The Daily Courier, December 19, 2009 by Digital Courier

Coming Sunday: All-County football team named Sports Snow-poned! Area prep teams were forced to postpone games due to the snow on Friday.

Page 7

Saturday, December 19, 2009, Forest City, N.C.

Paper goes to press early Because of concerns over the weather and slippery conditions , The Daily Courier went to press early for today’s edition. The press run took place before syndicates could deliver the stock listing and the weather map. Those features will return in Sunday’s edition. Carriers are instructed to deliver where they can travel safely.

SPORTS

Cubs part ways with troubled OF Bradley Page 8

GAS PRICES

50¢

County prepares for snow By SCOTT BAUGHMAN Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — Rutherford County was preparing for a predicted “heavy snow” with a mixture of sleet and rain Friday, lingering into Saturday, just in time for the official start of winter, Monday, Dec. 21. National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts today include early morning snow mixed with rain up until 1 p.m. and a slight chance of more snow mix in the evening. A high near 34 will give way to snow accumulation of less than half an inch. The chance of precipitation is around 80 percent. Tonight’s low will be around 27. “We are seeing a moderate to high probability — a 40 to 70 percent chance — that we could get four to eight inches of snow over the next couple of days,” said Brad Boris, water treatment plant supervisor for Broad River Water Authority. “It will be very dependent on the temperature as to how much we actually get. We had just a dusting of snow (Friday). It sure would have been nice for this weather to have waited Please see Snow, Page 6

Jean Gordon/Daily Courier

Jacob Orr, 4, with his family (left to right) brother Seth Orr, mom Terry Orr and dad John Orr, spent their morning Friday sledding outside their home off Hwy. 64/74 outside of Rutherfordton. The family lives in the parsonage at the Grace Bible Church, and decided to get early out early and enjoy the sledding. More snow is expected through Saturday.

Weather prompts schools to close By ALLISON FLYNN Daily Courier Staff Writer

Low: High: Avg.:

$2.51 $2.99 $2.92

DEATHS Ellenboro Jack Ayers Fadie Bridges Henrietta Grace Smith Rutherfordton Jared Epley Spindale Joyce Hutchins Elsewhere Hicks Searcy

Page 5

WEATHER

High

Low

39 28 Today, and tonight, rain and show.

INSIDE Classifieds . . . 14-15 Sports . . . . . . . . 7-9 County scene . . . . 6 Opinion . . . . . . . . 4 Vol. 41, No. 302

FOREST CITY – Students in Rutherford County got a little break before their scheduled Christmas break Friday when Old Man winter stopped by prior to the official start of winter. Rutherford County Schools made the decision to close around 5 a.m. Friday, said Transportation Director Curtis Hodge. “We based the decision on the weather forecast,” he said. “Radar indicated we had snow and ice overhead and with a 100 percent chance of inclement weather .... we like to err on the side of safety.” Hodge said he noticed sleet out the window of the transportation department, located in Spindale, around 6:15 a.m. “So far, it looks like we made a good decision,” he said. Students in Rutherford County will make up the day missed Friday, although the date for the make up day has not been determined, said Assistant Superintendent Janet Mason. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy was closed as well, with a snow make-up day set for Monday. The school will follow the same half-day schedule it would have on Friday. Isothermal Community College closed Friday morning at 9. Students had already finished classes and exams, said Director of Marketing Mike Gavin, and faculty had to have grades turned in by 11 a.m. “We have a limited number of staff in student services to enter grades today,” he said. The college will be open Monday, Gavin said, unless weather conditions inhibited it. The college is closed for winter break beginning Tuesday.

Jean Gordon/Daily Courier

Before 8 a.m. Friday, Ingles market on U.S. 74A and Church Street was busy with long lines at the check outs and at the milk freezer. One shopper, Charlene Scott said, “Believe me, I wouldn’t be here unless I had to.” She usually shops on Thursday night, but didn’t get the chance. Most grocery stores experienced long lines Friday as people were preparing for the prediction of “heavy snow.”

Storm won’t stop a wedding By LARRY DALE Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — A Forest City couple is not going to let the threat of wintry weather stop them from having an outdoor wedding today. Jennifer Willis, 32, and Daniel Hush, 29, are planning to be married at 6 p.m. at the fountain downtown. “I’ve always wanted a nighttime, outside wedding,” Willis said Friday morning. “It’s my decision. It’s beautiful downtown, with the lights on, and romantic.” Forest City is well-known for its downtown Christmas lights, Willis and Daniel Hush were wed at the Forest City and Willis noted that by 6 p.m. Jennifer foundation Friday afternoon. it will be dusky dark, and the lights will be shining brightly. The bridegroom will wear a suit, and the The bride-to-be wants to have bride will have on a Carolina blue formal the wedding there even if there is precipitadress, princess type, that flares out. tion. She noted that Danielle Withrow, town The couple has known each other for a long planner, has promised to provide a 10-by-10 time, Willis said, and they were more like tent if the weather doesn’t cooperate for the friends until their romance blossomed. They ceremony. She wants to get married downhave been together 17 months, she said. town “if a snow plow has to pick me up,” she She works at Sunnyside Assisted Living, said with a laugh. and he works at Tri-City Tire. Her daughters, Maranda Piercy, 12, and Willis said she expects at least 25 people Kaylee Piercy, 10, will walk her down the for the ceremony, depending on the weather, sidewalk and give her away. including his mother, Brenda Resendriz, and The bride’s sister, Chasity Bridges, will be the maid of honor, and Norris Tate, the bride- her parents, Rick and Rebecca Henson. The couple is not going on a honeymoon groom’s best friend, will be the best man. right away. “When we get vacation time next The Rev. Donald Dover of Faith Baptist year we will plan a trip,” Willis said. Church will officiate.

Now on the Web: www.thedigitalcourier.com

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

local Church News Christmas

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Youth Christmas program: “Little Town of Bethlehem” will be presented Sunday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m., by the children and youth of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 130 Pleasant Grove Road, Rutherfordton. Christmas concert: Sunday, Dec. 20, 4 p.m., Harvest House Baptist Church; the praise choir will present “The Reason for The Season”; church located at 245 Big Springs Ave., Forest City. Christmas cantata/play: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” will be presented by the adult choir and members of Caroleen United Methodist Church, on Sunday, Dec. 20. The service begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall. Church located at 137 Mills Ave., off Boss Moore Road. Christmas Concert: 2nd Annual “Strings of Evensong” Christmas Concert; Sunday, Dec. 20, 3 p.m., Spencer Baptist Church, 204 North Oak St., Spindale; “Strings of Evensong” are students of Sharon Lawrence, and will be accompanied by other musicians from around Rutherford County. This is the 2nd Annual “Strings of Evensong” Christmas concert.

Contributed photo

The pastor and congregation of Temple Baptist Church in Henrietta broke ground on Nov. 22, where a new church will be built in the Six Points community near Mooresboro. Pictured are (l-r): Deacons David White, Jeff Ruppe and Eric Baynard, Rev. Sam Henderson, pastor of the church, Deacons Robbie Murray, Jimmy Hutchins, Wayne Millis and Randy Church.

Christmas Celebration Concert David Roach and Friends Christmas Celebration will be held tonight at Chase High School auditorium. The program begins at 7 p.m. Roach has recorded five CDs and is also a member of the Southern Gospel group In His Glory. He serves as the conductor of Foot Hills Community Band, accompanist for the Chase High School chorus, and teaches 30-plus private piano students. Admission will be $10 at the door with all proceeds going to the Chase Trojan Marching Band Uniform Fund. The public is invited to attend. Contributed photo

Speak Words of Faith Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works...

R.S.V. Hebrews 10:23-24

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies because of the words we speak. Words are often self-fulfilling prophesies precisely because they are repeated so often that we eventually come to believe them and subsequently act on them. We should therefore, attend carefully to our words. Constantly telling ourselves that we are stupid or inept will undoubtedly make us feel stupid and inept. We should also consider what we say to our families and friends, especially those who are young and impressionable. Children are literally molded by the labels we place on them. Children who have been told repeatedly that they are “bad” will have a hard time convincing themselves otherwise. So, we should make sure that our words are setting high standards for ourselves and others. If we tell others that we expect them to be good and competent, they will probably live up to our expectations, whereas if we tell them we expect only the worst of them, they will almost certainly live down to those low expectations.

Robertson Creek Freewill

Therefore, we should attend to our words and make sure that they are truly positive affirmations which raise the bar. We should say and believe what is in our best interest to believe, and say positive things to our family, friends and colleagues as a way to make them better people.

Advent Lutheran Church

�� Invites You to Join Us for Sunday School at 9:45am Worship�� Service at 11:00am

Harrelson Funeral Home Serving the Residents of Rutherford County for Over 80 Years!

168 Frontage Road Forest City, NC

1251 Hwy. 221A, Forest City, NC

Pastor: Ron Fink Pastor: Rev. Pamela Mitcham St. 104102 EastReveley Main Street Spindale, NC Spindale, NC 28160 28160 828.287.2056 828.287.2056

Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30 • Sat. 8-1

245-1997

1016 E. Main St., Spindale, NC

286-3527

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Hunnicutt

McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home, Inc.

Spindale Drug Co.

Tri-City t c Concrete, LLC.

4076 US Highway 221A Cliffside, NC

“Your Family Pharmacists” 24-Hour Emergency Service

Ford-Mercury, Inc. New & Used Cars & Trucks 565 Oak Street, Forest City

245-1626

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Residential & Commercial

101 W. Main St., Spindale

286-3746

(828) 657-6383

P.O. Box 241 Forest City, NC 28043 828-245-2011 Fax: 828-245-2012 BILL MORRIS

STEVE BARNES

Christmas musical: Floyds Creek Baptist Church will present “Child of Darkness, Child of Light,” a Christmas musical written by David Roach, on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. The musical will feature the high school members of the church’s youth group portraying characters telling the story of the birth of Jesus, His death and resurrection and will also feature the sanctuary choir singing original music written for this presentation. Cantata: “One Incredible Moment” will be presented by the adult choir of Missionary Wesleyan Church on Dec. 19 and 20. Saturday’s performance begins at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Church located at 811 Doggett Road, Forest City. Christmas musical: “Only Love” will be presented Sunday, Dec. 20, at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, beginning at 7 p.m. Church located at 801 Mt. Lebanon Church Road, Bostic. “Big Day”: Sunday, Dec. 20, worship service 11 a.m., Webb First Baptist Church. Christmas program: “Where is Christmas?” will be presented Sunday, Dec. 20, at New Forest Chapel CME Church, 137 Chapel St., Forest City; a Christmas party will follow the program; church located just past McNair Field parking lot on the right. Cantata: “Glorirus Impossible” will be presented Sunday, Dec. 20, during the 11 a.m. worship service at Caroleen Baptist Church. Christmas play: “Christmas Here and Now”; Sunday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Cornerstone Baptist Church auditorium, 4357 W. Dixon Blvd., Mooresboro, (located on the hill near the caution light); nursery will be available. Christmas music: The Adult Choir of Piedmont Baptist Church will present a program of Christmas music on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the fellowship building. The service includes music, staging, and a message by Pastor Ad Hopper. Lunch and fellowship afterwards. The choir is directed by Barbara Haynes, Catherine Ayers is directing the players, and Bobby Bridges is the piano accompanist. Sunday School will not be held. The church is located at 1050 Maple Creek Road, Rutherfordton. Christmas musical: “Camel Lot: Don’t Miss the Manger,” a Christmas musical by Cynthia Nine, will be presented Sunday, Dec. 20, at Walls Baptist Church. Fellowship will follow. Christmas Cantata: “The Dawn of Redeeming Grace” will be presented by the adult choir of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Sunday, Dec. 20, during the 11 a.m. worship service. The church is located at 130 Pleasant Grove Road, Rutherfordton. Cantata: The Chancel Choir of Spindale United Methodist Church will present their Christmas cantata during the 11 a.m. worship service, Sunday, December 20. Youth Christmas program: “Little Town of Bethlehem” will be presented Sunday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m., by the children and youth of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 130 Pleasant Grove Road, Rutherfordton. Walk to the Manger: Dec. 21, 22 and 23, begins at 6:30 each night; those who wish to walk with the group meet in the parking lot of Riah Salon, near Spindale Restaurant; otherwise, meet in the parking lot of Main Street Baptist Church, Spindale, at 6:40 p.m., where characters dressed in Biblical attire will lead guests to the manger for a true celebration of Christmas; narration, Christmas carols and songs of praise. Christmas Eve candlelight service: Thursday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m., Caroleen United Methodist Church; the service includes communion. Christmas Eve candlelight service: Thursday, Dec. 24, 9 p.m., Ellenboro Presbyterian Church; special music by Justin Radford; Bill Kirk, pastor. Christmas Eve candlelight service: Thursday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m., Caroleen Baptist Church; the service will conclude with communion. Christmas Eve services with Holy Communion (family-oriented) Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton, Thursday, Dec. 24, begins at 7:30 p.m. A reception with dessert refreshments (around 9:30 p.m.) will follow in the parish hall. Singing of Christmas Caroles 10:30 p.m., Christmas Celebration of the Holy Eucharist (midnight mass) beginning at 11 p.m. Christmas services with St. Francis Church, 408 North Main St., Rutherfordton; Sunday, Dec. 20, Lessons and Carols, 10:30 a.m.; Dec. 24, Christmas Eve family service, 5:30 p.m., midnight mass, 10:30 p.m.; Dec. 25, Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.; New Year’s Eve service, Thursday, Dec. 31, 11:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service: Drop-in communion service at Spindale United Methodist Church, Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve services: Candle-lighting and Holy communion at First United Methodist Church, Rutherfordton; Thursday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m., later that night at 11, Christmas message “A People of His Own,” followed by candle-lighting and Holy communion. Lessons and Carols service: Sunday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. worship service, Advent Lutheran Church; scripture passages relating to the nativity will be read accompanied by a Christmas carol related to it; Jeff Brooks, organist, will provide special music; congregational members will serve as readers and liturgists for the service; church located at 102 Reveley Street, Spindale; a time of fellowship will follow.

Music/concerts Concert: Sunday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m., Missionary Wesleyan Church, Doggett Road, Forest City; featuring James Rainey, pianist for the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, and special guest, Roger Queen. Please See Church Page 3

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009 — 3

local/leisure

Leisure Wedding show: The Blue Ridge Wedding Show will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, at the new Carolina Event and Conference Center, Hudlow Road, Forest City, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. MotherDaughter Brunch 10 to 11 a.m. Wedding tips, fashion show, flower show, musical entertainment, give-aways, door prizes and much more. Bridal registration begins at 11 a.m. For more information call (828) 447-2674 or visit the website www.freshstartwes.com. Legal Grounds, 217 North Main St., Rutherfordton, offers the following entertainment: Dec. 18 — Clark Road Band Dec. 19 — TRIAD Dec. 26 — Sharkadelics Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Party with the Clark Road Band and DJ Adrenaline. Web site www.legalgrounds.net. Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, 115 W. Main St., Spindale, (no cover charge) announces the following entertainment: Dec. 18 — Alan Biggerstaff Dec. 19 — Dave Desmelik Dec. 26 — 26 Ways

Web site www.barleystap-

room.com.

M Squared Restaurant, located at 125 West Main St., Spindale., offers the following entertainment/events: Tuesday — Alex Thompson on keyboard, soup/sandwich night Wednesday — Trivia at 8 p.m. (half price bottled wine) Friday — Alex Thompson on keyboard, 7:30 p.m. ($5 Martinis) Saturday — no entertainment Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar (weekly) Saturday, Dec. 26, Mike Rogers and Friends Web site www.msquaredrestaurant.com. Club L.A. is a private club for members and guests, located at 319 W. Main St., Spindale. Admission — members free, guest $5. Saturdays from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Each Thursday is ladies’ night and Karaoke from 8 to 11 p.m. Shagging every Friday night from 8 to 11 p.m. Memberships available (ages 25 and up). ABC permits.

Wagon Wheel Country & Western Dance Club, W.E. Padgett Rd., Ellenboro area, hosts the following entertainment: Dec. 19 — Broken Axle Band, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission $5. Concessions, game room, family entertainment. Dance lessons every Tuesday night from 7:30 to 10 p.m., $3 per person. Web site www.wagonwheeldanceclub.com. LuLu’s Country Club & Karaoke has karaoke and dancing every week, Thursday - Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cover charge $3 on Thursdays, and $5 Friday and Saturday (BYOB). Ages 18 and up with valid ID. The club is located off Railroad Ave., at 156 Sunset Street in Rutherfordton. Positively Paper Inc., located at 121 East Main St., Forest City, offers the following classes: Dec. 29 — Greeting card class, 6 to 8 p.m., six cards with three different themes; For supply requirements or other information call 248-2455.

Web site www.positivelypaperinc. com. Off the Beaded Path, located at 120B West Trade St., Forest City, offers Try-it-Tuesdays (every Tuesday) which features brief jewelry-making demos. The following classes are also available: Dec. 21 — Fit for a Queen Ring, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 22 — Pearl Cuff Bracelet, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 29 — New Years Necklace, 6 to 8 p.m. Web site offthebeadedpathbeadstore.com. Next Level Gamez, 118 E. Main St., Forest City, offers: Tuesdays — Magic the Gathering League, 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays — New comic books arrive, Star Wars Miniatures, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays — Dungeons & Dragons, 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays — Friday Night Magic starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays — Magic the Gathering tournament from 1 to 5 p.m. Web site nextlevelgamez.com.

“Ye Olde Christmas in Spartanburg”: Open through Jan. 9 at the Chapman Cultural Center, Spartanburg County Historical Museum. Exhibits will recreate a common Christmas home scene with authentic decorations, antique toys of that time period, a display of Christmas cards and postcards from early years. A free public reception will be Thursday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 864-542ARTS. Black Pearls Farm in Bostic, a non-profit Equine and CSA Learning Center, announces the following events: Open horse lessons — Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m., (call ahead) Contact Barbara Henwood at 2450023. Web site blackpearlsfarm.com.

Attempts made to block release of 2

HAPPY HABITAT OWNERS

By MIKE BAKER

Associated Press Writer

RALEIGH, N.C. — The state attorney general’s office petitioned the North Carolina Supreme Court on Friday to block the imminent release of two convicted murderers who were sentenced to life three decades ago. Lawyers filed requests for the state’s high court to hear arguments Contributed photo hours before a 5 p.m. deadline that would The home of Carol Hines and her three sons was dedicated this week by Rutherford County Habitat for allow the inmates to go Humanity. This house, 306 West St., Spindale, was not a new construction, but a Habitat home that was rehafree. The appeals court bilitated for the Hines family. Shown with Carol are sons James (left), Cedric (center) and Arthur. KidSenses on Thursday rejected InterACTIVE Children’s Museum has recently partnered with Habitat to provide one year memberships to the the state’s request new Habitat homeowners. Erin Ellmore, a former school teacher of Arthur, presented the membership card on behalf of KidSenses. “Carol and her boys have worked their fingers to the bone over the last six to eight weeks to keep the inmates, getting their sweat equity done and getting their house ready to move in,” said Habitat’s incoming executive Alford Jones and Faye director Allyson Shroyer. Brown, behind bars. State courts previously sided with the Progress plans inmates in determining Other gas-fired plant their life sentences were New location: Holy Ground Community actually defined in the Church has moved from Bostic to 139 S. Continued from Page 2 RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Powell Street, Forest City. Services are 1970s as 80-years long. — Progress Energy Sunday — Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; worThe inmates also conship service 11 a.m., evening service 6 p.m.; wants to build a new tend sentence-reduction Wednesday 6 p.m., and Friday Bible Study power plant fueled by credits means their Concert: 37th Annual Gospel Concert, fea6 p.m. Edward Ellision, pastor. cleaner-burning natuterms are now comturing Soul Harvest, Master’s Singers and ral gas as it phases out Ronnie Felker “Fearless Fife” on Thursday, plete. Dec. 31, at New Hope United Methodist Soup Kitchens coal-fired units in North The state disagrees Church, 4251 Chesnee Road (Parris Bridge Carolina. Samaritan Breakfast: Thursdays from 6 and says the prisonRoad). Concert begins at 8 p.m. Midnight to 8 a.m., at St. Francis Episcopal Church, The Raleigh power ers should not receive candlelight service. Refreshments. 395 N. Main St., Rutherfordton. Carry-out company said Friday any sentence-reduction breakfast bags. it filed an application Singing: Sunday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m., Riverside credits for good behavBaptist Church, Hogan Road, Harris; feawith the North Carolina ior. The attorney genSt. Paul AME Zion Church, Forest City, turing The Servant Call. Utilities Commission to eral’s office wrote that each Monday at 6 p.m. build the new generathe state will be “irrepaSt. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, tion unit in Wilmington. Special services

Church

Special service: Sunday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m., Holy Temple No. 2, Forest City; guest speaker, Rev. Rachel Twitty. Fellowship service: Sunday, Dec. 27, 4 p.m., Angel Divine Faith Church, Rutherfordton.

Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 330 N. Ridgecrest Ave., Rutherfordton.

“Helping Hands Outreach”: Members of Caroleen Congregational Holiness Church hold a monthly soup kitchen each Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. The church is located on Walker Store Road.

rably harmed by the unconditional release of an inmate who committed the most serious crime under North Carolina law” if the inmate was released before the court could rule on the matter. Gov. Beverly Perdue has said she was disgusted after hearing a judge first rule earlier this week that the inmates should go free. If the courts continue to side with the inmates, dozens could be set free in the months to come. The Department of Correction has already determined that, if credits are applied to reduce inmate sentences, some two dozen inmates would have already qualified for release. Jones, who is currently at New Hanover Correctional Center in Wilmington, was convicted in the January 1975 shooting of William B. Turner Sr. Brown, who is held at Raleigh Correctional Center for Women, was sentenced for her role in the shooting death of a state trooper during a bank robbery that same year.

Send us your

january BIrTHDayS to be included in our

Birthday Calendar Send your name or your loved one’s name and birth date with One Dollar to be included in our

BIrTHDay CalenDar to be published the first of January. Submit birthdays for January by December 28th

Send to: The Daily Courier Attn: Birthday Calendar 601 Oak Street Forest City, NC 28043 Name: Birth Date: your Name: Full address: Phone:

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

■ A daily forum for opinion, commentary and editorials on the news that affects us all.

James R. Brown/ publisher Steven E. Parham/ executive editor 601 Oak Street, P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, N.C. 28043 Phone: 245-6431 Fax: 248-2790

E-mail: dailycourier@thedigitalcourier.com

Our Views Be cautious in cyberspace

f you had any doubts that cyberspace is a risky place to operate, consider reports over the past couple of days that hackers have accessed a military drone and stolen U.S-South Korea military information. These incidents and an incident several months ago when hackers launched a cyber-attack that caused Web outages on prominent government sites in the U.S. and in South Korea. Those attacks hit the White House and the presidential Blue House in South Korea. These attacks and hacks have hit in places where cyber-security is far advanced over what most of us have in our businesses and our homes. That should obviously demonstrate the potential dangers that we could face if nefarious individuals make us their targets. Our computers and networks and the Internet are so integral to commerce and communication that any significant loss of service could be catastrophic. So we all must be vigilant.

Our readers’ views Toy Run problem Why is God named said misunderstanding on our currency? To the editor: In response to Mrs. Miller’s letter concerning the Toy Run at the Moose Lodge... Our apologies to you and the families that were sent away — it was an unfortunate misunderstanding and if you contact the Lodge it will be taken care of. The Toy Run and the Party are actually two different events that are held on the same day because the bikers want to see their gifts given to some children. The party is sponsored by the Women of the Moose. They go thru the school system to get these kids. They buy the children clothes and shoes and then they get to pick a few of the toys brought in by the bikers. The Moose Lodge helps Families that begin calling in October/ November. We gather the information (names, sizes, etc.) People go out and buy them clothes, shoes, etc., and they are given toys from the Toy Run plus a box of canned food with a ham.Every toy that is brought by the bikers or donated by local businesses are given out in the county. Nothing is left!! Families (20 or as many as our funds allow) come pick up their gifts a few days before Christmas. We have done this for at least 10 years with no problems and many a happy child. Once again I hope you accept our apologies and please contact us. Do not let this unfortunate misunderstanding ruin the good done by so many. Cindy D. Melton Ellenboro

To the editor: It’s a funny thing about those dollar bills you carry in your billfolds and pocketbooks. Two things are written on them. One explains that they are legal tender for all debts, public and private, and the other has the familiar words “In God We Trust”. I’m no atheist. I believe in God, and believe in the bible, and I’m ready to challenge anybody any time regarding my faith. But those words, “In God We Trust” on a piece of paper that’s legal tender? Doesn’t that make the Federal Reserve Board a religious establishment? Certainly it professes the existence of God, and places its trust in God. All religions do that, as far as I know. So, if the “FED” is a government agency, isn’t the First Amendment violated? That part which says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”? And, if the “FED” is not a government but a private agency, wouldn’t it be a private establishment of religion? Finally, if congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, how can those dollars(FRNs, Federal Reserve Notes) be “legal tender” for all debts? If they are, then congress has directly violated its own Constitution. There remains one of two choices: 1.Make all religious establishments equally capable of issuing legal tender. 2.Make no religious establishments the issuer of legal tender. Suppose you’re hauled in court

to pay your taxes. Can those taxes be legally paid in FRNs? Every single note has the testimony “In God We Trust”. Does that mean you are forced to pay your taxes to God? By what authority? Seems to me if the “FED” trusts in God as authority, and all state constitutions recognize God as authority, then the accuser and the plaintiff can turn to God as final arbiter of the decision. The Bible, which we recognize as God’s word, says all interest or usury is bad. “FED” bases all its power on the regulation of interest. One lie against the “FED”. The Second Commandment says we are not to bow down to idols. If we are forced to pay money that claims to represent God, and which violates a law of God, then we are being forced to practice idolatry. Two lies against the FED. If the First Amendment clearly states Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, that makes three lies against the FED. Children, can you say “scam”? Ralph Haulk Forest City

Letter Policy The Daily Courier would like to publish letters from readers on any subject of timely interest. All letters must be signed. Writers should try to limit their submissions to 300 words. All letters must include a day and evening telephone number. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for libelous content. All submissions should be sent to The Editor, P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, NC, 28043. Letters may also be submitted via e-mail at dailycourier@thedigitalcourier.com or via our website at thedigitalcourier.com

Here’s why our state’s housing bubble is smaller RALEIGH – I guess it’s cold comfort to say this in a state with thousands of residents underwater on their mortgages, but by national standards North Carolina didn’t experience much of a housing bubble during the past decade. Our trends look nothing like those of states such as California and Arizona where the housing markets look a bit like smoking ruins. Growth-policy expert Randal O’Toole has the data to demonstrate the point – and an explanation for why some states had huge housing bubbles and other states didn’t. Let’s start with the data. Back in October, the Cato Institute published a paper from O’Toole that reports several interesting trends. One table shows the average gain in housing prices in each state from the first quarter of 2000 to each peak, and then the average drop in housing prices in each state from the peak to the second quarter of 2008.

John Hood Syndicated columnist

Here are some examples of bubble states: California – 124 percent price gain, then 32 percent price drop. Florida – Up 108 percent, down 27 percent. Rhode Island – Up 96 percent, down 16 percent. Arizona – Up 87 percent, down 22 percent. I picked these because they illustrate the point that bubbles do not appear to be related to any particular geographical variable. What O’Toole noticed, however, is that virtually all of the states with major housing bubbles also enforced comprehensive state laws managing growth and land-use markets. The median state, Alaska, had a 39 percent price gain followed by a 6 percent

drop. That’s not much of a bubble. Alaska also has no significant state controls on growth or real-estate development. Virtually all of the states below the median in housing-price variability also lacked statewide growthmanagement policies. Consider North Carolina. From 2000 to peak, our housing prices rose by an average of 22 percent. From peak to 2008, they dropped by less than 1 percent. Granted, there’s been some marked declines in prices since then in North Carolina, but that’s true in most of the rest of the country, too. The point is that, comparatively, North Carolina’s housing markets did not gyrate nearly as much as those in states with comprehensive growth management laws. The explanation of this relationship isn’t hard to fathom. Urban growth boundaries and similar policies restrict the ability of developers to bring housing inventory to market. “In a normal housing market,”

O’Toole writes, “home values keep up with inflation and median family incomes. Markets become abnormal when there is some limit on the supply of new homes – and most such limits result from government regulation.” In such abnormal housing markets, producers have far less ability to respond quickly to changes in household preferences. Price swings are amplified. You can see more evidence for the effect when comparing median home values to median family incomes. In heavy-regulation bubble states, the ratio changed markedly. In California, the median home cost 3.8 times median income in 1999. The ratio rose to 8.3 in 2006 and then dropped to 5.5 by 2008. Alternatively, look at North Carolina’s ratio. The median home cost 2.1 times income in 1999, 2.5 times income in 2006, and 2.6 times in 2008. That’s not much of a change. Of course, we’re talking about statewide averages here. Within North Carolina,

some housing markets are more heavily regulated than others. Some previous research by JLF demonstrated the consequences of these regulations, with communities such as Asheville and Wilmington forcing their home prices up by thousands of dollars. Housing regulation didn’t cause the financial crisis and subsequent recession, of course. But it played a role in making housing bubbles bigger – and thus making the pop louder and more painful. Thank goodness North Carolina hasn’t yet emulated California, Maryland, or Florida by passing state growth-management rules. Not that some haven’t tried. In recent years, some state lawmakers and selfstyled environmentalists have sought to give North Carolina’s urban planners exactly that kind of power over housing markets. Here’s another reason to say no. Hood is president of the John Locke Foundation and publisher of CarolinaJournal.com.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

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OBITUARIES/POLICE NOTES

Obituaries Jack Ayers Jack G. Ayers, 75, of 289 Burns Road, Ellenboro, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at Spartanburg Restorative Care. He was a son of the late George and Daisy Vickers Ayers. Jack was an Army veteran stationed in Germany, retired from Henredon Furniture, and a member of Walls Baptist Church for over 53 years, where he was a former deacon and assistant Sunday School teacher. He was also a charter member of Washburn Coffee Club. Survivors include his wife, Emma Sue Jones Ayers; his daughter, Carolyn Ayers Wall of Forest City; a sister, Linda Ayers Eacho of Bostic; five brothers, Sherrill Ayers, Lox Ayers, and Max “Pete” Ayers, all of Bostic, Wray Ayers of Satellite Beach, Fla., and James Ayers of Rutherfordton; two grandchildren and a great-grandson. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Walls Baptist Church with the Revs. Eugene Passmore and Cecil Ballard, and Dr. Robert Toney officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Walls Baptist Church Soup Kitchen, 749 Walls Church Road, Bostic, NC 28018; or to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800. Online condolences www.washburndorsey.com.

Fadie Bridges James Fadie Bridges, 97, of Ellenboro, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at his residence. A native of Rutherford

County, he was a son of the late Marcus and Zudie Ledford Bridges. He was a farmer, retired from Dicey Fabrics, Inc., and a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Georgie Bridges Bridges; one daughter, Louise McGinnis of Cliffside; one brother, Virgil Bridges of Summerfield; one sister, Mary Lou Paul of Charlotte; two grandchildren and one great-grandson. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. David Easler and Dr. Wayne Blackwood officiating. Burial will follow in the Walls Baptist Church cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 3:15 p.m., prior to the service at the church. The body may be viewed from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, Family Life Center, P.O. Box 635, Ellenboro, NC 28040; or to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences www.mckinneylandrethfuneralhome.com.

Jared Epley Jared Ray Epley, 31, of Rutherfordton, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at Rutherford Hospital. A native of Polk County, he was a son of Ray Epley of Forest City, and Cindy Holcombe of Rutherfordton. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church and a graduate of Chase High School. In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Kristen Epley of Bostic; his grandfather, William Harold Durham of Newland, and his

grandmother, Edna Epley of Forest City. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Shiloh Baptist Church with the Revs. Don Crawford and Leon Brown officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m., prior to the service at the church. Interment in the church cemetery. McMahan’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com.

Grace Smith Grace Givens Smith, 89, formerly of 237 Pea Ridge Road, Henrietta, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at White Oak Manor, where she was a resident. Born in Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Francis Givens and Ellar Walker Givens, and also preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John N. Smith. She worked as a weaver at Fieldcrest Mills for 30 years and also worked at Scott Vending for ten years. Mrs. Smith was a long-time member of Haynes Memorial Baptist Church. Survivors include her son, Larry Smith of Forest City; three granddaughters and six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. No formal visitation is planned. The family will be at 217 Old Caroleen Road, Forest City. Memorials to be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Smith family. Online condolences www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com.

Hicks Searcy Hicks Searcy, 88, of Marion, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at his residence. A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late George Washington Searcy and Mattie Belle Hall Searcy, and also preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Lucille Elliott Searcy. He was a veteran of the Army, having served during World War II in Burma as a medic, and a truck driver with the 13th Mountain Medical Battalion. Hicks attended Bethel Baptist Church in Glenwood. He was also a beekeeper and member of the McDowell County Honeybees. Survivors include his daughter, Lucy Calhoun of Marion; two brothers, Fred Searcy of Marion, and Clyo Searcy of Lake Lure; three grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Westmoreland Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Upton officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the McDowell Memorial Park on Monday at 1 p.m. Military graveside rites will be provided by the United States Army. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 205 Bethel Church Road, Marion, NC 28752. Online condolences www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Hutchins Joyce Colleen Hutchins, 63, of Georgia Street, Spindale, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at White Oak Manor in Shelby. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harrelson Funeral Home.

Police Notes Sheriff’s Reports n The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 131 E-911 calls Thursday.

Rutherfordton n The Rutherfordton Police Department responded to 47 E-911 calls Thursday.

Spindale n The Spindale Police Department responded to 30 E-911 calls Thursday.

Lake Lure n The Lake Lure Police Department responded to three E-911 calls Thursday.

Forest City n The Forest City Police Department responded to 56 E-911 calls Thursday. n An officer of the Forest City Police Department reported an incident of obtaining property by false pretenses. The incident occurred at Ivey’s Pawn Shop. n An employee of Smith’s Drug Store on Main Street reported an incident of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

under a $10,000 secured bond. (Probation) n Brandon Scott Williams, 18, of 112 Capri Parkway; charged with probation violation; released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. (Probation) n James Noah Greene, 27, of 289 N. Main St.; charged with felony probation violation and misdemeanor probation violation; placed under a $40,000 secured bond. (Probation) n Johnathan Lee Robinson, 25, of 651 Oakland Road; charged with misdemeanor domestic violence protective order violation; placed under a 48-hour hold. (RCSD) n Robert Thomas Withrow, 62, of 103 Arizona Ave.; charged with local ordinance littering beer/wine container; released on a $500 unsecured bond. (RCSD) n Peggy Lynn Hodge, 46, of 604 Harris Henrietta Road; charged with fictitious information to an officer, resisting a public officer, license not in possession and driving while license revoked; released on a $2,000 unsecured bond. (RCSD) n Andrew Wright Jaynes,

Arrests

THE DAILY COURIER

n Jaime Hinojosa, 46, of Golf Street, Forest City; served with a show cause order. (FCPD) n Adaryl Landrum, 35, of Second Street, Forest City; arrested on a warrant for failure to comply; placed under a $1,000 secured bond. (FCPD) n Floyd Dotson, 43, of Big Springs Avenue, Forest City; charged with violation of a domestic violence order and second-degree trespassing; placed under a 48-hour hold. (FCPD) n Brenda Crawford, 41, of Park Street, Forest City; arrested on a warrant for first-degree trespassing; released on a $1,000 unsecured bond. (FCPD) n Jessie Curtis Murray, 40, of 501 Ledbetter Road; charged with two counts of probation violation; placed

Published Tuesday through Sunday mornings by Paxton Media Group LLC dba The Daily Courier USPS 204-920 Periodical Postage paid in Forest City, NC. Company Address: 601 Oak St., P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, NC 28043. Phone: (828) 245-6431 Fax: (828) 248-2790 Subscription rates: Single copy, daily 50¢ / Sunday $1.50. Home delivery $11.75 per month, $35.25 for three months, $70.50 for six months, $129 per year. In county rates by mail payable in advance are: $13.38 for one month, $40.14 for three months, $80.27 for six months, $160.54 per year. Outside county: $14.55 for one month, $43.64 for three months, $87.28 for six months, $174.56 per year. College students for school year subscription, $75. The Digital Courier, $6.50 a month for non-subscribers to The Daily Courier. Payment may be made at the website: www.thedigitalcourier. com The Daily Courier is not responsible for advance subscription payments made to carriers, all of who are independent contractors.

35, of 916 Horn Mill Road; charged with driving while impaired and speeding in excess of 35 miles per hour; placed under a $500 secured bond. (RCSD) n Timothy Lloyd Greene, 33, of 124 Greens Drive; charged with two counts of misdemeanor probation violation; placed under a $6,000 secured bond. (RCSD)

Fadie Bridges Mr. James Fadie Bridges, 97, of Ellenboro, died Friday, December 18, 2009 at his residence. A native of Rutherford County, he was born February 17, 1912, a son of the late Marcus and Zudie Ledford Bridges. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Fred Bridges, Ralph Bridges and John Earl Bridges and two sisters, Blanche B. Bowman and Maggie B. Wray. He was a farmer, retired from Dicey Fabrics Inc., and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of seventy-seven years, Georgie Bridges Bridges; one daughter, Louise McGinnis and her husband, Frank of Cliffside; one brother, Virgil Bridges of Summerfield, NC; one sister, Mary Lou Paul of Charlotte; two grandchildren, Lynn McGinnis McDaniel and her husband, Jessie and Jeff McGinnis; three greatgrandchildren, Colt Mc-Ginnis, Chad Martin and his wife, Sarah and Amy Handlin and her husband, Bill. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 PM Sunday, December 20, 2009 at Bethel Baptist Church with Reverend David Easler and Dr. Wayne Blackwood officiating. Burial will follow in Walls Baptist Church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:003:15 PM prior to the service at the church. The body will be placed in the church from 1:00-1:45PM for public viewing. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Family Life Center, PO Box 635, Ellenboro, NC 28040 or Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. McKinney-Landreth Funeral Home is serving the Bridges family. A guest register is availabel at: www.mckinneylandrethfuneralhome.com

Paid obit.

n Jason Bruce McDaniel, 48, of 128 Powell Road; charged with assault on a female; placed under a $1,000 secured bond. (RCSD) n Regina Cheryl Thompson, 43, of 181 Wagon Trail; charged with assault and battery; placed under a $1,000 secured bond. (RCSD)

Applications accepted for incentives The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives program until Jan. 15. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP offers contracts that provide incentive payments and cost-shares to implement conservation practices. Persons who are engaged in livestock or agricultural production on eligible land may participate in the EQIP program. EQIP activities are carried out according to an environmental quality incentives program plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns. EQIP cost-shares 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. WHIP provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat. Applications can be made for both programs at the NRCS office, 121 Laurel Drive, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Hicks Searcy Mr. Hicks Searcy, age 88, of Marion, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2009 at his residence. A native of Rutherford County, he was born on July 23, 1921 to the late George Washington Searcy and Mattie Belle Hall Searcy. Hicks was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend who enjoyed gardening and his farm animals. He also enjoyed beekeeping and was a member of the McDowell County Honeybees. A veteran of the U. S. Army, Hicks served during WWII in Burma as a medic and truck driver with the 13th Mountain Medical Battalion. He attended Bethel Baptist Church in Glenwood. His wife of 58 years, Lucille Elliott Searcy, and his sister, Inez Ledbetter, preceded him in death. Survivors include his daughter, Lucy Calhoun and her husband, Neal of Marion; two brothers, Fred Searcy of Marion and Clyo Searcy of Lake Lure; three grandchildren, Justin Calhoun of Marion, Erin Laws and her husband, Dustin of Marion and Emily Elrod and her husband, David of Boone; four great grandchildren, Abby and Cole Calhoun and Haylee and Ethan Laws; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. in Westmoreland Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Upton officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in McDowell Memorial Park on Monday, December 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Military graveside rites will be provided by the U. S. Army. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church at 205 Bethel Church Road, Marion, NC 28752. An online register is available under OBITUARIES at: www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.

Paid obit.

Grace Givens Smith

Grace Givens Smith, age 89, a resident of White Oak Manor and formerly of 237 Pea Ridge Road, Henrietta, died Friday, December 18, 2009 at White Oak. Grace was born June 27, 1920 in Rutherford County to the late Thomas Francis Givens and Ellar Walker Givens. She worked as a weaver in Fieldcrest Mills for 30 years and for Scott Vending for 10 years. She was a long time member of Haynes Memorial Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing and growing all types of plants. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John N. Smith, and twelve brothers and sisters. Survivors include her son, Larry Smith of Forest City; three granddaughters, Lisa Enloe and her husband, Jeff, of Forest City, Leslie Canipe and her husband, Scott, also of Forest City and Angie Smith of Asheville; six great grandchildren, Amber Cooper, Preston Cooper, Courtney Canipe, Katie Canipe, Conner Enloe and Cassie Enloe. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. There will be no formal visitation but the family will be gathering at 217 Old Caroleen Road, Forest City. The family requests memorials to be sent to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Smith Family. An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com PAID OBIT

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

Calendar/Local Snow Continued from Page 1

Health/education Community Health Clinic of Rutherford County provides access to primary medical care, wellness education, medications and preventative programs. The clinic, open Monday through Thursday, is located at 127 E. Trade St., B 100, Forest City. Patients seen by appointment only. The clinic does not accept patients with private insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. Call 245-0400. The Medication Assistance Program provides access to medications at reduced rates or free of charge to those who qualify, call 288-8872.

Red Cross Blood drives scheduled: Dec. 21 — Oak Grove Methodist Church, Ellenboro, 4 to 8:30 p.m., contact Dawn Kanipe at 289-1279; Dec. 28 — Red Cross Chapter House, 2 to 6:30 p.m., call 287-5916 for an appointment.

Meetings/other Community Christmas party: Saturday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m., Union Mills Clubhouse on Hudlow Road; asking for $5 donations to go to the Carver Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Athletic Boosters: Chase High Athletic Boosters will meet Monday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the office conference room. Appreciation Day service: In honor of Wayne McCurry; Saturday, Jan. 16, Sunshine Elementary School; chili supper 5 to 6:30 p.m.; special music by The (retired) Carlson Trio; sponsored by Fairview Baptist Church and Cherry Mountain VFD. Lost Playwrights: Lost Playwrights of Western North Carolina will not meet in December. The next meeting is Saturday, Jan. 23, 4 p.m., at Doc’s Deli in Hendersonville; a presentation of short plays will follow at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to anyone interested in any aspect of theatre. Alcoholics Anonymous: The TriCity Alano Club meets every day at 1201 Oakland Road, Forest City, (first door on the left). For more information and meeting times call 288-2700. Low-cost rabies clinic: Saturday, Jan. 9, noon to 1 p.m.; Thunder Road Animal Hospital; $9 cash, one-year rabies; $10 cash, threeyear rabies; other discounted vaccines available; call 286-0033. Art Exhibit: Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild presents the Young Budding Artist exhibit through Jan. 30, at Norris Public Library, Rutherfordton. The young artists are students of Judy Ockert. Foothills Harvest Outreach Ministries will hold a storewide half-price sale Dec. 21-23 (excludes a few select items). The store will be closed Dec. 24-28. Located at 120 E. Trade St., Forest City. Hospice Resale Shop will hold a 25 cents sale Dec. 21-23, on all clothing, purses and shoes. The shop is located at 631 Oak St., Forest City. Holiday hours: All Rutherford County convenience centers and the central landfill will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Regular hours will resume Saturday, Dec. 26.

Reunions Cole family reunion: Saturday, Jan. 9, covered dish meal 2:30 p.m., Goode’s Creek Baptist Church fellowship hall; bring well-filled basket. McNair 20th anniversary: The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation will celebrate its 20th year anniversary on May 14, 2010. If you are a McNair ROPE recipient, contact the foundation at rope2010@att.net or www. mcnairedfoundation.org. Band reunion: East Rutherford Cavalier Band (1966-1976) members under W.W. Jacobus (1966-1976); planned for August 7, 2010 at the high school cafeteria; to be added to the mailing list email cavalierbanderhs@yahoo.com or by mail, P.O. Box 934, Forest City.

Music/cantatas Christmas Concert: David Roach will present a Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Chase High School auditorium. The program begins at 7 p.m. Admission will be $10 at the door with all proceeds going to the Chase Trojan Marching Band Uniform Fund. Christmas musical: Floyds Creek Baptist Church will present “Child of Darkness, Child of Light,” a Christmas musical written by David Roach, on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. The musical will feature members of the youth group portraying characters and the sanctuary choir. Cantata: “Glorirus Impossible” will be presented Sunday, Dec. 20, during the 11 a.m. worship service at Caroleen Baptist Church.

until next Thursday. A white Christmas would have been nice.” Lake Lure Fire Coordinator Ron Morgan said he was a lot of snow Friday. “If I didn’t work for the fire department, I’d be out sledding,” he said. “There is a lot of precipitation heading this way. I can’t remember a snow event where a forecast amount had such a wide margin. The current NWS forecast calls for 10 to 18 inches for our area in Lake Lure.” Morgan also encouraged people not to get out and drive unless absolutely necessary. “If they do have to go out, get what they need and stay in as much as

now, we’re going to wait and see what happens as far as any power outages. If something occurs during the night we encourage everyone to stay where they are if they can.” Hollifield said while there weren’t any specific shelters open, there were options. “Most of our fire stations aren’t setup as shelters as such, but they do have generators and can be a place where people can go and stay warm,” he said. “We have had a higher number of wrecks and it appeared early Friday morning as people were on their way to work we had a large number of wrecks. It has been kind of sporadic all over the county.”

they can. Call us if you have an emergency,” Morgan said. “Be prepared to stay at home for three days and have everything you need — extra food, back up prescriptions, extra drinking water and a back up source of heat. We used to harp on this all the time, but we just haven’t had an event like this in years.” Emergency personnel around the county were spread out handling car wrecks and other emergency calls throughout the day. “We don’t have any emergency shelters open right now since there isn’t a need at this point,” said Rutherford County Fire Marshal Roger Hollifield. “But I have been talking to Nelson Long at the American Red Cross and if we need to open a shelter it would be first there at the ARC building because they are already set up. Right

Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaughman@thedigitalcourier.com.

How to drive safely on snow, ice From staff reports

n Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. n Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. n Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists. n Keep your lights and windshield clean. n Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. n Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. n Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. n Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Events rescheduled From Staff Reports FOREST CITY – The following local events, scheduled for Saturday, will be held as follows: n Forest City’s downtown carriage rides and the Santa House remain uncertain for Saturday. Danielle Withrow, town planner, said Friday that a decision on the rides will be made by 1 p.m. Saturday, and urged people to call the events line at 247-4430 for more information. She noted that since five of the nine carriages have to come from the Hickory area, three come from Shelby and one comes for Lake Lure, a decision will have to be made by then. Santa House is usually open rain or shine, she said, but, again, much depends on the weather regarding the safety of volunteers there. n The Rutherford County Arts Council’s performance of “Darby Rumbles Dolls” that was planned for this afternoon has been rescheduled for Monday morning at 10. Tickets for the performance may be purchased online, in person at The Foundation box office or by phone by calling 286-9990. Rutherford County Schools students, who were scheduled to view the performance Friday morning, will also be in attendance Monday. n The David Roach and Friends Christmas Concert to benefit Chase High School Band’s uniform fund will go on as scheduled, beginning tonight at 7. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door.

will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

n Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads. If your rear wheels skid... n Take your foot off the accelerator. n Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right. n If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control. n If you have standard brakes, pump them gently. n If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If you get stuck... n Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. n Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. n Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out. n Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. n Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction. n Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

If your front wheels skid... n Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately. n As the wheels skid sideways, they

Source: www.weather.com

Snow leads to pile-ups By JEAN GORDON Daily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — North Carolina Highway Patrol and police departments were dispatched to numerous wrecks Friday as roads were slick due to inclement weather and motorists were driving too fast for conditions. Wrecks began early Friday and continued all day, said Trooper J. S. Spence. “We’ve had them everywhere,” Spence said. He had already responded to crashes in Lake Lure, upper Hudlow areas, Bostic-Sunshine Road, Poors Ford, Thunder Road and Old US 74, Ellenboro and Rutherfordton. “And I just got done clocking a guy doing 64 in a 55,” he said at about 1:30 p.m. Friday. “There is no reason for that,” he said. The man received a speeding ticket. “People don’t think about it,” he said. He said although road conditions weren’t awful Friday, problems occurred when motorists came upon spots and places that weren’t so good and wrecks occurred. He said when motorists hit the slick spots, “They’ll turn you around about half sideways and then they hit the pavement again. “We’ve had a lot of rollover wrecks and a lot of people have run into curves, tried to straighten the curves and then traveled down embankments and overturned,” Spence said. Patrolman D.R. Walker echoed Spence’s comments adding most of the wrecks were due to people driving too fast for conditions and people not being careful.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries as most wrecks involved property damage only, although there were some involved minor bumps and bruises. Department of Transportation’s Matt Taylor said most of the Rutherford County roadways were reasonably passable early Friday, although there was more snow in the Lake Lure areas, but by 2 p.m. more accidents were being reported in other parts of the area and the temperature dropped and the roads were becoming more slick. n A four vehicle crash Thursday at about 6 p.m. on Oakland Road at the Poors Ford intersection sent one person to the hospital, reports the Spindale Police Department. Jimmie Jones Parton, 76, of Deviney Street, was driving a 2001 Dodge when he failed to stop for traffic in front of him and began a three rear end vehicle collision. Parton struck the rear end of a 1997 Honda driven by Joshua Jonathan Roberts of Maple Creek, Rutherfordton, and it struck a Chevrolet driven by Franklin Charles Freeman Jr. His car hit a 2008 Toyota driven by Christine Downs Ponder of Hoyle Road, Rutherfordton. She was taken to Rutherford Hospital by Rutherford County EMS. Total property damage to all four cars is $6,200. Spindale police, fire department and Rutherford County EMS responded. Parton was charged with failure to reduce speed.

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Fax: 248-2790

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009 — 7

Inside Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 MLB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Panthers . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9

Snow postpones local prep sports Olek Czyz to transfer from No. 7 Duke DURHAM (AP) — Olek Czyz (CHIZZ) is leaving Duke’s basketball team. School officials said Friday that Czyz is planning to transfer to another Division I school. The 6-foot-7 sophomore was primarily a backup forward who started the first two games this season as the seventh-ranked Blue Devils (8-1) went to a bigger lineup with guard Nolan Smith serving a two-game suspension. Czyz, a native of Poland who played at Reno High School in Nevada, averaged roughly 10 minutes in the six games he played, averaging 2.5 points and two rebounds while shooting 58 percent. The school says Czyz is leaving in good academic standing and coach Mike Krzyzewski (shuh-SHEFF-sky) says the program will support him through the transfer process.

FOREST CITY — As Rutherford County Schools closed in the early morning hours of Friday, school officials scrambled to postpone prep sporting events that had been scheduled for Friday evening. Three area basketball games and one swimming meet has been postponed. In addition, a Saturday afternoon wrestling match was postponed. In basketball, Chase High post-

poned its South Mountain Athletic Conference clash with county rival, R-S Central. The game will be played on Monday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. East Rutherford postponed its conference game with Patton. East has not announced a make-up date. Avery postponed its Western Highlands Conference game with Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. As of press time, no make-up dates

had been announced. In swimming, East Rutherford and Chase had been scheduled to compete against Patton and Freedom at Isothermal Community College. No make-up date has been announced. In wrestling, R-S Central was expected to host the Hilltoppers Havoc Tournament, today. As of press time no announcement had been made about the tourney.

Solid Season On The Mat

Relay teammates lose ruling to keep medals LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Several U.S. runners have lost a preliminary ruling in their fight to keep the Olympic relay medals stripped because of Marion Jones’ doping offenses. The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday rejected a motion by the runners against a decision by the International Olympic Committee to take away their medals from the 2000 Sydney Games. Jones, who has admitted using banned drugs, helped the U.S. women win gold in the 1,600 relay and bronze in the 400 relay. Jones has been stripped of her five medals, including gold in the 100 and 200 meters and bronze in the long jump.

East Middle finishes 2nd in conference East Middle’s wrestling team, above, finished 8-1 on the season after falling to Kings Mountain in the conference championship, Thursday. Nathan Daisley, left, pinned his opponent during the championships to stay undefeated in his weight class. The 2010 East team was: Ty Atkins, Jordan Boyd, Jerry Burke, Zach Canipe, Tyshon Cash, Colten Costa, Nathan Daisley, Ryan Date, Jordan Davenport, Micah Deyton, Matt Guffey, O’Darius Hardin, Avery Haynes, Mark Heller, Landon Holtsclaw, Tyrin Kelly, Tyree Lindsay, Jake Melton, Timothy Miller, Cameron Moore, AJ Motley, TJ Motley, Dustin Nazelrod, Ryan O’Shall, Dakota Painter, Weston Parker, AJ Simmons, Havis Thompson, Ethan Trull, Chris Whiteside, and Taylor Whiteside. Managers: Shay Henson, Wesley Philbeck, Chelsea Smith, and Jay TenBroeck. Coaches: Chris Parks, head coach, Josh Haynes, assistant, and Fred Bayley, assistant. “This years team has been a great group of athletes as well as a great group of students,” said Parks. “Our success this year is a result of the wrestling camps we have been running for elementary students for the past 2-3 years”

On TV 7:30 a.m. (ESPN2) English Premier League Soccer Teams TBA. 11 a.m. (ESPN2) College Football NCAA Division III, Final: Teams TBA. 12 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball Michigan at Kansas. 2 p.m. (WBTV) (WSPA) College Basketball UCLA at Notre Dame. 2 p.m. (ESPN) College Basketball North Carolina at Texas. 2 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Xavier at Butler. 2:30 p.m. (TS) Women’s College Basketball Tennessee at Stanford. 4 p.m. (WBTV) (WSPA) College Basketball Duke vs. Gonzaga. 4 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Western Kentucky at Louisville. 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) College Football New Mexico Bowl — Fresno State vs. New Mexico. 4:30 p.m. (TS) College Basketball Tennessee at USC. 6 p.m. (ESPN2) College Basketball Memphis at Massachusetts. 7 p.m. (FSS) NHL Hockey Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes. 7 p.m. (TS) College Basketball South Carolina at Wofford. 8 p.m. (ESPN) College Football St. Petersburg Bowl — Central Florida vs. Rutgers. 8 p.m. (ESPN2) Women’s College Volleyball NCAA Tournament, Final: Teams TBA. 8 p.m. (WGN-A) NBA Basketball Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls. 10 p.m. (SHO) Strikeforce: Evolution Cung Le vs. Scott Smith; Matt Lindland vs. Ronaldo Souza.

Questions, sadness surround Henry’s tragic death CHARLOTTE (AP) — Chris Henry was no stranger to trouble. Indeed, his multiple arrests during a five-year NFL career were among the factors prompting the league to toughen its personal conduct policy. But to hear his teammates tell it — even the team’s owner — the Cincinnati Bengals receiver was determined to leave behind his troubled past and move ahead toward a bright future. Tragically, his efforts were cut short when he died from injuries in what police said was a domestic dispute with his fiancee. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the 26-year-old Henry died early Thursday, less than 18 hours after he fell off of the back of a pickup truck on a curvy residential street about eight miles northwest of downtown Charlotte. The cause of death was not immediately released. Henry was away from the Bengals after suffering a season-ending broken forearm in a game last month. “We knew him in a different way than his public persona,” Bengals owner Mike Brown said. “He had worked through the troubles in his life and had finally seemingly reached the point where everything was going to blossom. And he was going to have the future we all wanted for him. It’s painful to us. We feel it in our hearts, and we will miss him.” Please see Henry, Page 9

Cincinnati Bengal’s quarterback Carson Palmer talks about teammate Chris Henry, in Cincinnati, Thursday Dec. 17, 2009. Associated Press

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

sports

Scoreboard FOOTBALL National Football League AMERICAN CONFERENCE East L T Pct PF 5 0 .615 348 6 0 .538 292 6 0 .538 275 8 0 .385 215 South W L T Pct PF x-Indianapolis 14 0 0 1.000 394 Jacksonville 7 7 0 .500 266 Tennessee 6 7 0 .462 293 Houston 6 7 0 .462 311 North W L T Pct PF Cincinnati 9 4 0 .692 264 Baltimore 7 6 0 .538 319 Pittsburgh 6 7 0 .462 278 Cleveland 2 11 0 .154 158 West W L T Pct PF San Diego 10 3 0 .769 362 Denver 8 5 0 .615 256 Oakland 4 9 0 .308 155 Kansas City 3 10 0 .231 206 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF Philadelphia 9 4 0 .692 372 Dallas 8 5 0 .615 296 N.Y. Giants 7 6 0 .538 341 Washington 4 9 0 .308 234 South W L T Pct PF x-New Orleans 13 0 0 1.000 466 Atlanta 6 7 0 .462 302 Carolina 5 8 0 .385 225 Tampa Bay 1 12 0 .077 190 North W L T Pct PF y-Minnesota 11 2 0 .846 389 Green Bay 9 4 0 .692 344 Chicago 5 8 0 .385 247 Detroit 2 11 0 .154 209 West W L T Pct PF Arizona 8 5 0 .615 306 San Francisco 6 7 0 .462 269 Seattle 5 8 0 .385 250 St. Louis 1 12 0 .077 146 W New England 8 Miami 7 N.Y. Jets 7 Buffalo 5

Associated Press

Chicago Cubs’ Milton Bradley watching his two-run home run off Washington Nationals starting pitcher Livan Hernandez, during the third inning of a baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago in this Aug. 26, 2009, file photo.

Busy Seattle gets Bradley from Cubs

SEATTLE (AP) — Mercurial outfielder Milton Bradley was traded to the Seattle Mariners from the Chicago Cubs on Friday for expensive and underperforming pitcher Carlos Silva. Chicago has been wanting to deal Bradley since the Cubs suspended him for the final two weeks of last season, shortly after he criticized the atmosphere surrounding a team that hasn’t won a World Series since 1908. Seattle, which has never even appeared in a World Series, didn’t expect to find a suitor for Silva. He has done little except lose and get hurt in the two seasons since he signed a $48 million, four-year contract. Silva won five games in two years with the Mariners: $4.8 million per victory. Second-year Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, who inherited Silva’s contract from predecessor Bill Bavasi, has been seeking more offense following his acquisition of ace Cliff Lee in a trade with Philadelphia and the signing All-Star infielder Chone Figgins. Seattle’s GM characterized Bradley’s fire as a passion to win. The 31-year-old Bradley was an All-Star in 2008 as a designated hitter with Texas. He led the AL in on-base percentage while batting a career hightying .321 during a relatively event-free year. That was followed by a tumultuous season with the Cubs. Seattle believes clubhouse leader Ken Griffey Jr. and newcomer Figgins will be able to rein in Bradley’s “passion” in a way that is productive. The Mariners repeatedly have proclaimed they want players of high character with good attitudes, citing Figgins as the latest example on Tuesday. They also wanted another bat. “We have been looking to add offense to our club and in Milton have a player who has always gotten on base and has the ability to drive in runs,” Zduriencik said in a statement. “He is passionate about winning, as we are, and we believe he’ll be a good fit here.” The 30-year-old Silva appeared in eight games for Seattle this year while missing most of the season with a bad pitching shoulder. He was a 1-3 with an 8.60 ERA.

Oklahoma DT McCoy to enter NFL Draft

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has decided to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft. The school announced McCoy’s decision Friday. He said he made his decision around midseason when he realized he would have enough college credits to graduate. Coach Bob Stoops called McCoy’s decision a good one because of McCoy’s maturity and academic success. McCoy will play his final game as a Sooner against Stanford in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.

PA 234 306 211 271 PA 248 322 323 273 PA 217 218 244 315 PA 259 230 316 342 PA 273 233 330 251 PA 274 305 282 356 PA 243 243 291 406 PA 258 242 301 361

x-clinched division y-clinched playoff spot Thursday’s Games Indianapolis 35, Jacksonville 31 Saturday’s Games Dallas at New Orleans, 8:20 p.m. Sunday’s Games Miami at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Arizona at Detroit, 1 p.m. Atlanta at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Houston at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Chicago at Baltimore, 1 p.m. New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Oakland at Denver, 4:05 p.m. Cincinnati at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Tampa Bay at Seattle, 4:15 p.m. Green Bay at Pittsburgh, 4:15 p.m. Minnesota at Carolina, 8:20 p.m. Monday’s Game N.Y. Giants at Washington, 8:30 p.m. Friday’s Games San Diego at Tennessee, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27 Buffalo at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Houston at Miami, 1 p.m. Seattle at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Oakland at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at New England, 1 p.m. Detroit at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. St. Louis at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis, 4:15 p.m. Denver at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m. Dallas at Washington, 8:20 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28 Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Bowl Glance Saturday, Dec. 19 New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque Wyoming (6-6) vs. Fresno State (8-4), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl Rutgers (8-4) vs. UCF (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Dec. 20 New Orleans Bowl Southern Miss. (7-5) vs. Middle Tennessee (9-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 22 Las Vegas Bowl BYU (10-2) vs. Oregon State (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 23 Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu SMU (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl At Detroit Ohio (9-4) vs. Marshall (6-6), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Meineke Bowl At Charlotte North Carolina (8-4) vs. Pittsburgh (9-3), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Emerald Bowl At San Francisco Southern Cal (8-4) vs. Boston College (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Sunday, Dec. 27 Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Clemson (8-5) vs. Kentucky (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Dec. 28 Independence Bowl

At Shreveport, La. Texas A&M (6-6) vs. Georgia (7-5), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Dec. 29 EagleBank Bowl At Washington Temple (9-3) vs. UCLA (6-6), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Champs Sports Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Miami (9-3) vs. Wisconsin (9-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Dec. 30 Humanitarian Bowl At Boise, Idaho Bowling Green (7-5) vs. Idaho (7-5), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Nebraska (9-4) vs. Arizona (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Dec. 31 Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Stanford (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (7-5), Noon (CBS) Armed Forces Bowl At Fort Worth, Texas Air Force (7-5) vs. Houston (10-3), Noon (ESPN) Texas Bowl At Houston Missouri (8-4) vs. Navy (9-4), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Insight Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Minnesota (6-6) vs. Iowa State (6-6), 6 p.m. (NFL) Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. Tennessee (7-5), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 1 Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Northwestern (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5), 11 a.m. (ESPN) Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Penn State (10-2) vs. LSU (9-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Florida State (6-6) vs. West Virginia (9-3), 1 p.m. (CBS) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Ohio State (10-2) vs. Oregon (10-2), 5 p.m. (ABC) Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Florida (12-1) vs. Cincinnati (12-0), 8:30 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 2 International Bowl At Toronto South Florida (7-5) vs. Northern Illinois (7-5), Noon (ESPN2) Cotton Bowl At Dallas Oklahoma State (9-3) vs. Mississippi (8-4), 2 p.m. (FOX) PapaJohns.com Bowl At Birmingham, Ala. Connecticut (7-5) vs. South Carolina (7-5), 2 p.m. (ESPN) Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. East Carolina (9-4) vs. Arkansas (7-5), 5:30 p.m. (ESPN) Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Michigan State (6-6) vs. Texas Tech (8-4), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 4 Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Boise State (13-0) vs. TCU (12-0), 8 p.m. (FOX) Tuesday, Jan. 5 Orange Bowl At Miami Iowa (10-2) vs. Georgia Tech (11-2), 8 p.m. (FOX) Wednesday, Jan. 6 GMAC Bowl Mobile, Ala. Central Michigan (11-2) vs. Troy (9-3), 7 p.m. (ESPN) Thursday, Jan. 7 BCS National Championship At Pasadena, Calif. Alabama (13-0) vs. Texas (13-0), 8 p.m. (ABC) Saturday, Jan. 23 East-West Shrine Classic At Orlando, Fla. East vs. West, 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 4 p.m. (NFL) Saturday, Feb. 6 Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge At El Paso, Texas Texas vs. Nation, 3 p.m. (CBSC)

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct 20 4 .833 11 17 .393 8 17 .320 6 19 .240 2 24 .077 Southeast Division W L Pct Atlanta 18 6 .750 Orlando 19 7 .731 Miami 13 11 .542 Charlotte 10 14 .417 Washington 7 16 .304 Central Division W L Pct Cleveland 19 7 .731 Milwaukee 11 12 .478 Detroit 11 14 .440 Indiana 9 14 .391 Chicago 9 15 .375 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct Boston Toronto New York Philadelphia New Jersey

GB — 11 12 1/2 14 1/2 19 GB — — 5 8 10 1/2 GB — 6 1/2 7 1/2 8 1/2 9 GB

Dallas San Antonio Houston New Orleans Memphis

19 7 .731 13 10 .565 14 11 .560 11 13 .458 10 15 .400 Northwest Division W L Pct Denver 19 7 .731 Utah 15 10 .600 Portland 16 11 .593 Oklahoma City 12 12 .500 Minnesota 4 22 .154 Pacific Division W L Pct L.A. Lakers 20 4 .833 Phoenix 17 9 .654 L.A. Clippers 11 13 .458 Sacramento 11 13 .458 Golden State 7 18 .280

— 4 1/2 4 1/2 7 8 1/2 GB — 3 1/2 3 1/2 6 15 GB — 4 9 9 13 1/2

Thursday’s Games Miami 104, Orlando 86 Chicago 98, New York 89 Portland 105, Phoenix 102 Friday’s Games New Jersey at Toronto, late Philadelphia at Boston, late Utah at Atlanta, late L.A. Clippers at New York, late Indiana at Memphis, late Milwaukee at Cleveland, late Denver at New Orleans, late Sacramento at Minnesota, late Detroit at Oklahoma City, late Houston at Dallas, late Washington at Golden State, late Saturday’s Games Utah at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Portland at Orlando, 7 p.m. L.A. Clippers at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. L.A. Lakers at New Jersey, 8 p.m. Atlanta at Chicago, 8 p.m. Indiana at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. Sacramento at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m. Oklahoma City at Houston, 8:30 p.m. Washington at Phoenix, 9 p.m. Sunday’s Games New Orleans at Toronto, 12:30 p.m. Denver at Memphis, 4 p.m. Minnesota at Boston, 6 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Detroit, 6 p.m. Portland at Miami, 6 p.m. Cleveland at Dallas, 7:30 p.m. Charlotte at New York, 7:30 p.m.

HOCKEY National Hockey League EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF Pittsburgh 35 24 10 1 49 114 New Jersey 32 23 8 1 47 93 N.Y. Rangers 34 15 16 3 33 94 N.Y. Islanders 35 13 15 7 33 88 Philadelphia 33 15 16 2 32 93 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Buffalo 32 20 10 2 42 85 Ottawa 33 17 12 4 38 94 Boston 32 16 10 6 38 84 Montreal 36 15 18 3 33 90 Toronto 34 12 15 7 31 100 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF Washington 34 21 7 6 48 124 Atlanta 33 18 12 3 39 108 Florida 35 14 14 7 35 99 Tampa Bay 34 11 14 9 31 81 Carolina 33 8 19 6 22 82 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF Chicago 32 21 8 3 45 95 Nashville 35 21 11 3 45 101 Detroit 34 18 11 5 41 95 Columbus 35 14 14 7 35 101 St. Louis 32 14 13 5 33 78 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF Calgary 34 20 10 4 44 98 Colorado 36 19 11 6 44 104 Vancouver 34 19 15 0 38 106 Minnesota 34 17 14 3 37 89 Edmonton 34 15 15 4 34 103 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF Los Angeles 37 22 12 3 47 111 San Jose 35 20 8 7 47 115 Phoenix 35 21 12 2 44 89 Dallas 34 14 9 11 39 101 Anaheim 34 13 14 7 33 95

GA 90 69 100 113 97 GA 70 96 80 104 122 GA 95 99 115 104 120 GA 67 98 89 121 88 GA 82 105 88 95 109 GA 108 93 79 105 109

Thursday’s Games Phoenix 2, Columbus 1, SO Pittsburgh 3, Philadelphia 2, SO N.Y. Rangers 5, N.Y. Islanders 2 Atlanta 6, Dallas 5, OT Minnesota 3, Montreal 1 Detroit 3, Tampa Bay 0 Nashville 6, Edmonton 3 Calgary 2, Los Angeles 1 San Jose 4, Anaheim 1 Friday’s Games Ottawa at New Jersey, late Carolina at Florida, late Toronto at Buffalo, late Tampa Bay at St. Louis, late Boston at Chicago, late Washington at Vancouver, late Saturday’s Games N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Detroit at Dallas, 3 p.m. Phoenix at Anaheim, 4 p.m. Nashville at Calgary, 4 p.m. Minnesota at Ottawa, 7 p.m. Pittsburgh at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Boston at Toronto, 7 p.m. Montreal at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m. Florida at Carolina, 7 p.m. New Jersey at Atlanta, 7 p.m. Columbus at Colorado, 9 p.m. Washington at Edmonton, 10 p.m. Sunday’s Games Detroit at Chicago, 7 p.m. St. Louis at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

East Carolina lands ex-BC QB Dominique Davis GREENVILLE (AP) — While preparing East Carolina for another Liberty Bowl trip, coach Skip Holtz may have added the Pirates’ quarterback of the future. Holtz said Friday that former Boston College quarterback Dominique Davis is one of three

junior-college transfers who signed letters of intent to play for East Carolina. Davis helped lead the Eagles to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game in 2008 but transferred after he was suspended for academic reasons. He landed at Fort Scott

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Community College in Kansas and led an offense that averaged 492 yards. Davis will be in the mix to replace Patrick Pinkney, a sixth-year senior whose final game will come Jan. 2 against Arkansas in the Pirates’ second straight appearance in the Liberty Bowl.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009 — 9

sports Henry Continued from Page 7

Bengals receiver Andre Caldwell said: “People thought he was a bad guy, but he had a big heart.” Police released few details about the investigation, other than homicide detectives were assigned to the case. Two 911 tapes released Thursday and witnesses provided some clues. Neighbor Lee Hardy told WLWT-TV and The Cincinnati Enquirer that he was working in his yard when the truck left the driveway. Hardy said Henry was yelling that he needed to talk to the woman behind the wheel. “He said, ’If you take off, I’m going to jump off the truck and kill myself,”’ Hardy told the newspaper. Associated Press

The first 911 tape was from an unidentified woman who said she was following a yellow pickup truck. “It’s got a black man on it with no shirt on, and he’s got his arm in a cast and black pants on,” she told a dispatcher. “He’s beating on the back of this truck window. ... I don’t know if he’s trying to break in or something. It just looks crazy. It’s a girl driving it.” Just over a minute later, an unidentified man called 911 and said he saw a man “laying in the road” and “definitely unconscious.” CHARLOTTE (AP) — Matt Moore will make Police spokeswoman Rosalyn his third consecutive start at quarterback for Harrington wouldn’t say if the the Carolina Panthers on Sunday against the woman, whom police would not Minnesota Vikings. identify, was present at the scene Jake Delhomme was ruled out of the game Friday when police arrived. with a broken finger that’s kept him sidelined since Henry and his 25-year-old Nov. 29. fiancee Loleini Tonga, who grew Moore is 1-1 as a starter, but the Panthers have up in Charlotte and received a scored just two touchdowns in that stretch. volleyball scholarship to North Cornerback Richard Marshall is questionable Carolina A&T, were raising three with a right ankle injury, but practiced Friday. children. Tonga’s MySpace page Backup running back and kick returner Tyrell identifies herself as “Mrs. C. Sutton is also questionable with a sore hamstring. Henry” and featured a post from Defensive end Tyler Brayton is probable after Tuesday talking about buying missing last Sunday’s loss to New England with a wedding rings. concussion. Linebacker Na’il Diggs (ribs), receiver “We are greatly saddened by Muhsin Muhammad (knee) and running back today’s tragic news about the Jonathan Stewart (toe) are also probable. loss of Chris Henry,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris’ family, including his Bengals family.” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said: “It’s a very difficult thing with his loss and a young life and one that won’t ever get to reach its full potential.” LONDON (AP) — U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Police said the domestic disPavin says Tiger Woods will be as strong a player pute began Wednesday at a as ever when he comes back from his marital turhome about a half-mile away moil and self-imposed break from golf. from where Henry was found. During a visit to London on Friday, Pavin said He had jumped into the bed of Woods is a “very strong-minded individual” and the pickup as his fiancee was won’t “play any differently” when he returns. Pavin driving away from the residence, noted Woods has come back from injuries and set- and at some point when she was backs and has “done fine.” driving “came out of the back of The Ryder Cup is next Oct. 1-3 at Celtic Manor in Wales. If Woods isn’t back to help the Americans defend the title, Pavin says it would weaken the U.S. team but won’t mean the Americans can’t win. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said, recently, the tour had no input on Woods’ decision to take a break from golf. He also suggested that JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) the many salacious tales of infidelity would not — Peyton Manning jogged off be subject to discipline under the tour’s “conduct the field with a relatively clean unbecoming” clause. jersey. The tour does not announce suspensions or fines, No dirt spots. No grass stains. although John Daly told The Associated Press Barely even sweat marks. last year he had been suspended for six months It looked like Manning got the because of a long list of negative publicity, includnight off, much like some preing his mug shot from a North Carolina jail where dicted since the Indianapolis he was taken to get sober. Colts had already clinched a Daly has been critical of golfers who have publicly first-round bye and home-field criticized Woods. advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. It was misleading. Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive end Derrick Burgess (53) during the second half of an NFL football game in the rain in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009.

QB Matt Moore makes 3rd start for Panthers

Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin sees strong return by Tiger Woods

30 students attack Ohio officer who broke up fight

Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals’ Chris Henry, right, is seen with, from the left, his fiancé, Loleini Tonga, and their kids DeMarcus, 10 months, Seini, 3, and Chris Jr., 2, at their home in a Tuesday Sept. 15, 2009, file photo. Henry died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, from serious injuries after falling out of the back of a pickup truck during a domestic dispute with his fiance on Wednesday in Charlotte. Henry was 26.

the vehicle,” authorities said. Two women who lived nearby said Thursday they saw Tonga and the pickup at the scene when police arrived. Cheryl Hoffman said she came out with a blanket when she saw Henry wasn’t wearing a shirt. “When I got to where he was laying on the ground out there he was very unresponsive, laying flat on the ground,” Hoffman said. “He was foaming at the mouth, and I was very worried what was happening then.” When players received word Henry had died, quarterback Carson Palmer called them together in the locker room and said they should dedicate the game and rest of the season to Henry and the wife of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who died unexpectedly during the season. The Bengals will wear a helmet sticker Sunday against San Diego to remember Henry, and Goodell requested clubs observe a moment of silence before each game. “He was doing everything right,” receiver Chad Ochocinco said. Henry grew up south of New Orleans in the suburban community of Belle Chasse and soon dreamed of playing in the NFL. But after he was ejected from a game and suspended for another at West Virginia, the Bengals were the only team to bring him in for a pre-draft visit in 2005. Selected in the third round, Henry played a vital role as a speedy, deep threat as Cincinnati reached the playoffs in his rookie season. But in the final month of the season he was arrested for marijuana possession. It was the first of five

arrests, and Henry and former Tennessee cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones became known as the league’s two most troublebound players. Goodell suspended both in 2007 — Jones for a full season, Henry for half of it — as part of a toughening of the league’s conduct policy. After Henry was arrested for a fifth time following that season on an assault charge, Municipal Court Judge Bernie Bouchard called Henry “a one-man crime wave.” He was released by the Bengals the same day. But Brown gave him a second chance, re-signing him before the 2008 season. “I kind of felt like I dug myself out of the hole and started doing the right things,” Henry said in an interview with The Associated Press as training camp opened this season. “People say, ’How you feeling now Chris? You doing all right?’ I just tell them I’m blessed. That’s why I got it.” A thigh injury slowed him early in the season, and he had 12 catches for 236 yards — his 19.7-yard average per catch leads the team — when he broke his left arm during a win over Baltimore, ending his season. “My grandma always says you never question the man upstairs on decisions he makes,” Ochocinco said. “Everyone makes mistakes, but I don’t see how Chris was supposed to go already, especially when he was on the right path. Other than that, he’s going to be missed.” Associated Press Writer Mitch Weiss and AP Sports Writers Joe Kay in Cincinnati and Brett Martel and Mary Foster in New Orleans contributed to this report.

Colts stay unbeaten, down Jags

Manning threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns, including a 65-yarder to Reggie Wayne to go ahead for good, and the Colts CINCINNATI (AP) — Police say a mob of junior stayed unbeaten with a 35-31 high and elementary school students punched and victory in a wild game against kicked a Cincinnati officer after he broke up a fight the Jacksonville Jaguars on following a basketball game. Thursday night. A police spokeswoman says a few of the students also grabbed at the officer’s gun. “We’ve had some extremely The officer had bruises and cuts from the melee close games,” Manning said. “Do that took place Tuesday night. we feel fortunate to be undePolice say the officer was walking two students feated? Certainly. Anybody that’s back inside the school after a fight when one of followed us each week can go them punched him. That’s when up to 30 students back to a lot of games and say, began attacking the officer. ’Boy, if we don’t make that play, Charges against the students range from assault we’re not undefeated.”’ on a police officer to disorderly conduct. The Colts improved to 14-0 for Cincinnati school officials say most of the stuthe first time in franchise hisdents involved were basketball players and that tory and extended their NFLthey have canceled the rest of the season for one of record winning streak to 23 in the schools. the regular season. They also

became the third 14-0 team in league history, joining the 1972 Miami Dolphins and 2007 New England Patriots. New Orleans can match the feat with a win over Dallas on Saturday night. “This is who we are,” Wayne said. “We’re built for 60 minutes. It won’t be pretty all the time, but we’re getting it done.” The back-and-forth game on a cool night included 714 yards, 43 first downs, 10 lead changes, six punts, several big plays and just two turnovers. “This was an old-time shootout at the OK Corral,” Colts coach Jim Caldwell said. Jacksonville had a chance to win it in the closing minutes, but David Garrard overthrew Mike Thomas on a third-and-10 play with about a minute to play. Jacob Lacey intercepted the ball, and the Colts ran out the clock. The Jaguars (7-7) lost for the third time in four games and no longer controls their fate in the AFC wild-card race. “We were close, so close, to being in this locker room celebrating,” cornerback Derek Cox said. “But there’s no moral victories. It’s about winning ... It’s not in our hands anymore. But we still have two games left.”

They have Manning to thank for the latest setback, which spoiled the team’s home finale. The game was Jacksonville’s first not blacked out on local television this season. Manning completed his first 13 passes and was nearly as efficient as he was in last year’s game in Jacksonville, when he completed 17 in a row. Manning finished 23 of 30 and wasn’t sacked for the third straight week. His only real mistake wasn’t even his fault. Dallas Clark bobbled a pass that Reggie Nelson tipped and Daryl Smith intercepted in the third quarter. The Jaguars turned the error into a touchdown and a 24-21 lead. But it was short-lived. Manning answered with an 80-yard drive, hitting Wayne with consecutive passes and later finding Clark across the middle for a 27-yard score. Wayne caught five passes for 132 yards. Clark had seven receptions for 95 yards and two scores. Special teams chipped in, too. Chad Simpson returned a second-quarter kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown to put Indy ahead 14-10.

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, SATURday, December 19, 2009

NATION

Washington, D.C. may get 20 inches of snow By JOHN RABY Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hardware stores were selling out of rock salt, shovels and other winter supplies as a major storm moved up the Atlantic coast Friday, threatening a heavy coating of wet snow on the last shopping weekend before Christmas. People also stocked up on groceries and other staples as the National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings from the Carolinas to New Jersey. Forecasters expected up to 20 inches of snow through late Saturday in the Washington metro area and the mountains of southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia. Forecasters said it could bring the most snow in the nation’s capital since a February 2003 storm dumped nearly 27 inches at Baltimore-Washington International Airport. Up to a foot of snow was forecast in parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The storm came from the Gulf and drenched South Florida first with rain starting late Thursday that left flooded homes and stranded drivers. Water rose knee-deep in downtown Miami and more than a foot in Hollywood, 20 miles to the north. Ron Hart’s hardware store in southern West Virginia sold out of many supplies after a wind storm last week knocked out electricity for days. On Friday, he was swamped again as customers bought heaters, propane, generator cords and plugs, and insulating tape. “People are having to spend money on bare essentials versus Christmas,” Hart said. “Our Christmas sales are considerably down because what people are having to buy.” Jim Weintraub, owner of Ace

Hardware in Asheville, N.C. where a foot or more of snow is expected, said he picked up 1,500 pounds of rock salt on Friday morning. An hourand-a-half later, “I’m just about out,” he said. But customers were thinking fun, too. “I’ve been told we’re the only store around with sleds,” Weintraub said. “As I was driving back up to the store, my wife was calling me and saying, ’where are you? People are waiting for sleds!” Some shoppers were trying to get their holiday buying done ahead of the snow. “Most of them are coming in this morning to shop before they get snowed in,” said Kayla Mahr at the Bath and Body shop at the River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg, Va. Highway crews in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia were getting prepared by spraying brine on heavily traveled roads to help prevent snow and ice from sticking. Delaware crews were to be sent home in the afternoon to rest up for what one official said would be a long weekend for them. Officials urged motorists to be cautious in deciding whether to drive Saturday. The National Park Service closed a road through Newfound Gap between Tennessee and North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains after it got 4 inches of snow. The Coast Guard sent an airplane to fly from North Carolina to New Jersey warning boaters by radio to stay in port if they didn’t have an urgent need to be on the water. Rain and low clouds were causing delays of up to 30 minutes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Associated Press

Warren Lehner hangs an ornament that fell from his neighbors Palm tree in east Hollywood, Fla. Friday. A wet storm system headed north bearing heavy snow for the mid-Atlantic region, prompting winter storm warnings Friday from the Carolinas to New Jersey.

Oil rises near $74 as traders eye demand Nation Today

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil prices rose to near $74 a barrel Friday amid expectations OPEC plans to leave production levels unchanged at its meeting next week. A slightly weaker dollar and cold weather on the U.S. East coast also helped support prices. By early afternoon in Europe, benchmark crude for January delivery was up $1.22 to $73.87 in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Wednesday, the contract fell 1 cent to settle at $72.65. Investors will be watching closely the output policy decided at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ meeting Tuesday in Luanda, Angola. Leaders of the 12-member cartel have said they would like the price of oil above $70 a barrel and so far signaled they plan to keep production unchanged. “Crude oil prices are likely to remain within the range of $70-$80 by the end of the year, with investors waiting for confirmation over OPEC compliance decisions, oil inventories, and global economic figures,” said a report from Sucden Research in London. Traders are also looking for evidence demand for crude and its products is improving. Energy

Department data released earlier this week showed U.S. demand for distillates such as heating oil and diesel were at its highest since March due to colder weather and a growing economy, Barclays Capital said. “Distillate demand showed the first signs of inspiration,” Barclays Capital said in a report. “Cold weather should complement the advent of greater trucking activity, thereby providing a boost to demand.” While the dollar was still near three month highs, it weakened slightly against the euro and British pound Friday, sustaining prices by making crude cheaper and more attractive to investors holding other currencies. The euro rose to $1.4354 from $1.4349 late Thursday in New York, while the British pound advanced to $1.6187 from $1.6156. “Continued strength in the Dollar Index kept most of the commodity complex under pressure (Thursday) and the evolution of the dollar will remain a strong market input as we start to approach the end of the year,” said Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Switzerland.

ROME (AP) — The signs seemed to point to a man preparing to escape. Mark Weinberger had purchased diamonds, withdrawn a large sum of money from his business and packed up survival gear that he kept at his Indiana surgery clinic before disappearing more than five years ago amid mounting charges of fraud and malpractice, his wife

Weinberger, who was being treated at the hospital’s prison ward, was undergoing more medical checks, and it was not clear when he would be discharged. The long ordeal of this Merrillville, Ind., doctor ended this week on a mountain in northern Italy when he was apprehended by police in Val Ferret, authorities in the tiny town of Aosta said. A mountain guide tipped off authorities that he was there, living in a tent, police official Guido Di Vita said. Another guide who helped police find Weinberger said Friday he had noticed ski traces and followed them until they saw man standing outside a tent near a cliff. He said it was strange to see someone camping

Fugitive U.S. doc’s trail ends with arrest in Italy has said. Now Weinberger, 46, is in custody in an Italian hospital, after he was arrested as he hid on a snowy mountain in northern Italy and stabbed himself in the neck as he was taken into custody. His wounds were not life-threatening and would not require surgery, officials at the Molinette hospital in Turin said Friday.

Happy 4th Birthday Teryn Alexandria Dalton Dec. 19th

Parents are Brooke Connor of Holland Michigan and Chad Dalton of Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Maternal Grandparents are Bobby and Terry Edney of Forest City and Bill and Pam Bradley of Rutherfordton Paternal Grandparents are William and Loretta Dalton of Forest City

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in the area during this time of year because temperatures are below zero and the mountain is covered in snow. The guide, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing, said Weinberger appeared confused when the police approached him and did not seem to understand Italian well. But Weinberger did have the gear needed to trek in the snowy mountains including high-tech shoes and a sleeping bag as well as a camping stove to melt the snow and boxes of tuna, he said. It wasn’t clear how long Weinberger had been in Italy, or if he had retained an attorney there.

Slain Fla. girl’s mom may still face death penalty ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida judge has denied a request to take the death penalty off the table for a mother charged with killing her 2-yearold daughter. Circuit Judge Stan Strickland ruled Friday that prosecutors can ask a jury to consider the death penalty during Casey Anthony’s trial next year. Anthony’s attorneys had argued that prosecutors were seeking the death penalty in bad faith. Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee. Anthony has pleaded not guilty and says a baby sitter kidnapped Caylee. The toddler’s remains were found in December 2008, months after she was reported missing.

Police press search for missing 4-year-old NY boy

NEWBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — Officers in upstate New York are pressing their search for a 4-year-old boy who police say wandered away from the family apartment while under the care of his mom’s boyfriend. Police say Marc Anthony Bookal vanished from the Newburgh apartment Monday. They’ve been using dogs and dive teams have been checking the nearby Hudson River but on Thursday reported no new information in the case. Cory Byrd, the boyfriend of Marc’s mother, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The 30-year-old Byrd also was charged with a parole violation. He’s being held in Orange County Jail. Police haven’t called Byrd a suspect in the boy’s disappearance. Newburgh is about 60 miles north of New York City and has one of the highest crime rates in the state.

Calif. man convicted of throwing wife off cliff

TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) — A 28-year-old man accused of throwing his new wife off a Southern California cliff has been convicted of murder. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury deliberated about a day before finding Jason Manai of Torrance guilty of first-degree murder on Thursday. Prosecutors alleged that Manai threw Julie Rosas off a Rancho Palos Verdes cliff in July 2005 because she wanted to annul their marriage. The two had been married for 13 days. Manai denied being at the cliff top, but cellular phone records placed him there. TJ and Jill Melton of Charlotte are the proud parents of a baby girl, Mackenzie Ray Melton born on December 1, 2009 at 5:29p.m. She weighed 6 lbs. and was 19”long. She has a sister, Kali Melton. Grandparents are Tony and Dianna Melton of Forest City, Frank and Ruth Sabella of Charlotte. Great-grandparents are Bobby and Faye Melton, Sam and Patsy Melton, Gene and Helen Shires. She has an aunt, Kella Melton and a cousin, Damian Goodnight.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

NATION

Report: death sentences declining across U.S. By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Texas and other states that lead the nation in executions are sentencing many fewer inmates to death, a trend that slowly is reducing the death row population in the United States, a report from an anticapital punishment group says. There were 106 death sentences imposed in 2009, the Death Penalty Information Center estimated in its annual report released Friday. That number is the smallest since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976 and compares with an annual average of 295 death sentences during the 1990s. Fifty-two people were put to death in 11 states this year, nearly half as many executions as 10 years ago. The center, which opposes capital punishment, attributes the drop in both executions and new death sentences to fears of executing the innocent, concerns about the high cost of the death penalty and laws that allow inmates to be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Nine men who had been sentenced to death were exonerated and freed in 2009, the second highestnumber of exonerations since the death penalty was reinstated, the report said. Texas, which continues to far outpace other states in executions, has seen its death row population decline by more than a quarter in 10 years, mainly because of the decrease in death sentences. Harris County, Texas, which includes Houston and all by itself has put more people to death than any state other than Texas, has had no new death sentences for the past two years. Statewide, nine people were sentenced to death in Texas in 2009, compared with 48 in 1999 and an annual average of 34 in the 1990s.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For those jurors who are potentially squeamish or reluctant to sit in judgment or to exercise the death penalty, life in prison without parole becomes a very viable option they can feel safe and secure with.â&#x20AC;?

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Ohio and Virginia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; other states among the annual leaders in executions each year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; recorded just one new death sentence each, although another Ohio inmate was resentenced to death by a three-judge panel after his sentence was twice overturned. Robin Piper, prosecuting attorney in Butler County in conservative southwest Ohio, said horrific cases that appear to demand a death sentence often become more complicated as the facts of the case emerge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For those jurors who are potentially squeamish or reluctant to sit in judgment or to exercise the death penalty, life in prison without parole becomes a very viable option they can feel safe and secure with,â&#x20AC;? Piper said. James Alan Fox, a criminology professor at Northeastern University in Boston, said two other factors probably are at work, the historically low crime rate and the Supreme Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decisions to keep juveniles and the mentally disabled from being executed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The potential pool of offenders who are eligible for execution is smaller,â&#x20AC;? Fox said. Money, especially during the economic downturn, also is playing a role in statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consideration of the death penalty, the report said. New Mexico became the 15th state to abolish the death penalty

Associated Press

The gurney used to restrain condemned prisoners during the lethal injection process is shown in the Texas death house in Huntsville, Texas. Texas and other states that lead America in executions are sentencing many fewer inmates to death, a trend that slowly is reducing the death row population in the United States, a report from an anti-capital punishment group says.

and 10 other states at least considered repealing it. In Connecticut, the legislature approved repeal, but Gov. Jodi Rell vetoed the measure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The death penalty is a wasteful program. It is very inefficient,â&#x20AC;? said Richard Dieter, the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive director and the reportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s author. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are the sorts of things you become wiser about when you go through an economic crisis.â&#x20AC;? Everything about a death case â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the trial, the appeals, the imprisonment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; costs more than the average criminal prosecution. The nationwide death row population has shrunk by nearly 10 percent in the past 10 years, but still tops 3,000. Even in Texas, around 330 people remain on death row and the state already has scheduled six executions for 2010. Ohio, with roughly 175 inmates on death row, has six executions scheduled.

Two other states with large death row populations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; California and Pennsylvania â&#x20AC;&#x201D; have abandoned executions, at least temporarily. California has roughly 690 inmates and Pennsylvania, 225. California last carried out an execution in 2006, after which a federal judge ordered changes to the death chamber and better training for the team of executioners that is charged with injecting inmates with a lethal dose of drugs. The state spends $137 mil-

lion a year on new capital trials, a thoroughly backlogged appeals process and security for the inmates. Roughly 75 have lived on death row for more than 25 years and roughly the same number are 60 or older. Pennsylvania hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t executed anyone in 10 years. The three inmates it has put to death since 1976 all gave up appeals that would have extended their lives by years, if not blocked their executions altogether.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009 — 13

NATION

Talks collapse, GM says it will discontinue Saab By DAN STRUMPF AP Auto Writer

NEW YORK — General Motors Co. said Friday it will shut down Saab after talks to sell the brand to a Dutch carmaker collapsed, marking the third time this year that a deal by GM to sell an unwanted brand has fallen through. GM said it had a small window of time to complete the deal and issues arose during the sale talks with Spyker Cars that could not be resolved. GM Vice President John Smith said representatives from GM, Spyker and the Swedish government

were still in discussions Friday morning when talks fell apart. Smith declined to elaborate on the reasons. “We’ve been trying to restart, if you will, an investment process without a great deal of time,” Smith, who is in charge of GM’s corporate planning and alliances, said during a conference call with reporters. “Like everybody, we would have preferred a different outcome, and we all worked very hard for that different outcome and we’ve come up short.” Spyker said the sale proved too complicated to complete quickly.

“We worked 24/7 for three weeks, but the complexity of the transaction in combination with the strict deadline simply did not allow us to complete the transaction” in a timely fashion, CEO Victor Muller said in a statement. Saab employs about 3,400 people worldwide, most of whom work at its main plant in Trollhatten, Sweden. It also has a parts distribution center and a design center in separate locations in Sweden and an engine plant in Finland. The brand has 1,100 dealers, whom GM said will continue to honor warranties as

the brand winds down. “It’s devastating. It was a very unique brand,” said Ray Ciccolo, owner of two Saab dealerships in the Boston area, one of which has been in business since 1957. The announcement marks the death of brand with a small yet loyal following. To enthusiasts, the Swedish company became appreciated for quirks like placing the ignition lock between the front seats rather than on the steering column. It was the first to offer heated seating in 1971. GM bought a 50 percent stake and management con-

trol of Saab for $600 million after it split from Swedish truck maker Scania in 1989. It bought full ownership in 2000 for $125 million. But even after the GM takeover, Saab remained closely associated with Sweden and its history of making safe, reliable cars. GM never made money on the acquisition and industry analysts complained that under GM, Saab lost its uniqueness in the crowded luxury segment. Sales of Saab cars reached its all-time high in 2006, when GM sold 133,000 cars globally.

OFFICIAL BALLOT FOR THE 2009 “BEST OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY”

THE

BEST

People

1. Best Contractor Name 2. Best Electrician Name

4. Best Doctor Name Location

6. Best Dentist Name 7. Best Optometrist Name

Rutherford County 2009

8. Best Insurance Agent Name Business 9. Best Waiter/Waitress Name Restaurant 10. Best Car Salesperson Name 11. Best Hair Stylist Name Salon 12. Best Sales Team Business 13. Best Auto Mechanic Name Business 14. Best Attorney Name 15. Best Service Team Business 16. Best Real Estate Team Business 17. Best Real Estate Agent Name 18. Best Dental Hygienist Name Office 19. Best CPA Name

Dining

3. Best Pharmacist Name

5. Best Nurse Name

Your ballot automatically enters you in the 2009 “BEST OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY” SWEEPSTAKES!

Firm

20. Best Chiropractor Name 21. Best Physical Therapist Name

Goods & Services 22. Best Bank Bank 23. Best Tires Business 24. Best Department Store Business 25. Best Funeral Home Business 26. Best Jewelry Store Business 27. Best Used Cars Business

28. Best Assited Care/Nursing Facility Business

47. Best Nail Salon Business

29. Best Fitness Center Business

48. Best Barber Shop Business

30. Best Computer Sales/Service Business

49. Best Carpet Dealer Business

31. Best Car Rental Business

50. Best Drug Store Business

32. Best Dry Cleaner Business 33. Best Hair Salon Business 34. Best Furniture Store Business 35. Best Video Rental Store Business 36. Best Gas/Service Station Business 37. Best New Cars Business 38. Best Dance Studio Business 39. Best Garage (Automotive) Business 40. Best Florist Business 41. Best Home Improvement Company Business 42. Best Nursery/Garden Center Business 43. Best Kennel Boarding Business 44. Best Tattoo Parlor Business 45. Best Gift Shop Business

1. At least 50% of the questions must be answered on your ballot. 2. When voting on names, please put the first and last names and put “Jr.”, “III”, etc. when applicable. 3. When voting the name of a chain (for example: Hardee’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, McDonalds, etc.) be sure to specify which location.

Name (Please Print) Phone (Home)

70. Best Quick Food Restaurant

74. Best Coffee Shop Restaurant or Store 75. Best Pancake and Waffles Restaurant 76. Best Deli Subs Restaurant or Deli 77. Best Hot Dogs Restaurant or Grill 78. Best Hamburgers Restaurant or Grill

53. Best Appliance Store Business

79. Best Barbeque Restaurant

54. Best Pawn Shop Business

80. Best Fried Chicken Restaurant

55. Best Mattress Dealer Business 56. Best Heating & Cooling CO. Business 57. Best Preschool or Day Care Center 58. Best Book Store 59. Best Hotel/Bed & Breakfast Business 60. Best Photography Business

81. Best Hushpuppies Restaurant 82. Best Soups Restaurant or Grill 83. Best Salad Bar Restaurant or Grill 84. Best Mexican Restaurant Restaurant or Deli 85. Best Pizza Restaurant or Delivery Service 86. Best Steaks Restaurant

61. Best Golf Course Business

87. Best Seafood Restaurant

62. Best Veterinarian Business

88. Best Iced Tea Restaurant or Grill

63. Best Massage Therapist Name

89. Best Ice Cream/Milkshakes Location

65. Best Interior Designer/Decorator Name

(Day)

69. Best “Southern Style” Meal Restaurant

73. Best Chinese Food Restaurant

52. Best Plumbing Company Business

RULES FOR ENTRY

68. Best Value Meal Restaurant

72. Best Italian Food Restaurant

51. Best Manufactured Homes Business

4. No mechanical reproductions (copies) of “answered ballots” will be accepted. 5. All answers must be applicable to Rutherford County for eligibility.

67. Best Home-Cooked Breakfast Business

71. Best French Fries Restaurant

64. Best Insurance Company Name

46. Best Groomer Business

66. Best Restaurant Restaurant

90. Best Desserts Restaurant, Deli or Bakery

6. Send your completed entries to “The Best of Rutherford County” 601 Oak Street, Forest City, NC 28043 7. Ballots must be received by December 29, 2009 8. One entry per person. 9. Must be 18 years or older to participate.

Address Signature

— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

world

Frenzied climate negotiations mark final day By JENNIFER LOVENand MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press Writers

COPENHAGEN — A diplomatic frenzy enveloped the final day of the U.N. climate conference Friday, with competing meetings, documents and agendas vying for world leaders’ attention. President Barack Obama met privately with China’s premier twice in one day, trying to salvage a global warming accord amid deep divisions between rich and poor nations. But neither Obama nor Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao offered any new commitments to cut the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming as they addressed the conference. And Wen skipped a high-level meeting of 20 nations Friday morning, sending an envoy instead. “We are ready to get this done today but there has to be movement on all sides to recognize that is better for us to act rather than talk,” Obama said, insisting on a transparent way to monitor each nation’s pledges to cut emissions. Wen told delegates that China’s voluntary targets of reducing its carbon intensity by 40 to 45 percent will require “tremendous efforts.” “We will honor our word with real action,” Wen said. Abandoning any hope of reaching a comprehensive deal, a group of about 25 countries sought agreement on a two-page political statement setting out critical elements, key among them the mobilization of $30 billion in the next three years to help poor countries cope with climate change. That would be a scaled up to $100 billion a year in climate change-aid by 2020. As negotiations evolved, several new drafts of the document, titled the Copenhagen Accord, emerged, each time with key clauses updated and modified. Later drafts said rich countries should cut their greenhouse emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050. Some drafts called for a legally binding treaty within six months or no later than December 2010. A clause was dropped that had called on developing countries to reduce emissions by 15-30 percent below “business as usual,” that is, judged against the level had no action been taken. With the climate talks in disarray, Obama and Wen met for nearly an hour, and by Friday afternoon had taken some steps toward an agreement, senior Obama administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press. Obama later met with the leaders of Australia, Britain, France, Germany and Japan. Also participating in the talks were developing countries Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Colombia, among others. China and Russia, both seen as key participants in the talks, also were present. It was the second meeting of the day for the group. Obama headed into the first meeting right after arriving. Wen skipped the high-level meeting a second time and sent another envoy instead. Meanwhile, other leaders worked on a potential deal with emissions cuts that could work, said U.N. Environment Program Director Achim

Associated Press

President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev shake hands following their meeting at the United Nations Climate Change Conference at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, Friday.

Steiner. Diplomats and leaders had only a handful of hours left for high-level talks to find the “miracle” answer that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said was needed for more than 110 leaders to sign a deal at the conference’s finale. Frustration and discouragement outweighed hope in the addresses by leaders to the conference Friday. “It’s a roller coaster of emotions,” Steiner said. “(But) a deal is on the table, it is doable.” Many delegates had been looking toward China and the U.S. — the world’s two largest carbon polluters — to deepen their pledges to cut their emissions. But that was not to be. China has been criticized at the two-week conference offering stronger carbon emissions targets and for resisting international monitoring of its actions. After a morning meeting with 20 leaders, including Obama, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said progress in the climate talks was being held back by China. The U.S. got its share of blame. “President Obama was not very proactive. He didn’t offer anything more,” said delegate Thomas Negints, from Papua New Guinea. He said his country had hoped for “more on emissions, put more money on the table, take the lead.” Obama may eventually become known as “the man who killed Copenhagen,” said Greenpeace U.S. Executive Director Phil Radford. The lack of progress meant Obama changed the word “agreement” from his prepared speech to negotiators to “framework I just outlined.” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told nego-

Iraq official says Iran troops seize oil well

SAVING WITH THE COUPON QUEEN Jill Cataldo saves hundreds on groceries by making the cost of the common coupon count. You can, too.

By SAMEER N. YACOUB

Couponing’s best-kept secrets:

Get Two For Price Of One

tiators that “the finishing line is in sight,” reminding them that “the world is watching.” And Brazil’s Silva told negotiators how frustrated he was that the job was left to heads of state after the talks ran until just before dawn Friday. “I am not sure if such an angel or wise man will come down to this plenary and put in our minds the intelligence that we lacked,” Silva said. “I believe in God. I believe in miracles.” To move the talks forward, Silva said Brazil, a developing country, would give money to help other developing countries cope with the costs of global warming. In a diatribe against the U.S., Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez criticized the conference as undemocratic. “There is a document that has been moving around, all sorts of documents that have been moving around, there is a real lack of transparency here,” he said. “We reject any document that Obama will slip under the door.” The conference has been plagued by growing distrust between rich and poor nations. Both sides blamed the other for failing to take ambitions actions to tackle climate change. At one point, African delegates staged a partial boycott of the talks. “It is now up to world leaders to decide,” said Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren. Carlgren, negotiating on behalf of the 27-nation European Union, blamed the Friday morning impasse on the Chinese for “blocking again and again,” and on the U.S. for coming too late with an improved offer, a long-range climate aid program announced Thursday by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Associated Press Writer

JILLCATALDO CATALDO JILL

Last week, I shared one of the best-kept secrets of couponing: holding on to coupons for “One Free Item” and pairing them with a “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) sale at the store. Any time you match a coupon for a free product to a store’s sale in which that same product is on sale BOGO, you take home two free items instead of one. And what’s better than getting one product free? Getting two for free, of course! This brings us to this week’s best-kept coupon secret... and if you liked last week’s secret, you’re going to love this: Secret #2: “Buy One, Get One Free” coupons When you use a BOGO coupon during a sale in which the same items are also part of a BOGO sale at the store, you will buy none - and get two for free! This one can be a little difficult to understand at first, so I will break it down using an actual example from a recent sale. My store had a certain brand of shampoo on sale BOGO in their weekly flier. This shampoo is regularly $4.99 a bottle. During this sale, a shopper will pay $4.99 for the first bottle and get the second bottle free. If I gave the store $4.99 in cash, how many bottles of shampoo would I take home? Two. Here’s where the fun begins. I’ve also got a coupon from the newspaper that states “Buy One [this brand] shampoo, Get One Free.” In the fine print on the coupon, it states that when my store redeems this coupon for reimbursement, they will receive the price of the shampoo, “up to $4.99 in value.” Did you catch that? Without even paying attention to the BOGO wording on the coupon, instead look at the value. It’s worth $4.99! Giving this coupon to the cashier is just like giving them $4.99 in cash. And with the shampoo on sale for $4.99 BOGO, I can take two bottles to the register and “pay” for them with my $4.99-value coupon. I’ve “purchased” none and take home two for free. In my coupon classes, this topic tends to raise a lot of questions. Of course, audiences get very excited when they learn another easy way to get things for free! But some people get tripped up a little bit with over-thinking these coupons. In one class, someone spoke up and felt they should get four bottles for free, because the shampoo is already on sale BOGO at the store, and the coupon states “Buy One Shampoo, Get One Free.” But it doesn’t work that way (and the store cashier will take issue with that incorrect viewpoint, too!) Truly, the BOGO wording on the coupon is irrelevant when you are using the coupon during a sale in which those items are already BOGO at the store. What we as shoppers are looking at is the actual value of the coupon. Because the coupon has a value of $4.99, it’s just like handing the store that same amount in cash. I’ve touched on this in previous columns, and it’s important to mention it again. Think of your coupons as cash, because they are! They represent money to you and to your store. And when you start thinking of them as cash, it helps you visualize why you can “buy” items that will ultimately be free with a coupon. Next week, I’ve got yet another coupon secret to share, and it, too, involves BOGO sales. (c) CTW Features

BAGHDAD — Iranian troops have crossed into Iraqi territory and seized an oil well that lies in a disputed area along the two countries’ southern border, Iraq’s deputy foreign Minster said Friday. The deputy minister, Mohammed Haj Mahmoud, said Iranian troops seized oil well No. 4 Thursday night in the al-Fakkah oil field, located about 200 miles (about 320 kilometers) southeast of Baghdad. The oil field is one of Iraq’s largest. Oil prices rose slightly after news of the incident. “We are coordinating with the Oil Ministry regarding this issue. This is not the first time that the Iranians have tried to prevent Iraqis from investing in oil fields in border areas. Tomorrow, we might summon the Iranian ambassador to discuss this issue,” Mahmoud told The Associated Press. The al-Fakkah field is considered a shared field between Iran and Iraq, meaning both nations are able to pump oil from it, but the Iraqis consider oil well No. 4 theirs. In Washington, a U.S. official said that although Iranians have crossed the border before, they had not previously ventured this far. Iraqi security forces were in the area, but there are no reports of any fighting or that any shots were fired, he said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record. No U.S. troops were in the area. And the Iranians are believed to have left the area, he said.

Such incidents have happened before along the Iran-Iraq border, which was never clearly delineated after the brutal war between the two countries in the 1980s. Last year, the Iraqi Oil Ministry accused Iran of stealing oil from the al-Fakkah field and of illegally seizing and capping off wells in a second field that Iraq claims lies entirely within its territory. The two adjacent oil fields — Abu Gharb, which Iraq claims in its entirety, and al-Fakkah, the shared field — both lie in Maysan province. The deputy foreign minister said he did not know whether the Iranians were still in control of the oil well. The U.S. military said it did not have any information on the incident. A message left for Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman seeking comment was not returned Friday evening. According to Iraq’s state-run Iraqiya television, the National Security Council, headed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, was meeting Friday night to discuss the issue. Iraq has an estimated 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves — the world’s third largest, behind only Saudi Arabia and Iran. But years of neglect, war and insurgency have left the oil fields performing far below what they’re capable of. Iraq has been trying to attract international investment to develop its oil industry, including a round of international bidding last week that produced seven deals on the 15 fields offered. The al-Fakkah field was not one of those fields.

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009 — 15 SHOE by Chris Cassat and Gary Brookins

THE GRIZZWELLS by Bill Schoor

BROOM-HILDA by Russell Myers

DILBERT by Scott Adams

GIL THORP by Jerry Jenkins, Ray Burns and Frank McLaughlin

THE BORN LOSER by Art and Chip Sansom

ARLO AND JANIS by Jimmy Johnson

FRANK AND ERNEST by Bob Thaves

EVENING

DECEMBER 19 DSH DTV 7:00

7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

BROADCAST STATIONS

# WBTV $ WYFF _ WSPA ) WSOC ` WLOS 0 WGGS 5 WHNS A WUNF H WMYA Q WRET Æ WYCW

3 4 7 13 2 12 6 8 97 10

3 4 7 9 13 16 21 33 40 62

Without } ››› Elf (‘03) Å Griffi Chro Muppets WWE Tribute Scene Insi } ››› Elf (‘03) Å Ent. Ton. } ›› The Santa Clause 2 Childrn-Hosp } ›› The Santa Clause 2 Jeru His Joyful Os Home Gospel Two Two Cops Cops Most Wanted Welk Ti Wait... Keep Keep Payne } ›› Star Trek Generations (‘94) History Proj Sher. Holmes Keep Sum Fam Fam CSI: NY Å CSI: NY Å

265 329 249 202 278 206 209 360 248 258 312 229 269 252 299 241 244 247 256 280 245 296 649 242 307

Criminal Criminal Criminal Criminal CSI: Miami Criminal Boyz N Hood } ››› Inside Man (‘06) Å } ›› Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (‘05) Hot List Swardson Dave C. Peters Lampanelli Katt Williams Newsroom Camp. Brown Larry King Newsroom Camp. Brown Larry King Dirty Jobs Dirty Jobs Dirty Jobs Dirty Jobs Dirty Jobs Dirty Jobs Football College Football: St. Petersburg Bowl SportsCenter Foot Basketball Women’s College Volleyball Who’s No. 1? Sport Fast 30 for 30 FOX Report Huckabee Glenn Beck Geraldo Jour Watch Red Eye NHL Hockey: Panthers at Hurricanes Post My Final Re Final World Poker Deck Hall Christmas With the Kranks } ›› The Family Stone Damages Say Any... } Miracle on 34th Street } Miracle on 34th Street Miracle-34 St. Season } The Three Gifts (‘09) Å :02 } The Three Gifts (‘09) Three Gift For House Celebrity Color Color House House House House Color Color Beatles } ›››› GoodFellas (‘90) Å Crime GoodFellas } The Christmas Shoes Christmas Cottage Christmas Cottage iCarly iCarly iCarly Å The iCarly Lopez Lopez Nanny Nanny Nanny Nanny Chases Chase Chases Good Pets Good Pets Chases 2 Jack Brooks } My Name Is Bruce (‘07) } Alien Apocalypse (‘05) } ››› Meet the Parents } ››› Blades of Glory Commercials Rush Hour 2 Scaramouche Man-Came to Dinner George Washington Slept Bride-C.O.D. Police Police Ghost Interv. Ghost Interv. Police Ghost Interv. } The Wizard of Oz (‘39) :15 } ›››› The Wizard of Oz Yours, Mine & Ours Bak Hero Titans Bat Satur Jus King King PJs Boon Boon Bleac College Basketball Spotlight 3 Spot College Basketball How to Lose } ››› Enchanted (‘07) Law CI Action Sports Bones Å NBA Basketball: Hawks at Bulls News Scru Scru Highlander

8651 8182 8181 8650 8180 8192 8183 8190 8184 8185

48 Hours. News Without Ath Law/Ord SVU News Saturday Night Live 48 Hours. News WSSL Trax Pant Castle Å News :35 CSI: NY Anat Castle Å News Paid Housewives Van Gaither Sp. Studio Chris Mid News Wanda Sykes Sit Paid Poirot Å MI-5 Å Austin City Housewives Access H. TMZ (N) Å Artists Den Austin City Soundstage News Office CSI: Miami CSI: Miami

CABLE CHANNELS

A&E BET COM CNN DISC ESPN ESPN2 FNC FSS FX FXM HALL HGTV HIST LIFE NICK SPIKE SYFY TBS TCM TLC TNT TOON TS USA WGN-A

23 17 46 27 24 25 37 15 20 36 38 16 29 43 35 40 44 45 30 42 28 19 14 33 32 -

118 124 107 200 182 140 144 205 137 133 187 112 120 108 170 168 122 139 132 183 138 176 437 105 239

PREMIUM CHANNELS

MAX ENC HBO SHO STARZ

510 520 500 540 530

310 340 300 318 350

512 526 501 537 520

Max Payne } ››› Wanted (‘08) Å } › Friday the 13th Life Sex Games 3 6 Days } The Shawshank Redemption } From Dusk Till Dawn (‘96) Chill Mamma Mia! He’s Just Not That Into You Robin Williams: Weapons He’s Just Not In NFL Dexter Penn Penn Strikeforce: Evolution (L) Bank Sho :20 } ›› Hancock } Rachel Getting Married } Step Brothers Right

Rudolph’s nose may be makeup Dear Abby: With the holidays here, songs about Santa and his reindeer are filling the air. I’m writing to talk about reindeer antlers. Reindeer are unique because they are the only members of the deer family in which both genders have antlers, which are made of bone and grown annually. In the summer and fall, you cannot identify a reindeer as a “he” or a “she” without further investigation. In late December, however, only the females still have their antlers. During the summer months, the males use their antlers to attract females and defend their harem (anywhere from five to 15 females) from other males. When they are no longer “looking for love,” the males lose their antlers. The females, on the other hand, keep theirs through the winter and into the spring, and use them to compete for food and to protect their young. The only reindeer with antlers at Christmastime are the GIRLS, Abby. So Rudolph would have been appropriately named “Rudolphia,” and the other reindeer would have been laughing and calling HER names until the glow from HER nose guided Santa’s sleigh that foggy Christmas eve. — Joyce Campbell, Phd.

Dear Dr. Campbell: Fascinating. This clearly explains why Santa doesn’t get lost at Christmas. Females

Dear Abby Abigail van Buren

are never reluctant to ask for directions ... ho, ho, ho. Dear Abby: I demonstrate products in a supermarket. It isn’t easy, and sometimes I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place. Will you please tell parents that if we do not give their children samples of food, it is for their own good. We don’t know what kind of food allergies their children may have. The company I work for will fire us if we give samples to children without a parent first giving permission. — Trying Hard Dear Trying Hard: You have my sympathy, and I’m pleased to pass along your message. I recently read that food allergies among children are on the rise, and that 4 percent of kids today suffer from one. The policy your company is enforcing is for everyone’s protection and should not be misinterpreted. It’s in place so that no one’s little angel gets sick or has an allergic reaction.

What exactly is a leaky heart valve? Dear Dr. Gott: Could you please tell me about leaky heart valves? I had open-heart surgery in September 2008 and did well for about six weeks. It was then discovered that I had fluid in my lungs. I was put on Lasix in an attempt to remove the fluid. In January 2009, I was found to have an irregular heartbeat and was put on an ICD device. I asked a nurse what was going to be done about my leaky heart valve, and she told me “nothing” because it wasn’t “bad enough.” Dear Reader: There are several valves located within the heart. Without knowing which one is “leaking,” I cannot give specific advice; therefore, I will give general information about the most common types. I also have a few questions. Why did you have open-heart surgery? When was the leaky heart valve diagnosed? What is your age and gender? Do you have a family history of heart problems? These are all important factors

PUZZLE

Ask Dr. Gott Dr. Peter M. Gott

in determining what is going on and how to fix it. Before getting into the types of valve disorders, we need to first discuss your situation. You don’t mention why you had open-heart surgery, but statistically, it is likely it was because of blockages. You claim that you improved for about six weeks before developing fluid in your lungs. Given that you were put on a diuretic medication, I can conclusively say it was not because of pneumonia or other infection, leading me to think that it was related to your heart. Again, statistically, given your history of open-heart surgery, it was likely due to congestive heart failure.

IN THE STARS

Your Birthday, Dec. 19; The course on which you will embark in the year ahead will be the right one. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) - It’s nice of you to go with the flow, but being too compliant could make you an easy target. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - You could find yourself involved with someone who doesn’t take instruction too well. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) - An easycome, easy-go attitude might cause you to go broke. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) - Having left gift shopping to the last minute will have its pitfalls. ARIES (March 21-April 19) - Get your work out of the way early, because later on there is little chance that you are likely to accomplish much of anything. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) - The less flexible you are, the more disruptive everything will seem. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) - If you’re trying to make a point, your subject matter will have to be well organized. CANCER (June 21-July 22) - With all the activity buzzing around you today, work related activities might be tough to do. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) - Steer clear of a friend today who always gets you involved in complicated situations. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - Little of consequence is likely to be accomplished today if you try to do too many things all in one day. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) - Guard against taking things too seriously or being inflexible today. The more you are either, the more disruptive. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) - To be on the safe side, avoid getting financially involved with someone who never pays you back. or reciprocates in any

16 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, SATURDAY, December 19, 2009

CLASSIFIEDS Contact Erika Meyer to place your ad! Call: 828-245-6431 Fax: 828-248-2790 Email: emeyer@thedigitalcourier.com In person: 601 Oak St., Forest City 1 WEEK SPECIAL

DEADLINES: New Ads, Cancellations & Changes Please check your ad on the first day that it runs. Call us before the deadline for the next edition with corrections. We will rerun the ad or credit your account for no more than one day.

Tuesday Edition.............Monday, 12pm Wednesday Edition......Tuesday, 2pm Thursday Edition......Wednesday, 2pm Friday Edition...............Thursday, 2pm Saturday Edition................Friday, 2pm Sunday Edition......................Friday, 2pm

*4 line minimum on all ads Apartments

Apartments

2BR/1BA Apartment for Rent Close to ICC $325/month + deposit Call 245-7115

Richmond Hill Senior Apts. in Rfdtn 1BR Units w/handicap accessible units avail. Sec 8 assistance avail. 287-2578 Hours: Mon., Tues., & Thurs. 7-3. TDD Relay 1-800-735-2962 Equal Housing Opportunity. Income Based Rent.

Classic & charming

Apt. with storage garage. Clean 2 Bedroom Brick at 433 E. Main St., Forest City $475/mo.

Call 828-447-3233 Special $100 dep.! 1, 2 & 3BR Nice, large Townhomes Priv. decks, w/d hook up. Water incld.! Starting at $375/mo. 1-888-684-5072

Nice 2 Bedroom Townhouse Apt & 1 Bedroom Apt across from Super 8 Motel in Spindale $385/mo. & $515/mo. Call 828-447-1989

Sell or rent your property in the Classifieds! Call today 245-6431

Homes For Sale

GREAT STARTER in Cleveland County! 3BR/1BA Brick ranch w/great features - brick fireplace in family room, large eat-in kitchen, hardwoods, in-ground pool, large fenced backyard, swing set and 2 storage sheds remain. $94,900 #45277 Coldwell Banker Mountain View Real Estate Contact Marsha Brown 704-284-0137

Run ad 6 consecutive days and only pay for 5 days*

2 WEEK SPECIAL Run ad 12 consecutive days and only pay for 9 days*

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL YARD SALE SPECIAL Run a 20 word yard sale ad Thurs., Fri., & Sat. for ONLY $20. Additional words are only 75¢ each. Deadline: Wed. at 2 p.m.

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Entry level admin asst Accounting background helpful. PO Box 1000, Rfdtn, NC 28139

Immediate openings in Rutherford Co. for Substance Abuse Counselors & Mental Health Therapists. LCSW,

Male Grey Tabby Cat 10-12 lbs., 3 yrs. old. Needs meds! Lost 12/14 from Grayson Bostic Rd./ Bethany Church Rd. area. Call 289-5989 or 245-0222

Furn. 2BR/1BA cabin in Lake Lure $680/mo. includes utilities & Dish TV 828-625-9253 Beautiful country cottage Hudlow Rd. 2BR/1BA $500/mo. 704-376-8081 2BR/2BA on 2 ac. in Lake Lure, 200’ bold running stream, close to new charter school opening 2010, w/d, cen. h/a. $750/mo. Call Eddy Zappel 828-289-9151 or Marco 954-275 0735 2BR/1BA Dual pane windows, ceiling fans, window a/c, w/d hookup. East Court St., Rfdtn. $310/mo. 1/2 off 2nd month App. 828-748-8801

2BR & 3BR Stove, refrig., cable, lawn service & trash incld. $260-$350/mo. + dep. No cats! Long term only! Call 453-0078

or 429-8822 2BR in Chase area $325/mo. + deposit. No pets! 828-223-1030 or 657-1828 after 6pm Single wide Shiloh: 2BR/2BA No Pets! $425/mo. + $300 dep. 245-5703 or 286-8665 2BR/1BA in Ellenboro Refrig., stove, washer & dryer. $350/mo. + deposit. 828-305-4476 3BR SW & 3BR DW in Harris. Water & sewer incld. $350 & $450/mo. + dep. 828-748-8801

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Houses, mobile homes & apartments for sale & rent. Owner fin. avail. 453-9946

Mobile home w/land or

house. Need owner fin. $2,500 DP $350-$425/ mo. 864-972-0498

SUBSCRIPTIONS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the estate of EDNA Y. TWITTY of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said EDNA Y. TWITTY to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 5th day of December, 2009. Lois Kay Yelton Mathis, Executor 521 Goldenrod Lane Lexington, NC 27295

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the estate of HAZEL ANN HAWKINS STRICKLAND of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said HAZEL ANN HAWKINS STRICKLAND to present them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 12th day of December, 2009. Dumont Clark Strickland, Executor 4059 Lee Cline Rd. Conover, NC 28613

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Executor of the estate of THOMAS M. ROBBINS of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said THOMAS M. ROBBINS to present them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of February 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 28th day of November, 2009.

FOR OUR WEEKLY SPECIAL POSTED EVERY SUNDAY IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

New Year’s Eve Retreat 2BR Condo at 5 star resort in Myrtle Beach 4 nights 12/281/1/10 $525 obo. Call 453-1532 or 429-6535

Instruction

Professional Truck Driver Training Carriers Hiring Today! • PTDI Certified Course • One Student Per Truck • Potential Tuition Reimbursement • Approved WIA & TAA provider • Possible Earnings $34,000 First Year SAGE Technical Services

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The Daily Courier office will be closed on Friday, December 25th in observance of Christmas Classified Advertising deadline for new ads, cancellations, and changes to existing ads for the Saturday, December 26th and Sunday, December 27th editions are as follows: LINE ADS: Deadline is Thursday, December 24th at 12:00 PM DISPLAY ADS: Deadline is Wednesday, December 23rd at 2:00 PM DISPLAY AD DEADLINE for the Tuesday, December 29th edition will be Thursday, December 24th by 12:00 PM

Part Time RN/LPN Phlebotomy exp. req. Mobile insurance exams. Fax resume to 828-254-2441 CLINICAL DIRECTOR Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency to supervise community-based services and design treatment protocols for medium sized NC company. Position based in Forest City office. Must be licensed in N.C. as LCSW, Psychological Associate, LPC, LMFT, Addiction Specialist, or Certified Clinical Supervisor. Call HomeCare Management Corporation at 828-247-1700 for position description and application

Find the job you are looking for in the Classifieds!

LPC, CCS, LCAS or CSAC preferred.

Fax resumes to: 828-245-2548

Want To Buy

WILL BUY YOUR JUNK Cars & Trucks Pick up at your convenience!

Call 223-0277 Trucks 2005 Ford F-150 Pick Up 5.4 V8 engine, many extras, 29k mi. Mint cond! 288-8593

Pets Free Mountain Feist mixed puppies 8 wks old Call 453-9921 leave message

Found Male Cat White with tiger grey. Found 12/15 Alexander Mills area, off Broadway. Call 248-5668 lv msg

Yard Sales CHRISTMAS SALE Local Pottery by Diane Holland Fri. & Sat. 9A-5P Miller Rd. (off Hwy 108, 1 mi. from Hospital) TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS FC: 174 S. Quail Lane (off of Doggett Rd.) Saturday 7A-until

YARD SALE Ellenboro 1917 Oak Grove Church Rd. Sat. 8Auntil Chairs, locking bookcase, bar, wooden whisky barrel and more!

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the estate of RUBY C. SMART of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said RUBY C. SMART to present them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 12th day of December, 2009. Peggy Lou Smart Alley, Executor 1516 Chase High Road Forest City, NC 28043

Check out new listings in the Classifieds Tuesday through Sunday

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of RONNIE BAYSINGER SCOTT of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said RONNIE BAYSINGER SCOTT to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 5th day of December, 2009.

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of MARTHA COLLINS TESTERMAN of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said MARTHA COLLINS TESTERMAN to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 5th day of December, 2009.

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of DANIEL KENNETH BOURDEAUX of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said DANIEL KENNETH BOURDEAUX to present them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of March, 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 12th day of December, 2009.

Shawn Renay Jones Scott, Administrator 292 Old Castle Lane Forest City, NC 28043

Selena Cash, Executor PO Box 13 Cliffside, NC 28024

Teresa Gale Smith, Executor P.O. Box 1453 Rutherfordton, NC 28139

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Tony M. Robbins, Co-Executor PO Box 550391 Gastonia, NC 28055

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of WALKER BENTON MCCRARY of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said WALKER BENTON MCCRARY to present them to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 19th day of December, 2009.

Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of SANDRA RUTH BLACKWELL FRAZIER of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said SANDRA RUTH BLACKWELL FRAZIER to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 5th day of December, 2009.

Having qualified as Executor of the estate of MELFORD (MILFORD) EULUS MORGAN of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said MELFORD (MILFORD) EULUS MORGAN to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of March 2010 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This is the 5th day of December, 2009.

Sonja Robbins Ruppe, Co-Executor 118 McMurray Rd. Forest City, NC 28043

Julie Lea McCrary Hodge, Executor P.O. Box 1223 Forest City, NC 28043

Charles Shawn Frazier, Administrator 210 Carpenter Road Rutherfordton, NC 28139

Dorothy E. Shoemaker, Executor 450 Tangleridge Drive Inman, SC 29349

A TO Z, IT’S IN THE

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The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, SATURDAY, December 19, 2009 — 17

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To List Your Website In This Directory, Contact The Daily Courier Classified Department at (828) 245-6431 Erika Meyer, Ext. 205

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

GRADING & HAULING

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— The

Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, Saturday, December 19, 2009

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world

Cargo ship sinks in storm, 11 said dead By BASSAM HATOUM Associated Press Writer

TRIPOLI, Lebanon — Rescue workers searched the stormy waters off Lebanon on Friday after a cargo ship sank, killing at least 11 people and leaving dozens missing. The Panamanian-flagged cargo ship carrying 83 crew members and thousands of sheep and other livestock went down Thursday in heavy rain. An Associated Press reporter saw 11 bodies brought to shore in body bags since Thursday. A senior Lebanese army officer said 39 people had been rescued, but 33 were still missing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media. The crew members were from Britain, Australia, Russia, Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Uruguay, the state-run National News Agency reported. The ship was believed to have been sailing from Uruguay to Syria. It went down Thursday afternoon some 11 miles (17 kilometers) from the Lebanese port city of Tripoli. Nicola Dazies, a political officer at the British Embassy, confirmed there were two British citizens on the ship. Their fate was still unknown, she

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said. Rescue operations continued Friday despite high waves. Red Cross workers helped several dazed survivors, wrapped in woolen blankets, into ambulances Friday. One man, unable to walk, grimaced as a rescue worker carried him over his shoulder. One of the Pakistani crew members, Ahmad Khan, said that before the vessel sank the crew felt it shake. The captain then instructed the crew to put on life vests and jump into the water, from where they watched the ship go under, he said. The rescue effort was being carried out by the Lebanese navy, a U.N. peacekeeping force, two civilian ships and two British helicopters from Cyprus. The UNIFIL peacekeeping force said survivors were being given medical treatment on board its Maritime Task Force ships before being transported ashore in Lebanon. “This is a very tragic incident and our UNIFIL Maritime Task Force peacekeepers are doing their utmost to save the lives of the victims,” UNIFIL commander Maj. Gen. Claudio Graziano said. “We hope that our joint efforts with the Lebanese navy will help minimize the number of casualties.”

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BRASILIA, Brazil — Doctors prepared to perform emergency surgery on a Brazilian toddler on Friday to remove some of the 42 sewing needles that were allegedly inserted into him by his stepfather during a series of bizarre rituals. Surgeons in the northeastern city of Salvador plan to take out a needle that punctured the 2-year-old boy’s heart and others close to other vital organs, said Susy Moreno, a spokeswoman at the hospital where the boy is being treated in the north-

eastern city of Salvador. “This operation is to remove the most threatening sewing needles,” Moreno said. “More operations may be necessary.” The operation was expected to take as long as as six hours, Brazilian media reported. Moreno did not say how long the procedure could last. Police say the boy’s stepfather confessed to pushing 42 supposedly “blessed” sewing needles deep into the child because his lover told him to while in trances. The rituals were performed over a period of a month to try to keep the couple together, the stepfather told police. Roberto Carlos Magalhaes, a 30-yearold bricklayer, told detectives the woman would enter into trances and “command him to stick the needles in the boy’s body,” police inspector Helder Fernandes Santana told The Associated Press by telephone. The stepfather told police the rituals happened every few days for a full month, with him inserting several needles during each session. The lover, Angelina Ribeiro dos Santos, paid to have the needles measuring up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) blessed by a woman who practiced the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomble, and convinced Magalhaes that inserting them into the boy would somehow allow them to be together, Santana said.

Police, however, believe Dos Santos was out for revenge on the boy’s mother, though they did not say why. “According to his confession, he acted under influence of the woman, but it was he who stuck the needles in the boy’s body,” the inspector said. Magalhaes and dos Santos were both arrested, though no charges have yet been filed. Dos Santos is not believed to be a member of any religious or occult group, and authorities believe she came up with the idea of the rituals on her own, Santana said. The two were taken to an undisclosed lockup for their own protection after a mob threw stones at the police station where they were being held. It was not immediately clear whether they had legal representation. Authorities also detained the woman who blessed the needles so she could be questioned, but Santana said he expects she will be released without charge because she did not know how they were being used. The boy’s mother, a maid, took him to a hospital in the town of Ibotirama on Dec. 10, saying he was complaining of pain. After X-rays revealed the cause, the mother told police she didn’t know how the needles got inside her son, whose name was not released.

Your Full Service Funeral Home Wishing you a Christ filled Christmas and Holiday Season. Family Owned & Operated Since 1953

Steve Carroll

Funeral Director/Owner

4076 Hwy. 221-A, P.O. Box 337 Cliffside, NC 28024

828-657-6322