Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Page 1

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 61 ■ March 2, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Tuesday

Lord’s Prayer challenged

INSIDE

Lawsuit threatened against commission for prayer, Ten Commandments picture By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer

5Special gift on Valentine’s Day James Roger Colvin is first baby born at LeConte Medical Center Local, Page A3

SEVIERVILLE — A Washington-based legal group says it may sue to get the County Commission to stop opening its meetings with the Lord’s Prayer and to take down a picture depicting the Ten Commandments. County Mayor Larry Waters has vowed to dig in against the demand. Rob Boston, a spokesman for Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU), said

“We are writing to request that you end the prayer practice and remove the poster in order to ensure compliance with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.” — Excerpt from letter to County Commission

his organization received a citizen complaint about the prayer and the picture. Though a letter AU sent to county officials in mid-February doesn’t specifically mention legal action, it seems

— County Mayor Larry Waters

clear the group is prepared to file “We do litigate, though.” suit if need be. A document composed by AU “We do have a staff of lawyers, lawyers was sent to Waters on but we do try to work these issues Feb. 17 to distribute to all 25 out outside of court,” Boston told See PRAYER, Page A5 The Mountain Press on Monday.

Senator freezes loop road work, other projects

5Can Lady Tigers survive? Pigeon Forge faces toughest matchup of the year with CAK

By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer

Sports, Page A8

Local

Ahead of scheduled Portion of The Spur open Monday, two weeks early Page A3

Weather Today Snow showers High: 38°

Tonight Flurries Low: 27° Derek Hodges/The Mountain Press

DETAILS, Page A6

“I think it’s appropriate to say a prayer at the beginning of the meetings and I’m going to continue doing so.”

Icicles hang off the water wheel at Cable Mill in Cades Cove in the Smokies late last week. The popular area is closed to public access for work to rehabilitate the loop road. U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., has blocked money related to the project, forcing construction to be halted at noon Monday.

CADES COVE — Some political maneuvering in Washington called a halt to three Tennessee road projects, including one to fix the popular Cades Cove loop road — work that started only hours before the funding was frozen. The road officially closed Monday morning after shutting down at sunset Sunday evening. Contractors were on the job only a few hours before they were given the order at noon to stop their work. The U.S. Department of Transportation furloughed about 2,000 employees, including inspectors required to oversee the Tennessee projects. U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., late last week blocked an extension of the U.S. Highway Trust Fund, the account that pays for road construction efforts out of the national gas tax, forcing the temporary layoffs. Using Senate procedural rules, Bunning insisted he will not let the bill go unless its cost is offset by cuts in other areas of the federal budget or additional money is found to pay for it. According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Bunning’s move currently affects only projects taking place on federal lands, as well as other transportation initiatives that, among other things, combat drunken driving and help local police crews enforce safety laws. That should mean what LaHood calls Bunning’s “political game” won’t disrupt other local efforts such as the ongoing expansion of Highway 66 in Sevierville. “As American families are struggling in tough economic times, I am keenly disappointed that political games are putting a stop to important construction projects around the country,” LaHood said. “This means See LOOP ROAD, Page A4

Obituaries Malcolm McDonell, 83 Georgia Godfrey, 85 Jimmy Reagan, 72 Norma Carr, 70 Tommy Shelton, 46 Christopher Newman, 23 Wilma Huff, 69 DETAILS, Page A4

Index Local & State . A1-A4,A6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . A2 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . A13 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . A13 Classifieds . . . . . A10-A12 Nation . . . . . . . . . A5,A14 World . . . . . . . . . . . . A14

1886 Sevier church on endangered list Staff report A church building in Sevier County is on the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance’s list of endangered historic buildings and places in the 16-county region. The New Salem Baptist Church was built in 1886 by Isaac Dockery, noted black builder, and is Sevierville’s oldest surviving building, Sevier County’s oldest brick church building, and the only historic black church in the county. The church served the black community until the 1950s when the last services were held by the original congregation. It is located in a bend of Middle Creek along Eastgate Road. See CHURCH, Page A4

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

New Salem Church in Sevierville is on a new list of endangered historic buildings in east Tennessee.

File

Candidates invited to submit stories to newspaper Candidates for Sevier County offices in the May 4 primary election are invited to submit a story to The Mountain Press announcing their candidacy. Stories must be limited to no more than 350 words and should include biographical material as well as any positions or issues the candidate wants to mention. No attacks on

other candidates will be permitted. We also will publish head-and-shoulder photos. Candidates may submit the photo, or we can take it. If we take the photo, it remains the property of The Mountain Press. Stories should be typed and can be submitted in these ways: n By e-mail to editor@ themountainpress.com

n By regular mail to The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville 37864. n In person at our office, 119 Riverbend Bend, across from the TRW plant Be sure to include a phone number and a mailing address we can use to contact you in case we have questions. All stories are subject to editing for length, style and subject matter, but we

will try to leave them as close to the original as possible. Stories must be received no later than March 24; no candidate announcement stories will be published after March 31. Candidate stories will be published on the day requested by the candidate if possible, but no stories will be published in a Sunday edition. In addition to the

announcement stories, The Mountain Press will be sending each primary candidate in a contested race a questionnaire and bio sheet for use in a future edition ahead of the May 4 election. We will use the addresses provided by the candidates to the Election Commission. For questions call Editor Stan Voit at 428-0746, ext. 217.

A2 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Tuesday, March 2, 2010

American Oldies Theater sneak preview March 10-12

community calendar

TUESDAY, MARCH 2 American Legion

American Legion Post 104 covered dish dinner meeting 6 p.m. at Post home. 908-4310 or www.amlgnp104tn.org.

Evangelism Course

Free evangelism course today-Saturday in Gatlinburg; daily sessions 9-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m. Register at www.garlandsofgraceministries.com or call 436-0313. Instructor Bob Kendig.

Women’s Bible Study

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

Kindness Counts

TOPS

Al-Anon Family Group meets at 11 a.m., First United Methodist Church, Pigeon Forge. 428-7617 or 680-6724.

Alzheimer’s Support

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

Hot Meals

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

Swimming Lessons

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

Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study: n 1 p.m. Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast, Garrett, Gatlnburg n 6:30 p.m. Pigeon Forge UMC

Gatekeepers

Gatekeepers men’s Bible study: n 6:30 p.m., 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591. n 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831.

Optimist Club

Optimist club of Northview celebrates 25th anniversary with reception at 7 p.m., Northview Clubhouse.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 First Presbyterian

Middle Creek UMC

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

Sevierville Story Time

Preschool story time, Sevier County Main Library. 453-3532.

ThursDAY, MARCH 4 Democratic Party

Sevier County Democratic Party meets at 7 p.m. at courthouse.

American Legion

American Legion Post 202, 6:30 p.m. by post office in Gatlinburg. 5991187.

TOPS weight loss chapter meets at 6 p.m., Parkway Church of God in Sevierville. 755-9517 or 429-3150. Sevier County Right to Life meets at 5:30 p.m., Pigeon Forge Library. Discussion on stem cells and cloning. 908-2689 or 908-1968.

Garden Club

Gatlinburg Garden Club meets at 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Community Center. Program presented by Carol Bennett of library. To make corn husk dolls, bring $3 for supplies.

friDAY, MARCH 5 JOY Club

Just Older Youth Club meets at Pigeon Forge Community Center. Bring covered side dishes. Bingo at 10:30 a.m. lunch at 11:30. 429-7373.

Kodak Story Time

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

Benefit Singing

Benefit singing 7 p.m., Solid Rock Bapitst Chruch with The Nickells Family and others. 428-8039.

saturDAY, MARCH 6 Radio Class

Level One Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course class, by appointment only. 429-2422 or e-mail to n4jtg@live.com.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God gospel music with The Partons, The Porter Family and The Rochesters, 6:30 p.m. 850-3533.

Bradleys Chapel

Gospel singing 7 p.m. at Bradleys Chapel Baptist Church with The Camerons and Tracy Kear.

RTL Oratory Contest

Sevier County Right To Life, in partnership with the State and National RTL Chapters, and Aquinas College fifth annual oratory contest is open to all high school students in Sevier County. Deadline to register, April 1. Contest is 6 p.m. April 15, Sevierville Council Hall. For application/information call Terry Aparicio at (865) 654-7685.

sunDAY, MARCH 7 Gatlinburg FUMC

Gatlinburg First United Methodist Church offers fellowship of contemporary music, worship, followed by a hot meal, 6 p.m. 4364691.

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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 Dennis Carl Bailey, 53, of 613 Asheville Highway Lot 8 in Kodak, was charged Feb. 28 with aggravated domestic assault. He was being held. u William Dryse Bible, 21, of 260 Greystone Heights in Gatlinburg, was charged Feb. 28 with DUI. He was released on $2,500 bond. u Ricky Eugene Burgess, 44, of Newport, was charged Feb. 27 with a misdemeanor warrant from general sessions court. He was being held. u Marchele Nicole Hale, 28, of 1116 Powder Springs Road in Sevierville, was charged Feb. 28 with vandalism. She was released. u Jonathan Fritts Harrell, 21, of 120 Kandy Way #2 in Sevierville, was charged Feb. 27 with domestic violence assault. He was released on $2,500 bond. u Molly Amanda Howard, 33, of 2330 Jones Cove Road in Sevierville, was charged Feb. 26 with theft. She was released on $250 bond. u Richard Thomas Lynam, 32, of 2640 Douglas Dam Road in Sevierville, was charged Feb. 28 with driving while revoked and possession of a schedule II substance. He was released on $25,000 bond. u Joel Calvin Macke, 22, of Cincinnatti, Ohio, was charged Feb. 27 with public intoxication and disorderly conduct. He was released on $1,000 bond. u Mason Elijah Mann, 18, of 5509 Householder St. in Pigeon Forge, was charged Feb. 28 with inhaling glue, paint or gas and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was being held in lieu of $2,500 bond. u Adam Keith Newsome, 18, of 2523 Dogwood Loop Road n Sevierville, was charged Feb. 28 with reckless endangerment, inhaling glue, paint or gas, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was being held in lieu of $3,500 bond. u Patricia Elaine Sawyer, 47, of 2324 Big River Overlook #45 in Sevierville, was charged March 1 with a second count of DUI, driving while revoked and violation of implied consent law and speeding. She was released on $7,500 bond. u Martina Stewart, 30, of 1349 Lexington Park Ave. in Sevierville, was charged Feb. 27 with theft of property. She was released on $1,500 bond. u Nicole Lynn Sudlow, 21, of 833 Douglas Dam Road #11 in Sevierville, was charged Feb. 28 with public intoxication. She was released on $250 bond. u Edwin Bradley Whaley, 30, of 2350 Arch Rock Drive in Sevierville, was March 1 with violation of probation. He was being held. u Carisa Rae Woods, 34, of Oak Ridge, was charged Feb. 28 with shoplifting and misdemeanor filing a false report to an officer. She was released on $2,500 bond.

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Submitted

Sassy is a collie and Aussie mix. Eight-year-old Soomer is a domestic longhair mix. The fee for cat and dog adoptions is $100 and covers the first set of vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip. The Gnatty Branch Animal Shelter is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Visit www.petfinder.com for a complete list of available pets.

monDAY, MARCH 8 Cancer Support

Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group meets at 6 p.m. at new Thompson Cancer Center. Ann Henderlite, VP and chief nursing officer, to give tour. Bring food. 428-5834 or 654-9280.

Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace Women’s Bible study: n Noon, Seymour Heights Christian Church, Chapman and Boyds Creek Highway n 1 p.m. Gatlinburg Inn

Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 2-5 p.m., Gum Stand Baptist Church. 429-2508.

DAR

Daughters of American Revolution, Spencer Clack Chapter, meets at 7 p.m., Sevier County Library. Program by Dr. Judy Morgan, Sonya Nave and Tammy Sturdivant.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9 S.I.T.

Seniors In Touch (S.I.T.) meets 5-6 p.m. at MountainBrook Village, 700 Markhill Drive, Sevierville. 428-2445.

Hot Meals

Hot Meals for Hungry Hearts served from 5:306:30 p,m. Second Baptist Church, Pigeon Street off Chapman Highway.

Al-Anon Family

Al-Anon Family Group meets 11 a.m. First United 0OTTERY (OUSE #AFÂŁ 'RILLE 3UN 4HURS AM PM &RI 3AT AM PM

W 4RY ONE OF OUR NE CIALS Y SPE DAIL

Methodist Church, Pigeon Forge. 428-7617 or 6806724.

Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study: n 1 p.m. Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast, Garrett, Gatlnburg n 6:30 p.m. Pigeon Forge UMC

Gatekeepers

Gatekeepers men’s Bible study: n 6:30 p.m., 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591. n 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831.

Blood Drive

Medic blood drive 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Kroger in Sevierville.

Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gum Stand Baptist Church. 4292508.

wednesDAY, MARCH 10 First Presbyterian

Traditional Lent Services 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24, First Presbyterian Church Sevierville, featuring music. prayer and message. Offering collected will go to help Haiti. 453-2971.

Women’s Care Center

Women’s Care Center 20-year anniversary banquet 6 p.m. March 18 at Wood Grill Buffet, $25. Mail payment or call by March 10 to 428-4673.

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Traditional Lent services 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through March 24, First Presbyterian Sevierville. Offering collected will go to help Haiti. 453-2971.

PIGEON FORGE — Patty Waszak will open her new American Oldies Theater at 167 E. Wears Valley Road in the Shops of Pigeon Forge Mall with sneak preview performances on March 10-12. Waszak, who currently presents a morning variety show at Country Tonite, has operated two other theaters over the past few years. “With our newest venture, I’m excited because I wasn’t actively looking for a building. I believe God sent it to us,� she said. Waszak said she would continue the morning show time slot. According to Waszak, the new theater will feature music of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. There will be a host/emcee who will perform, as well as a supporting cast. The host is Kenny Evans of Oliver Springs. He has performed at Showplace Theater, Smith Family Theater, Ole Smoky Hoedown and Country Tonite. For more information call 453-0833 or 7749454.

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:30-6:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church in Sevierville and Kodak United Methodist Church in Kodak.

NARFE

Al-Anon Family

Submitted Report

Hot Meals

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 n 6:30 p.m. Sevierville UMC, Conference Room

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

Adoptable pets

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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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Andy Griggs Live Concert at the Stadium Friday, March 5th 9:00 PM Limited Seating Available

Advanced ticket sales $20.00 each Call the Stadium Bar and Grill for tickets and information.

(865) 453-1488

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Local â—† A3

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Southbound lane of The Spur reopens 2 weeks ahead of time Entire project scheduled to be finished on or before April 30 Staff report GATLINBURG — The Tennessee Department of Transportation reopened one lane of U.S. 441 (The Spur) southbound shortly before 3:30 p.m. Monday, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. TDOT was forced to close the southbound lanes of the roadway after a rockslide on Jan. 25. “We understand this has been an inconvenience to many people traveling to and from Gatlinburg and are pleased to see the contractor reopening the roadway ahead of schedule,� said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. Since the rockslide occurred, motorists traveling southbound into Gatlinburg have been using one of the northbound lanes. With the southbound lane now reopened, TDOT expects to remove the detour and reopen both northbound lanes to northbound traffic by today, weather permitting. “It has been our goal since day one to reopen both the north and southbound lanes to free flowing traffic as quickly as possible,� Region One Director Steve Borden said. “We are pleased to reopen one lane of the

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

Mikala Thomas-Colvin will have a story to tell her son James about the day he was born.

A Valentine’s Day gift this couple won’t forget James Roger Colvin first baby born at LeConte By ELLEN BROWN Staff Writer SEVIERVILLE — When Mikala ThomasColvin woke up on Sunday, Feb. 14, she didn’t know it would be a Valentine’s Day she would never forget. Pregnant at 37 weeks, she started downstairs to get her family ready for church — and fell down the steps, landing on her stomach. “My husband called 911,� she said. “My contractions started in the ER, and they got me upstairs, where I was triaged for about 30 minutes.� Thomas-Colvin and her husband, Dustin, were “very pleased and impressed� with the way that LeConte Medical Center staff treated them. “They kept us informed,� she said. “Dr. Korten was my doctor and Jachar was my main nurse. Gail, the tech, hugged me and told me everything was going to be OK.� “Even a security guard saw me struggling with her luggage and helped me,� Dustin added. James Roger Colvin was born at 7:03 p.m. at 6 pounds and 15 ounces. The name “James� was Thomas-Colvin’s grandfather’s (“He was a very strong man,� she said) and Roger is Dustin’s grandfather’s, who is still living and honored to share the name with his great-grandson. Born three weeks early, James’ lungs were underdeveloped and he was unable to keep up his oxygen saturation.

roadway nearly two weeks early, but there is still much work to be completed on this project.� TDOT awarded Charles Blalock & Sons Inc. of Sevierville a $713,909 emergency repair contract on Feb. 8 with a provision that the southbound roadway must be safely reopened by March 12. The project was broken into two phases. Phase one included clearing and stabilizing the slope, constructing a retaining wall and reopening the southbound lanes to traffic. TDOT incorporated a $5,000-per-day incentive into the contract for completion of phase one by March 12. Blalock has now finished phase one of the clean-up and repair, which included constructing a 100-foot-by20-foot retaining wall. Phase two of the project begins immediately with the installation of a stained rock facade, restriping and repaving of the impacted area. The contractor will be required to keep two lanes of traffic open in each direction beginning at 6 a.m. on Fridays through 12:01 a.m. on Mondays. The entire emergency project is scheduled to be finished on or before April 30.

Police ask for public’s assistance catching counterfeit-check casher Submitted report

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

James Roger Colvin, just over two weeks old, was the first baby born at the Leconte Medical Center.

The Sevierville Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a person suspected of using a counterfeit check at a local bank. According to Detective Kevin Bush, a woman cashed a counterfeit check in the amount of $1,598.74 on Jan. 19 at BB&T Bank, 100 E. Main St. The suspect is a black female with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5-foot-8 and weighing 250-300 pounds. She appears to be in her mid-30s. She was wearing a white hat, dark sleeveless vest, white dress shirt and blue jeans. Bush said the woman reportedly used the name Laneel Warner and presented a fraudulent check in that name

“His brothers (Christian, 11, and Jason, 21 months) love him. Jason was also born at 37 weeks. We call him ‘Bug,’ so we call James ‘Little Bug’ now. Jason’s a good big brother; he’s not jealous — yet.� , He was transported to the neonatal intensive care unit at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, where he remained until Feb. 23. “We were up there every day,� ThomasColvin said. “His brothers (Christian, 11, and Jason, 21 months) love him. Jason was also born at 37 weeks. We call him ‘Bug,’ so we call James ‘Little Bug’ now. Jason’s a good big brother; he’s not jealous — yet.� Taking care of three boys is not as hard as she thought it would be, although there have been challenges. “Yesterday I had the experience of ‘Who am I going to take care of first?’ Jason was in the middle of a diaper change, and the baby was in the bassinet crying. He wants to be held

— Mikala Thomas-Colvin

all of the time.� Thomas-Colvin moved to Sevierville from Connecticut 10 years ago with her family, and Dustin moved to the area after he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. They met at Smoky Shadows Hotel in Pigeon Forge, where she works as a desk clerk. The family attends New Era Baptist Church in Sevierville. Maternal grandparents of James are Hugh and Rebecca Thomas, and paternal grandparents are B.J. and Milton McClintock. The parents are thankful for all of the prayers they received at the news of James’ early arrival. “It’s a miracle and a blessing that he got here safely,� his mother said.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Police in Knoxville say a pedestrian has died after being struck by a trolly in Knoxville. The Knoxville Area Transit vehicle was making a turn onto a downtown street Monday morning when it happened. A police spokesman, Darrell DeBusk, said a “very preliminary investigation� revealed the victim stepped from a median into the path of the trolly. DeBusk said the person later died at a hospital.

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from the bank account of a New Bern, N.C., business called M.E. Maher Construction Inc. The suspect allegedly presented a counterfeit Virginia driver’s license. M.E. Maher

Construction Inc. reportedly had several other fraudulent checks cashed in North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bush at 453-5506.

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n ebrown@themountainpress.com

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A4 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Tuesday, March 2, 2010

OBITUARIES

CHURCH

3From Page A1

In Memoriam

Malcolm “Mac� McDonell

Malcolm “Mac� McDonell, age 83 of Gatlinburg, died Sunday, February 28, 2010, at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital following a short illness. He was a veteran of World War II and served as one of General George Marshall’s radio operators in Nam King China in 1946. He and his wife Susan operated The Gemstone Shop in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community for 34 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Davis Jackson and Irene McDonell, brother Davis Jackson McDonell Jr., and his beloved sons Terry Jackson McDonell, Gary Evan McDonell, and infant son Malcolm Frank McDonell, Jr. He is survived by his: Wife: Susan McDonell; Daughter: Cathy Jane Nestle and husband Bill; Son: Michael Wayne McDonell; Stepson: Robert McCormack and wife Tracy; Grandchildren: Eddie, Suzanne, Stacey, Derek, Jennifer, Lauren, Kellie, Sydney; Great-grandchildren: Tyler, Nick, Luke, Eli, Slater, Laurel, Bella, Katie; Sister: Lillian Durham; Niece and nephews: Eva Fegarido, David and Robert Wilkerson, Chuck and Craig McDonell; many special friends in Gatlinburg. Family and friends will meet at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Tennessee Veterans Cemetery for graveside service and interment with Kevin Tierney officiating. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

In Memoriam

Jimmy R. Reagan

Jimmy R. Reagan, age 72 of Pigeon Forge, walked into the arms of his Lord on Sunday, February 28, 2010. Jimmy loved cars, Daytona Beach, and trips to Georgia to see his grandson and family. He was a member of Valley Forge Inn Outreach Church. He was a former mayor, commissioner, and vice mayor of Pigeon Forge, and Jimmy also served as a Reserve Deputy Officer of the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department. He was a Shriner, a member of the FOP Smoky Mountain Lodge #31, and the retired owner of Precision Construction Co. Of all these, however, his favorite roles in life were as husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Eula Reagan, sisters Mabel Murphy, Flo Gibson, and Billie Bates, and son Tony Reagan. Survivors include his: Wife: Betty Jo Cole Reagan; Daughters: Tana Eubanks, Lori Fuson and husband David; Grandson: Shane Eubanks and wife Crystal; Granddaughter: Jordan Fuson; Great-grandson: Harper Cole Eubanks; Brothers: Charles Reagan, Everette Reagan and wife Gail; Special cousin: Susan Reagan; lots of friends at the Courthouse, the BP Station, and Mountain National Bank. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 4718 Papermill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909 or to the American Diabetes Association, Tennessee Affiliate, 211 Center Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922. Funeral service 7 p.m. Tuesday in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Cole and Rev. Jon Sims officiating. Family and friends will meet 11 a.m. Wednesday in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens for graveside service and interment. The family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Tommy Shelton Tommy Shelton, 46 of Seymour, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010. Tom was a member of Dripping Springs Baptist Church and a member of Tennessee National Guard. Survivors: daughter, April Shelton of Maryville; mother, Mary Catherine Shelton of Seymour; father, Robert Shelton; brother, Terry Shelton and family of Indiana; aunts, uncles and cousins Funeral service was held Monday in Atchley ’s Seymour Chapel with the Rev. John Whitehead officiating. Interment 11 a.m. Tuesday in Asbury Cemetery. The family received friends Monday at Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour. 122 Peacock Ct. Seymour, TN 37865. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Christopher Bobby Newman Christopher Bobby Newman, 23 of Seymour, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010. Sur vivors: grandfather, James Newman; mother and stepfather, Tonnya and Robert Godfrey; sisters, Nancy Inman and Leslie Newman; one niece; several aunts, uncles and cousins: one great-aunt; stepsisters, Mary Loveday and Rebecca Daniels. Graveside ser vice and

interment 1 p.m. Tuesday in Boyd’s Creek Cemetery with the Revs. Brent Blake and Jim Kitts officiating. The family received friends Monday at Atchley ’s Seymour Chapel. 122 Peacock Ct., Seymour, TN 37865. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Wilma Katherine Pitner Huff Wilma Katherine Pitner Huff, 69 of Seymour, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, after a four year battle with cancer. Survivors: husband, Carroll Huff; daughters and sons-inlaw, Sandra and Mack Clark, Tina and John Cogan; five grandchildren: two greatgrandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Freddy and Sharon Pitner, Buddy and Debbie Pitner; sister and brother-in-law: Mar y and Larry Kosel of Newport. Funeral ser vice 7 p.m. Tuesday in Atchley ’s Seymour Chapel with the Rev. W.A. Galyon and Greg Pitner officiating. Interment 10 a.m. Wednesday in Knob Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour, 122 Peacock Ct., Seymour TN 37865. 577-2807. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

In Memoriam

Georgia Gore Godfrey

Georgia Gore Godfrey, age 85 of South Knoxville, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2010. She was a member of Fort Hill Baptist Church and a retired LPN from Fort Sanders Regional Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray C. Godfrey, Sr., son Ray C. Godfrey, Jr., parents, George W. and Maude Gore, sister, Anne Akers. Survivors: Daughter-in-law: Judith A. Godfrey; Grandchildren: Ray “Chuck� Godfrey, III and wife Melissa, Bill Godfrey and wife Regina of Valrico, FL, Lori Mathis and husband Brian of Martin TN; Great-Grandchildren: Madelyn R. and Tucker Godfrey, Danielle Johnson and Alex Ray Godfrey of Valrico, FL, Julie, Keely and Brad Mathis of Martin, TN; Sister-in-law: Marjorie McCarrell; Niece: Carol Anne Plummer and husband Sam; Nephew: Gene Akers and wife Pat. Graveside service and interment 11 a.m. Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery with Rev. Duncan Carver officiating. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Atchley Funeral Home Seymour, 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN. (577-2807). n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

In Memoriam

Norma Jean Lewis Carr

Norma Jean Lewis Carr, age 70, of Dandridge, formerly of Gatlinburg, TN and Coconut Creek, FL, passed away at her home on Monday, March 1, 2010. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Dandridge. She was preceded in death by mother and father Mamie and General Lewis, brothers General “Beak� Lewis and Clay Lewis, and mother-in-law and father-in-law Reba and Wesley Carr. Survivors include her: Husband of 52 years: James W. “Jimmy� Carr Jr.; Sons and daughters-in-law: Kenny and Jean Carr of Dandridge, Mike and April Carr of Coconut Creek; Daughter: Deborah Carr and life partner Deborah Grayson of Coconut Creek, Florida; Grandchildren:, Melissa Paxton and special friend Kenna Major, Kevin Carr and wife Crystin Kerstin Carr, Kendall Carr; Greatgrandchildren: Christian and Kaylyn Carr, Jake Paxton; Sisters and brother-in-law: Louise and Junior Ogle of Gatlinburg, Jeanette Edwards of Pigeon Forge, Betty Blalock of Sevierville; Brother and sister-in-law: Bill and Jan Lewis of Cosby; Sisters-in-law and their husbands: Betty and Joe Howell, Carol and Rodger Bolling; and Many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Dandridge Building Fund, 951 Old Hwy 92, Dandridge, TN 37725, or to the charity of your choice. Funeral service 7 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at First Baptist Church of Dandridge with Dr. Bob Brown, Dr. Bob McCray, and Rev. Keith Price officiating. Interment 11 a.m. Friday in Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m, Thursday at First Baptist Church of Dandridge. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.

Since that time, the church has been used by other congregations and denominations, and the historic integrity has slowly been chipped away, the alliance said in announcing the list of endangered structures. The original bell tower and pulpit furniture have been removed and the overall interior has been altered significantly. Even with these changes, the church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, and a Tennessee Historical marker was placed on the grounds in 2006. The building suffers from lack of maintenance and ventilation issues, which are compromising the structure, the alliance said. Today the church and grounds are used served for the annual Dockery family reunion, which draws hundreds of descendants. The Dockery Family Association has been working with the East Tennessee Community Design Center, the African-American Heritage Alliance, and ETPA to find a long term solution that would preserve the legacy of the building and the contribu-

LOOP ROAD 3From Page A1

that construction workers will be sent home from job sites because federal inspectors must be furloughed.� While the drama plays out in Washington, officials with Great Smoky Mountains National Park say they’re in “wait and see mode� on the $6.7 million Cades Cove project. Park spokeswoman Nancy Gray said the area will remain closed for the time being. The project was set to end no later than May 21, according to the contract for the work, though it’s unclear what will happen to that deadline now.

tions of the congregation. The first list of endangered historic places is selected by the alliance Board of Directors from nominations. Preservation strategies are developed for each site on the list. The preservation alliance works to protect places and structures with historic or cultural significance in Cocke, Jefferson and Sevier, among others. The list of endangered structures: 1. Alexander Inn, Anderson County 2. The Martin Mansion, Blount County 3. Old Lafollette Post Office 4. Graham Kivett House, Claiborne County 5. Gilleland Odell House, Cocke County 6. Abandoned Rural Schoolhouses, Grainger County 7. Morristown College 8. Quaker Valley, Jefferson County 9. Central Business District of Lenoir City 10. Boyhood Home of Estes Kefauver, Monroe County 11. Brushy Mountain State Correctional Complex, Morgan County 12. Roane County, Emory Gap Cemetery 13. New Salem Baptist Church, Sevier County 14. J. Will Taylor House, Union County

Crews have been in the cove since the contract for the work was let in December, doing preparatory work. Work was started Monday and a few loads of gravel were brought in before the effort was halted. Now, the only people on the site are those monitoring water quality, Gray said. In addition to the Cades Cove project, Bunning’s move has blocked Tennessee projects on federal lands to repair the Shiloh National Park tour roads and parking area, and to replace a bridge at the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area. n dhodges@themountainpress.com

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It’s official: State winter was colder than normal NASHVILLE (AP) — The winter of 2009-2010 was colder than usual in Tennessee, according to the National Weather Service. The December through February period that makes up the winter season brought chilly temperatures, snow and ice across the state. In Nashville, NWS forecaster Bobby Boyd said the season just ended was the first winter since 1977-78 in which all three months brought below-normal average temperatures for

all three months. The average temperature for the winter was 4 degrees below normal and put the season into the records as the 11th coldest on record. In Memphis, meteorologist Z.E. Ingram said February’s 37.3 average was 7.5 degrees below normal — the largest departure for the winter in the city. In Morristown, NWS forecaster Gregg Cole said February’s average high temperature of 41.9 degrees in Knoxville was 9.8 below the 30-year norm for the month.

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Tuesday, March 2, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

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AFLAC INC 50.02 0.57 1.15% ALCOA INC 13.31 0.01 0.08% ALCATEL LUCENT 3.14 0.10 3.29% ALLSTATE CORP 31.57 0.32 1.02% ALTRIA GROUP INC 20.27 0.15 0.75% APPLE INC 208.99 4.37 2.14% AT&T INC 25.00 0.19 0.77% BANK OF AMERICA 16.71 0.05 0.30% BB&T CORP 27.80 -0.73 -2.56% BOEING CO 64.00 0.84 1.33% BRISTOL-MYERS 24.39 -0.12 -0.49% CRACKER BARREL 44.28 0.60 1.37% CHEVRON CORP 72.81 0.51 0.71% CISCO SYSTEMS INC 24.60 0.27 1.11% COCA-COLA CO 53.27 0.55 1.04% CONEDISON INC 43.19 0.44 1.03% DUKE ENERGY CORP 16.49 0.14 0.86% EASTMAN CHEMICAL 60.06 0.51 0.86% EXXON MOBIL CORP 65.40 0.40 0.62% FIRST HORIZON 12.72 -0.08 -0.62% FORD MOTOR CO 12.41 0.67 5.71% FORWARD AIR CORP 24.81 0.35 1.43% GAYLORD ENT 23.40 0.89 3.95% GENERAL ELECTRIC CO15.90 -0.16 -1.00% HOME DEPOT INC 31.43 0.23 0.74% IBM 128.57 1.41 1.11% INTEL CORP 20.87 0.34 1.66%

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JC PENNEY CO INC JPMORGAN CHASE KELLOGG CO KRAFT FOODS INC KROGER CO MCDONALD’S CORP MICRON TECHNOLOGY MICROSOFT CORP MOTOROLA INC ORACLE CORP PHILIP MORRIS PFIZER INC PROCTER & GAMBLE REGIONS FINANCIAL SEARS HOLDINGS SIRIUS XM RADIO INC SPECTRA ENERGY SPEEDWAY MTRSPTS SPRINT NEXTEL CORP SUNOCO INC SUNTRUST BANKS INC TANGER FACTORY TIME WARNER INC TRACTOR SUPPLY CO TRW AUTOMOTIVE WAL-MART YAHOO! INC

27.92 41.83 52.16 28.72 22.41 63.98 9.77 29.02 6.74 24.74 48.93 17.75 63.51 6.65 95.90 0.89 21.98 17.52 3.39 26.50 23.64 42.33 29.60 57.33 27.81 53.90 15.79

0.34 -0.14 0.01 0.29 0.31 0.13 0.71 0.35 -0.02 0.09 -0.05 0.20 0.23 -0.10 0.23 -0.13 0.18 0.04 0.06 0.13 -0.17 0.66 0.56 2.61 0.94 -0.17 0.48

1.23% -0.33% 0.02% 1.02% 1.40% 0.20% 7.84% 1.22% -0.30% 0.37% -0.10% 1.14% 0.36% -1.48% 0.24% -12.79% 0.83% 0.23% 1.80% 0.49% -0.71% 1.58% 1.93% 4.77% 3.50% -0.31% 3.14%

Reports show steady economic recovery NEW YORK (AP) — Mixed reports Monday on manufacturing, construction and personal income and spending made clear that the economy is enjoying modest growth even though the recovery remains fragile. Manufacturing output expanded in February for a seventh straight month. Factory output has provided one of the few areas of strength for the economy. Still, the growth in manufacturing activity slowed compared with January and fell short of economists’ expectations. In addition, construction spending fell for a third straight month in January. And though personal spending rose slightly more than expected, Americans’ incomes scarcely budged. In part, that was because Social Security recipients didn’t get their usual costof-living boost. The weak income growth could depress spending in the months ahead and drag on the economy’s rebound. The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said its manufacturing index read 56.5 last month. That was slower than the 58.4 reading in January. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. The ISM said its employment measure grew for the fourth time in five months, accelerating to 56.1 in February from 53.3 in January. February’s number is the highest since January 2005. Gauges of production and new orders fell, indicating slower growth ahead.

PRAYER

3From Page A1

commissioners. In it, AU staff attorney Ian Smith demands that the county change its ways and report back within 10 days. “We are writing to request that you end the prayer practice and remove the poster in order to ensure compliance with the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,� Smith wrote. It requests a response within 10 days. The county has yet to respond. Waters said Monday no change is planned. “I think it’s appropriate to say a prayer at the beginning of the meetings and I’m going to continue doing so,� Waters said. For as long as Waters has been mayor — more than three decades — he has started each session by inviting people to stand and join in reciting the Lord’s Prayer, a liturgy spoken by Jesus in the New Testament. In a letter to the commissioners informing them of the complaint, Waters said he’s never known anyone

to have an issue with the practice. “It appears that this is similar to the harassing complaints that many county officials have received,� Waters wrote, explaining Monday that he believes AU was informed of the situation by a member of a local group that says it’s determined to “reform� county government. “I have been Sevier County mayor for 32 years and we have prayed before every County Commission meeting, and I fully intend to keep doing so.� The county is not alone in praying before meetings. Bodies ranging from Congress to state legislatures to city councils in Sevier County use prayer in their sessions. Likewise, Water said he’s ready to fight to maintain the picture, which includes an illustration of the Ten Commandments. “We have also never had a complaint about any of the pictures in the meeting room,� Waters wrote. “I also have no intention of removing the picture.� The depiction actually hangs in a multipurpose room in the courthouse,

Money/Nation/Local â—† A5

Wayward Democrats reconsider Health care bill hangs in balance By CHARLES BABINGTON Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON — Nine House Democrats indicated in an Associated Press survey Monday they have not ruled out switching their “no� votes to “yes� on President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, brightening the party’s hopes in the face of unyielding Republican opposition. The White House tried to smooth the way for them, showing its own openness to changes in the landmark legislation and making a point of saying the administration is not using parliamentary tricks or loopholes to find the needed support. Democratic leaders have strongly signaled they will use a process known as “budget reconciliation� to try to push part of the package through the Senate without allowing Republicans to talk it to death with filibusters. The road could be even more difficult in the House, where Speaker Nancy Pelosi is struggling to secure enough Democratic votes for approval, thus the effort to attract former foes. The White House said Obama will outline his final “way forward� in a Washington speech Wednesday, and he is expected to embrace a handful of Republican ideas for making health care more efficient. Few in Washington think those gestures will be enough to persuade a single House or Senate Republican to embrace the legislation. But they could

which serves not only as the meeting space for the County Commission, but also hosts court proceedings occasionally. Courts across the country have ordered illustrations of the Ten Commandments removed from judicial buildings. Boston, meanwhile, believes both the picture and the prayer could land the county in court. The letter from AU’s Smith cites a number of court rulings that back up that belief. The issue for AU is that the Lord’s Prayer is a specifically Christian lit-

Associated Press

In this photo taken Thursday, Democrat leaders, from left, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, with Vice President Joe Biden, and President Barack Obama take part in health care reform meeting at the Blair House in Washington. give wavering Democrats political cover by showing the party has been willing to compromise, ammunition against campaign accusations this fall that they rammed the bill through Congress with no regard for other views. The proposal would impose new restrictions on insurance companies and order health insurance coverage for as many as 30 million Americans who now lack it, among many other changes. Persuading lawmakers to change their votes is a tough sell. Elected officials are loath to vote two ways on a controversial issue, feeling such a switch draws more resentment than support overall. Democratic leaders stress that the legislative package soon to reach the House will be less expensive than the one that passed in November and will contain no government-run insurance program to compete with private insurers. They hope those changes

will give additional cover to party moderates thinking of switching from no to yes. In interviews with the AP, at least nine of the 39 Democrats — or their spokesmen — either declined to state their positions or said they were undecided about the revised legislation, making them likely targets for intense wooing by Pelosi and Obama. Three of them — Brian Baird of Washington, Bart Gordon of Tennessee and John Tanner of Tennessee — are not seeking re-election this fall. The others are Rick Boucher of Virginia, Suzanne Kosmas of Florida, Frank Kratovil of Maryland, Michael McMahon of New York, Scott Murphy of New York and Glenn Nye of Virginia. Several lawmakers’ offices did not reply to the AP queries. Rep. Walt Minnick of Idaho will not change his vote from no, his spokesman, Dean Ferguson, said Monday night. Minnick had declined to state a

position when contacted earlier by the AP. Both parties have used the “reconciliation� strategy to pass big bills before, but Republicans call the health care push an unwarranted departure from standard practices. Top Democrats are reminding colleagues and voters at home that the Senate already has passed its version of the health care bill on Christmas Eve with a super-majority of 60 votes, which squelched a GOP filibuster without resorting to reconciliation rules. The new plan calls for the House to pass that same bill and send it to Obama for his signature. But that is contingent on a Senate promise to make several subsequent changes. Those would have to be approved under the special budget reconciliation rules, because Democrats now control only 59 of the Senate’s 100 votes — one shy of the number needed to stop a bill-killing filibuster.

urgy, despite the fact that it never mentions Jesus and doesn’t use the word “God� or any other name assigned to the Christian deity, Boston said. The Supreme Court has ruled that prayers are allowed at such gatherings provided they are not specific to any given religion. “It’s a no-brainer that it’s a Christian prayer,� he said. “I think that (arguing it’s not) would be a bit of a reach.� The courts have interpreted the First Amendment to mean that

government-endorsed displays of any one faith are in violation of the Constitution. Boston suggested the county consider switching to a moment of silence or invite in persons of other faiths to offer prayers, as well. However, even such an invitation can be tricky. AU recently was party in a lawsuit that forced Forsyth County, N.C., to abandon the practice after it determined the county’s prayers were “actually about 95 percent� Christian, Boston said. Boston maintains the group isn’t grinding an

axe, but rather trying to keep the public forum a welcoming place for everyone. “It’s not because we’re hostile to Christianity or any other religion. It’s simply because we believe religion is something that is better left to private houses of worship,� he said. “I hope situations like this can serve as a type of education for people. It’s better for all concerned if the government remains neutral in matters of faith.�

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American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sevier County

You’re The Reason Show your REASON TO RELAY at the 2010 Sevier County Relay For Life event with the “You’re the Reason� slide show. Provide a photo and/or a brief message for $5 and indicate if it’s for CELEBRATE (survivors) REMEMBER (for those lost to the disease) or FIGHT BACK (for those in treatment, caregivers, team, fundraiser or event photos, etc.). All money raised goes to the American Cancer Society. Provide hard copy of photo to The Mountain Press, 119 Riverbend Dr., Sevierville, TN 37876 or e-mail to yourethereason@themountainpress.com. Deadline is April 30.

Celebrate Remember Fight Back

Indicate section slide should be inserted: _____ CELEBRATE (survivors) _____ REMEMBER (to honor those lost to the disease) _____ FIGHT BACK (those in treatment, team photos, caregivers, miscellaneous) Message: _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Photo: _____ Hard copy included _____ To be e-mailed by _____________________________________________________ _____ Text only Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: _____________________________________________________________________ Payment included: _____ Cash _____ Check (made payable to the American Cancer Society) Return form to The Mountain Press, 119 Riverbend Drive, Sevierville, TN 37876, or to any Sevier County Relay For Life team member.

A6 ◆

The Mountain Press ◆ Tuesday, March 2, 2010

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n

GATLINBURG

City Commission to meet today

The City Commission will hold a workshop at 5 p.m. today at City Hall to discuss the environmental studies report completed under an agreement with the national park related to the wastewater treatment plant. The commission will go into its regular meeting at 6 p.m. with the agreement on the agenda for approval. n

SEVIER COUNTY

Bluff Mountain Road to close

Bluff Mountain Road will be closed to through-traffic starting at 8:30 a.m. today, weather permitting. Traffic going past 1794 Bluff Mountain Road will be rerouted from Waldens Creek Road using Summit Trail. For questions call the Sevier County Highway Department, 453-3452. There is no indication how long the road will be closed. n

SEVIERVILLE

Roe staffers to be in town

U.S. Rep. Phil Roe will send staff to hold office hours in Sevier County from 9-11 a.m. today and March 16 at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department in downtown Sevierville. Roe’s staff will be available to assist 1st District constituents. No appointment is necessary. n

SEVIER COUNTY

Election group to meet Wednesday

The Sevier County Election Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Voting Machine Warehouse at 1145 Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville to certify the qualifying petitions of the candidates for the 2010 elections and address any other business before it.

State n

NASHVILLE

Flu hotline halts state operations

The Tennessee Department of Health’s Flu Information Line has concluded operations. State officials said Monday there is still flu activity in Tennessee, but the number of cases has dramatically decreased along with calls to the information line. Members of the public who have flu-related questions are now encouraged to contact their county health department or health care provider. n

NASHVILLE

State rep won’t press pot charges

State Rep. Mike Bell says he has decided not to press charges against a couple who broke into his minivan and smoked marijuana on reclined seats in the vehicle. The Riceville Republican said Monday that nothing was stolen from the van parked at his motel in Nashville last week. n

top state news

Lottery Numbers

Report: TennCare loss for ’09: $96M CHATTANOOGA (AP) — BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee lost $96 million managing health care for TennCare enrollees in 2009 — more than double what the insurer expected to lose. A records review by the Chattanooga Times Free Press shows the BlueCross loss from managing TennCare in East Tennessee and West Tennessee is expected to grow to $135 million this year. A report to legislators said to offset the projected loss, BlueCross is

cutting reimbursements to thousands of specialty physicians and to some hospitals by 14 percent and is counting on an emergency room diversion program. The report said while BlueCross has been able to operate at a loss “for a short period of time due to our financial strength, we cannot sustain significant operating losses.” TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program and provides coverage to 1.25 million poor and disabled people. Some physicians already

TODAY’S FORECAST

LOCAL:

complain about losing money on TennCare and are threatening to leave BlueCross’ TennCare networks. The briefing document for lawmakers, titled “VSHP Rate Reductions Q&As,” shows physician cuts will save BlueCross about $25 million. There are concerns about BlueCross’ TennCare provider network if specialists leave. The insurer covers about 450,000 people in East and West Tennessee. “They claim they still

Today's Forecast

City/Region High | Low temps

Forecast for Tuesday, March 2

Snow showers

have an adequate network, which I doubt very seriously because their network now is not really adequate,” said state Rep. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, a doctor who is chairman of the General Assembly’s TennCare Oversight Committee. State TennCare Bureau Director Darin Gordon told the panel last week that the BlueCross provider network has been about 40 percent larger than other TennCare managed care organizations.

Chicago 34° | 27°

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■ Wednesday Cloudy

High: 42° Low: 28° ■ Thursday

New Orleans 50° | 40°

Cloudy

High: 42° Low: 26° Douglas 953.6 D0.1

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■ Ober ski report: Base: 50-84 inches

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Sunny Pt. Cloudy Cloudy Weather Underground • AP

quote roundup “In this kind of knowledge economy, giving up on your education and dropping out of school means not only giving up on your future, but it’s also giving up on your family’s future. It’s giving up on your country.” — President Barack Obama, after Monday proposing $900 million to states and education districts that agree to drastically change or even shutter their worst performing schools.

“Our hemisphere comes together in times of crisis, and we will stand side-by-side with the people of Chile in this emergency.” — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who this morning will visit Santiago, the capitol of Chile, which was ravaged by one of the worst earthquakes in history early Saturday morning.

“I don’t want to defend myself by saying that I wasn’t important or that I didn’t occupy an important post while I was serving my people. Nor will I shift the blame to someone else. I will defend that nation of ours and their cause, which is just and holy.” — Wartime Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, defending himself against charges of Europe’s worst genocide since the Holocaust.

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NASHVILLE

Cartel drug dealer gets 25 years

A federal judge on Monday sentenced a drug dealer for a powerful Mexican cartel to 25 years in prison for soliciting the murder of a witness in a Tennessee drug case. Salvador Guzman apologized to U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger for “all the bad things I’ve done.”

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.

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Monday, March 1, 2010 Midday: 0-8-9-0 17 Evening: 8-4-7-2 21

This day in history Today is Tuesday, March 2, the 61st day of 2010. There are 304 days left in the year. n

Locally a year ago:

Greater Sevierville Little League needs a few generous businesses and individuals. The program with leagues from T-ball to teenagers, is hoping to get around $3,500 donated in the next week so it can sign up more children who can’t afford the $60 registration fee. Today’s highlight:

On March 2, 1836, the Republic of Texas formally declared its independence from Mexico. n

On this date:

In 1877, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was declared the winner of the 1876 presidential election over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, even though Tilden had won the popular vote. In 1990, more than 6,000 drivers went on strike against Greyhound Lines Inc. (the company, later declaring an impasse in negotiations, fired the strikers). n

Miami 83° | 61°

■ Lake Stages:

Trails open: All (Grizzly closes at dusk) (Mogul Ridge not groomed)

Midday: 4-7-8 Evening: 3-1-3

n

Wind 5-10 mph

Primary surface: Machine groomed

Monday, March 1, 2010

Ten years ago:

A federal jury in Washington convicted Maria Hsia, a friend and political supporter of Vice President Al Gore, of arranging more than $100,000 in illegal donations during the 1996 presidential campaign. (Hsia was later sentenced to three months of home confinement.) n

Five years ago:

The number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq reached 1,500. The woman who’d accused NBA star Kobe Bryant of rape settled her lawsuit against him, ending the case. n

Thought for today:

“The price one pays for pursuing any profession, or calling, is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.” — James Baldwin, American author (19241987).

Celebrities in the news n

Jay Leno

NEW YORK (AP) — Jay Leno was absent from the nation’s TV screens for little more than three weeks, but returned Monday night with renewed purpose. Leno is reclaiming his old job at NBC’s “Tonight Show” Leno just nine months after giving it up to Conan O’Brien, and only 19 days after NBC pulled the plug on Leno’s own prime-time misadventure. Now the late-night war resumes between Leno and his longtime CBS opponent David Letterman, who gained the ratings upper hand during O’Brien’s brief, unhappy stay as “Tonight Show” host.

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 ■ Tuesday, March 2, 2010

commentary

Apology by Woods was heartfelt

Here are words I never expected to say: I have sympathy for Tiger Woods. Who is responsible for this strange epiphany on my part? Here is where it gets even weirder: Donald Trump. The morning of Tiger’s odd and painful press announcement, I was driving in my car listening to “Fox and Friends,” when all of a sudden, Donald Trump weighs in: “I have a whole question as to whether they should even get back together,” Trump said. “It’s so damaged, and if the reports are just half true, I would recommend Tiger just call it a bad experience, say bye-bye, go out, be a wonderful playboy, win tournaments and have a good life.” And suddenly the scales fell from my eyes. I saw at once something that changed forever the way I think about Tiger Woods: Donald Trump was right. Let us call this re-branding approach laid out so eloquently by the Donald the “Pig” Woods Strategy. Tiger Woods’ actual strategy was very different. He went on TV and said: “I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in. ... I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. “I’m embarrassed that I have put you in this position. For all that I have done, I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for. “I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn’t apply. “I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. “I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. ... I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules.” This was a painful and embarrassing thing for Tiger Woods to say, and also a painful and embarrassing thing for the rest of us to hear. And listening with the most charitable ears, we cannot help but wonder how much of it is sincere and how much of it is image management. But Pig Woods would have no such problems. Pig Woods could go out and make an apology that goes something like this: “Yes, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I misled you and the American public into imagining that I was some kind of role model. Elin and I will be divorcing and I wish her well and will support our children. But right now both my image and my marriage need to be brought in line with reality. I’m not a role model. “I’m just a man who’s really really good at hitting golf balls into holes. I look forward to returning to the golf course to win back the title of greatest golfer in the world. In the future, I won’t comment on my private life. I will let my golfing do the talking from here on out.” And it would work. As Pig Woods, Tiger can be rich, famous, successful and lie with and to models and Perkins waitresses to his heart’s content — and nobody will care. So in the midst of all that is false and ugly about the Tiger Woods saga, you have to believe one thing about this man: His heart is not content with being Pig Woods. He really wants to be the Tiger we once thought we knew and loved. And you have to love a guy — at least a little — for that. — Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, is known for her conservative social policy analysis of social trends and conditions. (C)2009 Maggie Gallagher. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate.

Editorial

A new chapter First Literary Festival huge success, so let’s start planning next one This home of ours that attracts millions of tourists each year found out Saturday that we have another side to our interests. The first Rose Glen Literary Festival held at Walters State Community College drew around 100 people, a number of authors with local ties and produced evidence that there is a real passion among our residents for history and a good book. The roster of writers was impressive, from novelists to historians to chroniclers of our mountains and our heritage. The reviews of this book bash: Fantastic. Do it again. Expand it. Keep it going. You can bet the organizers will do just that. Carroll McMahan of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce helped put the event together, and he was glowing with the turnout and the reaction to the festival. “I just felt it would be a

good idea to promote our local literary contributions,” McMahan said as the festival unfolded Saturday. “I think it’s going fantastic for the first time we’ve done it. We’re delighted with it. It’s gone as well as we hoped it would.” Sometimes we underestimate ourselves. Yes, Sevier County is built on tourism, and much of our business community is geared toward that. But we are a county of nearly 80,000 residents, and those people have varied interests, hobbies and avocations. Reading may have gone out of favor with some, in this age of computers, home gaming devices and television stations that number in the hundreds, but the festival proved that many people here enjoy a good book, are curious about our history and past, and crave activities that feed those interests. The possibilities for future literary festivals are endless. They don’t have to concentrate solely on local authors

or those who have written about local subjects. They can work in regional authors, state writers, even a celebrity guest author or two. In an age when selling books is harder and harder, lots of writers with renown and fame would accept an invitation to attend an event such as the Literary Festival. McMahan and others who put together the first one have the backing and support to continue and expand on this idea. Now is the time to get started, though, especially if we are to try to bring in some well-known writers. Maybe we should have a festival that extends over several days. Perhaps we can add the component of films based on famous books, and then have a discussion of those books and movies. Sevier County got a chance to show one of its lesser known but still vibrant sides on Saturday. It’s exciting to think where this could lead.

Political view

Public forum Manmade global warming is myth that research disproves

Editor: In response to a recent letter concerning the existence of manmade global warming, I propose a public debate (if someone will provide a venue) of the statements made by him in his recent letter dated Feb. 9. The forum shall be myself and anyone, be it the letter writer, Al Gore, NASA scientist James Hansen, or Penn State professor Michael Mann. the scientist who “invented” the hockey-stick graph, falsely purporting that global warming was manmade. It is interesting that the letter writer provided 22 examples of meteorological events that have absolutely nothing to do with the concept of manmade global warming. He said nothing about the false claims that increased CO2 in our atmosphere (called carbon forcing) has affected the weather, let alone caused the minor and temporary cyclical increase in global temperatures that we have just experienced. After 17 years of research on the subject, I

find no valid data to support Mr. Gore’s, Dr. Hansen’s, Dr Mann’s or the letter writer’s hypotheses, claims or ideas. It is no wonder that the prementioned will not submit to a public debate. “One may have an opinion, but there is only one set of facts.” Dr. Jack Bailey Sevierville

Response to home alarm situation receives praise

Editor: On Sunday, Feb. 20, I had two home fire alarms activate. There was no fire or smoke in the home. The alarms could not be deactivated, so I removed both from their bases; they still were beeping loudly. The Sevierville Fire Department on Prince Street was called and the situation discussed with them. They responded within minutes — the response team (four men) and a police officer first checked the alarms which were activated and then proceeded to service all the

other units in the home, including fresh batteries and resetting (checking all of them.) They then reviewed procedures to be followed in event of a real fire emergency. All of the team were very professional and courteous. I am left with a great impression. The quick response and professional quality of the personnel were outstanding. Thank you all. Peggy W. Gordon Sevierville

Obama’s call for hope, change still awaited by some people

Editor: A recent letter writer only has to look at our leader, President Obama, to find hypocrisy, divisiveness and casual relationship with the truth. I’m still waiting for “hope and change” instead of more debt, spending money we do not have to buy a dream. Now that is stupidity, in my book. R.C. Davis 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; 185 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 ■ Tuesday, March 2, 2010

PREP BASKETBALL REGION 2-AA SEMIFINALS

Lady Tigers can’t overcome CAK Loss ends another great season for Pigeon Forge By COBEY HITCHCOCK Sports Writer ALCOA — With hill after hill to climb, the Pigeon Forge Lady Tigers basketball team finally ran out of gas Monday night at Alcoa High School. It was the same story all evening for the Orangeand-Black girls (22-6) against the Christian Academy of Knoxville Lady Warriors (23-2) in a 67-55 season-ending loss for Pigeon Forge in a region tournament semifinal contest. Every time CAK got up big, the Lady Tigers found a way to get back into it, time and time again. But a 13-point Lady Warriors run that started late in the third quarter and didn’t end until near the midway point of the fourth proved to be the final insurmountable hurdle for the Lady Tigers, who had tied the game at 42-42 with 1:35 in the third on an Ashley Wojnowski trey just to witness CAK pull away again with its potent offense for a 55-42 lead by the 4:26 mark of the fourth. “I’m proud of our girls and their effort,” said Pigeon Forge coach Paul Reagan. “But what killed us was that run in the fourth. “Give credit to CAK, they’ve got a great club. Take nothing away from our girls, they played hard. We lost to a team that was better than us tonight.” After Wojnowski scored the opening points of the contest with a 15-footer, CAK answered with a 9-0 run.

Cobey Hitchcock/The Mountain Press

Cassidy Martin is fouled insided during the Lady Tigers’ 67-55 loss to CAK. Martin finished the game with eight points.

“Give credit to CAK, they’ve got a great club. Take nothing away from our girls, they played hard. We lost to a team that was better than us tonight.” PF coach Paul Reagan

But the Lady Tigers came storming back and when Danielle Rauhuff banked a trey at the first-quarter buzzer, Pigeon Forge led 12-11 heading into the second. It was the final Orangeand-Black lead of the evening. CAK opened the second period with an 8-0 run for a 19-12 lead, but again Pigeon Forge answered, this time on treys by Ashlynn Trotter and Rauhuff on consecu-

tive possessions, cutting the Lady Warriors edge to 19-18. CAK went on a 7-0 run to take a 26-18 lead, but the Lady Tigers came right back with seven unanswered on a Cassidy Martin eight-footer, a Kelsey Brooks trey and a nice split of a double team by Trotter for a lay-up that cut it to 26-25 with 1:43 in the half. Mindy Brackins hit a See LADY TIGERS, Page A9

Cobey Hitchcock/The Mountain Press

Pigeon Forge junior Kelsey Brooks draws a foul on the way to the basket Monday night against the Lady Warriors of CAK. NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES

NASCAR president says wings coming off soon By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer

Mark Humphrey/AP

Then-sophomore Eric Berry makes a move against Vanderbilt in 2008.

Decision-making process risky business for juniors By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS — Taylor Mays has no regrets about finishing his senior season at Southern Cal. Eric Berry saw no sense in risking everything one more time at Tennessee. The top two safeties in this year’s NFL draft

exemplify the high-stakes choice dozens of college underclassmen debate each winter: Should they stay in school or should they jump to the NFL? “He told me I’d be a fool to come back,” Berry said with a laugh explaining the advice his defensive coordinator, Monte Kiffin, provided.

Kiffin’s NFL pedigree helped Berry make an informative choice, one that could bring in millions of dollars by August. The junior is projected to be a top-five pick in April and could become the first safety to go No. 1 overall since 1956. See NFL JUNIORS, Page A9

FORT WORTH, Texas — NASCAR is finally about to lose its wings. “We’re hoping within the next two of three races that we’ll be able to be at a point where we say it’s time to take the wings off and put the spoiler on,” NASCAR president Mike Helton said Monday. While Helton didn’t provide a specific date for the expected removal of the wings from the cars, that timeline coincides with the March 28 race at Martinsville that most teams have expected to be the first with the more traditional-looking rear spoilers. Speaking at Texas Motor Speedway’s media day, Helton said there was a “pretty doggone good chance” that the spoilers would be on the car when the series races at the 1 1/2-mile, high-banked track April 18. The first on-track testing of the new spoiler package was done during a tire test at Texas in January. “I think by the time we come here in April, we

can have a race or two under our belt with the spoiler,” Helton said. There are two more Sprint Cup races before the series goes to the halfmile Martinsville, which will come only days after NASCAR’s planned open test at Charlotte. Texas is the second race after that. Spoilers were replaced with a wing on the new car model phased in three years ago. That model has been used full-time since 2008, and fans have complained it has made races boring. NASCAR last May began a series of town hall and individual meetings with teams, and one of the constant cries from participants was a need to alter the car design. “If the industry benefits from the fans seeing a more traditional piece and that works for us, can we mechanically do the things that the wing presents as an advantage with a spoiler?” Helton said. “During the course of research, we figured out how to do that.” Already, NASCAR is encouraging drivers

this season to be more aggressive, in large part to answer a growing fan sentiment that the sport had gone stale. Helton knows the message is viewed partly as “NASCAR is saying that they don’t need to be such a heavy hand, they don’t need to be so regulatory.” He said drivers were told about the expected change more than a year ago and are gaining more of an understanding of the new freedom “as each little occurrence happens” and they see how the series reacts — or doesn’t react. Three races into the Sprint Cup season, there have already been sagging television ratings, the pothole problem at Daytona, caution lights coming on twice for no reason at Las Vegas and lower attendance at California. Helton called the pothole at Daytona “unique” and unfortunate, something that surely affected television viewers who had the choice of flipping over to the first weekend of the Olympics during two hours of race delays.

Sports â—† A9

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

LADY TIGERS

SPORTS BRIEFS

3From Page A9

Ex-Vol F Tyler Smith to play in Turkey

12-foot baseline shot to cut it to 28-27 with 1:25 until intermission, but CAK answered with a 7-0 run to make it 35-27 heading into the locker rooms. Pigeon Forge again came back at the start of the third, and after Brooks sniped a trey and Wojnowski and Rauhuff connected on a field goal apiece, the Lady Tigers trailed by just two points, 36-34, with 5:04 in the period. Rauhuff hit a threepointer with 2:10 in the third to cut it to 40-37, and Wojnowski hit for five straight points on a trey and a pair of charity shots to knot it at 42s before the final killer CAK run. The Lady Tigers made another late push in the fourth. After Rauhuff hit two treys, and Martin and Wojnowski hit a threepoint shot each, the Lady Tigers had closed it to 61-55 with 1:18 in regulation. But that’s as good as it would get for the Orange and Black. Rauhuff led Pigeon Forge with 18 points, Wojnowski had 12, Brooks and Martin had eight apiece, Trotter added five, and Emily Hurst and Brackins had a deuce apiece in the seasonending loss. “Danielle Rauhuff may have played her best game of her career tonight,� said Reagan. “She didn’t want to lose, and she did everything in her power to keep us from losing.� The high-powered CAK offense had four players total double digits, including Brittany Hoffman and Alesa Hammaker with 17 apiece, Kelsey Brown with 14 and Bekah Bennett with 12. The loss ended another successful season for the Lady Tigers. The team finished with a remarkable 22-6 record their first season in the newly-formed District 3-AA, and the team managed to win the regular season title and finish second in the district tournament. It makes the second-straight 20-win season for the Orange and Black under coach Reagan.

KNOXVILLE (AP) — Former Tennessee forward Tyler Smith has signed a two-month contract to play in Turkey. Smith was dismissed from the Volunteers on Jan. 8, a week after his arrest on gun charges. He pleaded guilty Feb. 12 to possession of a firearm and possession of firearm with altered serial number and was sentenced to two years of judicial diversion. Smith will play for Bornova in the Turkish Basketball League, Tyler Smith filling in for an injured Kedrick Brown. The two-month contract will allow Smith to be available for the June 24 NBA draft.

Little Bears football spring sign-ups

Come join the Purple and White on what could be a historic season. All three teams 10-11yrs, 8-9yrs, 6-7yrs will compete for the coveted EMFC Football Superbowl this season. The league has a record of 46 wins and 14 losses over the last two seasons with two Super Bowl Championships. We stress hard work, commitment and sportsmanship while teaching the fundamentals of football. Joining in the spring allows the players to get to know the system before the regular season rolls around. Spring sign ups will be held on March 6 from 9 a.m. until noon at the football field next to Sevierville Middle School. For more info call Joy at 865-776-3325.

Special Olympic golf tourney ahead The Special Olympic Golf Tournament will be Wednesday, March 31, at Eagles Landing. The contest will be 2-man scramble and will cost $75 per person. The cost includes lunch by Collier Food Group and dinner by Carino’s Italian Grill. Call Dan Deremer for more information at 680-3668.

Spring fitness swimming at G’burg The Gatlinburg Recreation Department will be having an after school Spring Swim for Fitness program for students that can swim the length of the pool. Sessions are as follows: Feb 2-20, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30-4:30 ($20 for 8 classes); March 2-30, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ($20 for 8 classes); April 1-29, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. ($17.50, 7 classes); and May 3-27, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. ($20 for 8 classes). To register for any of these sessions, payments may be made at the Gatlinburg Community Center Information Office. There is a limit of 14 children per class. For more information, call Sherry Jochen at 436-4990.

Spurs waive veteran swingman Finley

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs waived swingman Michael Finley after nearly five seasons Monday, giving the 15-year veteran a chance to finish the season with more playing time elsewhere. The Spurs said they honored Finley’s request to be released from his contract, which was in its final year after he exercised a $2.5 million option this season. Finley, who turns 37 this week, will be eligible to sign with a playoff contender.

NFL JUNIORS 3From Page A8

Mays made the other choice, going back to school to win a national championship, become a more complete player and improve his draft position. Things didn’t work out that way. The Trojans went 9-4, Mays was criticized for not living up to the hype and now Berry has surpassed him as the toprated safety. While Mays could have gone in the top half of the first round last year, as the No. 1 safety, he’s now ranked No. 2 and could slide into the bottom of the first round — costing him millions. But Mays isn’t secondguessing the decision. “I was close (to leaving) and then at the end, I just got my eyes put onto the prize of trying to be the best, one more time,� he said at this weekend’s annual scouting combine in Indianapolis. “Trying to learn the game a little bit more. It wasn’t about coming out for the money or for the fame. It was more about coming out to really just be a finished product, and take all the chances I had to be the best safety I could be.� Berry and Mays are the lucky ones. Both are still likely to go in the first-

round draft picks despite any perceived flaws. Others aren’t so fortunate. NFL defensive end Adewale Ogunleye likely would have been a firstor second-round choice after his junior season at Indiana. But he went back to school, injured his knee and wound making the Miami Dolphins in 2000 as an undrafted free agent. It happens, and making the right choice can be as risky as a poker. There are no assurances, no set standards, and little historical evidence to help with the choice. This year 53 underclassmen have declared for the draft. Some of the names are familiar — Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant and Berry. Others, such as Nevada defensive end Kevin Basped and Marshall running back Darius Marshall, are still trying to prove themselves. Why stay in school? “I came back to become a better football player, and I feel like I did that, came back to help some of the young guys on my team learn like older guys before helped me,� Mays said. “That was important to me. I feel like regard-

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Cobey Hitchcock/The Mountain Press

During the Lady Tigers’ loss to CAK, senior Danielle Rauhuff, making a midrange jumper (above), played perhaps her best game in a Pigeon Forge uniform according to coach Paul Reagan. Rauhuff played with sheer determination and scored a team-high 18 points.

At right, senior Emily Hurst makes a move to the basket at Alcoa High School in the Region 2-AA semifinal game versus the Lady Warriors of Christian Academy of Knoxville. Hurst finished the game with two points.

chitchcock@themountainpress.com

less of what our record is, or how I played the season, that’s what I accomplished. The reasons for leaving can be very personal. Clausen, for instance, thought he did as much as he could in 2010. Bradford didn’t want to risk another shoulder injury that would make scouts question his durability. McCoy thought it was time to help out his family, and Berry, well, he wanted to give his dad a break. “I had to put my family pretty much before my school,� Berry said. “Ever since I can remember, my mom and dad were always working. My dad worked two jobs. My dad just recently had heart surgery and I really just wanted him to be able to sit down and just enjoy life for a little bit. I felt I could do that by entering the draft and making that situation better.�

Junior League 6th grade runners-up

Photo submitted

The Sevierville 6th grade Jammers Basketball team finished 2nd in county-wide postseason tournaments. They had an impressive season, despite having fewer players than most teams they competed against. The players pictured are Brianna Minyard, Josie Jenkins, Angel Vineyard, Madison King, Katie Burkett(holding trophy), Macy Peppers, Rachel Bradley and Hannah Ross. Coaches were Jeri King and Steve Campbell.

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Comics ◆ A13

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press Family Circus

Close to Home

Advice

How to handle knowledge of extramarital affair can be tricky

Zits

Blondie

Baby Blues

Beetle Bailey

Dear Annie: Can you explain why so many professional advice givers tell people to keep quiet when they learn that the spouse of someone they know is having an affair? I’ve been the victim of adultery twice and both times found out on my own. The pain it caused is indescribable. I would have preferred to find out sooner rather than later. I am now in the position of knowing at least two other people whose spouses are having an affair, and I want to tell them about it. Shouldn’t these cheating spouses be called to task for their hurtful behavior? If I knew someone was stealing from his employer, shouldn’t I tell the employer? I realize it could backfire and the person could become angry with me, so I’d just tell them anonymously. -- Been Hurt Dear Been: Many spouses prefer not to know about affairs -- it allows them to remain conveniently oblivious (for whatever reason) instead of being forced to confront a situation that could wreck their marriage. Still, we recommend spouses be informed when there is clear proof of cheating, because sexually transmitted diseases can be life-threatening. Yes, it can risk the friendship, but most friends have difficulty keeping quiet because it feels like a betrayal. There is no easy answer. You must do what your conscience tells you. Dear Annie: My good friend “Allie” works full time and lives in lowincome housing. Like many others, she lives day to day. Allie has befriended a couple that has fallen on hard times. From time

to time, she allows them to live with her. The husband was diagnosed with lung cancer more than a year ago. The wife works full time and has health insurance. But her entire paycheck goes to cover the high cost of his prescription medications. Several months ago, they were evicted from their apartment and have been living all over the place, including with Allie. They hocked their wedding rings and nearly everything they owned. Allie cannot let them stay more than 15 days a year or she faces eviction. There has got to be some help for this couple. Do you or any other readers out there have any suggestions? -- Cornered in California Dear Cornered: Allie should suggest that her friends talk to a social worker at the hospital where the husband is being treated. They often have information on what type of assistance is available, can guide them through the process and will know whether they qualify for any kind of state aid. The couple should also contact the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) at 1-800ACS-2345 (1-800-2272345) for help and information. Dear Annie: You’ve printed some letters recently about grandparents who overindulge with gifts. I don’t remember too many things my grandparents bought me. I still have the rocking

t o d ay ’ s p u z z l e

Garfield

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

For Better Or Worse

Tina’s Groove

horse that Grandpa built with his own hands and Grandma helped paint and finish. I remember the Christmas that Grandpa got down on the floor and played trucks with me. I remember walking through the woods with them while they taught me the names of every tree, flower and bird. I recall the mornings Grandpa took me fishing on the lake and Grandma had a picnic lunch waiting for us. I remember sneaking out with Grandpa to get ice cream on summer afternoons. And how he would stop on the porch to listen when Grandma was playing the organ and say, “Isn’t that just beautiful?” I remember the flashlight he gave me when I left for college. He wanted to make sure I was safe. But the last gift was the afternoon I spent playing cribbage with him. The things you make, the stories you tell, and your knowledge and time are the most precious gifts you can give. -- Montana Granddaughter Dear Montana: What lovely memories. Those are gifts that last a lifetime. 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.

A14 â—† Nation/World

The Mountain Press â—† Tuesday, March 2, 2010

NATION/WORLD BRIEFS Clinton begins Latin America trip

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Troops from Uruguay are regularly among U.N. peacekeeping forces deployed around the world, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is hoping to persuade that country’s new president to continue the support. Jose Mujica, a former guerrilla leader, is the latest leftist president to be elected to a Latin American country. Clinton flew to Montevideo, Uruguay, on Monday, beginning a tour of the region. She was to meet with Mujica just hours before he’s sworn in. Clinton’s five-nation weeklong trip is sure to focus on the earthquake in Chile, even as she tries to build support for fresh penalties against Iran.

Smart case suspect deemed competent

Associated Press

People wait to catch goods thrown from a supermarket window during sporadic looting in Concepcion, Chile on Monday. Security forces said they arrested dozens of people for violating an anti-looting curfew Monday after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Central Chile early Saturday.

Troops, police attack post-quake looting President Bachelet: ‘An emergency without parallel in Chile’s history’ CONCEPCION, Chile (AP) — Rescuers found signs of life in the wreckage of a 15-story building Monday as the world offered aid to victims of an earthquake that killed more than 700 people. Looters roamed the streets even after troops and police arrested dozens of people for violating a curfew. The toll of dead rose to 723, with 19 others missing, the National Emergency Office announced, in a magnitude-8.8 quake that President Michelle Bachelet called “an emergency without parallel in Chile’s history.� Some coastal towns were almost obliterated — first shaken by the quake, then slammed by a tsunami that carried whole houses inland and crushed others into piles of sticks. Shocked survivors were left without power, water or food. In Concepcion, the biggest city near the epicenter, rescuers heard the knock of trapped victims inside a toppled 70-unit apartment building and began to drill through thick walls to reach them, said fire department Commander Juan Carlos Subercaseux.

Only the chop of military helicopters flying overhead broke the silence demanded by rescuers straining to hear signs of life inside the building. Firefighters had already pulled 25 survivors and nine bodies from the structure. Mayor Jacqueline van Rysselberghe told Radio Cooperativa that some food aid was arriving in the city of 200,000 Monday for distribution to the hungry. Electricity was still out, however, water was scarce and looters reemerged at dusk despite beefed up security. Dozens of people sacked stores selling food, clothing and drugs, fleeing when police appeared to drive them away. Some struck gas stations, stealing cash from attendants. As a small military convoy of drove down the main avenue, bystanders applauded and shouted, “Finally! Finally!� Concepcion police chief Eliecer Soler said officers arrested 55 people for violating a nighttime curfew imposed after looters sacked nearly every market in town Sunday. Troops ordered into the city by Bachelet

patrolled to enforce security. A few looters re-emerged to rob a market on Monday. Spanish professor Eduardo Aundez watched with disgust as a soldier patiently waited for looters to rummage through a downtown store, then lobbed two tear gas canisters into the rubble to get them out. “I feel abandoned� by authorities, he said. “We believe the government didn’t take the necessary measures in time, and now supplies of food and water are going to be much more complicated.� The U.N. said Monday that it would rush aid deliveries to Chile after Bachelet appealed for international aid. U.N. humanitarian spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs said Chile was seeking temporary bridges, field hospitals, satellite phones, electric generators, damage assessment teams, water purification systems, field kitchens and dialysis centers. “We are prepared to provide assistance,� Byrs told The Associated Press in Geneva. “It could be quite fast, given that our experts are on standby and were alerted in the region.�

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The man charged with snatching Elizabeth Smart from her Salt Lake City bedroom nearly eight years ago could finally face a jury after a federal judge ruled Monday he is competent to stand trial. Brian David Mitchell’s hallmark disruptive singing in court — evidence he’s mentally incompetent, his attorneys say — is a “contrivance� the suspect uses to give the impression he can’t control his behavior, U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball wrote in a 149-page ruling issued Monday. Monday’s ruling is a leap forward in a case that languished in state court as a judge twice ruled Mitchell incompetent and refused to force him to be medicated. Smart was 14 when she was kidnapped from her home in 2002. She was found nine months later, in March 2003, walking a suburban Salt Lake City street with Mitchell and his now-estranged wife, Wanda Barzee.

Search spreads for California teen

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A registered sex offender arrested for investigation of murdering a missing 17-year-old San Diego County girl is refusing to cooperate with authorities who renewed their search Monday at the park where she vanished Thursday. John Gardner III, 30, remained in custody without bail after his arrest Sunday for investigation of murder and rape. It was not immediately clear whether he had hired an attorney. Chelsea King of Poway disappeared after going for a run near Lake Hodges at Rancho Bernardo Community Park in San Diego, a popular regional park full of trails. Her BMW, with her cell phone and iPod inside, were found later that night.

Obama seeks money to stem dropouts

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Monday addressed the nation’s school dropout epidemic, proposing $900 million to states and school districts that agree to drastically change or even shutter their worst performing schools. Obama’s move comes as many schools continue to struggle to get children to graduation, a profound problem in a rich, powerful nation. Only about 70 percent of entering high school freshmen go on to graduate. The problem affects blacks and Latinos at particularly high rates.

Drug gangs commandering public lands in United States SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. (AP) — Not far from Yosemite’s waterfalls and in the middle of California’s redwood forests, Mexican drug gangs are quietly commandeering U.S. public land to grow millions of marijuana plants and using smuggled immigrants to cultivate them. Pot has been grown on public lands for decades, but Mexican traffickers have taken it to a whole new level: using armed guards and trip wires to safeguard sprawling plots that in some cases contain tens of thousands of plants offering a potential yield of more than 30 tons of pot a year. “Just like the Mexicans took over the methamphetamine trade, they’ve gone to mega, monster gardens,� said Brent Wood, a supervisor for the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement. He said Mexican traffickers have “supersized� the marijuana trade. Interviews conducted by The Associated Press with law enforcement officials across the country showed that Mexican gangs are largely responsible for a spike in large-scale marijuana farms over the last several years. Local, state and federal agents found about a million more pot plants each year between 2004 and 2008, and

authorities say an estimated 75 percent to 90 percent of the new marijuana farms can be linked to Mexican gangs. In 2008 alone, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, police across the country confiscated or destroyed 7.6 million plants from about 20,000 outdoor plots. Growing marijuana in the U.S. saves traffickers the risk and expense of smuggling their product across the border and allows gangs to produce their crops closer to local markets. Distribution also becomes less risky. Once the marijuana is harvested and dried on the hidden farms, drug gangs can drive it to major cities, where it is distributed to street dealers and sold along with pot that was grown in Mexico. About the only risk to the Mexican growers, experts say, is that a stray hiker or hunter could stumble onto a hidden field. The remote plots are nestled under the cover of thick forest canopies in places such as Sequoia National Park, or hidden high in the ruggedyet-fertile Sierra Nevada Mountains. Others are secretly planted on remote stretches of Texas ranch land. All of the sites are far from the eyes of law enforcement, where growers can take the time needed to grow far more potent marijuana. Farmers of

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these fields use illegal fertilizers to help the plants along, and use cloned female plants to reduce the amount of seed in the bud that is dried and eventually sold. Mexican gang plots can often be distinguished from those of domestic-based growers, who usually cultivate much smaller fields with perhaps 100 plants and no security measures. Some of the fields tied to the drug gangs have as many as 75,000 plants, each of which can yield at least a pound of pot annually, according to federal data reviewed by the AP. The Sequoia National Forest in central California is covered in a patchwork of pot fields, most of which are hidden along mountain creeks and streams, far from hiking trails. It’s the same situation in the nearby Yosemite, Sequoia and Redwood national parks.

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