Monday, April 26, 2010 by Shawn Breeden

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 116 ■ April 26, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Monday

Planners consider hillside regs OK

INSIDE

5His drought is finally over

Meeting set for Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Kevin Harvick edges Jamie McMurray to end 115-race winless skid

By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer

sports, Page B1

“It’s important for people to keep these things out of the landfills and out of the water,” said Jason Choate, Clean Harbors regional coordinator. “People are always asking what they can do with certain things. Tires and scrap metal are not things the state recycles — they would need to deal with the county.” Reed was amazed at all of the old medications that people turned in to the police department’s recycle station. “Many times, doctors and patients discover a medication

PIGEON FORGE — In what seems set to be a remarkably light meeting, city planning officials will consider giving a thumbs up to the county’s proposed new rules on hillside development. The Pigeon Forge Planning Commission, which will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall, will become the first of the local municipal governments to consider what county planning officials have been working on for more than two years. The cities’ planners must give their recommendation to the County Commission as to whether it should approve the proposals because the rules will apply in the municipal growth regions. The proposal that will come before them includes six pages that actually describe the new rules, seven lifted straight out of the Saratoga report that offer guidelines to illustrate them and several more that will amend the county’s existing subdivi-

See ‘EXTREME’, Page A4

See PLANNERS, Page A5

Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press

Sgt. Robbie Ball of the Sevierville Police Department and Keep Sevier Beautiful Executive Director Elizabeth Reed survey the large amount of old medications disposed at the Extreme Home Clean Up, held at the Sevierville Municipal Complex on Saturday.

5Picking up the pieces Yazoo City., Miss., residents survey damage from Saturday storms. NATION, Page A8

Local

District 8, Seat B County Commission candidates respond to questions Page A2

Weather Today Mostly cloudy High: 62°

Tonight Partly cloudy

An ‘Extreme’ success

Community rallies behind KSB Home Clean Up By ELLEN BROWN Staff Writer SEVIERVILLE — Keep Sevier Beautiful’s Extreme Home Clean Up, held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Sevierville Municipal Complex, turned out to be a great success, said KSB Executive Director Elizabeth Reed. “We’ve had a great event; we’ve had a lot of people come through — we figure more than 200 families,” Reed said. KSB held the event in cooperation with Goodwill Industries, which collected electronics and clothes; Clean Harbors Environmental

Services, which provides full-service hazardous waste disposal and is contracted with the state; and the Sevierville Police Department, which collected outdated and unneeded medications. Just as local residents dispose of their trash at the Dumpster, they were able to drop off their items as they drove through a lane set up with different stations. “We received a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to do this,” Reed explained. “The county did it ourselves last year. We’ll do it again next year, regardless (of whether we receive the grant).”

It’s one for the money, two for the show Church raises funds for youth with annual car, tractor exhibit By ELLEN BROWN Staff Writer

Low: 47° DETAILS, Page A6

Obituaries Butch Etherton, 66 Gayle Whaley, 60 Anna Huff, 79 Jim Burnside, 72 Oma Daniel, 74 Carl Owen, 81 Barbara Chritton, 67 Herman Johnson, 85 DETAILS, Page A4

SEYMOUR — Seymour United Methodist Church’s parking lot was full on Saturday during its annual Car/Tractor Show Fundraiser for the church’s youth. “This is our second year, and this year, we’ve added tractors,” said Bobby Jennings, event coordinator and church member. “I have a Bronco that I show, and when we were looking at ways to raise money (for youth missions in and out of state), we thought this would be a good idea. Car shows seem to be thing here.” Jennings said the show received 34 entries and that as many as 500 people were expected to turn out before the end of the day. Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press There were street rods, sports cars, trucks, monster Phillip and Mary Jane Parker proudly displayed their decked out rail buggy, a gift from their son, at Seymour United Methodist Church’s Car/ See SHOW, Page A5 Tractor Show Fundraiser on Saturday.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

Index Local & State . . . . A1-A6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . A12 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . B1-B3 Business . . . . . . . . . A2,A3 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . A11 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . A11 Classifieds . . . . . . . B4-B6 Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . A5

Teresa Karson quits ‘horsing around’ on rodeo circuit, comes home to Dollywood

Corrections

PIGEON FORGE — You might say it’s been a long, dusty trail or, perhaps, a wild ride that brought Waldens Creek native Teresa Karson around the United States and back to where she started again. For those who know Karson now in what is her second or third life in area relations for Dollywood, it might be hard to believe the naturally blonde ball of energy — maybe 5 feet tall if she stands up really straight — was once a star on the rodeo circuit. Still, Karson has the memories — and a scar or two — to prove it’s all true. Karson took one of her first jobs as the construction secretary at Dixie Stampede, working on the massive corral. It was during the first of two tours of duty there that Karson found herself getting roped into rodeo. She began touring with the man who was

By DEREK HODGES Staff writer

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

Derek Hodges/The Mountain Press

After years of trick-riding on the rodeo circuit, Teresa Karson has settled into the relatively tame world of marketing at Dollywood.

the star of Dixie Stampede’s show at the time, riding along with the traveling band to arenas in the states. She was content to wrangle nothing more than a good parking space for the massive rig. “I drove a 2-ton International and towed a horse trailer from Florida to New York to Alabama to Arizona — anywhere there was a dirt ring,” she says. That was until fate stepped in. Karson was touring with a man who did trick riding at Dixie Stampede before taking to the rodeo circuit. One day he took a nasty spill off a galloping horse and ended up with a severely fractured leg. It looked like the rodeo would be without its stunt steeds until Karson volunteered to take over. “I said, ‘Let me do it,’” she remembers. “I had no experience whatsoever. At the time, I could ride a horse standing up, but I couldn’t ride sitting down. I trained for See NEIGHBOR, Page A5

A2 ◆ Local/Business

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, April 26, 2010

Commission candidates respond to questions EDITOR’S NOTE: This is another in a series on candidates for the Sevier County Commission. These are candidates for District 8, Seat B. The same set of questions was sent by The Mountain Press to all candidates in contested races in the May 4 primary. Answers are published in their entirety. District 8 includes the north Sevier County/Kodak area.

8th District, Seat B

8 t h d i s t r i c t, s e a t B Michael Hillard

L. LeRoy Maples

Andy Moore

No response

2. Do you support purchasing more industrial property, even in a slow economy? MICHAEL HILLARD: No response L. LEROY MAPLES: No response ANDY MOORE: Yes, given the importance of establishing a broader base for jobs that go beyond the tourist industry jobs, the County must make investments in property and the necessary infrastructure in order to compete for new industries. Any new investment in industrial property would have to be balanced with current budget issues.

L. LEROY MAPLES: No response ANDY MOORE: Tourism and the jobs related to tourism has always been the primary force behind the Sevier County economy. The county should work with the local cities to reinforce this through proper advertising to promote our county. The county should also work hard to bring in new industry and a broader base for jobs that go beyond the tourist industry jobs.

1. What do you think the biggest issues facing the county will be in the next four years? MICHAEL HILLARD: No response L. LEROY MAPLES: No response ANDY MOORE: One of the largest issues facing the County over the next four years is the loss in tax revenue due to the downturn in the economy. 3. What do you think The poor economy has Sevier County should also resulted a double- do to give itself a more digit unemployment rate year-round economy? for Sevier County. MICHAEL HILLARD: No response

Address: 2742 Kentwood Drive, Kodak n Age: 30 n

Occupation: Local construction driver n Family: Wife Jodi Loveday Moore; Moore daughter Ansleigh Moore n Education: Graduated from Sevier County High School 1998 n Community/civic involvement: Northview Volunteer Fire Department (15 years), Greater Sevierville Little League 4. Some counties (four years), Smoky in the state are fac- Mountain Youth Baseball ing financial chal- League president (one year)

lenges that may lead to cuts. What is your assessment of Sevier County’s financial situation? MICHAEL HILLARD: No response L. LEROY MAPLES:

No response ANDY MOORE: Given the downtown in the economy and its effect on our local tax revenues,

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Submitted report GATLINBURG — Internet Communications Director Angela Carathers of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce has earned certification as a Travel Marketing Professional after completing the three-year program of the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College. Carathers was one of 50 new TMPs recognized at the spring meeting in Nashville. STS Marketing College started in 1992, and 563 people have earned certification. The college is a professional development program that for one week each summer turns the facilities of North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega into a laboratory to teach tourism marketing. Instructors are working professionals in the travel industry such as convention and visitors bureau executives, public relations practitioners, sales and marketing consultants and research experts. Course topics include special events marketing, media relations, tourism advertising, vacation research, crisis management, heritage tourism and community/rural tourism. After the classroom work, students also must complete a project that relates to their employment.

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the county must be good MICHAEL HILLARD: stewards of the revenue No response available. It is important L. LEROY MAPLES: to review the county bud- No response get and stretch every tax ANDY MOORE: As dollar as far as possible. a Christian, I fully support prayer and the reli5. The county has ance on God for guidance. a no nepotism policy However, I would be supor a policy that lim- portive of a moment of its county employees silence prior to the beginfrom holding office. ning of county commission Should there be a pol- meetings, as a compromise icy that addresses this to avoid litigation. issue? MICHAEL HILLARD: 7. New rules on hillNo response side development L LEROY MAPLES: are about to come No response before the County ANDY MOORE: Commission? What Regarding elected is your take on those positions, county resi- rules, and should the dents have a voice in county do more or less this matter through land-use regulation? their vote. Elected MICHAEL HILLARD: officials should take No response no action that would L. LEROY MAPLES: result in a conflict of No response interest on their part. ANDY MOORE: While I strongly support property 6. The county may be owners rights, I do think it sued and have to spend is necessary to reasonably thousands of dollars to regulate land-use. Sevier defend the use of the County attracts millions of Lord’s Prayer at meet- visitors a year that come ings. Is there a way to here to look at the natural avoid spending this beauty and it is in our best money through com- interest to maintain this promise or change? natural beauty.

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Gatlinburg Chamber staff member Angela Carathers recently earned “Travel Marketing Professional” certification from Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College. From left are Scott Templeton, Miles Media; Judy Randall, Randall Travel Marketing; Carathers; and Rob Varley, Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism. 2nd location in the Gatlinburg Space Needle!

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Business â&#x2014;&#x2020; A3

Monday, April 26, 2010 â&#x2014;&#x2020; The Mountain Press

Douglas-Cherokee board names Luker acting executive director

Farm Bureau legislative breakfast

Replaces the Ray late McElhaney, who had led since 1975 Submitted Report

Submitted

Sevier County Farm Bureau hosted a legislative breakfast at the Sevierville office. It was an opportunity for local agriculture leaders to visit with their state representatives on issues ranging from property rights to taxes. From left are Roger Radel, Sevier County Farm Bureau president; Anthony Hastings, Sevier Farmers Co-op manager; State Rep. Richard Montgomery; Bill Snodgrass from Congressman Phil Roeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office; State Rep. Joe McCord.

Aflac associate Greta Beeler wins Chamber Friendship Award Submitted report SEVIERVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Greta Beeler, an Aflac associate for two years, received the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Friendship Award at the recent Coffee Talk event. Beeler has been a member of the Chamber for several years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sevierville Chamber just has such a unique synergy. This is a high energy group that works together for the betterment of our community,â&#x20AC;? she said. Beeler received a gift card and a plaque. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greta realizes that Chamber membership opens the door for contacts she might not normally make,â&#x20AC;? membership coordinator Jim McGill said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through those contacts she has been able to grow her business and be a help to some of our nonprofits.â&#x20AC;? Friendship Awards are based on points accumulated monthly from attending functions and volunteering as well as bringing inactive members and potential new members to Chamber events. Monthly points will go towards determining the Friend of the Year Award recipient. The next Chamber Friendship Award will be presented during Coffee Talk on May 18, hosted by Tennessee Smokies Baseball. Coffee Talk begins at 8 a.m. at the Civic Center. For more information, contact McGill at 453-6411.

MORRISTOWN â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Board of Directors of Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority Inc. has appointed Susan Luker acting executive director of the agency following the death of Ray McElhaney, who had been executive director since 1975. Luker has worked at Douglas-Cherokee for more than 12 years and for the last six and onehalf years has served as the deputy director. In making the appointment, Rene Tabor, the board chair, said the panel â&#x20AC;&#x153;feels fortunate to have someone like Susan who is qualified and has a proven track record at the agency to continue the operations until the position is filled on a permanent basis.â&#x20AC;? Luker, a Grainger County native, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a major in business administration, accounting emphasis. She spent 11 years with Walters State Community College serving as the director of JTPA Fiscal Services and

for several years owned and operated a child care center in Bean Station. Programs operated by Douglas-Cherokee in Sevier County include the Neighborhood Service Center serving clients needing assistance for heating/cooling costs, food, medical and other emergency situations; 10 Head Start classrooms providing education,

health and nutrition services to 3- and 4-year-old children and their families; and senior nutrition providing congregate and home delivered meals. Through volunteer housing, five complexes including 172 units provide affordable housing for seniors and four complexes including 183 units are available for family housing.

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Greta Beeler earned the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Friendship Award at the recent Coffee Talk event. She is pictured with membership coordinator Jim McGill.

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A4 ◆ Local

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, April 26, 2010

OBITUARIES In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Anna Lucille (Houser) Huff

Gayle Whaley

James “Jim” Burnside, age 72 of Sevierville, passed away Friday, April 23, 2010. He was retired from Grimes Aerospace Center in Urbana, OH, and he owned and operated Ripplin’ Waters Campground in Sevierville. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Burnside; children, Sherry Dillion of Urbana, OH, Pam Wilkins and husband Kelvin of Cable, OH, Debra Hall of South Portsmouth, KY, James “Jimmy” Burnside and wife Terri of West Liberty, OH, Tamela Haas of Indianapolis, IN; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; mother: Ercel Wise Burnside-Bair of Urbana; and sister, Jane Shambaugh and husband David of Urbana. Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, 449 McCarn Circle, Sevierville, TN 37862. Funeral service 3 p.m. Monday in Atchley’s Smoky Mountain Chapel in Pigeon Forge with Rev. Justin Ferguson officiating. Entombment will follow in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 2-3 p.m. Monday at Atchley ’s Smoky Mountain Chapel, 220 Emert Street, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Oma L. Daniel Oma L. Daniel, age 74 of Sevierville, died Friday, April 23, 2010.. Mrs. Daniel was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. Survivors: sisters Dicie McGill, Mary LaFollette and husband Winfred, Helen Matthews and husband Charles, and Anita Hayslip; seven step-children and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held Sunday in the Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with the Revs. Danny Suttles and Robert Settle officiating. Interment 11 a.m. Monday in Middle Creek Cemetery. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

EXTREME

3From Page A1 Monday in Tennessee Veterans may not be working for them Cemetery for graveside service after a prescription is filled,” and interment. Military honors she said. “Having outdated or excess will be provided. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Barbara Louise Chritton Barbara Louise Chritton, 67, of Sevierville, died Friday, April 23, 2010. Barbara was born in Lebanon, Oregon. She grew up and went to college there, graduating from Pacific University with a degree in speech pathology. Survivors include her: sons and daughters-in-law, Drew Frazier and wife Shea, Tom Frazier and wife Wendy; daughter and son-in-law: Diane Kessluk and husband David; grandchildren, Jonathan and Jonah Kessluk, Patrick, Jenna, Lane, and Isaiah Frazier; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim Fuiten and wife Heidi, Steve Fuiten and wife Lore. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Women’s Care Center, 304 Eastgate Road, Sevierville, TN 37862 or to Evergreen Ministries, 1103 Dolly Parton Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862. Funeral service 2 p.m. Monday at Evergreen Presbyterian Church with Pastor Brad Bradford officiating. Interment will follow in Burchfiel Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday at Evergreen Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Herman Cleo Johnson Herman Cleo Johnson, 85, of Sevierville, died Saturday, April 24, 2010. Survivors: wife, Marie Johnson; sons, Billy Johnson and David Johnson; 7 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral service 7 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Parton and Rev. Ronnie Reagan officiating. Interment 1 p.m. Tuesday in Middle Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Monday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Carl C. Owen Carl C. Owen, 81 of Sevierville, died Tuesday, April 20, 2010. He retired with 26 years of military service in the Air Force and Army. He attended Smoky Mountain Christian Church. Survivors: wife, Helen Owen; sons and daughters-inlaw, Carl Jr. and Sharon Owen, Bryan and Celia Owen, Christopher and Bethany Owen, all of Sevierville; eight grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; sister, Blanche Stott of Seymour; brother, Eugene Owen and wife Grace of Prairie Grove, Ark.; and sister-in-law, Faye Owen; nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department, 122 Prince Street, Sevierville, TN, 37862 or American Heart Association, Southeast Affiliate, P.O. Box 409410, Atlanta, GA 30384-9410. Funeral service was held Friday in the East Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with the Revs. Curtis Wells, Melvin Carr, Pastors Steve McClure and Phil Curry officiating. Family and friends meet 11:30 a.m.

Gayle Whaley, age 60 of Sevierville passed away Friday April 23, 2010. She was preceded in death by her father, Laymon Whaley, and brothers, Charlie Wade Whaley and Luther Clell Whaley. Survivors: Son: Joshua Whaley and wife Kristin; Grandchildren: Aliyah Whaley, Akeyla Parton, Alexis Barger; Mother: Louise Whaley; Sisters: Virginia Graves and husband Robert, Rebecca Carr and husband Gary; Brothers: James William Whaley, Allan Homer Whaley; Several Nieces and Nephews; Sister-in-law: Terry Whaley; Special friends: Sheila Ogle and Nina Manning In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to benefit the family. Please mail donations to Laurel Branch Baptist Church, c/o Marvin Lalone, (Whaley funeral fund) 3920 Regal Court, Sevierville, TN 37876 Funeral service 7 PM Tuesday in the chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Melvin Carr and Rev. Ben Whitted officiating. Family and friends will meet 10 AM Wednesday in Shady Grove Cemetery for graveside service and interment. The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.

medication in your home is dangerous, especially if you have children that can gain access,” Lt. Ken Garner said.

“Also, the old way of disposing meds by flushing them down the toilet has been proven to contaminate water supplies.” Reed expressed appreciation for the event’s volunteers, which included Wyndham Resort employees. “They’ve been here since 7:30 this morning, working nonstop,” she said.

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Charles Edward (Butch) Etherton

Charles Edward (Butch) Etherton, age 66, of Seymour, died Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Butch was a cut-up and loved to laugh and have fun. He was good natured and never met a stranger. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife, Virgie. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Williams; brothers, Jack and Gene Byrd; sisters, Mary Byrd, Willa Mae Reagan, and Stella Lane. Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Virgie Ellen Etherton; daughters, Kimberly Etherton and Christina Kitzmiller, both of Seymour; grandchildren, Christopher and Christian Ogle; brother and sister-in-law, Junior and Barbara Williams; sister and brother-in-law, Ollie and Olen Holbert; sister, Henrietta Gibson, all of Sevierville. Funeral service will be 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 27, 2010 in the Dotson Wildwood Chapel with Chaplain Ernie Coleman officiating. Interment will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Shiloh Memorial Cemetery in Pigeon Forge. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Dotson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations for funeral expenses may be made to Dotson Funeral Home, 4838 Wildwood Road, Maryville/Seymour. (865-984-5959) She was also grateful for the growing number of people concerned about the environment. “I’m really thankful for everyone who showed up

n ebrown@themountainpress.com

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Anna Lucille (Houser)Huff, age 79, of Cosby, went to be with the Lord on Friday April 23, 2010, at Mercy West Hospital. She attended New Salem Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by: son, Darryl L. Houser; grandchildren, Mike and Mark Houser; parents, Bert and Dixie Houser; brothers, Tommy Joe, Bert and Paul Houser; and sister, Ruby Houser. Survivors include: loving husband of 31 years George Huff; children, Tommy (Brenda) Houser, Gene (Lisa) Houser, Fankie (Vickie) Houser, Mike (Sharon) Houser Carroll Glen (Sherry) Houser, Jerry Houser, Vickie (Louie) Webber, and Tabitha Houser; stepchildren, Mike (Penny) Huff, Sherry Stockner, and Janice Kent; 30 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters Mildred Flannigan and Mary Holsenback; and several nieces, nephews, and close friends. Visiting hours will be on Monday April 26th from 6-8 p.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 8:00 p.m. at McCarty-Evergreen Funeral Home with the Rev. David Newman officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at The Huff Family Cemetery for the interment service. Online condolences may be offered at www. mccartyevergreen.com.

James “Jim” Burnside

In Memoriam

6/2/10

Local â&#x2014;&#x2020; A5

Monday, April 26, 2010 â&#x2014;&#x2020; The Mountain Press

PLANNERS 3From Page A1

sion regulations to add the new language to them. All of it, officials say, is intended to protect the beauty of the area and ensure that future development is done in the safest way possible. The main part of the recommendation deals with the creation of a Critical Slope Overlay Zone, a special designation that will apply to properties in the county that are at least a majority at or above 30 percent grade. County Planner Jeff Ownby spent several months compiling maps that show every property that will be included in the district. The land that is identified by the map will fall under the new regulations. That will mean folks looking to develop those parcels will have to follow stricter rules than those

who build on flatter land. Those regulations include limiting the disturbance area to no more than 25 percent of the lot, installing utilities underground, reducing impervious surfaces and ensuring the construction is at least 75 percent shielded by natural barriers during the summer months. Additionally, tests will be required prior to the start of building to determine the stability of the property and if the rock below is acidic, a situation that can cause problems if rainwater run-off takes that acid into nearby waterways. In addition to considering that matter, which will be brought to the group by Ownby himself, the commissioners are also set to vote on: Special Events n Kerbela Shrine Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 34th Annual Smoky Mountain Fun Fest Parade from Methodist Street to Jake Thomas Boulevard via River Road

and the Parkway on May 8 n Smoky Mountain Harley Davidsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Charity Ride for Children to benefit Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center at 105 Waldens Main Street on May 15 n Music at Old Mill Square at 3341 Old Mill Street May 26 n Sevier County Right to Life March for Life from the Community Center to the Pigeon Forge Outlet Center and back via Parkway sidewalks June 5 n Pigeon Forge Office of Special Eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 20th Annual Patriot Festival at Patriot Park July 3 n Pigeon Forge High School Tiger 8K Road Race in October at the school down Wears Valley Road and back Oct. 9 Site Plan n Fastop Market revised site plan at 2586 Parkway. n dhodges@themountainpress.com

SHOW

3From Page A1

grandson, Madden Guffey, to his love for cars. Guffey entered his own 1967 Chevelle Malibu, equipped with a 502 engine with 520 horsepower. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I bought it in 1977, and it was my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and my dating car,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look like this back then â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a lot of work on it. But it has sentimental value.â&#x20AC;? Phillip and Mary Jane Parker of Seymour even coordinated their t-shirts with their bright yellow rail buggy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a motorcycle before this and about got run over in Sevierville,â&#x20AC;? Phillip said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gave it to my son and told him I wanted him to fix me up

trucks, John Deeres and more on the lot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We try to cover everything,â&#x20AC;? Jennings said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, we literally stopped traffic on Chapman Highway because people were slowing down to look.â&#x20AC;? One particular big draw is the crushing of cars in a gravel lot next to the church. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I guess itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the idea of a big vehicle crushing a car,â&#x20AC;? Darren Kitts, associate pastor and youth leader, said with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite know the point n ebrown@themountainpress.com of it, but people love it.â&#x20AC;? Jennings and Kitts were appreciative of the Baseball time in Sevier County! eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsors, which Team Pride for Players included Advanced Auto Parts and various local Proud Parents or Grandparents garages. Show you support Ken Guffey of Seymour Sterling Silver Handcrafted Jewelry Baseball used the opportunity to for 45 years! Personalized FREE with initials Have a great introduce his 2-year-old

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named Miss Kitty that Dixie Stampedeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister were in the act,â&#x20AC;? Karson attraction at Dollywood. 3From Page A1 says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We put the monkey Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken up a post in in a little diaper and we area relations there, an made it clothes and it just office that handles the six weeks and then I did traveled around with us.â&#x20AC;? theme parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationships my first show. It was not Eventually, the old with other local busithe best show I ever had, I dusty trail led Karson nesses and nonprofits. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must say.â&#x20AC;? back to Sevier County and a job she enjoys, though Not discouraged, she itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meant hanging up her decided to stick with trick a job at Dixie Stampede. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had no intention of riding boots. riding, which calls for parworking at Dixie again,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If my career hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ticipants to perform varishe says with a laugh. gone toward marketing, ous stunts. The truth, though I probably would have â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did acrobatics on stayed with the rodeo,â&#x20AC;? horseback â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one and two Karson only admits it sheepishly, is that Karson says, just a bit horses,â&#x20AC;? Karson says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I she was trying to take wistfully. â&#x20AC;&#x153; I gave my last rode backwards, I rode up a gig volunteering horse away to the niece of with one foot on each with a local nonprofit a friend last Christmas. horse. I split columns when she got back into He was actually my first of fire â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there would be horse, the first one I these torches and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d split town. Unfortunately, the folks there wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rode. I was a little sad to between the horses and return Karsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calls. give him away but I was the torches would hit me glad to give him to her in the chest and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ride Fortunately, she found someone at Dixie and she was thrilled to on.â&#x20AC;? Stampede who wanted her have him.â&#x20AC;? For the next decade help and would pay for it. Karson became a fixture n dhodges@themountainpress.com Over the years, Karson on the rodeo circuit. moved over to working for â&#x20AC;&#x153;I did trick riding at the third leg of the Triple Crown,â&#x20AC;? Karson says of the Belmont Stakes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was the largest live crowd I ever performed in front of. There were 50,000 people in the stands. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t nervous until afterward when this woman County Commissioner 1st District Seat B asked me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you A vote for Max Watson is a vote for scared? There are 50,000 open and transparency in government. people here and millions watching on television.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I Experienced and Qualified guess I just hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought Paid for by Candidate about it until then.â&#x20AC;? Karson perfected a trio of acts. In addition to trick riding, she also participated in a bullwhip act, in which an expert would bisect a cigarette as she held it in her lips; and an animal act that called for her to have some strange co-workers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We traveled with a border collie named Bandit and a Capuchin monkey

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a street-legal rail buggy. It took us six years â&#x20AC;&#x201D; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d see him on vacation, but he did most of the work â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and he brought it to me on Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day three years ago. We take it to shows, Pigeon Forge and Cades Cove.â&#x20AC;? Entertainment was provided by Usable Signal, a band with some of the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth members, and The Yesterday Band, some of their â&#x20AC;&#x153;older counterparts.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a wonderful way for the youth to reach out to the community,â&#x20AC;? Kitts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope this is the second year of many more years to come.â&#x20AC;?

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A6 ◆

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, April 26, 2010

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n

SEVIERVILLE

Early voting period to end

Early voting continues through Thursday at the voting machine warehouse on Dolly Parton Parkway. The voting machine warehouse is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The county primary is May 4; the general election and state primaries are Aug. 5. n

SEVIERVILLE

Ernest McMahan Road to be closed

The Sevierville Department of Public Works announces the temporary closure of a section of Ernest McMahan Road near Shannon Green subdivision beginning today, as crews replace old drain tile and clean out ditches. The road will be closed near the intersection with Pullen Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday. Traffic will be detoured off Ernest McMahan onto Shannon Circle in Shannon Green subdivision. Motorists can expect delays while work is ongoing. n

Camp Smoky registration will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 1 and May 8 at the camp near Gatlinburg. Registration ends June 12. The camp for grades 1-6 and 5-9 will be July 12-16. Fee is $129. The camp for grades 7-12 will be July 19-23. The fee is $140. Call Paul or Ashley Shook 436-5787 or visit campsmoky.com. SEVIERVILLE

Meals to be sold for Safe Harbor

To promote awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention month, there will be a benefit lunch on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sevierville Civic Center. Chick-fil-A meals will be sold for $5. The money raised will be donated to Safe Harbor, which serves children who are victims of neglect and abuse. Safe Harbor serves the 4th Judicial District, covering Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier counties. For more information contact Brandi Williams at 774.1777. n

PIGEON FORGE

Flag football practice today

Sevier County Right To Life is hosting a free youth flag football tournament May 22 for persons in eighth grade to college. Four teams are being put together for doubleelimination games. Those without experience can come and get trained. Coaches will be Michael Aparicio and Oscar Del Valle. The first practice will be at 5 p.m. today at Pigeon Forge Park. A picnic lunch will also be available. For more information call or text Terry Aparicio at 654-7685. n

Lottery Numbers

Recession batters plant nurseries NASHVILLE (AP) — The recession that slowed construction has also withered Tennessee’s plant nursery industry. The economic damage is severe in a business that, for most, is also a way of life on the southern Cumberland Plateau around McMinnville. “I’ve heard figures of sales down from 30 percent to 75 percent,” said Tony Graham, immediate past president of the Middle Tennessee Nursery Association. “There are rumors that businesses are

going to close. It’s had a devastating effect on us.” Graham said while sluggish homebuilding has received attention, that’s the lesser of two problems for growers. “Sure, it’s new homes, but it’s also commercial building,” he said. “It’s a twofold situation.” Graham noted commercial buildings require a lot more plants for landscaping. After one of the typically busiest parts of their year, growers are assessing how they did.

TODAY’S FORECAST

LOCAL:

Patsy Green, who with her husband Faron operates Faron Green Nursery, describes their operation as a smaller one. “We’ve just finished our shipping season and I haven’t produced a report yet to tell me whether I should be crying or celebrating,” she said. Tennessee Department of Agriculture marketing specialist Rob Beets is expecting modest growth this year, compared with some woeful recent times. “In 2007, we had a really bad freeze and it kind of

Today's Forecast

Mostly cloudy

Chicago 54° | 45°

Washington 70° | 56°

Memphis 70° | 54°

Chance of rain

Raleigh 79° | 65°

40%

SEYMOUR

Fire destroys Rollen Road home A fire destroyed a home on Rollen Road near the Sevier/Knox county line late Saturday night. Fire and rescue personnel responded to the call around 11:30 p.m. There were no injuries reported and the cause was yet to be determined.

Mostly cloudy

Miami 85° | 74°

■ Lake Stages: Douglas 983.8 U0.4

■ Air Quality Forecast: Showers Rain T-storms Flurries Snow

Ice

Cautionary Health Message: None

“The conversation was very cordial, very nice. When the president got ready to leave, the president prayed for my father, my father prayed for him.” — The Rev. Franklin Graham after President Barack Obama met with him and his father, 91-year-old Rev. Billy Graham, in Montreat, N.C., over the weekend

“I was levitated and flew 15 feet over there to the back wall. The only reason I wasn’t killed was the wall was still there. After I hit it, it collapsed.” — Ron Sullivan, owner of Sullivan’s Crossroads Grocery, after his store was devastated in Saturday’s tornado in Yazoo City, Miss.

“We want a clear change of course by Iran. We want guarantees that Iran’s nuclear program is meant exclusively for peaceful purposes. It is up to Iran to restore international trust. The clock is ticking. Time is running out for Iran — I made it clear to my opposite number that the direction toward sanctions is to be stopped only if Tehran gives a clear signal for cooperation.” — Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger

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.

Sunny Pt. Cloudy Cloudy Weather Underground • AP

World quote roundup

Staff

Evening: 8-0-4-4

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Saturday, April 24, 2010 1-12-53-56-57

This day in history Today is Monday, April 26, the 116th day of 2010. There are 249 days left in the year. Locally a year ago:

The Sevier County School system has campaigned tirelessly for the sales tax increase to be voted on this week. Most of those who spoke to The Mountain Press voiced support for the move despite the fact a majority of the county gave the issue a thumbsdown when it appeared on a previous ballot. Today’s highlight:

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Ten years ago:

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean signed the nation’s first bill allowing samesex couples to form civil unions. n

Five years ago:

Syria’s 29-year military presence in Lebanon ended as Syrian soldiers completed a withdrawal brought about by international pressure and Lebanese street protests. n

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On this date:

In 1865, John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, was surrounded by federal troops near Bowling Green, Va., and killed. In 1986, the world’s worst nuclear accident occurred at the Chernobyl plant in the Soviet Union. n

Primary Pollutant: Ozone Mountains: Good Valley: Good

Sunday, April 25, 2010

New Orleans 81° | 61°

High: 68° Low: 42°

On April 26, 1785, American naturalist, hunter and artist John James Audubon was born in present-day Haiti.

■ Tuesday

Sunny

Evening: 5-1-5

Atlanta 68° | 56° High: 63° Low: 38° ■ Wednesday

Sunday, April 25, 2010

High: 62° Low: 47° Wind 15-25 mph

started there,” Beets said. “There was a drought that summer and then the economic downturn. It’s been a rough two or three years for them.” Beetssaidwhenfuelprices spiked, transporation costs soared and many Northern contractors bought plants closer to home. “People are starting to ship a little more this year than last year,” Beets said. “It seems to be starting to pick up.” Beets also said nursery operators’ own roots run deep in Tennessee.

City/Region High | Low temps

Forecast for Monday, April 26

SEVIER COUNTY

Camp Smoky sets registration dates

top state news

Thought for today:

“A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” — William James, American philosopher and psychologist (18421910).

Celebrities in the news “How to Train Your Dragon” n

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “How to Train Your Dragon” continues to breathe fire at the box office, while newer releases are mostly blowing smoke. The DreamWorks Animation adventure took in $15 million to reclaim the No. 1 spot in its fifth weekend of release. “How to Train Your Dragon” opened in first place in late March, then dropped back into the pack. But it has held up strongly and climbed to the top again amid a flurry of so-so new releases. The tale of a Viking youth and his pet dragon raised its total to $178 million and is on its way to becoming a $200 million hit. Premiering weakly at No. 2 with $12.3 million was Jennifer Lopez’s romantic comedy “The Back-up Plan,” released by CBS Films.

Mountain Views

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

■ The Mountain Press ■ Page A7 ■ Monday, April 26, 2010

commentary

Volcanoes may be God’s way to end times

I was amazed, like most people, at the eruption of the volcano in Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland on April 14. Actually, it erupted first on March 20, but not as dynamically. I suppose everyone is aware of all of the chaos that this event had on air travel in this country and especially in northern Europe. It was costing the U.S. about $20 million a day in lost revenue, and about $200 million for all countries combined. At the time of this writing, I don’t know when flights will resume. I heard that some of them in parts of Europe will begin trying a few routes back again. I don’t think I’d like to be aboard the first flight that has to go through the area of the polluted air; there might still be particles there. I’ve never been to a volcano anywhere in the world, but I’m sure some of you have. Most of the famous volcanoes aren’t giving us too many problems, and they are tourist attractions. Every now and then one of them will act up and send people scurrying for safer grounds. I suppose Mount St. Helens is the most famous one in our country to erupt, but I don’t think it was any fun for those living in that area. As many of you might remember, I wrote a piece on the game of chess last year. I’m an avid player and I am even ranked. There is an unexpected connection between the World Chess Championship and the volcano. The competition was supposed to begin on April 23. One of the players is Vishy Anand from India, who was on his way to Sofia, Bulgaria for the big match. Unfortunately, he was stranded in the Frankfurt airport because of the volcano. He will probably be at the tournament on time, but it put him two to three days behind in gettting acclimated to the surroundings and getting mentally prepared. These competitors don’t have to warm up their muscles, but they do have to warm up their minds, which is what they used to fight this board battle. Anand will now have an unfair disadvantage against the Russian, Veselin Topalov, who arrived days prior and will be mentally ready. If you remember back in 1972, Bobby Fischer played for the world championship against a Russian and beat him. But before the match took place, Fischer was a week late, probably to throw off his opponent. By the way, that match took place on an island with many volcanoes: Iceland. I’ve been reading about some of the end-time predictions recently, and at least one source, the Bible, claims that the earth will be destroyed with fire, instead of water, like the last time in Noah’s day. What better source than volcanoes to do the job? If I were God, that is what I’d use. I’d just bring up the molten lava from the Earth’s core and spew it everywhere. I believe that’s what happened to the Old Testament cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. You should read it; pretty frightening stuff. I believe it was accomplished by two of God’s angels while they lived there. I wasn’t trying to be presumptuous about God’s business. I don’t know, He may use meteors from space to accomplish the same thing. Think about this: If just one volcano did this much damage and caused this much inconvenience, what would all 60 of the world’s active ones do if they went off at one time? We’re not as invincible as we sometimes think, are we? By the time you read this, the volcano problem may have worked itself out, and people will have have fallen back into their regular habits of going about their business as if everything was all right. Maybe these attention getters are warnings to get us to think about something more important than ourselves all the time. We should never fall into complacency. To close, I’ll quote from my favorite troubadour, Jimmy Buffett: “I don’t know where I’m a-going to go, when the volcano blows.” — Dan M. Smith is a Cincinnati native and Gatlinburg resident. He is the author of the forthcoming book “So Far from Forfar.” His son is serving in the Air Force. E-mail to dan0729@yahoo.com.

Editorial

A legacy assured The late Joe McMahan responsible for having a local MLK observance Joe McMahan saw a need and set out to meet that need. He did it without making threats, without confrontation, without forgetting the maturity that comes with being an adult. He worked behind the scenes to reach his desired effect, and he succeeded. McMahan, who died last weekend at the age of 49, is chiefly responsible for Sevier County having a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance. There are not many counties with such a small minority population, like Sevier, that hold a ceremony each January in honor of the civil rights leader. That’s too bad. The Rev. King was a powerful voice for the change that had to come not just in the South, but throughout the country. His legacy is assured, but his memory cannot be allowed to die. McMahan knew that, but until he attended a King Day event in neighboring Jefferson County about six years ago, it didn’t occur to him that maybe

his own hometown of Sevierville could and should do the same. He spent months working to get support. He got elected officials on board. He rallied the small but significant black population in the county. He put together a King Day event that was solemn yet joyful, reverent yet informative. Since that first one in 2006, the ceremony has grown to include a march to the courthouse, a youth essay contest and a program inside First Baptist Church in Sevierville. Sadly, McMahan’s first ceremony was really his last one. Struck by a rare brain tumor in 2006, he was unable to devote himself to the cause as he did to get the first one started. He did what he could, but others took over the organizational effort and built on what Joe McMahan started and envisioned. Those who worked with him on the King events knew McMahan’s devotion to that cause and to his community.

“He worked so very hard at getting the MLK celebration established,” General Sessions Court Judge Dwight Stokes, chairman of the local event committee, said of McMahan. “The passing of Joe McMahan is a great loss for the entire Sevier County community.” Jamesena Miller, who served on the MLK committee with McMahan and was a member with him at Boyds Creek Church of God, said, “The community has lost a fine young man who worked tirelessly at his church and with the MLK celebration.” Stokes says the King Day committee will have a special recognition of McMahan at the 2011 ceremony. That’s fitting. If not for McMahan, we may never have had our own celebration of the Rev. King’s life and contributions. For that act alone, Joe McMahan’s legacy as a Sevier County community leader is assured.

Political view

MO U NTAIN M U S IN G S

Small, street-legal vehicle may be big hit for Ripley’s Editor’s note: The Mountain Press is occasionally offering an eclectic mix of newsy tidbits, anecdotes and oneliners: Ripley’s attractions in Sevier County, which are part of a company known for securing odd things, are the new home of the world’s smallest street-legal vehicle. Not many of the little electric vehicles were made and even fewer are still cruising roads around the world. Maybe that’s because one could fit in the back of a normal SUV. Look for the little mobile in upcoming public events. ... Sevierville Mayor Bryan Atchley, who had surgery to address prostate cancer a week ago, has some logical advice: “If men would get tested regularly for prostate cancer, it would almost eliminate the threat,” he said. This exchange was overheard at a Smokies game in which the local team lost to Chattanooga, 11-7: Ten-year-old boy: “The Lookouts are going to win.”

Mom: “Don’t say that, son, you know it’s not over until the fat lady sings.” Ten-year-old boy: “Well, Mom, you better start singing.” There’s now a full-time sports radio station in town. WPFT, 106.3 FM, has switched from its oldies format and is now affiliated with ESPN. The station still carries Braves games. ... Shoppers at the Food City location on Dolly Parton Parkway were called to a moment of silence about 3:30 p.m. on April 12 as the grocery chain, which has locations in a number of areas with large mining operations, paid tribute to those who died in the recent West Virginia mine disaster. ... The first Education Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at the Sevier County Teacher of the Year Banquet, which will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg. ... Speaking of the Park Vista, it soon will be part of the Doubletree chain. The company is spending millions to refurnish every room and

renovate other parts of the historic Gatlinburg circular hotel. ... “3 Cities in 3D,” which will feature Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, is being produced by Randall Dark Productions in association with Cinemarr Entertainment and will air on Wealth TV this summer. For updates, visit www.3citiesin3d.com. ... D.J. King, whose family name is going on the new Sevier County Library, is among the “Students for Haslam,” named by the gubernatorial candidate earlier this month. Also named to the group is fellow Belmont University student David Grizzell, whose dad runs Mountain National Bank. ... The CW network’s morning show “The Daily Buzz” will be broadcast live from Gatlinburg’s Cliff Dwellers from 6-9 a.m. Tuesday. Weatherman Mitch English will be stationed at the Glades location. Persons are encouraged to attend the broadcast and bring posters to make it a “Today” show atmosphere. The program airs on Knoxville’s Channel 20. ...

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

A8 ◆ Nation

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, April 26, 2010

Saviors as tornado hit — a table, a wall, a freezer YAZOO CITY, Miss. (AP) — One prayed to God under a communion table as his church was blown to pieces around him. Another was on the phone with a meteorologist when the tornado threw him against a cinderblock wall that held just long enough to save his life. A coroner nearly became a victim himself when the twister flipped his truck four times; later he went out in his hospital gown to help identify bodies. At least 10 people were killed when the tornado ripped through the rural Mississippi countryside, but the stories told by survivors on Sunday show how much higher the toll could have been. Dale Thrasher, 60, had been alone in Hillcrest Baptist Church when the tornado hit Saturday, ripping away wood and metal until all that was left was rubble, Thrasher and the table he had climbed under as he prayed for protection. “The whole building caved in,” he said. “But me and that table were still there.” Sunday was sunny and breezy as Thrasher and other members of the Yazoo City

I-40 reopens to limited traffic ASHVILLE, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina officials say a stretch of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina that has been closed for six months because of a rockslide will reopen with some traffic limitations. Officials said both eastbound lanes will be open and one westbound lane would reopen at 6 p.m. Sunday. One westbound lane will remain closed for three miles while workers continue putting in rock bolts and anchor mesh to stabilize the mountainside. Truck traffic will be restricted to loads less than 12 feet wide in the westbound lane. The stretch near the Tennessee state line has been closed in both directions since the rockslide Oct. 25.

Salon & Spa

774-3300

MAY 4, 2010 SEVIER COUNTY DEMOCRATIC & REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES AND THE NONPARTISAN SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Associated Press

Yazoo City resident Morgan Hayden sits outside what remains of her home Sunday. church dug through the debris and pulled out a few chairs and other items. One found a hymnal opened to the song, “Till the Storm Passes By.” Hundreds of homes also were damaged in the storm, which carved a path of devastation from the Louisiana line

to east-central Mississippi, and at least three dozen people were hurt. Rescuers spread out Sunday to find anyone who might be trapped, while survivors returned to demolished homes to salvage what they could and bulldoze the rubble.

The Sevier County Election Commission will open and hold the Sevier County Democratic and Republican Primaries and the Nonpartisan School Board Election on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in all precincts in Sevier County. The Election Commission office is located in the Sevier County Courthouse in Suite 208-E. The hours for this election are from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. The polling places for said election are as follows: PRECINCT

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New Center

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Harrisburg

Sevier County Vocational Center 1150 Dolly Parton Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge City Hall 225 Pine Mountain Road Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

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Northview Elementary School 3293 Douglas Dam Road Kodak, TN 37764

Underwood

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Seymour Primary

Seymour Primary School 717 Boyds Creek Hwy. Seymour, TN 37865

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Seymour Intermediate School 212 N. Pitner Road Seymour, TN 37865

Catlettsburg Elementary School 1409 Catlettsburg Road Sevierville, TN 37876

Kodak

I would like to say “thank you” for letting me serve as your County Commissioner. Together we have made Sevier County a better place for our families. If you feel I have served you well in my first term, I am asking for your support once again in this election. Thank you, Kenneth Whaley

Senior Citizens Building 1220 W. Main Street Sevierville, TN 37862

Boyds Creek Elementary School 1729 Indian Warpath Road Sevierville, TN 37876

Dupont

Dupont Community Center 1720 Dupont Road Seymour, TN 37865

Whites

Adult High School 703 Whites School Road Sevierville, TN 37876

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg American Legion 1222 E. Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Pittman Center

Pittman Center City Hall 2839 Webb Creek Road Sevierville, TN 37876

Absentee Counting Board

Sevier County Courthouse 125 Court Avenue Sevierville, TN 37862

J. B. Matthews, Chairman Darrell Whitchurch, Secretary Joe F. Newman, Vice Chairman Elizabeth Pierce, Member John Huff, Member Ronee’ Flynn, Administrator of Elections

www.seviercountyelection.com

Comics ◆ A11

Monday, April 26, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press Family Circus

Close to Home

Advice

Person with aversion to washing has a phobia that downright stinks

Zits

Blondie

Baby Blues

Beetle Bailey

Dear Annie: I have always dreaded taking a bath or shower. Baths always leave me chilled, no matter how warm it is. I dislike showers because I nearly drowned as a child and, as a result, cannot tolerate getting my head wet. It has gotten so bad that I go for weeks without washing. Friends have noticed and commented on my unpleasant body odor. I don’t want to offend them, but I cannot overcome my washing phobia. I’d rather be dirty. I am seeing both a psychiatrist and a counselor, but I’m ashamed to bring this up to them. -- Need Help in the Midlands Dear Midlands: There are ways to shower without getting your hair wet, and chills are the reason there are bathrobes. Your problems go much deeper. If your friends have noticed your lack of hygiene, your psychiatrist and counselor certainly have, as well. If you are writing to us, it means you are getting ready to open up on the subject. Please don’t be embarrassed to discuss it with the very people who can help you most. And believe us, they’ve heard everything. Dear Annie: Is it unusual for a 25-year-old to not know her sexual orientation? In her senior year in high school, our daughter told us she thought she was gay. She then had a relationship with another girl that didn’t turn out well. When she was a college sophomore, she had a long-term relationship with a guy who treated her beautifully. It was the happiest we had ever seen her. However, that relationship broke up,

too, because he wasn’t the right guy for her. (We agreed.) Since then, she has dated men who have treated her poorly and women with whom things haven’t “clicked.” She told me she is not opposed to dating men as long as they are decent guys. We will accept her for whoever she is. But tell me, Annie, isn’t this kind of confusion unusual at this stage of the game? -Confused Parent Dear Confused: Not necessarily. There is often a lot of experimentation at this age, and it is also possible your daughter is simply bisexual and attracted equally to both sexes. Her bigger problem seems to be choosing inappropriate partners, which may contribute to her vacillation about whether she’s better off with men or women. We are glad you will accept her regardless, so please allow her to sort through this on her own, and help by encouraging her to find partners who will respect her. Dear Annie: Your response to “Frustrated in Pa.” was not my favorite. He said she was more interested in sex after a night out with the girls. Along with other advice, you gave the impression that something else might be going on. Assuming this woman is in her 40s, she is just like me. I, too, have a tendency to be more “vibrant” after being out

t o d ay ’ s p u z z l e

Garfield

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

For Better Or Worse

Tina’s Groove

with the girls. Certainly a few drinks loosens anyone up, but the time away from dishes, laundry, kids, homework, bills, etc., along with time to be myself, makes me feel younger and sexier than anything. It is sometimes hard to be in the mood at the end of a long day. “Frustrated” is probably tired and stressed. To insinuate that she is doing more than decompressing offends me. Instead of blaming everything on menopause, maybe you should have suggested he talk to her honestly to see how he can help put her in that relaxed mood more often. -- Glad My Hubby Understands Dear Glad: We are all in favor of a girls’ night out and understand how it can help relax an overworked, stressedout wife. That wasn’t his problem. It was that the only time they had sex was after such a night out, when the wife was completely drunk and her sexual appetite was voracious. Your situation sounds normal. Hers does not. 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.

A12 ◆ Local

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, April 26, 2010

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Editor’s Note: The community calendar is printed as space permits. Items must be submitted at least five days in advance. Only noncommercial, public events held in Sevier County will be considered. To place an item phone 4280748, ext. 214, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress. com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913.

MONDAY, APRIL 26 Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn. 436-0313.

Hot Meals

Hot Meals For Hungry Hearts 5:30-6:30 p.m., Henderson Chapel Baptist Church, 407 Henderson Road, Pigeon Forge. Sponsored by Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries.

Seymour Story Time

Preschool Story Time 11 a.m., Seymour Library. 573-0728.

tuesDAY, APRIL 27 Gym Closing

Sevierville Community Center gymnasium closing 5 p.m. due to event. 4535441.

wednesday, april 28 Middle Creek UMC

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

Blood Drives

Medic blood drives, times and locations: n 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. City of Sevierville, 200 Gary Wade Blvd. n 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Gatlinburg-Pittman High n 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Seymour High gym

Sevierville Story Time

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

407 Merchants Group

407 Merchants Group meets 1 p.m. at Islamorada (Bass Pro restaurant).

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 Hot Meals

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:15-6:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church in Sevierville and Kodak United Methodist Church in Kodak. 933-5996.

McCarter Reunion

McCarter reunion 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. American Legion, 104 W. Main, Sevierville. Bring covered dish. 4538660 or 654-8680.

Optimist Yard Sale

Bradleys Chapel Singing

Bradleys Chapel Baptist Church gospel singing 7 p.m. with Pilgrim Heirs and others.

sunDAY, MAY 2 Sunday Night Alive

Northview/Kodak Optimist Club yard sale 8 a.m., indoors at Optimist Park, Kodak.

Gatlinburg First UMC, 6 p.m., fellowship of contemporary music and worship followed by a hot meal. 436-4691.

Pig Pullin’ Meal

Pilgrim’s Covenant Church “pig pullin’” fundraiser meal, Jones Cove area.

Camp Smoky

Camp Smoky registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today and May 8 at camp. Registration ends June 12. Forms at campsmoky.com. 436-5787.

Radio License Class

Sevier County Emergency Radio Service general license class 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at EOC. Testing will follow. 314-0899 or e-mail to n4jtq@live.com.

Pilgrim’s Covenant

Pilgrim’s Covenant Church fundraiser, smoking hog and entertanment, American Legion, Sevierville.

monDAY, MAY 3 Prayer In Action

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

Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace Women’s Bible study 1 p.m. Gatlinburg Inn. 4360313.

Gold Wing Riders

Gold Wing Road Riders Assn., 6:30 p.m., Gatti’s Pizza, Sevierville. 660-4400.

Hot Meals

Hot Meals For Hungry Hearts 5:30-6:30 p.m., Henderson Chapel Baptist Church, 407 Henderson Road, Pigeon Forge. Sponsored by Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries.

Ruritan

Survivor/caregiver brunch honoring cancer survivors and caregivers, 11-1 May 8, First Baptist Sevierville. 428-5834. RSVP by May 3 to 428-0846.

Angel Food

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

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Legion Gatlinburg

American Legion Post 202, by post office in Gatlinburg, meets at 6:30 p.m. 599-1187.

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Violin Recital

Violin Recital of “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi, pre-recital talk by musicians Zachary Bradley and Becky Henry, 6:30 p.m., Evergreen Presbyterian, 1103 Dolly Parton Parkway. Reception to follow.

Wednesday, April 28

Scuba Class

Mini-Relay For Life 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sevierville Middle School. 805-0134 or e-mail to nicholesimmons@seviervillemiddle.org.

Dandridge Farmers Market meeting at 4 p.m. at UT Extension Office on Lake Drive. (865) 368-9097.

Paid for by George W. Lawson, Candidate

FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Mini Relay

Farmers Market

Retired Citizens of the Smokies meets at 1 p.m. at Gatlinburg Community

Civitan Jumpsstart Camp fundraiser 5:30 p.m., Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm mini-golf. Proceeds benefit special-needs camp in July.

SATURDAY, MAY 1

Kindness Counts will meet at 7 p.m. at Pigeon Forge City Park, pavilion 1. 6542684.

Retired Citizens

Camp Fundraiser

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

Kindness Counts

LeConte Photographic Society meets 6:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Sevierville. Program includes photo competitions and dye sublimation by Bruce Hannold. lecontephotographic.com.

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

Kodak Story Time

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

Dunn’s Market, 2650 Upper Middlecreek Road, Sevierville, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Bloodmobile n Food City, Sevierville, 741 Dolly Parton Parkway, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Bloodmobile

Photographic Society

TOPS

Northview/Kodak Optimist Club yard sale Friday and Saturday, indoors at Optimist Park, Kodak. 8 a.m. both days.

Blood Drives

Survivor/Caregiver Brunch

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

Optimist Yard Sale

tuesDAY, MAY 4 NARFE

Women’s Bible Study

Scuba class orientation 6 p.m., Gatlinburg Community Center. $100, includes all equipment. 654-5373.

Center. Arthritis program topic. 436-3010.

Sevier County Ruritan Club meets 7 p.m. at the County Garage.

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Sports

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

■ The Mountain Press ■ B1 ■ Monday, April 26, 2010

Harvick ends drought 1 day after ’Dega rain

Smokies lose to Barons in opener

Edges McMurray at finish, hustles off to drive in Saturday’s postponed race

Chirinos tags fifth homer in 4-3 loss

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

Staff Report

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Jamie McMurray held the bottom line at Talladega Superspeedway, one eye on the finish line and the other in his rearview mirror. He was certain if he stayed put, Kevin Harvick’s lone attempt to pass him would be on the outside. He was wrong. Harvick ducked low in the tri-oval at Talladega then drag-raced McMurray to the finish line Sunday, nipping the Daytona 500 winner to grab his first victory in over three years. Harvick had been mired in a 115-race drought dating to the 2007 season-opening Daytona 500. “I’ll tell you what, everything just played out perfect for us,” Harvick said in a hurried Victory Lane. Because rain washed out Saturday’s Nationwide Series race, the winner had to hustle across the garage to run another 312-mile race less than an hour after running the longest Talladega race in Sprint Cup series history. The race went 200 laps because of three attempts at NASCAR’s version of overtime, and there were a record 88 lead changes among a record 29 drivers. The last lead change came within inches of the finish line, and the margin of victory of 0.011 seconds was the eighth closest in NASCAR since it began using electronic scoring in 1993. A dejected McMurray simply guessed wrong with the race on the line. “I really thought Kevin was going to go high,” he said after his second-place finish. Juan Pablo Montoya, teammates with McMurray at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, finished third and silently watched a replay of the finish as he waited Associated Press to start his post-race interviews. Kevin Harvick celebrates in Victory Lane at Talladega on Sunday after “Wow,” he said with a sympathetic shrug for his winning for the first time in 115 races. teammate.

Hendrick says extensions coming for crew chiefs TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick is close to announcing contract extensions for crew chiefs Alan Gustafson and Chad Knaus. “We absolutely should be able to announce something here in 10 days or so,” Hendrick said before Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway. “We weren’t that concerned about it, but that’s going to happen here real soon.” Hendrick has been working on an extension with Knaus since late last season, when driver Jimmie Johnson agreed to a deal to drive at Hendrick Motorsports

through 2015. The driver and crew chief have won a NASCAR record four consecutive championships together. Gustafson is currently crew chief for Mark Martin in the No. 5 car. Kasey Kahne recently completed a deal to drive that car in 2012, but Hendrick says he has not yet determined his crew chief lineup. The owner did say, though, that the No. 5 team belongs to Gustafson — the first indication that he could be paired with Kahne. “As long as I’m alive, Alan is going to work for me. And the 5

car is his,” said Hendrick, who declined to be more specific on potential future pairings. Kahne has a strong relationship with Kenny Francis, his longtime crew chief who is currently with him at Richard Petty Motorsports. But Kahne is leaving at the end of this season, and although he wants to continue working with Francis, he’s said he doesn’t know what will happen. Hendrick, after all, has to first figure out where Kahne will even drive next season. The deal the owner and driver agreed to doesn’t put Kahne in the No. 5 until 2012, but makes

Hendrick responsible for finding a ride for him next season. The pairing will most certainly be with a Chevrolet team, but Hendrick said Sunday he had nothing figured out yet. “It’s amazing how many options people have called me with in this garage area,” Hendrick said. “We’re just not in any hurry right now. A lot of things can happen and seriously, I have so much going on that I told Kasey, ’If you want to do it and I want to do it, we agree and then you go race and let me do my job.’ “We’ll worry about the rest of it later.”

SEVIERVILLE — It just goes to show that you never know what’s going to happen in baseball. The Tennessee Smokies came into the first game of their Sunday double-header with the Birmingham Barons with a 13-2 record — the best record of any team at any level of professional baseball. And the Barons came in with a 2-12 record, the worst record in the Southern League. Then, when the Double A affiliates of Chicago’s major league teams — Tennessee with the Cubs, the Barons with the White Sox — met in the makeup game from Saturday night’s rain-out, things went topsy-turvy. Tennessee spotted Andrew Cashner, one of the top pitching prospects in the Cubs organization with a three-run lead in the first inning, highlighted by designated-hitter Robinson Chirinos’ solo homer. Cashner, who fell to 1-1 and saw his earned run average fall to 3.33, couldn’t hold the lead, however. Although the tall, right-handed Texan pitched a seven-inning complete game, he allowed two earned runs in each of the second and fourth innings. Outfielders Tony Wright and Tony Campana led the Smokies’ seven-hit attack with two hits each. Wright had a double Campana two singles. Chirinos’ homer was his fifth of the season. Results of the second game were unavailable at press time. The Smokies and Barons are in the midst of a five-game series through Wednesday. Tonight’s game begins at 7:15, with the Tuesday and Wednesday games both scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

Wade scores 46 to keep the Heat on Celtics By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer MIAMI — Dwyane Wade isn’t ready for the offseason. Not even close. And thanks to another record-setting effort by their star, the Miami Heat suddenly have life in their series against the Boston Celtics. Undeterred by talk that this might have been his final home game in Miami, Wade set franchise playoff records by scoring 46 points, 30 in the second half, and the Heat kept their season alive by beating the Celtics 101-92 on Sunday in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference firstround series. “Sometimes, you know, he puts on the cape, man,” Heat forward Quentin Richardson said. “There’s not a lot of things you can do when he’s playing that way.” Sure enough, Wade was Miami’s superhero. Wade made 16-of-24 shots, going 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and scored 19 in the fourth quarter alone — single-handedly outscoring the Celtics by four in the final 12 minutes. “He put the whole thing on his shoulders,” Celtics forward Paul Pierce said. The Celtics still lead 3-1, and get a second shot at the clincher on Tuesday in Boston. But Wade — whose previous playoff best was 43 points in the Game 5 overtime victory during the 2006 finals against Dallas — gave the Heat hope. “We don’t take Dwyane for granted, that greatness,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We don’t. He has another gear,

another depth to go into in his soul, to be able to dig it out and really carry a team on his back with his will. ... When his back is against the wall, it’s an utter defiance.” Richardson scored 20 points and Michael Beasley added 15 for the Heat, who wasted an 18-point first-half lead before digging deep to extend the season. “You better believe this group is inspired,” Spoelstra said. Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 23 points. Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Pierce scored 16 and Ray Allen added 15 for Boston, which was bidding for its first 4-0 sweep of a series since 1986. Not so fast. Wade will opt to become a free agent after the season, and on the slim chance that this was his final home game in Miami, it was nothing short of scintillating. Trailing by six entering the final quarter and needing a rally to keep the season alive, Miami opened the fourth on a 25-8 run, fueled mostly by Wade. He hit a pair of 3-pointers about a minute apart, stopping after the second to scream at his right hand, giving Miami an 85-80 lead. “Just a sensational player,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers marveled. Another 3-pointer from Wade made it 93-82 with 6:12 left. Over, right? Not against the Celtics. Boston was 6-0 against Miami this season, and had won 14 of the last 15 between the clubs since April 2007. So

Associated Press

Boston Celtics players Ray Allen (20) and Rajon Rondo (9) are unable to block Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade from taking a two-point shot in the second half of Game 4 during the first round of the NBA series in Miami on Sunday. of course the Celtics would make a run — getting within 96-92 on a free throw by Allen with 2:36 left. Then a funny thing happened. Not only did Allen — a 91 percent foul shooter this season — miss the second, he missed two more with 1:50 left, keeping it a two-

possession game. And when Dorell Wright missed a jumper with 1:50 left, Beasley swooped in, got the rebound and scored, making it 98-92. Exhale, Miami. The season will go until at least Tuesday.

B2 ◆ Sports

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, April 26, 2010

Derby favorite Eskendereya out with swollen leg By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Likely favorite Eskendereya is out of the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Todd Pletcher pulled the 3-year-old colt out of next weekend’s race due swelling in his left front leg. Eskendereya stamped himself as the horse to beat after romping to wins in the Fountain of Youth and the Wood Memorial by a combined 18 1/4 lengths. He was scheduled to work at Churchill Downs on Sunday morning, but Pletcher opted to keep the muscular chestnut colt in the barn while sending his other Derby entries out on the track. Pletcher said he detected something was “off” with the horse when he galloped on Saturday morning and later noticed swelling between the ankle and knee of the left front leg. It had worsened when Pletcher arrived at the barn Sunday morning and he sent owner Ahmed Zayat a text informing him of the problem. “We were still kind of hoping for a miracle overnight and we didn’t get it,” Pletcher said. “It’s the worst of timing.” Pletcher stressed that “the horse is not lame” and he’s hoping the injury, which he likened to a sprained ankle in a human, isn’t careerthreatening. Eskendereya will undergo an examination when the swelling subsides, but Pletcher said he’ll speak to Zayat before making any decision on what to do next. “It’s a tough one,” said Pletcher. Pletcher said Zayat “took it better than I would have.” “He says the horse comes first,” Pletcher said. “He loves Eskendereya. He’s not going to do anything to take any chances. ... It’s not a phone call I wanted to make.” Zayat, who owned 2009 Derby runner-up Pioneerof the Nile, did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press. The injury is another blow for Zayat Stables. Zayat filed for bankruptcy protection in February to keep his racing operation afloat. He’s facing a lawsuit from Fifth Third Bank that alleges his stable defaulted on $34 million in loans. He filed a reorganization plan in New Jersey bankruptcy court earlier this month in which he agreed to sell Eskendereya by the end of the year. Pletcher acknowledged Sunday that Jess Jackson, owner of Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, had expressed interest in buying Eskendereya this spring. IEAH Stables, which owned 2008 Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, also talked to Zayat about buying into the horse. Pletcher said talks never advanced to the point where a veterinarian was called in to examine the horse. Eskendereya was considered Pletcher’s best shot at ending his 0-for24 mark in the Derby. The Eclipse Award winning trainer still has a handful of Derby horses, but believed Eskendereya had a shot at becoming the first Triple Crown winner in more than 30 years. “I don’t think we’ve ever had one at this stage of his development that was that good,” he said. “It’s the first time I felt like we’ve gotten here with a horse that could withstand the three-race series.” With Eskendereya out, Lookin At Lucky is likely to become the morning line favorite. Last year’s 2-yearold champion has won six times in eight career starts, but is coming off a thirdplace finish in the Santa Anita Derby. Lookin At Lucky’s trainer, Bob Baffert, thought “something was up” when he didn’t see Eskendereya on the track Sunday morning. He called Eskendereya “a star” last week. “It’s so hard to find hors-

Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre and is trained by Rick Dutrow Jr., who also saddled Big Brown. The Derby field is limited to 20 horses, with preference given to those with the most graded stakes earnings if more than 20 are entered. Eskendereya was tied for fifth in graded earnings with $600,000. Homeboykris is currently 21st with $250,000. Jackson Bend, who finished second to Eskendereya in both the Wood and the Fountain of Youth, is now on the bubble. “If (Eskendereya) is out and he’s the favorite, the last two races (Jackson Bend)

was second to the favorite,” Zito said. “Why shouldn’t he get in the Derby?” Pletcher has been a fixture at the Derby for the last decade but hasn’t been able to reach the winner’s circle. He joked last week that he’s getting tired of the “when will you win the Derby” questions. He will have plenty of chances on Saturday, when he could set a record by saddling six horses. Mission Impazible, Super Saver, Rule and Discreetly Mine are considered likely for the Derby and could be joined by Devil May Care and Interactif, though Pletcher says he’s not quite ready to make a decision on Interactif.

Liberty Market & Grill Mini Storage Associated Press

Kentucky Derby hopeful Eskendereya is exercised by Carlos Cano at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday. es like that,” said Baffert, a three-time Derby winner. Trainer Nick Zito likened Eskendereya to Big Brown, who put together a dominating Derby prep campaign while coming out of Florida. “You’ve got to have luck in this game though,” said Zito, who will saddle Ice Box and possibly Jackson Bend in the Derby. Eskendereya is the second straight Wood Memorial winner to be pulled from the Derby. I Want Revenge was the morning line favorite in last year’s Derby, but was scratched the day of the race due to a soft tissue injury. Pletcher dismissed the notion that Eskendereya has been dealing with a leg issue for weeks. The horse wore wraps on both of his front legs while dominating the field in the Wood, where he beat Jackson Bend by nearly 10 lengths. “I think his Wood performance speaks for itself,” he said. Eskendereya’s departure

probably opens the door for filly Devil May Care — also trained by Pletcher — to enter the Derby. Pletcher said jockey John Velazquez, who was scheduled to ride

Eskendereya, could get the mount if Devil May Care enters the race. It also guarantees a spot in the field for Homeboykris, who is co-owned by Los

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Sports ◆ B3

Monday, April 26, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

— the pre-Chase era. Johnson has made history by winning the last four Cup titles. Gordon, who owns a piece of Johnson’s team, just hasn’t been able to catch up to the No. 48 car. That’s turned the teammates into rivals — just not bitter ones. “There’s no doubt that there’s a rivalry,” Gordon said. “I think people talk about rivalries in this sport all the time, and they think that it has to come from another organization.” Johnson said the pair have had disagreements before, they just haven’t been so public. “We’ve dealt with this before and we’re going through it again,” he said. “A lot of it is just because we’re both very hungry and racing hard for each position.” Gordon would love to prove that he beat Johnson and win another championship. He knows the pressure is on — especially in the Chase races — to keep up with the defending champ. “He set that standard here over the last several years, and that’s one that we haven’t lived up to,” Gordon said. “It’s one that I feel like we’re capable of living up to this year. That’s why we’re going to be

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more aggressive, and we’re going to be racing hard, and that means that we’re going to upset some guys along the way.” ——— AIRBORNE CARS: Carl Edwards can’t forget the feeling of sailing airborne up the track and into the safety fence last year at Talladega Superspeedway. His spectacular last-lap accident showered the stands with debris. One of those injured fans, Blake Bobbitt, was hospitalized. Bobbitt will attend Sunday’s race — in a safer locale — as part of a courageous fan program started by Edwards and his sponsor. “Blake Bobbitt is an amazing person,” Edwards said. “The thing that makes me able to kind of accept what happened there, and not really think about it, is how great Blake is and how understanding she is about the whole situation.” ——— JUNIOR’S SPOILER: Dale Earnhardt Jr. now knows the only thing that travels faster than a stock car is news posted on Twitter. Earnhardt’s plans to drive the No. 3 car in the Nationwide Series at Daytona International Speedway QUALITY EYEWEAR AT AMAZINGLY LOW PRICES!

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in July were revealed earlier than expected after a tweet by Darrell Waltrip. JR Motorsports was set to make an official announcement next week. The news got out when Waltrip tweeted the news earlier this week, forcing Earnhardt to go public with it. Earnhardt said Waltrip “ruined” the announcement. “It’s unfortunate that DW uncovered that and the way it went down because we didn’t want to have to announce it like this,” he said. “We will do it when we had it originally planned and that is all I can tell you about it.” Earnhardt drove the No. 3 car twice before in the secondtier series to honor his father, Dale Earnhardt, who made the number famous. He was killed in the 2001 Daytona 500. Waltrip apologized — on Twitter, of course — for spoiling the surprise. “I want him to drive the 3, so when I heard he was I was excited,” Waltrip wrote. “He’s run the 3 in nationwide

before so I was shocked he got upset! “Thanks to all you guys on Twitter for not making me feel like a complete jerk, trust is very important to me,

hated what happened! Oh by the way, did learn one thing, Twitter is a great way to get the word out, even people that don’t have it know what’s on it, lesson learned.”

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DAYTONA TO REPAVE TRACK: The Daytona 500 will have an improved look. Daytona International Speedway will be repaved for the second time in history after a pothole on the track during this year’s Daytona 500 forced two delays that totaled more than two hours during the Feb. 14 race. The repaving project will begin immediately after the July 3 Sprint Cup race, with completion targeted for Jan. 1, 2011. “We owe it to the fans to do this now,” track president Robin Braig said on Saturday. The original plan was to repave the track in 2012. Braig said the resurfacing was accelerated because they couldn’t risk a similar situation next February. Braig said a concrete patch was poured in the area where a significant pothole developed and he was confident the July race would run without any disruption. Nationwide Series cars will test there in May. “We fixed the one area that was under stress and we fixed that properly,” he said. “It’s just not worth risking it. We may as well do it now and get it over with so we don’t have to hold our breath at every race.” TheInternationalSpeedway Corporation’s team of engineers and asphalt specialists conducted an evaluation of the track, and the board of directors decided last week to go ahead with the repaving. Daytona International Speedway’s entire 2.5-mile tri-oval will be repaved as well as the skid pads, apron and pit road. Braig said drivers endorsed the fix. “It is kind of getting past it’s prime, I think,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. “The sooner we get a new surface down that can get some weather on it, the quicker we will get to the kind of race track that everybody wants. It is one of the most popular and important tracks on our circuit. I’m glad to see it get a facelift.” The track opened in 1959 and was repaved in 1978. Fans who renew their 2011 Daytona 500 tickets will receive a portion of Daytona’s track surface. ——— LET’S RACE TWO: NASCAR ran its second straight twinbill. Rain wiped out Saturday’s schedule forcing Sprint Cup and the Nationwide Series to run back-to-back on Sunday at Talledega Superpeedway. There are 10 drivers scheduled to run both of Sunday’s races, which are scheduled to total 811.30 miles barring any additional “overtime” laps. Jamie McMurray expects to have an easier time Sunday at Talladega than he did last week at Texas Motor Speedway. “This track, you spend more time looking in the mirror and trying to make a decision about what is going to happen on the next lap so it is more mentally tiring here than physically tiring,” he said. “I don’t think it is going to be that hot either, so it shouldn’t that big of a deal.” ——— READY TO RUMBLE? No wonder Jeff Gordon was sporting those dark shades this weekend at Talladega. “Did you guys hear about the fight we got into?” Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson said. “Man, we got into a hell of a fight. Caught him good with a right hook.” OK, the four-time Cup champions didn’t really rumble even though they tangled on the track last week at Texas Motor Speedway. Gordon and Johnson insist there are no hard feelings after they got into a public tiff last week after some aggressive driving and critical comments of each other over the radio. Gordon and Johnson both said they patched up their differences and chalked it up to two drivers competing hard for a win. “We’ve raced hard for years. I just never had a car that could keep up with him,” Gordon said. “We’ve got that this year. In a way, I hope we see more of it. We don’t want to be bumping and banging, but I do want to be changing positions with him for the lead and swapping those positions.” Gordon won the last of his four championships in 2001

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