Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Page 1

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 138 ■ May 18, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Tuesday

Property tax likely to remain the same

INSIDE

By JEFF FARRELL Staff Writer

5Celebrities in the news Lebanese immigrant becomes 2010 Miss USA Page A6

Derek Hodges/The Mountain Press

Supporters of the County Commission’s practice of saying the Lord’s Prayer in its meetings met again outside the courthouse on Monday evening.

Prayer group small but spirited 5Bears go extra innings Sevier County tries to extend its season with some free baseball Sports, Page A8

Local

Titanic sails for United Way Pigeon Forge attraction to hold fundraiser on Thursday evening Page A3

Organizer remains pleased with numbers By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer SEVIERVILLE — While last month’s prayer rally before the County Commission meeting was something along the lines of a revival, Monday evening’s gathering was more like a much smaller family reunion. At the gathering, called among supporters of the commission’s practice of saying the Lord’s

Prayer in its meetings, old friends from congregations across the county hugged as they met and held hands as they prayed, bursting out in spontaneous song afterward as they had just weeks earlier. There was one big difference between Monday’s effort to circle the courthouse and last month’s, though: Monday’s had ends. Though event organizer and New Center Baptist Church Pastor Tony Sutton hoped to grow the congregation this month, the numbers actually went down. Sutton doesn’t believe that’s a sign the faithful

are growing weary, but rather that they might have glanced out the window before heading to the courthouse. “I’m still pleased with the crowd,” he said. “They said it was pouring down the rain in Pigeon Forge and I’m sure it was in other parts of the county. I would have loved to have more, but that’s just the way it worked out today.” In fact, one of the small line of reverends who took to a microphone attached to a pair of speakers set up on a porch on the east side of the courthouse refSee prayer, Page A5

SEVIERVILLE — Unless there’s some change in the budget before the board completes the next two readings of the ordinance, property tax rates here will remain the same. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved first reading of the budget Monday, putting it on schedule to be approved on final reading at the second regular meeting in June. The board has been reviewing the document at workshops before the last regular meeting and Monday’s meeting, and will hold another workshop before the June 7 meeting. The document calls for the city to dip into its reserve fund to meet its obligations, but does not call for an increase in property taxes. “All (personnel) positions have been preserved, none of the services have been cut, and there’s no tax increase,” City Administrator Steve See tax, Page A5

Park likely to euthanize bear that attacked Policy leaves no choice after human has suffered an injury

Weather Today

By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer

Partly Cloudy High: 73°

Tonight Partly Cloudy Low: 49° DETAILS, Page A6

Obituaries Susie Maples, 61 Samuel Galloway, 57 Mary Garneau, 85 Jeremy McNeal, 29 Mary Jo Wilson, 78 DETAILS, Page A4

Photo courtesy Mark Shelton

Index Local & State . . . . . A1-6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . A2 Money . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8 Classifieds . . . . . . A10-12 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . A13 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

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

National park wildlife official Rick Varner tranquilizes a bear cub believed to have bitten a visitor on the foot. The park will euthanize the bear once it confirms it was the same one that bit the park visitor.

NATIONAL PARK — It looks likely the bear that attacked a hiker on the Laurel Falls trail last week will be euthanized soon, with Smokies officials bound by National Park Service bear management policies. Anger toward the man involved in the incident may be somewhat misplaced, officials say. Park spokeswoman Nancy Gray explained Monday that Smokies biologists have no choice but to put down the bear, with worries similar to those that have led to laws requiring dogs that attack humans to be neutralized. The whole situation is a sad reminder of the adage among park staffers that, “A fed bear is a dead bear.” “It leaves no option for us when a bear has injured an individual,” Gray said. “In our bear management program there are methods established for how we deal with bears in different situations and circumstances. In a situation where a bear has threatened or harmed an individual, we don’t have any choice. There is a risk in allowing the bear to remain in the wild because we don’t know if it’s going to attack someone again if it is moved to another part of the park.” Park workers have captured the animal they believe is responsible for the attack and are working to conSee euthanize, Page A4

Interest in language of Cherokees sending home-schoolers to nationals By ELLEN BROWN Staff Writer Two Sevier County home-schooled students, Lydia Taylor and Maranda Vandergriff, recently competed in Tennessee History Day in Nashville — and they came back with the title of First Place of Senior Group Documentary. Their topic, “Talking Leaves: Innovation of the Written Language of the Cherokee Nation,” was inspired by the girls’ interest in the Native American tribe. “Being in ‘Sha-Kon-A-Hey!’ sparked my interest in the Indian lifestyle, and I’m always traveling through Cherokee, N.C.,” Lydia, 15, explained. “Sequoyah invented the Cherokee syllabary, which was the written language — they already had a spoken language. It’s very unique.”

Lydia asked Maranda, who she knew through acting in different area performances, if she’d like to partner for History Day. Since Maranda, also 15, had participated and placed in the competition before, she was happy to oblige. The girls made several trips to Cherokee for interviews, and Maranda visited the Library of Congress to examine original documents. She also visited Garrison Weekend in Fort Loudon, which was near the principal towns of the Cherokee Nation. They include Tenase, Tennessee’s namesake, and Tuskegee, birthplace of Sequoyah. The pair interviewed “a dozen or so” people, including several historians. Robert Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press J. Conley, a professor at Western Carolina University, was especially helpful, Lydia Home-schooled students Lydia Taylor, left, and Maranda Vandergriff are headed to National said. History Day at the University of Maryland for the week of June 13-17. See language, Page A5

A2 ◆ Local

The Mountain Press ◆ Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Dollywood, Dixie Stampede proceeds to help Music City Submitted report PIGEON FORGE — Dolly Parton announced plans Monday for Dolly Helps Nashville, a fundraiser this weekend, with net admission proceeds Saturday and Sunday from Dollywood and Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge earmarked for Music City flood relief efforts. Parton will make several appearances at various theaters and locations throughout Dollywood and at Dixie Stampede to greet guests. “I grew up in the Smokies in East Tennessee, which was my first home,” she said. “I moved to Nashville 46 years ago and that is my home now. I have family and friends in both places, and when one place hurts, I think it is just right for the other to help.” The net proceeds from admissions will go to a special fund to assist Nashville flood victims. “We’re especially going to concentrate on those folks who lost their homes

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

“I grew up in the Smokies in East Tennessee, which was my first home. I moved to Nashville 46 years ago and that is my home now. I have family and friends in both places, and when one place hurts, I think it is just right for the other to help.” — Dolly Parton

and personal possessions in this terrible flood,” she said. Davidson and three surrounding counties were declared federal disaster areas after record-breaking rainfall on May 1 and 2. Parton felt the impact of the natural disaster and organized Dolly Helps Nashville to aid those displaced by the flood. “So many of the folks from Nashville come to the Smokies to vacation; over the last 25 years, they have helped Dollywood, Dixie Stampede and Dollywood’s Splash Country and this entire vacation area grow,” Parton added. “That’s why it’s our turn to help.”

Parton is calling on other East Tennessee businesses and attractions to show their support as well. “I am challenging other businesses in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg to make this a destination-wide effort,” she said. Parton also issued a plea to her fans. “I want all of my fans worldwide to come to Dollywood the weekend of May 22 and 23,” Parton said. “If you can’t be there in person, then I hope you’ll donate to flood victims through the Dollywood Foundation online at www.dollyparton.com.”

27, of 1605 Country u John Edward Ramsey, Meadows Drive in 28, of 620 Branam Hollow Sevierville, was charged Road in Gatlinburg, was May 16 with violation of charged May 15 with probation. He was being criminal trespass and a held. misdemeanor warrant u Kristen Lie from general sessions Locklear-Placke, 24, of court .He was being held. Lawrenceburg, Ind., was u John Louis Struth IV, 36, of 1199 Robinson Gap Adams, 21, of 4803 Jones charged May 15 with theft of property. She Road in Sevierville, was Cove Road in Cosby, was charged May 16 with a charged May 16 with sim- was released on $1,500 bond. misdemeanor warrant ple possession and posu Domingo Martinez from general sessions session of drug paraphercourt and violation of nalia. He was released on Lopez, 23, of Cherokee, N.C., was charged May probation. He was being $2,500 bond. 15 with driving without held. u Bobbie Ray Baxter, a license and vandalism u Ashley Lynn Sutton, 26, 29, of 3029 Jess Wilson worth $500 to $1,000. He of 0f 507 Woovale Lane in Road Lot 34 in Pigeon was being held in lieu of Sevierville, was charged Forge, was charged May $5,000 bond. May 15 with worthless 17 with violation of prou Cleminto Gaona checks. She was released bation and a misdemeanLuna, 22, of Morristown, on $1,000 bond. or warrant from general was charged May 15 with u Joann Patrice Taylor, sessions court. He was driving on a suspended 27, of 1042 Ella Drive in being held. license and financial Sevierville, was charged u David Kent Bilbrey, responsibility law. He was May 15 with theft of 47, of Knoxville, was released on $1,500 bond. property. She was charged May 15 with u Edward Joseph released on $2,500 bond. harassment: phone call. u Brandon Scott True, He was released on $250 Martin, 23, of 390 East Parkway #114 in 23, of Erlanger, Ky., bond. Sevierville, was charged was charged May 15 u Joshua Lawrence with domestic violence Bradley, 28, of Cherokee, May 15 with unlawful drug paraphernalia/use assault. He was released N.C., was charged May and activities. He was on $3,000 bond. 15 with being a fugitive being held. u Robin Jeanen White, from justice. He was u Richard Andrew 47, of 802 union Dell being held. McCarter, 32, of 334 Court in Sevierville, was u Terry Thomas charged May 15 with Durham, 24, of Knoxville, Baskins Creek #109 in reckless driving, driving was charged May 15 with Gatlinburg, was charged May 17 with domestic while revoked and posharassment: phone call. He was released on $250 violence assault. He was session of a schedule II being held in lieu of substance. She was being bond. $2,500 bond. held. u Stefan Tanner Fox, 18, of 3621 Audrey Jo Lane in Sevierville, was Victory Baptist Academy charged May 16 with vioENROLLING NOW FOR 2010-2011 lation of probation. He was being held. Ministry of: u Jacob Zachary Gabel, Victory Baptist Church 1625 Old Newport Hwy. Sevierville, TN 37862

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Submarine Veterans

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Scholarship Concert

Annual Cristin Sutphin vocal music scholarship concert 7 p.m., Seymour High auditorium. $3 at door.

Library Movies

Recently released movies on wide screen, 6 p.m., Anna Porter Library, Gatlinburg. Free; bring popcorn and soft drinks. 436-5588.

AARP Driver Classes

Radio Service

Sevier County Emergency Radio Service, 7:30 p.m., EOC office on Bruce Street. 314-0899. www.freewebs. com/aresradio.

Hot Meals

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

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:15-6:30 p.m., First United Methodist Sevierville and Kodak United Methodist. 9335996.

Crewettes

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study:

Sevier County Crewettes meet 7 p.m. at Rescue Squad. 453-3861 or 4538572.

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

AARP driver safety classes noon-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Senior Center. 922-5648.

APPL Summer Movie

Anna Porter Public Library to show “Sherlock Holmes” at 6 p.m. Bring own popcorn/drinks. 436-5588.

ABWA

American Business Women’s Association meets at Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge. Networking at 6 p.m. with $13 dinner meeting to follow. Barry Mitchell, “The Entertaining Encourager,” speaker. RSVP to 933-4048.

Women’s Bible Study

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Scrapbook Club meets at Whispering Winds Scrapbook retreat off Snapp Road, Sevierville, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. 429-3721.

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

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wednesday, may 19 Methodist Revival

Waldens Creek United Methodist Church revival 7 p.m. May 18-19 with Rev. Ralph Alley of Virginia. 654-2535.

Middle Creek UMC

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

Health Fair

MountainBrook Village health fair 9 a.m.-noon. Medic blood drive 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 700 Markhill Drive, Sevierville. 428-2445.

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Sevier County High School basketball banquet 6 p.m. at River Plantation Conference Center. $20 adults, $10 children. 7650394.

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Editor’s Note: The following information was taken from the intake reports at the Sevier County Jail. All people listed within this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. u Cameron Tyler

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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.

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Local ◆ A3

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

Titanic fundraiser sets sails for Sevier United Way Event is set for Thursday at 6 p.m. By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer PIGEON FORGE — Supporters of one local nonprofit are getting set for a first class voyage aboard the world’s best-known cruise ship, with a fundraiser planned for Thursday. A progressive wine and cheese tasting tour will take guests through 20 galleries filled with artifacts, down the grand staircase and throughout the Titanic Museum Attraction. All proceeds from the ticket sales for the event, which sets sail at 6 p.m., will go toward United Way of

Sevier County’s 2010 fundraising campaign, which will provide funding to more than two dozen local service agencies. “We’re so excited about this new event. This is going to be a unique and elegant evening,” United Way Board Chairwoman Theresa Trentham says. “This is a fun way to support the United Way campaign and tour Sevier County’s newest attraction. It’s an event that you won’t want to miss.” Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy fine cheeses and wines from around the world, with a different offering in each area. At the same time, they’ll be getting a unique look at Titanic at a time when the crowds are a bit smaller than those that have filled the model ship every

day since it opened, United Way Director of Marketing Elaina DeLozier says “With the newness of the museum, we wanted to create a similarly new, first-class event that is really unique to the area,” she explains. “We think this accomplishes that and it’s really going to wow some folks. It’s going to be a fabulous event.” Apparently word has gotten around and tickets have sold almost as well as those for the maiden voyage of the real RMS Titanic. More than a week before the event there were only a limited number of the $50 admissions remaining and those were likely to be claimed by the time the event rolls around. “It does look like this is going to be a sell-out event, so

we’re encouraging folks to get their tickets today,” DeLozier says. “We’ve had a really great response and a lot of interest. I think that’s because it is such an interesting new attraction that folks really want to get a look at and because it is promising to be such a first-class event.” Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.uwosc.org or by calling the United Way office at 453-4261. The event will be the first of its kind aboard the new attraction, which just opened last month. The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo., has a track record of frequent and successful fundraiser events and United Way officials are optimistic the local facility will draw equal crowds, DeLozier says.

The event was first announced late last year, after Titanic developers John and Mary Joslyn announced they were partnering with United Way on the gala. “We’re so grateful to John and Mary Joslyn for so graciously giving us the keys to the Titanic,” DeLozier says. “We think this is going to be a huge asset for the 2010 campaign and we think it’s a great partnership.” Trentham echoes DeLozier’s comments. “We would like to thank John and Mary Joslyn for so graciously opening the ship to United Way of Sevier County for the evening and our additional sponsors for their contributions to make this event possible,” she says. n dhodges@themountainpress.com

Spill control may be too little, too late Scientists fear currents may carry oil to Keys ROBERT, La. (AP) — With BP finally gaining some control over the amount of oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico, scientists are increasingly worried that huge plumes of crude already spilled could get caught in a current that would carry the mess all the way to the Florida Keys and beyond, damaging coral reefs and killing wildlife. Scientists said the oil will move into the so-called loop current soon if it hasn’t already, though they could not say exactly when or how much there would be. Once it is in the loop, it could take 10 days or longer to reach the Keys. “It’s only a question of when,” said Peter Ortner, a University of Miami oceanographer. In the month since an offshore drilling platform exploded, killing 11 workers, BP has struggled to stop the leak, trying in vain to activate emergency valves and lowering a 100-ton box that got clogged with icy crystals. Over the weekend, the oil

company finally succeeded in using a stopper-and-tube combination to siphon some of the gushing oil into a tanker, but millions of gallons are already in the Gulf. The loop current is a ribbon of warm water that begins in the Gulf of Mexico and wraps around Florida. Some scientists project the current will draw the crude through the Keys and then up Florida’s Atlantic Coast, where the oil might avoid the beaches of Miami and Fort Lauderdale but could wash up around Palm Beach. Many scientists expect the oil to get no farther north than Cape Canaveral, midway up the coast, before it is carried out to sea and becomes more and more diluted. The pollution could endanger Florida’s shoreline mangroves, seagrass beds and the third-longest barrier reef in the world, the 221-milelong Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which helps draw millions of snorkelers, fishermen and other tourists whose dollars are vital to the state’s economy. Pollutants can smother and kill corals — living creatures that excrete a hard exterior skeleton — or can hinder their ability to reproduce

and grow. That, in turn, could harm thousands of species of exotic and colorful fish and other marine life that live in and around reefs. In other developments: n Chris Oynes, who oversees offshore drilling programs at the federal Minerals Management Service, will retire at the end of the month, becoming the Interior Department’s first casualty of the disaster. Oynes has been criticized as too cozy with the oil industry. n The White House will estabAssociated Press lish a presidential commission to Gas is burned off on a ship collecting oil from a investigate the spill, according to an mile-deep oil leak at the site of an oil spill in the administration official speaking of Gulf of Mexico on Monday. condition of anonymity. n California Sen. Barbara Boxer and other Democrats are calling on the Justice Department to open a criminal investigation. n BP said it has spent $500 million on the spill so far. n The oil company said it will never again try to produce oil from the well, though it did not rule out drilling elsewhere in the reservoir. “The right thing to do is permanently plug this well, and that’s what we will do,” said Doug Suttles, BP chief operating officer.

U.S. court grants asylum to Obama’s African aunt CLEVELAND (AP) — A U.S. immigration court has granted asylum to President Barack Obama’s African aunt, allowing her to stay in the country and setting her on the road to citizenship after years of legal wrangling, her attorneys announced Monday. The decision was made by a judge in U.S. Immigration Court in Boston and mailed out Friday. It comes three months after Kenya native Zeituni Onyango, the halfsister of Obama’s late father, testified at a closed hearing in Boston. People who seek asylum must show that they face persecution in their homeland on the basis of religion, race, nationality, political opinion or membership in a social group. The basis for Onyango’s

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asylum request was never made public, but her lawyer Margaret Wong said last year that Onyango first applied for asylum “due to violence in Kenya.” The East African nation is fractured by cycles of electoral violence every five years. Medical issues also could have played a role. In a November interview with The Associated Press, Onyango said she was dis-

abled and was learning to walk again after being paralyzed from Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. At her hearing in Boston earlier this year, she arrived in a wheelchair and two doctors testified in support of her case. Her lawyers would not comment on Onyango’s medical troubles. “She doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her,”

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Happy Birthday! Samuel Lance

It’s hard to believe my baby boy is 16, I can remember the days when he played with toy soldiers, farm animals, tractors and things. Lance, I am proud of you son, For all the things you’ve accomplished and sticking to your guns. It’s hard to be a young boy and travel in the Lords Way, But you have proved with all the steps, stops, changes and guidance we have found out It’s best to pray!! I love you Sam, you know I’m proud, Keep that banjo pickin, And make it ring LOUD!!! Keep that smile and always the charm, because I am praying your Guardian Angel will keep you from all Harm... Love and Hugs, Daddy Mac May 12, 2010

Congratulate the 2010 SenIorS! ATTENTION FAMILY & FRIENDS: Honor your 2010 graduate by sending them a special message in The Mountain Press on May 24th.

Only $25 per photo. You may use any photo of the graduate, whether it’s their senior photo or their baby photo. (1 person per photo)

Please use the space below to fill out your message. Entries must be received by Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 5:00pm Fill out the information below and send with check-payable to The Mountain Press for the amount of $25. Drop off at our office located at 119 Riverbend Drive, Sevierville, 8am to 5pm weekdays. Or, mail to Grads 2010 c/o The Mountain Press • P.O. Box 4810 • Sevierville, TN 37864. If you’d like your photo returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

A4 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Tuesday, May 18, 2010

obituaries

In Memoriam

Carol (Susie) McCarter Chambers Maples, age 61 of Sevierville, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 16, 2010. She had been employed by the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration for more than 40 years and she was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sevierville. Susie is preceded in death by her loving parents Truman and Faye Ramsey McCarter and husband Ronnie Chambers. She is survived by her husband Ben D. Maples; sons Eric Chambers and wife Sue of Boston, Massachusetts, Brad Chambers and partner Barbara Blake of Sevierville; brother Jeffrey A. McCarter and wife Sandy; nephew Trenton McCarter; step-son Benjamin Arrington; stepdaughters Anna M. Hudson, Joni Acosta, Nancy E. Heasley, Alese M. Walker; several step-grandchildren, aunts, uncles and special friends Sybil Hillis, Regina Ownby, James Blake; father-in-law and mother-in-law Eugene and Cora Chambers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, 8301 Professional Place, Landover, Maryland, 20785. Graveside service and interment 10 a.m. Wednesday in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens with Rev. Bobby Ely officiating. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Mary Jo Wilson Mary Jo Wilson, age 78 of Sevierville, died Friday, May 14, 2010 at Newport Health and Rehab following a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce E. Wilson, son, Eric Wilson, parents, Orrin and Mae Graham, and sister, Eva Jean Clay Survivors: sons: Matthew Wilson, Mark Wilson; daughters: Mona Lynn Floyd, Cynthia Riddle; 13 grandchildren; 8 greatgrandchildren Graveside service and interment11 AM Tuesday in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens with Rev. Bruce Wilson officiating. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Jeremy D. McNeal Jeremy D. McNeal, age 29 of Sevierville, passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010. Jeremy is survived by his daughter Alexis Marie Santi-McNeal; mother Darcy McNeal; father David McNeal; brother Michael McNeal and wife Evelia; sister Nicki Fishel; grandparents Carolyn Henry, Jean LaPierre and husband George; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.

3From Page A1

Samuel Perry Galloway

In Memoriam

Carol (Susie) McCarter Chambers Maples

euthanize

Samuel Perry Galloway, age 57, of Sevierville, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2010. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Venora Catlett Kennedy, step-father Leslie Kennedy, Jr., beloved cousin Joann Henry, and stepmother Gail Galloway. Sam is survived by his daughter Meghan Galloway and grandson Reaves; wife Jean Galloway; father Jim Galloway; brothers and sisters-in-law Leslie G. Kennedy and wife Tanya, Tommy Kennedy, Jason Galloway and wife Kim, Paul Waldschlager and wife Kristi, Brian Waldschlager and wife Kathy; sisters Gina Kennedy, Michelle Burke and husband Chris; nieces and nephews Randall Kennedy, Brandon Kennedy, Leslie Thomas Kennedy; and special cousins Peggy Sharp, Jimmy Sharp, Brandy Sharp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Providence Cemetery Fund, c/o Peggy Sharp, 939 Alder Branch Road, Sevierville, Tennessee 37876 or to CROSS Ministries, Knoxville, PO Box 7344, Knoxville, Tennessee 37921-0002. Funeral service 7 p.m. Wednesday in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Chuck Simpson officiating. Family and friends will meet 11 a.m. Thursday in Providence Cemetery for graveside service and interment. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

In Memoriam

Mary Belle Garneau Mary Belle Garneau, age 85, of Knoxville, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2010. She was a member of Galilee Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her husband Lawrence, her parents Harrison and Sarah Perryman; brothers, Oscar Perryman, Fred Perryman, Clyde Perryman , Louis Alvin Perryman; sisters, Reddie Perryman, Anna Lee Carr, and Reba Kline and her infant brothers and sisters. Survivors: Sister-in-law, Jerelene Perryman of Knoxville; Nieces and nephew, Deborah Daniels, Jane Gunther, Beth Eubank, Maria Ownby, Mark Perryman, Carol Mikels, and Sandy Perryman; Close friends, Tommy and Mica Bentley and their sons, Joshua Bentley and Jeremy Bentley and wife Sarah Beth. Funeral service 7 p.m. Tuesday in Atchley’s Seymour Chapel with Rev. W. A. Galyon officiating. Interment 10 a.m. Wednesday in Knob Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Josh, Jeremy, and Tommy Bentley, Mark Perryman, Tim Mikels, and Sonny Wannamaker. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home Seymour, 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN 37865 (865) 577-2807

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firm the identity. Options are also limited; there aren’t many places that take wild bears that cannot be left free. Most bear rescue operations are only looking for non-aggressive bears that can be rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Many zoos won’t take wild bears, and there is already a surplus of captivebred animals. The fact that the animal is likely to be put to death has caused an uproar, with angry comments on The Mountain Press’ Web site. A Facebook group has also been created titled “Save the black bear in the Smokies from dumb tourists.� That page had drawn nearly 1,300 fans determined to fight for the life of the 60-pound, 2-year-old female bear they have named “Laurel.� The group calls on its members to “wear out (the) answering machine� of park officials. Gray said there is misunderstanding as to what the person did before the attack and pointed out every other person who has encountered the bear on the Laurel Falls Trail shares blame for what has happened. “We had reports from two weeks ago or more of people who had been on the trail and saw people feeding this bear,� Gray said. “This bear was obviously a food-conditioned bear. She was used to being around people and there were witnesses out there the day of the incident who reported individuals feeding the bear and getting close to it.� While the victim of the attack — who sustained only minor injuries — has been portrayed as an overly-aggressive tourist who got too close to take pictures, wit-

ness reports indicate that’s not the case. “He had actually stepped off the trail and stepped back on when he noticed there was a bear on the trail,� Gray said. “He was not approaching the bear, but the bear actually approached him ,apparently expecting him to feed it like other people had done.� When the man offered no food, the bear apparently snapped at his foot. Many have called for charges to be filed against the man, citing laws that restrict folks from approaching wildlife in the park. However, Gray said there will likely not be charges because the man was not disturbing the animal. “The law says you have to willfully and intentionally approach within 50 yards of a bear or an elk,� Gray said. “This man did not willfully or intentionally approach this bear.� It certainly seems true, as the Facebook writer opined, that the victim was the only one who reported having been attacked by the bear. “How do we cite this individual when we know there were a lot of people on that trail even that day who also approached the bear?� Gray asked rhetorically. “This was a situation that took a long time to develop. I think this person has learned the lesson just from the results of his actions.� As for those who want to save the animal’s life, Gray thinks it’s likely too late. However, concerned citizens can have an active role in protecting other animals in the park by taking care not to create situations where bears lose their natural fear of humans and by teaching others to do the same.

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Local/Money â—† A5

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

By ERIK SCHELZIG Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE — House Speaker Kent Williams said Monday that negotiations with the state Senate could lead to an agreement on Tennessee’s annual spending plan by the end of this week. Williams, an Elizabethton independent, said in an interview that the House is seeking to restore cuts to state mental health and children’s services programs and to give state workers a bonus — even if it’s smaller than the 3 percent level originally proposed by Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen. Williams said the House plan would tap the state’s cash reserves

tax

3From Page A1

Hendrix said. The general fund for the upcoming budget is $26.6 million, slightly higher than last year’s budget of $26.2 million, but well below the 2008 mark of $28 million. Since enacting cuts midway through 2009, the city has saved $3.8 million over what it would have spent if the budget had remained stable at $28 million over that time, Hendrix noted.

more than Senate Republicans want, but would still leave the state with a healthy $400 million contingency fund. “There’s a lot of states out there that would love to have a balanced budget and have any money in reserves,� Williams said. Last month’s revenue figures showed growth in sales tax collections for the first time in almost two years, giving Williams hope that reserves could be replenished during the budget year. Senate Republicans last week followed through on their promise to reject all of Bredesen’s efforts to raise money through fee and tax increases. The governor had hoped to plug a $150 million budget gap

The city has managed to continue with the austere budget by eliminating many travel expenses, memberships and certifications that are not required for different positions, and by delaying scheduled purchases of new equipment. The board will consider adding at least one item to the budget, however. As is stands, next year’s budget eliminates $237,600 listed as supplemental advertising for the Chamber of Commerce. The aldermen indicated they would like to

prayer

3From Page A1

erenced the “thunder in the distance.� It seemed clear he meant the allusion more to the gathering storm those who took part in the event see coming for the county and the nation if the push to remove the prayer from the meetings is successful. Washington-based legal group Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) has promised to file a lawsuit soon demanding the invocation stop and a picture depicting it, the Ten Commandments and Jesus be removed from the meeting room. It argues the practice and the picture are in conflict with the Constitution’s First Amendment, which dictates that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof.� County officials have promised to fight the effort, saying they believe they’re on firm footing with the practice. That has gained them the support of

language 3From Page A1

“We also got to meet Michele Hicks, chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — he was at the grand opening of ‘Sha-KonA-Hey!’� The girls are planning a visit to Oklahoma the first week in June to interview Chad “Corntassel� Smith, the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. The project has been eyeopening for both students. “I didn’t know much about their culture today, but I’ve learned how they’ve kept their culture and traditions alive,� Maranda said. “They were some of the first people to come up with one of the first written languages,� Lydia added. “They weren’t savages — these were real people with a real way of life. They went through a lot of trial with the syllabary, with the white men trying to remove their traditions — their philosophy was ‘Kill the Indian, Save the Man.’� The pair started working on the project around October and did the final editing around the end of February. After doing well in the regional History Day

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Prayer warriors listen to speakers outside the Sevier County Courthouse prior to the County Commission meeting on Monday afternoon.

folks like Sutton, who offered thanks in prayer for the county having “leaders with steadfast faith,� and Bruce Reinders, who attended the gathering. “The Lord does a lot of things for us and there’s nothing wrong with us coming out to do this for the Lord,� Reinders said. “Groups like the ACLU and the

through a series of revenue measures. They included eliminating a sales tax cap on big ticket items, restoring the sales tax on the first $15 of cable bills and increasing annual driver license fees by $2. The Senate Republican plan would instead save money by phasing out a 401(k) match program for state employees and eliminating the 3 percent bonus. It would also dismantle the Career Ladder program for teachers established by former Republican Gov. Lamar Alexander. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville said the original GOP plan was proposed with the expectation that the House would call for lesser cuts.

restore that line item to the budget; it would be used to pay for ad campaigns for the city. “This is our only tourism marketing money,� Alderman Dale Carr noted. Also Monday, the board: n Approved final reading of the annexation of property on Country Meadows Drive, to be zoned for medium density residential use n Approved first reading of an amendment to the historic residential/office district n Waived the cost of water

tap fees for the King Family Library n Purchased stone for the water and sewer department n Purchased a new automated side-loading garbage truck for the public works department n Approved a grant to be used in purchasing child safety seats n Approved closure of Old Douglas Dam Road Saturday and Sunday during the Robert Tino event

others, they’re trying to force it down people’s throats. They’re trying to take Christianity away from everybody.� Reinders was encouraged to attend by the pastor at Sevier County Church of God, the Rev. Steve Dawson. “I think it’s important that all churches would come together for this,� Dawson said. “I don’t think any man has a right to tell us where we can and can’t pray.� Sutton has promised to continue the gatherings until his position wins out. County leaders speculated privately Monday evening that the effort will draw smaller crowds until AU follows through with its vow to file a lawsuit, at which time the impromptu congregation will likely boom. “As long as it takes, we’ll just be here,� Sutton as strains of hymns floated in the evening air. “This

isn’t just a once or twice thing. We’re in it for the long haul. We’re here to show our county leaders we support them.� The County Commission’s actual monthly meeting was shorter than the prayer gathering, with only two items on the agenda. The group voted unanimously to approve speed limits on several county roads and a handful of budget amendments. Also given the thumbs-up was a motion to require that those who want to video record the sessions to remain inside a roped-off area designated for the activity. County leaders had a spoken but never voted-on rule before now to that effect, but put that into the books Monday with a tally unanimous except for Commissioner Max Watson’s “pass.�

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STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

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45.97 12.10 2.58 31.99 21.70 254.22 25.77 16.35 33.73 69.68 23.70 51.43 77.73 24.87 53.41 44.52 16.93 63.26 63.27 13.76 11.95 28.77 26.99 17.56 35.59 130.44 22.02

Chg %Chg

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0.35 -0.26 0.04 0.12 0.09 0.40 0.37 0.01 -0.32 -0.14 0.14 0.04 0.62 -0.07 0.07 0.08 0.15 0.48 -0.33 0.14 -0.16 0.47 0.13 -0.08 0.39 -0.75 0.13

27.62 JC PENNEY CO JPMORGAN CHASE 39.84 KELLOGG CO 55.58 KRAFT FOODS INC 30.55 KROGER CO 22.08 MCDONALD’S CORP 70.14 MICRON TECHNOLOGY 9.17 MICROSOFT CORP 28.94 MOTOROLA INC 6.85 ORACLE CORP 23.74 PHILIP MORRIS 46.25 PFIZER INC 16.11 PROCTER & GAMBLE 63.38 REGIONS FINANCIAL 8.27 SEARS HOLDINGS 108.90 SIRIUS XM RADIO INC 1.09 SPECTRA ENERGY 21.74 SPEEDWAY MTRSPTS 16.01 SPRINT NEXTEL CORP 4.49 SUNOCO INC 30.38 SUNTRUST BANKS 29.88 TANGER OUTLET 41.67 TIME WARNER INC 30.63 TRACTOR SUPPLY CO 69.54 TRW AUTOMOTIVE 31.79 WAL-MART STORES 52.73 YAHOO! INC 16.27

0.77% -2.10% 1.57% 0.38% 0.42% 0.16% 1.46% 0.06% -0.94% -0.20% 0.59% 0.08% 0.80% -0.28% 0.13% 0.18% 0.89% 0.76% -0.52% 1.03% -1.32% 1.66% 0.48% -0.45% 1.11% -0.57% 0.59%

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0.08 -0.05 1.08 0.52 -0.16 0.55 0.23 0.01 0.06 -0.04 -0.31 -0.09 0.84 0.01 0.56 0.02 -0.27 0.40 0.13 -0.37 0.06 -0.33 0.07 1.13 -0.65 0.61 -0.12

0.29% -0.13% 1.98% 1.73% -0.72% 0.79% 2.57% 0.03% 0.88% -0.17% -0.67% -0.56% 1.34% 0.12% 0.52% 1.87% -1.23% 2.56% 2.98% -1.20% 0.20% -0.79% 0.23% 1.65% -2.00% 1.17% -0.73%

High court rules out some life sentences for juveniles

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court took two cracks at one of the law’s thorniest questions Monday: When can you lock up a prisoner and throw away the key? Not when it’s a teenager who hasn’t killed anyone, the justices said. But when it’s a “sexually dangerous� inmate, maybe so, even if he has completed his federal prison sentence. By a 5-4 vote, the court said young people serving life prison terms must have “a meaningful opportunity to obtain release� if they haven’t killed their victims. The majority opinion by Justice Anthony Kennedy extended the “children are different� rationale that drove his decision five years ago that outlawed the death penalty for killers under 18. The court ruled in the case of Terrance Graham, who was implicated in armed robberies when he was 16 and 17. Graham, now 23, is in prison in Florida, which holds 60 percent of juvenile defendants who are locked up for life for crimes other than homicide.

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competition, the girls were off to the state competition in April — an experience that was “nervewracking� but “awesome.� They’re headed to National History Day, held at the University of Maryland at College Park, the week of June 13-17. “History Day doesn’t sound incredibly exciting at first,� Maranda said with a laugh. “But it’s so much more than textbooks. Once you get into it, everything comes alive.� n ebrown@themountainpress.com

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TN4344

Speaker: Agreement near on state budget

A6 ◆

The Mountain Press ◆ Tuesday, May 18, 2010

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n SEVIER COUNTY

Body confirmed to be missing man The Sevier County Sheriff’s Department confirmed on Monday afternoon that the body of a man found in Douglas Lake on Saturday morning was that of a man reported missing more than a week ago. Jeremy D. McNeal had been reported missing by family members on May 6. The sheriff’s department said a body was found around 11 a.m. in a cove in the vicinity of where McNeal was reported missing on May 6. Earlier reports said McNeal was last seen by family members around 11 p.m. May 4 at his home on Wild Flower Way in Sevier County. n

top state news

Lottery Numbers

Wet ground leads to mudslides NASHVILLE (AP) — The floodwaters have receded in Tennessee, but in some places the saturated earth has begun to give way, causing mudslides that have blocked roads and damaged parks and homes. Paul Jefferson was at home with his wife and their 9-month-old daughter two weeks ago when a mudslide broke a stone retaining wall in their backyard and then crashed into the bedroom of their west Nashville home. It also toppled a

tree that crashed through their roof. The Tennessean reports that statewide mudslides have damaged 20 roads after the recent heavy rains that flooded parts of Middle and West Tennessee. There is no statewide count of how many homes have been damaged, but Metro Nashville Councilwoman Emily Evans said that in west Nashville alone, at least five homes have been hit. And the slides could continue until the ground

dries out, Assistant State Geologist Mike Hoyal said. Jefferson and his family are camping out in the dining room while they try to clean up and repair. “I wake up in the morning and look out here, and I still don’t believe it,” he said. Fixing the roof is easy compared with getting rid of the three-foot layer of mud drying against his house, he said. He’s not sure how to get excavating equipment into his

narrow yard to clear it. Mudslides are caused when the soil becomes saturated and can no longer hold itself together, Hoyal said. The problem is exacerbated by development, especially when deeprooted trees that help hold the earth together are cut down and replaced by shrubs with shallow roots. Evans said more stringent building regulations are needed in areas where soil is prone to shift and on hillsides.

TODAY’S FORECAST

SEVIERVILLE

Summitt to be GOP speaker

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 at 6 p.m. today in the courthouse in the third-floor chambers. Summitt will be speaking on the ramifications of the financial bills being proposed by the Obama administration. n

SEVIERVILLE

MountainBrook to hold health fair

MountainBrook Village, 700 Markhill Drive, will hold a health fair from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday (corrected day). Medic will hold a blood drive from 8-4. Vendors will include Paul Whaley of the Veterans Administration, Appalachian Training Center massage therapy, Everything Natural, Jigglin’ George, Microlight Laser Therapy, Walgreens, Reams Drug Store, Smoky Mountain Home Infusion, Home Instead Senior Care, LeConte Medical Center, Sevier Family Resource Center, Amedisys Home Health & Hospice, Girling Home Health, Caris Health Care and Lincare Medical Equipment. n

SEVIERVILLE

Roe staffers to meet constituents

U.S. Rep. Phil Roe will send staff to hold office hours in Sevier County. The staff will be here from 9-11 a.m. today at the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department. Roe’s staff will be available to assist 1st District constituents.

03 14

Monday, May 17, 2010 Midday: 7-5-2-6 Evening: 5-9-5-5

20 24

This day in history Today is Tuesday, May 18, the 138th day of 2010. There are 227 days left in the year. Locally a year ago:

Phase 1 of Covered Bridge in the Glades, a retail and residential development, is expected to open in August and will help to answer the need for affordable housing in Sevier County.

LOCAL: Partly Cloudy

City Commission to hold meetings

n

Midday: 1-0-2 Evening: 8-4-2

n

GATLINBURG

The Gatlinburg City Commission wll hold a 4:30 p.m. workshop today prior to its regular 6 p.m. meeting. The workshop is to discuss agreements with the Department of Tourism. The regular meeting will be to ratify those agreements as well as approve a mass transit grant application. As the Beer Board the commission will consider a beer permit for Jayme Aleman, doing business as Tienda Hondurena II pool hall and restaurant, 332 Baskins Creek Road.

Monday, May 17, 2010

n

Today’s highlight:

On May 18, 1980, the Mount St. Helens volcano in Washington state exploded, leaving 57 people dead or missing.

High: 73° Low: 49° Windy

n

On this date:

In 1860, the Republican Party convention in Chicago nominated Abraham Lincoln for president. In 1910, Halley’s Comet passed by earth, brushing it with its tail. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a measure creating the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Chance of rain 20%

■ Wednesday Showers

High: 73° Low: 51° ■ Thursday Partly Cloudy

n

Ten years ago:

■ Air Quality Forecast:

Sante Kimes and Kenneth Kimes, motherand-son grifters, were convicted in New York of murdering Irene Silverman in a plot to steal her elegant townhouse mansion. (The body of the 82-year-old millionaire widow has never been found.)

Primary Pollutant: Particles

n

High: 72° Low: 58°

■ Lake Stages: Douglas: 993.6 U0.3

President George W. Bush offered his unqualified support for Egypt’s political reform process as he received Prime Minister Ahmed Nazief at the White House.

Mountains: Moderate Valley: Moderate Cautionary Health Message: No health impacts are expected in this range.

world quote roundup “We’re very proud as Lebanese Americans and as Lebanese that Rima reached this point despite all the pressures and stereotyping about Arabs and Lebanese. She made it. She fought and reached her goal.” — Rana Faqih, after her sister, Lebanese immigrant Rima Fakih, became the first Arab American to win the title of Miss USA

“This can’t be passed off as ’it’s not going to be a problem.’ This is a very sensitive area. We are concerned with what happens in the Florida Keys.” — William Hogarth, dean of the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science, as concerns about the Gulf oil spill continue to linger

“In a perfect world, we would not be talking about this. However, it is understandable that, at this time, it would be a risk for a Supreme Court nominee to be perceived as a homosexual.” — Mark Osler, a professor at Baylor Law School, on rumors that Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is a lesbian

The Mountain Press Staff

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

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n

Thought for today:

“People find life entirely too time-consuming.” — Stanislaw J. Lec, Polish writer (19091966).

Celebrities in the news n Miss USA

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Lebanese immigrant Rima Fakih says it was a certain look from Donald Trump that tipped her off that she had won the 2010 Miss USA title. T h e 24-yearold Miss Michigan beat out Fakih 50 other women to take the title Sunday night, despite nearly stumbling in her evening gown. She told reporters later that she believed she had won after glancing at pageant owner Trump as she awaited the results with the first runner-up, Miss Oklahoma USA Morgan Elizabeth Woolard. “That’s the same look that he gives them when he says, ’You’re hired,”’ on Trump’s reality show “The Apprentice,” she said. “She’s a great girl,” said Trump, who owns the pageant with NBC in a joint venture.

Mountain Views

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

■ The Mountain Press ■ Page A7 ■ Tuesday, May 18, 2010

commentary

Christian right theory simply false James Davison Hunter may be the smartest man in America. A generation ago, he coined the phrase “culture war” to describe the contest over sex, family, abortion, religious liberty and other “social issues.” Today we live in the middle of an endless, tiresome and unattractive culture war, and Hunter quite sensibly wants to stand athwart this mess and yell “Stop!” Both the Christian left and the Christian right are wrong, according to Hunter: Wrong in imagining that a Christian can engage in politics the way it is routinely practiced today: by demeaning opponents, caricaturing their views, instilling and fanning base fears, raising utopian hopes, and promising followers power and prominence. Christians in politics have become “functional Nietzscheans” he says. How can followers of a penniless and crucified master lust for power? Worse, the Christian right’s theory of culture is simply false. One cannot “engage the culture” by converting individual hearts and minds or accumulating majority votes. Culture simply does not work like that. Culture is the power to “name reality,” and that power is in itself inevitably intertwined with high cultural status. Culture is a product of elites, not of moral majorities. Cultural questions are questions about the nature of reality first and foremost: Do gay people exist? Two hundred years ago the answer would be no. Today it is yes. That is cultural power -- the power to name a socially shared reality. Is that thing in a mother’s womb a baby or merely a fetus? That question is still deeply contested. Here’s my problem with Hunter’s conclusion: Politics does work. Abortion remains a live moral and cultural question in America in part because of politics. Hunter’s critique of politics cuts deeply with me. Three years ago I started a political organization, the National Organization for Marriage. On the whole, I am proud of how NOM has engaged in this fight. People fight over symbols because symbols are the stuff out of which reality is constructed. You go to culture war with the army you have. The reason people with traditional religious and sexual moralities gravitated into politics is that structures of the political elites are among the most open and easy to penetrate. To put it another way, politics is one field of culture-making that secular elites do not control. Political power thus operates in a partial and limited fashion as a break on elites’ cultural power, since it raises the potential costs of attempting to delegitimize of those who disagree with them in the public square. The risk of backlash tempers Harvard’s dreams for America. Absent a political backlash, elites who gave us Roe v. Wade could now be moving on to a greater institutionalization of abortion, making aborting teen pregnancies public policy, for example, or forcing pro-life doctors and nurses into other professions. Opposition to abortion could be pushed underground in the same way that racism is now underground. Instead, because abortion costs Democrats votes, Democrats and the elites that cheer for Democrats have muted their opposition to the pro-life position in ways that inevitably enhance the legitimacy of moral concerns surrounding abortion. Politics is only one tool of cultural power, and not the best. But it is a potentially useful tool. My own complaint about the religious right is not that it is too much in politics, but that it is not enough. In too many cases, religious conservatives talk like they are in politics, make demands like they are in politics, issue threats like they are in politics -- but they do not create the institutions that are at the heart of politics: organizations that raise money and spend it electing politicians who will vote for their cause. Hunter is right: Religious conservatives who make “reclaiming the culture” their political goal are doomed to fail; more modesty and a tighter mission focus are essential. For politics to be an effective tool, values must be transformed into a political objective, i.e., something a politician can vote for or against (partialbirth abortion, conscience protection in health care legislation, waiting periods for abortions, parental notification). You go to culture war with the army you have — and then you figure out what you really need, or you lose. — Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, is known for her conservative social policy analysis of social trends and conditions. (C)2009 Maggie Gallagher. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate.

Editorial

A cut too far

Now is not the time to reduce state’s tourism marketing budget When government budgets have to be cut, everyone circles the wagons and proclaims their own department or operation to be so essential they cannot stand to have their money reduced. The state of Tennessee is looking at a shortfall of as much as $1.5 billion in the budget for the new year. Cuts are necessary. Few would argue that point. But deciding what to cut — that’s the toughie. Gov. Phil Bredesen’s proposed cuts include a reduction of some $3.5 million from the State Department of Tourism marketing budget. That’s money used to advertise our state around the country, to entice people to spend their vacations and travel time here.

Snipping that much money from the state’s marketing budget seems harmless and allows the governor to make everyone share the pain. But sometimes you have to spend money to make money, and if the governor is successful in lopping off this much from the marketing budget, it will have consequences. The governor used some found money eight years ago to give the tourism department $6 million more to market the state. The move was successful, and the Legislature approved the increase in the annual budgets. Now is not the time to trim back on the marketing strategy. People are starting to spend

again, and Tennessee tourism is a $14 billion industry. Naturally Sevier County catches much of that tourist money, but so do Memphis, Nashville and the Tri-Cities. Sevier County’s three state legislators are committed to restoring the marketing budget and avoiding the cuts. Let’s hope they are successful. We do not need to cut back on our advertising of the state at a time when the country is coming out of the deep recession. People need to know what we have to offer. Otherwise they might go elsewhere, and this effort to trim expenses could come back to hurt the state in the long run.

Political view

Public forum Supporters of annual food drive by letter carriers earn thanks

Editor: Thank you, Sevier County. The annual Letter Carriers Food Drive, conducted May 8 by our local post office personnel, is a huge success again. This year the “Stamp Out Hunger” drive collected close to 12 tons of canned good, dry goods and other nonperishable contributions, as well as cash, continuing a trend of filling the warehouse at Sevier County Food Ministries that dates to 1995. SCFM has the groceries donated by thousands of people in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Kodak securely stored in its warehouse awaiting distribution to needy families. Thanks to all the letter carriers, postal employees and administrators who participated, as well as volunteers who aided in the effort. Without your letter carrier, there is no food drive, and it takes a lot of cans, boxes and bags of food to add up to 12 tons. Every letter carrier deserves a pat on the back and a big thank you. The Mountain Press is gracious in its support, annually promoting the food drive through advertising and coverage and printing thousands of thank you notes. Thanks to David Elrod, who drove his big truck from S&M Amusements for transporting the donations to SCFM, and to Boys Scout Troop 110, Girls Scout Troop 20265 and other

volunteers. We thank Joe Whaley and McNelly-Whaley Ford for providing the use of two pickup trucks for the day and Barney Woody and the Christian Motorcyclist Association for helping unload the cars of carriers at the Sevierville Post Office. Many local restaurants and businesses provided food donations for the carriers and volunteers, including McDonald’s at the Apple Barn, Chik-fil-A, Logan’s Roadhouse Restaurant, David O’Shields at A&W Restaurant, Fuddrucker’s, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, the Hardee’s at Cate Road, the Bearland Grill, the KFC on Dolly Parton Parkway, Charles Richard Resources in Gatlinburg, Little Caesars Pizza, and Food City in Sevierville and Gatlinburg, Special thanks go to R.C. Davis for his help and faithful support, and to Greg Bart, who comes down from Detroit every year to drive a truck. Twelve tons sounds like a lot, but this food drive will keep SCFM going for only about 10 weeks. About 1,200 families are using that resource to supplement their food needs. There was a time (1998 and 1999) when we received 18 tons of food donations in this drive, and the food ministry served only about 450 families with the donations lasting well into August. However, this pile of cans and boxes will probably be gone before the Fourth of July this year. The need never goes away. Did you forget to leave your bag out? That’s

OK. You can donate anytime by sending a check to Sevier County Food Ministries (890 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville 37862). Cash can buy available goods at the bargain rate of about 20 cents per pound from Second Harvest Food Bank. Sevier Countians have always supported the food bank and the Letter Carriers Food Drive well and deserve credit. Gina Davis Gatlinburg

Man who enticed park bear should be punished as well

Editor: I am outraged after reading the article in the May 15 paper about the man bitten by the bear in the park. First of all, the wildlife was there before man, and second of all, how ignorant can someone be to get within inches of a wild animal for a picture? The park regulations require people stay at least 50 yards away. What part of this didn’t that man not understand? An innocent animal is going to be killed because of his stupidity. That’s disgustingly wrong. I would like to know why the park’s policy is to kill the bear; what punishment did the man get for breaking the rules? The bear didn’t break any rules. How did the bear know that man wasn’t going to hurt him? Marie Maranville Sevierville

Letters to the editor policy and how to contact us: ◆ We encourage our readers to send letters to the editor. Letters must contain no more than 500 words. No more than one letter per person will be published in a 30-day period. Letters must be neatly printed or typed and contain no libel, plagiarism or personal attacks. All letters are subject to editing for style, length and content. Statements of fact must be attributed to a source for verification. All letters must be signed and contain a phone number and address for verification purposes. No anonymous or unverified letters will be printed. No letters endorsing candidates will be considered. The Mountain Press reserves the right to refuse publication of any letter. E-MAIL LETTERS TO: editor@themountainpress.com or MAIL LETTERS TO: Editor, The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville, TN 37864. For questions, call (865) 428-0748, ext. 214. The Mountain Press and its publishers do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed in letters and columns on this page.

Editorial Board:

State Legislators:

Federal Legislators:

◆ Jana Thomasson, Publisher ◆ Stan Voit, Editor ◆ Bob Mayes, Managing Editor ◆ Gail Crutchfield, Community News Editor

◆ Rep. Richard Montgomery

◆ U.S. Sen. Bob Corker

1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5981; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 rep.richard.montgomery@capitol.tn.gov

◆ Rep. Joe McCord

(202) 224-3344; 185 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., B40A, Washington, D.C. 20510

◆ U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander

(202) 224-4944; S/H 302, Washington, D.C. 20510

1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5481; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 rep.joe.mccord@capitol.tn.gov

◆ U.S. Rep. Phil Roe

1-800-449-8366 Ext. 10981; 320 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN 37243 sen.doug.overbey@capitol.tn.gov

◆ U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr.

◆ Sen. Doug Overbey

(202) 225-6356; 419 Cannon House Office, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5435; 2267 Rayburn Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515

Sports

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

■ The Mountain Press ■ A8 ■ Tuesday, May 18, 2010

SPORTS BRIEFS Sevierville Soccer Club tryouts

The Sevierville Soccer Club will hold tryouts for girls and boys ages 7 to 12 on Thursday May 20th and Tuesday May 25th from 5p.m. till 6:30p.m. at the Smoky Childrens Home in Sevierville. Please enter the facility from the Parkway. Anyone interested in competitive soccer should come and tryout for a team.

Sevierville Red Sox tryouts

Tryouts for the Sevierville Red Sox summer baseball team will be Saturday, May 22, at Sevier County High School at 10 a.m. The team is open for upcoming 9th through 12th graders. For more information call Lance Traywick 368-7648.

New Center football sign-ups

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. For more information, call Tammy at 640-5344.

Big Orange Caravan coming Jason Davis/The Mountain Press

Sevier County second baseman tags home plate just as David Crockett catcher Dru DeLoach comes up with the throw. Carr was called out on what would have been the go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth. Instead, the game would go to extra innings, where Crockett would pull out the 7-5 win in nine innings.

Heartbreak at home plate By JASON DAVIS Sports Editor SEVIERVILLE — The Smoky Bears lived on the edge all night Monday in their first round region game with David Crockett High, and in the top of the ninth inning the Pioneers pushed the Purple over, scoring three runs to take a 7-5 win over SCHS. The Bears nearly got a go-ahead run in the bottom of the sixth inning, that had the game gone like it did, would have proved the winning run. In that frame, with the score tied 4-4, senior cen-

ter fielder Charlie Fields hit a two-out blast to center for a double. Junior Kelby Carr was on first when it happened, and was running on contact. A Pioneer relay throw came in low to the catcher just as Carr was about to score. In a bangbang play Carr was called out. Arguments from coach Lance Traywick were fruitless, however, and the two teams headed into the seventh inning knotted at 4-4. The top of the seventh saw a couple of sparkling Smoky Bears plays keep the Pioneers off the board. A leadoff double by

Crockett’s Jacob Berry put a runner in scoring position, and one batter later Berry was flying towards home on a single to right. But the Bears’ Brandon Houser, who started the game on the mound, had moved to right and rifled a throw home to cut Berry down for the inning’s first out. After another single, Traywick called for an intentional pass of Pioneer catcher Dru DeLoach, who’d delivered a two-run double earlier in the game, to set up a possible double play. It worked to perfection as the next Pioneer hitter

popped to first baseman Austin Solomon, who fired to second to double off the runner. The Pioneers stranded another runner in the eighth, but the Bears couldn’t be that lucky in the ninth. Crockett got to SCHS reliever Charlie Gavaghan for three runs in the inning to go up 7-4. The Bears did score one run on an RBI single from Kyle Pope in their half of the ninth, but couldn’t overcome the deficit. The loss ends the Bears’ season at a record 29-9. mpsports@themountainpress.com

PREP TRACK AND FIELD

13 SCHS track athletes qualify for state By COBEY HITCHCOCK Sports Writer For most prep sports programs, down years with young teams are unavoidable. But evidently, the Sevier County High School track program is immune to such slumps. Late last week at the sectional meet held at DobynsBennett High School in Kingsport, the SCHS boys’ and girls’ track teams saw 13 of their squad members qualify for next week’s state tournament in Murfreesboro, nearly doubling the Purpleand-White state representation from a season ago. In fact, the 13 state-bound competitors is one more than Sevier County sent to Murfreesboro the previous two years combined, with seven making the trip last year and five the year before. “Obviously, when you almost double the number of kids to make it to the state championships, you feel like you’ve had a pretty good sectional,” said SCHS track coach Jonathan Brewer. “All these kids have worked really hard to get to this point. “You’d think we would have a down year eventually, but we’ve had the luxury to keep reloading with kids who work really hard, and they’ve made themselves into one of the top track teams in the state.” Alexis Conner, Hayley Fox, Jeremiah Foster, Kel McCarter, Madison Pickle, Alex McCandless, Brett Pippin, Dustin Hurst, Brandon White, Nathan Hays, Bryce Whaley, Jordan Whaley and Mikey Hutton are this season’s state-bound Purple-and-White athletes.

Cobey Hitchcock/The Mountain Press

Sevier County’s Jeremiah Foster clears a hurdle during last year’s state tournament at MTSU in Murfreesboro. “When you’ve got these kinds of numbers making it to the state championships, it just speaks really well as to how the kids have worked at it,” said Brewer. With Foster recording a second-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles and fourth in the 110-meter hurdles at last year’s state tournament — along with a seventh-place finish for the SCHS 4X100-meter relay team and a state finals appearance for Aaron Pippin in the 100-meter dash — Sevier County isn’t satisfied with just making the trip to Murfreesboro anymore. “In the past, we’ve just been glad to get there,” said Brewer. “But from my standpoint — and I think from the

standpoint of the kids on the track team — we’re going down there expecting to do well. “Our athletes are expecting to do well down there, and they are wanting to be one of the top eight in the state. That’s a good sign for the program.” Of the 13 SCHS track stars to advance to Murfreesboro, six of them are individual qualifiers, including Conner, Fox, Foster, McCarter, Pickle and McCandless. Conner will make her second consecutive trip to Murfreesboro after recording a new school record in the long jump at sectionals with a leap of 16-feet-10inches. Foster again qualified

for the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, McCarter made it in the 300 hurdles, Pickle made it in the 400 meter, McCandless made it in the 800 meter, and Fox came out of nowhere this season to qualify for the girls’ 100meter hurdles. “Most of the time, we’ve just taken relay teams to state,” said Brewer. “This year, we’ve got a lot of kids who made it to state in individual events, and that’s great.” But speaking of relay teams, Sevier County will remain well represented at Murfreesboro in several of those events as well. McCarter, Pippin, Hurst and White will compete in the boys’ 4X200-meter relay. Hays, Whaley, White and Hurst will compete in the boys’ 4X400-meter relay. And McCandless, Whaley, Hutton and Hays will compete in the boys’ 4X800-meter relay. The Bears 4X800 relay team not only qualified for state for the first time since 1986, but the 2010 edition also knocked the old-school bunch from the SCHS record books in the process with a stunning 8:17.4 time at sectionals. McCandless became the SCHS record holder in every distance event possible after knocking his father’s — Eddie McCandless’ — 1986 relay team from the books. Eddie McCandless, the SCHS distance coach, isn’t one to hold a grudge for being outdone, however. “Overall, it was a really amazing evening,” said the distance coach, following the sectional meet. chitchcock@themountainpress.com

The Sevier County University of Tennessee Alumni Chapter is proud to host the University of Tennessee’s Big Orange Caravan on Thursday, May 20. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the program will begin at noon. The River Plantation Conference Center is located at 1004 Parkway in Sevierville. UT head football coach Derek Dooley, head basketball coach Bruce Pearl and head women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt are scheduled to appear. Last year’s event sold out, and there are a limited number of tickets for this year’s event. The cost is $15 per person, and tickets may be reserved by calling 428-2212.

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 May 20, at 1 p.m., 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 7745790.

LeConte Sports Medicine free physicals The Sevier County schools sports screenings will be from 5 to 7 p.m., May 20, at Sevier County High School. The free physicals will also be offered from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 27, also at SCHS. For more information, call Scott Byrd at 429-6584.

Smoky Bears 5K scheduled

The Smoky Bear 5K run will be Saturday, May 22, at Sevier County High School. The event will begin at 8 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the SCHS girls volleyball and softball teams. For more information, visit www. smokybear5k.com.

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.

Pigeon Forge High hoops camp

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.

Lady Cubs basketball camp

The 2010 Lady Cubs Basketball Camp will be held June 3 through 5, from 9 a.m. to noon daily for rising 4th through 8th graders. For more information, contact Steve Branton at 919-2628, or email stevebranton@sevier.org.

Smoky Bears baseball camps

The 2010 Smoky Bears baseball camps will be June 7-9, 14-16 and 21-23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at the SCHS baseball field. Ages 6-13. For more information call 368-7648.

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.

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.

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010 â—† The Mountain Press

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Comics ◆ A13

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press Family Circus

Close to Home

Advice

Father of soon-to-be bride wants to smooth feathers of the uninvited

Zits

Blondie

Baby Blues

Beetle Bailey

Dear Annie: Our eldest daughter will be getting married this fall. Naturally, the guest list will need to have a limit. We would like to somehow soothe the ruffled feathers of those who might have expected an invitation, but won’t receive one. This would primarily be our friends who know our daughter but do not have a close relationship with her. How should this be done? -- Father of the Bride Dear Father: In years past, those who were not invited to the wedding received an engraved wedding announcement. It is also not uncommon to send out invitations for a casual reception several weeks after the wedding for those who could not be included in the main event. If that is not within your budget, you can mail an invitation (or use Evite) to join the bride and groom for an informal toast or party in celebration of their marriage, usually held at someone’s home or a nearby restaurant. Dear Annie: My husband and I are in our mid-60s. For the past five years, we have been the guardians of my daughter’s 13-year-old son, “Jake.” When I married 12 years ago, I certainly didn’t expect to be raising a teenager at my age. I know that raising kids today is nothing like it was 30 years ago, but Jake seems well adjusted. He’s a top student, an outstanding athlete and a fine young man with friends we approve of. Here’s the problem: Jake recently asked if he and his friends could sleep in the nude when they stay over. He has been teased about living with “the old folks” and claims we are the only ones who don’t allow

it. I checked with the other parents, and they confirm this. In fact, at “Jay’s” house, the boys remain unclothed all day. Jay’s mother says they are often naked while playing video games, watching TV or snacking in the kitchen. They frequently appear in the nude at breakfast if they are going skinny-dipping in the pool after. She sees no need for them to dress. Annie, I’m not opposed to nudity. I have no problem with Jake sleeping naked in his room or skinny-dipping -- even the coed kind. But somehow, the idea of six teenage boys running around the house naked all day bothers me. Hubby assures me that it’s a “guy thing” and all teenage boys do it. He remembers fondly how he swam naked at the YMCA through his college years at an all-male school. He says it builds character and is a significant male bonding experience. Indeed, he encourages it. I don’t have anyone to ask about this. Our best friends are our contemporaries and would be appalled if their grandkids ran around naked. Have you ever heard of this before? Is it common? How do other parents handle this? -- Not Over the Hill Dear Not: In certain times and places (swimming pools, overnight camp), group nudity among young men is not unusual. Being naked all day, however, is much

t o d ay ’ s p u z z l e

Garfield

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

For Better Or Worse

Tina’s Groove

less common, and we would not encourage it. Don’t be badgered into agreeing to something that makes you uncomfortable. You do not have to allow it, nor do you need to apologize. It’s your house, and you get to set the rules. Dear Annie: This is for “Blindsided in Vermont,” whose married brother picks fights with her until she’s in tears. You said she must learn not to respond to his attempts to aggravate her. I have a smart brother who is a fast thinker with a huge vocabulary, and he is my polar opposite politically. He would start an argument and beat me down to the point where I would nearly cry. One day, my husband said, “Don’t let him get to you. When he starts in, say, ‘I hear the swallows are coming back to Capistrano.’” So I did. It took a while, but it worked. My brother now can’t get a rise out of me, and he stopped talking politics. And we get along much better. — Greensboro, N.C. Dear Greensboro: We love it! 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.

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The Mountain Press â—† Tuesday, May 18, 2010 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Hundreds Prepare To Cash In Their Gold and Silver Today At The Clarion Inn Willow River Here In Sevierville! By CHRISTINA BUTLER 45"'' 83*5&3

Corporate Spokesperson for Ohio Valley Gold and Silver Refinery said “We’re ready to spend the money.� It has become a frenzy for the Ohio Valley Gold and Silver refinery who opened up for business yesterday. Jason Horner, one of the managers said he would expect to see a lot of broken and unwanted jewelry based on previous week’s history in a few hand selected sites at previous, similar events. Horner said, “dozens of people everyday cash in on old jewelry and walk out of their events with hundreds of dollars per transaction.� Tish McCutcheon, a customer from Lancaster, Ohio who we spoke to on the phone attended a recent event and walked away with $412.87 from the little jewelry dish with unwanted and broken jewelry. “I think this is great. I have had the stuff in my dresser for years and knew not to throw it away, but never knew what to do with it. I think there were two rings, a class ring, a broken herringbone bracelet, and two necklaces that grandma had. I would have thought maybe 50.00 bucks would be great but $412.87 is a whole lot better.� McCutcheon said. Hundreds of calls come into our office for residents wanting to deal directly with the refinery on

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their contracts, but in most cases that is not possible. The local residents this week will be in the unusual situation to do just that. What an unbelievable opportunity for this community. Gold is currently trading at over $1,000.00 per ounce and silver is just under $16.00 per ounce. Anyone can check the current market prices on gold and silver on the Internet. Ohio Valley Refineries also has a live feed with up to the minute market prices displayed at the event. The event is also opened

to local businesses that deal with precious metals. Jewelry stores, pawn shops, dentists, medical laboratories, and some industrial manufacturing plants use or deal with precious metals. If your business deals with precious metals and you would like to discuss doing business direct with Ohio Valley Refinery you should call ahead to make an appointment. They offer several dealer programs and always looking for new long term clients. You can reach Ohio Valley Refinery during open times by calling (865) 429-7600.

Amazement as Collectors provide a stimulus package to Sevierville. They are paying out right on the spot for my stuff. Unbelievable!! By CHRISTINA BUTLER STAFF WRITER

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Cash for Coin.

Dozens prepared to cash in old silver and gold coins today in Sevierville. By CHRISTINA BUTLER 45"'' 83*5&3

The second day of the reclamation drive in Sevierville will be a hit with those looking to sell their gold and silver coins. Representatives are on hand all week purchasing all types of coins dated before 1964. Silver dollars, halves and quarters are expected to arrive in large quantities. Lots of gold coins are expected to arrive as well. Rebecca Hughes of Florence walked away with over $1200.00 after selling a $20 gold piece from 1888 at a previous event. They are accepting all types of gold and silver scrap, sterling

silver, silver bars, etc. Lots of gold jewelry from the bottoms of jewelry boxes and piles of sterling silver items like old Ă€DWZDUH VHWV DQG WHD SRWV 2QH gentleman rolled a cart in with 3 boxes full of silver coins and walked away with $1850.00 in Florence as well. Company RIÂżFLDOV DUH H[SHFWHG WR VSHQG RYHU WKH ÂżUVW GD\ RI the event. Brian Eades with Ohio Valley said “we have had an overwhelming number of calls and we expect to get busier every day this week.â€? The event continues today and runs through Wednesday. The event is free and the public is welcome.

Spokesperson for the event said he expects to spend in excess of $200,000.00 this week for vintage items and precious metals from local residents. At previous events when interviewed these transactions stood out: One person sold an old Gibson guitar that was purchased in the 1960’s for less than $250.00 to a collector at the event for $2175.00 Another person had a pocket watch collection that sold for $4600.00, with one of the watches in this collection bringing $375.00 of the $4600.00 talley. A husband and wife brought in a box of old Jewelry, wristwatches, coins, and two German daggers from WW2 and left $785.00 richer This is cool that something like this would come here to our town. Where else would this stuff ever be sold? The refinery has teamed up with the collectors for a 24 month tour of the United States, both big and small towns to dig up hidden gems.

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WE BUY 10¢ & 12¢ COMIC BOOKS!

Items of Interest: Vintage Guitars: Martin, Gibson, Fender, National, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, Mandolins, Banjos and others. Pocket Watches: Hamilton, Illinois, Waltham, Patek Phillipe, Ball, Howard, South Bend, Elgin and others Wrist watches: Omega, Accutron, Longines, Hamilton, Breitling and many more. Old paper money: United States, Confederate States, Blanket Bills, $1000.00 bills and more. Antique Toys: Trains, Tin wind-ups, Mechanical Banks, Robots, Pressed Steel trucks, and many more. War Memorabilia: Swords, Bayonets, Helmets, German, Confederate, Union, USA, and others. Local records reveal to our research department that recent vintage guitar sold for $2400.00 and another for $12,000.00 to a collector that will be tied into the event this week via live database feed.

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