., 1/4 mil on right at Riverwalk Apts.

429-2962

605 BUSINESS RENTALS Professional office space for rent or lease. 1400 sq ft. For more information call Joanna 865-774-8885 or 1800-586-1494. EOE M/F/H

237 HEALTHCARE Are you ready to join an EXCITING TEAM in 2010 that is going to REVOLUTIONIZE long term care? If so, S i g n a t u r e HealthCARE is the place for you!! We are currently recruiting for passionate and experienced LPNs/RNs and RN Leadership positions. We also have openings as an Activity Assistant, as well as in Medical Records (LPN ideally with RHIT experience) at our skilled nursing facility we own and operate in Pigeon Forge, TN. Interested candidates can apply in-person at our Pigeon Forge Care and Rehab skilled nursing facility, which is located at 415 Cole Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN or you can contact Cara Solitario at 888364-8013 or please submit your resume and salary history/requirements to csolitario@signaturehealthcarellc.com or via fax to 561364-8016. Thank you for your interest in positions with Signature HealthCARE!!

439 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Five Oaks Riding Stables For Lease in Sevierville. For info call 850-2004 500 MERCHANDISE

Spacious 1BR/1BA, Exc. Cond. Ch/A. W/D Conn., D/W Vaulted Ceiling, Front porch, Rear patio, Lawn, Trash and City Water Inc. $495 a mon. 7050387

Private Motel Room Great for 1 person! 1 bed, full size frig. microwave, cable TV $120 weekly $50 deposit 436-7745 Gatlinburg

Affordable Housing in Gatlinburg Rooms for rent, weekly rates, furn., cable TV, same rent all year.

436-4471 or 621-2941

555 GARAGE & YARD SALES Riding lawn mower 12.5 42� cut, needs minor repair $125. 6 person Hawk Eye hot tub 3 speed with cover, steps, 50 amp box $2000 obo. 6 window AC units for room size to larger all for $250. Portable dishwasher GE Butcher block top $100. Large storage building 12x16 all metal, wired double doors, ceiling fan & lights $1500 obo. You buy, you move. 94 GMC Van Safari, good body & tires, engine needs repair $350 obo. 428-6266. Ask for Chris. 556 FIREWOOD Firewood for sale. All hardwood. $45 rick. 865-977-8903 576 SPORTING ARCHERY The National Fishing Lure Collectors Club is sponsoring a vintage fishing tackle show Jan. 8th & 9th at the Ramada Inn Smokey Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. Show hours are Fri. 9a-9p and Sat. 8a-2p. Over 200 tables of vintage fishing tackle and sporting collectibles will be available for your browsing. Temporary family club memberships are available at the door for $5. Free appraisals and auction services offered. Replace your old favorite lure, get granddad's old tackle box appraised, or just enjoy seeing the history of fishing in America. For more info: 615449-5431 589 FURNITURE

NEW YEARS SPECIAL 2 new recliners $398 Cagles Furniture & Appliances 2364B Pittman Center Rd.

453-0727

For Sale

A-1 pre-owned dryers, washers, ranges & refrigerators All with warranty. Cagles Furniture and Appliances

453-0727

s #LUB (OUSE s 3WIMMING 0OOL s -INI "LINDS s 0ETS !SK

1

/LD .EWPORT (WY 3EVIERVILLE 4.

-+1 -,

2IVER #OUNTRY !PARTMENTS

Weekly Rentals Includes Phone, Color TV, Wkly Housekeeping Micr./Frig. Available $169.77+

Family Inns West Pigeon Forge

•

865-453-4905

3BR/2BA Garage, Pet Friendly

Sevierville 5BD/4.5BA Fully furnished, w/hot tub, washer, dryer, etc.

Sevierville-Spacious 2BR 1.5BA apt near City Park in quiet family area. Water inc. $550 + sec. 2 weeks free No pets. 429-6925. 697 CONDO RENTALS

Wears Valley DOWNTOWN SEVIERVILLE

428 Park Rd. near trolley stop CHEAP$100 weekly Includes All Utilities. Cable, Laundry, Kitchens, Clean Rooms, NO PETS.

1BD/1.5BA Pet Friendly

EfďŹ ciency All utilities included Condo for rent 3BR 2BA, 2 car garage, 1 level, new construction. Downtown Sevierville. $1200 mth + damage deposit. Call Phyllis 455-5821

696 APARTMENTS FOR RENT 1BR in private quiet neighborhood. $350 mth Call 865850-9935

Central H/A. All appliances + W/D. Very nice. Great location. PF City Limits. $650/mth + damage dep. No pets. 428-1951 Ask for Ron

NICE, CLEAN 1 BR / 1 BA IN SEVIERVILLE $380.00 + DEPOSIT NO PETS 865-712-5238

696 APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Kellum Creek Townhomes 2 BR $645.00 incl. water & sewer.

865-908-6789

SPACIOUS

1100 sq. ft. 2BR/2BA $600 mth + $500 dep. 1 yr lease. No Pets. 428-0713 or 389-5780

3BR Double wide for rent. Off Boyds Creek Rd. in The Stables. Call after 3 p.m. 865-4055692. 3BR/2BA rent to own. Seymour. $595/mo No pets. 865-7657929. CLOSE IN TO SEV 2BR/2BA, Stove, Fridge, D/W, Includes Mowing. $575 a mo Fresh paint. Lease, Ref. Req. 1st, Last and Damage. No Pets. Rebecca 621-6615 Mobile in Wears Valley, single or couple, $125 week plus $400 deposit (865) 679-4270 699 HOME RENTALS

3BR 2BA in Red Bud Subdivision. Appliances included. $750 & up + deposit. 428-5212

Sevierville

800-359-8913

2BR 1.5BA Townhouse

Mountain View

865-933-0504

2BR 2BA mobile home Central H/A Water & sewer furn. on Hwy 66 near Swaggertys Sausage. 933-5509 or 755-2402

Sevierville Duplex 2BR 2BA Whirlpool. $650 mo. No pets. References. Tony414-6611

New Center

Peaceful Settings

Mountain View Townhome apartment for rent 2BR 1.5BA. Newly remodeled with hardwood flooring & new carpet. Located in Gatlinburg. 1st mth rent & security deposit required. For more information call 865-868-0449 Mon-Fri 8:30am5:30pm or 865356-3015 after hours & weekends

SILO APARTMENTS

PIGEON FORGE

2-3 BR Homes

2BR & 3BR Central H/A. Close to Douglas Lake. $400 & up + deposit. Call 865382-7781 or 865933-5894.

RIVERWALK 1BR/1BA TO 2BR/2BA $545.00 to $695.00 865-429-2962

2BD/2BA APARTMENT

698 MOBILE HOME RENTALS

Kodak 1BR W/D conn. No pets/smoking. Utilities & local phone furn. $500 mth $300 damage. Call Tony at 423736-6971.

BIG BROKER BOB’s REALTY 865-774-5919 in Sevierville Offers 1/2 BR Units Pet Friendly

238 HOTEL/MOTEL

s 3PACIOUS "EDROOMS s 7ASHER $RYER (OOKUPS s #EILING &ANS s &ULLY %QUIPPED +ITCHEN

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN SEVIERVILLE 2 bedroom 1.5 bath townhomes Call 428-5161

Gatlinburg 2BR/1.5BA Wd. Fireplace. Quiet & safe neighborhood. Kit appliances , w/d connections. No Pets $600 Mo. $400 deposit. 1 yr lease 865-654-3615.

693 ROOMS FOR RENT

EOE

Laurel Crest, A Bluegreen Resort, Seeking Full-Time Front Desk Supervisor. Weekends a must. Please apply in person at: Laurel Crest Resort, 2628 Laurel Crest Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN.

696 APARTMENTS FOR RENT

610 DUPLEX FOR RENT

Quality Control Earn up to $100 per day. Evaluate retail stores. Training provided. No experience required. Call 877-696-8561. Web Programmer – Sevierville company seeking motivated individual to work in team environment. Must have experience in C#.net , SQL, JS, HTML, CSS and excellent communication skills. Ideal candidate will also have experience in SEO, database administration, Classic ASP, Microsoft Reporting Services. Bachelors in Computer Science or related field preferred. Salary based on experience, excellent benefits, EOE. Fax resume to 865-365-0426 or e-mail to IT@smpminc.com

696 APARTMENTS FOR RENT

3BR 2BA 1400+ sq ft. Pigeon Forge. Large private back porch on creek. Triplex unit. $950 a month + deposit. Call 865-654-2077. Apartment for rent 2 Bedroom Large Utility Room Satellite & cable TV, Washer & Dryer, Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher. Pigeon Forge. One block off Teaster Lane. 865-8092525 Clean, Quiet 1BR Eff. W/D. All utilities. $620 a mth. Located on English Mtn. 865-654-1486 CROSSCREEK 2BR/1.5BA $545 2BR/2BA Large Garden apartment $570.00 to $580.00 865-429-4470 For Rent: 2BR $550. 1st & Last mo., w/d conn. Ground level. Handicap accessible. New construction, downtown Sevierville & Riverwalk. Call Phyllis 455-5821. Furnished, utilities. $135 wk. 1st, last & dep. 865-3109545.

Gatlinburg Beautiful 2BR 2BA Furnished Condo with Fireplace, Overlooks stocked trout stream and has heated pool. Walk to downtown Gatlinburg, includes water, cable, Flat screen TV. Immediate occupancy, Minimum 1 Year lease $875 mth. 865-771-9600

Pigeon Forge behind Ruby Tuesday 2br 2ba Immaculate. No pets. $700 mth. 1st. last & sec. Call 865-712-8333. Studio condo on Pkwy, furn, util inc, wifi, cbl, indr pool $200/ wk 540-397- 4977 698 MOBILE HOME RENTALS

OPEN HOUSE 12 Homes to view

RENT NO MORE! RENTERS, LET YOUR RENT BE YOUR DOWN PAYMENT! ONLY 10 HOMES LEFT

865-453-0086

New Homes for Rent. 3BR/2BA starting at $700 - $850 & $1000 per month. No pets. 865-850-3874

NICE, CLEAN IN KODAK

3 BD / 2 BA 4 MILES FROM EXIT 407 $700/MONTH & DEPOSIT. NO PETS. 865-712-5238, 865-705-9096 2BR 1BA Pigeon Forge Carport, deck, private neighborhood, washer/dryer, central h/a. $725 mth. 1st, last & deposit. 1 yr lease. No indoor pets. 865654-4514 3BR 1.5BA Newly renovated. Sevierville. Garage. $950 mth + dep. 654-0222. 3BR 2BA log home $800 mth 1st & security required. Close to Interstate 40 & 5 mins from Newport. 423-2998310 3BR/3BA Log Home. 12 mo. lease w/references. $350 dep. Shown by appt. on 1/9 & 1/10. 615969-8470.

A fully furn. ranch style in Gat. 3 bedR. 2 ba. Utilities included. No pets $325 per wk. 1st, last and dep. or ask about a 1BR log cabin. 436-4710 or 865-292-9162

699 HOME RENTALS

699 HOME RENTALS

Beautiful 3BR log home, private wooded mountain type setting, firplace, jaccuzi, central H/A, water furnished. $850 + dep. 933-5894 or 382-7781

Seymour Hinkle Sub 3BR 2BA $975 mth. + dep. 6801032

CABIN ON CREEK. 2br1.5ba.$650/mo. 1st, last, dam. 6608828 or 428-6802

Small house on Parkway for lease. Great for small business. With living quarters. 8502487. HUD PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

For rent: 2BR 1BA Recently remodeled off Pittman Center Rd. $600 per mth + electric. 1st & last down. Call 865-436-4227. GRANDVIEW 4BR 3BA 2 fp, views. $1100 mth. No Pets! ***Call: 428-4073***

Hwy 321 Pittman Center area. 1&2 BR cabin on creek fully furnished Utilities included. $225 & $250 wk 8502487. Large home on lake for lease in Kodak area. Minutes from Exit 407. 4BR 4+ BA, large deck, 2 fireplaces. $2000 per mth. 850-2483

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, family status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. State laws forbid discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-6699777, The Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

710 HOMES FOR SALE

Great Pigeon Forge location. 3bd, 1ba home w/FP. $850 monthly + deposit. 1 yr lease. 3859530

722 BUSINESS BUILDINGS 4 office rentals + large garage. S. Blvd Way $249,000. 933-6544

829 MANUFACTURED HOME SALES

16x76 2BR/2BA real nice. Health problems. Must sell. $8000 cash. Call 865-932-5163.

Sevierville Doublewide 2BR $500 mth + deposit. No pets. Ref. 933-6544

Who ya gonna call? If you have a problem with the delivery of your morning Mountain Press, please call the Circulation Department at 428-0746, ext. 239 & 231 Monday - Friday and your paper will be delivered to you on the same day. Newspapers from calls after 10:00 a.m. will be delivered with the next day’s paper. On Saturday, Sunday and holidays you may dial 428-0748 extensions 239 & 231. If complaints are received between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., papers will be delivered the same day. Newspapers from calls received after 10:00 a.m. will be delivered with the next day’s paper. This applies to in-county home delivery only. Sevier County’s Only Daily Newspaper

B8 â—† State

The Mountain Press â—† Sunday, January 3, 2010

Long-lost love letter returns home By CHAS SISK The Tennessean

An online search quickly turned up a lead: A newsletter published last year by a church in NASHVILLE (AP) — This is either a story about Birmingham mentioned a modern technology break- “Louise Snowden Rice.� A call to the church ing down distance, or one about good, old-fashioned secretary confirmed that she had been a member letter writing forging a and said that her husconnection that is more band had indeed been enduring. named Grantland. And, It starts with a note although Louise had died, sent in late November 1953 by a young reporter. Grantland was still very much alive. Addressed in a neat, easTurns out, it was not ily readable cursive to a the famed Grantland Rice, Miss Louise Snowden of but his nephew, Grantland Birmingham, Ala., the Rice II. In 1953, the letter was folded into a younger Grantland Rice Tennessean envelope, was a 26-year-old reporter affixed with a 3-cent stamp and dropped into a on The Tennessean’s sports desk, covering newsroom mailbox. college and high school The letter turned sports. up again last week. Louise Snowden was a Postmarked Nov. 20, 24-year-old bacteriologist 1953, the letter was still whom Rice had met at unopened and in pristhe University of Alabama tine condition, but it had two years previously. been marked “Return to Rice’s career had taken Sender.� him to Nashville, while It showed up in Snowden had furthered Tennessean editor her career as a researcher Mark Silverman’s mail in Birmingham. Wednesday morning. But Rice was still in Silverman opened it, love with the smart, pretty and what he found was brunette. The two had a simple note from one been engaged in the fall lover to another, signed of 1953, and they would Grantland. marry the following Silverman’s mind spring. immediately turned Louise would move up to Grantland Rice, the to Nashville after the wedfamed sportswriter ding, but the couple would from Murfreesboro who return to Birmingham in made his name at The 1955. Then, Grantland Tennessean with a colorRice would leave full-time ful writing style. It was journalism to become a Rice who named the stockbroker and travel Notre Dame backfield agent. of the 1920s “The Four The Tennessean reached Horsemen� and coined the Grantland Rice through aphorism “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how his Birmingham travel agency, still open to this you play the game.� Rice died in 1954, seven day. His first statement when told that one of months after the letter his letters had turned up was sent. Was this a lost letter from the great writ- again after more than half a century? er? But if so, who could “I bet it was a 3-cent Louise Snowden be?

Wedding tale puts grad in eatery’s hall of fame JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — Tracy Hale has been a fan of Krystal since she was a Lambuth University student and made late-night trips to the restaurant with friends. “We’d go to Krystal at all hours to get hamburgers,� she said. Hale, 29, of Jackson, even ate them on her wedding day a few hours before the ceremony. She got married on Nov. 5, 2005. “I have pictures of me eating a Krystal burger in my wedding dress,� she laughed. Hale’s Krystal memories have earned her a spot in the restaurant’s hall of fame. She was recently inducted into the 2009 Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame class at the restaurant in Jackson. As an inductee, Hale will have her face put on the sides of millions of Krystal hamburger boxes distributed throughout the South, according to a news release. The hamburger box will include a quote from Hale describing her love for the restaurant in addition to personal facts about her such as her hometown and favorite Krystal meal, which is a mix of their hamburgers and chicken sandwiches. The hamburger box was revealed at the induction ceremony, where Hale, her family and friends received a complimentary Krystal meal and cake. She also received a plaque that will hang in her favorite Krystal restaurant. Hale wrote about her Krystal memories on the restaurant’s fan page on Facebook. A few days later, she was contacted by Krystal’s corporate office. “I was very surprised because when I first submitted my story, I didn’t realize I was entering any type of contest,� Hale said. “I thought they were just looking for neat Krystal stories.� Out of 15,000 entries,

Hale’s story was chosen to be one of 10 finalists. The finalists represent five other states — Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Indiana. Hale was one of three finalists from Tennessee. The others are from Franklin and Louisville. Brad Wahl, vice president of marketing for The Krystal Co., said the company receive thousands of e-mails every year from people who want to share their Krystal stories. “Hardly a day goes by without one of our guests posting a great story on our Facebook wall, and our newest inductees represent some of the best we’ve seen this year,� Wahl said in a news release. Now in its fifth year, the Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame has honored 75 individuals and groups for their one-of-a-kind Krystal stories, according to the release.

stamp.� A spokeswoman for the U.S. Postal Service said the markings on the envelope suggest it did make it all the way to Birmingham in 1953 but never to Snowden’s mailbox. For reasons unknown, someone put it back in the mail last week. But because the postage was insufficient, the letter was returned to its sender. The story is unusual but not unprecedented, the spokeswoman said. Once, an entire bag of lost letters sent by World War II soldiers was found and delivered, reuniting loved ones in the United States with the young men who had written them from overseas decades before. Louise Snowden Rice

died from a stroke at 79 in March 2008. A quiet but energetic woman, she volunteered as a tour guide at museums, worked for various charities and was active in their Birmingham church to the end of her life, even as the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease had begun to dull her skills, Grantland Rice said. “She was the smart one in the family.� While cleaning out their attic in Birmingham 10 days ago, Rice came across a box with more than 100 letters that he had written Snowden while they were apart. Each bore a 3-cent stamp. Most had been mailed in Tennessean envelopes. “I hope they don’t charge me,� he joked.

The Tennessean/Dipti Vaidya

A letter written in 1953 was returned unopoened last week to The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville.

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