Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Page 1

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 62 ■ March 3, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Wednesday

Battle over religion

INSIDE

“Chick Publications is well-known for being antiCatholic, but this was even one of the worst for them. What they’re trying to do is tell people (Catholicism) is a false religion and they’re going to hell. It has no place in today’s world.”

5Purple power Is it substate or season’s end for the Bears? Sports, Page A8

— Father Jay Flaherty, Holy Cross Catholic Church

5Celebrities in the news Underwood nominated for 6 Academy of County Music Awards Page A6

Nation

Morphine doses lethal? Parents: Doctors speed up the end for dying children Page A15

Weather Today Scattered Flurries High: 40°

Tonight Scattered Flurries

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

Father Jay Flaherty of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pigeon Forge is upset the pamphlet on the table in front of him, which he says is antiCatholic amd filled with untruths, was distributed to students at Pigeon Forge High by members of Conner Heights Baptist Church.

“This isn’t an all-out assault on the Catholic church. We believe that salvation is by grace through faith, not works. If you have a difference of beliefs, you try to tell the other person where you think they’re wrong.” —Conner Heights Pastor Jonahan Hatcher

Pamphlet backed by local Baptist church anti-Catholic, Father says By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer PIGEON FORGE — A pamphlet distributed by a Pigeon Forge Baptist church that suggests the Catholic church was founded by the devil and that claims Catholics worship a cookie

parishioners was “very upset” after being handed the document at school. Father Jay Flaherty, who leads Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pigeon is being called a hate crime by a local Forge, says he wants federal investigators to look into the incident in which Catholic priest. The priest says one of his young See pamphlet, Page A4 To see a small sample of “The Death Cookie,” visit our Web site: www.themountainpress.com.

Boyfriend held in abduction By JEFF FARRELL Staff Writer

PIGEON FORGE — Police here say an Ohio woman suffered a fiveday ordeal when her boyfriend held her against her will in a local hotel. Kathy Miller, 30, of Cincinnati told police she’d been handcuffed and gagged in her room at the Grand Inn of America for several days before she managed to get away while he left her alone. She ran to the desk clerk, who called authorities. “From how she talked, she had been his prisoner for about five days,” P o l i c e Chief Jack Baldwin s a i d Tuesday. Pyle Officers arrested Ernest Howard Pyle, 45, of Milan, Ind., and charged him with aggravated kidnapping and resisting arrest. He was being held at the Sevier County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bond. Baldwin said the couple came to the area together and had stayed for several days when Pyle turned hostile and held the woman against her will. “That’s what it appears,” Baldwin said. “They came supposedly on vacation and after they got here he tied her up and was threatening to do her bodily harm. He was threatening to kill her... “He told her he’d hit her in the head with a hammer and wrap her up in plastic and leave her See kidnapping, Page A4

Low: 27° DETAILS, Page A6

Obituaries Theresia Johnson, 60 Norma Carr, 70 Malcom McDonell, 83 Jimmy Reagan, 72 Georgia Godfrey, 85 DETAILS, Page A4

Index Local & State . . . . . A1-6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . A2 World . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Nation . . . . . . . . . . A3-15 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . A8-10 Classifieds . . . . . . A11-13 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . A14 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . A14

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

Keep teeth clean — and stay green

Wreck on Newport Highway

By ELLEN BROWN Staff Writer In recognition of Children’s Dental Health Month, the Eco-Dentistry Association has distributed tips for incorporating “green dental practices” into children’s lives. “A green routine that starts early can instill environmental wellness values that last a lifetime and make an impact on the planet,” said an EDA representative. Of course, parents should always remember the basics when it comes to their children’s oral hygiene, said Dr. Doug Smith, a dentist in Seymour. “A lot of kids have too many cavities for their age,” said Smith, who has practiced dentistry since 1983. “A lot has to do with their hygiene and their diet. Avoid a lot of sugars, especially in drinks and sticky, sweet things.” Children should start seeing the dentist at age 3 unless there is something visibly wrong with their teeth. A washcloth can be used for children who are too young to brush, he added. Environmentally friendly and healthy tips the EDA offers include teaching kids to turn the water off while they brush, which could save up to 90 glasses of water each day. Others include using toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause canker sores in some children; testing your child’s biocompatibility to see if they are sensitive to certain dental materials; choosing a night guard for your teen that doesn’t contain the potentially harmful Bisphenol A that’s found in many plastics; and choosing digital imaging, which uses less radiation, for your child’s X-rays. According to the EDA, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children ages 5-17, with 59 percent affected. Also, more than 51 million hours of school are lost each year by children due to dental-related illness. The EDA offers dental professionals tips on reducing waste and pollution and conserving resources. It also provides the public with information about digital X-ray systems that reduce radiation exposure, dental appliances free of Bisphenol A and questions to ask their dentists about environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.ecodentistry.com. n ebrown@themountainpress.com

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

Emergency personnel remove the female driver from her Jeep Wrangler after her vehicle struck a power pole on Newport Highway Tuesday afternoon. The vehicle appeared to have left the road on a curve, then sideswiped another power pole before traveling along hitting the last pole head-on. The driver suffered head injuries and was transported by ambulance. Those are beer bottles on the roof of the Jeep.

A2 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Luttrell candidate for commission Submitted report Seymour resident Edward “Shane� Luttrell has announced his candidacy for the Sevier County Commission, 9th District, in the May 4 Republican Primary election. Luttrell has been a resident of the 9th District for 13 years. He has been married for 14 years to his wife Reagan; they have three boys that attend Seymour schools and a newborn at home. Luttrell is a small-business owner and Realtor in the community. Luttrell said his campaign will focus on some key issues. “I have spent a lot of

time talking to residents and leaders about filling some voids we have in our community,� he said. “Youth Luttrell d e v e l opment through sports and outside educational opportunities remains one of my key focuses in this campaign. These young people in this community are bright, talented and need resources to expand their options as they grown into young adults.� Luttrell said he supports professional facilities in the community “so that

we can train and teach our youth through sports, classroom education and other opportunities that will allow them to expand their current level.� Luttrell also believes in supporting and recruiting small business to the community. “Small business remains the foundation of any economy. No matter where you go, these folks keep people working,� he said. Luttrell said he favors helping small-business people “through whatever means necessary to encourage them to build or expand in the 9th district. We have a good workforce in our community; we

need to develop new business opportunities in our community, this will help our young workers get a start in life.� By working with the Chamber of Commerce, Luttrell feels he can directly affect the recruiting of small business. “I have been out in the community hearing from the good folks in this district and I want to make sure they understand where I stand on the issues. I want to work to get Seymour more recognition with the county, and ensure that we are doing everything we can to move the community and the people forward,� he said.

community calendar Editor’s Note: The community calendar is printed as space permits. Only noncommercial, public events held in Sevier County will be considered. They are listed by date. To place an item phone 4280748, ext. 214, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress. com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913.

wednesday, mar. 3 First Presbyterian

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, mar. 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.

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

Kodak Story Time

Middle Creek UMC

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

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, mar. 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.

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

Benefit Singing

saturday, mar. 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.

Wrestling Event

Severe Attitude wrestling 7 p.m., Seymour High gym. $7 adults at the door, $5 ages 6-12, $17 ringside. Advance tickets $2 off. Concessions available.

Oratory Contest

Sevier County Right To Life oratory contest for high school students; deadline to register April 1. Contest April 15. For application/information call 654-7685.

sunday, mar. 7 Gatlinburg FUMC

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

monday, mar. 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

Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 2-5 p.m., Gum Stand Baptist Church. 429-2508. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245.

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.

Seymour Story Time

arrests Editor’s Note: The following information was taken from the intake reports at the Sevier County Jail. All people listed within this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. u John Joseph Bailey, 39, of 1163 Pine Mountain Road in Sevierville, was charged March 1 with a child support warrant from circuit court. He was being held in lieu of $1,500 bond. u Dwight Eugene Chandler, 22, of 121 Norton Lane in Sevierville, was charged March 1 with a misdemeanor warrant from general sessions court. He was being held. u Codie Shane Curtain, 20, of Briar Stone Inn #117 in Pigeon Forge, was charged March 1 with theft. She was being held in lieu of $500 bond. u Andrea Nicole Fielden, 20, of Knoxville, was charged March 2 with violation of probation. She was being held. u Brandy Roxanne Hickman, 25, of Dandridge, was charged March 1 with theft of property and unlawful drug paraphernalia use and activities. She was being held. u Derek Fredrick Markley, 27, of Newport, was charged March 2 with a circuit court warrant, theft and public intoxication. He was being held in lieu of $3,250 bond. u Robert Mitchell Oakley, 55, of 3612 Family Circle Way Lot 4 in Kodak, was charged March 2 with a misdemeanor warrant from general sessions court. He was being held. u Danny Jack Pemberton, 34, of 1431 Allensville Road in Sevierville, was charged March 1 with public intoxication. He was being held in lieu of $250 bond. u Frander Celem Romero, 39, of 833 Murphy Road in Sevierville, was charged March 2 with public intoxication. He was released on $250 bond. u Robin Leonard Sorrow, 45, of 2322 High View St. in Sevierville, was charged March 2 with theft. He was released on $500 bond. u Meltzer Vela Valdez, 35, of 623 Forest Dive in Pigeon Forge, was charged March 2 with driving while revoked, speeding and financial responsibility law. He was being held in lieu of $250 bond. u Mary Wilkerson, 30, of 463 Sunny Court in Sevierville, was charged March 1 with misdemeanor custodial interference. She was released. u Anthony D. Yazel, 19, of 1547 Shady Grove Court in Sevierville, was charged March 2 with DUI, violation of implied consent law and violation of probation. He was being held in lieu of $3,000 bond.

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

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

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.

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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.

Women’s Bible Study

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

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TOPS

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

Right To Life

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

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Local/Nation â—† A3

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Court considers some firearm regulation WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court appeared willing Tuesday to say that the Constitution’s right to possess guns limits state and local regulation of firearms. But the justices also suggested that some gun control measures might not be affected. The court heard arguments in a case that challenges handgun bans in the Chicago area by asking the high court to extend

to state and local jurisdictions the sweep of its 2008 decision striking down a gun ban in the federal enclave of Washington, D.C. The biggest questions before the court seemed to be how, rather than whether, to issue such a ruling and whether some regulation of firearms could survive. On the latter point, Justice Antonin Scalia said the majority opinion he wrote in the 2008

case “said as much.� The extent of gun rights are “still going to be subject to the political process,� said Chief Justice John Roberts, who was in the majority in 2008. At the very least, Tuesday’s argument suggested that courts could be very busy in the years ahead determining precisely which gun laws are allowed under the Second Amendment’s “right to keep and bear arms,�

and which must be stricken. James Feldman, a Washingtonbased lawyer representing Chicago, urged the court to reject the challenges to the gun laws in Chicago and its suburb of Oak Park, Ill. Handguns have been banned in those two places for nearly 30 years. The court has held that most of the rest of the Bill of Rights applies to state and local laws. But Feldman said the Second

Holding back the mountain

Amendment should be treated differently because guns are different. “Firearms are designed to injure and kill,� he said. But Feldman ran into difficulty with some of the five justices who formed the majority in 2008. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who joined Scalia’s opinion two years ago, said it seemed to him that Feldman was arguing that the court got it wrong two years ago.

Right To Life planning annual oratory contest Submitted report

Sevier County Right To Life, in partnership with the state and national chapters and Aquinas College, announces its fifth annual oratory contest, open to all high school students in Sevier County. Speeches must be pro-life on one of four topics: abortion, stem cell research, infanticide, or euthanasia. Speeches must be a minimum of five minutes and a maximum of seven. The deadline to register is April. The contest will take place on April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Sevierville Civic Center. Cash prizes: first place $200, second place $125 and third place $75. For applications or more information call Terry Aparicio at 654-7685. Submitted

Weekday Specials

The southbound lane of the Spur, between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, has been reopened, thanks in part to this retaining wall built in the first phase of the project. The Tennessee Department of Transportation was forced to close the southbound lanes of the roadway after a rockslide threatened the stability of the mountainside on Jan. 25. Charles Blalock & Sons Inc. of Sevierville won the emergency repair contract. 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. The retaining wall is 100 feet wide and 20 feet high. Phase two will include the installation of a stained rock facade, restriping and repaving of the impacted area.

SCHS band seniors receive honors Submitted Report SEVIERVILLE — The Sevier County High School band, under the direction of Russell Ramsay and Betty Smelcer, includes 26 seniors this year. Eight of them have auditioned to play in college bands and they have all made the cut. Jacob Allen, a senior bass clarinet player, has been chosen to represent Sevier County High School as a member of the All State Band, which will meet in April at the Nashville

Finances topic of library event SEYMOUR — The March meeting of the Seymour Library community forum focuses on individual’s behavioral actions toward their finances and investments. Jeff Foster will present information about understanding the thought processes behind investment decisions. The event will be March 13 at 1 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Foster will help people understand their own thought processes more fully, so they can develop strategies and build a portfolio better tailored to their own personal risk profile. Call the Seymour Library at 573-0728 to register so information packets may be prepared.

Convention Center. Allen has also been accepted to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville music education program. The SCHS Band also had representation at the All East Band, which met in Gatlinburg in February. Dobyns Bennett High School sent 42 students, Farragut 24 students, Maryville 23 students and Sevier County High School had 21 participate. Seymour and Pigeon Forge each had two students attending the event.

SCHS students attending were Allen, Eric Roundy, Ashlynn Morton, Erin Owens, Andrew Riedel, Emma Stone, Seta Thompson, Jessica Black, Zack Cyplar, Caleb Enloe, Brandon Kirby, Amanda Johnson, Michael Moore, Michael Ratliff, Devanie Spears, Erin Whaley, Moriah Yarnall, Kim Bishop, Zack Goodrich, Shaye Smith and Nick Tyler. The Sevier County High School Foundation will be awarding a scholarship in Ramsay’s honor again this

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spring. Ramsay has been at SCHS since 1971 directing the band. To make a donation, send a check to SCHS Foundation, P.O. Box 4124, Sevierville, TN 37864. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information contact Nancy Hewitt at 607-0032.

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A4 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Wednesday, March 3, 2010

pamphlet

obituaries

Theresia Kay Johnson

Theresia Kay Johnson, age 60, of Seymour, TN, went home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2010 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. She was preceded in death by her mother, Laura M. Bohanan. Survivors include her father, Forrest Carr of Sevierville; husband, Jackie Ray Johnson of Seymour; son, Johnny Cutshaw of Sevierville; brothers, Kenneth Ray Carr and wife, Doris of Sevierville; Billy Elmer Carr and wife Anna of Sevierville; Roy Lynn Baxter of Sevierville; Teddy Joe Ogle of Sevierville; sisters Ruby Marie Shular and husband, Smiley of Sevierville; Shirlene Parton and husband, Phillip of Sevierville; mother-in-law, Wanda Corkey of Seymour; grandchildren, Dylan and Desari; several nieces, nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. Services will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010, at Rawlings Funeral Home with Rev. Dallas Moore officiating. Interment will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, in Dupont Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010, prior to the service. You may share your thoughts and memories with the family on our Web site. n www.rawlingsfuneralhome.com

Malcolm “Mac� McDonell

Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery with the Rev. Duncan Carver officiating. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Atchley Funeral Home Seymour, 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN. (5772807).

Malcolm “Mac� McDonell, 83 of Gatlinburg, died Sunday, Feb. 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. Survivors: wife, Susan McDonell; daughter, Cathy Jane Nestle and husband Bill; son, Michael Wayne McDonell; stepson, Robert McCormack and wife Tracy; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Lillian Durham; one niece; five nephews; many special friends. 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 received friends Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.

n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Jimmy R. Reagan

n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Georgia Gore Godfrey Georgia Gore Godfrey, 85 of South Knoxville, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. She was a member of Fort Hill Baptist Church and a retired LPN from Fort Sanders Regional Hospital. Survivors: daughter-in-law, Judith A. Godfrey; grandchildren, Ray “Chuck� Godfrey III and wife Melissa, Bill Godfrey and wife Regina of Valrico, Fla., Lori Mathis and husband Brian of Martin; seven greatgrandchildren; sister-in-law, Marjorie McCarrell; one niece and one nephew. Graveside service and interment 11 a.m.

n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

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-inlaw: 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; Great-grandchildren: 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. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

kidnapping 3From Page A1

on the side of the road.� Pyle tried to flee when police approached him after the woman escaped. He has not made any statement to police. The woman had not suffered any physical injuries during her ordeal, Baldwin said, but said that Pyle had restrained her and threatened her since she tried to leave. She said he had handcuffed her and covered her mouth with duct tape, which he also used to bind her legs. Later, she said, he had gone to a local store and returned with a set of tools and other times, including the hammer and a set of pliers he threatened to use to remove her fingernails. Officers found the plastic, duct tape and tools in the room, Baldwin said. Other than going to the store to buy food and the other items, it appeared Pyle had spent most of his time in the room, but had not done anything to the woman other than make threats, Baldwin said. She told officers he’d said not to scream when he was gone; that if he were outside and heard her he would return and kill her. The woman did not require medical treatment and left with relatives, the chief stated. n jfarrell@themountainpress.com

n dhodges@themountainpress.com

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Jimmy R. Reagan, 72 of Pigeon Forge, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. 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. Survivors: 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; many friends. 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 was held Tuesday in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with the Revs. Joe Cole and Jon Sims officiating. Family and friends will meet 11 a.m. Wednesday in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens for graveside service and interment. The family received friends Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.

In Memoriam

a student at Pigeon Forge High gave a member of Flaherty’s church the leaflet titled “The Death Cookie.� Meanwhile, Conner Heights Baptist Church Pastor Jonathan Hatcher defends his congregation’s decision to distribute the leaflet, saying they’re only trying to present their beliefs. The leaflet is distributed by Chick Publications, a California-based tract publishing house whose founder has stated his desire to show Catholics they’re not following a true religion. In its cartoon illustrations, an evil figure with a snake around his neck and horn-like tufts of hair counsels a man that he could gain control of the world by starting a false religion based on the worship of a cookie. The premise is a play on the Catholic tradition of the Eucharist, or communion, and the document shows the man directed by the evil figure becoming the “Papa� — a reference to the Holy Father, or pope. At points it becomes more blatant in its terminology. “Satan was in complete control of the Roman Catholic Church,� one part reads, while another page declares the Catholic church is the subject of a passage from Chapter 19 of the book of Revelation, stating, “...for he (Christ) hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.� Flaherty contends the tract is intentionally inflammatory to drum up hatred for members of his church and others. “Chick Publications is well-known for being anti-Catholic, but this was even one of the worst for them,� Flaherty says. “What they’re trying to do is tell people (Catholicism) is a false religion and they’re going to hell. It has no place in today’s world.� For their part, school officials insist they don’t condone that type of proselytizing on campus. “I think anybody with any common sense would know that’s not an activity the school supports,� Principal Perry Schrandt said. Flaherty says every claim in the pamphlet is false, from the idea that the Greek letters found on many vestments used in Catholic services and at other high churches stand for Egyptian gods, to the idea the church was founded by a man directed by the devil. He says the female student who was handed the “trash� was alarmed at its contents and came to him disturbed. “She was very upset about it and very angry,� Flaherty says. “It’s the kind of thing that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.� Flaherty says he’s made no attempt to contact Hatcher, but is going to talk to the FBI regarding the publication and its distribution at school. Hatcher says he would rather Flaherty came to him to discuss the matter rather than making a public issue of it. “The way I look at it, when churches have problems, it ought to handled between them rather than brought to a public forum,� Hatcher says. “I’m not really interested in making a public forum with it. I don’t think he needs to bring the FBI into it. That’s going a little overboard.� Hatcher says distributing the pamphlet was simply an attempt to point out “there are a lot of differences between Baptists and Catholics,� though he contends there are also a lot of similarities. Rather than an affront to Catholics, Hatcher says his church is just trying to point out the main difference they have with Catholics: the belief that a person does not and cannot work his or her way to salvation. “You don’t go on an all-out crusade against somebody’s church. This isn’t an all-out assault on the Catholic church,� Hatcher insists. “We believe that salvation is by grace through faith, not works. If you have a difference of beliefs, you try to tell the other person where you think they’re wrong.� Hatcher stops short of agreeing with the pamphlet’s suggestion that the Catholic church was started by the devil, instead saying the Vatican “practices deceptions,� which he says is a sign the devil has had a hand in their theology. “Any deviation from salvation by grace through faith would be against Christ, and the devil is against Christ,� Hatcher says. Hatcher maintains he wouldn’t have any problem with Catholics handing out pamphlets explaining their faith, pointing out “we live in an open-minded society.� Flaherty, on the other hand, thinks Hatcher and his congregation are being anything but open-minded. “I invite him or anybody else to come and see or listen to my radio program,� Flaherty says. “All they have to do is listen to us and they’ll realize this thing is ridiculous.� Hatcher, meanwhile, says he did listen to Flaherty’s radio program on Sunday after reading a letter to the editor from the priest in that day’s Mountain Press. Even that program illustrated, to him, the divides between the two men. “I was a big opponent of (the liquor by the drink vote in Pigeon Forge) last year and he was talking about how he doesn’t think it’s wrong for him to have a glass of Crown Royal with his dinner, so I think there are areas where we won’t agree,� Hatcher says.

FJ6A>IN :N:L:6G 6I 6B6O>C<AN ADL EG>8:H

In Memoriam

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Wednesday, March 3, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

Suspect charged in guard shooting

MEMPHIS (AP) — Police said they have charged a suspect in the fatal shooting of a security guard at a Memphis mall. According to a news release, police Tuesday charged 20-year-old Terrell Loverson with first-degree murder. Loverson also faces charges of assault and resisting official detention. The guard, 28-yearold Marques Rainey, was shot as he tried to break up a fight at the Southland Mall on Saturday. He died after being transported to the hospital.

State song No. 8 headed to state

NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee would have an eighth state song under a proposal advancing in the House. The proposed song is called “So I’ll Just Shine in Tennessee (I’m a Jackson, Tennessee Nugget)� and is written by Brenda Monroe-Moses, a former city councilwoman in Jackson, and Mildred Lewis Atkins. It advanced to the House Finance Committee on a voice vote Tuesday. The best known among the state’s current crop of official songs include “Tennessee Waltz� and “Rocky Top.�

600 laid off at Knoxville firm

KNOXVILLE (AP) — Bechtel Power Corp. announced Monday that it is laying off more than 600 engineers and support staff as design work ends ahead of construction of a second reactor at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar nuclear power plant. Francis Caravan, a spokesman for Bechtel,

nation/world briefs said workers are receiving layoff notices now. “The engineering and design work for the final construction of Unit 2 at Watts Bar is nearing completion, and employees will be released gradually as the work decreases over the coming months,� Caravan said.

the Senate Banking Committee are closing in on an agreement that would house a government consumer entity inside the Federal Reserve.

Ford: I’d have won the primary

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Congressman Harold Ford Jr. returned Hotel sued over to his job as an MSNBC elevator incident pundit on Tuesday, one EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — day after announcing A Portland man is suing he wouldn’t run for U.S. the operator of Eugene’s Senate in New York, and Hilton hotel and confersaid he would have won ence center, saying he the primary but worried hurt his back when hotel that the intraparty battle employees told him to would have emboldened jump to safety from a Republicans. stuck elevator. Ford, who represented Gregory Grant claims a Tennessee district in in his lawsuit filed last the U.S. House, had been week in Lane County publicly exploring a posCircuit Court that he sible Democratic primary hurt his back when he challenge in New York, jumped from the roof of but announced Monday the elevator that became night in a New York Times stuck between floors in op-ed that he wouldn’t February 2008. He’s seek- run. He said Tuesday on ing $320,000 in compen- MSNBC that he hopes sation. “another opportunity The Register-Guard in presents itself.� Eugene reports that Grant wants the hotel’s owner, Toyota rivals Davidson Hotel Co., of Memphis, to cover the gain in sales cost of his medical treatDETROIT (AP) — ment, lost wages, and pain Toyota’s pain is its rivals’ and suffering. gain. The auto industry Consumer dispute reported higher U.S. sales in February and scooped settlement near up customers from the WASHINGTON (AP) Japanese automaker, — More than a year after which has been strugLehman Brothers’ colgling with a massive safety lapse set off a financial recall. panic, Senate negotiators Toyota Motor Corp. said are laboring to seal a deal its U.S. sales fell 9 percent over a consumer proteclast month. Ford, General tion dispute holding up Motors Co., Nissan and broad legislation to estab- Honda all reported doulish new rules for Wall ble-digit sales growth last Street. month. At issue is whether a Other winners included government consumer Kia and Subaru. Even watchdog should be free struggling Chrysler saw from bank regulators to improvement. write rules that govern everything from credit Sex offender’s card and overdraft fees to payday loans and mortsentence a concern gages. SAN DIEGO (AP) — A Key negotiators in sex offender suspected

in the disappearance of Chelsea King served only five years in prison for molesting a girl a decade ago after prosecutors rejected a psychiatrist’s advice to seek a stiffer punishment, court documents state. Prosecutors said in 2000 that John Albert Gardner III’s lack of significant prior criminal record justified less than the maximum sentence for molesting a 13-yearold girl. They also said they wanted to “spare the victim the trauma of testifying.�

German court overturns law

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s highest court on Tuesday overturned a law that let antiterror authorities retain data on telephone calls and e-mails, saying it marked a “grave intrusion� into personal privacy rights and must be revised. The court ruling was the latest to sharply criticize a major initiative by Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government and one of the strongest steps yet defending citizen rights from postSept. 11 terror-fighting measures. The ruling comes amid a Europe-wide attempt to set limits on the digital sphere in the name of protecting privacy.

Satellite phones provided to Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton made a small dent in Chile’s growing needs following a massive earthquake, handing over 25 satellite phones while promising more Tuesday in the country’s capital. “We stand ready to help

STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

1

DOW JONES

Name

AFLAC INC ALCOA INC ALCATEL LUCENT ALLSTATE CORP ALTRIA GROUP INC APPLE INC AT&T INC BANK OF AMERICA BB&T CORP BOEING CO BRISTOL-MYERS CRACKER BARREL CHEVRON CORP CISCO SYSTEMS INC COCA-COLA CO CONEDISON INC DUKE ENERGY CORP EASTMAN CHEMICAL EXXON MOBIL CORP FIRST HORIZON FORD MOTOR CO FORWARD AIR CORP GAYLORD ENT GENERAL ELECTRIC HOME DEPOT INC IBM INTEL CORP

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NASDAQ

STOCKS OF LOCAL INTEREST

Last

Chg

49.94 13.24 3.15 32.02 20.33 208.85 24.88 16.46 27.81 64.44 24.72 44.39 73.32 24.61 53.30 43.79 16.44 60.53 65.49 12.79 12.22 24.98 23.70 15.90 31.36 127.42 20.70

-0.08 -0.07 0.01 0.45 0.06 -0.14 -0.12 -0.25 0.01 0.44 0.33 0.11 0.51 0.01 0.03 0.60 -0.05 0.47 0.09 0.07 -0.19 0.17 0.30

%Chg

-0.16% -0.53% 0.32% 1.43% 0.30% -0.07% -0.48% -1.50% 0.04% 0.69% 1.35% 0.25% 0.70% 0.04% 0.06% 1.39% -0.30% 0.78% 0.14% 0.55% -1.53% 0.69% 1.28% UNCH 0.00% -0.07 -0.22% -1.15 -0.89% -0.17 -0.83%

in any way that the government of Chile asks us to. We want to help Chile who has done so much to help others,� Clinton said during a brief visit to Chile that took her nowhere near areas with heavy damage. She spent most of her time at the

Name

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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

28.88 41.62 52.61 28.91 22.68 64.07 9.57 28.46 6.81 24.58 49.81 17.60 63.71 6.61 96.95 0.89 21.98 17.50 3.33 27.46 24.43 42.41 29.67 56.94 26.48 53.59 15.73

0.96 -0.21 0.45 0.19 0.27 0.09 -0.20 -0.56 0.07 -0.16 0.88 -0.15 0.20 -0.04 1.05 0.01

3.44% -0.50% 0.86% 0.66% 1.20% 0.14% -2.05% -1.93% 1.04% -0.65% 1.80% -0.85% 0.31% -0.60% 1.09% 0.61% 0.00% -0.11% -1.77% 3.62% 3.34% 0.19% 0.24% -0.68% -4.78% -0.58% -0.38%

UNCH

-0.02 -0.06 0.96 0.79 0.08 0.07 -0.39 -1.33 -0.31 -0.06

airport, which appeared unscathed. Clinton toured an area of the airport where tea, flour and other supplies were being loaded into boxes for shipment to parts of the country where supplies are short.

A6 ◆

The Mountain Press ◆ Wednesday, March 3, 2010

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n SEVIER COUNTY

Driver’s license checkpoints set

State troopers will conduct driver’s license checkpoints at these locations in Sevier County in the coming weeks: n New Era Road, 4-6 p.m. March 5 n State Road 338, 2-4 p.m. March 12 n State Road 339, 5-7 p.m. March 19 n White School Road, 3-5 p.m. March 26 n SEVIER COUNTY

Right To Life contest planned

Sevier County Right To Life announces its fifth annual oratory contest, open to high school students. Speeches must be pro-life on one of four topics: abortion, stem cell research, infanticide, or euthanasia. The deadline to register is April. The contest will take place on April 15. Cash prizes: first place $200, second place $125 and third place $75. For applications or more information call Terry Aparicio at 654-7685. n

SEVIER COUNTY

Election group to meet today

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

Finances topic of library forum

The Seymour Library community forum focuses on individual’s behavioral actions toward their finances and investments. Jeff Foster will present information about understanding the thought processes behind investment decisions. The event will be March 13 at 1 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Call the Seymour Library at 573-0728 to register so information packets may be prepared. n PIGEON FORGE

Health screenings set for March 19

Covenant Health Check, a health screening event, will be held at the Pigeon Forge Community Center on March 19 from 8-11 a.m. Free screenings and discounted blood work are available for adults, as well as blood tests for a fee. Screenings: blood pressure, bone density, body composition, carotid artery, heart rhythm, and more. Free information and details about Covenant Health programs and services will also be available. The Community Center is located at 170 Community Center Drive. For more information or directions call 453-9355.

State n

NASHVILLE

School system, ACLU settle

The Cheatham County schools have agreed to put an end to the promotion of religion by teachers and officials during school hours. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee announced the settlement after the school board voted on Monday night to approve it. The ACLU sued the school district in November after six months of negotiations failed.

top state news

Lottery Numbers

Haslam promises Pilot trust NASHVILLE (AP) — Republican Bill Haslam says if elected governor he plans to keep his holdings in Pilot Corp. outside of a blind trust he would establish for his other investments. The Knoxville Mayor told The Associated Press that he doesn’t see a point in placing his part-ownership in the chain of truck stops into a blind trust where financial advisers would manage his financial holdings because his stake in the family-owned company is already com-

monly known. “What’s the use in putting it in a blind trust? I would still know,” Haslam said. “The reason you put something in a blind trust — like any securities you own — is so you can honestly say you don’t know.” But government transparency advocates and Haslam’s political rivals argue the decision on the blind trust creates more reason for him to release a complete accounting of his income while he is a candidate for office — something Haslam has so far

TODAY’S FORECAST

LOCAL:

refused to do. At a gubernatorial forum hosted by Tennessee Cable Association in Nashville on Tuesday, rival GOP candidate Bill Gibbons likened Haslam’s refusal to divulge his Pilot earnings to “an Olympic athlete declining to take a drug test.” Haslam responded that voters he meets think he has released enough information about his earnings. “People are comfortable with that I’ve disclosed,” he said. “People understand where my income comes from, and they’ve known

that the whole time I’ve been mayor.” But open government advocates said candidates should lean toward greater disclosure since it wouldn’t be fair to demand Haslam divest himself of his Pilot holdings. “It’s up to the voters in this case to decide if they view that as a problem and demand more answers,” said Melanie Sloan executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “There’s a lot of potential for problems.”

Today's Forecast

City/Region High | Low temps

Forecast for Wednesday, March 3 Chicago 38° | 29°

Washington 43° | 32°

High: 40° Low: 27° Memphis 49° | 32°

Windy

Chance of rain/ snow 30%

Raleigh 47° | 32° Atlanta 47° | 29°

Partly Cloudy

High: 40° Low: 25° ■ Friday

New Orleans 54° | 34°

Sunny

High: 43° Low: 26°

Miami 67° | 52°

■ Lake Stages: Douglas: 954.0 U0.4

© 2010 Wunderground.com

■ Ober ski report: Base: 50-84 inches

Showers Rain T-storms Flurries Snow

“Six times last week, Democrats asked to extend their unemployment benefits for a short time while they work on a longer extension. Six times, Republicans said no. The Republicans in the Senate are standing between these families and the help they need while these benefits expire.” — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Kentucky’s Jim Bunning blocking approval of several funding measures

“We brought some satellite phones. That was the one thing we could get on the plane right away.” — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as she arrived in earthquakeravaged Chile on Tuesday to offer the country moral and material support

“People are searching for any solution. If we could only go and fish in our sea, I could make some money and put it in my pocket.” — Fisherman Adnan Abu Rialeh, who sailed toward Egypt’s Port Said three times in the past month to buy sardines, as under a sea blockade, the coastal Gaza Strip has now become a seafood importer.

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

Ice

Sunny Pt. Cloudy Cloudy Weather Underground • AP

nation/world quote roundup

Staff

09 18

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Midday: 4-5-6-7 Evening: 7-8-5-3

22 23

Monday, March 1, 2010

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This day in history Today is Wednesday, March 3, the 62nd day of 2010. There are 303 days left in the year. n

Locally a year ago:

Sevierville is facing a $1 million shortfall in revenues for the current fiscal year. The city has the opportunity to make more cuts that could bring it back within budget and also absorb those costs by tapping into its $15.2 million reserve fund. n Today’s

Highlight:

On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a measure making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the national anthem of the United States.

■ Thursday

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

Midday: 3-3-3 Evening: 2-9-7

15-16-28-34-38

Flurries

Primary surface: Machine groomed

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

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n On

this date:

n Ten

years ago:

In 1960, actress-comedian Lucille Ball filed for divorce from her husband, Desi Arnaz, a day after they’d finished filming the last episode of “The LuciDesi Comedy Hour” (“Lucy Meets the Mustache”) on Arnaz’s 43rd birthday. In 1969, Apollo 9 blasted off from Cape Kennedy on a mission to test the lunar module. Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist Christian college, said it was lifting its ban on interracial dating. n Five

years ago:

President George W. Bush visited CIA headquarters, where he promised agency employees they would retain an “incredibly vital” role in safeguarding the nation’s security despite the creation of a new post of national director of intelligence. n Thought

for Today:

“We are creatures of the moment; we live from one little space to another; and only one interest at a time fills these.” — William Dean Howells, American author and editor (18371920).

Celebrities in the news n

Carrie Underwood

NASHVILLE (AP) — An astounding run keeps getting better for Lady Antebellum. Already buoyed by the crossover success of its latest album, the country trio learned it’s up for seven Academy Underwood o f Country Music Awards when nominations were announced Tuesday. Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood are next with six nominations, Taylor Swift has five and Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley each have four.

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 ■ Wednesday, March 3, 2010

commentary

Dems must fight rich tax breaks The owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, Frank McCourt and his wife Jamie, are mired in a messy divorce. According to papers filed in Los Angeles superior court, the McCourts — between 2004 and 2009 — collected income totaling $108 million. According to those same court papers, on that $108 million, the multimillionaire McCourts did not pay a single dime in either California or U.S. taxes. Obviously, this un-fun couple must be fans of the values of the late New York hotel owner and convicted tax evader Leona Helmsley, who according to the sworn testimony of her former housekeeper, announced: “We don’t pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes.” That’s certainly the way things look to be heading after the IRS revealed that the effective federal tax rate for the 400 highest-earners in the United States in 2007 was 45 percent lower than it had been in 1995. The average annual income of the 400 highest earners was $345 million. In 1995, when Bill Clinton was president, the top 400 earned an average of $50.9 million and paid U.S. taxes at an effective rate of 30 percent. Twelve years later, after the enactment of George W. Bush’s generous tax cuts on upper-income individuals, the effective federal tax rate paid by the richest 400 averaged just 16.6 percent — or about 45 percent less than in 1995. Not only did the pre-tax income of the highest earners increase dramatically during the Bush years, but because of the tax cuts, their aftertax income went up even faster. According to the research of Avi Feller and Chuck Marr of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, those changes produced “a tax cut of $46 million per filer in 2007, or a total of $18 billion in tax cuts for these households per year.” Yes, all of the 400 highest earners individually were getting much bigger paydays in 2007, but collectively this privileged group’s share of the nation’s total adjusted gross income — 1.59 percent — had tripled in size of what it had been in the 1990s. Republicans, we know, proudly believe in the genius and sanctity of tax cuts for the wealthy — make that, “the productive.” The GOP’s answer to any problem — from declining Sunday school attendance to increased rush-hour congestion — has always been predictable: Cut taxes, especially the capital gains tax. Their reasoning, as John Kenneth Galbraith once observed, seemed to be based on the “horse and sparrow” theory of taxation: If you feed the horse enough oats, some will pass through to the road for the sparrows.” But why are not the majority Democrats, the self-proclaimed tribunes of working people, storming the barricades and demanding tax justice beginning with the immediate repeal of the tax preferences for the most affluent? Could the Democrats’ passive lack of urgency about changing the nation’s manifestly unjust tax laws have anything to do with the fact that candidates of the party of Jefferson and Jackson have lately been the principal beneficiaries of Wall Street contributions? It’s time for them to prove otherwise. As Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., once asked during a Senate debate on shrinking even further the tax rate on capital gains (now barely half what it was when President Ronald Reagan was in the White House), “Why don’t we go all the way and simply take the rich off the tax rolls altogether?” — Mark Shields is a veteran political campaign manager and frequent television talk show commentator. Column distributed by Creators Syndicate. (C)2009 Mark Shields.

Editorial

Striking out Sen. Bunning has right idea, but chooses wrong time to use it Jim Bunning earned his spot in the baseball Hall of Fame as a terrific pitcher. Now he’s earning a prominent spot in the U.S. Senate Hall of Shame. The Kentucky Republican’s actions in single-handedly blocking a funding measure are making his last year in office a time of ridicule and disgust. Bunning’s new-found desire to halt runaway spending is affecting a range of measures, from unemployment benefits to Medicare payments to doctors to the livelihoods of 2,000 federal transportation workers now on furlough. He has picked the right fight at the wrong time. And his behavior in the wake of his actions has been weird. Bunning, a Kentucky Republican, says he wants to know how the federal government will pay for a $10 billion extension in unemployment benefits. Probably the same way it paid for the Iraq war, the war’s aftermath, Medicare extensions and a host of other programs approved by

Congress — and supported by Bunning — without a specific link to the money source. Bunning apparently had no misgivings about signing off on some of that spending. The senator’s actions affected 41 highway projects, including the repairs to the Cades Cove loop road. The federal inspectors assigned to the road projects across the country were laid off, so the Smokies work can’t proceed. A halt to the Cades Cove project is not enough to condemn Bunning’s actions, but shutting off jobless benefits to thousands of Americans seems heartless and cruel, especially when you are doing it just to make a point that won’t hold up more than few days anyway. If you ever wondered why things are so slow to happen in Congress, this is one reason. Bunning has a right as a lone senator to block legislation. Those are the rules of the upper chamber. While some Republicans appear to support Bunning’s

right to use the Senate rules, they are mostly silent in supporting Bunning specifically on this cause. The guy is out there all alone. Fiscal responsibility is not a term one would apply to Congress or the White House. No matter who’s in the White House and who’s in charge of Congress, we get out-of-control spending. Our debt is scary. Restraint is desperately needed. However, tackling a $12 trillion debt by obstructing a $10 billion bill is misplaced symbolism. It does little more than give Democrats a political weapon and make Republicans look unsympathetic to the plight of hurting Americans. Emptying the ocean with a teaspoon is a no-win action. Sen. Bunning is on his way out, deciding not to seek re-election this year. Maybe that’s given him some emboldened courage to stand up to federal debt. If only he’d been this courageous in the years leading up to our current financial crisis.

Political view

Public forum ‘Joseph’ production proves to be wonderful entertainment

Editor: I absolutely loved “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The Miracle Theater and Fee/Hedrick group graciously allowed me (and all other Sevier County residents/workers) to see this amazing production totally free of charge. Many thanks to them for providing wonderful entertainment absolutely free just because I live in Sevier County. I have been guilty of not taking advantage of the many shows that tourists flock here to see, but I won’t anymore. I will absolutely endorse and promote this theater to everybody I meet. Sevier County visitors are in for a treat. If you didn’t take advantage of this opportunity, you certainly

missed a great show.

Pam Evans Sevierville

Yaweh has a sense of humor, as local events prove out

Editor: For the readers who wrote to suggest that The Miracle Theater’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is insulting and offensive to Christians because it contains slapstick humor, I have news. Yaweh has a great sense of humor. What else accounts for the inane things we read, see and hear every day in Sevier County? John Jessel Sevierville

New show at Miracle Theater proves learning Bible is fun

Editor: I also attended the Miracle Theater show “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Everyone has their own way to learn the Bible. Maybe someone understood something from the show they were missing. If you know these two men who own the theater, David Fee and Jim hHeadrick, then you know they are Christians. Who said learning the Bible can’t be fun? Any show about Christ that keeps kids watching for two hours has good in it. I took my grandkids and their friends. What a good time they had. Thank you, David and Jim, for opening your place to all of us. Flo Solomon 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 ■ Wednesday, March 3, 2010

PREP BASKETBALL REGION TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS

Bears fall short of substate By JASON DAVIS Sports Editor

MORRISTOWN -- As the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Unfortuately for the Sevier County boys basketball team (27-6), their magical 2009-2010 season was cut short Tuesday night with a 54-48 loss to the Dobyns-Bennett Indians (20-11) in the semifinal game of the Region 1-AAA Tournament. “Our inexperience in tournament play showed,” a clearly disappointed coach Ken Wright said following the game. “We just stood around in the second and third quarter. I was really disappointed that we didn’t show up and play like we have all season.” But the coach was proud of the effort his team turned in in the game’s final eight minutes. Down by as many as 18 points in the third quarter, the Bears had a Herculean effort in the final quarter to give the fans their money’s worth, cutting the lead to just three points before succumbing to the Tribe. The Purple and White came out with renewed gusto in the final quarter of play, knowing their season was on the line. The Smoky Bears reeled off 11 points in a row, using a frenzied pace to disrupt the Indians’ surging offense. Following a pair of Pate free throws, Zac Carson took a steal to the house for two and then followed with a runner at the 5:22 mark to cut D-B’s lead to singledigits at 41-33. Coming out of a timeout the Bears continued to hawk the Indian ballhandlers and kept forcing turnovers. Those turnovers led to a 3-pointer for senior Nave and two free throws for Carlson, setting the Sevier County crowd on fire as the lead had dwindled to a mere three points with almost four minutes to go. But in all the excitement, the Bears seemed to lose some focus and took several ill-advised shots and had a tough turnover as they overthrew a fast-break pass. Finally, with about 3:30 on the clock, the Indians would get their first basket of the period. And that hoop was a big one. After the Tribe beat the Bears’ press D-B’s Juwan Johnson got a great look inside, converted the layup and drew a critical foul. The charity toss was nothing but net, and the Indians had pushed back out to a six-point lead. Carlson cut the margin back to four with a runner moments later, but D-B broke the Bears’ sell-out press on two-straight possessions, leading to back-to-back layups

Jason Davis/The Mountain Press

Sevier County’s Zac Gonzalez makes a bucket inside, while drawing a foul against a Dobyns-Bennett defender. to run the lead back to eight at 48-40. Still the Bears weren’t giving up and four consecutive Nave free throws got the lead whittled back to four at 48-44. But trying to foul and send the Indians to the line, senior Kel McCarter -- a first-year varsity player -- went too hard into a D-B player and was whistled for an intentional foul. Three-of-four

from the line later and DobynsBennett held a commanding 51-44 lead with just under a minute on the game clock. Sevier County would try to claw back in it, getting back to within five points, but the Indians proved too much down the stretch, as they converted their free throws and sealed the win. “The fourth quarter we just played our rear end off,” Wright

Out with the old, in with the new

King James files papers to ditch 23 INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — The number on LeBron James’ back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same. James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan. Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season. “All it does is back up LeBron’s beliefs,” Cavs coach Mike Brown said. “He’s a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he Jeff Lewis/AP believes wholeheartedly in Cavaliers superstar Lebron James wants to change from what he’s doing.” jersey number 23 to number 6.

said. “We just needed that effort earlier and we just didn’t get it, stagefright or whatever you want to call it.” An abysmal third quarter for Sevier County set the team up for the loss. Dobyns-Bennett started the quarter with a 10-0 run, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Juwan Johnson. The run stunned both fans and players, as the Smoky Bear bench took on a

crestfallen gloom with the score 34-19 early in the period. That score grew to 18 points at its highest a few moments later. But the resilient Bears closed out the quarter strong, matching D-B shot-for-shot for the remainder, and actually cutting into the lead a bit with a Gonzalez short jumper with only a minute left in the quarter. The Bears had started the first half like they may run away with the game, but that didn’t last long. After D-B opened the scoring with an Adam Denison layup, the Bears rattled off seven straight, as Josh Johnson slashed in for two consecutive buckets and point guard Zac Gonzalez drained a corner 3-ball to put the score at 7-2.. The Indians answered with two straight baskets of their own to cut the lead back to one, 7-6. The Smoky Bears would finish out the quarter with two more long-distance bombs, one from Austin Nave from the top of the key and another from Johnson from the left wing. But meanwhile the Purple defense couldn’t contain D-B guard Darius Davis. The stocky speed merchant sliced to the basket for the Indians final three baskets of the quarter to take a 15-13 lead into the second. In the second the hot shooting of both teams fizzled, as each team only scored one field goal in the first four minutes. The Indians took the upperhand with a 5-0 spurt, including Adam Denison’s second 3-pointer of the game to go up 22-15. Nave and Johnson got the Bears back in it though, as the pair made back-to-back baskets to get the team to within one at 22-19. A pair of D-B free throws put the game at 24-19 at intermission. Senior Austin Nave led the Bears in scoring in his final game in the Purple and White. He scored 16 points, followed by double-figure outing for Josh Johnson, who had 11, and Zac Carlson with 10. Zac Gonzalez and Alex Pate were the only other Bears to score in the game, with seven and four, respectively. Denison led the Indians with 16, while Davis added 15 and Johnson 14. “There’s a group of young men that won 27 games this year with only six defeats,” Wright reflected on the team. “I couldn’t be prouder of them. They set a mark for Sevier County HIgh School. They’ve set the bar high now. We’ve got to have groups come out now and try and build on what these young men have built.” mpsport@themountainpress.com

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Hochevar agrees to $1.7 million deal with Royals By DOUG TUCKER AP Sports Writer

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Luke Hochevar, the overall No. 1 draft pick of the 2006 amateur draft, agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals that will pay him $1.76 million in the major leagues. The deal includes a salary of $772,500 if Hochevar is in the minors, but he is out of options. He was coming off a $5.3 million, four-year contract that included a $3.5 million signing bonus. The $1.76 million salary represents the maximum 20 percent cut from his 2009 major league salary ($1,325,000) plus $875,000, which represents a prorated share of the $3.5 million signing bonus in his previous deal. Hochevar was 7-13 in 25 starts for Kansas City Luke Hochevar last year with an ERA of 6.55. The 26-year-old right-hander did have a few encouraging bright spots, including an 80-pitch, complete-game victory over Cincinnati. Prior to pitching in the Royals’ organization, Hochevar was an All-American and Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year at the Univeristy of Tennessee. Kansas City also agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander Carlos Rosa. The 25-year-old made seven relief appearances in September for Kansas City and had a 3.38 ERA. He was also 2-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 43 relief appearances for Triple-A Omaha. First baseman Billy Butler and second baseman Alberto Callaspo are the only players left unsigned in camp.

Sports â—† A9

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press RACING WITH RICH

Sorry Jimmie Johnson haters, it’s not luck Hard to believe as it may be, after more than four years of winning races and championships there are still some who claim Jimmie Johnson’s success is due to luck. Fuel was added to this fire after Johnson won the Auto Club 500 in California and driving competitor Kevin Harvick made reference to Johnson having a horseshoe up his‌well, you know. Sorry to those who hope that Johnson’s string of luck will end someday and he will look human like everyone else, but there is not nearly so much luck involved as there is skill. Granted, there is a certain degree of luck, or circumstance if you prefer, involved in just about everything. But if you notice, those who most often get ‘lucky’ are those who have best prepared themselves to take advantage of whatever situation might arise. As the old saying goes, luck is the result of preparation meeting opportunity. Last week in California, Johnson was a bit lucky to have just entered pit road

the last pit stop of the day crew chief Chad Knaus knew that four new tires would be needed if Johnson was to win the race. When Jeff Gordon’s team opted to only take two tires the stage was set for Johnson to win again. Preparation met as a late caution flag flew opportunity and again the and then to get off of pit 48 team got ‘lucky’. road in time to stay on the Many Johnson haters like lead lap. That enabled him to point out that he would to move to the front of the not have won two of his field after the other teams four championships had pitted their cars under the the old system still been in yellow. The resulting track place rather than the Chase position then allowed him for theChampionship. They to pull away and win. Had he and his crew not might insist that he has been lucky to have had defibeen prepared they would cits erased by the playoff not have been able to take format. But that’s just it, the advantage of their opporold system is not in place. tunity. Had there been Johnson and Knaus have indecision as to whether adapted to the game better they should go ahead with the stop or not they might than everyone else. It’s not have gotten lapped. Had the luck, it’s preparation. crew not executed a flawless To say that Jimmie pit stop they would have Johnson and his team will been lapped. There was just go on and on winning luck involved but without championships may or may the proper preparation it not be a wise thing to do. would have been bad luck However, trying to discount rather than good. what they have already This weekend’s race in done by claiming they are Las Vegas again showed simply lucky is ridiculous. Eric Jamison/AP that the 48 Hendrick Please contact me by Jimmie Johnson celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Motorsports crew knows going to my website at Sprint Cup Series auto race Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, in Las Vegas. how to finish the deal. On RacingWithRich.com.

PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION

Daly’s record filled with misconduct JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — John Daly has been suspended five times and cited 21 times for not giving his best effort, according to a 456-page rap sheet kept by the PGA Tour that is now public record because of libel lawsuit Daly failed to win. The Florida Times-Union reported Tuesday on Daly’s disciplinary file, which the tour had to give Morris Publishing Co. during Daly’s libel lawsuit against a columnist who once worked for the newspaper. The TimesUnion is part of the Morris group. The lawsuit was dismissed in March 29. The disciplinary file grew to 456 pages over 18 years of Daly’s career, starting in April 1991 when the tour said Daly cursed a playing partner and ending in the fall of 2008, when Daly was suspended for six months. Denis Poroy/AP The two-time major champion was placed on proba- John Daly hits hits his a tee shot at Torrey Pines tion six times, ordered to Golf Course on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010. go to counseling or alcohol rehab seven times, cited for conduct unbecoming a professional 11 times and fined nearly $100,000, according to the file. 7% "59 s 3%,, s 42!$% Most of the incidents '/,$ !.$ 3),6%2 #/).3 have been widely reported, such as Daly trashing a 7% 7),, "59 9/52 3#2!0 '/,$ hotel room in 1997 during COME SEE US AT OUR NEW LOCATION The Players Championship 7).&)%,$ $5.. 0!2+7!9 or getting into a scuffle at (NEXT TO DOLLAR GENERAL) (79 3%6)%26),,% Firestone with a 62-year-old man whose son, Jeff Roth, said Daly had hit into him at the World Series of Golf. Even so, the PGA Tour does not disclose its discipline, and Daly usually makes for good reading. s 3TUMP 'RINDING s ,AND #LEARING All Types of Fencing: Despite the file becoms 'UTTER #LEANING s ,EAF 2EMOVAL s #HAIN ,INK &ENCES !LL 4YPES OF &ENCING s &RENCH $RAINS s 2ETAINING 7ALLS ing a public record, the tour s 7OOD 0RIVACY &ENCES s "OBCAT 7ORK s (YDRO3EEDING #HAIN ,INK &ENCES s 7OOD 0RIVACY &ENCES s 0ICKET &ENCES stayed with its position of s 4REE 3HRUB 4RIMMING s 0ICKET &ENCES s !LL 9OUR ,AWN #ARE .EEDS ,ANDSCAPE $ESIGN AND )NSTALLATION not commenting on disciNow Accepting Mowing Contracts for 2010 pline. (Monthly Billing can be arranged!) The Times-Union said 865-254-3844 !LL WORK GUARANTEED ,ICENSED )NSURED the file also contains letters !LL WORK GUARANTEED ,ICENSED )NSURED s .OW ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS from fans and tournament officials, some flattering and some not. One fan wrote to former PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman after Charles E. Smith, Certified Gunsmith Daly was suspended: “I’m disappointed the suspension is indefinite. Please reconsider and get John Daly back so many of us can get enthused about the PGA.� Another golf fan wrote, “How long does it take for this young man to grow up and remember that thousands of young junior golfs 'UN 2EPAIR 3ALES ers are out there watching him make an (expletive) of s .EW 5SED himself?� s 'OOD SELECTION OF AMMUNITION Daly won the 1991 PGA s !CCESSORIES Championship as the ninth alternate, and won the 1995 Gun Cleaning & Inspection Special British Open at St. Andrews. His last victory was the 2004 $ on most guns Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines. He has not had a full 0ARKWAY s 3EVIERVILLE 4. status on the PGA Tour since .EXT DOOR TO #ASH (ARDWARE ,UMBER 9ARD 2006 and is playing mainly on sponsor exemptions. (865) 365-1616

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A10 â—† Sports

The Mountain Press â—† Wednesday, March 3, 2010

SCOREBOARD t v s p o rt s Today

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 7 p.m. ESPN — Connecticut at Notre Dame ESPN2 — Wake Forest at Florida St. 9 p.m. ESPN — Duke at Maryland ESPN2 — Oklahoma St. at Texas A&M NHL HOCKEY 7 p.m. VERSUS — Washington at Buffalo SOCCER 2:30 p.m. ESPN2 — Men’s national teams, Netherlands vs. U.S., at Amsterdam, Netherlands

mlb Major League Baseball Spring Training Glance AMERICAN LEAGUE W L Pct Baltimore 0 0 .000 Boston 0 0 .000 Chicago 0 0 .000 Cleveland 0 0 .000 Detroit 0 0 .000 Kansas City 0 0 .000 Los Angeles 0 0 .000 Minnesota 0 0 .000 New York 0 0 .000 Oakland 0 0 .000 Seattle 0 0 .000 Tampa Bay 0 0 .000 Texas 0 0 .000

Toronto 0 0 .000 NATIONAL LEAGUE W L Pct New York 1 0 1.000 Arizona 0 0 .000 Chicago 0 0 .000 Cincinnati 0 0 .000 Colorado 0 0 .000 Florida 0 0 .000 Houston 0 0 .000 Los Angeles 0 0 .000 Milwaukee 0 0 .000 Pittsburgh 0 0 .000 Philadelphia 0 0 .000 St. Louis 0 0 .000 San Francisco 0 0 .000 San Diego 0 0 .000 Washington 0 0 .000 Atlanta 0 1 .000 ——— Tuesday’s Game N.Y. Mets 4, Atlanta 2 Wednesday’s Games N.Y. Mets vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh vs. N.Y. Yankees at Tampa, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Detroit vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore at Sarasota, Fla., 1:05 p.m. San Francisco vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Thursday’s Games Washington (ss) vs. Florida at Jupiter, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Pittsburgh vs. Atlanta at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Washington (ss) vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Toronto vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 1:05 p.m. N.Y. Yankees vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater, Fla., 1:05 p.m. Baltimore vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 1:05 p.m. St. Louis vs. N.Y. Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla., 1:10 p.m. Milwaukee vs. San Francisco

at Scottsdale, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Oakland vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. San Diego vs. Seattle at Peoria, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. (charity) Kansas City vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Colorado vs. Arizona at Tucson, Ariz., 3:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. L.A. Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 5:05 p.m. Minnesota vs. Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., 7:05 p.m.

nba EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division

Boston Toronto Philadelphia New York New Jersey

W L 36 21 31 28 22 37 20 39 6 53

Pct .632 .525 .373 .339 .102

Orlando Atlanta Miami Charlotte Washington

W L 41 20 38 21 29 31 28 30 21 36

Pct GB .672 — .644 2 .483 11 1/2 .483 11 1/2 .368 18

Cleveland Chicago Milwaukee Detroit Indiana

W L 47 14 31 29 30 29 21 38 20 39

Pct GB .770 — .517 15 1/2 .508 16 .356 25 .339 26

Dallas San Antonio Houston

W L 40 21 34 24 30 29

Pct GB .656 — .586 4 1/2 .508 9

Southeast Division

GB — 6 15 17 31

Central Division

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division

New Orleans 31 30 .508 9 Memphis 30 30 .500 9 1/2

Northwest Division

W L Denver 39 21 Utah 38 22 Oklahoma City 35 23 Portland 36 27 Minnesota 14 47

Pct GB .650 — .633 1 .603 3 .571 4 1/2 .230 25 1/2

W L L.A. Lakers 45 15 Phoenix 38 24 L.A. Clippers 25 35 Sacramento 20 39 Golden State 17 41

Pct GB .750 — .613 8 .417 20 .339 24 1/2 .293 27

Pacific Division

——— Monday’s Games Dallas 89, Charlotte 84 Cleveland 124, New York 93 Orlando 126, Philadelphia 105 Atlanta 116, Chicago 92 Portland 103, Memphis 93 San Antonio 106, New Orleans 92 Houston 116, Toronto 92 Phoenix 101, Denver 85 L.A. Clippers 108, Utah 104 Tuesday’s Games Boston at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Golden State at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Sacramento at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m. Indiana at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m. Wednesday’s Games Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7 p.m. Golden State at Orlando, 7 p.m. Charlotte at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Cleveland at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. Detroit at New York, 7:30 p.m. Washington at Milwaukee, 8 p.m. Memphis at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Minnesota at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Sacramento at Houston, 8:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at Denver, 9 p.m. Indiana at Portland, 10 p.m. Phoenix at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

nh l

EASTERN CONFERENCE

GP W d-Washington 62 41 d-New Jersey 61 37 d-Ottawa 63 36 Pittsburgh 62 36 Buffalo 60 33 Philadelphia 60 32 Montreal 64 30 Boston 61 27 Atlanta 61 27 Tampa Bay 61 26 N.Y. Rangers 62 28 N.Y. Islanders 62 25 Florida 62 24 Carolina 62 25 Toronto 62 19

L OT Pts GF GA 13 8 90 247 177 21 3 77 162 144 23 4 76 178 179 22 4 76 195 179 18 9 75 166 152 25 3 67 179 160 28 6 66 168 177 23 11 65 150 158 24 10 64 186 196 24 11 63 160 182 27 7 63 161 169 29 8 58 159 194 28 10 58 157 181 30 7 57 173 195 32 11 49 163 213

WESTERN CONFERENCE

d-San Jose d-Chicago d-Vancouver Phoenix Los Angeles Colorado Nashville Detroit Calgary Dallas Anaheim St. Louis Minnesota Columbus Edmonton

GP W 62 40 61 41 61 37 63 37 61 37 62 35 61 33 62 29 62 30 61 28 62 30 62 28 61 30 63 25 61 19

L OT Pts GF GA 13 9 89 204 153 15 5 87 199 146 22 2 76 194 152 21 5 79 167 158 20 4 78 185 166 21 6 76 180 161 23 5 71 170 173 21 12 70 162 166 23 9 69 156 156 21 12 68 175 186 25 7 67 177 189 25 9 65 163 172 27 4 64 171 178 28 10 60 166 203 36 6 44 153 211

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. d-division leader Monday’s Games Detroit 3, Colorado 2 Tuesday’s Games Montreal 4, Boston 1 Atlanta 4, Florida 2 Carolina 5, Toronto 1 Chicago at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Vancouver at Columbus, 7 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m. Edmonton at Nashville, 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

MLB HARDBALL

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By JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Cross off another last off the list for Bobby Cox. Atlanta’s longtime manager got two scoreless innings from Tommy Hanson, but the New York Mets spoiled Cox’s last spring training opener with a 4-2 victory over the Braves on Tuesday. Cox announced last September that he plans to retire after his 21st consecutive season in Atlanta’s dugout — the longest tenure of any active manager — and 25th overall. He has agreed to serve as a consultant for the team after he steps down. On a damp day in Florida, the 68-year-old Cox seemed happy to be off and running with another round of spring games. “Just getting ready,� he said. “It’s business as usual and nothing has changed. I don’t look at it that way. It’ll hit me the last week or so.� New York, which was riddled by injuries last year, scratched Jose Reyes and all of their regulars from the lineup when morning showers drenched the field. “When it rains like that and wind and (the) forecast is this and that, I just feel it wasn’t necessary to do,� Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. Jason Pridie, Jesus Feliciano and Ruben Tejada each drove in a run in the fifth inning for New York, which is scheduled to play Atlanta in Kissimmee on Wednesday. Russ Adams homered in the eighth.

Hanson allowed a leadoff single to Feliciano before retiring six straight batters. The right-hander struck out three. “That was definitely a confidence booster out there today,� he said. “I wouldn’t say I didn’t expect to throw that well, but it went better than planned.� Hanson went 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA in 21 starts last year as a rookie, despite spending the first month of the season at Triple-A Gwinnett. Another Braves phenom, Jason Heyward, walked twice, singled and stole a base. Heyward is 20 years old and has never played in the majors, but could be Atlanta’s starting right fielder on opening day. “He’s got great instincts,�

Cox said. “That’s why he’s ahead of the 20-year-olds. He does a lot of other things, other than just hit. He had a great day.� Manuel took a closer look at three candidates for the eighth-inning role in New York’s bullpen. Bobby Parnell was nicked for a run in two innings, Pedro Feliciano struck out two in a perfect eighth and Ryota Igarashi finished for the save. The 5-foot-11, 190pound Igarashi agreed to a $3 million, two-year contract with New York in December after a long career in Japan. “Of course, I had some nerves coming in,� he said through an interpreter. “But with the home run that Adams hit there, that gave a little cushion, made

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me feel a lot more comfortable going in.� NOTES: Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez (pink eye) visited a doctor Monday and is expected to stay away from the team for a few more days because he’s still contagious. ... Mets LHP Hisanori Takahashi went to the Dominican Republic on Monday night to resolve a visa issue. ... Cox also praised RHP Kris Medlen after the game. Medlen allowed one hit in two scoreless innings. ... Mets RHP Elmer Dessens left after Brian McCann’s comebacker went off his leg in the third but Manuel said he would be fine.

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A14 ◆ Comics Family Circus

The Mountain Press ◆ Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Close to Home

Advice

After wife’s passing, husband falls in love with step daughter

Zits

Blondie

Baby Blues

Beetle Bailey

Dear Annie: My wife of four years passed away rather quickly last year, and I was devastated. She was only 42. I am 49. Her 22-year-old daughter came to live with me, and we began consoling each other. She is the spitting image of her mother. The problem is, we have fallen in love. We share the same bed now and are sexually intimate. I want to ask her to marry me, and I know she will say yes. She is not a blood relation and has no relatives to object. Her father left her mother when she was young, and he has never been in contact. I am in love and feel like a kid again. Is this wrong? -- San Pedro Dear San Pedro: Well, there is a huge “ick” factor. Aside from that, this girl is only 22. The loss of her mother brought you two together, but in a superficial, and likely temporary, way. We can understand what appeals to you -- she looks like Mom, she is young and vibrant and makes you feel like a teenager, and you have a loss in common. She may love you, but it could be as the father figure who has been missing from her life. If you truly love her, please give her the time, opportunity and freedom to figure it out. Dear Annie: Our very good friends got a kitten a year ago. The kitten was never properly trained and now, as a grown cat, thinks it is welcome everywhere. When we go to their home for dinner, the cat walks all over the kitchen

counters where the food is being prepared and even jumps up on the dinner table while we’re eating. My wife refuses to go to their house for any reason, especially meals, and won’t accept any food they bring to us. We’ve met them for dinner in restaurants a couple of times, but it is getting awkward to keep avoiding their place. Should we admit that the prevalence of the cat all over everything makes it undesirable? -California Dear California: If your friends ask why you won’t come over, you should tell them the truth in the nicest way possible. Say it makes you uncomfortable when the cat walks all over the countertops and dinner table. They may protest, but you can easily hold your ground by pleading a highly developed sensitivity to cat hair. At this point, they are not likely to retrain the cat, so it is kinder to let them assume the problem is yours. Dear Annie: “Heartsick in the Heartland” can be supportive of her nephews with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by contacting a wonderful organization called Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), founded and funded by parents, therapists and medical researchers.

t o d ay ’ s p u z z l e

Garfield

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

For Better Or Worse

Tina’s Groove

Their website is www. parentprojectmd.org and their toll-free number is 1-800-714-5437. PPMD has contacts and activities in most states. At their annual conferences, there is an opportunity to meet other parents and hear what new developments exist. The important thing is for parents to know they are not alone. There is hope, help and friendship. There is no cure, but treatments may make it possible for a person to live to age 30 in relatively good shape. All states have support and funding programs for children with disabilities, including getting them into Medicare. Swimming and water therapy are invaluable to a child with DMD. With the aid of a walker or wheelchair, a DMD kid can attend a regular school and maybe even college. I wish I could share the bright, angelic smile of my 3-year-old grandson. With intense physical therapy, he has just learned to walk. Oh, how he laughs! He brings great joy to everyone who meets him. -- A Caring Grandmother 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.

Nation/World ◆ A15

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

Man guilty of killing coach Parents: Doctors speed up ALLISON, Iowa (AP) — A jury found an Iowa man guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder in the shooting of a nationally known high school football coach. It took the jury 24 hours over four days to reach its decision, finding Mark Becker, 24, guilty in the June 24, 2009, killing of Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas. Becker gunned down Thomas, 58, in the school’s makeshift weight room in front of students, shooting him at least six times before walking away. Becker told police that Thomas was Satan and that the coach had been tormenting him. Thomas’ son, Aaron, said he was happy with the verdict but that Becker’s conviction wouldn’t ease the pain of losing his father. “It’s not that we feel better or safer. Nothing that happened is going to bring my dad back,” Aaron Thomas said. “Our family is not over anything. The Becker family is not over anything.” The shooting was especially shocking to Parkersburg residents because Thomas was known both for producing winning teams and for leading the community. He amassed a 292-84 record and two state titles in 37 seasons as a head coach — 34 of them at AplingtonParkersburg — and coached four players who have played in the NFL. He also was a leader in rebuilding Parkersburg after nearly one-third of the 1,800-person town was wiped out in May 2008 by a tornado that killed six people.

President wants GOP health ideas WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama said Tuesday he was open to four new Republican proposals on health care legislation, in a gesture of bipartisanship meant to jump-start his stalled overhaul drive. Obama detailed the ideas, all of which were raised at a bipartisan health care summit last week, in a letter to congressional leaders. He also called for eliminating a special deal for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in Florida and other states that drew criticism at the summit from Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. The proposals Obama mentioned are: sending investigators disguised as patients to uncover fraud and waste; expanding medical malpractice reform pilot programs; increasing payments to Medicaid providers and expanding the use of health savings accounts. “I said throughout this process that I’d continue to draw on the best ideas from both parties, and I’m open to these proposals in that spirit,” wrote Obama, who will make remarks Wednesday at the White House on a path forward for his legislation. He rejected the GOP’s preferred approach of scrapping the existing sweeping overhaul bills and starting afresh with step-by-step changes. “I also believe that piecemeal reform is not the best way to effectively reduce premiums, end the exclusion of people with preexisting conditions or offer Americans the security of knowing that they will never lose coverage,” Obama wrote. Obama’s announcement is not likely to win any votes from Republicans. Nor is there any guarantee that Democratic leaders will agree to incorporate the administration’s suggestions in revised legislation. But it could give wavering Democrats political cover by showing the White House has been willing to compromise in the wake of last week’s televised bipartisan health care summit.

the end for dying children

AP Photo/Conrad Schmidt

A Butler County deputy escorts Mark Becker away from the courthouse in Allison, Iowa. Becker was convicted Tuesday of killing Aplington-Parkersburg High School teacher and coach Ed Thomas in June 2009. Referring both to the conviction and to her son’s struggles with paranoid schizophrenia, Becker’s mother, Joan, said the past few years have been heartbreaking. “The last weeks, months and years have been extremely difficult for our family to bear,” Joan Becker said, clasping her husband’s and son Scott’s hands.

CHICAGO (AP) — It’s a situation too agonizing to contemplate — a child dying and in pain. Now a small but provocative study suggests that doctors may be giving fatal morphine doses to a few children dying of cancer, to end their suffering at their parents’ request. A handful of parents told researchers that they had asked doctors to hasten their children’s deaths — and that doctors complied, using high doses of the powerful painkiller. The lead author of the study and several other physicians said they doubt doctors are engaged in active mercy killing. Instead, they speculate the parents interviewed for the study mistakenly believed that doctors had followed their wishes. A more likely scenario is that doctors increased morphine doses to ease pain, and that the children’s subsequent deaths were only coincidental, said lead

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author Dr. Joanne Wolfe, a palliative pain specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children’s Hospital in Boston. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and most other mainstream doctor groups oppose mercy-killing but say withholding life-prolonging treatment for dying patients can be ethical. Dr. Douglas Diekema, a medical ethicist at Seattle Children’s Hospital, said the study results are not surprising. “I have no doubt that in a small number of cases, some physicians might

cooperate with a parent’s desire to see a child’s suffering ended. This might include giving a drug for sedation or pain control that also suppresses the drive to breathe. “Most physicians don’t intentionally push that drug to the point of stopping a child’s breathing, but some may be comfortable not intervening if a child stops breathing in the course of treating him or her for discomfort,” Diekema said. The study was published Monday in the March edition of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

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A16 ◆

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