Friday, November 27, 2009

Page 1

The Mountain Press ■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 25, No. 331 ■ November 27, 2009 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Friday

Holiday Happenings in Sevier

INSIDE

Open stores get good turnout

5Everybody loves a parade Across the country, folks turned out to enjoy the festivities NATION, Page A12

Many folks out running errands

By ELLEN BROWN Staff Writer

5The holiday overseas Soldiers in Afghanistan enjoy the turkeys that they grew WORLD, Page A11

Sports

Turkey Day tradition Packers maul Lions in annual holiday NFL game Page A8

Weather Today

Most people stay at home on Thanksgiving Day, and most businesses are closed — but there were plenty of people in Sevierville out and about with several businesses welcoming customers Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press Thursday morning. “We’ve had a good Seth Dalton, 2, of Fort Payne, Ala., finds a Santa hat at the Festival of Trees, held at the turnout,” said K-Mart Gatlinburg Convention Center, on Thursday. assistant store manager Terri Wallace. “We’ve always been open on Thanksgiving Day. It’s for our customers.” Kip and Kelly Kirby are a lot of tourists. We don’t have are able to vote for their favorBy ELLEN BROWN of Seymour were two any performances today; people ite tree, and the winner will be Staff Writer of those customers who are just here to walk through and announced on Saturday. decided to take a quick look at everything. Santa will be Also on display are gingerbread GATLINBURG — Gatlinburg’s trip to the store. here this weekend.” houses created by local residents. Festival of Trees remained a “We’re wasting time Proceeds from the festival will Children can write letters to Santa, popular attraction into its third before we go eat,” Kip said benefit SMARM, a faith-based, color pictures and create gifts in day, with guests of all ages visitwith a laugh. “Maybe we’ll nonprofit corporation that serves the Christmas Craft Corner. ing the Convention Center on get some good deals while thousands of families in need and Edith Crane of Maryland had Thanksgiving. we’re here.” strives to prevent homelessness in seen the Festival of Trees adver“We had an onslaught of people Gary Loveday of the area. tised in a coupon booklet and as soon as we opened the door,” Sevierville was surprised Around 65 Christmas trees have thought it would be the perfect way said Dick Wellons, director of to hear K-Mart was open been decorated by the area busito celebrate the beginning of the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue on the holiday. Ministries, the event’s host. “There nesses and organizations that are See TOURISTS, Page A4 “My wife sent me — I’m sponsors of the event. Attendees picking up drinks for the meal,” he said. For Carolyn Keefer of Sevierville, Thanksgiving Day is the beginning of the season to help others. By ELLEN BROWN “This is my day to give back to someone else,” Staff Writer she said. “I came to buy toys for the children of GATLINBURG — Appalachia. They have Thanksgiving Day didn’t dolls here for a really good seem to keep the crowds price.” away from downtown Walgreens was another Gatlinburg. In fact, the business busy serving area was busy as ever customers, including local with numerous attracresident Phyllis Tipton. tions, shops and restau“My family came down rants open. from Arizona, and we’ve It was the first rented a cabin,” said Thanksgiving holiday Tipton, who had just away from home for bought cleaning supWarren Murrell and his plies. “Unfortunately, the son, Brooks, 10, both of kitchen hasn’t been mainMandeville, La. tained, so I’m helping my “We’re here for a footdaughter out,” ball tournament,” Warren While a couple perused said. “We’re staying at the Redbox outside the the Edgewater Hotel, Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press drugstore for the perand they’re having a The Burkhalter family of Savannah, Ga., chose to spend fect family DVD, Pigeon Thanksgiving meal for us.” Thanksgiving in the Smoky Mountains this year. They include, from See MOUNTAINS, Page A5 See STORES, Page A4 left, Brad, 16; mom Cathy; Ben, 13; (front) Brett, 8; and Heather, 19.

Tourists flock to Festival of Trees

Smoky Mountains prove to be a big draw

Partly cloudy High: 51°

Tonight Partly cloudy Low: 31° DETAILS, Page A6

Obituaries Fred Galyon, 76 David Dugas, 52 Daniel Reagan, 56 Ann Gillespie, 87

DETAILS, Page A4

Index Local & State . A1-A4,A6 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . B4 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . A8,A9 Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 Classifieds . . . . . . B8-B11 Nation . . . . . . . . A10,A12 World . . . . . . . . . . . . A11

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

Bank’s $5,000 donation gets Santa Fund rolling The annual Santa Fund campaign, this year helping children as well as senior citizens, has kicked off with Citizens National Bank’s annual $5,000 contribution. “On behalf of our Board of Directors, officers and employees, the bank has been kicking off the Santa Fund with a $5,000 donation for 12 straight years,” David Verble, CNB president and CEO, said. “In lieu of corporate gifts, this donation is made in honor of our customers by helping those truly in need during this holiday season.” The Santa Fund this year is using referrals from both Douglas Cherokee and the See FUND, Page A4

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

Citizens National Bank has kicked off the Santa Fund with its annual $5,000 contribution. Jana Thomasson, left, publisher of The Mountain Press and coordinator of the fund, accepts the check from board members J.S. Eledge, Kyle Swaggerty, Kevin Kilpatrick, Lynn Webb, Bill Kilpatrick and David Verble.

A2 ◆ Local/State

The Mountain Press ◆ Friday, November 27, 2009

Forge commissioner continues questioning tourism advert buys

Bredesen studies where to cut budget

One airlifted after 3-vehicle accident

By DEREK HODGES Staff Writer PIGEON FORGE — City Commissioner Randal Robinson continued what seems to be the theme of his six months in office Monday evening, bringing up questions about the money the city allots to its Department of Tourism. Robinson has hounded tourism officials on everything from the popularity of the city’s Web site to the cost of hosting a visit by reality television family the Duggars for the Winterfest kickoff. During Monday’s City Commission meeting, it was that latter issue and its relation to the city’s contracted advertising firm that drew Robinson’s ire. “Did we ever approve Bohan’s services?” Robinson asked. Tourism Director Leon Downey and City Clerk Dennis Clabo both worked to answer that question, pointing out the commission annually approves working with Bohan Advertising, though that hasn’t happened since Robinson took office in May. Additionally, several city officials argued the current board did OK continued cooperation with the company by approving the current year’s budget, which includes funding for the work Bohan does. Robinson wasn’t convinced, though, arguing the board should be given the ability to approve every expenditure with Bohan before the Department of Tourism pays it. “There’s $8 million or $10 million that’s being spent here but I don’t see where it’s approved that you spend it,” Robinson said. “We have no scope of work. We have no idea what they’re doing with this money. We ask every other department to come before us with these expenditures. I feel like it’s a double standard with this tourism department.” The city has kept the Department of Tourism’s budget steady at $8 million for several years. During his campaign, Robinson said he’d like to raise that amount, though he also said he would be questioning contracts such as those given to Bohan. He’s kept that promise, beating worries about the advertising company and U.S. Destination Marketing, which handles the city’s tourism Web site, like a drum, including during the commission’s vote to pay the city’s bills during the group’s last two meetings. Downey pointed out city officials have a contract with Bohan to complete the work of advertising the city and its events, leaving to the professionals’ discretion how exactly to do that, be it through television commercials or advertisements in print publications. Robinson apparently wants the City Commission to approve each such ad buy before it’s done, rather than after as the city has always done it. That concerns some other city leaders. Robinson went so far as to question the legality of the way the allocations are made. “I still feel it’s illegal, what we’ve done. I really do,” he said. City attorney Jim Gass worked to allay that fear. “I believe it is legal,” Gass said. “There may be questions you want to raise about possibly changing the way the city does that, but I think this current year’s expenses are legal.” Despite all the efforts to reassure him, Robinson’s concerns survived to the end of the discussion. His was the only vote against approving paying the city’s bills, with Robinson saying he is still concerned about about $50,000 Bohan spent on the Duggars’ visit. The popular family’s television series included two episodes when the Duggars were in Pigeon Forge in May, equal to about $2.5 million in free advertising, Downey has said. During Monday’s session, the group also voted to approve entering into an agreement with Double K for a price increase for the trolleys ordered utilizing ARRA funds and accepting a grant from the Tennessee Division of Forestry to purchase equipment for the Fire Department.

Rich Iceland/Sevier County VFD

One person was airlifted by Lifestar with unknown injuries after a three-vehicle accident on Newport Highway near Crossover 3 on Wednesday night at approximately 7:15. Responding to the scene were Sevier County Volunteer Fire Department, Sevier County Rescue, Sevier County Sheriff’s and Tennessee Highway Patrol.

4-H gets ‘Hooked on Helping Hunger’ Sevier County 4-H members recently showed the spirit of giving through their participation in the eighth annual 4-H “Hooked on Helping Hunger” tuna drive to benefit the Sevier County Food Ministries. This event is held annually in conjunction with the countywide 4-H officers workshop, where 235 4-H officers received training. This year Sevier County 4-H members donated 4,000 cans of tuna and over $1,300 to the food ministry. The goal of this annual project is to help 4-H members better understand hunger needs in our community. Each 4-H member is encouraged to donate at least one can of tuna or 50 cents to the food ministry, which is now serving over 1,200 Sevier County families each week. Steve Streibig, director of the food ministry, says, “We appreciate the contributions 4-H members make with this annual food drive. The large donation of tuna each year enables us to provide a specialty item that is expensive for us to buy. 4-H

members have proven to be faithful friends over the years with their annual tuna drive.” Since the projects inception eight years ago, 4-H members have donated over 31,000 cans of tuna and over $12,500 to the local food ministry. As one 4-H member said, “That’s one big fish.” Many 4-H members are currently collecting and donating coats, gloves and toboggans for the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries coat distribution project. Last year 4-H members donated over 1,200 coats to this local effort, which provides coats for those in need in Sevier County. Coats will be distributed on Saturday, Dec. 12, in Sevierville. Donations of coats that are clean and in

good condition can be made at the SMARM office, Court Avenue Sevierville. 4-H is a community of young people developing life skills and providing service in their community. 4-H opportunities are available to all fourth- through 12thgrade young people in Sevier County. — Glenn Turner is a Sevier County agricultural extension service agent. Call him at 4533695.

Sevier County Humane Society

Saturday Dec. 5th, 2009 at the Sevierville Civic Center Preview at 1:00p.m. and Auction at 2:00p.m.

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NASHVILLE (AP) — Now that Gov. Phil Bredesen has completed hearings on potential budget cuts at state agencies, he’s preparing to craft a spending plan that could incorporate a range of severe reductions. As part of the Democratic governor’s call to plan for up to 9 percent cuts, department heads presented proposals that included freeing thousands of prisoners, slashing health benefits for TennCare enrollees and declining to cover the cost of inflation and growth at Tennessee’s schools. Bredesen was at a loss when asked by reporters recently which of the grim options he expects to adopt into his spending plan. “The answer is: I don’t know,” he said. “I’m obviously going to try to mitigate the worst effects of this and move forward.” Bredesen, who also hasn’t ruled out layoffs of state workers to help save money, is scheduled to present his annual spending proposal to lawmakers in January. But he said he’ll wait for the State Funding Board’s revenue projections next month before completing his plan.

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Local â—† A3

Friday, November 27, 2009 â—† The Mountain Press

Holiday fire in Kodak

ARRESTS Editor’s Note: The following information was taken from the intake reports at the Sevier County Jail. All people listed within this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. n Jose Rube Arivmendi-Delgado, 28, of Knoxville, was charged Nov. 26 with driving under the influence, driving without license and violation of implied consent law. He was being held. n Spencer Earl Brannon, 37, of Morristown, was charged Nov. 25, with a general sessions court warrant. He was released on $2,000 bond. n Christopher Ray Cox, 23, of 984 Goose Gap Road, Sevierville, was charged Nov. 26, was charged with domestic violence assault. He was being held on $2,000 bond. n Terry Lynn Fine, 45, of Newport, was charged Nov. 26, with two counts of theft of property $10,000 to $50,000. He was being held on a $30,000. n Christopher Wayne Gossett, 26, of Gatlinburg, was charged Nov. 25, with drug manufacturing, sale and possession of schedule VI drug. He was released on a $2,500 bond. n Chad Aaron Henderson, 20, of 302 Lariat Lane, Sevierville, was charged with public intoxication. He was released on a $250 bond. n Robert Stephan

Holmes, 40, of 345 Vic King Way, Sevierville, was charged Nov. 25, with assault. He was released on a $500 bond. n Sandra Kaye Kornhauser, 47, of 1448 Flatwood Road, Sevierville, was charged Nov. 25, with driving on revoked first-offense and greater. She was being held on a $2,500 bond. n Summer Dawn Lowe, 25, of 1520 Seagle Hollow Road, Sevierville, was charged Nov. 25, with two counts of general theft. She was being held on $6,500 bond. n Adlie Fred Penman, 30, of 328 McMahan Ave., Sevierville, was charged Nov. 25, with false report/information to officer, misdemeanor. He was released on $5,000 bond. n Robert Vance Risner, 32, of Atlanta, was charged Nov. 25, with public intoxication. He was released on a $250 bond. n Brandon Lee Smith, 25, of 1015 Ruff Grose Way, Seymour, was charged Nov. 26, with driving under the influence, theft of property, driving on suspended license, manufacturing/possession/sale of

schedule III drug, manufacturing/sale/possession of schedule IV drug, manufacturing/sale/possession schedule II drug. He was being held on $4,750 bond. n William S. Wehmeyer, 24, of Hebron, Ky., was charged Nov. 26, with public intoxication. He was being held on $250 bond. n David Wade Whaley, 23, of 1948 Allensville Ridge, was charged Nov. 25, with aggravated burglarly. He was being held on $30,000 bond. n Sonya Ann Whitlock, 30, of Bybee, Tenn., was charged Nov. 26, with possession of legend drug without prescription, with manufacturing/sale/possession of schedule V drug, manufacturing/sale/possession of schedule II drug and manufacturing/sale/ possession of schedule IV drug and with public intoxication. She was being held on $4,250 bond. n Kristy Lynn Williams, 27, of Strawberry Plains, was charged Nov. 25, with a general sessions court warrant misdemeanor, general theft and vandalism. She was released on $2,500 bond.

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Rich Iceland/Sevier County FD

Responding agencies from the Northview Kodak Volunteer Fire Department, Sevier County FD and Dandridge VFD work at a structure fire at 4548 Cherokee Drive in Kodak on Thursday morning. The fire started around 3 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, then reignited around 10 a.m. Water was provided by tankers putting water into a dump tank, then using an engine to pump to the fire.

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A4 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Friday, November 27, 2009

obituaries

In Memoriam

Fred Galyon

Fred Galyon, age 76 of Seymour, went home to be with the Lord Thursday morning November, 26, 2009 at Sevier County Health Care Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Sevierville. He was a very loving person and a longtime Fullerbrush salesman for over 40 years. He served his country in the United States Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents, Scott and Dixie Smith Galyon, brother Bennie Galyon, and brother-inlaw, Otha Galyon. Survivors: daughters and sons-in-law: Liz and Danny King, of Sevierville; Teresa and Jack Glaze, of Sevierville; grandchildren: Lindsey Parton and husband Jeremy, D.J. King, Crystal Jans Van Rensburg and husband Carl, and Tiffany Glaze; great grandchildren: Otto Jans Van Rensburg, Amelia Jans Van Rensburg, and Jake Parton; sisters and brothers-in-law: Gladys and Tommy Kile, Betty Galyon, Ruth and John Leming; several special nieces, nephews and friends including, Josie Galyon (mother of his children) and Ralph Galyon The family would like to thank the staff of Sevier County Health Care Center and caregivers for their special care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Sevierville (general fund) 317 Parkway, Sevierville TN 37862 Funeral service 2 PM Saturday in the Chapel at First Baptist Church, Sevierville with Rev. Randy Davis and Rev. Randy Leming officiating. Special music will be provided by Eric Bennett and Larry Leming. Interment will follow in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM Saturday at the Chapel of First Baptist Church, Sevierville. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

In Memoriam

David Wayne Dugas

David Wayne Dugas, age 52 of Sevierville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 20, 2009. Mr. Dugas was preceded in death by his parents Sidney and Norma Dugas. A beloved husband, father and loved by all, he is survived by: wife: Debbie Ownby Dugas; children: Keith and Michael Dugas, of New Orleans; stepsons: Jason, Dustin, and Jeremy Ownby; grandchildren: Hunter and Abigail Ownby; brothers: Sidney and Robert Dugas; sister: Brenda Dugas The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Monday with memorial service to follow at 7 PM Monday at Conner Heights Baptist Church. Rev. Jonathan Hatcher officiating. Cremation arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Daniel Jack Reagan Daniel Jack Reagan, 56, of Gatlinburg, died Monday, Nov. 23, 2009. Survivors: daughters, Melissa Ballew, and Brandy Reagan; parents, Jane and Jack Reagan; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Kathy Reagan; three nieces; one nephew. Funeral service 7 p.m. Friday in the West Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with the Rev. Melvin Carr officiating. Interment 11 a.m. Saturday in Laurel Grove Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 104. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Ann Catherine Gillespie Ann Catherine Gillespie, 87 of Pigeon Forge, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. Survivors: daughter and sonin-law, Carol Ann and Ralph Jackson; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Linda Gillespie; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Martha Clendenen; brother and sister-in-law, James and Pearl Bane; several nieces and nephews. Family and friends will meet 1 p.m. Friday in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens for graveside service and interment. Cathy Hutton officiating. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.

Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press

Edith Crane of Maryland enjoys the view at the Festival of Trees, held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, on Thursday.

TOURISTS

with her family, which included 2-year-old son, 3From Page A1 Andrew. “I have always wanted to come back for the holidays with her famChristmas shows here,� ily. Adkins said. “It’s good “I have been to family time.� Gatlinburg once, but Andrew was espeit’s been a while,� Crane cially taken with the said. “My daughter is Christmas trees. home from college, so “He’s always talking we thought it would be to our tree at home,� a nice time to go.� Adkins said with a Shauna Adkins of laugh. “He’s always sayDanville, Va., was ing, ‘I love you, tree,’ enjoying the festive and ‘Bye, star.’� decorations and music

Wellons’ wife MaryLyda greeted guests as she sold handmade crafts by locals and served coffee and hot cider. Seth Dalton, 2, of Fort Payne, Ala., was having a ball as he discovered a large teddy bear with a Santa hat beside one of the Christmas trees. “My wife had vacation this week, and her parents have a condo here,� said Chris Dalton, Seth’s father.

“We invited my mom and my stepdad. I love it here.� Appearances will be made by Gatlinburg’s “Tunes and Tales� characters today and Saturday. Photos with Santa will be from 2-5 p.m. and a presentation of “The Nutcracker� by Elizabeth Williams School of Dance will be at 7 p.m., both today and tomorrow.

FUND

made by: n Mail to The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville 37864 n In person at our offices, Riverbend Drive across from TRW in Sevierville, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All contributions will

be acknowledged in The Mountain Press, unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous. Donations also can be made in memory or honor of other people. The deadline for donations is Dec. 18. Call 4280756, ext. 217.

3From Page A1

Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. Douglas Cherokee has signed up senior citizens seeking help. The Boys & Girls Club branches signed up members who could use some added assistance this Christmas season. The Santa Fund is coordinated by Jana Thomasson, publisher of The Mountain Press, who accepted the donation from Citizens National. “This year we have so many people in need,� she

said. “Fortunately this is a giving community which tries to help others. That’s what we are counting on this year with the Santa Fund.� Money contributed to the Santa Fund comes from individuals, businesses and civic organizations. This year the donations will be divided between Douglas Cherokee for the seniors and Boys & Girls Club for the children. “It’s really important in these challenging times that we make the drive a success,� Thomasson said. “Any amount is welcome and appreciated.� Contributions can be

n ebrown@themountainpress.com

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Nation â—† A5

Friday, November 27, 2009 â—† The Mountain Press

Robotic hamsters are 2009 holidays’ unlikely new craze By MAE ANDERSON AP Retail Writer NEW YORK — When Lori Fowlkes first saw robotic Zhu Zhu Pets toy hamsters in September, she remembers her kids started jumping up and down and saying “Please! Please! Can we buy them?� Seeing a fully stocked shelf, she decided to hold off until Christmas. That was “before I knew that the hamsters would soon be off the shelves and more scarce than an H1N1 vaccine,� said Fowlkes, 32. Now she can’t find them anywhere. Zhu Zhu Pets, which retail for about $10, are this year’s bona fide must-have toy, following in the footsteps of past crazes for Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids. On resale Web sites like eBay and Craigslist, they fetch $40 or more. Vital accessories as the hamster car and funhouse are sold separately. By many counts, the toy is an unlikely hit. They’re in a field crowded with toy pets. The hamsters, which scurry around, make noises and drive cars don’t always work the way you expect and have a limited range of action. “Honestly, I don’t really get it,� said BMO Capital Markets analyst Gerrick Johnson. “But I don’t need to get it for a toy to be hot.� The toys do have several factors that make them compelling, Johnson said: fun accessories and scarcity — sometimes when something is hard to obtain it makes people want it more. And they have one big thing going for them in tough economic times: They’re cheap. “The last couple of years the robotic pet has been very popular, but those have been very expensive,� like Hasbro’s $250 robotic dinosaur Kota the Triceratops, he said. “But here’s a version of a robotic pet that only costs $10.� Hasbro’s line of lower-priced Furreal Friends robotic animals have not hit the same chord, perhaps because they still cost more, are immobile and don’t have any accessories. Zhu Zhu Pets, aimed at 3- to 10-yearolds, have rushed in to fill the void. But unlike past “It� toys made by large manufacturers like Mattel’s Tickle Me Elmo and Tiger Electronic’s Furby, Zhu Zhu Pets are made by tiny Cepia Inc. of St. Louis, with just 16 employees in the U.S.

and 30 in China, making their success even more unlikely. ———— CREATION OF A CRAZE Just six years old, Cepia previously worked on an electronic dispensing device for consumer products before turning to toys and its only other product, a line of light-up bears called Glo-E Bears. The company was started by toy industry vet Russ Hornsby, 56. The success of Zhu Zhu Pets wasn’t entirely accidental. After being inspired by classic robotic toys, like the barking puppy dog who flips, Hornsby created a prototype. Stores in Phoenix were used as a test bed in May. The company got the word out with a savvy mix of local cable ads and parties thrown by “mommy bloggers.� Hornsby said he was hoping to sell three to four pets per store per week, but was secretly hoping for eight. The result, Hornsby said, was exponentially higher, though he wouldn’t say how much. “The rate was so astonishing everybody had to go back and pinch themselves,� Hornsby said. Toys R Us pulled all of the test data to make sure it wasn’t being manipulated, Hornsby said. That gave a running start to Cepia’s national rollout in August. Ads on cable stations Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Disney XD have proved to be catnip to kids. “My daughter saw a commercial for them on Nickelodeon or one of the kid channels and instantly wanted it,� said Tara Purdy Callender, 21. Her daughter’s 6th birthday is on Nov. 25 and “all she wants is Zhu Zhu pets,� lamented Callender, whose search has been fruitless so far. ———— KEEPING UP WITH DEMAND For parents, the hamster hunt is intense. A Facebook fan site tracks parent’s search for the toys. Hornsby said he recently got a call at 4 a.m. on his cell phone from a mom asking for hamsters. Calls have also been received at the store’s Chinese base from parents trying to go straight to the source. “They’re calling because they’re upset and they feel we’re not doing a good enough job getting merchandise on the shelves,� Hornsby said. But with retailers being extra cautious with orders this year following the dis-

MOUNTAINS

Gatlinburg and visited the wax museum. We had a 3From Page A1 late breakfast, so we don’t know where we’ll be eating Thanksgiving dinner.� For the Long family of George and Karen Chattanooga, Gatlinburg Rodgers of Camden, is the perfect place “to Ind., visited Gatlinburg relax and get away.� for their honeymoon “It’s a short drive from years ago. They decided Chattanooga, and there’s to return to the spot this a lot to do,� said Kim year, just the two of them. Long, who was joined by “We’ve got seven kids husband Steve, children Jordan and Cody and fam- and 16 grandkids between ily friend John Townsend. us,� Carol said. “On Christmas Eve, there are “We’ve rented a cabin, and we’ll eat Thanksgiving 40 people at our house, and half of them are dinner there — I’ll be under the age of 7! We making something quick decided to take a breather and easy.� The mountains seemed to for Thanksgiving.� The couple planned to be a nice Thanksgiving geteat at Lineberger’s for away from Savannah, Ga., where the Burkhalter family their Thanksgiving meal “if they’re open,� George had spent many holidays with a loved one they recent- said. Angie Gentry of ly lost. Cathy Burkhalter’s Cartersville, Ga., and husband was killed in a car wreck last year. This holiday her sister, Brenda Smith of Carrollton, Ga., season she is especially thankful to be with her children, including Heather, 19; Brad, 16; Ben, 13; and Brett, 8. “We’re actually staying 3NELLING 3TUDIOS in Pigeon Forge,� Cathy !LL !GES said. “We just got into

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Associated Press

In this file photo, a hamster from Zhu Zhu Pets, by Cepia, is shown at the Time to Play Holiday 2009 Most Wanted List event in New York. Zhu Zhu Pets, which retail for $8, are this year’s bona fide must-have toy, following in the footsteps of past crazes for Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids. mal holiday season last year, the maker has had to scramble to make enough to catch up to demand. Toy analyst Jim Silver at Timetoplaymag. com said it was late fall by the time Cepia and retailers realized how popular the toys were, and by that time it was difficult to increase production. “You can’t just go to China and flip a switch,� he said. But in the past three months, the company has added three more factories in China. “We’re all working so hard right now to try to fulfill this,� Hornsby said. “Retailers are airlifting in millions of products,� a rare and expensive move for stores.

Even if the product remains impossible to find for the holidays, the craze sets Cepia up for a strong 2010. Hornsby estimates the company will sell $100 million in Zhu Zhu Pets by the end of the year. It’s always hard to tell how long a toy will stay hot, but based on bookings, he says that will grow to $350 million to $400 million by the end of next year as production ramps up. BMO analyst Johnson agreed 2010 will be big for Zhu Zhu Pets. “I don’t know what Chinese New Year is coming up, but as far as toys are concerned next year will be the year of the hamster.�

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agreed that the Smoky Mountains were the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving with their families. “We don’t get to see each other that often, and this is my favorite place to visit,� Brenda said. “It’s beautiful — I love all the woodwork around here,� said Brenda’s son Landon, 17. The group, which also included Angie’s children, Cortney and Caleb, had spent the morning scouting out restaurants. “We’re still looking for that perfect Thanksgiving dinner!� Brenda said.

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The Mountain Press ◆ Friday, November 27, 2009

sunrise in the smokies

TODAY’S Briefing Local n

GATLINBURG

Festival of Trees continues today

Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees will be held through Saturday at the Convention Center, The event benefits Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. Along with around 65 festive trees, this year guests will find a children’s craft corner and gingerbread houses made by locals. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Saturday. Appearances will be made by “Tunes and Tales” characters. There will be photos with Santa from 2-5 p.m. and “The Nutcracker” by Elizabeth Williams School of Dance at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

n

SEVIER COUNTY

Letters to Santa sought by paper

Once again The Mountain Press has been asked by Santa Claus to handle all letters to him this Christmas season. There are several ways to get the letters to us: n Drop them by our offices, Riverbend Drive in Sevierville, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. n E-mail them to santa@ themountainpress.com or editor@themountainpress. com n Mail them to The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville 37984 n Fax them to 453-4913 The deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 9. n

PIGEON FORGE

Humane Society to wrap gifts

The Sevier County Humane Society is having several gift wrapping events to purchase items for the animal shelter on Gnatty Branch Road. This week the wrapping will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday at Belz Mall on Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge. Items do not have to be purchased at the mall. Future wrapping dates: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9; noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 20; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21-24

n

top state news

Lottery Numbers

Project promotes shopping alternative By TRAVIS LOLLER Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE — A national oral history project is trying to start a new tradition for Black Friday. Instead of hunting for bargains, StoryCorps suggests families sit down together and talk about their lives on a National Day of Listening. AmandaRigell,a30-yearold middle school teacher from Johnson City, interviewed her grandmother, who was 89 at the time, for the first National Day of Listening last year.

“She was reluctant at first,” Rigell said. “She doesn’t really talk about herself.” But then she talked for more than two and a half hours. “She talked about her early education. She went to a tiny little school, I think there was only one other person there for a while. And she talked about drinking fresh milk from a cow. I guess that shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did,” Rigell said. StoryCorps is a nonprofit project that seeks to preserve the stories of ordinary

TODAY’S FORECAST

LOCAL:

Today's Forecast

Partly cloudy

Chicago 40° | 31°

Raleigh 52° | 38°

20%

Atlanta 56° | 34° Sunny

New Orleans 61° | 40°

Sunny

High: 62° Low: 42°

GATLINBURG

City offices to observe holiday

Gatlinburg city offices, including City Hall, will be closed today in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Community Center will be open. The Sanitation Department will run its normal schedule. PIGEON FORGE

City to observe holiday schedule

Miami 72° | 56°

Douglas 972.0 D1.1

© 2009 Wunderground.com

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

Ice

Cautionary Health Message: None

Sunny Pt. Cloudy Cloudy Weather Underground • AP

All Pigeon Forge city offices will be closed today in observance of Thanksgiving. For businesses, trucks will run, while homeowners who usually have collection on Thursday should have their carts out by 6 a.m. today.

quote roundup “I’m concentrated on jobs, not Dobbs.” — Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., on a possible U.S. Senate run by former CNN host Lou Dobbs in New Jersey in 2012.

“At the end of the day (Benjamin) Netanyahu needs to make peace with us, the Palestinians, he doesn’t need to make peace with Americans. If that is what he wants, that is his business. The last I know, Washington is 6,000 miles from Jerusalem, while Jericho is 67.” — Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat on Israel’s plan to halt settlement construction in the West Bank for 10 months to spur peace negotiations.

“A hundred and sixty dollars is a phone bill, it’s most of our electric bill. I’m not going home because of the economy. Can’t do it.” — Spring Clarke of Lubbock, Texas, who couldn’t afford to travel to Austin to be with family this Thanksgiving due to the amount of gas it would take to complete the 740mile round trip.

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

This day in history Today is Friday, Nov. 27, the 331st day of 2009. There are 34 days left in the year.

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Locally a year ago:

The Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge has special visitors from the North Pole during the run of its Christmas show. Two live reindeer will be in a viewing area at the theater through the end of the year. The mother gave birth to the baby in April. n

Today’s highlight:

On Nov. 27, 1909, author, poet and critic James Agee was born in Knoxville. On this date:

“A UT-TPA Prize Winning Newspaper”

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Ten years ago:

Northern Ireland’s biggest party, the Ulster Unionists, cleared the way for the speedy formation of an unprecedented ProtestantCatholic administration. n

Primary Pollutant: Ozone

Staff

Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009 Midday: 7-9-3-8 27 Evening: 3-2-4-2 11

n

■ Lake Stages:

Mountains: Good Valley: Good

Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 Evening: 9-1-9-4 23

In 1970, Pope Paul VI, visiting the Philippines, was slightly wounded at the Manila airport by a dagger-wielding Bolivian painter disguised as a priest.

■ Saturday High: 59° Low: 37° ■ Sunday

Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009 Midday: 5-3-9 17 Evening: 9-3-4 16

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SEVIERVILLE

The opening of Sevier County Relay For Life’s Wrapping for a Cure store has been delayed until Tuesday. The store will be located in the old Samsonite location at Tanger Five Oaks and be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week through Dec. 31, to allow shoppers the chance to have their gifts wrapped and help support the American Cancer Society. Donations of scissors, tape, tape dispensers, bows and paper are needed. Those can be dropped of at The Barn Owl in the Food City shopping center in Pigeon Forge, or call 428-0846.

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Washington 49° | 40°

Memphis 56° | 34°

Chance of rain

Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 Evening: 8-6-5 19

n

High: 51° Low: 31° Wind 5 mph

Campbell County near the Kentucky border, was around for all the “big events” of her childhood. Some of her fondest memories of her grandmother involve home cooked meals and “amazing” buttermilk biscuits. But there were a lot of things Rigell didn’t know about her. Rigell recorded the interview on her computer and plans to give copies as Christmas presents. “She has seven kids and I’m pretty sure there’s at least one story about each of them,” she said.

City/Region High | Low temps

Forecast for Friday, Nov. 27

Relay wrapping project delayed

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people. Rigell first learned about it when she heard some of those stories broadcast on public radio during her morning commute. She had already interviewed two people at StoryCorps recording booths when she and her father decided to interview her grandmother at home. “I’m really glad we did it last year because her health has been declining,” she said. “There was a while last month when she couldn’t speak.” Rigell said her grandmother, who lives in

Five years ago:

After 40 years in North Korea and less than one month in a U.S. military jail near Tokyo, U.S. Army deserter Charles Jenkins became a free man. The Ukraine parliament declared the recently held presidential election invalid. n

Thought for today:

“You must be in tune with the times and prepared to break with tradition.” — James Agee (1909-1955).

Celebrities in the news n

Roman Polanski

GSTAAD, Switzerland (AP) — After two months in a Swiss jail, Roman Polanski prepared Thursday for the splendid captivity of his $1.6 Polanski million chalet in one of world’s most luxurious winter resorts. Polanski will have views of snowcapped Alpine peaks, spacious rooms and the all the amenities of a town with a reputation for catering to the wishes of the rich and famous. But he won’t be able to go out the front door. In this isolated bastion of wealth — which Elizabeth Taylor once called home and Michael Jackson visited — the 76-year-old director will be placed under house arrest as soon as he posts $4.5 million bail, surrenders his identity documents and is fitted for an electronic bracelet that allows authorities to monitor his whereabouts.

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 ■ Friday, November 27, 2009

commentary

Tax-backed abortions are not wanted

One of the more disturbing aspects of the health care reform overhaul being pushed right now is its potential impact on the rights of the unborn. As an obstetrician and gynecologist who delivered almost 5,000 babies, I strongly support the sanctity of life. As the congressional representative of this district, I will fight against policies that I believe will promote abortion. Unfortunately, the President has consistently stated his preference for policies that promote abortion. I joined numerous pro-life colleagues in opposing the President’s actions to overturn the so-called conscience clause and the Mexico City policy. Under H.R. 3962 — the health care legislation that passed through the House this month — virtually every individual will be required to have health care coverage that meets “minimum benefits standards” established by the administration. Those minimum benefits will include abortion unless Congress acts Rep. Phil Roe to explicitly exclude abortion from any government mandated coverage or taxpayer funded health plan. Historical experience with federal statutes demonstrates that if abortion is not explicitly excluded, administrative agencies and the courts will mandate it. I strongly supported the Pitts/Stupak amendment because it would prevent the Democratic health reform bill from allowing taxpayer dollars to subsidize abortions. It is outrageous they trying to sneak abortion coverage into their health care bill that so clearly goes against what the majority of Americans want. While I still strongly opposed H.R. 3962 because it represents the first step towards government-run health care, I was pleased the House voted to prevent any taxpayer funding of abortions. It’s clear this language is supported by a strong majority of Congress, and it needs to be included in any health care legislation that is passed. Last week, the Examiner, a Washington publication, reported the White House senior advisor David Axelrod saying the President would work with House and Senate Democratic Leadership to strip out the Pitts/Stupak amendment from any final version of the health care bill. Furthermore, Obama has admitted that he does not support the amendment, claiming it changes the “status quo.” But the bottom line is, Americans do not want their tax dollars funding abortions, and it is morally wrong. It’s our responsibility and privilege as legislators to protect those who do not have a voice. I will always fight for the right to life because it is my conviction that we are all unique creations of a God who knows us and loves us before we are even conceived. I also strongly believe organizations that provide abortions should not receive any taxpayer funding, which is why I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 614, the Title X Abortion Provider Nondiscrimination Act, which bars these organizations from receiving Title X family planning funds. Furthermore, we must make our laws consistent with our science and restore full legal protections to all who are waiting to be born. If government has any legitimate function at all, it is to protect the most innocent among us, and I will do my best to defend that protection. As always, please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you or your family. You can contact my office by mail, e-mail or phone. Our contact information can be found on our web site, www.roe.house.gov. — Phil Roe is a member of the U.S. House serving the 1st District of Tennessee. That district includes most of Sevier County.

Editorial

Shop Sevier

Staying at home to purchase Christmas gifts helps the whole county The day that lives in infamy annually has arrived. It’s heaven for some, just the opposite for others. Today, of course, is Black Friday, the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. And if you don’t believe it, just check Thursday’s Mountain Press for the number of circulars enclosed. Shoppers line up outside stores in the early-morning darkness just waiting for the doors to open. And when they do, there will be elbowing, pushing, shoving, shouting and maybe even some hair pulling as bargain-happy consumers fight over the latest video game, cell phone, big-screen television, Hannah Montana merchandise ... and the list goes on and on. According to economists, from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, retail stores will do at least 25 percent of their sales for the entire

year — make-it or break-it time, in other words. The stores that lure the most customers and get the biggest share of the holiday pie are likely to have the most successful overall years. And with the country crawling back from the throes of a recession, that is important. As late as September, Sevier County showed an unemployment rate of 9.2, tied for the 10th lowest in the state. While being 10th lowest out of 90-plus counties is a sliver of good news, having one in 10 people out of work is not. How does that relate to Black Friday? Because, with so much riding on the holiday shopping season for the working and nonworking people, for the retailers, for the tax bases of our cities and the county, it is important for those of us who live here to SHOP here. Sure, it’s tempting to drive over

to Knoxville or Nashville or down to Atlanta with their mega-malls and diversity, but what is that going to accomplish? Money will be spent on fuel that otherwise could be going to presents. Besides, what’s to be found in those cities that you can’t find here? The Belz, Tanger Five Oaks and Red Roof Outlet malls offer just about every designer brand imaginable. And From Kodak to Seymour to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and every nook and cranny of the county, there are specialty shops and department stores galore. Whether you are looking for jewelry, clothing, toys for little kids, toys for big kids, big-ticket items or the ever-popular gift cards, there’s no need to look any further. Shop at home and help Sevier County. Happy hunting and happy holidays!

Political view

Public forum JFK assassination brings about thoughts on accused, innocent

Editor: Once again, it’s JFK assassination conspiracy week. I was watching our 19-inch Zenith black and white TV that Sunday when Oswald was shot by Ruby. It was my ninth birthday and my dad was in the kitchen setting up the cake. I yelled, “He got shot!” He came over to the TV and said “conspiracy.” Almost 50 years later, we’re still talking about the subject. No one has had a death bed confession (including Ruby, who died in prison) about any conspiracy. No one. I was at the grassy knoll in Dallas and determined almost immediately that no gunman could have been at the site since Zapruder would have jumped during the filming being

just 30-35 feet away. His footage showed no surprise and he kept right on filming. But when Ruby iced Oswald, the normal human response would be to say conspiracy — here’s something to hide. Listening to the old interview footage of Oswald saying he didn’t know about Kennedy getting killed: Why did he leave his wallet, money and a note to his wife on his dresser that day saying he loved her? Why would he shoot a police officer blocks away for being stopped? The tricky part in all this is separating coincidence from fact. Not easy to do. Oswald had Cuban connections, Ruby had mob connections, Johnson was VP from Texas. And on it goes. For all I know, the Kennedy case is solved and I can move on. The importance of this event is that evidence can lead one to the wrong conclusion. When I was in Dallas this summer, I read an

article about 23 individuals just from Dallas County alone who were being freed after serving over 20 years in Texas prison for rape — until DNA freed them. Could evidence have led the police, the judge, the victim, the court system to the wrong conclusion? Will the victim and the courts now be charged for their false reports? There are innocent people in prison; there are innocent people on death row. The Texas governor just a couple of weeks ago executed a guy that had several agencies saying he was wronged. But political expediency said execute him. Newspapers have an obligation not to list people who have been accused of crime. A reputation is impossible to replace. Listing convictions would be a better solution. Michael Wood 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; 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 ■ Friday, November 27, 2009

Tennessee notebook

Walk-on kicker Devin Mathis saw chance to help Volunteers By BETH RUCKER AP Sports Writer

Associated Press

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, left, shakes hands and trades high fives with fans as he takes a victory lap around the field after defeating Florida International 62-3 in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday.

Tebow set for emotional home finale By MARK LONG AP Sports Writer GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Before quarterback Tim Tebow even arrived at Florida, there was a documentary about his life called “The Chosen One.” After four years, two Southeastern Conference championships, two national titles, a Heisman Trophy and a chance to lead the program to its first perfect season, the top-ranked Gators may be ready to dub him “The Greatest One.” Farfetched? Overstated? Crazy? Not in Gainesville. Not on Saturday, when Tebow and the Gators (11-0) host Florida State (6-5). Tebow’s final home game probably will be an emotional spectacle, beginning with his final walk into the stadium, continuing with pregame ceremonies honoring a senior class that has more wins (46) than any other in SEC history and concluding with what Tebow hopes will be one final victory lap around The Swamp. “I’ll try to prepare myself,” he said. “I’m not going to try to think about it, to be honest with you, too much. It’ll just probably happen. It’ll just probably be pretty emotional, pretty exciting, overwhelming to say the least. I’m excited about it. Kind of sad it’s my last opportunity, but also excited that it’ll be that special of a moment.” Coach Urban Meyer held back tears several times this week when trying to explain what Tebow and his fellow seniors meant to him and the program.

The 2006 class was Meyer’s first full recruiting class at Florida, and the first one in any of his three head-coaching stops that he stayed with from signing day to graduation. “Kind of just mind-boggling when you think about those young guys, what they’ve done,” Meyer said. The class is 27-5 in SEC play, 25-2 at home, 14-3 against ranked opponents and 11-1 against rivals Tennessee (4-0), Georgia (3-1), Florida State (3-0) and Miami (1-0). “I guess that’s a decent recruiting class,” Meyer said. “I love these guys.” No doubt, though, Tebow will get most of the love Saturday. Florida officials would prefer that Tebow not be singled out from a class that features 24 seniors, including linebackers Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper, receiver Riley Cooper, defensive Jermaine Cunningham and kick returner Brandon James. Tebow’s teammates have more realistic expectations. “There are going to be a lot of tears in the stands seeing No. 15 run off the field the last time,” receiver David Nelson said. “I’m sure coach Meyer will be a little teared up for that. It’s going to be an emotional day, just for everything he’s worked for and everything he’s done since he’s been here. It all kind of wraps up with his last home game in The Swamp.” Tebow was one of the nation’s top recruits in the fall of 2005. His decision came down to Alabama and Florida, his close relationship with then-Tide coach Mike Shula and his

childhood dream of playing for the Gators and attending the same college as his parents. He insists it was a more difficult decision than it might seem. He spent 12 hours with Shula the day before his announcement and even gave Meyer no hint about his choice until after it was revealed on national television. Meyer’s phone died as they were speaking, with Tebow right in the middle of crying and saying how tough a choice it was. Meyer assumed Tebow was headed to Alabama and refused to watch the announcement when he got home. Instead, he went outside to play catch with his son and was shocked when his wife and two daughters ran out of the house screaming the news. Tebow arrived on campus a few weeks later and wowed teammates and coaches with his intense workouts, beginning with a drill in which he dived across concrete to win a race. Tebow’s status grew when he converted a fourth-and-1 play at Tennessee as a freshman, becoming a goal-line and short-yardage specialist and helping Florida win its first national title in a decade. He’s been more impressive since, with jump passes, rocker-step throws, option plays, scrambles and more touchdowns than anyone in SEC history. He has 8,335 yards passing and 81 TDs, and 2,743 yards rushing and 54 scores. He holds three NCAA records, 12 SEC marks and nearly two dozen school records.

NFL ROUNDUP Cowboys 24, Raiders 7 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Miles Austin couldn’t stop smiling, soaking up the cheers as he stared at himself on the giant video screens over the field. Then Tony Romo really soaked him, splashing a cup of water in his face. All part of the fun for the Dallas Cowboys in their Thanksgiving rout of the Oakland Raiders. Romo snapped the Cowboys from their offensive slumber by leading them to a season-high 494 yards, with Austin delivering 145 yards and a touchdown, sending the Cowboys to a 24-7 victory over the Raiders on Thursday. By winning for the sixth time in seven games, Dallas (8-3) is guaranteed of going into the final month of the season atop the NFC East. Oakland (3-8) and its new starting quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, were coming off a victory over divisionleading Cincinnati just a few days before, but couldn’t even cross midfield in the first half. Their lone highlight was their top draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey catching his first touchdownpass of his career. Packers 34, Lions 12 DETROIT (AP)— The Detroit Lions used to take a lot of pride in playing on Thanksgiving. Lately, the Lions have been getting embarrassed when the nation tunes in to watch them. Aaron Rodgers matched a career high with three touchdown passes and Charles Woodson grabbed two of his team’s four interceptions, giving the Green Bay Packers a 34-12 win over Detroit. The Lions have lost six straight games on the holiday, setting a franchise record, by an average of 23.2 points and eight of nine in the showcase game. The latest loss was an emotional setback for Detroit (2-9) four days after Matthew Stafford’s gutsy play capped its biggest comeback win since 1957. Green Bay (7-4) has won three straight since losing to Tampa Bay to improve its postseason prospects. “We can’t talk about the playoffs yet,” Packers receiver Donald Driver said. Stafford, playing with a sore non-throwing shoulder, threw one touchdown pass and four interceptions.

Associated Press

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tosses a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver James Jones in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

KNOXVILLE — Devin Mathis had looked forward to being a normal student after not rejoining the Tennessee football team for his junior year. He wanted to focus on class and sneak in some afternoon naps. After he watched his former teammate Daniel Lincoln miss three field goals last month against Alabama and struggle with a quadriceps injury, the former Volunteers walk-on saw an opportunity to help. “I just walked back in there and said, ’Hey, I used to be here. Maybe I could come back out to practice, see if I’ve still got it or see if I can help the team,”’ he said. The Tennessee coaches saw an opportunity too and put Mathis to work last week in a 31-16 win over Vanderbilt. The junior connected on his only field goal attempt, a 25-yard shot, and kicked four extra points. “It was completely surreal. I didn’t expect it,” he said. “I mean, three weeks earlier I didn’t think I’d be on the team or even play football again. All of a sudden, I’m kicking against Vanderbilt.” Mathis was an all-state soccer player in high school at Baylor School in Chattanooga. He took a redshirt during the Vols’ 2006 season and was a practice squad member in 2007, Lincoln’s stellar freshman year. When Lincoln struggled with accuracy last season, Mathis competed with him for playing time and nearly won the starting job but Lincoln hung on to it instead. The logistics and Spanish major chose to study in Mexico during the spring semester, missing out on spring practice under new coach Lane Kiffin. He hadn’t met Kiffin when he decided a few weeks ago to approach walk-on player coordinator Kyle Strongin about playing. He didn’t get the nod to start until a couple of hours before facing the Commodores. “I didn’t have time to think about it,” Mathis said. “I had just enough time to send a few texts, tell my mom that I was going to get in and a couple of friends going to the game to make sure they were there.” Kiffin admits he was nervous about letting a guy who had never attempted a kick in college start. It was special teams coordinator Eddie Gran who convinced him to try Mathis out. Kiffin hasn’t said whether Mathis or Lincoln will kick when Tennessee (6-5, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) travel to Kentucky (7-4, 3-4) on Saturday. “(Gran) kept coming to me and said, ’I’m telling you, this kid is kicking the ball well, and we should let him go,”’ Kiffin said. “He practiced extremely well and regardless of the fact he hadn’t played before, we gave him the opportunity.” ——— GOOD HIT, COACH: Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin had a hard time containing his excitement about senior defensive tackle Wes Brown getting a pick-6 in his final home game as a Vol. Brown intercepted MacKenzi Adams’ pass and ran it 25 yards, carrying Vanderbilt’s Warren Norman on his back for the last 5. A television clip now circulating YouTube shows Kiffin bounding across the sideline and ramming into quarterback Jonathan Crompton, Brown’s roommate, in celebration. “He’s on the injury report this week,” Kiffin joked, admitting he got a little bit caught up in the emotion of senior day after a poor second half by the Vols. “I happened to see Jonathan out of the corner of my eye, and Jonathan had just been talking the night before about how he and Wes had been living together for four years and what they’d been through and all the stories Jonathan had told Wes,” he said. “I guess it all just kind of was a little bit overwhelming.” ——— LINEBACKER SHUFFLE: Vols strongside linebacker Greg King chipped the bone in his elbow playing in place of LaMarcus Thompson against Vanderbilt. The freshman will miss the Kentucky game, but Thompson insists he’ll be back Saturday. Thompson has practiced this week with a collar brace to protect his neck and shoulder area. The junior has suffered two shoulder stingers this season and had to be carted off the field at Mississippi after the second. “It was just a couple of fluke hits,” Thompson said. “I don’t know it’s really anything that can really damage my career, or anything like that. It was just, ’Heal it up and get back out there and ready to go.”’ ——— ORANGE SLICES: Safety Eric Berry is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation’s top defensive back and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s top overall defensive player. Berry was a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, honoring the defensive player of the year, but was not named a semifinalist. ... Defensive tackle Wes Brown was named SEC defensive lineman of the week. He had three tackles, including a sack, an interception and a quarterback hurry in the Vols’ 31-16 win against Vanderbilt. ... Tennessee has faced no opponent more than Kentucky and leads the all-time series 72-23-9. The Vols have won the past 24 meetings with the Commodores, which is the longest active streak among Football Bowl Subdivision teams who play each year. ——— SMOKEY SEZ: “We know about it. We know Tennessee history. We know the rivalry. We want to keep that going, obviously, but we just have to go take care of ourselves, take care of Tennessee and (the streak) will take care of itself,” Tennessee defensive tackle Wes Brown said of the Vols’ 24-game winning streak against

Sports â—† A9

Friday, November 27, 2009 â—† The Mountain Press

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Friday, Nov. 27 No. 2 Alabama (11-0) vs. Auburn (7-4), 2:30 p.m. (CBS) Line: Alabama by 10 1/2. Series Record: Alabama leads 39-33-1. Last meeting: 2008, Alabama 36-0. What’s at Stake Besides bragging rights, Alabama controls its own destiny in the national championship race. Beat Auburn and Florida, and the Crimson Tide are Pasadena-bound. Auburn could secure a better bowl destination with a win, and give a huge highlight for first-year coach Gene Chizik. Key Matchup Auburn’s offensive line, including center Ryan Pugh, against Alabama nose guard Terrence Cody. The Nagurski, Lombardi and Bednarik award finalist has been clogging the middle all season for the nation’s No. 2 run defense. The running game is where it all starts for Auburn’s hightempo offense. Ben Tate has been held to 134 yards on 38 rushes, a 3.5-yard average, in the Tigers’ last two losses. Players to Watch Alabama: RB Mark Ingram. The Heisman Trophy candidate has been punishing defenses all season, breaking tackles and uncorking big runs against weary defenders in the fourth quarter. Auburn’s shorthanded defense has been missing tackles and giving up big runs in the fourth. Auburn: Tate. He’s the SEC’s No. 3 rusher with 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns during a breakout season. He has said he believes he’s the state’s best running back, and this would be a pretty good showcase to try to back that up. ——— Illinois (3-7) vs. No. 5 Cincinnati (10-0), 12 p.m. (ABC) Line: Cincinnati by 17 1/2. Series Record: First meeting. What’s at Stake The Bearcats are No. 5 in the BCS standings and need a win to keep themselves in the discussion of national title candidates. They’re also looking for QB Tony Pike to get back into the flow after missing most of the last month with an injury to his non-throwing arm. Illinois has won two of its last three. Key Matchup Cincinnati’s offensive line against the Illini pass rush. Pike had a damaged plate in his left arm replaced five

weeks ago. He’s expected to start for the first time since the injury, wearing a protective cast. The Bearcats don’t want him to get hit very much. On Nov. 7, the Illini had seven sacks — four by DE Clay Nurse — in a 35-32 win at Minnesota. Players to Watch Illinois: QB Juice Williams. The senior hurt his left ankle at Minnesota and hasn’t played since. He’s expected back against the Bearcats, and is 22 yards shy of 10,000 total yards for his career. He would become only the sixth player in Big Ten history to reach the mark. Cincinnati: Pike. The Bearcats will be watching to see how he handles getting hit. Before he hurt the left arm during at win at South Florida on Oct. 15, he had thrown for 1,649 yards and 17 touchdowns with only three interceptions. ——— Nevada (8-3) at No. 6 Boise State (11-0), Friday, 10:08 p.m. (ESPN2) Line: Boise State by 13 1/2. Series record: Boise State leads 23-12. Last meeting: Boise State 41-34. What’s At Stake The WAC championship, Boise State’s perfect season and BCS bowl hopes — though fellow outsider TCU has the inside track to crash that party. It’s Boise’s biggest test on its cozy blue turf. The “pistol� offense of the rampaging Wolf Pack leads the nation by rushing for 373 yards per game, and is averaging 52 points while winning eight straight. Broncos coach Chris Petersen calls it “the biggest challenge, for sure, that we’ve had in a long, long time.� Key Matchup Nevada’s pass defense against Boise State QB Kellen Moore. For all the dustup over that pistol offense, Nevada has no chance unless it fixes this: The unflappable Moore is the nation’s passing efficiency leader with 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions, and the Wolf Pack are 119th out of 120 bowl subdivision teams in pass defense, allowing 286 yards per game. Players to Watch Nevada: QB Colin Kaepernick. Sure, he’s one reason Nevada is the first team in NCAA history to have three 1,000-yard rushers in one season. But Boise’s going to crowd everyone short of the Idaho’s governor around the line to stop the run. Kaepernick’s likely going to have to

throw it more than his average of 21 times per game to give the Wolf Pack a chance. Boise State: WR Austin Pettis. The acrobatic junior caught everything Moore threw near him while scoring four TDs against Idaho two weeks ago. His school-record of 10 consecutive games with a scoring catch ended last week at Utah State. Expect the nephew of former major league outfielder Gary Pettis to try and extend his school season record of 14 TD catches. ——— No. 8 Pittsburgh (9-1, 5-0 Big East) at West Virginia (7-3, 3-2), 7 p.m. (ESPN2) Line: Pittsburgh by 2. Series record: Pittsburgh leads 61-37-3. Last meeting: Pittsburgh, 19-15. What’s At Stake It’s the 102nd Backyard Brawl between schools separated by 75 miles of interstate highway. A win over West Virginia would be mostly for pride because Pittsburgh needs to beat No. 5 Cincinnati at home on Dec. 5 to earn the Big East’s automatic BCS berth. West Virginia still has faint hopes of its fourth 10-win season in the last five years, but must win against Pitt, at Rutgers on Dec. 5 and in a bowl game. Key Matchup Pittsburgh RB Dion Lewis vs. West Virginia’s defense. The Mountaineers have sprung a leak after allowing only one 100-yard rusher in their first seven games. They’ve given up three straight big rushing performances to South Florida’s B.J. Daniels (104), Louisville’s Darius Ashley (164) and Cincinnati’s Isaiah Pead (175). Lewis ran for 152 yards in a 27-22 win over Notre Dame and leads the Big East with 1,291 yards. Players to Watch Pittsburgh: QB Bill Stull. The senior leads the Big East with 211.5 yards passing per game. Against West Virginia last year, Stull went 12 of 23 for 156 yards with two interceptions, a fumble and two drives inside the West Virginia 10 that didn’t produce points. West Virginia: RB Noel Devine. The junior has gone a month without a 100-yard rushing effort after recording five in his first seven contests. He’s been slowed by a sore left ankle the past two games.

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The Mountain Press â—† Friday, November 27, 2009

Mom befriends wife of PTSD vet who is charged with murder By JOE MANDAK Associated Press Writer HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. — When the envelope arrived, Windy Horner was talking with her husband, Nick — Windy on a cell phone, Nick in the Blair County jail. Windy did not recognize the return address. She feared hate mail; her husband is charged with killing two men and robbing a sandwich shop, and she blames his actions on posttraumatic stress disorder from his service in Iraq, but others do not agree. “Just because horner went to iraq,� read one reader comment on a newspaper Web site, “doesnt mean he shouldnt get what he deserves!!!!!!!� Now, she wondered: Should she open the envelope? Go ahead, Nick said. The note was from a complete stranger, a woman named Laurie Claar. It was written on a card decorated with a rainbow and flowers, bearing the message, “Caring Thoughts Are With You.� “I’m not sure what to say to you all except I understand and you all are in my prayers,� Claar wrote. “And I don’t think bad of Nick as he needs help to deal with PTSD.� Her words reached a young couple sorely in need of encouragement. “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. Nick, this is wonderful,� Windy said, crying. And Nick, too: “I could hear him tearing up in his voice. It was like, ’Maybe we’re not alone in this.�’ They were not. Claar, too, had been devastated by the war come home. And so began the unlikely friendship of Claar, a 49-yearold grandmother of five, and Horner, a petite blonde the same age as Claar’s youngest daughter. Windy Horner has been invited to spend Thanksgiving with Laurie Claar and her family; they are grateful for each other’s company. They are linked by tragedy, yes, but also by a shared conviction that the military does an excellent job of keeping troops alive during combat — but not so well at keeping them healthy afterward. ——— On April 26, Laurie Claar sat in the darkness next to her son’s grave, cradling a doll she dressed in the

clothes he had worn as a newborn. She was waiting for the clock to strike 11:04 p.m. Exactly 25 years before, Matthew Claar had been born. “I just had to be there at that time,� Claar said tearfully. It comforted her, she said, to remember a time when she could still protect her son. More than seven months before his mother’s vigil, fueled by guilt and PTSD, the Marine Corps veteran had pulled the trigger on the 9mm pistol in his mouth. In Iraq, the young Marine hunted house to house for insurgents, including one Matt shot several times. “Even when Matt told me that, he was shrugging it off,� said Matt’s father, Roy “Bud� Claar Jr. “But I could see in his face there was more to it than he was letting on.� His four-year hitch ended in 2006. When he came home, he was moody and unpredictable. He was arrested twice for drunken driving in one 15-day stretch. He went to work for his father, a self-employed roofer. “If it wouldn’t have been for me he couldn’t have held a job, to be honest,� Bud Claar said. Sometimes, his son would become upset at the least provocation and walk off the job. But he wasn’t screened, diagnosed and treated for PTSD until after he was treated at a VA hospital for a work-related injury, a few months before he killed himself on Sept. 21, 2008. Still mourning her son, Claar was moved by newspaper accounts of the charges against Nicholas Horner, a 29-year-old Army veteran. On April 6, prosecutors say, Horner — veteran of three combat deployments — banged on a rear door of an Altoona Subway sandwich shop and fatally shot the 19-year-old clerk who opened it, Scott Garlick. Then, Horner ran down the street and allegedly gunned down Raymond Williams, a 64-year-old retiree gathering his mail. On June 3, the Altoona Mirror published a handprinted letter Nick mailed from jail, apologizing for and attempting to explain what he had done: “I’m not looking for forgiveness or simphy (sic). I just want people to watch

for PTSD cases. There are so many of them. This needs to stop!� Horner wrote. That day, Claar mailed the drug store greeting card to the Horners’ address listed in the newspaper. ——— Windy called the cell phone number in Laurie’s card. One day after visiting Nick, she met one of Claar’s daughters, Autumn Houck, 30, across the street from the jail, and followed her to Laurie’s home in Hollidaysburg, seven miles from Altoona. Windy spent hours sharing pizza and doughnuts and stories about Nick and Matt with Claar’s husband, children and grandchildren. They shared tales of frightful nights when Nick and Matt brandished guns and insisted on “clearing� their homes, room by room, military-style, looking for “enemies.� Nick, too, had been arrested for drunken driving since his return from the service. In Iraq, Nick searched for roadside bombs, and Windy said he was traumatized by children killed by the artillery that cleared the way for his Army unit. Windy said the Army took Nick’s gun away the last time he was in Iraq, in 2008, after he cleared his barracks there, too. He was discharged because of PTSD in January. Back in the states, she said, Nick sometimes attacked her in bed at night — as though she were an enemy — only to “wake up� or snap out of what seemed like a trance and not remember a thing. That’s one reason she believed Nick when he told a court-appointed psychiatrist that he didn’t actually remember the shootings and

Associated Press

Laurie Claar, left, and daughter Autumn Houck, center, look at mementos during a visit with friend Windy Horner in the Claar’s Hollidaysburg, Pa., home. The Claar and Horner families are linked by tragedy, but also by a shared conviction that the military does an excellent job of keeping troops alive during combat, but not so well at keeping them healthy afterward. robbery — though he has no reason to doubt them. “I just remember I was Tasered, then I was riding in the back of the police car,� Horner told the doctor, though police say Horner told them he also remembered a female Subway worker handing him money. Windy said her husband talked about suicide, cried often, and hid a loaded weapon in the couch cushions when he’d watch TV. Nick Horner spent hours or days in the basement and had to be coaxed upstairs for meals or even to color Easter eggs with his children. Months before his arrest, Windy recalled, a VA counselor told her to get used to having a broken husband. “She told me, ’Your husband died in Iraq. You’re either going to have to deal with that or move on,�’ Windy said. Since 2002, about half of the more than 1 million U.S. service members discharged from Middle East deployments have been screened for PTSD because they

sought help at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. About 134,000 showed signs of PTSD, making it the most common combat-related affliction, said VA spokeswoman Laurie Tranter. Rising suicide rates prompted the VA to train workers nationwide to locate veterans in trouble with the law, even before the Army found a possible link in July between intense combat and 11 slayings attributed to 14 soldiers at Fort Carson, near Colorado Springs, Colo., between 2005 and 2008. “Sometimes, our first indication, and the family’s first indication, that there’s a prob-

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World â—† A11

Friday, November 27, 2009 â—† The Mountain Press

Soldiers in Afghanistan enjoy turkeys they raised By DENIS D. GRAY Associated Press Writer BARAKI-BARAK, Afghanistan — As daylight faded and the winter cold set in, soldiers huddled inside a crude wooden hut to tuck into Thanksgiving turkeys the unit itself had fattened and to give thanks for having survived a year of combat in Afghanistan. “They become your family and being able to eat together like this, to break bread together is a highlight,� said 1st Sgt. Gonzalo Lassally of soldiers from Able Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Squadron sitting down to the traditional turkey plus ham basted in brown sugar and honey, five varieties of pies and nonalcoholic beer. A stack of local flatbread added an Afghan touch. A much-scaled down version of the feast was helicoptered to a handful of soldiers in an observation post perched on a 6,900-foot (2,100-meter) spur. “We’re thankful for all still being here. We’ve been lucky, on the lower spectrum when it comes to casualties,� said Lassally, a father of three from Deltona, Florida, who has spent four Thanksgivings, three Christmases and “quite a few birthdays� away from home. The American holiday began with a 25-man patrol and ended with another unit heading out for night surveillance of several villages in this

Associated Press

A U.S. soldier receives food during a Thanksgiving Day lunch at the U.S. base of Bagram north of Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday. remote district of strategic Logar province, located just south of Kabul. “Just another day, another mission,� several soldiers said as the first patrol prepared for a 6-mile (10-kilometer) slog to aid village schools without windows, desks and other basic necessities. Others let sentiment seep through their matter-of-fact, stoic shells. “We’re with our family just like we would be at Thanksgiving back home,� said Staff Sgt. Ben McKinnon, of New Haven, Connecticut, nodding toward the soldiers around him that have daily shared hardship, suffering and some elation over the past year. Commander Capt. Paul

FREE QUOTE

Shepard said his unit, part of the 10th Mountain Division, had lost two soldiers in action and seen a number wounded, but none in Alpha Troop have died. “Knock on wood we’ve had some really good luck in our district. We’ve had a relatively good welcome from the locals and the severity of contact with the insurgents has not been great,� Shepard, of Black River, New York, said. “And we have tried to give out as much as we can.� Troops have blitzed the area with humanitarian aid under an innovative “extreme makeover� concept that has had Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, and civil-

ian officials, helicoptering in to see how the model could be applied elsewhere in the country. As the humanitarian mission was under way, three cooks on the Joint Combat Operations Post scurried to prepare the meal. Putting a turkey on a soldier’s Thanksgiving table isn’t always easy in Afghanistan. To enjoy the fresh thing, soldiers a month ago bought six turkeys at $20 apiece from local farmers, built a special pen under one of the guard towers, and fed them cornbread, crackers and even chicken. The unit’s mechanics converted a 55-gallon drum (208-liter) into a smoker and Staff Sgt. Charles Hough, of Dexter, New

York, who is otherwise charged with the unit’s mortars, volunteered to supervise deep frying three of the celebratory birds. Spc. Seth Breesawitz, of Springfield, Missouri, who supervises two other army cooks on the outpost, said that to feed some 150 soldiers the local turkeys were supplemented with four prebaked and seasoned ones airlifted from the United States and then trucked to Baraki-Barak. “It makes me feel good to give them a piece of home,� said Breesawitz as cooks finished slaughtering the turkeys Wednesday evening, preparing to pluck their feathers with the help of four, young and enthusiastic Afghan boys who perform odd jobs around a base where the troops have lived for almost a year. Still, it’s hardly a place most would want to call home. Around the outpost lie barren fields and stark, fortress-like village compounds fashioned from mud brick. The landscape

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exudes a melancholy air: Autumn’s last leaves cling to apple trees, and the naked branches of willows are etched into a cold sky. In the distance, mountain peaks soar to 14,000 feet (4,200 meters), capped by early winter snows. The soldiers live in tents or crude wooden huts, ringed by a 12-foot (3.6meter) earthen defensive wall topped by barbed wire. The “dining hall� is a square wooden structure with bare walls but for paper cutouts of two turkey heads and a sprinkling of maple leaves. The kitchen, a tiny tent on a trailer, is not for a chef who is feint of heart. “I think the army goes out of its way to make the holiday as good as possible,� Shepard said. “I would like to think that none of the soldiers will miss two Thanksgivings or Christmases in a row, but unfortunately that may happen in these days of frequent overseas deployments.� Most soldiers here won’t be getting back to their home base of Fort Drum, New York, until after Christmas.

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A12 ◆ Nation

The Mountain Press ◆ Friday, November 27, 2009

Associated Press

At left, Sailor Mickey makes its way down Seventh Avenue during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. At right, spectators look up at a giant balloon as it passes by on 42nd Street during the Macy’s parade.

Thanksgiving kicks off with a slew of parades Thousands line up to enjoy festivities By DEEPTI HAJELA Associated Press Writer NEW YORK — Giant balloons, floats, marching bands and clowns with confetti brought smiles to thousands of revelers Thursday eager to catch a glimpse of a parade as steeped in Thanksgiving Day tradition as turkey and pumpkin pie. Thousands lined the streets of Manhattan for the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, while crowds gathered nationwide for parades in cities such as Detroit and Philadelphia. Miss America Katie Stam waved to crowds from a Statue of Liberty float she shared with Meb Keflezighi, the first American in 11 years to win the New York City Marathon. Shailesh Dighe and his family came to the fabled New York City parade to snap pictures of celebrities including rapper Jay Sean and singer-actress Keke Palmer. Despite the crowds, Dighe said the parade is “totally worth it.” “When you watch it on TV, you don’t get that feeling,” said Dighe, who splits his time between Manhattan and Princeton, N.J. For the first time, the parade route bypassed Broadway, which cuts a diagonal slice through

Associated Press

Balloons float through Times Square during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York.

Manhattan, as it made its way south from the Upper West Side to the finish at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square. The new route traverses the grid of the city’s streets and avenues, includes turns around five corners, and is slightly longer than in previous years. Johanna Castillo, 38, of Guttenberg, N.J., said the new route seemed to better accommodate the crowds. “I was very blessed to get here at the time I did and find a spot” a halfhour before parade time, said Castillo, who arrived with her two children. Performers in the parade included Italian tenor Andrea Boccelli, comedian Jimmy Fallon, former “American Idol” star Katharine McPhee

and singers Gloria Gaynor and Carly Simon. Elsewhere, tens of thousands gathered in the streets of downtown Detroit for the 83rd annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade. The country’s longestrun Thanksgiving Day parade was held in Philadelphia for its 90th year. Aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, astronauts expecting to give thanks with pantry leftovers were surprised by turkey dinners with candied yams, freeze-dried cornbread stuffing and green beans — just add water. NASA suspected the station’s new skipper was responsible for the Thanksgiving feast. President Barack Obama enjoyed a quiet holiday at the White House with his family and telephoned 10 members of the U.S. military stationed in war zones to thank them for their service. Dense fog delayed some flights Thursday for Thanksgiving travelers headed to the Washington and Baltimore areas. The Federal Aviation Administration says the fog prompted a ground stop for flights arriving Thursday morning at all three Washingtonarea airports. Departing flights were apparently not affected. The FAA lifted its ground stop by 10:30 a.m.

Available at all Sevier County

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Mountain Life ■ The Mountain Press ■ B Section ■ Friday, November 27, 2009

A rt s & E n tertai n m e n t Editor’s Note: The Arts/Entertainment calendar is printed as space permits. Events within a two-hour drive will be considered. To place an item phone (865) 428-0748, ext. 215, or e-mail to editor@ themountainpress.com. Items may be faxed to 453-4913. n

Regional Entertainment

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

7 p.m. Monday at Thompson-Boling Arena; tickets $45-$80, (865) 6564444, www.KnoxvilleTickets.com

Dave Rawlings Machine

8 p.m. Tuesday at Bijou Theatre; tickets $19.50 advance, $21.50 door, (865) 656-4444, www.knoxbijou.com

Jim Brickman

8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Tennessee Theater; tickets $47, $79,(865) 656-4444, www. TennesseeTheatre.com

Delbert McClinton

8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Bijou Theatre; tickets $33, (865) 656-4444, www.knoxbijou.com

Bill Cosby

3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Tennessee Theatre; tickets $49-$125, (865) 6564444, www.TennesseeTheatre.com

Brian Setzer Orchestra

Annual Christmas Rocks Extravaganza, 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Tennessee Theatre; tickets $47.50, (865) 656-4444, www. TennesseeTheatre.com

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

Ava Green, owner of Terri’s Yarns and Crafts in Sevierville, made her television debut, providing instruction on several different craft projects for the Eastern New Mexico University’s Public Televsion show “Creative Living with Sheryl Borden.”

Television debut Crafter demonstrates for public television program

Wizard of Oz

8 p.m. Dec. 11, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Tennessee Theatre; tickets $32-$77, (865) 656-4444, www.tennesseetheatre.com

By GAIL CRUTCHFIELD Community Editor

A Christmas Carol

8 p.m. Dec. 18-19, 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at Tennessee Theatre; tickets $6-$8, (865) 656-4444, www.tennesseetheatre.com

Jeff Dunham

7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at ThompsonBoling Arena, Knoxville; tickets $46.50, www.knoxvilletickets.com

B.B. King

8 p.m. Jan. 8 at Tennessee Theatre; tickets $64, $84.50, (865) 656-4444, www.tennesseetheatre.com

George Strait

Jan. 29 at Thompson Boling Arena with Reba McIntire and Lee Ann Womack; tickets (on sale Dec. 5) $79.50, $89.50, (865) 656-4444, www. knoxvilletickets.com

n

Local Festivals/Events

Festival of Trees

4-7 p.m., through Saturday at W.L. Mills Conference Center; free admission

Fantasy of Lights Parade

7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in downtown Gatlinburg, www.gatlinburg.com

Sevierville Christmas Parade 11 a.m. Dec. 5 in downtown Sevierville, 453-6411, www. VisitSevierville.com

n

Local Arts

Women in Wood Exhibition

Through Jan. 2 at Blain Galleries, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, opening reception with guest lecturer Betty Scarpino, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16, 436-5860, www.arrowmont.org

n

Regional Arts

Art in Wood

Through December at the American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge; (865) 576-3200, www.amse. org

Emporium Holiday Extravaganza

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay St., Knoxville, (865) 523-7543, www.knoxalliance. com

Student Art Exhibition

Through Jan. 30 at Knoxville Museum of Art; reception and awards ceremony 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1; (865) 934-2034, www.knoxart.org

Submitted

Ava Green and Sheryl Borden, host of “Creative Living with Sheryl Borden,” look over the craft projects Green demonstrated on the show. From top, pillows with crocheted or knitted blocks, knitted jewelry, gift baskets, sponge painted fabric.

Ava Green is accustomed to teaching people how to create all types of arts and crafts. As owner of Terri’s Yarns and Crafts in Sevierville, a part of her business is holding classes on everything from knitting and crocheting to how to tie a bow for packages, wreaths or even a child’s hair. She got to try something new about a month ago when she was asked to be part of public television program filmed at Eastern New Mexico University. The host of “Creative Living with Sheryl Borden” found Green’s name through the Craft and Hobby Association and contacted her to see if she would be interested appearing on the show, which is produced by college students. “I submitted some ideas and she chose four ideas,” Green said. “Some of them I had done things like that in the past. And they were not just patterns, they were showing different techniques.” Green demonstrated how to turn crocheted or knitted blocks into pillows, how to create knitted jewelry, sponge painting on fabrics and how to decorate gift baskets. The pillow segment, Green said, went along with two books Green has on the subject, “Crocheted Blocks” and “Knitted Block.” The knitted jewelry used both yarn and wire. “We had fun with (sponge painting on fabric),” Green said. And the basket decorating segment showed how to “take a basket and decorate it with shrink wrap and bows.” The four segments took a good bit of preparation on Green’s part. “I practiced ahead of time and got everything prepared,” she said. “It’s just like you see on craft shows on TV. It’s done to this part and then the next one is done a little bit further. Just step by step and lots of planning and rethinking.” Before she left for New Mexico at the end of October, she had the projects completed in several different stages and mailed them to the college. She called to make sure they arrived before she departed Sevier County. The filming for the four segments, each around 8 minutes or less, took more than 2 hours. “It went pretty well,” Green said. “I had never been on TV before, and (Borden) made it real

On the Net www.terrisyarnsandcrafts.coom www.kenw.org/cl/cl.htm

Curt Habraken/The Mountain Press

Green’s books “Knitted Blocks” and “Crocheted Blocks” show the same types of projects she demonstrated on television.

easy.” The host of the show appeared in every segment, so Green wasn’t alone in front of three cameras. Green said any nervousness she felt dissipated after a while. “I kind of went from being very nervous to being, ‘I can do this,’” she said, laughing. “I knew I could do it. I’d just never done it before.” While providing instruction on a craft project for a television program is similar to teaching a craft to a class of real live students, Green said there were differences. “It was a condensed version of it, but similar,” she said. “Here you do every step with the students it’s a flow. And when you’re doing something like that (television show), there are things left out. At least for me, it doesn’t seem to flow sometimes.” That doesn’t mean she wouldn’t mind giving it another try sometime in the future. “It was fun,” she said. The segments Green appears in will be part of the show’s new season that begins in March 2010. The show, however, doesn’t normally air on East Tennessee Public Television. “It’s aired in different PBS markets all over the country,” Green said. “Right now it’s not shown here. We’re going to see if we can talk (EPTV) in it. My husband has already called them and found out what needs to be done.” Green is working on putting the segments on the Web, hoping to have them placed on her Web site (www.terrisyarnsandcrafts. com) or on another site with a link to it on her Web site.

B2 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Friday, November 27, 2009

Et Cetera Showing at Reel Theatres’ Movies on the Parkway in Sevierville. For show times, call 453-9055. *Old Dogs (PG) — Stars Robin Williams and John Travolta. Two middleaged business partners’ lives are turned upside down when they find themselves in the care of 7-year-old twins. The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) — Stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. In the second installment of Stephanie Meyer’s phenomenally successful Twilight series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become a part of — only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. The Blind Side (PG-13) — Stars Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron. The true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential and eventually become an All-American offensive left tackle and NFL player. Planet 51 (PG) — Stars the voice talents of Dwayne Johnson and Jessica Biel. An American astronaut lands on Planet 51 thinking he’s the first person to step foot on it only to realize the planet is inhabited by little green people who are happy living in a world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950s American, and their only fear is that they will be overrun by alien invaders. 2012 (PG-13) — Stars John Cusack and Amanda Peet. When a global cataclysm thrusts the world into chaos, a divorced writer and father uses his knowledge of the ancient prophecies to ensure that the human race is not completely wiped out. A Christmas Carol (PG) — Stars Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of an old miser who must face Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet-to-Come, as they help to bring kindness to his otherwise cold heart *Indicates new releases this week

Spotlight calendar

n Grand Majestic Theater: 774-7777 n Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: 908-1050 n Magic Beyond Belief: 428-5600 n Memories Theater: 428-7852 n Miracle Theater: 4287469 n Smith Family Theater: 429-8100 n Smoky Mountain Theater: 774-5400 n Smoky Mountain Palace Theatre: 429-1601 n Sweet Fanny Adams Theater: 436-4039 n Tennessee Shindig (formerly Fiddlers’ Feast): 908-3327 n WonderWorks “Hoot N’ Holler� Show: 868-1800

Andy’s Junction

Andy’s Junction, 10237 Chapman Highway, Seymour: Southbound Express Band, 7-10 p.m. Friday; live music, 7-10 p.m. Saturday

Appalachian Music

Jerry and Joan Paul perform Appalachian music most afternoons in Gatlinburg at Alewine Pottery in Glades. 7746999

Blue Moose Burgers and Wings

Located on the Parkway behind Bullfish Grill and Johnny Carino’s: Live music, 7-10 p.m. Fridays. 286-0364

Front Porch Restaurant

Live bluegrass, 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; live folk and acoustics, 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. (423) 4872875

Guarino’s Italian Restaurant

Michael Hicks sings and plays piano, 6-10 p.m. every Friday in Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg

Mountain Grass will play from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May to December at the top of the ski lift

Ripley’s Aquarium

Bluegrass group Smoky Mountain Travelers 10-4 p.m. Saturday in front of Aquarium in Gatlinburg

Shamrock Pub

Shamrock Pub on Reagan Drive in Gatlinbug; acoustic duo New Rain every weekend through November, 7 p.m.

Skiddy’s Place

Skiddy’s Place on Birds Creek Road in Gatlinburg; Karaoke, Tuesday and Thursday nights; Locals Night, 4-7 p.m. on Wednesdays; various performers on weekends. 436-4192

Smoky Mountain Brewery

To add or update items to the weekly entertainment calendar, call 4280748, ext. 205, or e-mail to editor@themountainpress.com.

LOCAL THEATERS

n Black Bear Jamboree: 908-7469 n Blackwoods Breakfast Show: 908-7469 n Comedy Barn: 428-5222 n Country Tonite Theatre: 453-2003 n Dixie Stampede: 4534400 n Elvis Museum TCB Theater, featuring Matt Cordell: 428-2001

In Gatlinburg, 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.: karaoke/DJ, Monday-Tuesday; live music, Wednesday-Sunday. In Pigeon Forge, 9 p.m. to midnight: karaoke/ DJ, Sunday-Monday; live music, Tuesday-Saturday

Smoky’s Sports Pub & Grub

1151 Parkway (Light #10) Gatlinburg: Weekly live entertainment and karaoke. 436-4220

Sunset Grille

142 Thinwood Drive Newport: The show starts at 9 p.m.

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Golf Classic raises $10,000 Submitted reports GATLINBURG — ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals recently held the 11th annual ERA for MDA Golf Classic to benefit children with muscular dystrophy. This annual event again raised over $10,000 to be earmarked by MDA Knoxville to send local children living with this disease to MDA Camp Discovery. “We’d like to thank everyone who participated again this year for

their continued support and involvement,� Larry Reece of the real estate company. “We’ve had the pleasure of hosting this event for 11 years, and it gets better every year. “To all of you who donated time, effort and gifts for our auction, we thank you so much. And a special thanks to the folks at Bent Creek Golf Resort.� Next year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 8 at Bent Creek. Call 4303366 for more information.

Submitted

Sabrina Hughes, left, MDA regional coordinator, and Katie Martin, MDA Knoxville fundraising coordinator, accept a $10,500 check from Larry Reece and Cherise Guesford, both of ERA In The Smokies.

Townsend plans festivals for 2010 Submitted reports Townsend, a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has announced its schedule of events. For more information visit www.smokymountains.org or contact Jeanie Hilten at the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau at 4486134. Winter Heritage Festival Feb. 4-7: The festival includes classes, exhibits, music, hikes, tours and demonstrations. It has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast and with an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History. Winter Heritage Classes: Jan. 9-March 27. Classes are taught by local artisans. Participants can learn about basket-making, pottery, sewing and appliquĂŠ, rug hooking, and mandolin and flatpicking guitar. For more information, visit www. smokymountains.org. Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival: March 19-20. Hosted by the Townsend Artisan Guild and Fine Arts Blount at Townsend Visitors Center. Herb and Wildflower Day: April 3. The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 1,500 kinds of flowering plants. Participants can also buy locally grown plants, baked goods and handmade pottery. Spring Festival and Old Timers Day: April 30-May 1. Includes Young Pickers Talent Contest, barbecue, storytelling, arts and crafts. Free admission. Smoky Mountain

Pottery Festival: June 4-5. The festival brings together potters from around the region in a juried event. It will have 35 pottery booths, an education and children’s tent, and Cynthia Bringle as featured potter. Trout Fest: May 14-16. A yearly fly fishing exposition and fundraiser, plus food and live bluegrass music. Free fishing seminars. Proceeds are donated to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department, Friends of the Smokies Fisheries Scholarship Endowment and other youth conservation projects. Christy Fest: June

16-20. The annual event celebrates the character of “Christie,� the TV series, movies and classic novel by Catherine Marshall. The television series was filmed in Townsend. Visit www.christyfest.org. Fall Heritage Festival

Chapter 7 •

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Local â—† B3

Friday, November 27, 2009 â—† The Mountain Press

R e a l E s t a t e Tr a n s f e r s District 1 Gregory Pratt, Larry and Evelyn Brooks to 21st Mortgage Corporation for $89,200 for lot E, Forest Trails Development Tellico Riverside Inc. to Linda Parrish for $15,000 for lot 1, Section 24, English Mountain Sevier County Bank to Orville and Lucretia Roberts for $27,590.98 for 4.439 acres, Yellow Britches Road Dan and Katherine Buchanan to James J. James S. and Amanda Roberts for $13,000 for unit 1, lot 122, Dunns Creek Estates

District 2 SunTrust Bank to Scott Sweeney and Michael Reichman for $244,900 for unit 95, Elk Springs Resort

District 3 Daniel and Barbara Schill to Amity Stanga for $86,900 for lot 7, James N. Bogart Farm Mitchell Van Horn to Megan Hickman for $22,000 for lot 5, Freeman Matthews Sims Road property Branch Banking and Trust Company to Jessica Childers for $95,000 for lot 36, phase 4, Eledge Lane Diana Lynn Lapierre Trustee and Eugene Lapierre Trust to Calvin and Brenda Howell for $110,000 for lot 13, Hill Estate

District 4 Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, and Residential Funding Company LLC to Angela Shaffer for $34,000 for 2 tracts Old Newport Highway John Nelson, Debra Roberts and James and Robert Nelson to Yanci Dennis for $118,000 for lot 38, unit 1, Cherokee Hills Karilyn Feltz to Janet George for $135,900 for unit 4, phase I, Belle Meadows Townhomes Jimmy Justus to Marjorie and Fred Rogers Jr. for $30,000 for lots 1 and 13A, Lakewood Hills Warren and Marie Hurst to Guy and Olivia Reppert for $140,000 for lot 1, Phase 2, Murphy Farm Christina Schraufnagel, and Mark Miller to Angela and Troy Simpkins for $179,900 for lot 184, Phase III, Mountain Meadows Estates Irene Pappalardo, Anthony and Carol Longobardi and Joseph Pappalardo, deceased, to Gunnar and Carolyn Thoms for $148,000 for lot 6, Lone Branch Creek Resort Joshua and April Conley to Jared and Jessica St. Clair for $187,100 for lot 38, Deer Valley

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Sevierville

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Oak City

15

Catlettsburg Boyds Creek

5

10

3

Millican Grove

Jones Cove

4

Caton's Chapel

Middle Creek

13 Pigeon Forge

Dupont

16

17

Pittman Center

2

Glades

11

District 11

Gatlinburg

6

Waldens Creek

1

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National Bank of Oneida for $130,000 for lot 14, unit 1, Big Bear Lodge and Resort Rosemary and Bob Roberts to Cynthia Roberts Greiner for $180,000 for lot 36, Birchwood Palmetto Bank to Raymond and Lillian Mardis for $212,500 for lot 49, phase I, Blackberry Ridge Parkside Investments, Grant Hensley, Lewis Bicknell and Charles McGrory to Sandra Arnold for $100,000 for unit 29, phase I, Parkside Resort James and Martha Clinton to Rebecca Reed for $67,900 for property on Grace Street John Eldridge and Audrey Eldridge, deceased to Joan Langston for $67,000 for lot 1, Fred Ogle property Shellie Wallace, Joy and Jack Phillips to Capital One for $255,000 for lot 2, Napier property Peggy and Udel Richardson Sr. to Gene and Reba Timmel for $264,000 for unit 4, lot 135, Savannah Glen

District 6 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Chicago Title Insurance Company and ServiceLink to Donn and Margaret Tisch for $99,900 for lot 2E, Misty Morning Meadows U.S. Bank Trustee, Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc. and HomeQ Servicing to Stephen and Barbara Dennis for $80,000 for lot 11, Kurzon Estates Branch Banking and Trust Company to John and Hannah Wood for $114,900 for lot 17 Hickory Hollow Jessica Trotter to Cheryl Finkbeiner for $13,000 for lots 15 and 16, Pioneer Hills Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp,, Chicago Title Insurance Company and ServiceLink to Martin and Mary Ann Mertz for

$89,900 for lot 22A, Phase 1, Smoky Mountain Ridge Joseph and Laura Contarino to Bretta Christakos and Rocky Stringfellow for $152,500 for lot 2, Cove Creek Hollow Widman-Legacy Properties LLC to Steven and Pamela Ortego for $425,000 for lot 81, phase 3, The Preserve

District 8 Deborah Dodds to Alexander and Marti Robles for $184,000 for lot 34, Bentview

District 9 U. S. Bank Trustee, Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc., and HomeQ Servicing to Steven and Sandra Redmon for $7,000 for lot 5, Sunny Dale Acres Geoffrey Wilkie to Lauren Davis for $140,000 for lot 50, Hillside Estates Sexton Family Homes Inc., to Bradley and Ronna Manis for $247,540 for lot 17R1, Irwin Acres Home Contractors Inc., CUS LLC, and Quint and Karen Bourgeois to John Casar II for $150,000 for lot 5, unit 1, Woodland Hills James and Joan Wagner to Ricky and Roxanne Parks for $500,000 for lots 5R1A and 5R1B, Giesler Estates Legacy Homes LLC to James and Loretta Tyler for $46,000 for lot 110, Majestic Meadows Joseph Coppola to Carl and Susan Hosmer for $55,000 for lot 180, Phase IV, Majestic Meadows

District 10 Daniel Moore, Roy and Stephanie Garber to Branch Banking and Trust Company for $126,000 for lot 2, Crooks property Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, J.

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Nationwide Trustee Services Inc. , Edward and Dani Healy to Bank of New York Mellon Trustee for $129,900 for lots 12 and 13, Montgomery Woods Addition Larry and Laura Bailey to Greg and Samantha Hruby for $158,000 for lot 8, Ski Road Properties HSBC Bank USA, Fremont Home Loan Trust and Litton Loan Servicing LP to Herbert and Ruby Latham for $145,750 for lot 345, Chalet Village North Federal National Mortgage Association, Johnson and Freedman to John Kennedy, Pensco Trust Company and Patrick Cordes IRA for $135,000 for lot 87, Sky Harbor Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Chicago Title Insurance Co. and ServiceLink to Asim and Rimi Pati for $199,900 for unit 55, Gatlinburg Falls Dennis Haegquist to Donald Lee, Margaret Ann and Seth Stidham for $90,000 for unit 5, Wildflower Ridge Lee, Barbara, Gary and Michelle Walding to Sevier County Bank for $550,000 for lot 3, Alpendorf

District 13 Kenneth and Beth Hayes to Walter and Jean Burnett Living Trust, Walter and M. Jean Burnett for $265,000 for lot 56, unit 1 Legacy Mountain Fannie Mae, Federal National Mortgage Association, Shapiro & Kirsch LLP to Patrick and Cynthia McPhilomy for $65,000 for lot 7R, Cupids Village, Smokey Ridge II Shellie Wallace and Peter Stringer to HomeSales Inc. for $219,933 for unit FF and unit 32, Summit View Shellie Wallace, Danny and Jean Thomas to Tennessee State Bank for

$258,001 for lot 5B, Price Acres

District 14 Christy and Jason Pesses to Michael Kenealy and Tiffanie Devarso-Kenealy for $190,000 for lot 62, phase II, River Vista Nationwide Trustee Services Inc., Angela and Bobby Williams to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company and Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust for $161,500 for lot 13, McCleary Pointe B. Joe Clayton and Katrina Winebrenner to James and Sandra McKown for $110,000 for lot 45, Eagle Springs Resort

District 15 Patricia Keene to Mike and Kelli Ward for $300,000 for property at Douglas Lake

District 16 Floyd and Brenda Norris to Ken and Coy Rock Company Inc. for $269,000 for lot 30, phase two, Bluff Mountain Acres Brookside RV Resort to Frank and Linnie Ellis for $40,000 for lot 40, Brookside RV Resort Federal National Mortgage Association, Fannie Mae, and Wilson and Associates PLLC to

Billy and Teri Mundy for $140,000 for lot 9, Section 16H, Shagbark Sykes & Wynn PLLC, Randy and Vicki Taylor to Tennessee State Bank for $250,000 for lot 12, Golden Leaf Mountain Estates American Patriot Bank to Raymond and Peggy Tally for $175,000 for lot 99, phase III, Smoky Cove Nationwide Trustee Services Inc., Vahe Martirosyan and Anyshuk Barsumyan to SunTrust Bank for $254,150 for lot 6, Shagbark Robert and Melody Parker to Jarod and Brooke Jackson and David and Leslie Phelps for $390,000 for lot 192R, Phase VIII for Bear Creek Crossing Brookside RV Resort to Thomas and Jackie Leggett for $40,000 for lot 51, Brookside RV Resort Joel Jordan and Harold Barrett to Green Tree Servicing LLC for $23,851 for 1.573 acres, Little Valley Road

District 17 Farm Credit Services to R. Neil McDaniel and Kimberlie MacDonald for $9,000 for lot C-2, Latta Plat 2 R. Neil McDaniel and Kimberlie MacDonald to Robert and Amy Braun for $16,500 for lot C-2, Latta Plat

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B4 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Friday, November 27, 2009

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

Friday, Nov. 27 Mission Auction

Shiloh Baptist Church in Seymour mission auction includes hot dog supper at 5 p.m. and auction at 6.

Saturday, Nov. 28 Cove Clothes Closet

Cove Clothes Closet, 3238 Pittman Center Road at Old Richardson Cove Church, open 9-3. Free clothing. 453-4526.

Turkey Shoot

Turkey shoot 2 p.m. weather permitting, behind Catons Chapel Fire Department, 3109 Pittman Center Road.

Sunday, Nov. 29 Henderson Chapel

Pure Faith Ministries Puppets will lead a youth service at 10:30 a.m. at Henderson Chapel Baptist Church.

Boyds Creek Singing

Botds Creek Baptist Church monthly singing 7 p.m. with Ray Ball.

Gospel Concert

Sharon Tarwater will be in concert at 10:30 a.m. at First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road.

Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove Baptist Church singing at 7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 30 Blood Drives

Medic blood drives 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Food City in Sevierville; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in gym at Seymour High School.

Seymour Story Time

Preschool story time at Seymour Library 11 a.m. 573-0728.

Pool Closing

nert@mc11206.com

Sevierville Community Center Pool to close at 3:30 p.m. for swim meet.

Hot Meals

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville.

NARFE

National Association Retired Federal Employees meets at 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Pigeon Forge. 4534174.

TOPS

Optimist Club

Northview Optimist Club meets 7 p.m.. Speaker Russ Partington, scoutmaster of Troop 582.

Angel Food

Kindness Counts

Kindness counts meets 7 p.m. at Sevierville IHOP. April Stone, 654-2684.

Angel Food

Toys For Tots

Toys for Tots sign ups 1-5 p.m. Belz Mall (old KB Toy Store). Picture ID, proof of residency, birth certificate or social security card for each child. 429-9002 or e-mail johnlinnert@ mc11206.com Annual Bite of Sevier County and auction to benefit Toys for Tots. 5:30-9 p.m. First United Methodist Sevierville.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 Sevierville Story Time

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

Thursday, Dec. 3

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, Sevierville n 6:30 p.m. Seymour UMC, Chapman Highway, back entrance n 6:30 p.m. Sevierville UMC, Conference Room, Sevierville

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10-2 and 4-7, First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245.

Bite of Sevier County

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

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10-2 and 4-7, First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245.

Right To Life

Right to Life meets at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1610 Pullen Road, Sevierville. Potluck dinner to follow. 908-1968 or 9082689. Directions, 809-0713.

Friday, Dec. 4 Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon

Forge. 429-2508. n 10-2 and 4-7, First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. n 5 to 6 p.m., Glades Lebanon Baptist Church, 820 E. Highlands Drive, Gatlinburg. 659-3443 n 3 to 6 p.m. River Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

JOY Club

Just Older Youth Club meeting at Community Center, with ornament exchange. Bring covered side dishes. Bingo at 10:30, lunch 11:30. 429-7373.

Kodak Story Time

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

Craft Fair

Holiday Craft Fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday, MountainBrook Village, 700 Markhill Drive, Sevierville.

Cancer Support Group

Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group annual Christmas luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Damon’s. 428-5834 or 6549280.

Turkey Shoot

Turkey Shoot 2 p.m. weather permitting, behind Catons Chapel Fire Department, 3109 Pittman Center Road.

Saturday, Dec. 5 Christmas Parade

Sevierville Christmas Parade 11 a.m. on Forks of the River Parkway and Court Avenue. 738-4378.

9-5, Belz Mall (old KB Toy Store). Picture ID, proof of residency, birth certificate or social security card for each child. 429-9002 or e-mail johnlinnert@ mc11206.com

Mammography

UT Medical Center mobile mammography screenings 9-4, Roaring Fork Baptist Church, Gatlinburg. Insurance filed. For information/ appointment, 305-9753.

Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10-2 and 4-7, First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 9081245. n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. River Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s Workshop at Pathways Church, 1126 Wagner Drive, Sevierville, 8-11 a.m. Includes pan-

cake breakfast, pictures with Santa, crafts.

Church Auction/Dinner Hills Creek Baptist Church in Gatlinburg benefit auction, dinner and singing 4-7 p.m. Proceeds go to youth group. 6546826.

Sunday, Dec. 6 “Night in Araby�

“Night in Araby� stage musical, 3 p.m. at Gatlinburg Elks Lodge to benefit Christmas Basket Fund for families in need. $10. 436-7550.

Spaghetti Dinner

Spaghetti dinner at Shady Grove Methodist Church, 1675 Harold Patterson Road, Dandridge, 12:30-2 p.m. $6 adults, children age 6 and under and veterans free. (865) 397-7453 for tickets.

Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n noon to 1 p.m. River Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

Max Richardson Jewelers Locally owned since 1970.

Our name is on the door and we stand behind our services!

WE BUY GOLD

Scrap Gold, Class Rings, Broken Chains, etc. 213 Forks of the River Parkway, Sevierville

865-774-3443

Toys For Tots

Toys for Tots sign ups

Democrats

Sevier County Democrats meet 7 p.m., third floor of courthouse. Visit sevierdemocrats.com or call 617-2145.

Toys For Tots

Toys for Tots sign ups 5-9 p.m. Belz Mall (old KB Toy Store). Picture ID, proof of residency, birth certificate or social security card for each child. 4299002 or e-mail johnlin-

For Christmas

Sanctuary

by J. Greg Johnson with a foreword by Gary R. Wade Available at Great Smoky Mountains Association stores in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Townsend and Sugarlands. Orders can be placed by calling 865-235-9733 or email flatcreekpublishing.com

Angel Food

Angel Food orders: n 2-5 p.m. Gum Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508. n 10-2 and 4-7, First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 908-1245.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 Blood Drives

Medic blood drives 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in library of Pigeon Forge High School.

Alzheimer’s Support

Alzheimer’s Support group meets 6-7 p.m. at MountainBrook Village, 700 Markhill Drive, Sevierville. 428-2445.

Gatekeepers

Gatekeepers men’s Bible study, 6:30 p.m. 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591.

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Local â—† B5

Friday, November 27, 2009 â—† The Mountain Press

Submitted

The Whimsical Elves created for the sidewalks of Gatlinburg may be seen each Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 19.

Submitted

The Elves From Elfdom debuted at the Gatlinburg Winter Magic kickoff and chili cookoff and will be on the Parkway the next four weekends.

Elves to spread holiday cheer From Submitted Reports

Submitted

The Whimsical Elves appear on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg during this holiday season.

Gatlinburg. Children of all ages can meet as many as 20 GATLINBURG — The magic of the holiday sea- characters from such fictional locales as Jolly son comes to life each Town, Cinnamon City, Friday and Saturday night during the holidays Gum Drop Lake, the Nutwood Forest and when designer DeWayne the Village of Belldom, Kirchner’s Whimsical including personalities Elves appear on the like Jilly Bean, Cinny Parkway in downtown Mon, Jingle R. Bell, Gatlinburg as part of Holly Berry, Mayor Winter Magic Tunes & Wally Nutt and Professor Tales. Tant E. Baum. Continuing through The Elfdom cast perDec. 19, the main street of forms classical Christmas the city becomes a stage with singing, dancing and songs, tells tales of life in Elfdom, and does dancstorytelling performed ing numbers. by elves from the “Land The performances are of Elfdom� created especially for the sidewalks of free.

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B6 ◆ Local

The Mountain Press ◆ Friday, November 27, 2009

Follow the scripture: In all things give thanks... “In all things give thanks...” There are many challenging and difficult passages in the Bible. First Thessalonians 5:18 is one of them. But, to me, it is very important to note that this scriptural phrase begins with “in” rather than “for.” I don’t believe Paul, the author of this scripture, is encouraging someone to give thanks for a child being killed in war, or for a spouse being diagnosed with cancer, or for a young friend dying in a tragic accident. I don’t believe he is advising us to be thankful for terrorist attacks. When I think of this scripture, I think of one of my mentors, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (18981993). Having had an opportunity to be on some programs with him and fortunate enough to have him write testimonials for a couple of my books, I was always on the lookout to glean from his wisdom. And I vividly recall Dr. Peale telling of some wisdom passed along to him when he was a young man. He was having some difficulties and shared

his troubles with an older friend. He then asked the gentleman, “Why is it I am having such a hard time coping with these problems?” The older man just looked at Dr. Peale. After a period of silence he replied, “Maybe it’s because you aren’t grateful enough.” Dr. Peale asked his friend what he meant. The counselor responded, “I’m talking about a law of living that you will discover someday. Focus on adversities and you’ll attract more of them. Be grateful for the privilege of living and your life will grow increasingly bright. My advice to you is to be less of a complainer and more of a thanksgiver. Your troubles will become a lot more manageable, I promise you.” Dr. Peale said he learned a great lesson that

day. When he became an older man himself, he said that years of observing life and people left him convinced that the words shared with him earlier were true. He said that over and over again he saw evidence that the acknowledgement of past blessings seemed to be the activator of new blessings. That’s what the entire Thanksgiving season is all about. It is about turning the word “Thanksgiving” around and “giving thanks.” It is about focusing on the blessings, privileges, opportunities, relationships and other positive things we have experienced. We could spend the entire Thanksgiving season focusing on our troubles, trials, roadblocks and pains. For that matter, we could spend the rest of our lives focusing on the negatives we experience. Throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, people will sit down to meals in homes, rescue missions, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, churches and other locations. Some who partake of these meals have been

unusually blessed, and, hopefully, will acknowledge it. For others who eat or don’t eat during the season, life has taken an unusually bitter toll, and, hopefully, we will acknowledge them and reach out to them in some way. All of us have experienced both the positives and the negatives in life. We know what it is like to laugh and to cry. Most of us know what it is like to experience almost unbelievable joy and almost unbearable pain. Thus, during this season, and on a continuing basis, may we give thanks for the good things of life as we work to alleviate the bad things for ourselves and others through the power that God gives us. — © Carl Mays, author and speaker. E-mail to carlmays@carlmays.com. His books are available in stores, on www.carlmays.com and other Internet locations.

School awarded ExxonMobil grant From Submitted Reports

to help young people of Sevierville.” The ExxonMobil Sevierville Primary Educational Alliance School has received a program is designed to $750 grant from the provide retailers with ExxonMobil Educational an opportunity to invest alliance program to support the school’s technolo- in their communities gy and outdoor classroom projects. Ron Cafe of E-Z Stop Food Marts worked with the school officials to secure the grant, which is one of 2,400 available to schools across the country served by Exxon or Mobil stations. “Sevierville Primary School works hard to make learning interesting and fun,” said Cafe. “As a retailer, I am proud

through educational grants to neighborhood schools. Cafe, general manager of E-Z Stop Food Marts, met eligibility criteria before applying for and being awarded this grant.

H e a lt h D e pa r t m e n t Inspection Reports The Department of Health is responsible for regulation of food service establishments in Tennessee The law requires that restaurants have an unannounced inspection at least once every six months to determine if they are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations at the time of inspection. In addition to routine inspections, unannounced inspections are conducted in response to individual complaints. Tennessee uses a 44-item inspection sheet with a maximum of 100 points. Thirteen of the items are considered critical. Critical items, found out of compliance, must be corrected within 10 days. Inspections since Nov. 18:

GATLINBURG

Brookside Resort Event Center … 97 n Calhoun’s Restaurant … 85 n Cherokee Grill … 91 n Crawdaddy’s … 88 n Kentucky Fried Chicken … 83 n Lineberger’s Seafood … 89 n

Los Rancheros … 82 Magnolia Tea Room at Eight Gables Inn … 93 n Volunteer Pizza … 92 n n

PIGEON FORGE

Golden Corral … 82 MainStay Suites breakfast … 94 n MainStay Suites Convention Center … 96 n Marble Slab Creamery … 81 n Norma Dan Motel breakfast … 90 n Shoney’s … 94 n Smoky Mountain Convention Center … 88 n Wendy’s … 92 n n

SEVIERVILLE

American Pie, Wears Valley Road … 87 n Applewood Farmhouse Grill … 90 n Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant … 88 n Damon’s … 88 n Damon’s Convention Center … 96 n Fuji’s Japanese Restaurant, 624 Parkway … 88 n Golden Corral … 92 n Red Lobster … 97 n The Diner … 77 n Walters State Culinary Arts School … 90 n

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Trucks & SUVs 3 Jeep Wranglers ............................................................ starting at $19,995 2004 GMC Sierra SLT 4X4 Ext. Cab .................................................... $18,997 2005 GMC Envoy 4x4, SLT, Loaded ...................................................... $14888 2007 Land Rover LR3 Dual Sunroofs .................................................. $26,894 2007 Ford Edge Leather, New Tires .................................................... $19,853 2007 Ford Explorer XLT “Iron Man Edition” ........................................ $23,995 2006 BMW X5 Sunroof, Very Clean ..................................................... $27,888 2005 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Z71 Loaded .................................... $22,774 2007 GMC Canyon Crew Cab Z71 4x4 ............................................... $21,952 2006 Honda Ridgeline RTL Local, 1-Owner........................................ $19,881 2007 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Z71 ................................................ $25,995 2007 Chevy Avalanche LTZ 4x4 Nav., DVD, Sunroof ........................... $35,650 2007 Ford F-150 XLT Crew Cab.......................................................... $23,894 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi 15K Miles............................................. $13,774 2004 Nissan Frontier Ext. Cab All Power.............................................. $8,888

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865-453-4651 *All prices include $499 processing fee.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE

Comics ◆ B7

Friday, November 27, 2009 ◆ The Mountain Press Family Circus

Close to Home

Advice

Have wife ask her doctor about diminished libido

Zits

Blondie

Baby Blues

Beetle Bailey

Dear Annie: My wife and I have been married 16 years and have two teenage kids. When we were first married, we were regularly intimate. Even after the kids were born, we were able to have romantic weekends several times a year. I am now 41, and she is 39, and the last time we had sex was more than three years ago. I know women go through changes, but when I read in your column about women who desire sex from their husbands more than once a month, or couples in their 50s, 60s and even 70s who still enjoy a healthy sex life, I thought, “Why not us?” My wife was never inhibited, is still beautiful and sexy, and would give any 25-year-old woman a run for her money in the looks and figure departments. I stay in shape, am well-groomed and have a decent job. I help with the laundry, the cleaning and the kids so she can spend time with her friends or go to lunch with her sisters. I’m 99 percent sure she isn’t having an affair. I have tried all kinds of things to get her in the mood — exotic dinners, adventurous outings, candles in the bedroom, massages and once even sent the kids away for the weekend and spent several hundred dollars on a spa afternoon. I often just hug and kiss her with no intention of it going any further. The mere thought of going to counseling makes me so uncomfortable. Should I just accept the fact that the last time we made love was the last time we will ever make

love? — 41 and Done Dear Done: We hope not. Your wife is much too young for such a diminished libido. Please talk to her and suggest she see her doctor. There could be a hormonal or other medical problem that is interfering with her sex drive. If she is unwilling to discuss it, that’s when counseling can help, and we hope you will give it a try. Dear Annie: Over the past five years, my mother has developed a pattern of alcohol abuse. She used to drink only in the early evening, but now starts in the afternoon. She consumes five or six glasses of wine before dinner and continues until bedtime. She slurs, repeats herself over and over, and sometimes cannot recall entire conversations she had the night before. I do not believe anything my mother tells me, because I’m never sure if it is the alcohol talking. She thinks only people who drink hard liquor have an addiction, and that she couldn’t possibly be an alcoholic because she only consumes wine. I have encouraged her to get help and offered to go with her, but she refuses. Please help. — Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned: You can be an alcoholic even if you only drink wine or beer. It’s a mat-

t o d ay ’ s p u z z l e

Garfield

Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

For Better Or Worse

Tina’s Groove

ter of quantity and how it affects you. You cannot force your mother to get help if she isn’t ready to admit she has a problem. You, however, can contact Al-Anon (al-anon. alateen.org) at 1-8884AL-ANON (1-888-4252666), which is for family and friends of alcoholics. Dear Annie: This is in response to “Confused in Riverside, Calif.,” who asked about the proper way to identify yourself after saying “hello” on the phone. The simplest way to handle the problem is to avoid it entirely by answering the phone with one’s own name. Instead of saying “hello,” say “Mary Smith speaking.” That lets the caller know immediately whether or not they have a wrong number and whether they are speaking to the person they wanted. It saves a lot of follow-up questions. I have always answered the phone that way and taught all five of my children to do the same. It is a courtesy to the caller and avoids one of life’s little speed bumps. Hope this is helpful. — Herb in Roanoke 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, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. 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.

B8 â—† Local

The Mountain Press â—† Friday, November 27, 2009

Certification sought for downtown arboretum From Submitted Reports SEVIERVILLE — The Sevierville Department of Parks and Recreation and Trees/Trails and Beautification Committee have applied for Level II Arboretum certification from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council for the Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum located on the Memorial Greenway that runs along the Little Pigeon River downtown. Established by donations from the Norman Burchfiel Family in the mid-1990s, the Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum was established to add both beauty and educational opportunities. To achieve Level II certification, the council requires that the arboretum contain a minimum of 60 different species of labeled trees and that a map be provided for self-guided tours. The city recently installed two brochure containers at the arboretum that contain maps. The brochure includes a map denoting the location and species of each of the 80 trees located in the arboretum, allowing users to take a self-guided tour. There are currently 73 different species in the tour. The brochure containers are located near the parking area on Hardin Lane and the Paine Park gazebo on the east side of the greenway. The city has also provided guided tours for civic and educational groups. Guided tours may be arranged by calling 453-5441 or by e-mail to bparker@seviervilletn.org. The Grove and Arboretum has three goals: n Educational: It con-

Submitted

City landscape specialists Christy Bohanan, left, and Jim Rouhan have worked to achieve Level II Arboretum certification for Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum located on the Memorial Greenway. landscapers the opportunity to see mature trees before selecting trees for landscaping opportunities. Also, this area provides for seeds and cuttings of unique and common species which can be made available. The Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum is managed by the Sevierville Department of Parks and Recreation along with assistance from the citizens appointed to the Trees/Trails and Beautification Committee.

tains a diversity of trees. Individual tree signs list the common and scientific name of each tree, and the anticipated height and width the tree would grow when mature. n Beautification: It contains over 70 different tree species These trees add beautification for walkers, joggers and local residents that live along the West Prong of Little Pigeon River. n Community Resource: It will provide homeowners, businesses and local

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600 Rentals

200 Employment

700 Real Estate

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Online

Deadlines

500 Merchandise

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Edition

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Good News In The Smokies

Friday, 10 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Monday, 10 a.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF SEVIERVILLE BEER BOARD MEETING This will serve as legal notice that the Sevierville Beer Board will meet to consider the following application(s) for and or action regarding beer permit(s):

b. Walgreen Co. - Off Premise Permit d/b/a Walgreens #03284 1840 Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

+FN ,G<E -$$

Legals

a. Murphy Oil USA, Inc. Off Premise Permit d/b/a Murphy Express #8562 310 WinďŹ eld Dunn Parkway Sevierville, TN 37876

Submitted

Memorial Greenway was established by donations from the Norman Burchfiel Family in the mid-1990s to add both beauty and educational opportunities.

d. Walgreen Co. - Off Premise Permit d/b/a Walgreens #12448 303 New Riverside Drive Sevierville, TN 37862

A publication from The Mountain Press

Thursday, 10 a.m.

Find BIG Savings... When You Place Your Ad in the Classifieds!

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428-0746

e. Tennessee CVS Pharmacy, LLC Off Premise Permit d/b/a CVS Pharmacy #06361 718 WinďŹ eld Dunn Parkway Sevierville, TN 37876

c. Walgreen Co. - Off Premise Permit f. d/b/a Walgreens #06609 119 Forks of the River Parkway Sevierville, TN 37862

Other New Business

The application is for the purpose of selling beer as provided under Tilt 8, Section 8-201. et seq. of the Sevierville Municipal Code Act of 1964. This public meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 11:15 am, in Council Hall at the Sevierville Civic Center, 130 Gary Wade Boulevard, Sevierville, Tennessee. Further information concerning this meeting may be obtained prior to the public meeting by contacting Lynn McClurg, City Recorder at Sevierville City Hall (865) 453-5504, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The City of Sevierville does not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin in federal or state sponsored programs, pursuant to Tilt VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d.) Lynn K. McClurg, City Recorder

Drive A Hard Bargain... Advertise in the Classifieds!

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Corrections

http://www.themountainpress.com OR, www.adquest.com

428-0746

All line ads published in The Mountain Press are placed FREE on a searchable network of over 500 newspapers’ classifieds located at http://www.themountainpress.com WANT TO KNOW WHEN A CLASSIFIED ITEM IS AVAILABLE? Go to http://www.adquest/request/ to register your request and we will notify you by e-mail when it becomes available in the Classifieds.

Win

BG

in the Classifieds.

After the first insertion, want ads scheduled to be published again on Tue., Wed., Thu., or Fri. may be canceled or corrected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the day prior to publication. For ads on Sat., due Thu., prior to 3 p.m., for Sun., Fri., prior to 10 a.m. and Mon., prior to 11 a.m. Notice of typographical or other errors must be given before 2nd insertion. The Mountain Press does not assume responsibility for an ad beyond the cost of the ad itself and shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for a typographical error.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held Monday, December 14, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Room of Pigeon Forge City Hall to receive public comment regarding the proposed rezoning of the following property from the R-1 (Low Density Residential) district, to the C-2 (Tourist Commercial). Said property being comprised of parcel 4.03 on Seiver County Tax Map 84, as shown on the attached map. The property is located on the east side of Veterans Boulevard, across from the intersection of Veterans Boulevard and Goldrush Road, encompassing approximately 9.6 acres and owned by the City of Pigeon Forge. The public is invited to attend. This the 23rd day of November, 2009 signed/ Dennis Clabo, City Recorder

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