January 25, 2010

Page 1

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 25 ■ January 25, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Monday

New car shows set for approval

INSIDE

By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer

5Super Bowl bound again Manning, Colts rally past Jets, reach Super Bowl

PIGEON FORGE — City planning officials will weigh in on plans to bring two new car shows to the area this year when they meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall. The Planning Commission has the responsibility for reviewing all special events permit requests for the city. Among that list for this month’s session are the F-100

Supernationals and All Chevy Supernationals. The two events have been held in various locations throughout their history, including nearby Knoxville. However, with their attendance dwindling, organizers approached city officials late last year to request that they be allowed to move the shows here. In those discussions, the event planners pointed out car shows that are held in Pigeon Forge draw better crowds than those

held in Knoxville, in part because the area has so much else for attendees to do and since it has a positive reputation among automobile enthusiasts for the quality of the other shows regularly held here. For their part, city leaders agreed the events can be a big draw for tourists, something they view as a positive because it boosts revenue and business. The City Commission later voted to allow the groups to use the new parking lot on Teaster

Lane as a staging site for the events, agreeing that would help contain some of the traffic and parking issues while giving one centralized location for the show. On the agenda for the planners’ session is approving plans for the 32nd Annual Ford F-100 Supernationals from May 13-15 and the All Chevy Supernationals from June 11-13, both Thursday through Saturday events. See Planners, Page A5

Sports, Page A8

Put to the test 5New dry cleaners open Third generation dry cleaner opens shop Business, Page A2

Nation

Working on jobs White House advisers promise focus on jobs Page A5

Weather Today Mostly cloudy High: 47°

Tonight Mostly cloudy Low: 30° DETAILS, Page A6

Ham operators get chance to obtain license By JEFF FARRELL Staff Writer SEVIERVILLE — Ham radio might seem outdated in an age where people can have instant face to face communications across the world by the Internet. But it can still play a vital role in areas where other communications aren’t working. In fact, Sevier County Emergency Radio Service (SCERS) is helping communicate with people in Haiti as they work to recover from the earthquake in that nation. Saturday, SCERS emergency coordinator Richard M. Sawaya Sr. was helping to oversee tests for people seeking their licenses. That’s something they can also do locally if the need ever arises. “SCERS is an organization that, if there is an emergency or basic communications go down, the emergency manageJeff Farrell/The Mountain Press ment agency, police or Sevier County Emergency Radio Service emergency coordinator Richard M. Sawaya Sr., grades an exam during Saturday’s testing for ham operators, as volunteer examiner and instructor See Test, Page A4 Harvey Finwick looks on.

Farm aid available from state

Obituaries Thomas Bartleson, 63 Laura Cooper, 60 Helen Faye Flynn, 83 Elizabeth Griffin, 84 Jason Robinson, 37 DETAILS, Page A4

Index Local & State . . . . . A1-6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . A3 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . A8-9 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . A15 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . A15 Classifieds . . . . . . A12-14 Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 World . . . . . . . . . . . . A16

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

Jeff Farrell/The Mountain Press

Participants in the annual Resurrection Christina youth ministry look for souvenirs as a session breaks up.

Resurrection leading youth to Christ for 25 years By JEFF FARRELL Staff Writer GATLINBURG — For 25 years now, an area youth ministry has been holding annual conventions in Sevier County. Resurrection has grown in that time from a small number of participants to a gathering of thousands, in multiple sessions over the course of two weekends. And its founders are still part of

the ministry, which wrapped up this weekend. Two of them, Hugh Kilgore and Dan Thomas, took time out from a busy day to talk to The Mountain Press. “This is an event that began with a small handful and grew,” Kilgore said. “It’s humbling to know what God can do when you’re simply faithful to him.” The sessions feature contemporary Christian musicians, drama and ministry. The hope, Kilgore

said, is that the weekend’s events, and the leadership of the Christian youth counselors who accompany the teenage participants, will help them commit themselves to their faith. It’s lasted so long, Thomas added, that now many of the counselors they see are former participants. “We’re just caretakers of a movement,” Thomas said. n jfarrell@themountainpress.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved federal farm assistance for five additional Tennessee counties, including Sevier, due to excessive rain and flooding in September and October. “The 2009 growing season was certainly unpredictable and challenging for many of our state’s farmers. This disaster designation will be important for helping those who experienced significant crop losses during last year’s unusually wet harvest,” said Gov. Phil Bredesen. “I’m pleased that USDA has responded so promptly to my request.” Bredesen made the request in a Dec. 11 letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The five counties include Claiborne, Cocke, Rutherford, Sevier and Union. The designation makes farmers in these counties eligible to apply for assistance, including emergency loans and supplemental farm payments, through See Aid, Page A4

A2 ◆ Business

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, January 25, 2010

Joseph Construction gets contract for park project From Submitted Reports

Smoky Mountain Dry Cleaners has opened at 1352 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville.

Submitted

New dry cleaners opens From Submitted Reports

SEVIERVILLE — Smoky Mountain Dry Cleaners is a new business offering dry cleaning, laundry or alterations. The owner, Mark Pappas, comes from a long line of professionals who have dedicated their services to their communities for almost 30 years. Growing up in the industry, Pappas is of the third generation of familyowned (and operated) dry cleaners and laundry service, and has lived in the area for over eight years. Previously working at Ripley’s

Aquarium of the Smokies, he had moved up the ranks to the night manager position. He is now providing the same reliable services to the city of Sevierville. Pappas is married to Mary Jan (M.J.) who is a graduate from the University of Tennessee, and a recipient of a golf scholarship. They have a 2-year-old son, Isaiah Nathaniel. The shop is located at 1352 Dolly Parton Parkway in Splendor Oaks Plaza. Look for the purple and white sign. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Cattlemen attend meeting Submitted report “Stand Up For Beef” was the theme for the 25th annual Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association convention, which several Sevier County cattle farmers attended. Everyday issues facing Tennessee cattle producers were topics of discussion. The program was held last weekend in Murfreesboro. The convention activities kicked off with a feeder calf evaluation. Kay Johnson Smith, executive vice president of Washington-based Animal Agriculture Alliance, had a presentation on groups that oppose animal agriculture.

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A large beef industry trade show — 60-plus exhibitors — was followed by “cow college” sessions featuring industry leaders as well as discussions with other producers. A producer panel focused on “Adding Value To Feeder Cattle.” Other topics: “Meeting the Food Needs in 2050” from Daryl Ray; “Issues Facing the Cattle Industry” by Kristina Butts; and “Adding Value to Beef Cuts” by Tennessee Beef Industry Council staff. The Tennessee Junior Cattlemen’s Association hosted activities such as a social media workshop, quiz bowl, and grooming and showmanship demonstration.

ELECTION NOTICE

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865-428-0748 ext. 230

Boyd’s Creek Elementary School 1729 Indian Warpath Road Sevierville, TN 37876 J.B. Matthews, Chairman Darrell Whitchurch, Secretary Joe Newman, Vice Chairman Elizabeth Pierce, Member John Huff, Member Ronee’ Flynn, Administrator of Elections www.seviercountyelection.com

Joseph Construction Co. of Knoxville has been named the successful bidder to construct a 7,000square-foot visitor center at Oconaluftee, just inside the national park at the Cherokee, N.C., entrance. Joseph Construction was selected from among four bidders by using a best value rating process in which bidders submitted and were evaluated on criteria including demonstrated past performance, project management/ scheduling capabilities, qualifications and experience of personnel managing the project, experience in working with state-of-the-art “green” technology, and total bid price for completion of construction in accordance with the plans and specifications, officials said. “We are pleased to have received four competitive bids from several outstanding companies in Tennessee and North Carolina and are excited to be moving closer to actual construction of this much needed visitor information and education facility,” said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson and Terry Maddox, executive director of Great Smoky Mountains Association in a joint statement. Construction includes a visitor orientation/information center, cultural history exhibits, GSMA sales outlet, restrooms, and an after-hours orientation and backcountry permit kiosk. Work is expected to begin in midFebruary and take up to 12 months to complete. The facility is being designed to earn a minimum of Silver-level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and will incorporate such features as geothermal wells and

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cistern that will collect rainfall run-off to flush toilets. GSMA isw providing $2.5 million for the facilities, and the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is providing $500,000 for exhibit design and fabrication. A number of area businesses are also involved in the project including Citizens National Bank

of Sevierville, which is providing financing, and Trotter and Associates Architects of Gatlinburg. Formations Inc. of Portland, Ore., is under contract with the National Park Service for exhibit design and fabrication. Black River Architects of Cambridge, Mass., is designing for fabrication the store fixtures and information desk.

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Monday, January 25, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Community Calendar

GateKeepers

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 (last door on right), Chapman Highway n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn, Gatlinburg

Seymour Story Time

Preschool story time 11 a.m. Seymour Library, 137 Macon Lane. 573-0728.

Blood Drive

Medic blood drive 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Walmart.

Second workshop to develop Gatlinburg’s Greenways Trail master plan at 5 p.m. in City Hall. 436-4990.

Kodak Library

Friends Of Kodak Library membership meeting 6:30 p.m., 319 W. Dumplin Valley Road. Guest speaker, John Waters.

Caregiver Stress

“Understanding Caregiver Stress� 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 28, Wellington Place of Sevierville. Includes desserts and beverages. 774-2221 by today.

Wednesday, Jan. 27 Middle Creek UMC

Worship services at 6:30 p.m. at Middle Creek United Methodist Church, 1828 Middle Creek Road, Pigeon Forge. 216-2066.

Seymour UMC

Celebrate Recovery meets Wednesday evening at Seymour UMC. Call 5739711 for details.

Sevierville Story Time

Preschool story time 10:30 a.m. at Sevier County Main Library. 4533532.

AARP Driver Safety

AARP driver safety classes noon to 4 p.m. today and Tuesday, Senior Center, Sevierville. 922-5648.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 Hot Meals for Hungry Hearts served from 5:30 to 6:30 p,m. Tuesdays at Second Baptist Church, Pigeon Street just off Chapman Highway.

GateKeepers

Midway FCE

Midway Family, Community and Education meets 1 p.m. at Mountain National Bank, Kodak.

Friday, Jan. 29 Kid’s Night Out

Kid’s Night Out 6-10 p.m., Pigeon Forge Community Center. $10 for center members, $15 others. 4297373.

New Center Baptist

New Center Baptist Church and Christian Academy meet and greet, meal and auction begin at 5:30 p.m. 774-0210.

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study: n 9 a.m. UMC Pigeon Forge n 2 p.m. Blue Mountain Mist B&B, Pullen Road, Sevierville n 6:30 p.m. Sevierville UMC, Conference Room, Sevierville

Thomas Benefit

Benefit for cancer victim Bill Thomas at Rescue Squad, Dolly Parton Parkway. Pie/cake auction 4 p.m.; chili supper 5; gospel singing follows featuring Bradley’s Chapel Baptist, Locust Ridge Quartet and others. 8064250 or 774-9435.

Sunday, Jan. 31 Boyds Creek Baptist

Boyds Creek Baptist Church service in song, 7 p.m. with The Hood Family.

Monday, Feb. 1

Walnut Grove Church revival 7 p.m. through Jan. 30. The Rev. Melvin Carr evangelist. 453-4302.

Kodak Story Time

Women’s Bible Study

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

Women’s Care Center offering volunteer training for pregnancy and parenting consultant volunteers, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 304 Eastgate Road, Secvierville. 428-4673.

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

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Kindness Counts

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

Beekeepers

Sevier County Beekeepers Association meets 7 p.m., courthouse. 453-1997.

Swimming Lessons

Children’s swim lessons at Pigeon Forge Community Center Tuesdays and Thursdays through Feb. 25; March 2-25. 429-7373, ext. 18.

Blood Drive

Medic blood drive 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Food City Sevierville.

Wednesday, Feb. 3 Middle Creek UMC

American Legion

Worship services at 6:30 p.m. at Middle Creek United Methodist Church. 216-2066.

American Legion Post 104 covered dish dinner at 6 p,m. at Post home. 9084310 or www.amlgnp104tn. org.

Breakfast with Bears

Breakfast with the Bears, 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 9-10 a.m., Blue Mountain Mist B&B, 1811 Pullen Road. $5. Bring teddy bear to be given to new hospital and sheriff’s office. 680-4228.

Alzheimer’s Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group 6-7 p.m. at MountainBrook Village, 700 Markhill Drive.

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

LeConte Photographic Society meets 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Sevierville. Colby McLemore to speak on Adobe’s Light Room.

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Prayer In Action meets 6 p.m. Pigeon Forge UMC. Nondenominational.

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

Hot Meals for Hungry Hearts served from 5:30 to 6:30 p,m. Tuesdays at Second Baptist Church, Pigeon Street just off Chapman Highway.

Retired Citizens of the Smokies meets at 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Community Center. Club member Don Buehler to speak. 4363010.

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Tuesday, Feb. 2

GateKeepers

Walnut Grove Revival

Women’s Care Center

Women’s Bible Study

Medic blood drive 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Country Tonite Theater, Pigeon Forge.

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

Saturday, Jan. 30

Thursday, Jan. 28

Blood Drive

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

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

Hot Meals

TOPS

Monday, Jan. 25

Gatlinburg Greenways

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 4280748, ext. 214, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress. com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913.

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A4 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Monday, January 25, 2010

Aid

Obituaries In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Helen Faye Flynn Helen Faye Flynn, age 83, of Dandridge, TN, formerly of Knoxville, died January 23, 2010 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was of Baptist faith. She was Past Matron of Kodak #460, O.E.S, retired after 30 years from Palm Beach Co. and presently working at Dollywood in games and member of Queen Busy Bees Red Hatters. Preceded in death by husband Joe H. Flynn, daughter Judy Davenport and mother Tellia Collins. Survived by daughters and sons- in-law Jeanette and Charles Russell of Dandridge and Jody and Daymond Berry of Cleveland, TN; brother Leon Collins of PA; sister Frances Elmore of Knoxville; 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Service 8 p.m. Monday Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City with Rev. Wayne Hubbs officiating. Family and friends will meet 10:45 a.m. Tuesday Highland Memorial Cemetery for interment at 11 a.m. Pallbearers are Johnny Flynn, Kent Thomas, Jeff Flynn, Michael Graves, Randy Beeler, and Lonnie Berry. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City. n www.mynattfh.com

Thomas John Bartleson Sr.

Gatlinburg. She enjoyed quilting and sewing and was very talented in both. She worked for Ole Smokey Candy Kitchen for over 20 years. Survivors: daughters and sons-in-law, Norma and Dale Dunlevey; grandchilden, Michelle and James Mottern and Darlene Ellis; three great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Hills Union United Methodist Church, In Memory Of Elizabeth Griffin, 2483 Chesnut Hill Rd., Dandridge, TN 37725. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday with memorial service to follow at Hills Union United Methodist Church. Cremations arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, TN.

Thomas John Bartleson Sr., 63 of Knoxville, died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born in Wilkesbarrow, Pa. He served in the U.S. Army, and was a fire fighter going up through the ranks to the rank of Assistant Chief. Survivors: children, Thomas Bartleson Jr. and wife Tonia of Sevierville, Sharon Galyon and husband Chris of Lenoir City, Kelly Bartleson, Michael (Mike) and Amanda Bartlesonof Knoxville; five grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Casale of New Jersey, brothers, Ross and Jackie Bartleson of Pennsylvania. Memorial service 7 p.m. Monday in the chapel of GentryGriffey Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Larry Cash officiating. The n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com family will receive friends beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. Jason Robinson 25, 2010, prior to the service. Jason Robinson, 37 of Guestbook may be signed at Sevierville, died Friday, Jan. www.gentrygriffeyfuneralcha- 22, 2010. He was a mempel.com. ber of Glades Lebanon Baptist Church of Gatlinburg, and he worked mostly as a cook Elizabeth Ann Griffin Elizabeth Ann Griffin, 84, in several area restaurants of Dandridge, died Jan. 22, including Brass Lantern and 2010. She was a member Green Valley. He was an avid of Hill Union Methodist Church NASCAR enthusiast. Jason and First Baptist Church of enjoyed a variety of music from

Test

3From Page A1

whoever might ask us to step in and help,� he said. They can always use new members, but before a person can participate in ham, or amateur, radio, he or she must complete one of at least three tests — technician class, general class and amateur extra class. Each new class earns an operator access to better frequencies and better call signs. Saturday, people had the chance to take one, two or all three tests. The first two have 35 questions each, Sawaya explained. The last has 50. “It’s a very difficult

test to take,� he said. Some people do it so they’ll have the ability to help out if there is an emergency; some do it for the chance to talk to people in far-off places they might never see. “You can talk to people all over the world,� Sawaya explained. “As long as (the United States has) an agreement with the country and there’s not a block on it, we can talk to anybody, anywhere.� Several people showed up to take the test Saturday; not all were from Sevier County or even East Tennessee. John Waters is on leave from serving in Iraq, and came from Florida to visit the are with his family.

3From Page A1

their local USDA Farm Service Agency. A total of 21 Tennessee counties have qualified for a primary natural disaster designation due to excessive rain during the 2009 harvest. Farmers in affected counties reported crop losses ranging from 20-50 percent for major crops. Some counties reported receiving

Laura Dianne Cowan Cooper Laura Dianne Cowan Cooper, age 60, of Kodak, passed away in Somerset, KY on Thursday, January 21st as a result of complications from gastric bypass surgery. Laura was the daughter of the late Emmett Gregory Cowan and Marjorie Buchanan Cowan. She was born and grew up in Johnson City and was a graduate of Stark High School in Stark, FL. She received an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology from Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC and worked as a laboratory technician for several chemical companies. Laura was well known in the East Tennessee area as a genealogy researcher, consultant, and instructor. Although not a church member, she was the chief family history volunteer at the Sevierville Family History Center of the Mormon Church for over 12 years. She was a Board Member and Treasurer of the Sevier County Heritage Museum. She is survived by her husband, David A. Cooper of Kodak; her sister, Linda C. Cabaniss of Shelby, NC; her niece, Lynn C. (Matt) Myers and grand-niece, Kylie Brianne Myers of Greensboro, NC; her daughter, Andrea Tracey Savage of Knoxville; and her son, Gregory D. Worrock of Nashville. Family will receive friends at Stevens Mortuary on Monday evening, January 25th from 6 to 8 p.m. with a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery on Tuesday, January 26 at 11 a.m. The Reverend Arthur Heldman officiating. As an alternative to flowers, friends may wish to make a memorial contribution in her name to the Sevier County Heritage Museum, 167 Bruce Street, Sevierville, TN 37862. Mrs. Cooper’s guest book is available at www. stevensmortuaryinc.com. bluegrass to Rage Against the Machine. Survivors: wife: Renee Robinson; daughter, Calinda Robinson; mother, Judy McElyea; stepfather, Lynn Feezel; grandmothers, Joy McElyea, Aileen Feezel; sisters, Sonya Robinson, Mallory McElyea; mother-in-law, Florence Thompson and husband Jim Lafferty; father-in-law, Everett Thompson and wife Barbara; sisters-in-law, Donna Green and husband Howard, Tammy Thompson and husband Brad, Carrie Francis and husband Rob, Magen Thompson and T.J. Huskey; brothers-in-law, Everett Thompson and wife Roni, Rodney Thompson and Christy Gregg; aunts, Marilyn Gregg and Janet Ashley;

He’d been studying to take the tests for a while, and when he learned there was an opportunity to take a test here during his vacation, he decided to take it. He had studied mostly for the technician class test, but decided to take the general class test as well while he was here. He passed both. “My uncle was into ham radio for years, so I’ve been interested in it for a long time,� he said. SCERS will host another test March 27 at the Sevier County Rescue Squad building. For more information, contact Sawaya at 429-2422 or by e-mailing him at n4jtq@ live.com.

record rainfall of as much as 10-12 inches during what are normally the driest months of the year. USDA projected significantly higher yields in 2009 for most major Tennessee crops as compared to the previous two drought years; however, heavy rains hurt both crop yields and quality because of rotting, mold and other disease problems. Farmers also reported losses for hay, pumpkins and other specialty crops.

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Local/Nation â—† A5

Monday, January 25, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Arrests 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 Pasty Denise Adams, 37, of 310 Larrett Lane in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 21 with violation of probation. She was being held. u April Renea Arwood, 30, of 1432 William Holt Blvd. in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 22 with worthless checks. She was released. u Victor L. Bailey, 41, of 478 Tittsworth Springs in Seymour, was charged Jan. 21 with driving on a suspended license. He was released on $1,000 bond. u Brent Lorne Bass, 26, of 3121 Valley Home Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 21 with violation of probation. He was released on $1,000 bond. u Keith Allan Benefield, 40, of 2225 Big River Overlook Drive in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 21 with violation of probation. He was being held. u Richard Brian Bible, 42, of 206 Two View Road in Pigeon Forge, was charged Jan. 22 with two misdemeanor warrants from general sessions court. He was being held. u Michael Anthony Bright, 27, of 134 Wildwood Way in Gatlinburg, was charged Jan. 23 with driving on a suspended license. He was being held in lieu of $1,500 bond. u Christopher William Burleigh, 31, of 459 W. Mill Creek #12 in Pigeon Forge, was charged Jan. 22 with aggravated domestic assault. He was released on $25,000 bond. u Heather Marie Burns, 33, of Strawberry Plains, was charged Jan. 21 with driving on a suspended license. She was being held in lieu of $1,500 bond. u Eddie Lee Cline, 29, of 320 Ingle Hollow Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 21 with a child support warrant from circuit court. He was being held in lieu of $4,500 bond. u Donovan James Davis, 23, of 4124 Briggs Loop in Kodak, was charged Jan. 21 with violation of probation. He was being held. u Sarah Nicole Deturris, 21, of 3730 Sims Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan.

21 with violation of probation. She was being held. u Charles Dreve, 34, of Knoxville, was charged Jan. 22 with a misdemeanor warrant from general sessions court. He was being held. u Jessica Louise Elmore, 23, of 927 B W. Flat Creek Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 21 with violation of probation. She was being held. u Eric Shane Hardin, 23, of 3180 Hickory Drive Apt. 222 in Pigeon Forge, was charge Jan. 23 with violation of probation. He was released. u Tesa Marie Headrick, 20, of Knoxville, was charged Jan. 22 with violation of probation. She was released. u Ronnie Edward Helton, 42, of 769 Pollard Road in Kodak, was charged Jan. 21 with violation of probation. He was being held. u Sally Lucinda Henry, 59, of 1516 Seagle Hollow Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 22 with a misdemeanor warrant from general sessions court. She was being held. u John Norman Holland Jr., 20, of 1920 Shiloh Church Road in Seymour, was charged Jan. 22 with violation of probation. He was released. u Elizabeth Ann Jones, 39, of 230 Cottontail Cove Lane in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 21 with DUI and driving without a license. She was being held in lieu of $3,000 bond. u Chad Allen Love, 27, of Newport, was charged Jan. 22 with aggravated robbery. He was being held. u Kevin Glenn Loveday, 29, of 2279 Archrock Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 22 with violation of probation. He was being held. u Jennifer Lee Lovegrove, 28, of 155 Zion Hill Church Road Lot 2 in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 21 with DUI, reckless endangerment and possession of a schedule II substance. She was being held. u Philip Ryan McIntosh, 26, of Knoxville, was charged Jan. 22 with violation of probation. He was released. u Abe Frank McLemore, 46, of 3225 Cotter Way in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 22 with driving while revoked. He was released on $1,000 bond. u Ryan Scott McWilliams, 27, of 126 Reagan Branch Road in Seymour, was charged Jan. 22 with domes-

tic violence assault, assault, resisting arrest and public intoxication. He was being held in lieu of $10,000 bond. u Phillip Dwayne Medley, 44, of 1662 Jenkins Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 22 with two counts of violation of probation. He was being held. u Jackey Trey Nix, 21, of Scottsboro, Ala., was charged Jan. 23 with two counts of violation of probation. He was being held. u Plinio Ochoa, 24, of 3031 Bryan Road in Kodak, was charged Jan. 23 with driving without a license and public intoxication. He was being held in lieu of $1,500 bond. u Richard Lewis O’Connell, 26, of 1040 Mountain Scenic Way in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 22 with violation of probation. He was being held. u Larry R. Perryman, 56, of 553 Sugarloaf Road in Seymour, was charged Jan. 23 with driving while revoked, financial responsibility law and habitual motor vehicle offender. He was being held in lieu of $5,000 bond. u Nicholas Alexzan Rajkowski, 24, of 155 Shelly Way #12 in Seymour, was charged Jan. 21 with DUI and possession of a schedule VI substance. He was being held in lieu of $3,000 bond. u Stephanie Morris Rush, 45, of 3635 Thomas Cross Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 23 with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and assault. She was being held. u James Ralph Skelton II, 32, of Gnatty Branch Road in Sevierville, was charged Jan. 22 with being a fugitive from justice. He was being held. u Terri Kay Taylor, 46, of 12150 Chapman Highway in Seymour, was charged Jan. 21 with public intoxication. She was being held in lieu of 1,000 bond. u Richard Allan Vaughn, 20,of 964 Kyker Ferry Road in Kodak, was charged Jan. 21 with aggravated assault. He was being held in lieu of $2,000 bond. u Jessica Danielle Wadley, 23, of 2945 Mutton Hollow in Kodak, was charged Jan. 22 with a misdemeanor warrant from general sessions court. She was being held. u Daniel Mart Watson, 18, of 4025 Boogertown Road in Gatlinburg, was charged Jan. 22 with burglary. He was being held on $3,500 bond.

PLanners

sign with less than 9-feet clearance at 405 Wears Valley Road under Section 408.2.2 of the Zoning Ordinance Request for Rezoning n Fairteen LLC, a 44.04-acre tract on Pine Mountain Road from R-1 (low-density residential) to C-4 (planned unit commercial) for a multi-use development Planning Region Items Subdivision n Final minor subdi-

vision of Lots 1-3 of the Hansel Ogle property at 2552 Goose Gap Road. The Board of Zoning Appeals, which is composed of the same membership, will meet following the planning session to consider a parking variance request for a proposed theater at Walden’s Landing on Community Center Drive from Ned Vickers and Holrob Investments.

3From Page A1

Also on the slate for the meeting is: Special Events n Office of Special Events Saddle Up! celebration at multiple locations including Smith Family Theater, Tennessee Shindig, Clabough’s Campground and Stages West from Feb. 25-28 n Gold Wing Road Riders annual event and parade at the Grand Majestic Theater, 125 Music Mountain Drive April 22-24 n Samoyed Club of America agility dog trial at Patriot Park Oct. 26 Site Plans n Pilot Corporation/ DQ Grill and Chill at 2726 Parkway n Proposed duplex on Lot 6 in Willow View n Clabough’s Campground/Exxon, request for a ground

Obama advisers promise sharper focus on jobs WASHINGTON (AP) — A politically shaken White House promised Sunday a sharper focus on jobs and the economy, but key advisers were less sure-footed on health care reform. They took a waitand-see approach as the dust settles from the punishing loss of the late Edward M. Kennedy’s Senate seat. President Barack Obama’s poll numbers are off — primarily because of the slow economic recovery and doubledigit unemployment. And a majority of Americans also have turned against health care reform, the president’s signature legislative effort that was likely killed with Scott Brown’s stunning upset

in the special election in Massachusetts. “The president has always gotten the message,� top Obama adviser David Axelrod said. “The message is, we need to grow this economy in a way that allows hardworking people who are meeting their responsibilities to get ahead instead of falling behind.� Axelrod said Americans would learn more about White House plans for the economy on Wednesday when the president delivers his first State of the Union address. The adviser offered no specifics; there has been talk of a second economic stimulus package, one totaling around $175 billion.

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Wal-Mart cuts 11,200 Sam’s jobs NEW YORK (AP) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will cut about 11,200 jobs at Sam’s Club warehouses as it turns over the task of in-store product demonstrations to an outside marketing company. House for Sale "$ "! s SQ FT ,G ,EVEL 9ARD (EART OF 0IGEON &ORGE (ARDWOOD 4ILE Call Cheryl Hawkins (865) 368-8640 2E -AX 3UMMIT 2EAL %STATE

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The move is an effort to improve sales at Sam’s Club, which has underDAYTON, Ohio (AP) — performed the company’s The government is explor- namesake stores in the U.S. ing national park status for and abroad. sites involved in the World The cuts represent War II-era Manhattan about 10 percent of the Project nuclear bomb warehouse club operator’s research effort. 110,000 staffers across its The sites being examined 600 stores. That includes are Los Alamos National 10,000 workers, mostly Laboratory and town site in part-timers, who offer food New Mexico, the Hanford samples and showcase site in Washington state, products to customers. Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee and assorted sites in Dayton. The top-secret project resulted in scientific and technological advancements that ushered in the atomic age and helped the United States win the war.

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A6 ◆

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, January 25, 2010

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n

GATLINBURG

Students to get free paperbacks

Pi Beta Phi Elementary School will have Reading Is Fundamental Day today. The theme is “Snow Better Time to Read.” Each student will get to choose a free paperback book of their choice. For more information contact Pat Gunn at 4365076.

State n

MURFREESBORO

$40K spent on meals for board

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee school system spent almost $40,000 on food, flowers and parties for staff and board members, prompting board members to consider ending the expenses. The Mufreesboro Daily News Journal reported that Murfreesboro City Schools tallied more than $6,000 worth of meals for school board members to eat before their monthly meetings, along with dinner for the central office staff and Mufreesboro Cable camera crews. Board Chair Mary Wade says the idea behind the meals is to promote fellowship and have members show up on time. But, Wade said, if the meals are causing a problem, she may seek to discontinue the practice.

n

MARYVILLE

Woman: powder from doughnut

MARYVILLE (AP) — East Tennessee police say a Knoxville woman who was later arrested for cocaine possession initially told an officer that she had been eating a powdered doughnut. The Maryville Daily Times reported that 21-year-old Witney Alison Holte was arrested on Thursday and charged with possession of a Schedule II substance with intent to sell or deliver. She was also cited for driving on a suspended driver’s license, driving without proof of insurance, failure to maintain her lane of traffic and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nation n

NORTH CAROLINA

New rockslide on I-40 in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Department of Transportation officials say a new rockslide in the closed section of Interstate 40 brought down 50 dumptruck-loads worth of rock. The agency said Saturday in a release the rockslide occurred sometime overnight Friday. No one was injured. That highway section has been closed since the Oct. 25 rockslide. The new rockslide occurred about four miles east of the previous one, covering a 40-by-50 foot area. The largest rock in 500 cubic yards of it was the size of a sport utility vehicle.

n

CALIFORNIA

‘Basterds’ wins SAG film award

LOS ANGELES (AP) — While Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock’s chances for Academy Award gold were advanced with their trophies at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the blockbuster “Avatar” may have felt a touch blue. The computer-assisted performances in James Cameron’s “Avatar” didn’t make the cut for SAG nominations. But the groundbreaking sci-fi film remains a strong best-picture contender for the Oscars in March.

top state news

Lottery Numbers

Report: Rate of infections high NASHVILLE (AP) — A state report shows bacterial blood infections among the sickest patients in Tennessee hospitals was 20 percent higher than the national average in 2008. The Tennessean in Nashville reports that the report is the first since the state’s hospitals started actively collecting and sharing data with the state on the count of bloodstream infections in intensive care patients with central lines. Those are most commonly tubes near the groin and collarbone. Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s chief quality and patient safety officer, Julie Morath, told the newspaper the report based

on information provided to the Tennessee Department of Health shows there is work to be done. “It was a sobering report when we looked at how Tennessee compared with the rest of the nation,” Morath said. “We have an obligation and some heavy lifting to do, but you can’t improve on that which you are not aware.” The numbers were the highest among patients in pediatric intensive care units and teaching hospitals’ trauma units, with more than three infections per 1,000 central line days. Bacterial infections can happen when central lines are incorrectly inserted or are not maintained

properly. One of the most common bacteria introduced is staph, or MRSA. “Anytime you have a foreign object inserted into a patient, you run the risk of introducing bacteria to a patient’s body,” said Elizabeth Lemons, vice president for clinical effectiveness for Saint Thomas Health Systems. “The lines are put in the sickest patients, and their immune systems are more susceptible to germs and bacteria.” Tennessee lawmakers in 2006 directed hospitals to provide data on the infections. The result was a collaborative effort, even among competing hospitals that shared information on best practices.

TODAY’S FORECAST

Due to mechanical difficulties forcing an early deadline, Sunday’s Cash3 and Cash4 numbers are not in this issue of The Mountain Press.

Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 15-16-20-42-53 17 x2

This day in history

LOCAL:

Today is Monday, Jan. 25, the 25th day of 2010. There are 340 days left in the year.

Cloudy

n

Locally a year ago:

The Spencer Clack Chapter DAR has given History Teacher of the Year awards to Milinda Ramsey and Eddie Hammontree for their work in the classroom in making history come alive for their students. Ramsey is a fifth-grade teacher at Sevierville Intermediate. Hammontree is an eighth-grade teacher at Seymour Middle.

High: 47° Low: 30° Winds 15 mph

Chance of rain 20-30%

n Today’s

Mostly cloudy

High: 41° Low: 24° ■ Wednesday Mostly sunny

High: 50° Low: 31°

n On

this date:

n Ten

years ago:

In 1915, Alexander Graham Bell inaugurated U.S. transcontinental telephone service between New York and San Francisco. In 1947, American gangster Al Capone died in Miami Beach, Fla., at age 48.

■ Lake Stages: Douglas: 952.8 D0.1

■ Ski Report: Ober Gatlinburg

Base: 22-35 inches Primary surface: Machine groomed

Under government orders, the Florida relatives of Elian Gonzalez agreed to make the boy available for a meeting with his Cuban grandmothers at a neutral site.

Secondary surface: Loose granular Trails open: All (Grizzly closes at dusk)

n Five

quote roundup “It’s almost like vaudeville in a way. We just decided to take it out to the people, and we’re going to grow it from there.” —Sundance Film Festival director John Cooper on the event’s latest offering: a road show taking films to other cities.

“The issues that arts organizations are facing right now aren’t simply a function of the economic downturn. You can really see the arts have been losing market share in areas of private philanthropy fairly steadily for a decade now.” — Robert Lynch, president of Americans for the Arts which says the nation’s arts businesses fell into their biggest slump in more than a decade in 2008.

“His legislative team was probably as good as I’ve ever seen them. They were Johnny-on-the-spot when we needed them.” — Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Leader Mike Turner on the Bredesen administration’s work during the recent special sessions on education.

The Mountain Press Staff

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.

Highlight:

On Jan. 25, 1890, reporter Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane) of the New York World completed a round-theworld journey in 72 days, 6 hours and 11 minutes.

■ Tuesday

Subscriptions

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years ago:

A videotape showed Roy Hallums, an American kidnapped in Baghdad the previous November, pleading for his life. (Hallums was rescued by coalition troops on September 7, 2005.)

n Thought

for Today:

“Love must be learned, and learned again and again; there is no end to it. Hate needs no instruction, but wants only to be provoked.” -- Katherine Anne Porter, American author (1894-1980).

Celebrities in the news n

Conan O’Brien

NEW YORK (AP) — Preliminary Nielsen ratings suggest that Conan O’Brien won a hefty audience for his final hour hosting “The Tonight Show.” O’Brien scored a 7.0 rating for his farewell appearance on NBC Friday, compared to a 2.5 rating for CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman” and, on ABC, a 2.8 for “Nightline” followed by 1.3 for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” These early figures, which reflect viewership in roughly 70 percent of the country, can’t be reliably translated into audience numbers. An accurate viewer count is expected later this week.

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 ■ Monday, January 25, 2010

commentary

Too many kids are in foster care Sometimes there is so much going on in the world, in the nation, in our state and in the local area that we just don’t know what to pay attention to, or what is really important. Let’s spend a few minutes focusing on something that should be very important to all of us: our future. The fact is, the future will not only be determined by the decisions we make today, but also by the way we bring up today’s young people. In Tennessee right now, there are 9,017 children in foster care. Here is a statistical breakdown; 36.1 percent of foster children are between the ages of birth and 5; 34.5 percent are between the ages of 6 and 12; and 29.4 percent are 13 to 21. The average time a child spends in foster care is two birthdays (18.9 months). Almost half of the children in the system experience three or more foster care placements. Think about this. If you take a tree that is planted in Knoxville and transplant it in Chattanooga, it will probably survive, although it may have some difficulty adjusting to the new soil and weather conditions. If you then take that tree from Chattanooga and transplant it in Memphis it has less than a 20 percent chance of survival. Of course, while a tree is a living thing, it is not a child. How must it feel to a child who is moved three or more times in a two-year period? Children are taken in to state custody because a parent has demonstrated that they are not capable of taking care of their own child, or children. Anyone can birth a child, but not everyone can be a nurturing, loving mother or father. After having the privilege of being the foster father of 57 different children, I have learned that there really are no bad children, just poor parents. Every child comes in to the world the same. They all need to be fed, changed, nurtured, loved, taught right from wrong, educated and given boundaries. Every child deserves a chance to become a positive, productive adult. About 1,403, or 15.6 percent, of the children in state custody in Tennessee live in group homes, such as the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home in Sevierville. Currently there are about 60 children living at SMCH; 25 of them are placed by the state and the others are private placements, refereed by churches, family members or other interested parties. Some of the houses have house parents who take care of the children, but it is getting more and more difficult to find people who are willing to serve in that role. These statistics are the children that have been identified as being in danger because their parents have been arrested for committing a crime, they have been truant from school for a long time, or something has taken place that calls attention to the fact that there is not a safe, healthy place for them to live. Unfortunately there are many young people who are in danger, but either it has not been identified or someone is keeping them so that when a parent, or parents get out of jail, they will be there. Children are injured or die because they are not being cared for properly. Sometimes the caregivers mean well, but do not know what to do. In many states, including Tennessee, the Department of Children’s Services is understaffed, and case workers cannot keep up with the amount of children that need to be cared for. Sometimes children are injured or killed after something has been reported but an investigation was not done quickly enough. More than half of the people in prison today were not cared for properly when they were young. I know someone who was selling marijuana on the street when they were 10 years old. Their mother was committing crimes and she did not know or care about what they were doing. We must realize that our future is in jeopardy. If you know of a young person who is in danger, please report it. — Dave Gorden of Sevierville is a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame, past president of the National Speakers Association and one of the Authors of “Chicken Soup For the Adopted Soul.” E-mail Dave@davegorden.com.

Editorial

Picture perfect Photographer Ken Jenkins deserving of first Pigeon Forge ‘friend’ award Establishing Winterfest as an offseason project of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville was a master stroke that has kept people working and visitors coming during a time when, in years past, things pretty much shut down around Sevier County. But it wasn’t enough just to create an event to attract tourists. There had to be activities associated with Winterfest that gave people things to do or excuses to come. For one particular event, we have nature photographer Ken Jenkins to thank. He’s the guy who conceived the idea of Wilderness Wildlife Week, nurtured it, came up with ideas to expand it, and has his fingerprints on one of the most successful programs the city has all year. It’s only fitting, then, that Ken Jenkins receive the city of Pigeon Forge’s first Friend of the Forge award. The city created the award to acknowledge individuals who have contributed

to the city’s success as a tourism destination. Jenkins is most deserving of the first award established for that purpose. “Not only did Ken Jenkins bring us the idea for Wilderness Wildlife Week, but he also has been a driving force in its growth and development as an event to attract visitors in January. With the 2010 Wilderness Wildlife week, we have marked 20 years of a great idea,” said City Manager Earlene Teaster. Wilderness Wildlife Week has gone from four events the first year to more than 230 sessions this year. They include hikes, seminars, panel discussions and experts in their field coming to town to talk about nature, the outdoors and particularly Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Virtually all of the events associated with the week are free. Who knows how many people who came for Wilderness Wildlife

Week came back for other attractions and events throughout the year. Wilderness Wildlife Week has become a major part of Winterfest. It has inspired other governments and attractions to plan things for people drawn by Winterfest. The more people who attend Winterfest, the more jobs can remain filled and tax dollars flowing into local coffers. Later this year, a tulip poplar, the Tennessee state tree, will be planted in Jenkins’ honor along the Pigeon Forge Greenway. He also got a plaque. But mostly he earned the admiration and gratitude of the city and the businesses that depend upon year-round tourism for their existence. “It is a joy to see how it has evolved,” Jenkins said of Wilderness Wildlife Week. And what a joy to see Jenkins, owner of two local galleries, get a fitting and deserved recognition.

Political view

Theater productions draw raves from audience member

‘Editor: I wish I’d seen the letter about the Smith Family show, but somehow I missed it. I would like to add my opinions as well. The Smith boys do a wonderful show with such variety and great impersonations. The cast and band are incredible in their performances. We’ve been almost a dozen times in the past year and a half, bringing someone to the show every time they visit us here in the great state of Tennessee. When Jim Bob was recuperating from his surgery, somehow he still managed to perform when he was in so much pain. We love his rendition of “How Great Thou Art” and really miss him when he isn’t there. We also love to hear the tenor from Seymour sing. And how do those ladies keep on dancing? Matt Cordell and the whole cast from “Blast From The Past” put on an excellent show as well. We think Matt does a super job in his performance of Elvis. We also enjoy the part he plays as Tony, and Kendal plays as Sandy, in their skit of “Saturday Night Fever.” It is amazing to us as to how both Kendal and Greg find the energy to perform in each of these shows doing such excellent jobs in both.

Public forum I would like to also mention the exceptionally good Christmas show I went to at the Country Tonite Theater. I couldn’t believe the talent, poise and confidence both the 10-yearold girl and 12-year-old boy showed in their performances. Great job, you two. I also loved the performances of the Christmas toys in one of their acts. Everyone did such a perfect job. I was amazed to see all the many younger singers as well, some of them being with the show for years. It was the best Christmas show I have seen. It pleases me to see the patriotism shown in all of the shows in the area. Joanne Gray and family Strawberry Plains

Fight traffic tickets issued as a result of camera photos

Editor: Tired of these unconstitutional cameras? Challenge the human elements of the evidentiary chain. Violators often object that they cannot challenge the accuser if it is a camera. Wrong. The Sixth Amendment of the Constitution gives you the right. You can say the picture is hearsay, with no witness to put on the stand. Also, tickets that have been made “civil”

violations, with no competent fact witness, with the prospect of confrontation, will defer fraudulent analysis in the first place. Who’s to say these cameras are accurate? The photo enforcement industry is a private, for-profit company that operates the speed cameras. Most companies, which in most cases are paid on a per-ticket basis, are solely responsible for determining accuracy of their own cameras. So the photo enforcement company employees should show up to testify in court. Failure to testify would result in the evidence being excluded and likely acquittal. Meet the witness face-to-face as Tennessee Declaration of Rights, Section 9, states. Stand up and fight for your rights with these facts. I hope this letter gets the attention it deserves. I have done a lot of research just to educate the public on these cameras. Paying your tickets and being quiet is not the answer. Stand up for your rights. What have you got to lose? If I ever get on one of these pictures, I will go to court. I want the accuser’s name and social security number rendered to the courts, just like mine would be. Janice Williams 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 ■ Monday, January 25, 2010

Manning, Colts rally past Jets Super Bowl brings good news to host city Miami

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS — Perfection doesn’t matter when you’re already the best and heading for the Super Bowl. Four-time MVP Peyton Manning threw three touchdown passes and the Indianapolis Colts rallied from an 11-point, first-half deficit to beat the New York Jets 30-17 Sunday in the AFC championship game. The Colts (15-2) are now headed back to Miami for the second time in four years and their fourth Super Bowl in franchise history. “We talked about being patient against these guys,” Manning said. “We knew it would be a four-quarter game. They have an excellent defense.” For the Colts, it was a measure of redemption. A month ago when the Jets were last in town, Indianapolis coach Jim Caldwell pulled his starters in the third quarter and gave up a chance at a perfect season to focus on a Super Bowl run. This time, they got it right against bigtalking Rex Ryan and his Jets. Manning was on the field for the final play. “I thought we just kept our mouths shut and went to work this week,” Manning said. The Colts will face either New Orleans or Minnesota in two weeks. “It’s very special,” said Manning, MVP when the Colts beat Chicago in the Super Bowl three years ago. “It’s great to win this championship here at home in front of the best fans in the world.” Fans counted down the final seconds, streamers and confetti hung in the air, flash bulbs popped incessantly and when the official announcement was made, fans roared. “The guys have always been a very confident bunch and they do a great job of hanging in there,” Caldwell said. “Peyton had just an outstanding game,” Caldwell said. “He’s one of those guys that can adjust to different situations. ... A real champion.” Manning finished 26 of 39 for 377 yards. He became the first player in league history with seven 300-yard postseason games. That broke a tie with Kurt Warner and Joe Montana. The Jets’ magical run ended with their first road loss in six games. New York (11-8) built a 17-6 lead and took advantage of trick plays. But rookie Mark Sanchez and the Jets were shut out in the second half. “Today wasn’t our day. There’s no question,” Ryan said. “You have to give credit to the Colts. Obviously they’re the cream of the crop right now.” Caldwell became only the fifth rookie coach to reach the Super Bowl. Only two others — San Francisco’s George Seifert and Don McCafferty, of the Baltimore

By MATT SEDENSKY Associated Press Writer

AP Photo/Darron Cummings

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals to the sideline after throwing a touchdown pass against the New York Jets in the second quarter of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday in Indianapolis.

No. 1 ranked defense with his uncanny precision. Manning continually dropped passes right over the fingertips of defenders, and the Jets couldn’t stop him. After falling behind late in the first half, Manning finally responded. He took the Colts 80 yards in four plays, hooking three straight times with rookie Austin Collie including the 16-yard TD pass that made it 17-13 with 1:13 to go AP Photo/Michael Conroy in the half. Manning was just getting started. New York Jets tight end Dustin The next time he got the ball, he took Keller (81) and teammates sit on the bench during the second half of the Colts 57 yards in eight plays, connecting with Pierre Garcon in the back the AFC Championship NFL footcorner of the end zone to make it 20-17 ball game, Sunday. with 8:03 left in the third quarter. He sealed it midway through the fourth Colts — have won it. But Caldwell does have Manning, who when Dallas Clark caught a 15-yard TD drove the Colts right through New York’s pass to make it 27-17.

MIAMI — South Florida is ready for the Super Bowl party to begin. Four teams are trying Sunday to punch their tickets to the tropical playland, and though the game isn’t until Feb. 7, Miami officials don’t want revelers to wait. “The last time I looked outside, all the hoteliers were dancing in the street,” said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee. “This is going to be a big shot in our arm. And it couldn’t have come at a better time.” The city has changed in the three years since the last Super Bowl was held here because of massive job losses, historically high foreclosures and fortunes lost. But partygoers need not worry. Miami remains an escape, still offering dependable sun and sand, barely dressed women crowding beaches and dance floors and an international flavor all its own. “I’m looking out the window at Biscayne Bay and we see a sailboat and we see cruise ships in the port, we’re looking at hotels with people by the pool,” said Bill Talbert, head of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. “At the end of the day, for the Super Bowl, bottom line is it’s warm here and it’s cold there.” There’s a reason the game is coming to town for a record 10th time. It’s a reliably good time. But Miami has faced some tough times during its three-year Super Bowl hiatus: n The real estate boom was in full swing last time. This time, streets are lined in for-sale signs, home prices are down by almost half from their peak, and the foreclosure rate has multiplied by nearly six. n The unemployment rate was at 3.6 percent two months before the last Super Bowl here. Three years later, it was nearly triple. n Last time the game was here, heads were bowed for a moment of silence, two days after tornadoes killed 20 people in central Florida and destroyed hundreds of homes. Now the earthquake in Haiti is fresh on residents’ minds.

Roddick outlasts Gonzalez to survive upset M E L B O U R N E , Australia (AP) — Four days after an angry outburst over the rules relating to replays and line calls, Andy Roddick got a crucial call in his favor in his fourth-round Australian Open win over Fernando Gonzalez. Roddick held off the 2007 Australian Open finalist 6-3, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 on Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals at the season’s first major for the sixth time in eight years. The 27-year-old American will meet No. 14 Marin Cilic of Croatia, who ousted U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in five sets. Roddick bucked the trend on a day of upsets that also resulted in fourth-round exits for two of the top women: No. 2 Dinara Safina, last year’s runner-up, and No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova, the reigning French Open champion.

“I got a little lucky tonight, but sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good,” said seventh-seeded Roddick, who hopes to end a Grand Slam drought that dates to the 2003 U.S. Open. After wasting four set points in the 10th game of the fourth set, Roddick rallied from 40-0 down in the 12th — Gonzalez’ next service game — to earn a fifth set point. Then he hit the contentious, dipping crosscourt forehand. The ball was called out and Gonzalez didn’t take a swing. Roddick challenged the call immediately, and the evidence showed that the ball just caught the line, giving Roddick the set to level at two-all and igniting a protest from Gonzalez. The Chilean argued that he could have had a play on the ball and that chair umpire Enric Molina should have replayed the point. “In my opinion you

UT big spenders on coaches

AP Photo/Mark Baker

Andy Roddick of the United States shouts during his Men’s singles fourth round match against Fernando Gonzalez of Chile at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday. could not have reached the ball,” Molina told Gonzalez in Spanish. Gonzalez strode back for the changeover, kicking two water bottles and a courtside chair before slumping into it. The entire episode had a similar feel to the end of Roddick’s secondround win over Brazilian Thomasz Bellucci, when he angrily objected to a decision that went against him on a match point. After reviewing a TV

replay of that point following his match Wednesday, Roddick apologized and said his interpretation, on reflection, may not have been correct. After seeing Gonzalez’ reaction late Sunday night, Roddick said he still didn’t understand how the rule is applied as to when a point gets replayed. “I know he was pretty upset about the challenge and that rule no one seems to know about,” Roddick

said. “I can certainly sympathize with his frustrations, you know?” Gonzalez refused to blame one disputed call for turning the match. “We played more than 200 points,” he said. “It was important, for sure, but it wasn’t the key of the match.” Roddick said the knee problem that sidelined him at the end of last season was bothering him a bit, but it didn’t affect the game.

KNOXVILLE (AP) — The University of Tennessee’s coaching shuffle in the last two years has left the Big Orange program in the red. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that the athletics department reported a nearly $3.2 million loss for 2008-09. That marked the first time since 2005 that Tennessee’s athletic program had lost money. Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton told the paper the school’s athletic budget still is growing this year because of increased donor support and a richer television contract for the Southeastern Conference. The deficit arose when Tennessee hired Lane Kiffin in 2008 to replace longtime coach Phil Fulmer. Tennessee had to pay a total of $5.85 million to Fulmer and several of his assistants. This year, though, Kiffin is required to pay $800,000 to the school over the next three years after leaving for USC after one season.

Sports â—† A9

Monday, January 25, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Sun comes out, Prugh surges at Hope Classic LA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) — Alex Prugh’s last name rhymes with “Who?� That’s a good question — and a good young player leading the Bob Hope Classic. The 25-year-old PGA Tour rookie surged ahead when the sun finally came out Saturday, shooting a 7-under 65 on the tough La Quinta course to take a one-stroke lead over Bubba Watson and fellow tour rookie Martin Flores. With his third straight remarkably consistent round in the five-round, four-course tournament, Prugh pulled ahead at 21-under 195. Yet if the former University of Washington star had any strong feelings after his second straight bogey-free round, Prugh wasn’t letting on. “I was almost bored with myself a little bit,� said Prugh, who trailed Watson by two strokes entering the third round. “It’s not a bad thing. I was hitting the driver very well, and I kept on hitting fairway after fairway. ... Boring rounds are actually fine with me.� Prugh thinks the proam format keeps him away from any mental dangers

that might otherwise arise from leading a PGA Tour tournament after three rounds. Perhaps helping amateurs with their game prevents him from overthinking his own. Whatever the magic formula, Prugh is the first rookie to lead a round at the event since John Senden took the second-round lead in the 2002 tournament eventually won by Phil Mickelson. “I’m just trying to entertain my amateur partners as well as I can, and hopefully they get their money’s worth when they’re out here,� Prugh said. Flores was every bit as impressive as Prugh, shooting the second straight 65 of his bogey-free tournament to pull into a tie with second-round leader Watson (68), who rallied after a slow start on the Arnold Palmer Private course. Joe Ogilvie (68) was four strokes back at 17 under. Chad Collins (69), Tim Clark (67) and Bill Haas (66) were 16 under, and Mike Weir (67) was 15 under. After rain washed out play Thursday and threatened Friday, the players finally reveled in per-

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Alex Prugh hits from a bunker on the 12th hold during the third round of the Bob Hope Classic PGA golf tournament on Saturday, at La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, Calif. fect Palm Springs scoring weather. Amateurs, celebrities and pros alike were thrilled to see fewer fairway marshes and more sturdy greens, but two unheralded rookies made the biggest splashes by crowding around Watson, who’s also seeking his first PGA Tour victory. The long-hitting Watson was in prime position to pull away a bit after doing well on the two tougher courses during the rainy

first two days, but he was 1 over after eight holes on the Palmer course Saturday before stringing together four birdies on the back nine. Although he’s touting a new mental attitude this season, Watson couldn’t help jabbing himself after wasting a chance. “I just played bad,� said Watson, the tour’s secondlongest driver last year. “The 68 was getting a lot out of my round today, so I’m not mad at a 68.

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It’s just (that) I wanted to play better. My caddie kept yelling at me, trying to get me to pay attention and stay focused. I just hung in there.� After finishing 72nd last week at the Sony Open, Prugh played as well as a

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Comics ◆ A15

Monday, January 25, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press Family Circus

Close to Home

Advice

Punish granddaughter if you must, but explain reason why

Zits

Blondie

Baby Blues

Beetle Bailey

Dear Annie: I have two 21-year-old granddaughters who live in different states. My son was never married to “Shannon’s” mother, and there are a lot of hard feelings between them. My other granddaughter, “Christy,” recently married, and I traveled to another state to attend her wedding. At Christy’s wedding reception, my husband and I were seated with both of our sons and the bride’s mother. There was room at our table for Shannon and her boyfriend, so I invited them to sit with us, but she refused. I didn’t understand why, so I went over to talk to her. Christy saw me and told her father that I was not permitted to talk to Shannon at her wedding. When I was informed of this, I was taken by surprise and could not believe Christy would make the effort to order me around at her own reception. I thought I had a good rapport with her. I love both of my granddaughters, but I am very hurt by their rude behavior. I have been helping them with college and giving them holiday and birthday gifts, but I no longer want to contribute anything toward either of them. What is happening in our world that a 21-year-old has the nerve to tell her 77-year-old grandmother who she can and cannot speak to? I want them to learn that there are consequences for their actions. Should I ignore their behavior or stop all payments? — Troubled Grandmother Dear Troubled: Shannon was not being rude when she refused to join your table. She was

trying to avoid an argument. Christy, however, showed terrible manners and has no business dictating which grandchildren you can speak to, especially at her wedding, which is a family occasion. Punishing her financially is up to you, but be sure to explain why you are unhappy with her disrespectful behavior. Dear Annie: Whenever I’m upset or elated, I tend to shout out four-letter words. However, now that I have small children, I would really like to stop this bad habit. It happens frequently enough that I know they will soon start repeating what they hear. Please help. — Don’t Want to be a Sailor Dear Sailor: Some people have a neurological condition that inhibits their ability to control the words they say when upset or elated. If you think this might be your problem, ask your doctor to check you for Tourette syndrome. However, if this is simply an ingrained bad habit developed over the past several years, you can learn to stop. Being aware of it is the first step. The next step is putting your brain in gear when you speak, and not only in front of your children. Do it consistently everywhere. When you are excited, be especially slow to open your mouth so you have time to cen-

t o d ay ’ s p u z z l e

Garfield

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

For Better Or Worse

Tina’s Groove

sor what you are going to say. This takes time and practice, but you are motivated to do it, so we have every confidence you‚ll succeed. Dear Annie: This is in response to “Concerned Paw Paw,” whose 5-yearold great-granddaughter spit at him. Yes, little children misbehave from time to time, but a 5-year-old is plenty old enough to be taught firmly to show respect. If my 5-year-old daughter ever did such a thing to my parents or grandparents, she would not only be made to apologize, but would be punished soundly. Discomfort around relatives you rarely see is understandable, but spitting is not. At 5, she is too old to get away with that behavior. Shame on her parents. — Sensible Mom Dear Mom: We absolutely agree that the parents should have told their child to apologize to her great-grandfather. Rude behavior can be corrected. But we also think it wouldn‚t hurt for “Paw Paw” to get to know his great-granddaughter a little better. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

A16 â—† World

The Mountain Press â—† Monday, January 25, 2010

Bin Laden endorses bomb attempt on U.S. plane CAIRO (AP) — Osama bin Laden endorsed the failed attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day and threatened new attacks against the United States in an audio message released Sunday that appeared aimed at asserting he maintains some direct command over al-Qaida-inspired offshoots. However, U.S. officials and several researchers who track terrorist groups said there was no indication bin Laden or any of

his top lieutenants had anything to do with or even knew in advance of the Christmas plot by a Yemen-based group that is one of several largely independent al-Qaida franchises. A U.S. State Department spokesman said al-Qaida’s core leadership offers such groups strategic guidance but depends on them to carry it out. “He’s trying to continue to appear relevant� by talking up the attempted attack

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by an affiliate, the spokesman, P.J. Crowley, said. The one-minute message was explicit in its threat of new attacks. Like the airline plot, bin Laden said they would come in response to America’s support for Israel. “God willing, our raids on you will continue as long as your support for the Israelis continues,� bin Laden said in the recording, which was released to the Al-Jazeera news channel.

JAN. 25JAN. 29 AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Jeune Joseph Andre’ Ronald prays facing the still-standing crucifix in front of the rubble of the collapsed Sacre Couer Catholic Church, which was destroyed by the massive Jan. 12 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday.

150,000 Haiti quake victims buried, government says PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The truckers filling Haiti’s mass graves with bodies reported ever higher numbers: More than 150,000 quake victims have been buried by the government, an official said Sunday. That doesn’t count those still under the debris, carried off by relatives or killed in the outlying quake zone. “Nobody knows how many bodies are buried in the rubble — 200,000? 300,000? Who knows the overall death toll?� said the official, Communications Minister Marie-Laurence Jocelyn Lassegue.

Dealing with the living, meanwhile, a global army of aid workers was getting more food into people’s hands, but acknowledged falling short. “We wish we could do more, quicker,� said U.N. World Food Program chief Josette Sheeran, visiting Port-auPrince. In the Cite Soleil slum, U.S. soldiers and Brazilian U.N. peacekeeping troops distributed food. Lunie Marcelin, 57, said the handouts will help her and six grown children “but it is not enough. We need more.� The Haitian government

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was urging many of the estimated 600,000 homeless huddled in open areas of Port-au-Prince, a city of 2 million, to look for better shelter with relatives or others in the countryside. Some 200,000 were believed already to have done so, most taking advantage of free government transportation, and others formed a steady stream out of the city on Sunday.

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