Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 133 ■ May 13, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Thursday

Second arrest in Miller murder

INSIDE

Police still seeking one more suspect

By JEFF FARRELL Staff writer

5Salute to high school graduates Special section inside today’s newspaper

Sevier County authorities have charged a second man with firstdegree murder in the slaying of Mary Jo Miller, who was found shot to death in her home Friday.

Theodore Ratliff, 52, of Knoxville,

was arrested in Knoxville on Tuesday along with Steven Weaver, who deputies had already charged with first-degree murder in Miller’s death. At the time, Ratliff deputies said they wanted to question Ratliff, but had not charged him.

Wednesday morning, they announced Ratliff has been charged with the crime. They are apparently

still searching for one other person who was may have been involved in the slaying.

According to the complaints against Ratliff and Weaver, a witness saw them enter Miller’s home on Day Drive on Friday, along with another person.

The witness said the group was in Miller’s house for about 15 minutes, and during that time he or she heard a “pop” from Miller’s home. When they left, one of the people had a bundle under his arm.

Deputies said it appeared a dress-

er in Miller’s home had been ransacked.

The complaint also notes Miller was found dead in her living room floor with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head and injuries to her neck.

Neighbors said Tuesday that Miller was an independent, friendly woman who enjoyed gardening. She had been battling cancer, and neighbors speculated her killers might have been looking for medication she took. n jfarrell@themountainpress.com

Breakfast bill leads hotelier to file suit

5Playing for the 1st in 40

Kenny Maples gets $70K hit from state

Sevier County plays for its first district title since 1968 season

By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer

Sports, Page A8

from,” said Seymour Intermediate teacher Brenda Mize. “They learn about the importance of calcium and how to purchase products with fortified calcium. Some of these kids have never

PIGEON FORGE — A local hotelier has filed a complaint against the state in Knox County Chancery Court after he was assessed back taxes on the breakfasts offered at his properties.

Kenny Maples is an owner of two lodging houses in Sevier County and is pushing for the state to drop a bill for $70,000 he received after auditors evaluated the books at those two properties. The incident has started a statewide war between officials in Nashville and hoteliers across Tennessee, with Department of Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr even pushing for a tax on the “complimentary” meals.

According to Maples, those who run accommodations have for years had an ongoing battle with the state’s auditors, who periodically determine that a given property has not been paying needed taxes on their bacon and eggs. They send a bill to the hotel in question, often leading to an appeal and a legal fight, in which the Department of Revenue has a mostly losing record.

At issue is the fact that the lodging facilities don’t pay taxes on the food they purchase for what they advertise as free meals.

That’s because state law exempts those who are buying groceries to resell them from paying taxes at the register because they’ll be charging taxes when they sell the food.

That wouldn’t be a problem except the hoteliers call the breakfasts “complimentary,” using the promise of a free meal to lure weary travelers in the doors. Given that, the auditors maintain the accommodations aren’t bringing home the bacon for the state and insist that they pay taxes on the food.

The hoteliers counter, arguing they’re actually folding the cost of the meals into the tab for the stay, meaning their guests are paying taxes on the food because they face taxes on the total room rate.

“We’d be crazy not to add that into the cost,” Maples has told The Mountain Press.

That’s where Maples’ battle stands now — with the auditors accusing him of dodging taxes and him maintaining any further

See FARM DAY, Page A5

See SUIT, Page A5

Nation

Happy motoring Gasoline price appear poised to fall by Memorial Day Page A5

Weather Today Partly cloudy

Derek Hodges/The Mountain Press

Construction on the bridge between Douglas Dam Road and Boyds Creek Highway is likely to run up the cost of the renovation of Highway 66.

Beginning of the end

Final phase of renovation on ‘66’ could start within 2 years

By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer

High: 83°

Tonight Mostly cloudy Low: 55° DETAILS, Page A6

Obituaries Johnnie Ballard, 94 Kenneth Hoffman, 73 Stephanie Woodburn, 50 Judith Muelleman, 67 Mary Jo Miller, 76 DETAILS, Page A4

Index Local & State . . . . A1-A6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . A14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . A8,A9 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . A13 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . A13 Classifieds . . . . . A10-A12 Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . A5

Corrections The Mountain Press is committed to accuracy.

Please report factual errors by calling 428-0748 Ext. 214.

SEVIERVILLE — State transportation officials have announced plans to start work on the third and final phase of Highway 66 within as little as two years, with the project built into the plan for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

Gov. Phil Bredesen in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently released Bredesen’s last three-year comprehensive program recently and the document includes construction on 2.2 miles of the busy

local thoroughfare. That work would finish expansion and resurfacing efforts there, bringing the entire stretch of road leading from the interstate into Sevierville to six lanes.

The project had been left somewhat in limbo after initial plans were announced, with the 2.2 mile stretch termed “the missing link” by local leaders who worried the road’s going from six lanes to four and back to six could create a terrible bottleneck. As it is traffic moving from the six lanes of Interstate 40 or the Parkway to the four of Highway 66 backs up for miles,

particularly on Friday evenings and Sundays.

Crews with Charles Blalock & Sons Construction are in the middle of a $38 million project, funded with federal stimulus dollars, to renovate the portion of the road running from downtown Sevierville to the intersection with Boyds Creek Highway.

The next phase will cover the northern end running from the interstate to the intersection with Douglas Dam Road. TDOT spokeswoman Yvette Martinez says the See HIGHWAY 66, Page A5

Farm Day grows students’ interest

By ELLEN BROWN Staff Writer As a group of Seymour Intermediate School students made their way into the barn at Sevier County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, they were handed ice cream sandwiches and pencils and paper for a scavenger hunt.

“Please don’t feed your ice cream to the animals,” said Tractor Supply manager Suzanne Clapp, who guided the crowd inside.

“Also, the donkey has been known to eat a pencil.”

It was all part of Sevier County Extension Office’s Farm Day, coordinated with Sevier County Schools for the system’s fourth-graders each year.

“This reminds the kids of the importance of agriculture in our county,” said Extension Agent Glenn Turner. “We have several folks from the agricultural community here to talk about different things.”

Dr. Susan Latham,

Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press

Chad Hardin, a fourth-grader at Seymour Intermediate School, checks out a Case International Tractor during Farm Day at the Sevier County Fairgrounds on Wednesday. instructional supervisor for intermediate grades, added that many aspects of the event were incorporated with the state’s school curriculum, such as soil erosion.

Participants who helped educate the students included Sevier

County High School Future Farmers of America, Sevier County Master Gardeners, Sevier Farmers Cooperative, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and many more.

“I like how this teaches them where food comes

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The Mountain Press ◆ Thursday, May 13, 2010

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Thursday, May 13, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

Townsend to host pottery festival

Special Luminaria ceremony to be held during Relay For Life Submitted report

Submitted report TOWNSEND — Cynthia Bringle, whose works of art are part of collections around the world, will be the featured potter at the Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival in Townsend in June.

The festival will be held from noon to 5 p.m. June 4, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 5.

The juried show will feature potters that will exhibit, demonstrate and sell their crafts. The free festival also includes 35 booths with demonstrations of wheel throwing, hand building and Raku firing, as well as a children’s tent, special presentations, food booths and music.

Bringle is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and a Fellow of the American Craft Council. She also received the North Carolina Award for Fine Art, an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the Memphis College of Art, and was named a North Carolina Living Treasure.

Hugh Bailey, a potter with more than 50 years experience who makes unique animals and fanciful creatures, Peter Rose of Knoxville and Joe Frank McKee of Treehouse Pottery in Dillsboro, N.C., will also be at the festival.

The event will be held at the Townsend Visitors Center, 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway.

For more information about the Pottery Festival, call 800-525-6834 or (865) 448-6134 or visit www.smokymountains. org or www.smokymountainfestivals.org.

Submitted

The 2010 Barnes scholarship winners include, in front, Lauren Swann, Cocke County High; Tiffany Hodge, Sevier County High; Olivia Crisp, Seymour High; back row, Adam Dunn, Cosby High; Ryan Byers, Pigeon Forge High; and Gretchen Cecere, Gatlinburg-Pittman High.

Realtors announce winners of Pritchard Barnes scholarship Submitted Report In 1988, the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors honored J. Pritchard Barnes posthumously by setting up a memorial scholarship fund in his name.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to a senior from each of Sevier County’s high schools as well as Cocke County.

Scholarship applicants are judged on such criteria as grade point average, ACT scores, extracurricular participation, a letter of recommendation and an essay.

Homes & Land Magazine is a contributor to the cause.

The 2010 Barnes scholarship winners include Lauren Swann, Cocke County High; Tiffany Hodge, Sevier County High; Olivia Crisp, Seymour High; Adam Dunn, Cosby High; Ryan Byers, Pigeon Forge High; and Gretchen Cecere, Gatlinburg-Pittman High.

Barnes was born in Madison County, N.C., just before the turn of the 19th

R.B. Summitt to address local Republicans Tuesday evening Submitted Report

‘Play For Life’ flag football set May 22 PIGEON FORGE — Sevier County Right To Life will host a free “Play for Life” youth flag football tournament from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22 at Pigeon Forge High’s football field.

The players will be in eighth grade to college age.

Persons that age may participate with the RTL team or their own team (reservation required).

Church or school groups are welcome to register teams.

A picnic lunch will also be available. Prizes for the winning team will be distributed.

For more information call or text Terry Aparicio at 654-7685 or Lizette Aparicio at 654-7681.

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Century. His formal education ended at fifth grade.

On May 25, 1945, he opened Gatlinburg Real Estate Co. Inc. He was the charter president of the Sevier County Board of Realtors and for many years his was the only real estate company in Gatlinburg.

During his 23 years, he developed 28 subdivisions around Gatlinburg and Sevier County. He convinced the Ligons that Gatlinburg, not Florida, should be the site of their Christus Gardens. Gatlinburg Golf Course in Pigeon Forge was one of his projects; and, when the Robbins Brothers from North Carolina wanted to buy 400 acres for their Rebel Railroad, he found the land for them in Pigeon Forge — today, that is Dollywood.

He wanted each of his five children to have a college education and encouraged his grandchildren to continue their education as well. Today, his daughter, Alliene McInturff, still sells real estate for Barnes Real Estate Company in Pigeon Forge.

SEVIERVILLE — R.B. Summitt, president of Sevier County Bank, will be the speaker for the next regular membership meeting of the Sevier County Republican Party.

The meeting will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the courthouse in the

/"1 " Ê* -/-°°° -9Ê" 9"1t

third-floor chambers, and is open to the public.

Summitt will be speaking on the ramifications of the financial bills being proposed by the Obama administration.

A charter member of the Friends of the Smokies, a 20-year member of the Nature Conservancy and chairman of Leadership

Sevier, Summitt is a board member and Audit Committee chairman of Covenant Health.

He graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee, is an Eagle Scout and a merit badge counselor for the Great Smoky Mountain Council of the BSA. He resides in Sevier County.

PIGEON FORGE — A special Luminaria ceremony to be held during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life will remember those lost to cancer and honor those who have survived.

Luminaria will be lit at 9 p.m. May 21 at Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge.

Anyone desiring to make a luminaria donation may contact Christy Chesteen at 428-0583 or visit www. relayforlife.org/seviertn. Each luminaria candle is $10.

“Each luminaria represents the life of someone who has battled cancer. It is a beautiful sight when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track,” said Chesteen, volunteer luminaria chairwoman. “The Luminaria ceremony is a moving way to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to pay tribute to cancer survivors.”

Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times.

Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay.

Prior to the Luminaria ceremony, the survivors lap will kick off the 2010 event at 6 p.m.

Also a part of Sevier County’s Relay For Life event is the “Fight Back” ceremony, in which a community leader will inspire Relay participants with their commitment and challenge them to take a personal pledge of action.

Information about making a luminaria donation, forming a team or W walking lap is availLosurvivors ss eighint the able by calling Teri Newman at 428-0846, or visiting www.RelayForLife.org/seviertn.

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OBITUARIES In Memoriam

Johnnie M. Ballard

Johnnie M. Ballard, age 94 of Sevierville, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2010. She was a member of Valley Grove Baptist Church, retired teacher/ principal of Seymour Primary School, after 40 years of service to the children of Seymour; recently inducted into Sevier County Education Hall of Fame.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Edgar “Doc” and Betty Clark Ballard, and brother Ermal Ballard.

Survivors include her sister, Buena Brewer; numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to loyal neighbors Helen and Mayford Kerr.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Johnnie M. Ballard Scholarship Fund, c/o Seymour High School, 732 Boyd’s Creek Highway, Seymour, TN 37865.

Funeral service 7 p.m. Thursday in Atchley’s Seymour Chapel with Rev. W. A. Galyon officiating. Interment 11 a.m. Friday in Highland South Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m.

Thursday at Atchley Funeral Home, Seymour, 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

In Memoriam

Kenneth Oliver Hoffman

Kenneth Oliver Hoffman, age 73, of Sevierville, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

Mr. Hoffman was a Major in the Air Force where he was the commander of a team that was personally responsible for rescuing over 200 people from a sinking cruise ship off the Azores.

Kenneth attended First Red Bank Baptist Church in Sevierville and was preceded in death by his daughter, Monica Louise Hoffman.

Survivors include his wife, Margot Hoffman; children, Christina Nix and husband Allen, Craig Allen Hoffman, Michael Edward Hoffman and wife April; six grandchildren; sister, Sara Jane Allen of Lebanon, Tenn.

Memorial service 6 p.m. Saturday at First Red Bank Baptist Church, Sevierville. Cremation arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

In Memoriam

Stephanie Ann Woodburn

Stephanie Ann Woodburn, age 50 of Sevierville, TN, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2010.

Born and raised in Wichita, KS, she loved travelling and lived in various places before settling in East Tennessee. Stephanie enjoyed the outdoors and hiking.

She was preceded in death by her sister April Jones.

Survivors include her daughter, Krista L. White, age 29 of Sacramento, California; son, Matthew W. White, age 27 of Sacramento, California; grandchildren, Aubre L. White-Thornhill, Peyton C. Gannon, Taylor L. Gannon, Cadhli D. Gannon, Aleya G. White; brothers, Greg, Todd and Casey Woodburn; best friend, Carolyn Robinson; friend, Marc D. Gannon.

The family will receive friends 10-11 a.m. Saturday with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. Stephanie’s cremated remains will be scattered in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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HIGHWAY 66 3From Page A1

contract for that work will likely be awarded this summer, with work to begin in either late summer or the fall.

The river overpass is what left the middle section from Douglas Dam Road to Boyds Creek Highway unscheduled until now as engineers debated the best way to it without having to completely block off traffic.

That portion is expected to be the most costly of the three, with construction on the bridge likely to run the tab up.

Options ranging from building a new bridge and rerouting traffic on it to erecting a temporary crossing while the existing bridge is replaced were discussed in public meetings.

The proposal that appears to be currently favored by TDOT officials involves widening the bridge, which is actually two side-by-side spans,

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in each direction to three 12-foot lanes with a 7-foot sidewalk on either side.

However, no decision has yet been made on how traffic will move through the area as the work proceeds, Martinez says.

The work will also likely include some renovation work on the overpasses themselves. TDOT engineers are confident the bridges are sturdy enough to continue to handle the load, even with the increased traffic of three lanes.

Though funding has been announced and work on the project is set to start within just years, Martinez is careful to point out TDOT officials still aren’t certain the current proposal is the one that will end up being put into practice.

“However, please take into consideration the bridge designs are not finalized yet,” she says.

Funding for the project will come from the state’s Better Bridges bonding program and traditional sources. Across the state

Judith Ann Haemker Muelleman

Officials seek help finding missing person Sevier County officials are investigating a missing person and asking the public’s help in locating him.

Jeremy Dwayne McNeal, 29, was last seen by family members on May 4 at approximately 11 p.m. at his home on Wild Flower Way in Sevier County.

McNeal is possibly wearing blue jeans, T-shirt, brown suede Sketchers shoes and a black Carhartt jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call the more than 175 individual project phases in 70 counties will be completed under the governor’s current plan, which runs a total tab of $1.5 billion.

Included in that are 45 highway and bridge projects in East Tennessee.

“TDOT’s three-year multimodal work program for 2010 to 2013 represents a responsible, balanced approach to transportation that includes a number of projects identified as top priorities by the state’s planning organizations,” Bredesen has said of the plan. “I’m pleased this final three-year program accomplishes many of the goals I set forth for this administration.”

In addition to including the Highway 66 work in plan, the TDOT document also calls for funding in the coming fiscal year for preliminary engineering work for a project to widen U.S. 321 coming into Gatlinburg from two lanes to four lanes.

That effort would cover 1.4 miles from Buckhorn

Submitted

Jeremy Dwayne McNeal, 29, was last seen by family members on May 4.

Sevier County Sheriff’s Office at 453-4668 or the Criminal Investigation Division at 428-1899.

Road to Pittman Center Road.

“Phase 1 of the project is complete and that 2.6mile stretch of road from Glade Road to Buckhorn Road was also widened from two to four lanes,” Martinez says.

There are several steps in TDOT’s run up to actually completing a project and, as the name implies, preliminary engineering is only one of the early ones. Actual construction on that project has not yet been scheduled.

For the full “Proposed Comprehensive Multimodal Program,” or 3-year transportation plan, visit the Web site www.tdot.state.tn.us/ and click on the front page link.

TDOT is providing updated information on the Highway 66 project on a Web page created for the effort, www.tdot. state.tn.us/highway66/ default.htm, and through a special Twitter account, found at http://twitter. com/Improving66. n dhodges@themountainpress.com

Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1942.

Judith Ann Haemker The family will receive friends Muelleman, 67 of Kodak, died 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday with Monday, May 10, 2010. Judith a memorial service to follow was born and raised in Palatine, at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel Ill., and moved to Sevier County of Atchley Funeral Home, in 1996.

Sevierville.

She was respected by the employees at Smoky Mountain Knife Works n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com from which she retired in 2008 as a manager. Judith was a member of (AA) Alcoholics Anonymous and Mary Jo Miller was proud to have 24 years of Mary Jo Miller, 76 of Strawberry sobriety. She was also a mem- Plains, died Saturday, May 8, ber of the United Lutheran Church 2010. in Palatine, Illinois where she was Survivors: brother and sisterbaptized. in-law, William “Brudgie” and Survivors: son Norman Judith Wilkins of Port Orange, Muelleman and wife Lisa; life- Fla.; grandchildren, Michael long friend Roberta Lessner; Cooper and wife Jennifer of granddaughter Emily Kleier; sis- Knoxville, Joe Cooper and wife ter Jacquelyn Broderick; brother Lori of Knoxville; uncle and Robert Haemker; numerous aunts, Wib and Perna Ogle of friends and extended family.

Gatlinburg, Margaret Mantooth In lieu of flowers, memorial con- of Sevierville; nieces, Tammy tributions may be sent to St. Jude McDaniel of Knoxville, Darla Miller and husband Michael of

Knoxville. ily will receive friends 6-8 p.m.

Family and friends will meet Thursday at Atchley Funeral 11 a.m. Friday in Laurel Grove Home, Sevierville.

Cemetery for graveside service and interment. The fam- n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

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In Loving Memory Rev. ChaRles homeR Gibson 5/11/29-10/17/2008 Daddy,

You would have been 81 today, but the Lord took you away. He knew your body was tired & weak. He knew that we would cry & weep. So he slipped you off in a sleep, and left us here to weep. You are never Forgotten & Forever will be Loved.

We miss your returning love, All Our Love Daddy.

All our Love,

Your wife of 63 years Henrietta & Loving Daughter Jennifer Eberhardt & Family

Nation/State/Local ◆ A5

Thursday, May 13, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

Obama: Afghan war will worsen before getting better

By ANNE GEARAN Associated Press WASHINGTON — The war in Afghanistan will get worse before it gets better, President Barack Obama warned on Wednesday, but he declared his plan to begin withdrawing U.S. forces next year remains on track.

Standing alongside Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Obama said, “What I’ve tried to emphasize is the fact that there is going to be some hard fighting over the next several months.” The two

leaders spoke at a White House news conference as U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan prepare to push hard into the Taliban’s birthplace in Kandahar province in June. The campaign for Kandahar, already under way in districts outside the city, is expected to be among the bloodiest of the nearly 9-year-old war.

“There is no denying the progress,” Obama said. “Nor, however, can we deny the very serious challenges still facing Afghanistan.”

Karzai’s warm White House

welcome followed months of sniping and frustration over management of the war and about fraud allegations surrounding Karzai’s re-election last year. Both leaders said disagreements are normal with so much at stake.

“There are moments when we speak frankly to each other, and that frankness will only contribute to the strength of the relationship,” Karzai said with a smile.

The United States has taken “extraordinary measures” to

avoid civilian deaths in the war, Obama said, a nod to Karzai’s loud complaints last year that U.S. airstrikes were killing innocents and making enemies of those who might be friends.

“I do not want civilians killed,” Obama said, adding that he is ultimately accountable when they are.

Heavy restrictions on when U.S. warplanes can fire at suspected militants are among the changes to war policy installed by the general Obama sent last year to turn around the war.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, facing Obama and Karzai in the front row Wednesday, has said he is willing to let a few killers slip away if it means saving civilian lives. Insurgents often hide among civilians, taking over homes or using refuge provided willingly by sympathizers.

Obama accepted McChrystal’s argument that either way, killing the other people in a house only breeds resentment and makes it harder to argue that the U.S.backed government in Kabul is on their side.

Gas prices appear poised to fall

FARM DAY

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levy would be double taxation. Maples appealed the bill, a process that took him before a Department of Revenue employee charged with deciding if his employer improperly charged Maples. He lost.

“We have no other choice but to file a lawsuit,” Maples said.

Given that legal action is pending, the momentum may be behind Maples. That’s because the Tennessee Court of Appeals has previously ruled in favor of the hoteliers in such cases.

The most recent instance of the matter coming that Maples could find was 2000, when the owners of the Clubhouse Inn in Nashville and Knoxville filed suit against the state after they were sent a post-audit bill totaling $81,239. The hoteliers won that case both in Davidson County Chancery Court and at the Tennessee Court of Appeals, which issued the final order that the state

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“More like $45,000,” he answered.

Master Gardeners Lois English and Anne Lewis got a kick out of hearing some of the children’s questions.

“It’s amazing that some of the kids don’t know a lot of their vegetables,” English said. “One asked, ‘What kind of chicken lays an eggplant?’”

repay the fees assessed of the properties.

As Maples waits to see if he’ll have some money coming back from Nashville, a movement is afoot to eliminate the question altogether.

Farr is pushing a change to state law that would require hotels to pay taxes on the food either at purchase or after the sale by breaking the meal out on the customer’s receipt.

While Revenue officials have projected the move could bring in as much as

$2 million annually — still a long way from filling the estimated $1 billion to $1.5 billion budget shortfall the state is currently facing — Maples worries it may actually have the opposite effect of taking money out of the state’s coffers and his own pockets.

“It’s the best way to potentially lose more than you gain. It’s a way to make not just the state a loser, but also the local governments a loser,” Maples said. “Eventually folks will say, ‘We’re going

n ebrown@themountainpress.com

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weeks for the full effects to be reflected in pump prices, which average $2.90 nationwide.

By summer, the nationwide average could be below last summer’s peak of around $2.70 a gallon, says Tom Kloza of Oil Price Information Service. In July 2008, the retail price of regular gasoline peaked at $4.11.

Economists say the coming drop in energy costs will not have a significant impact on overall consumer spending or economic growth. But motorists will feel better having a little more money to save or spend on clothes, dinner or a summer vacation.

From their peaks on May 3, oil prices have declined by 13 percent to $75.65 a barrel.

Wholesale gasoline prices have declined by 9 percent to $2.21 a gallon.

No decision in Knoxville murder case KNOXVILLE (AP) — A Knox County Criminal Court jury has deliberated for a day without a verdict in the murder case against Vanessa Coleman, the last of four defendants to be tried in the torture murder of a young Knoxville couple in 2007.

At midday Wednesday, jurors asked Judge Richard Baumgartner to explain the phrase “criminal responsibility.” to go somewhere else because we don’t want to have to pay the rates in Tennessee.’” n dhodges@themountainpress.com

If Coleman — of Lebanon, Ky. — is convicted of involvement in the killing of 21-year-old Channon Christian and her 23-yearold boyfriend Christopher Newsom, she could be sentenced to death.

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seen a garden.”

Briana Sarson and Brittney Melton of Seymour Intermediate teacher Connie Fair’s class were fascinated by the horse in the barn.

So were Mize’s students Chase Kling, Jacob Krane and Jacob Medley, who were also impressed by the donkey, sheep and

cow.

Student Sophia Cantrell enjoyed learning about the cornmeal grinder and a bulldozer used for forest fires.

“Ever been on a tractor?”

SCHS FFA member Randy Cox asked one student as she settled into the seat of a Case International.

She shook her head.

“Any idea how much this costs?”

“One million dollars?” she guessed.

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Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press

Seymour Intermediate School students visit with a horse during Farm Day at the Sevier County Fairgrounds on Wednesday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Gas prices are poised to fall as Memorial Day approaches, a welcome change for motorists who have gotten used to seeing increases cut into their summer vacation money.

Experts who had been predicting a national average of more than $3 per gallon

by Memorial Day now say prices have likely peaked just beneath that threshold. Rising supplies and concerns about the global economy have helped send wholesale gasoline prices plummeting by 22 cents a gallon since last week.

“Gasoline supplies are about as good as they’ve ever been going into the summer driving season,” says oil analyst Phil Flynn of PFGBest in Chicago.

The decline in prices is starting to filter down to motorists, but it will take several

A6 ◆

The Mountain Press ◆ Thursday, May 13, 2010

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n

SEVIERVILLE

High school to host yard sale

Sevier County High School’s Community Service Club is hosting a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Anyone can rent a $20 parking space from the school; $50 for three spaces.

Money raised from space rental fees will go to the school;sellers keep their receipts.

For more information or sign-up, contact Nancy Hewitt at 607-0032 or Nichole Indelicato at 805-5401, or e-mail to nicholemarie@comcast.net. n

NATIONAL PARK

Bumblebee event planned Saturday

Researchers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park are inviting people to volunteer as citizen scientists on Saturday and join park biologists and educators in collecting scientific data on bumblebees in the national park.

Volunteers will discover and identify bumblebees from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will learn where to monitor bumblebees, safely collect and release the insects, and identify different species.

Reservations are necessary and participation is limited to 16 (children 12 and under must bring an adult).

Contact ranger Susan Simpson at 436-1200, ext. 762. n

SEVIERVILLE

SCHS Class of ’50 schedules reunion

Sevier County classmates of 1960 will have their reunion Aug. 28 at the River Plantation Conference Center, 1004 Parkway, beginning at 5 p.m.

For information call Flora Ketner 453-3688, Judy Douglass 453-9948 or Vivian Reagan, 4535789. n

SEVIERVILLE

New library to open on Friday

The grand opening of the King Family Library, 408 High St., is Friday with a ceremony and tours from 9 a.m. to noon.

The new library will close at noon and remain closed until Monday morning.

The Seymour and Kodak libraries will be closed on Friday.

For questions call 774-3246. n

SEVIER COUNTY

4-H summer camps available

Registration for the following 4-H camps is under way: n Junior 4-H Camp in Greeneville June 7-11; grades 4-6; cost $210 n 4-H Chef Camp at Walters State Sevierville June 28 –July 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $90 Call the 4-H office at 453-3695 for details. n

SEVIER COUNTY

SMARM offering free hot meals

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries will provide free hot meals Thursdays at two locations.

Meals will be offered from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville and at Kodak United Methodist Church in Kodak.

For more information, call 933-5996.

top state news

Lottery Numbers

Sales taxes up for first time in 2 years NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee lawmakers working to settle on a spending plan finally have some good news: The state’s monthly sales tax collections have grown for the first time in nearly two years.

Legislative leadership discussed the upcoming budget with Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen at their weekly breakfast in Nashville on Wednesday morning. The talks came as lawmakers learned that general fund collections came in at $51 million above expectations in April, which reflect eco-

nomic activity in the previous month.

Sales taxes, which account for two out of every three tax dollars collected by the state, grew by 5.6 percent, compared with the first nine months of the budget year, when they decreased by 4.1 percent. The last time Tennessee saw a growth in sales taxes was in May 2008.

Corporate franchise and excise taxes came in almost $48 million above expectations in the month.

Still, the state’s general fund was still about $154

TODAY’S FORECAST

LOCAL:

million below original projections for the budget year that ends June 30.

Senate Republicans have offered their alternative to revenue measures proposed by Bredesen that included a $2 increase in driver’s license fees, lifting a sales tax cap on big-ticket items and eliminating a tax exemption for the first $15 on cable bills.

The GOP plan would instead begin to phase out a 401(k) match program for state employees and eliminate a planned 3 percent bonus. It would also dis-

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“It’s my hope that the Obama administration doesn’t think the ideal Supreme Court nominee is someone who would rubber stamp its policies.

Americans want to know that Ms. Kagan will be independent, that she won’t prejudge cases based on her personal opinions, that she’ll treat every one equally, as the judicial oath requires.”

— U.S. Sen Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on President Barack Obama’s nomination of Solicitor Gen. Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court

“That was not part of our decision whatsoever.

It’s hotel space, the delegate experience — are we going to be able to accommodate the media; will the venue hold what we need it to hold?”

— Republican National Committee member Holly Hughes after Tampa was chosen to host the 2012 GOP presidential convention

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Locally a year ago:

The staff of Sevier County Extension will hold an open house today at its new Sevier County office, 752 Old Knoxville Highway.

The office has moved from the courthouse to the Fairgrounds where the old senior center was located.

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Explosions at a fireworks warehouse in the Netherlands killed 22 people and injured nearly 1,000 others. n

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In 1607, English colonists arrived by ship at the site of what became the Jamestown settlement in Virginia.

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On May 13, 1940, in his first speech as prime minister of Britain, Winston Churchill told Parliament, “I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.”

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mantle the Career Ladder program for teachers established by former Republican Gov. Lamar Alexander.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville told reporters after the breakfast that House Democrats have concerns about the GOP plan — particularly eliminating the bonus — and would prefer to stick to a budget proposal they put together last year.

“We put ... a three-year plan in place last year and we’re trying to stay the course,” Turner said.

Five years ago:

The Pentagon proposed the most sweeping changes to its network of military bases in modern history.

The president of Mexico, Vicente Fox, praised the dedication of Mexicans working in the United States, saying they were willing to take jobs that “even blacks” wouldn’t do, a statement that prompted criticism in the U.S. n

Thought for today:

“So you think that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever asked what is the root of money?” — Ayn Rand, Russian-born author (1905-1982).

Celebrities in the news n

Sean Penn

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean Penn pleaded no contest to vandalism on Wednesday, effectively ending a case in which the Oscarwinning actor was videotaped kicking a celebrity photographer.

P e n n was not Penn present in court and entered the plea through his attorney.

He was sentenced to three years of informal probation and ordered to perform 300 hours of community service, said city attorney’s spokesman Frank Mateljan.

Mateljan says those hours can be completed through Penn’s earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti.

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 ■ Thursday, May 13, 2010

commentary

Let adults gamble if they want to Some of us like to gamble. Americans bet a hundred million dollars every day, and that’s just at legal places like Las Vegas and Indian reservations. Much more is bet illegally.

So authorities crack down. They raided a VFW branch that ran a poker game for charity. They ban lotteries, political futures markets and sports betting. They raid truck stops to confiscate video poker machines. Why? Chad Hills of Focus on the Family says: “These machines have been shown to be extremely addictive. That’s a huge concern, primarily for kids, because it’s hard to keep them away.”

Well, I certainly agree kids shouldn’t gamble, and some people do wreck their lives. But why can’t adults be left to do what we want to do?

Hills and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., both eager to ban gambling, talk about “addiction” leading to bankruptcy, crime and suicide.

I’m skeptical. People are responsible for the consequences of their bad habits. I thought Focus on the Family and conservatives like Kyl believed in self-responsibility.

Professional poker player Andy Bloch points out that, legal or not, gambling already goes on everywhere. Prohibition doesn’t rid society of an activity. It drives it underground, where it’s less visible and less subject to respectable social conventions.

As for people getting into trouble, Bloch noted that after online gaming was legalized in the United Kingdom, “they found that there was no significant increase in the number of problem gamblers.”

Hills, on the other hand, claims that a 2006 anti-Internet gaming law reduced gambling. “People say this drives gambling underground,” he added. “I’m like, good, drive it underground.”

I point out that people still find the gambling sites.

“But it makes it extremely difficult. You have to be fairly desperate to do it.”

I doubt that anyone who wants to gamble illegally has trouble doing it. And let’s not forget the official corruption that black markets encourage. Law-enforcement people take bribes to look the other way. It’s an old story.

Hills claims that the 1999 National Gambling Impact Study concluded that 15 million Americans are problem and pathological gamblers. But like many people who want to ban things, he distorts the data.

The study’s 15 million “problem gamblers” included people who might get in trouble.

“Ninety-nine percent of the American public has no problem with gambling,” Bloch says. “They should have the freedom to gamble if they want to gamble online. There is no casino that is being forced into people’s homes.”

By the way, Hills said he’d oppose legal gambling even if it weren’t associated with wrecked lives. Why? “Gambling is the art and the science of deception that feeds on the exploitation of human weakness for the sole purpose of monetary gain.”

To that, I say, so what? Will they ban the stock market next? Filmmaking is the art and science of deception. Poker is just a game where deception and bluffing are the skills.

For self-responsible adults, gambling can be fun and harmless. A free country is supposed to treats adults as though we are selfresponsible. Government should let us learn from our mistakes rather than treat us like children.

Despicably, while government outlaws private gambling (at least that which competes with the well-connected casino interests), it runs its own gambling operations: state lotteries. And what a scam they are! States offer terrible odds. The evil casinos take about 1.4 percent of each bet at the craps table.

State lotteries take 50 percent of each bet.

Compounding the damage, states spend tax money to promote their lotteries to the poor, who are led to believe that the lottery, rather than hard work, is the route to becoming millionaires. Rich people buy few tickets.

So governments push their own inferior games while outlawing better ones run by private business. That’s insane. People gamble anyway, criminals get involved, and by forcing Internet gambling offshore, America loses a $12 billion industry.

In “On Liberty,” John Stuart Mill wrote, “Over himself and over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.”

Sovereign. Hear that, busybody politicians?

— John Stossel hosts a show on the Fox Business Channel and is the author of “Myth, Lies, and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel — Why Everything You Know is Wrong.” (C)2009 JFS Productions Inc.

Editorial

Boredom not an option

Plenty to do around the county this weekend, so take part No matter where teenagers live, they always complain there is nothing to do in their town. It’s probably just a teen thing, but any young person who lives in Sevier County who believes that hasn’t looked very hard for entertainment and activities.

This weekend, for example, may be the most event-filled weekend of the year. From Sevierville to Gatlinburg there is something to experience, and almost all of it is free.

Gatlinburg hosts its annual Fine Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday on the aquarium plaza and along River Road. Some of the best arts and crafts makers in the South will be on hand selling their goods, and there will be a special children’s area where kids can paint a mural and learn how to make interesting and creative items. The

booths will be open during the day.

This is always a special event, owing to the quality of the exhibitors and the street festival atmosphere.

Over in Sevierville you can enjoy the annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass downtown. This year’s festival will be held around the courthouse from 5-10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. It will feature top barbecue vendors, competition for a barbecue championship and bluegrass music, including the next-to-last performance of the Dan Tyminski Band.

There’s no cost for admission to the festival or to hear the bands. People will also be able to shop among crafters, barbecue suppliers and floral vendors along Bruce Street.

Also in Gatlinburg is the annual Scottish Festival & Games from Friday

through Sunday at Mills Park near the high school. This event, which has a paid admission, includes a dog show, Scottish games, music, food and more.

You can soak up the culture of a society with interesting customs and traditions. It’s lots of fun, as well.

There are other things to do as well.

A free health fair will be held from 8-11 a.m. Saturday at Eusabia Presbyterian Church, 1701 Burnett Station Road in Seymour. Sevier County Choral Society’s spring concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville and 4 p.m.

Sunday at Gatlinburg Presbyterian (admission is free; donations appreciated). The weekend also includes the usual assortment of charity yard sales.

No need or excuse to be bored this weekend. Even if you’re a teenager.

Political view

Public forum To many people, God is not driving force in their lives

Editor: As I watch this drama over The Lord’s Prayer unfold, I cannot help but reflect on how we as a nation have come to this place. It never used to be a problem to start a public meeting with a Christian prayer; our Founding Fathers always did and until recent times every opening session of the House and Senate was started by a Christian prayer.

So what has changed; who is responsible for this change? There isn’t one single answer, but the most obvious one is the departure of the citizens of this nation from the Godly principles that it was founded upon.

Oh, I know the statistics, the number of people who believe in God far outweigh those who don’t, but as James stated in chapter 2 verse 19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” To far too many, God is just a good idea, but not the driving force behind their lives, and in the end their fate may be no different than the devils in hell. Sure, we are a Christian nation, but for the most part it is in name only.

We as Christians must let Christ and his words influence us before we can truly say that we are “Christ-like.” That is what Christian means.

Christians have been more concerned with material things than eternal things.

They have voted for the candidate who promises them financial stability over preserving Godly standards, in essence saying, “God, we put our trust in man to meet our needs we can’t trust You.” Just as the Founding Fathers brought their Christian values to the table when writing the Constitution, so it goes when we elect lawmakers to office who hold values contrary to our Founding Fathers, and little by little we have put people in office who see our Constitution as an outdated document that needs to go. This is not speculation; this is fact.

A congressman stated recently, when ask about the constitutionality of this new health care bill, that he didn’t care about the constitution, he cared about people.

Why does he think men and women have died for this Constitution if it wasn’t good for the people of this nation?

By in large, most of our leaders in Washington care only about themselves and getting your vote by making promises you want hear. Why should Christians be so surprised when we put a fox in the hen house and he starts eating the chickens?

That’s just his nature.

When organizations like Americans United start demanding the destruction of our heritage, we as Christians act like we have been blindsided when we are the ones mostly to blame. I don’t know if we will ever be the nation we were, but I for one, with God’s help, will continue to herald the “The Old Standards.”

Mike Quilliams Gatlinburg

Jones Cove community earns thank you for event support

Editor: To the Jones Cove community, your participation at the Jones Cove Pioneer Dinner on April 16 was wonderful and made the dinner even more successful than I thought possible. We greatly appreciate those that baked desserts, cornbread or brought auction items; helped set up for the event; served; or just showed up. It is very heartwarming to see a community come out to support students in their efforts.

Thank you also to the following musicians: Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier, Rita and Mitch Fine, and Marty Proffitt and Andrew Whaley. We appreciate you all taking time out of your schedules to provide an evening of great entertainment.

We need to also send a special thank you to the following candidates for joining us and making our auction so successful for this eighth-grade class. Thank you to Jim Bishop, Greg Bullock, Warren Hurst, Jimmy Maples, Dale Noland, Mike Oakley, Ron Seals, Larry Waters, Max Watson and Tommy Watts.

The outpouring of support and dedication of students and staff at Jones Cove School has made this educational and memorable trip a reality. Thanks to all of you for your help. May God bless you.

L. Jelayne Moore 8th Grade Sponsor Jones Cove School

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

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■ The Mountain Press ■ A8 ■ Thursday, May 13, 2010

PREP HARDBALL

Jason Davis/The Mountain Press

The Sevier County Smoky Bears baseball team, along with their coaches, managers and bat boys pose for a photo after clinching their first district baseball title since the 1968 team that went to the state final four. The Bears will continue play in the region tournament Monday at home.

District Champions Flynn homers twice in 10-run 1st inning; SCHS rolls on

By JASON DAVIS Sports Editor

Jason Davis/The Mountain Press

Zach Flynn watches his second home run of the first inning clear the center field wall. Flynn ended the game 3-for-4 with five RBIs.

SEVIERVILLE — A leadoff home run by Jefferson County’s Bo Ausmus that gave his team a brief 1-0 lead was the closest the Patriots would get to the district title Wednesday night at Cliff Davis Field.

The Sevier County Smoky Bears (30-8) would come back with a vengeance in the bottom of the inning, putting up 10 runs — including two long-distance bombs from all-state senior Zach Flynn — to storm ahead for good and eventually win 13-6.

“I couldn’t be prouder for these young men,” SCHS coach Lance Traywick said. “I talked to them before this game about things we needed to do to win. Intensity, we had to match their intensity, plate discipline, and we needed to keep our poise when they made a run, and we did. The boys kept their poise and they continued to execute and play.”

Flynn’s first homer of the inning was a three-run blast to center, and his second big fly was a two-run shot.

Add into the inning a two-run double from fellow senior Michael Farragut, a two-run single from junior Kelby Carr, and another score on a

Jason Davis/The Mountain Press

Seniors Brandon Houser and Michael Farragut hug after the final out is recorded.

Patriot error, and the Bears were up 10-1.

But, as the Pats often do, they answered with some fireworks of their own, touching up starter Brandon Houser for four runs in the top of the third to cut the lead to five at 10-5.

But the Purple and White would add another run in the fourth on an

Austin Solomon fielder’s choice, and two more in the fifth — one on a Charlie Fields’ RBI-double, and the other on a Kyle Pope hit-by-pitch with the bases juiced.

The Patriots did manage another run in the sixth, but couldn’t make it any closer.

As Houser recorded the final out of the game on a flyout, the Bears’ fiveyear journey to baseball respectability took a giant step.

“This is not just about these players that are on this team right now,” Traywick said. “This is a culmination of years of hard work. A lot of players came before these young men to help pay the price for this program. This is a program win, this is to be shared by a whole lot of people.”

With Prince’s “Purple Rain” blaring on the P.A., the team congratulated each other on a job well done, but reminded one another with the same breath that the job wasn’t finished.

Now the Bears will be in region play.

“We play Monday night at Sevier County High School,” Traywick said “And I believe it’s going to be Davey Crockett (High School).”

Look for details in upcoming issues of The Mountain Press.

PREP SOCCER

NFL GRIDIRON

Seymour tops Bears, plays for 2-AAA title Friday

Titans deliver on owner’s promise

By TERESA M. WALKER AP Sports Writer

By COBEY HITCHCOCK Sports Writer SEVIERVILLE — With both teams facing elimination, it was as if neither soccer squad ever wanted their season to end.

But near the end of the third overtime period, Seymour junior soccer hero Corbin Marine finally hit a bank shot off the left post and in from about 30 yards out for a 1-0 Eagles win over the homestanding Sevier County High School Smoky Bears in a District 2-AAA Tournament semi-final clash Wednesday night.

“I don’t even have words for it right now,” said firstyear Seymour soccer coach Drew Payne, following the marathon contest. “These guys believed in a new system, they believed in each

Cobey Hitchcock/The Mountain Press

Seymour senior goal keeper Chris Ballard made one of his many nice saves in a 1-0 triple-OT shutout over the homestanding SCHS Bears. other ..., and they came out here and fought hard for each other. We didn’t use a lot of subs, so a lot of these guys had to give it their all for a long, long time, and I’m so proud of them.”

For the Bears, whose sea-

son came to a sudden heartwrenching end, it was the first loss to Seymour since at least 2003.

Seymour next plays SouthDoyle for the district tournament title 7 p.m. Friday at the SCHS Soccer Complex.

If Seymour wins the championship, the Eagles will host a region tournament contest. If they lose, they will advance to a road region tourney contest. chitchcock@themountainpress.com

NASHVILLE — The flood-beaten ticket booth washed away from a resort and was carried miles across town by raging waters until it came to rest upside down in someone’s backyard — until Vince Young and some of his Tennessee teammates arrived.

They broke it apart and carried the sodden chunks of wood up to the street to be taken away.

Skilled carpenters they’re not. Strong with plenty of enthusiasm? Yes. The Titans delivered Wednesday the help to flood victims promised by owner Bud Adams last week. The team took a break from their offseason program, and nearly 80 employees, coaches and players hit the streets a short drive from the Titans’ offices. They didn’t look that different from other volunteers throughout town wearing masks and sweating from all the hard work.

Donald Meadows, who lost his ticket to the 2000 Super Bowl and other Titans’ memorabilia collected over the years when Richland Creek flooded his small home, didn’t recognize them until he saw coach Jeff Fisher.

“I told him personally, ’Jeff I really appreciate it.

Of all the places in Nashville you could’ve went ... to come down to the low-rent district and help these folks, that’s good,”’ Meadows said.

The storms May 1-2 that flooded Tennessee killed 22 people with an early damage total for Nashville alone already at $1.5 billion and rising fast, not counting the devastation in 51 other counties. Adams donated $200,000 from his foundation last week with the NFL and the NFL Players Association matching that amount.

——— On the Net: Hands On Nashville: http://www.hon.org/ HomePage/index.php/ home.html

Sports â—† A9

Thursday, May 13, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

SCOREBOARD Milwaukee Chicago Pittsburgh Houston

tv sports Today

AUTO RACING 8 a.m.

SPEED — Formula One, practice for Grand Prix of Monaco GOLF 9:30 a.m.

TGC — European PGA Tour, Open Cala Millor Mallorca, first round, at Majorca, Spain 12:30 p.m.

TGC — Nationwide Tour, BMW Charity Pro-Am, first round, at Spartanburg, S.C.; Greer, S.C.; and Mill Spring, N.C. 3 p.m.

TGC — PGA Tour, Texas Open, first round, at San Antonio 6:30 p.m.

TGC — LPGA, Bell Micro Classic, first round, at Mobile, Ala. (same-day tape) NBA BASKETBALL 8 p.m.

ESPN — Playoffs, conference semifinals, game 6, Cleveland at Boston SOCCER 9 p.m.

ESPN2 — MLS, Houston at Real Salt Lake

pro hardball National League East Division

Philadelphia Washington New York Atlanta Florida

W 20 19 18 16 16

L 12 15 16 18 18

Pct GB .625 — .559 2 .529 3 .471 5 .471 5

St. Louis Cincinnati

W L Pct GB 20 13 .606 — 19 15 .559 1 1/2

Central Division

15 15 14 11

19 20 20 21

.441 5 1/2 .429 6 .412 6 1/2 .344 8 1/2

W San Diego 20 San Francisco 18 Los Angeles 16 Colorado 15 Arizona 14

L 12 13 17 17 20

Pct .625 .581 .485 .469 .412

West Division

GB — 1 1/2 4 1/2 5 7

——— Tuesday’s Games Cincinnati 9, Pittsburgh 0 N.Y. Mets 8, Washington 6 Florida 3, Chicago Cubs 2 Atlanta 11, Milwaukee 3 Houston 6, St. Louis 3 Philly at Colorado, ppd., rain L.A. Dodgers 13, Arizona 3 San Diego 3, San Francisco 2 Wednesday’s Games Cincinnati 5, Pittsburgh 0 Atlanta 9, Milwaukee 2 Washington 6, N.Y. Mets 4 Chicago Cubs 4, Florida 3 Philly at Colorado, 3:10 p.m., 1st game Houston at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m.

Philly at Colorado, 8:40 p.m., 2nd game L.A.Dodgers at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.

San Diego at San Fran, 10:15 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Houston (Norris 1-4) at St. Louis (Carpenter 4-0), 1:40 p.m.

San Diego (Latos 2-3) at San Fran (J.Sanchez 2-2), 3:45 p.m.

N.Y.Mets (J.Santana 3-2) at Florida (Jo.Johnson 3-1), 7:10 p.m.

Washington (Lannan 1-2) at Colorado (J.Chacin 2-0), 8:40 p.m.

Friday’s Games Pitt. at Chic. Cubs, 2:20 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Florida, 7:10 p.m.

St. Louis at Cincinnati, 7:10 p.m.

Arizona at Atlanta, 7:35 p.m.

Philly at Milwaukee, 8:10 p.m.

Washington at Colorado, 9:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at San Diego, 10:05 p.m.

Houston at San Fran, 10:15 p.m.

SPORTS BRIEFS

American League East Division

Tampa Bay New York Toronto Boston Baltimore

W 23 21 20 18 9

L 10 11 16 17 24

Pct .697 .656 .556 .514 .273

Minnesota Detroit Chicago Cleveland Kansas City

W 22 19 14 12 11

L 12 14 20 18 22

Pct GB .647 — .576 2 1/2 .412 8 .400 8 .333 10 1/2

Oakland Texas Los Angeles Seattle

W 18 18 15 13

L 15 15 20 19

Pct .545 .545 .429 .406

Central Division

West Division

GB — 1 1/2 4 1/2 6 14

GB — — 4 4 1/2

——— Tuesday’s Games Seattle 5, Baltimore 1 N.Y. Yankees at Detroit, ppd., rain Boston 6, Toronto 1 Oakland 7, Texas 6, 13 innings Chicago White Sox 5, Minnesota 2 Cleveland 8, Kansas City 2 Tampa Bay 7, L.A. Angels 2 Wednesday’s Games Detroit 2, N.Y. Yankees 0, 1st game Minnesota 3, Chicago White Sox 2 Toronto 3, Boston 2 N.Y. Yankees at Detroit, 7:05 p.m., 2nd game Seattle at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels, 7:05 p.m.

Oakland at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Cleveland at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Seattle (F.Hernandez 2-3) at Baltimore (Millwood 0-4), 12:35 p.m.

N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 4-1) at Detroit (Verlander 3-2), 1:05 p.m.

Oakland (Sheets 2-3) at Texas (C.Wilson 3-1), 2:05 p.m.

Cleveland (D.Huff 1-4) at

Kansas City (Greinke 0-4), 2:10 p.m.

Friday’s Games Boston at Detroit, 7:05 p.m.

Cleveland at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.

Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Texas at Toronto, 7:07 p.m.

Seattle at Tampa Bay, 7:10 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Kansas City, 8:10 p.m.

Oakland at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

Southern League North Division

W L Tennessee (Cubs) 21 11 Huntsville (Brewers) 17 15 West Tenn (Mariners) 16 16 Chattanooga (Dodgers) 15 18 Carolina (Reds) 12 20

Pct. GB .656 — .531 4 .500 5 .455 6 1/2 .375 9

W L Jacksonville (Marlins) 22 10 Montgomery (Rays) 17 14 Mobile (D-backs) 17 16 Mississippi (Braves) 16 17 Birmingham (W. Sox) 8 24

Pct. GB .688 — .548 4 1/2 .515 5 1/2 .485 6 1/2 .250 14

South Division

——— Wednesday’s Games West Tenn 4, Mobile 3 Chattanooga 5, Mississippi 4 Jacksonville 3, Birmingham 1 Huntsville at Montgomery, 8:05 p.m.

Carolina at Tennessee, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Birmingham at Jacksonville, 7:05 p.m.

Huntsville at Montgomery, 8:05 p.m.

Mobile at West Tenn, 8:05 p.m.

Mississippi at Chattanooga, 7:15 p.m.

Carolina at Tennessee, 7:15 p.m.

Friday’s Games Birmingham at Jacksonville, 7:05 p.m.

Huntsville at Montgomery, 8:05 p.m.

Mobile at West Tenn, 8:05 p.m.

Mississippi at Chattanooga, 7:15 p.m.

Carolina at Tennessee, 7:15 p.m.

a u to raci n g at a g l a n ce

NASCAR SPRINT CUP Autism Speaks 400 Site: Dover, Del. Schedule: Friday, practice (Speed, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), qualifying (3-4:30 p.m.); Saturday, practice (Speed, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.); Sunday, race, 1 p.m. (FOX, noon-5 p.m.).

Track: Dover International Speedway (oval, mile).

Race distance: 400 miles, 400 laps.

Last year: Jimmie Johnson raced to the second of his seven 2009 victories en route to his fourth straight season title, rebounding from a late pit-stop problem to catch Tony Stewart with two laps left. Johnson led 298 of 400 laps. He also won the September race on the highbanked concrete oval, leading 271 laps.

Last week: Denny Hamlin became the first driver in 17 years to sweep the Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Darlington Raceway.

The Joe Gibbs Racing star has three victories — two since knee surgery — in the last six races.

Fast facts: Talladega winner Kevin Harvick tops the standings with 1,622 points, 110 more than Johnson. ...

Johnson, 38th at Darlington after a hard wreck, leads active drivers with five Dover victories. He’s tied with Hamlin for the series victory lead with three. ...

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is winless in 68 races and has only one victory in 83 starts for Hendrick Motorsports. He has 18 career Sprint Cup wins.

Next race: NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, May 22, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. On the Net: http://www. nascar.com ——— NATIONWIDE Heluva Good! 200 Site: Dover, Del. Schedule: Friday, practice (ESPN2, 1-3 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 10-11:30 a.m.), race, 2:30 p.m. (ABC, 2-5 p.m.).

Track: Dover International Speedway (oval, mile).

Race distance: 200 miles, 200 laps.

Last year: Brad Keselowski raced to the first of his four 2009 series victories, shooting past Kyle Busch and Joey Logano on a restart with two laps left.

Last week: Denny Hamlin won at Darlington Raceway, pulling away from Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Busch over

the final five laps. Hamlin, also the winner of the Sprint Cup race Sunday, has won his last three Nationwide starts at Darlington.

Fast facts: Keselowski leads the season standings, 55 points ahead of defending champion Busch.

Keselowski won consecutive races last month at Talladega and Richmond. Busch has a series-high three victories. ...

Jason Keller is attempting to qualify for his record 500th start. Driving for startup team Tri-Star Motorsports, the 10-time series winner has failed to qualify for three of the first 10 races this season. ... Clint Bowyer won the September race at the track.

Next race: Tech-Net Auto Service 300, May 29, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. On the Net: http://www. nascar.com ——— CAMPING WORLD TRUCKS Dover 200 Site: Dover, Del. Schedule: Thursday, practice; Friday, qualifying (Speed, 10-11:30 a.m., 4:30-6 p.m.), race, 4:45 p.m.

(Speed, 8-11 p.m.).

Track: Dover International Speedway (oval, mile).

Race distance: 200 miles, 200 laps.

Last year: Brian Scott raced to his first NASCAR victory.

Front-running Kyle Busch faded to ninth after hitting the wall with 17 laps left.

Last race: Johnny Sauter won May 2 at Kansas Speedway, holding off Ron Hornaday Jr. after they made late contact and saved their trucks in tire-smoking slides.

Fast facts: Timothy Peters, the winner of the seasonopening race at Daytona, has a 22-point lead over Todd Bodine in the standings. ...

The 51-year-old Hornaday is fourth, 97 points behind Peters. Hornaday won his series record fourth title last season, winning six races for Kevin Harvick Inc. ...

Elliott Sadler is driving the No. 2 Chevrolet in place of Harvick, the winner at Atlanta and Martinsville.

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May 21, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. On the Net: http://www. nascar.com ——— FORMULA ONE Monaco Grand Prix Site: Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Schedule: Thursday, practice (Speed, 8-9:30 a.m.); Saturday, practice and qualifying (Speed, 8-9:30 a.m.); Sunday, race, 8 a.m. (Speed, 7:30-10 a.m.).

Track: Circuit de Monaco (street course, 2.075 miles).

Race distance: 161.9 miles, 78 laps.

Last year: Jenson Button raced to the fifth of his six 2009 victories en route to the season championship, beating Brawn GP teammate Rubens Barrichello.

Last week: Red Bull’s Mark Webber had a comfortable wire-to-wire victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was second and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel third after McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton crashed with a lap left.

Fast facts: Button, the winner in Australia and China in his first season with McLaren, leads the standings with 70 points. Alonso, the Bahrain winner, is second with 67, followed

by Malaysia winner Vettel (60) and Webber (53). ...

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, driving for Ross Brawn-led Mercedes GP after a threeyear retirement, is ninth with 22 points. He has a record 91 victories, winning at Monaco in 1994, ’95, ’97, ’99 and 2001.

Next race: Turkish Grand Prix, May 30, Istanbul Speed Park, Istanbul.

On the Net: http://www.formula1.com ——— NHRA FULL THROTTLE NHRA Southern Nationals Site: Commerce, Ga. Schedule: Friday, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 8-10 p.m.); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 7-10 p.m.).

Track: Atlanta Dragway.

Last year: Morgan Lucas beat Spencer Massey in the Top Fuel final for his first career victory. Jack Beckman (Funny Car), Mike

Edwards (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won.

Last event: Tony Schumacher raced to his second Top Fuel victory of the season, beating Doug Kalitta in the Midwest Nationals on May 2 in Madison, Ill. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Warren Johnson (Pro Stock) and Michael Phillips (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won.

It was Johnson’s Pro Stockrecord 151st victory and first since 2007.

Fast facts: In 2008 at the track, Ashley Force Hood beat father John Force to become the first female driver to win a national Funny Car event. ... John Force has three victories this year to push his record total to 129.

The 60-year-old star, trying to add to his record 14 season championships, leads the Funny Car standings — 151 points ahead Matt Hagan. ...

In Top Fuel, Larry Dixon has a 41-point lead over Cory McClenathan. Dixon has three victories this year, one more than McClenathan. ...

Edwards, a three-time winner this year, has a 286-point lead in Pro Stock.

Next event: NHRA Summer Nationals, May 21-23, Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kan. On the Net: http://www.nhra. com ——— INDYCAR Next race: Indianapolis 500, May 30, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis.

Last race: Scott Dixon won for the second straight year at Kansas Speedway, leading the final 150 laps in the May 1 race. Dario Franchitti was second.

On the Net: http://www. indycar.com ——— OTHER RACES WORLD OF OUTLAWS: Sprint Car, Thursday-Friday, Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Saturday, Virginia Motor Speedway, Jamaica, Va. Late Model, Thursday, Delaware International Speedway, Delmar, Del.; Saturday, Hagerstown Speedway, Hagerstown, Md. On the Net: http://www.worldofoutlaws.com

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Join coach Jonathan Shultz and several PFHS Varsity Players for basketball camp this summer June 2-4, from 8:30 a.m.-noon at Pigeon Forge High School. Participants will learn individual fundamentals and team concepts while having fun participating in drills, competitions, and short scrimmages. All campers will receive a t-shirt and the camp will conclude with a devotional time followed by an awards ceremony. The cost of the camp is $50. Call Shultz at 789-2431 to register or for more information.

Bear Strength and Speed Camp

SCHS will host the Bear Strength and Speed Camp for rising 4th-8th grade boys and girls June 21-24 at the SCHS Football Fieldhouse from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. The camp is designed to implement an athletic foundation of physical improvement that will benefit the individual in any athletic arena. Coach Todd Loveday, athletic director at SCHS, is the camp coordinator. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Several hand-picked college athletes, as well as other coaches, will assist at the camp.

Cost is $50. For more information, contact Loveday at 453-5525 or 607-9573.

New Center boys’ basketball camp

There will be a boys’ basketball camp for all thirdthrough eighth-grade boys on June 1, 2, 3, and 4 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. daily. The cost is $50, and concessions will be available during the camp. For more information, call Brad Loveday at New Center School at 453-2123.

G-P basketball camp

The coach Placeres boys’ and girls’ basketball camp will be June 7 through 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $80, and it’s for players ages eight to 18. There will be daily games and scrimmages, and contests will be held with prizes awarded at the conclusion of camp. Participants will learn individual and team skills, and a popular UT Vol basketball player will be in attendance to talk and sign autographs on the final day of camp. The first 100 campers will be accepted. Deadline for registration is May 21. Call 256-2222 for more information.

PF Little League Football sign-ups

Sign-ups for the 2010 Pigeon Forge Tigers Little League Football season will be Saturday, May 15, at the PFHS Football field from 9 a.m. to noon. Children have to be at least age five by August 1, and no older than 11 by August 1. For new players, bring a copy of child’s birth certificate.

Children will learn the importance of hard work, teamwork, and leadership in an organized environment from dedicated personnel. Our teams have gone 46-11 over the past two seasons, with our Grasscutters (5-7 age) competing in the Super Bowl the last two years, and our Pee Wees (10-11 age) the reigning and defending Super Bowl Division 1 Champions.

Tiger Golf Tournament fundraiser

The 9th Annual Tiger Golf Tournament to fund the Pigeon Forge Middle and High School golf teams as well as The Tiger Golf Club scholarship fund, will be held 1 p.m., May 20, at Gatlinburg Golf Course. Lunch will be provided starting at noon. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, and individual hole prizes will aslo be given.

Participants are needed for either playing, sponsoring a hole, or donating a giveaway item. Contact Johnny Baker at 621-0925 or Chad Owenby at 774-5790.

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The New Center youth football teams will be holding sign-ups Tuesday, May 18, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the New Center School. Interested players must be ages five to 11.

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Comics ◆ A13

Thursday, May 13, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press Family Circus

Close to Home

Advice

Daughter upset mom won’t open eyes to middle-age brother’s drug addiction

Zits

Blondie

Baby Blues

Beetle Bailey

Dear Annie: My brother has been a drug addict for the better part of 30 years. When he comes off a binge, he usually loses a job, a car and sometimes his living arrangements. My mom always cleans up his messes. She lets him move in for several days so he can eat nonstop and sleep all day. She pays his traffic tickets and gets his car out of the impound lot. She has stood in line to get his food stamps and has taken him to buy food and clothing. When drugs caused my brother to lose most of his teeth in his late 40s, Mom spent several thousand dollars to have partials made to fit his mouth.

Both my sister and I suffer because Mom spends so much time trying to make him “better.”

Our dad died a few years ago, and Mom was lonely. Since I am single, without children, I moved in with her. The arrangement works well for both of us.

However, the last time my brother came to the house, I made a casual remark that he was undoubtedly eating so much because he was coming down from a drug high. My mother looked at me with pure hatred and told me that I am “ugly, horrible and rotten.” I said it isn’t fair that both my sister and I are not allowed to express our feelings about our brother’s drug use. Mom went on for another 15 minutes repeating how awful I am, and that I am so much worse than my brother.

She treats my sister the exact same way. How can I get Mom to see that by enabling one child, she is

deeply hurting the other two? -- At a Loss Dear At a Loss: Your mother is not ready to accept that her son is a drug addict and she is an enabler. Until she is, any negative comment you make about your brother will provoke her to defend him. Don’t criticize him. Instead, try to open Mom’s eyes to the harm she is doing not only to you, but to her son. Please contact Nar-Anon (nar-anon. org) for families and friends of drug addicts at 1-800- 477-6291, or Families Anonymous (familiesanonymous.org) at 1-800-736-9805.

Dear Annie: I am a single, childless 50-yearold woman. I’m in a dead-end job and looking to make changes in my life.

I want to go back to school, but do not have the time due to my work schedule. I would like to foster wild baby animals that are parentless and care for them until they are old enough to be set free. How can I find out about this line of work?

I do not own a home, so I am able to move out of state. -- Florida Dear Florida: Fostering wild animals requires training and can be expensive to do on your own. You might have better luck working with a wildlife organization or animal sanctuary.

Check online or in your phone book. You also can foster less exotic animals

t o d ay ’ s p u z z l e

Garfield

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

For Better Or Worse

Tina’s Groove

that need good, loving homes. Contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org), 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128-6804.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Wanda and Worried,” the 75-year-old widow who was dumped by her 78-year-old boyfriend.

She worries that she “is too old to start up with someone new.”

My mother died two years ago after 60 years of marriage. My father, now 89, has developed a wonderful relationship with a special lady friend who is 80 and lives in the same retirement community. It has given my father a new lease on life.

And what a joy for us to see him find a new companion after watching him lovingly care for our mother during the difficult last years of her life.

He is a wonderful role model for my five brothers.

Please tell Wanda to stop worrying and discover what new friendships may be waiting for her.

-- Janet Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

A14 ◆ Local

The Mountain Press ◆ Thursday, May 13, 2010

Cosby in the Park celebrates heritage

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 428-0748, ext. 214, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress.com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913.

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. 9335996.

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 Sevier County Intergovernmental Committee meeting has been postponed until noon May 24 at Damon’s.

TOPS

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

Health Fair

Community health fair 1-3 p.m., Wellington Place, 1020 Middle Creek Blvd. Healthcare professionals to have booths for medical assessments and information.

Blood Drive

Medic blood drive, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., National Park Service, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg.

Park Commission

Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Park Commission meeting 1:30 p.m., Twin Creeks Pavilion off Airport Road in Gatlinburg. 594-5442.

Revival at Waldens Creek United Methodist Church 7 p.m. today, 11 a.m. Sunday, with Ralph Alley of Fries, Va. Motorcycle ride to benefit Safe Harbor CAC begins at Harley-Davidson in Pigeon Forge. Registration 1 p.m.; ride 3 p.m. to Newport.

Pre-registration $20; day of event $25. 429-7424 or 654-7693.

Free Health Fair

Free health fair 8-11 a.m., Eusebia Presbyterian Church, 1701 Burnett Station Road in Seymour.

982-6332 or www.eusebiachurch.org.

Angel Food

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 Stanley Allen Coleman, 59, of Clabo Campground Lot 34 in Sevierville, was charged May 12 with DUI and disorderly conduct.

He was released on $2,000 bond. u Randolf W. Cooper, 25, of 201 Bogart Drive Apt. 10 in Sevierville, was charged May 11 with domestic violence assault. He was released on $1,500 bond. u Alisa Nell Davis, 32, of Hellier, Ky., was charged May 11 with domestic violence assault. She was being held. u Christopher H. Gerace, 30, of 160 Murrell Meadows in Sevierville, was charged May 11 with traffic violations and driving while revoked. He was released on $500 bond.

Yard sale at Community First Church of God, Chapman Highway in Seymour, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

CELL PHONE BILL TOO HIGH? Stay Connected for Less!

Blood Drive

Medic blood drive 1-5 p.m., Quality Plumbing & Mechanics, 405 Donavans Way, Kodak.

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Revival at Waldens Creek United Methodist Church 7 p.m. today and Saturday, 11 a.m. Sunday, with Ralph Alley of Fries, Va.

Annual: 1000

$

(Pre Paid Price $131.88)

Submitted

A basketmaking exhibit is part of Cosby in the Park, to be held Saturday at Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Cosby campground. to visit, especially this year after major renovaChapter 7 • BANKRUPTCY • Chapter 13 tions were completed on FREE CONSULTATION / PAYMENT PLANS the facilities,” said Park STOP: RELIEF: Superintendent Dale FORECLOSURES SAVE HOME-AUTO Ditmanson. “Visitors will LAWSUITS / COLLECTIONS GET A FRESH START appreciate the repairs REPOSSESSIONS DEBT ELIMINATE & CONSOLIDATE that were done to the PAYCHECK GARNISHMENT DEBT campground and other CREDITOR CALLS day use areas, paid (865)428-4794 428-5263 (865) with funding from the www.GoBankruptToday.com American Recovery and 320 Wears Valley Road Catherine B. Sandifer, Esq. Reinvestment Act. The admitted in Tennessee & Florida Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 major facelift resulted in “We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code” new, smooth road surfaces, freshly painted comfort stations, and updated roofs.”

ARRESTS

Angel Food pick-up: n 8-11 a.m., Gum Stand Baptist Church. 429-2508. n 8-10 a.m. First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. n 10 a.m. to noon, River of Life Outreach, Seymour.

679-6796. n 10:30 a.m. Kodak UMC, 2923 Bryan Road. 933-5996.

Credit card and EBT orders may be submitted online at www.angelfoodministires. com. n 8:30-9:30 a.m. Basic Life Ministry, 139 Bruce Street or location to be announced. 286-9784.

Church Yard Sale

friDAY, MAY 14

MON. - THURS. 9AM -10PM FRI. - SAT. 9AM -11PM

Waldens Creek UMC

Wears Valley community yard sale 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Wears Valley Road.

Maps provided by Wears Valley UMC and Rocky Top Country Store.

Angel Food orders: n 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kodak UMC, 2923 Bryan Road. 933-5996. Credit card and EBT orders may be submitted online at www.angelfoodministires. com.

Come by for all your wine & spirit needs.

Chevy Classic car show and bake sale, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Inn at Christmas Place.

Community Yard Sale

Angel Food

579-2675 or 577-5804

COSBY — Great Smoky Mountains National Park will hold the annual Cosby in the Park festival on Saturday at the Cosby campground.

Cosby in the Park, a partnership among Cocke County government, Great Smoky Mountains Association and the park, celebrates the cultural heritage of this area. The free event is scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The festivities take place in the campground amphitheater and the picnic area, both located along the Cosby campground entrance road. Free parking will be provided in campground Loop B. A full day of activities is planned that include Southern Appalachian music, hikes, presentations on local history and demonstrations on blacksmithing and metal working, quilting and other folk arts. Children will enjoy the sack races and other games that are planned.

“Cosby is a great place

Banner Baptist Church, Beech Branch Road, off the spur before the tunnel, 8 a.m. to 4 pm. yard sale today and Saturday to benefit youth charities fund.

Motorcycle Benefit

County Committee

7433 CHAPMAN HWY

Submitted report

Banner Baptist

Classic Car Show

Hot Meals

Smoky Mountain Wine & Spirits

Event is Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sevier County Choral Society spring concert 7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, Sevierville. Free.

saturDAY, MAY 15

THURSDAY, MAY 13

Waldens Creek UMC

Choral Society Concert

Quarterly:

Monthly:

(Pre Paid Price $35.97)

(Requires Credit Card Renewal)

1195

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TO THE VOTERS OF THE FIRST DISTRICT,

“Thanks, for supporting our papaw!”

JACKSON WILLIAM CASE & AVERY BLAKE AYERS

Thank you for your vote and support.

It has been an honor to serve you in the past and I will continue to do my best in the future.

Sincerely, Warren Hurst

u Steven Lynn McMahon, 53, of 848 Amy Lea in Sevierville, was charged May 12 with DUI. He was released on $1,500 bond. u Ervin New, 52, of 536 Pinnacle Vista Road in Sevierville, was charged May 11 with violation of a valid court order. He was being held. u Casey Willamson, 23, of 830 South Highway in Cosby, was charged May 11 with two counts of violation of probation, possession of a schedule IV substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held in lieu of $5,000 bond.