02.17.10 Cherokee Sentinel by Sentinel News Media

Cannoli now available in downtown Murphy

Where to start when greening your home Check out

Pump price expected to rise

The Green Column

Check the NC gas price update

Sentinel Page 3A

Page 2A

CHEROKEE

70-6.& t *446&

WWW.WNCSENTINEL.NET | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010 | 50 CENTS

EDUCATION

Snow Sends Students to Saturday School

Winter weather leaves Cherokee County School’s with no more make up days As more severe winter weather conEditor ditions are expected to blow in, Cherokee County students will likely have to attend School on Saturday. Dr. Lane reported on the inclement weather make up days. “The weather has been a bear this year, and I do appreciate the hard work the transportation department has put into getting out there and making sure the buses continue to roll, and the maintenance guys keeping the heat on so the students and staff have warm buildings. The people that go out on snow patrol: Bryan Kilpatrick, SROs Libby Thigpen and Randy Phillips; that’s a tough process and we take it very seriously,” he said. At the beginning of each school year there are days designated as “make-up days” in the case of inclement weather. This year, four days that would have otherwise been student holidays, are now going to be make-up days - the last of which was April 2nd. This means that any future days missed will have to be made up on the next Saturday weather permitting. Dr. Lane also went on to say: “Anytime you go over five days, you have staff in overtime. It’s been a long time since we had to do

By: Bryan Hughes

TECHNOLOGY

MURPHY CAN’T

PLUG IN By: Harrison Keely Sentinel Writer Janet Messex visits Murphy to get away from the rest of the world; her Cherokee County home has no cellular service and no Internet access. But now that the Florida resident is eyeing a permanent move to the mountains, the ideal getaway is beginning to look like full-time isolation. “Internet access will be a necessity to keep in touch with family and friends I leave behind,”she said. Even though Messex lives just a half mile from Highway 64, Internet companies told her there aren’t enough people interested in high-speed access to provide it. “People who are used to having connectivity all the time miss it,” she said. “When my son comes he doesn’t stay very long, he gets bored. His cell phone doesn’t work and he can’t get on the Internet.” The web used to be simple. Browsing basic pages of information over a phone line seemed like all anyone ever needed. Yet just a decade later, the net has shifted to an interactive game-playing, moviewatching, video-conferencing necessity. While many urban networks have kept up with consumer demand for high-speed access, the mountains of North Carolina have lagged behind, leaving many residential

See SCHOOL Page 2A

High-Speed Internet insufficiency leaves county residents feeling frustrated. More effort needed to bring WNC up to speed.

customers disconnected from the increasingly complex applications offered on the web today. L A N D OF THE LOST (VALUE) Potential mountain home buyers are beginning to notice the divide. Internet availability is changing land value in the mountains, Joy Stein, the owner of Vista Realty in Murphy, said. Stein said web access has become the biggest concern among recent customers. “They don’t want to go anywhere that there’s not Internet,”she said. Even Messex said she’s starting to eye real estate listings that advertise strong Internet connections. Many retired folks work online, using services like eBay to make a living, Stein said. “In this changing high-tech world today, absolutely, property away from fiber-optic lines is less valuable,”she said.

What Stein really wants is a map showing which local properties get any highspeed access, but it’s not easy to figure out. For Stein, Internet connectivity is also a personal problem. Local Internet Service Providers told her that the only way a fiberoptic cable would connect her neighborhood was if each of her neighbors signed up for service as well. High-speed Internet in Western Cherokee County is pretty much non-existent, she said. “Just across the line in Georgia, Windstream is all over the place, even in remote areas,” she said. “Here we can’t even get high-speed Internet on the main highway... It’s a very untapped market.”

Five months ago Information Technology Specialist Patrick Richardt had multiple ISPs competing to offer him faster speeds at better prices. Then he moved to Hayesville. Richardt said he was shocked to learn of the region’s Internet insufficiency when he arrived at his rental house from Atlanta. The house had a DSL connection when he was considering it, but the landlord cut the service when Richardt moved in. Because only a few switches are available for the whole neighborhood, the next person waiting in line was able to snatch up the only spot available, leaving Richardt dry. And, like Stein, local ISPs refuse to connect the fiber-optic line from the nearby highway to his street. “It’s like trying to find a parking space in a full parking lot; you just can’t get online,” he said. “My only option at this point is either a 56K modem, which absolutely will not work, or satellite, which is entirely too expensive...” Ironically, Richardt works for a high-tech network infrastructure company called KStar Inc., but when he moved to the mountains he quickly discovered that working from home was impossible. “I can help hundreds and thousands of clients while sitting at my computer... but

UNABLE TO WORK

COMMUNITY

See INTERNET Page 8A

NEWS

Moonshine Cruiz-In aims for bigger better 2010 event Higgins Appointed as By: Harrison Keely Sentinel Writer If this year’s Moonshine Cruiz-In was a road, it would be longer, smoother, and filled with much more traffic. “We’re going to give 110 percent to make this bigger and better,” the show’s promoter, Rakes Parrish, told community business owners at the February 11

planning meeting for the second annual show. Parrish and the Towns County Tourism Board aim to solve the problems that plagued last year’s event, namely a poor sound system, parking troubles and too few food vendors. Only two vendors were open to provide food for thousands of attendees. “We were really understaffed last year,” Parrish said. “It was kind of a

guessing game...we didn’t book nearly enough [food vendors] but we will this year.” Although this year’s Cruz-In is scheduled for August 12-14, plans are already well underway to solve last year’s problems and attract even more people to the event. “There are a lot of people who have not seen the neat history that this town has to offer,” Parrish said. “I know we had a lot of kinks to work out [last year] but I think we’ve got a better game plan this year.” The 2010 show will be a three-day event, Parrish said, noting that he would like to see the Cruiz-In extend to a week in the future. “Unfortunately, the more days we add the more it costs to do,” he said. “This event costs us a lot of money to put on.” Parrish asked local businesses to chip in and support the Cruiz-In by purchasing one of several sponsorship packages that range from $100-$500. He said the money gathered from businesses will be used entirely for promotion. Business owners who contribute will

4800 Hwy. 64W Suite 305 Murphy NC, 28906

County Health Director

It was recently announced that Jim Higgins of Raleigh, NC will become Editor the new Health Director for Cherokee County. Jim holds a Masters Degree in Health Administration and has worked in some form of the health care field since 1981 ranging anywhere from community hospitals, hospice, home health care, and now County Health Director. Jim certainly brings with him the weight of experience, and has a good working knowledge of the many different facets of the health care system. He remarked that the various hospital and health care staffs in Cherokee County are very dedicated and that he will try to do his best to serve the community. The County Health Director assumes many different roles which includes making Community Health Assesments, as well as overseeing health education, family planning, immunizations, pediatrics, and much more. Jim also noted that since we are dealing with a rough economy one of his main goals will be to make sure that budget monies go to the right areas of health care and that local residents are matched with the proper resources so that they can save more money in the end. Jim will no doubt be welcomed with open arms to our community and become an asset to our local health care system. He will assume the title of Cherokee County Health Director starting March 1st of this year.

By: Bryan Hughes

We e k l y We at h e r Fo re c a s t

CHEROKEE

Sentinel

receive ads in a keepsake pocket guide to the event, Parrish said. Depending on the amount paid, some businesses will be announced by an emcee at the event and receive other perquisites. Parrish also discussed giving attendees welcome bags that would come with coupons and ads for local businesses. “This year I want to have a lot of mountain music going on for people; they love that,” he said. Hilda Thomason, chairperson of the Towns County Tourism Association, suggested having a concert on the Saturday night of the event featuring bands Swingin’ Medallions, The Drifters and Clarence Carter. Parrish said he’s also considering adding a Friday night parade to this year’s festivities. Those involved would line-up at the fairgrounds at 6 p.m. and travel to the Hiawassee town square over a period of two hours. “The people will love it,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for stores to be open late.” See CRUIZ Page 2A

Wednesday

38/22

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

40/26

41/23

46/34

45/26

40/15

Tuesday

38/20

NEWS

The Cherokee Sentinel February 17, 2010

BRIEFS

Real Italian Taste comes to Downtown

Defense Agency Successfully Tests Boeing 747 Laser On In-Flight Missile The U.S. Missile Defense Agency announced Friday it successfully tested a new anti-ballistic missile defense system that uses laser beam fired from a Boeing 747 plane to destroy an in-flight missile. The agency’s Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) destroyed a mock ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. The missile was launched at 8:44 p.m. from an at-sea mobile launch platform and within two minutes, the ALTB detected and destroyed it. The extreme heat of the laser beam caused the missile to fail. The modified Boeing 747-400F took off from Edwards Air Force Base and focused its high-energy laser at the boosting missile off the coast of California. Northrop Grumman designed and built the ALTB that features a control system developed by Lockheed Martin while Boeing provided the aircraft, the battle management system and overall systems integration and testing.

Archaeologists Uncover Byzantine-era Jerusalem Street Digging up a busy city crossroad isn’t usually something that elicits tears of joy. But when new sewer and telecommunication lines were needed, Israeli archaeologists in Jerusalem got a chance of a lifetime and they couldn’t hold back their emotions. “My hair, you know, stood on end,” said excavation director Dr. Ofer Sion of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “Another good friend of ours, also an archeologist, jumped when she saw it. Wow amazing! Amazing! It was all very exciting for us.” For the past three weeks Israeli archaeologists have been making life hell for the residents and shopkeepers at the main entrance to the popular souk or market just inside the Old City’s Jaffa Gate. Under nearly five meters of debris they discovered well- preserved flagstones of the city’s main street from 1,500 years ago. Archaeologists were not surprised with what they discovered. They had an idea this street existed since it appeared in the famous Madaba map, a sixth century mosaic that depicts Jerusalem during the Byzantine era. Standing on the cracked, flat street stones, Sion said it was the first proof of the existence of this single central street and it lended credence to the accuracy of the map, located in a church floor in Jordan, as the most relevant one today for showing how Jerusalem looked 1,500 years ago. In that map, the only western gate to the walled city showed a road heading into the city center. According to Sion, Byzantine Jerusalem was comprised of about 40,000 residents and was filled with churches and structures built on the ruins of buildings from the earlier Roman and Jewish periods. “Hundreds of thousands of people in the Byzantine period were walking on this street which we found,” Sion said.

Mayor Bill Hughes, Murphy Town Councilman David Hilton, and Chamber representatives celebrate with owners Marco D’Abate, Carla D’Abate and Marco D’Abate, in the opening of their new restaurant, Antica Roma Caffe, located at 19 Tennessee Street, Murphy. The Caffe serves authentic Italian sandwiches, handmade pastries, gelati, traditional Italian coffees, wines and beer. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. For additional information call 8375300.

Ribbon is cut at Antica Roma Caffe

New Business Offers Services to Existing and Aspiring Writers By: Ellen Schofield Contributing Writer The mountains of western North Carolina and north Georgia attract many talented artisans. A new business, Writers' Hub of the Mountains, seeks to assist area writers by offering courses and custom services that will avail them to hone their skills and become published. The courses are designed to thoroughly cover the many important as-

pects of crafting a well-written story that captivates its readers. Each course, to be held in rotating locations, will consist of two hour classes lasting from four to six weeks. Some of the planned courses are: “The Elements of a Story - An Overview”, “Developing Characters that Matter”, “Convincing Dialogue”, “Using Effective Description to Move the Story Forward”, and “It's Not Over - Revising and Rewriting”. One day seminars covering the ins and outs of self-publishing will be of-

NC Gas Price Update Average retail gasoline prices in North Carolina have fallen 4.0 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.60/g today. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.62/g, according to gasoline price website NorthCarolinaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in

North Carolina during the past week, prices today are 69.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 13.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 11.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 67.6 cents per gallon higher than this day a year ago.

Shelves donated to homeless shelter

Health Insurance Companies Increased Profits By 56% In 2009

While businesses and individuals struggled to cope with ever-rising health insurance costs, health insurance companies lined their pockets with profits of $12.2 billion in 2009 - an increase of 56 percent from 2008. Those staggering statistics were revealed in a report by a coalition of liberal advocacy groups and labor unions, Health Care for America Now. “The five largest U.S. health insurance companies sailed through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression to set new industry profit records in 2009, a feat accomplished by leaving behind 2.7 million Americans who had been in private health plans. For customers who kept their benefits, the insurers raised rates and cost-sharing, and cut the share of premiums spent on medical care. Executives and shareholders of the five biggest for-profit health insurers, UnitedHealthGroup Inc., WellPoint Inc., Aetna Inc., Humana Inc., and Cigna Corp., enjoyed combined profit of $12.2 billion in 2009, up 56 percent from the previous year. It was the best year ever for Big Insurance,” Health Care for America Now wrote in a statement on its Website. Part of the shocking profits were made by dropping the sickest policy holders, Health Care for America Now noted. In addition, although many people view health care as a necessity, health insurance companies price it like it’s a luxury. Health Care for America on its Website quoted Andrew Kurz, former chief financial officer of Wisconsin Blue Cross-Blue Shield as saying, “Insurance company profit margins put the industry in the top 10% of all industries, up there with cigarette manufacturers. Insurers price their products like a discretionary luxury, not something essential for health and well-being.

Customs Confiscates 30 Pounds Of Cannabis From Christ U.S. authorities arrested a woman attempting to smuggle 30 pounds of marijuana across the border from Mexico to Texas in framed pictures of Jesus Christ, according to reports. The 22-year-old woman from Juarez, Mexico tried crossing the border at El Paso, Texas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents searched her vehicle and found drug-laced pictures of Christ. According to the agents smuggling drugs and paraphernalia in religious articles is relatively common. The woman was arrested. Her identity has not been revealed as of yet, and charges against the woman have not been reported yet.

Sentinel Newsgroup 828.837.6397

fered to round out the course instruction and to provide information on this growing trend. Since writing is only half the work of becoming published, Writers' Hub will also offer custom services such as proofreading, editing, cover design, preparation of manuscripts for publishing, and website and blog design. Ronda Birtha, local photographer and writer (www.rondabirtha.com), will be the course instructor and will also provide the majority of the servic-

es listed. Ronda, a James Carr Scholar, earned a degree in English Literature from Rutgers University. With 18 years of experience in all aspects of photography, writing, instructing and printing, Ronda is looking forward to sharing her expertise. For more information, or to advise Writers' Hub of the Mountains of your areas of interest, please email mountainwritershub@gmail.com.

Petroleum prices will begin to slowly rise

“Gasoline prices will begin to slowly rise across much of the country as colder than average weather results in rising oil demand as temperatures plummet in key areas that warm their homes using heating oil”, says GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst, Patrick DeHaan. “However, gasoline prices in the Midwest will buck the

trend as stockpiles swell in the Great Lakes area.” He goes on to mention that stockpiles grew last week to the highest levels since March 2008 in that area, resulting in lower prices as supply greatly outpaces demand.

Do you have an opinion? We want to hear it!

Send letters on anything to cherokee@wncsentinel.net

School: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF "

$POUSJCVUFE 1IPUP

Shelves were custom made by Ed Reid of REID’S CUSTOM WOODWORKING in Brasstown for the Hurlburt-Johnson Friendship House, Inc. Ed Reid worked with Amy and Gil Nicolson and Deni Grave, Executive Director of the Friendship House to design the needed shelves.

Cruiz: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " Because more than 900 cars were featured in last year’s show, Parrish said a sign-up sheet would have to be made for the parade. “We can’t even do a fraction of a thousand cars in a parade,” he said. “It would last forever.” Thomason stressed the importance of local restaurants and shops to stay open late. “Car people, on the majority, have plenty of money,” Parrish said. “They do have money and they will spend money.... they want to shop, especially the women.” Parrish said a lot of accommodations would be needed for the event. “We had people staying in Atlanta and driving up for the show last year,” he said. The number of cars involved in the Cruiz-In could double if people could find a place to stay, Parrish said. “We did a mailout the other day and registrations and calls are coming in like

GET BREAKING NEWS UPDATES ON YOUR PHONE:

crazy,” he said. Katie Polstra, the general manager of Ramada at Lake Chatuge, emphasized that even though it was only February, 70 percent of the hotel’s rooms were already booked for four nights during the Cruiz-In. Chad Hooper, general manager of the Ridges Resort, said he was excited about the plans for this year’s event. “We were tickled to death to be able to host the first annual kick-off party for the car show last year,” he said. “We just had a good time.” Hooper said he was amazed by the amount of vehicles at last year’s kick-off, everything from rat rods to $150,000 cars. The Ridges will be hosting this year’s kick-off as well, which is slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 12. “It’s open to the public; there’s no admission to it,” Hooper said. “This is an event for everyone, this ain’t just for the car-owners.” A local band, Steven Phillips and the Midnight Express, will be performing and a moonshine still from Dahlonega, Georgia will be on display, he said. There will also be an 11-meter-long tour boat making multiple trips on

that, but we are only in mid-February with quite a bit to go. It is tough trying to predict, but this is a way parents can plan on, and on these (Saturdays), it will not be a full day. The only other choice we have is to look at extending the school year.” The current legislation states that school should not start after August 25th nor extend past June 10th. “There Chatuge Lake. “We all had a tough year in 2009; things like this make you shine and make you grin,” Hooper said. “We try to draw business to this community...so we can all survive, and that’s what it’s about.” Towns County Commissioner Bill Kendall, who created the show’s name, said that the county spent $5,000 on security for last year’s event but that it was well worth it. Parrish said that automotive vendors would be set up on the perimeter of the ball field, circling the show cars. Craft vendors would be placed outside the field. Emphasizing a strategy to support the local economy, Parrish said he would make local vendors a priority and end the show early each night to allow visitors to spend money at area businesses and restaurants. Aiming to solve last year’s parking problem, Parrish said trailers could be parked for free behind city hall for this year’s event. “We’ve got cars coming to see cars,” he said, adding that a free shuttle service would provide extra parking across the highway for the show and the kick-

are calendar proposals out there that indicate that we might be able to extend the calendar, and I feel that if we have two days missed in a week due to weather, and we make up one of those on Saturday, then it is prudent to look at extending the year where we have work days built in, not to interfere with Graduation which will be set,” Dr. Lane said. The board will review all options before making the final decision. However, because of the unusually brutal winter we are experiencing in this region, many other school districts have voted to extend the school year. off. In addition, the director of the local HAM radio operators club volunteered to coordinate parking with his team. Parrish said a website that was set up to collect feedback from last year’s event was overflowing with accolades. “Everything we got was positive,” he said. “It was the best thing they’d ever been to; the best show they’d ever been to... and for a first year, that is great.” If car enthusiasts thought last year’s show was spectacular, Parrish said 2010 would be even better. “Last year was a drop in the bucket compared to what we’re looking at this year,” he said. In other news,Thomason mentioned two more large-scale events being added to the calendar for 2011: t "CPVU TISJOFST XJMM NFFU JO Hiawassee during the second weekend in June and put on a parade. For the last 23 years the shriners have met in Helen, Georgia. t "QQSPYJNBUFMZ NFNCFST PG the Christian Motorcycle Association will meet in Hiawassee the weekend after Father’s Day for the Eastern National Rally.

TWITTER.COM/SENTINELSCOOP

3A VIEWS A perfect tea party spokesperson The Green Column The Cherokee Sentinel February 17, 2010

#003 - Step one for making your home “Green”

By: Richard C. MacCrea Andrews Valley Initiative rmaccrea@mountainhomeshow.com

Are you thinking of building or remodeling? The best time to start working on lower energy costs is before the plans are made. The greatest savings for the least cost starts with how the building sits on the site. By putting the most glass where the warm winter sun shines, the least where the hot summer sun shines, and designing the roof to keep summer sun off the house, heating and cooling costs can often be cut in half. Add protection from cold winter winds, allow cool summer breezes, and you have a building that not only costs much less to heat and cool, but it is much more comfortable. Is there more that can be done? Yes.

A little more money spent on good quality spray foam insulation, windows, and doors, and some homes hardly need heat or air conditioning at all. Air tight, well insulated buildings are much easier and less costly to keep comfortable. Following these principles first usually brings the greatest increases in efficiency for the least cost. It might also leave enough budget to afford some other green features. Everyone asks about solar and wind. In most areas of our mountains, the best of these options is a solar water heater with an electric tank water heater for backup. Attaching this system to radiant floor heating system can also be very efficient. The system is simple, very efficient, and might help you qualify for some tax credits. And everyone loves radiant floor heat! Geothermal heat pumps are also very efficient ways to heat and cool your home or building. They usually add several thousand to the cost of a typical home. By using the ground temperature, they can extract heat all winter long. They are a great option where it is not possible to design the glass for solar. By adding spray foam

insulation, the geothermal system can be smaller, and cost a little less. If you are buying new appliances, why not choose energy efficient models? Have you considered an induction stove, a smaller convection/ microwave oven instead of the standard oven? You might enjoy a basement root cellar too. You can also have a switch to shut off the outlets to your electronics. Many of these electronics use electricity even when they are not running. In some homes this can consume more than $20 per month. All of these are convenient ways to save energy. Another field being studied is energy efficient lighting. At this time fluorescent lighting is the best deal for most buildings. But this might soon be surpassed by LED lighting. Meanwhile the engineers have gone back to the laboratories and are developing some super efficient incandescent bulbs. Our next column will consider our Greening of Andrews Valley Program. Your question might be the perfect topic for a future column. Email me. Richard C. MacCrea is the director of The Greening of Andrews Valley, a program of Andrews Valley Initiative. He works in the field of energy efficient, green building.

By: Jim Fitzgerald Columnist

Sarah Palin, bless her heart, is such a perfect spokesperson for the tea party crowd. I watched portions of her speech in Nashville before the tea party elite and could only shake my head. She has such a way of saying nothing so well it grabs your attention and leads you to believe she is on to something big. However, after the euphoria dies down, you sit there reflecting on her speech and think, “uh?” It slowly dawns on you that she speaks in broad strokes, stringing together a series of popular sound bites that convey little more than patriotic fervor. As someone trained in critical thinking, I winch when I hear Sarah talk about drill, baby, drill, and realize that she has failed to drill down into her “positions.” Do not think that critical thinking is about criticizing everything. Indeed, it is about taking an argument apart, looking at its components, and making up your mind whether the argument has validity, whether the argument has merit, or whether the argument is robust or weak. It is examining an argument to make sure you are not suckered by the snake oil salesperson. However, Sarah fails to provide any details. Therefore, you cannot assess the impact or the consequences should her broad statements be converted into policy. For a thinking person, this is heresy. She mines the shallows and collects the easy pickings, leaving behind complexity and detail. Sarah taps into anger. She taps into emotion. She taps into the mood of her audience. However, she does not tap into reason. She is the best snake oil salesperson I have ever seen work-

ing a crowd. She is like a mirror, reflecting the mood, and misinformation, of her audience. You really have little idea about her true, behind-the-scenes beliefs. She is so good at reflecting your beliefs you believe they are her beliefs. She reflects, and feeds, the worst emotional excesses of tea party members. When she says, “We want our Constitution back,” I wonder what part of the Constitution is lost. I am unaware that I have lost any of my rights granted in that document. At the tea party convention in Nashville, it was said

eign policy experience has just included anyone who has ever travelled to a foreign land. What Sarah has going for her is a folksy, down-home friendliness. It is with a smile that she criticizes everything without offering solutions. Indeed, her criticisms reflect her lack of understanding of the issues. You cannot help but like her as a vivacious person but the shallowness and negativity of her arguments does little to lift the political discourse. Or, include facts. To listen to Sarah is like listening to a string of marginally related ideas. Her talks go something like this: “We need to be energy independent and give our hard working people a tax cut and make sure there is a gun in every home and put our country first and get our Constitution back and reclaim the freedoms we have lost, and … did I say give our people a tax cut?” I will make a deal with you. I will show you Obama’s birth certificate if you show me Sarah’s high school diploma. Sarah quit the governorship of Alaska after two years because she recognized that more money could be made running around the country talking sound bites. Compared to running a state – which requires detailed, complex thinking - addressing angry crowds who demand little more than platitudes is easy pickings. People who refuse to do their homework are destined to follow snake oil salespersons like Sarah. Intellectually, the easiest route to travel is to rail against positions for which one lacks understanding and detail. However, to be a true patriot, one needs to be informed about the issues facing this country and appreciate the complexity of society, and thus solutions.

“Intellectually, the easiest route to travel is to rail against positions for which one lacks understanding and detail. “ that we do not need any document but the “four pages of the Constitution.” I guess they forgot the Bill of Rights, the abolition of slavery, giving women the right to vote, gun ownership, and a host of other issues not addressed in the Constitution. Sarah reflects the tea party crowd because they speak before they think. They forget that the states had to ratify any changes to the Constitution. There is little doubt I would like sitting down and having a beer with Sarah. I think we could have a great conversation. However, I do not think the conversation would have much substance. Interview after interview reveals that she does not know basic facts about the issues important to our country. Anybody who thinks looking at Russia from Alaska constitutes for-

IS YOUR ENERGY USAGE THROUGH THE ROOF?

From the desk of Heath Shuler Settlement Agreement Signed Shuler Leadership Ends 67-year Stalemate

In a signing ceremony in Bryson City, North Carolina today, the $52 million settlement agreement that Representative Heath Shuler (DWaynesville) worked to secure was finalized. Since being sworn into office three years ago, Congressman Shuler has been committed to fulfilling the promise made by the federal government to Swain County sixty-seven years ago. The agreement Shuler brokered between Swain County and the U.S. Department of Interior ensures a proper and fair settlement that will guarantee that Swain County has the resources it needs to thrive and grow for decades to come. “I am on cloud nine,” said Congressman Shuler. “I grew up hiking and playing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and along the Road to Nowhere. For years, I heard neighbors bicker about the status of the road. This agreement finally ends decades of conflict, allowing county leaders and officials to put aside past grievances and work together for the good of the people of Swain County. The influx of much-needed funds will put this county back on the road to growth and prosperity.” “It is not often one can end a 67-year-old controversy with a stroke of a pen, but that is exactly what we are doing,” U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said. “The federal government is providing a fair settlement to the people of Swain County while ensuring the protection of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.” “I want to commend Congressman

Shuler for his leadership on getting resolution to this long-standing issue,” said Governor Bev Perdue. “This historic settlement will allow Swain County to move forward and to use the resources to invest in the economic needs of its citizens and the area.” “This is one for the history books. The wildest region of the park will stay wild, and future generations will be able to experience its isolation and grandeur,” said Don Barger, National Parks Conservation Association Senior Regional Director. “We all owe a debt of gratitude to Congressman Shuler and to the people of Swain County.” “The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States provides that when the federal government takes something that is yours, they are supposed to pay you. With the hard work of Congressman Shuler and staff, the federal government is finally beginning to comply with the Constitution. Instead of just a piece of paper, the 1943 agreement, Swain County will receive $52 million in compensation,” said Leonard Winchester, Chair of Citizens for the Economic Future of Swain County. “This settlement is the biggest thing in the history of Swain County and I look forward to working with the community to make sure that proceeds from this investment are put to good use.” Luke D. Hyde, Member of the Board of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Board of the National Parks Conservation Association said, “As a native of Swain County, I am delighted with the

settlement of an issue that has divided our community for years. I suspect that people who want a road built on the North Shore of Fontana Lake will say the federal government has let them down again. But that is just not true. In 1943, the government agreed to build a road only if all the money could be found. It wasn’t available then, and it is not available now. Today, it would cost nearly $730 million to build 30 miles of road on the beautiful, forested slopes of Fontana Lake. And that’s not counting the cost of mitigating environmental damage caused by construction in that area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Instead, Congressman Shuler, the Secretary of the Interior and their colleagues have crafted a strong, workable alternative to meet the government’s obligations to Swain County.” Today, the $52 million settlement agreement was signed by Swain County officials and a representative from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The other necessary signatures, those of North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, were acquired in advance of the ceremony. The signing of this agreement by all four parties puts into motion the transfer of $8.8 million to the County. $4 million has already been transferred to Swain County and is earning interest.The President’s budget for fiscal year 2011outlines the first of ten annual disbursements to Swain County that will pay the remainder of the settlement.

Submit your letters at www.wncsentinel.net

TVA and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC can help you lower your energy use. It starts with an In-Home Energy Evaluation. You ’ll get a number of recommendations to make your home more energy ef¿cient, including cash incentives for half the cost of quali¿ed home modi¿cations (up to $500). To learn more, call Blue Ridge Mountain EMC at (706) 379-3121 ext. 781 or (828) 837-1017 ext. 781

Blue Ridge Mountain

Electric Membership Corporation

CHEROKEE

Sentinel Sentinel Staff

FRANK BRADLEY, Publisher BRYAN HUGHES, Editor DEBBIE WALKER Editorial Assistant Circulation PAT MCCOLLUM Bookkeeping

The Sentinel Newsgroup is proud to serve this community

CORRECTIONS If you find a mistake of fact in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call 828-837-6397, fax 828-389-0075 or email cherokee@wncsentinel.net ADVERTISEMENTS In case of errors, the Cherokee Sentinel is responsible only for the cost of the actual advertisement. Customers are encouraged to check their advertisements the first week of run. In case of errors, the Cherokee Sentinel will not credit advertisements for more than one week.

(USPS # 017-584) is published weekly every Wednesday. Subscriptions are $25 in Cherokee County for 1 year, $45 out of area for 1 year. Single copy rate is $.50 Periodical postage is paid at Murphy, NC

To Subscribe call: 828-837-6397 Postmaster: Send address changes to: Cherokee Sentinel 4800 U.S. Hwy 64 W. Suite 305 Murphy, NC 28906

COMMUNITY NEWS

Wood places in Corn Yield Contest Ed Wood of Wood Farm, Andrews, N.C.,Â recently won second place in the A No Till/Strip Till Non-Irrigated division of the 2009 National Corn Growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (NCGA) Corn Yield Contest in North Carolina. Wood won with PioneerÂŽ brand hybrid P1615HR, which yielded 256 bushels per acre. Â Â Â Â Â Â Wood earned one of the 346 state titles won by growers planting Pioneer hybrids. The NCGA awarded 525 state titles in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest. Growers planting Pioneer hybrids dominated the contest and won 66% percent of all state awards presented.Â In addition, growers planting Pioneer products took 17 of the 24 national yield categories. Â Â Â Â Â Â The NCGA Corn Yield Contest is an annual competition among corn producers with the goal of producing the highest yields. In the contest, growers compete within a broad range of corn production classes, including non-irrigated, no-till/striptill non-irrigated, no-till/strip-till irrigated, ridge-till non-irrigated, ridgetill irrigated and irrigated classes. Â Â Â Â Â Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each year, we continue to see growers planting Pioneer corn hybrids succeed in the NCGA Corn Yield contest, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thrilled that these growers choose Pioneer products for these winning yields,â&#x20AC;? says Pioneer President Paul E. Schickler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re especially impressed with the high yields our customers have with Pioneer corn products this year in a very challenging growing season. Â Â Â Â Â Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;We excited about the diversity of hybrids represented in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest by growers planting Pioneer products,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It shows that Pioneer is advancing hybrids locally to deliver the right product on the right acre to help growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; succeed across diverse environments.â&#x20AC;?

February 17, 2010

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Soup for Sharing

Contributed Photo

Barbara Lanwermeyer and Maureen Ripper, board members of the Office of Economic Opportunity, give flyers to Heath Wills, proprietor of one of Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest restaurants 21Tenn, for the upcoming Soup for Sharing Event.

Soup for Sharing, an event to benefit the Office of Economic Opportunity/ Catholic Social Services, will feature a variety of soups donated by restaurants located in Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain Counties.Â Patrons may dine-in or take-out on Monday February 22, between 11:30 and 1:30PM

at the Ballroom, 51 Hiwassee Street in Murphy, across from Downtown Pizza.Â Tickets are $5 and are available, or can be reserved at the OEO office by calling 835-3535. Â OEO/CSS offers programs to support and encourage families as they strive toward self sufficiency, to assist in

sustaining economic growth in western North Carolina, to offer financial literacy workshops to individuals and families and counseling assistance.Â The office is located at 27 Hatchett St. in Murphy.Â For more information, call Joan Kennedy at 837-8519.

Celebrating Black History Month Miss Sherry Garlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Third Grade Class at Murphy Elementary received a lesson about Black History Month from Mrs. Brenda Blount and Mrs. Zula Cox.Â The ladies talked about the

The Â Cherokee Â Sentinel

history of the Civil Rights movement and its leaders.Â They told about how spirituals helped led slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad and sang several of the songs to the students.Â

They also recounted their experiences growing up during segregation.Â Students were moved by the guest speakers and it gave them a picture of the past.

Contributed Photo

Front Row from Left to Right:Â Caitlynn Irwin, Riley Schwalm, Tyler Worley, Taylor Cook Second Row from Left to Right:Â Jamie Kitchens, Dakota West, Olivia Davis, Destiny Welch, Shanelle Vercrouse, Samantha Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;dell, Justin Beaver, Emma Hampton, Logan Palmer, Joshua Morrison, Chucky Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donovan Third Row from Left to Right:Â Brenda Blount, Zula Cox, Breanna Queen, Lexi Harrell, Kellie Ledford

Chamber seminar to highlight apologies in the workplace The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is offering a twosession seminar entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apology in the Workplace: Improving Relationships with Customers and Coworkers.â&#x20AC;?Â Almost everyone will at some point need to apologize to a coworker or an employee or to a customer.Â Learn when apologies are helpful and how to have them be received in a positive way. The first session will address why we apologize and the components of an apology.Â It will cover topics such as sincere regret (what makes an apology seem sincere?), accepting responsibility (do excuses cancel out the apology?) and offering restitution (making up for a loss).Â The second session will go further in depth with the components of apology that builds long-term relationships, whether a company/ store/office should have a policy on how to deal with dissatisfied customers, and practical examples of apology at work. Phylis Blackmon, Executive Director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are fortunate to have David Fuller present this seminar.Â He is a trained

Local Martial Arts Director promoted to second degree blackbelt The Christian Martial Arts Center proudly announces the promotion of Kathy Cardwell to Second Degree Black Belt in Chung Do Kwon Taekwondo. Ms. Cardwell is CEO/Director of Christian Martial Arts Ministries, a Tournament Judge for AAU Taekwondo competitions, and holds certification through the World Taekwondo Federation. The test was conducted in two lengthy sessions which demanded physical and mental endurance. RePharmacists Tony Godfrey Jim Hendrix

Jody Lee

PARKERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DRUG STORE 14 Valley River Avenue Murphy NC 28906

837-2318 EY CHIROPRACTIC C STUDL Dr. Â Charles Â F. Â Studley LINIC

1R SRSSLQJ Â&#x2021; 1R 7ZLVWLQJ %DFN 1HFN 3DLQ Â&#x2021; 70- Â&#x2021; $XWR $FFLGHQWV

828-835-9586

ZZZ VWXGOH\FKLURSUDWLF FRP

86 +Z\ : 0XUSK\

Bring this ad in for $1.00 off the buffet 1321 Andrews Rd. Murphy 828-835-9320

Do you need to place a legal notice? We offer the best rates in the county Contact the Sentinel at (828) 389 - 8338

Critical Incident Stress responder as well as an ordained United Methodist Minister and retired Army Chaplain. Â He has supervised large multiple-staffs in both civilian and military settings.â&#x20AC;?Â Fuller and his wife have been property owners in Cherokee County since 1976 and have lived full-time in Marble for several years.Â Blackmon pointed out that the Chamber is eager to provide as many tools as possible for local businesses.Â This seminar will be helpful from both an HR perspective and a customer relations perspective.Â The seminars will be held in the meeting room at the Murphy Public Library on Monday, February 22, and Monday, March 1, from 5:00 until 6:30.Â The seminars are free for members of the Cherokee County Chamber, and cost $15.00 for nonmembers.Â Please call 837-2242 for additional information and to register.Â Pre-registration is required. Â Â Phylis J. Blackmon Executive Director Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 828-837-2242

Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Family Pharmacy Located in Downtown Andrews 451 Mainstreet Andrews, NC 28901

quirements included performance of eleven forms, numerous 1-step techniques, self-defense, take-downs, breaking of 3 boards simultaneously, sparring multiple opponents, and quoting of Bible Scriptures. The Christian Martial Arts Center invites the public to attend the Black Belt testing of Joshua Stafford on February 20, 2010. For details, call the Center at 828-835-4800.

Lewis D. Jones Insurance

837-2612 Attend the Church of Your Choice!

Hardware

& Â Building Â Center

Murphy Ace Hardware & Building Center 2450 Highway 64 West Murphy, NC 28906

828.837.7575 Dayspring Â Concepts Remodeling Â and Â Renovation T.C. Â Cogsdell, Â owner 2IÂżFH &HOO ( PDLO LQIR#UHPRGHOLQJQFDUROLQD FRP ZZZ UHPRGHOLQJQFDUROLQD FRP

ite & Pest Control, INC Term E GE E OR SS G E N N TRI STATE IA TE NORTH CAROLINA

828-Â321-Â3827

Â&#x2021;

Peachtree Farm & Home Supply, Inc

W.N.C Marble & Granite

Best In Class Foods For All Types Of Animals With Competitive And Friendly Pricing

828-837-6638

Advertise Here (828) 389-8338

QUALITY MONUMENTS AT LOWER PRICES

294 Old State Road Marble, NC 28905 Bus.: 828-837-2647 800-621-1279

Advertise Here (828) 389-8338

LOCAL

February 17, 2010

Tributes

Editors Note: Due to the unusually high amount of obituaries this week we have had to reduce the size of the typeface. If you find that the tributes are too difficult to read you may also see them on www.wncsentinel.net

Gertrude Alma Payne Taylor

Gertrude Alma Payne Taylor, age 85, of Murphy, NC passed away Saturday, February 13, 2010 in Union General Hospital in Blairsville, GA. She was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late David L. and Emily Jane Cantrell Payne. Gertrude was a homemaker and a member of the Bear Paw Baptist Church. She loved going to church, quilting and cooking for her family. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Creed Taylor. She is survived by three sons, Eddie Taylor and Marvin Taylor both of Murphy, NC and Truman Taylor of Morristown, TN; five daughters, Mary Shields, Diane Curtis, Nyoka Maney and Glenda Bryson all of Murphy, NC and Gladys Hancock of Andrews, NC; one brother, Clarence Payne; one sister, Hattie B. Dean; 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the TownsonRose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. The Rev. Calvin Murphy, Rev. Jerry Kilpatrick and Rev. Steve Ware will officiate. Graveside Service and burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in the Bear Paw Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy, NC. Pallbearers will be Merle Millsaps, Ricky Taylor, Tommy Taylor, David Taylor, Glen Maney and Elijah Shields. Honorary Pallbearers will be son-in-laws. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Townson Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. You may send tributes to the Taylor family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www. townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Clyde C. Stiles

archive of tributes at

wncsentinel.net

Harry Leroy Dennis

Harry G. Lovingood, 77, of Murphy died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 in a Murphy medical center. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army. Harry worked as an assistant manager for the A&P Grocery Store for over 20 years and later managed the Super D in Murphy and Andrews and was owner and operator of West End Fashions in Andrews. He was a past president of the Murphy Chamber of Commerce and was a past Civitan Club member. He was a member of the Murphy First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher and served on many church committees. Harry was known for cooking the family night meals and in 2004, he was honored as Man of the Year for his faithful service to the church. Harry enjoyed cooking and cooked for many church and community events. He was the son of the late Harrison and Betty Coker Lovingood and the husband of the late Jane Clark Lovingood. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Billie Akin and Ruth Ramsey. Surviving are a daughter, Cynthia Lovingood and husband, Skip Mulkey of Murphy; a son, Clark Lovingood and wife, Darlene of Robbinsville; two sisters, Edna Rotoreau of Austell, GA and Betty Lou Hawkins and husband, Charles of Rockledge, FL; three brothers, Col. Howard Lovingood and wife, Betty Kate and Bob Lovingood and wife, Virginia all of Murphy, and Ronald Lovingood of New York; four grandchildren, Eli and Janica Mulkey and Brandon and Dusty Sellers; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 7:00 PM Saturday, Feb. 13 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Rick Edwards, Dr. Chester Jones, and Rev. Greg Swain officiating. Interment was in Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe Phillips, Joe Swain, Charles Forrister, James Hughes, George Worley, and Richard Pullium. Honorary pallbearers were past and present members of the Adult Mens Sunday School class. The family received friends from 5-6:45 Saturday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Harry G. Lovingood to the Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com

Johnnie Mae Lovingood, 76, of Kennesaw, GA went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 5, 2010. She was a native of the Wolf Creek Community and a member of Grace Community Church in Kennesaw, GA. She was married to Ralph Lee Lovingood of Murphy for 50 years and had one daughter, Nancy Lovingood Lindsey and son in law, Richard Lindsey of Gainesville, GA. Johnnie and Ralph were married in Basel, Switzerland and enjoyed traveling extensively with the Air Force. She was a stay at home mother and a tireless volunteer for teaching Sunday School to special needs children for over 15 years. Furthermore, she and her husband served as foster parents and volunteered together at MUST Ministries in Marietta, GA for over 5 years. She loved serving God, flowers, gardening, cooking and entertaining. She was preceded in death by her father John Cole; mother, Frances Cole; brother Gerald Cole, and sister Barbara Howell. Survivors include: her loving husband and best friend, Ralph Lovingood of Kennesaw; daughter and son in law, Nancy and Richard Lindsey of Gainesville, GA; and two sisters and brother in laws, Gwen and Sonny Gillespie of Cumming, GA and Patricia and Edward Foster of Marietta, GA. Funeral services were held on February 8, 2010 in the chapel of Cochran Funeral Home in Murphy with the Rev. Dean Hall officiating the service. Pallbearers were her nephews; John Foster, Kenny Howell, Terry Bozeman, Ron Ice, Andy Zager and Steve Galatioto. Johnnie was laid to rest in the Wolf Creek Cemetery adjoining her parents’ grave. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the Wellstar Community Hospice, Homecare Program. The address is: Wellstar Foundation 2000 South Park Place, Atlanta, GA 30339.

Douglas Howard Alderton

Douglas Howard Alderton, age 47, of Murphy, NC passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at his home. He was born on Wednesday, January 9, 1963 in Montgomery County, MD, to Charles and Rossette Carroll Alderton. Survivors include: mother Rossette Carroll Alderton of Murphy; Brother, Wayne Carroll of Ducktown, TN, nieces, Laura Alderton, Teresa Alderton, Kerry Alderton, uncle, James (Martha) Carroll Funeral services were held Friday, February 12, 2010 at 2:00 PM from the Elk Road Church of Christ. Pallbearers will be Michael Carroll, Robert Rogers, Derick Gaddis, Justin Gaddis and McKinsey Gentla. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home Murphy, NC www.cochranfuneralhomes.com .

Frank J.B. Hale, 82, of Murphy died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 at his residence. He was born in Somers Point, NJ, but grew up in Logan, WV. He played football at Logan High School and at the University of Louisville. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the United States Marine Corp as a rifle coach and sniper. At the end of WWII, he served in China. He attended the University of Louisville and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He was a former insurance executive of his own company, Deferred Benefits, in East Orange, NJ and New York City. He retired to Florida and became a yacht broker for large sail boats in Fort Lauderdale. Frank moved to Murphy in 1975 and was president of Murphy Farm Bureau and Arts Council. He was the son of the late Frank Estes and Mildred Shertenlieb Hale. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Diana Donnenwirth Hale; two daughters, Wendy H. Erlich and husband, Robert of Houston, TX and Betsy H. Ramsey and husband, Tim of Atlanta, GA; a son, Frank W. “Hank” Hale and wife, Mariah of Farmingdale, NJ; and six grandchildren, Ben and Beth Ramsey, Jack Erlich, and Hannah, Nate, and Sophia Hale. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, Feb. 17 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy. Inurnment will be in Old Martins Creek Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Murphy DAV Chapter 73, Murphy VFW Post 10222, Hayesville American Legion Post 532, and Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol). The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Frank J.B. Hale to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com

Thomas N. Flowers

Thomas N. Flowers, age 68, of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in Dalton, GA. He was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Floyd Zeb Flowers and Tresa Forrester Flowers Pickelsimer. Thomas was retired after working 35 years from Coronet / BeauLieu of America Carpet Manufacturing in Dalton, GA. He was a US Army and Coast Guard veteran. Thomas graduated from Hiawassee Dam High School and attended Ranger Baptist Church. He is survived by three brothers, Bill Flowers and his wife, Wilma of Dalton, GA, Earnest Pickelsimer and his wife, Patty of Cumming, GA and Quinton Pickelsimer and his wife, Pam of Cleveland, TN; one sister, Gloria Walden and her husband, Gordon of Mineral Bluff, GA; several nieces and nephews; Barbara Flowers of Dalton, GA and Michael Flowers of Cleveland, TN. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the TownsonRose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Rev. L.B. Adams and Rev. Harry Nix officiated. Burial was in the Ranger United Methodist Church Cemetery in Murphy, NC with military graveside rites conducted by the V.F.W. Post #10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post #96 and D.A.V. Chapter #73, Hayesville American Legion Post 532 and Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol). Pallbearers were Luke Williamson, Hubert Beavers, Alvin Flowers, Charles Fox, Richard Hawkins and Tony Wright. The family received friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Visitation Room at Murphy, NC. You may send tributes to the Flowers family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Emma Lou Mashburn Palmer

Emma Lou Mashburn Palmer, age 81, of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in the Murphy Medical Center Nursing Home. She was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late Jack and Ada Rose Mashburn. Emma was a homemaker and a member of the Second Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl (Bear) Edward Palmer; brother, Glen Mashburn and four sisters, Sue Carroll, Willa Mae Lochaby, Lee Ellen Bungarner and Alice Patterson, She is survived by her son, Robert (Cub) Palmer of Murphy, NC; two brothers; Lon Mashburn of New Middletown OH and Lawrence Mashburn of Knoxville, TN; one granddaughter, Carrie Palmer; one step-grandson, Gabriel Palmer, five great-grandchildren, Lauryn Elizabeth Hawk, Emiley Leigh Hawk, Isaiah Newman, Kaleb Roberts and Emma Palmer and a host of nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. You may send tributes to the Palmer family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr.Harry Leroy Dennis age 88 of 120 Fine Drive Murphy passed away on Thursday Feb.11,2010 at Stonehenge Drive Blairsville following an extended illness.Mr.Dennis was born on Dec.8,1921 in Niagara Falls,NY.,the son of the late William Rimert and the late Alice Dennis Rimert.He was a veteran of the US Navy of WWII.He was preceded in death by his wife,Dorothy Louise Conoway Dennis in 2006.He retired in 1986 from NY.State Power where he worked there and Niagara Mohawk for over forty years.Mr.Dennis was of the Protestant faith. Surviving Mr.Dennis are two daughters and one son in law,Barbara and Roland Verrico of Murphy,Linda Dennis of Pittsburg , PA.,three grandchildren,Kelli and Mario Oliverio,Brook Wilson and Michael Verrico,three great grandchildren, Domenic,Victoria and Rocco Oliverio,many other relatives and friends also survive. Services w ere held on Saturday Feb.13,2010 at 5:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Minister Terry Stuart officiated. Interment followed in the Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell,FL.,where he will rest next to his wife Dorothy.The family met with friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 4-5pm. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Edward T. Chastain

Lasard (Dude) Radford

Lesard (Dude) Radford, age 87, of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Murphy Medical Center. He was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Fred Washington and Mattie Elsie West Radford. Dude was a US Army Veteran. He was a retired logger, loved his grandchildren, reading, practical jokes, fishing and hunting. Dude was very proud to have been a Deputy Sheriff for Cherokee County. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Rada Burgess Radford who passed away October 23, 2000; one daughter, Linda Radford; son-in-law, Paul Mitchell Mosteller and great grandson, Zackery Lucy. He is survived by his loving companion, Bobbie Wells; son, Larry Radford of Murphy, NC; four daughters, Virginia Mosteller of Hickory, NC, Joie Stiles and her husband, Harry of Murphy, NC, Pat Lambert and her husband, Jim of Murphy, NC and Gail Quistorff of Memphis, TN; one brother, Kenneth Radford of Murphy, NC; one sister, Betty Hesse of Memphis, TN; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held at 7:00 PM, Monday, February 15, 2010 at the TownsonRose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Dr. Chester Jones and Rev. Jimmy Morrow officiated. Interment was held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 in the Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the VFW Post, #10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post #96 and D.A.V. Chapter #73, Hayesville American Legion Post 532 and Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol). Pallbearers were Jerry Chance, Roger Beaver, Jeremiah Barnard, Dewayne Garland, Brent Vancarbusk, Herman Mashburn, Michael Stiles and Justin Chance. The family received friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, February 15, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Lesard (Dude) Radford to the Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 12605 Beaver Dam Road, Murphy, NC 28906. You may send tributes to the Radford family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Maria A. James

Edward T. Chastain, age 74, of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at his residence. He was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the son of the late Marty Monroe and Ethel Miller Chastain. Edward was a retired utility inspector for General Motors in Warren, Michigan. He was a member of Old Fashioned Baptist Church. Edward enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael Edward Chastain and one brother, Clinton Chastain; sister-in-law, Anna Mae Chastain; brother- inlaw, Ellis Williams. He is survived by his wife, Bulah Chastain; special nephew, John Buchanan of Macomb, Michigan; one brother, Dillan Chastain and his wife, Mag of Blairsville, GA; three sisters, Irene Buchanan of Murphy, NC, Charlotte Webb and her husband George of Naples, Florida and Judy Williams of Concord, NC and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the TownsonRose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Rev. Hoyt Brown and Rev. Lee Tanner officiated. Judy Chastain provided the music. Burial was in the New Martins Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy, NC. Pallbearers were Scott Long, Scott Long, Jr., Danny Woody, Ben Adams, Jamie Woody and Steven McLain. Honorary Pallbearers were Jr. Tanner, Floyd Hughes and Everett Cook. The family received friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. You may send tributes to the Chastain family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gail Payne

Maria A. James, 86, of Murphy died Friday, February 12, 2010 in an Andrews care center. A native of Monterrey, Nuevo Le n in Mexico, Maria had lived in Cherokee County for the past 50 years. She was a homemaker and a member of St. William Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and assisted in various activities. She was the wife of the late Cecil James, who died in 1987. She was also preceded in death by four sisters. Surviving are a son, Edwin James and wife, Stephanie of Murphy; two sisters, Emma T. De Barragan and Ramona Treviño, both of Mexico; and two grandchildren, Leslie Echerd and husband, Drew and Blake James, all of Raleigh, NC. Funeral Mass was held at 2:00 PM Monday (Feb. 15) in the St. William Catholic Church with Rev. George Kloster officiating. Interment was in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Drew Echerd, Rick Kmet, Ken Watson, Paul Napolitano, Michael Kauffman, and Father George Kloster. The family received friends from 6-8 Sunday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy. The family requests memorials be made in memory of Maria A. James to the St. William Catholic Church Flower Ministry, PO Box 546, Murphy, NC 28906. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com

Annie Amos Head

Annie Amos Head, age 83, of Murphy, NC passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in Murphy. She was born on Sunday, September 19, 1926 in Cherokee County to Frank and Bessie Millsaps Amos. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church and had worked in retail sales in Murphy. She was preceded in death by, brothers, Claude, Amos, Lee Amos and Clyde Amos, husband, Clell William Head in 2008. Survivors include: nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2:00 PM from the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Hughes officiating. Music was provided by Billy Millsaps and Brenda Hughes. Serving as pallbearers, Jeremiah Barnard, Paul Farmer, John Palmer, Roy Palmer, Luther Palmer, Jr. and Stephen Vicknair Burial followed in Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home Murphy, NC. www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Hospital Foundation opens scholarship award cycle Graduating seniors pursuing healthcare college degrees may benefit

Murphy Medical Center Foundation has announced the beginning of its Healthcare Education Scholarship award cycle for the current school year. Graduating high school seniors from Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties who will pursue healthcarerelated college degrees are eligible to apply. Interested students should contact the Guidance Counselor at his or her high school for an application and due dates. In 2009, Murphy Medical Center Foundation awarded $33,250 in scholarships to 19 students across three counties. To make a tax-deductible donation to Murphy Medical Center Foundation’s Healthcare Education Scholarship Fund, contact Kathi Osborne, Foundation Director, at 828-835-7506.

828.837.NEWS (6397)

VERTISE

View an online

Frank J.B. Hale

Harry G. Lovingood

Johnnie Mae Lovingood

Clyde C. Stiles, 80, of Murphy died Thursday, February 11, 2010. He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Navy serving as a gunner on the USS Bairoko along side his late brother, Clifton. In his early life, Clyde worked for West Construction and later retired after 21 years from TVA as a public safety officer and machinist. He was a charter member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Clyde was an extreme Hiwasssee Dam Eagle basketball fan. He was also a loving husband and caring father. He was the son of the late M.O. and Lula Raper Stiles. Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Hazel Sneed Stiles; two daughters, Cindy Foster and husband, Larry and Becky Johnson and husband, James all of Murphy; a son, Steve Stiles and wife, Brenda of Murphy; four sisters, Joyce Murphy of Murphy, Vesta Hamby of Acworth, GA, Linda Mae Powell of Cleveland, TN, and Peggy Rary of McDonough, GA; four brothers, Thomas Stiles, Herbert H. Stiles, and Mike Stiles all of Murphy, and Clois “Chub” Stiles of Kennesaw, GA; eight grandchildren, Stacy Edmondson, Scotty Roberson, Kelly Franklin, Dexter Stiles, Cody Foster, Jordan Johnson, Colton Foster, and Jake Johnson; and nine great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 3:00 PM Sunday (Feb. 14) in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with Rev. Fred Reid, Jr. officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Olen Murphy, Bones and Ray Hamby, Timmy Boring, Eddie Joe Stiles, and Chuck Stiles. Honorary pallbearers were Euclid Voyles, Ralph Berrong, Steve Raper, and T.J. Plott. The family received friends from 5-8 Saturday evening in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Clyde C. Stiles to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Crystal Stiles, 927 Hiwassee Dam Access Rd., Murphy, NC 28906. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com

The Cherokee Sentinel

Notice for Early Public Review of a Proposal to Support an Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain TO: ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUALS SUJECT: NOTICE OF PROPOSED INTENT TO TAKE ACTION IN A FLOODPLAIN.

Gail Payne, 55, of Hayesville died Saturday, February 13, 2010. She was a native of Catawba County, but had lived in Cherokee County most of her life before moving to Clay County a year ago. She had worked for Valley View Care Center and administrator for Covenant Family Care. Gail was of the Christian faith. She was the daughter of Alice McClure Hogsed of Andrews and the late Walter George Hogsed. Surviving are a daughter, Amanda Payne of Murphy; two sons, Chris Sharp and wife, Cindy of Hayesville and Timmy Sharp and wife, Melissa of Brasstown; three sisters, Judy McClean and Peggy Adams both of Andrews, and Carolyn Oliver of Sweetwater, TN; two brothers, Earl Max Hogsed of Gastonia and Randy Hogsed of Andrews; and six grandchildren and a great grandson. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday (Feb. 16) in the Valleytown Cemetery with Rev. Jeff Deavers officiating. Pallbearers will be Steven Land, John Wells, Mike Moss, Grady Thompson, Glen Matheson, and Caleb Sharp. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Monday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com

This is to give notice that Cherokee County is proposing to conduct activities in a floodplain to facilitate construction of the Regal Road/Pleasant Valley Road Water and Sewer Improvements (hereinafter referred to as the proposed activity). The proposed activity is a Water and Sewer Infrastructure Project located in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The purpose of the proposed activity is to provide water and sewer system to a community that has multiple cases of failing septic systems as well as deficient private water systems. The proposed activity is intended to cover approximately one acre, 2/10 acre of which is occupied by floodplain. Cherokee County is requesting to release funds for a Community Development Block Grant – Recovery (CDBG-R) grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to undertake the proposed activity and is thereby obligated to follow Executive Order (EO) 11988 for Floodplain Management and HUD Regulations found at 24 CFR § 55.20 prior to conducting any activities affecting floodplains. This Notice of Proposed Intent to Take Action is being provided in fulfillment of the aforementioned EO and regulations. This notice with a request for comment is being submitted to the NC Division of Emergency Management, the Local Floodplain Administrator and Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additional information on the proposed activity is available to the public between the hours of 8:30 – 4:30 Monday through Friday at the following location: Cherokee County 75 Peachtree Street Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 837-5527 Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments for consideration by Cherokee County at the above address by March 5, 2010. All comments will be considered prior to funding the proposed activity.

CALENDAR

February 17, 2010

Notice of A Proposed Action to Impact 100-Year Floodplains

U p c o m i n g E v e n t s Story Hour

Story hour at The Curiosity Shop Bookstore, 46 Valley River Avenue, Murphy, on Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your children or grandchildren and let them enjoy being read to. Call 835-7433 or 321-2242

hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706781-3992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.

Amateur Radio

Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hike, and regular trail maintaining tripsall in the mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Attention HAMs and anyone interested in Amateur Radio The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665. Amateur license testing will be held on January 23rd in Blairsville. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information.

Experimental Aircraft

Paint with a friend, please

Mountain High Hikers

The Experimental Aircraft Association local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. If interested, contact Jim Olson @ 828-557-2446.

GWRRA Meetings

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, Ga. We eat at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting at 12 p.m. during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed. We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-896-7403 .

Family Resources

Family Resources in collaboration with Tri-County Community College will offer ESL (English as a second language) classes every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Classes will be held in the basement of Family Resources and are free to anyone wishing to participate. For more information call 837-3460.

Abandoned Animals

Cherokee Trail Decorative Painters will be having a “Bring A Friend” meeting in January. Members will be inviting friends for a day of painting and fellowship. We will have a variety of projects at all levels to paint. The projects will be provided by our Ways and Means Committee and will be a lot of fun to paint. The meeting is January 23 at 9:30 at the All Saints Lutheran Church on Highway 76 in Blairsville, Georgia. Cherokee Trail Decorative Painters is an affiliated chapter of the Society of Decorative Painters located in the tri-state area of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. For more information email Nancy Gillis at wgillis@windstream.net.

Paint with a friend, please

Prepared childbirth classes will begin Jan 21st through Feb. 11th 2010. Classes are on Thursday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Cherokee County Health Department. Participants must arrive by 6:30pm on the first night in order to register. Classes are taught by a Lamaze Certified Instructor. To sign up or for more information call 828-837-7486 and ask for Ronnie or Montez.

Such thing as a free lunch

FREE SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH Fridays at Noon in January – February at Hickory Stand United Methodist Church on Green Cove Road in Brasstown, NC. All are invited.

Mountain Community Chorus

Mountain Community Chorus will hold auditions for new singers at 6 PM Feb. 8th Young Harris College Clegg Recital Hall. Regu-

lar rehearsal at 7 PM. Visit www.mapaa.org. Mountain Community Seniors meets second Thursday each month at Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2:00 P.M.. We invite and welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties to join us. We have Music, Informative speakers, picnics and field trips. On Thursday Feb. 11th We have Roy Perrin, Principal of Towns County High School who will give us his very entertaining rendition of Elvis. Light refreshments served. Do come join us.

Castaway Critters

This the the beginning of a new year and CASTAWAY CRITTERS ANIMAL RESCUE needs YOU! We have so many areas (Puppy Promises Program, transporting dogs to northern state for adoption, assisting with adoptions, transporting dogs/cats to/from the vet, etc). I could go on and on. If you are interested in joining our wonderful team please call June Young at 706-400-8612.

Tri-County Womens Connection

Tri-County Women’s Connection meets the first Thursday of each month in the fellowship hall of Murphy First Baptist Church, welcoming retirees, homemakers, home-schoolers, young moms-------all women. Fascinating programs, delightful music, inspirational talks, good food, child care and wonderful fellowship make each gathering special. Call Linda at 828-508-0387 for information and reservations.

Mountain Community Seniors

The Mountain Community Seniors was formerly called AARP, but the Towns County AARP has closed. We are now called “Mountain Community Seniors”, which means you do not have to be retired to join in on all the fun. Our monthly meetings will still be the second Thursday of each month at the Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2 pm.

Submit your events to us directly from our website at wncsentinel.net

R e c u r r i n g E v e n t s DAR Meetings

DAR meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of Jan.-May and Sept.Nov. at 2 p.m. at the Harshaw Chapel in Downtown Murphy. For more information contact Joan Wallace at 837-0876 or Margaret Warner at 837-8777 or 837-2644.

Blue Ridge MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, National Guard, reserve, retired, and former Military, Public Health Service, and NOAA officers and warrant officers and surviving spouses are invited to attend. For information please contact Jim Ferrell at 828-835-9203 or visit www.moaa. org/chapter/blueridgemountains .

Amateur Radio

Attention HAMs and wannabe HAMs North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.

Brasstown Potluck

Brasstown Potluck The Brasstown Community holds a potluck supper and meeting on the third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Brasstown Community Center, 255 Settawig Road, Brasstown.

Flying Club

Flying Club. The Over mountain Flyers meets the second Saturday each month at the Andrews-Murphy Airport from 9 a.m. to noon. For information, call 837-3468.

Hiwasse Kennel Club

Hiwassee River Valley Kennel Club: Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Brother’s Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.

Experimental Aircraft

The Experimental Aircraft Association - local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. If interested, contact Jim Olson @ 828-557-2446.

Small Scale Agriculture

The Far West Small Scale Agricultural Action Team meets the second Monday of each month in the St. Andrews Lutheran Church community room, Andrews. For information, call Mary Janis, 828-389-1913 mjanis@meyecomputer.com

Cherokee Mountain Lions

Cherokee County Mountain Lions meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at Downtown Pizza, 6 p.m. New members are welcome.

GWRRA Meetings

Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Rid-

ers Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, Ga. We eat at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting at 12 p.m. during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed. We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-8967403.

visit mtnregartscraftsguild.org.

Mountain Economic Partners

Alcoholics Anonymous

Far West Mountain Economic Partners’ Small Scale Agriculture Action Team meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month at the Far West offices located at 452 Main Street in Andrews. All farmers in from Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary are invited to attend. For details, contact Pat Love at 828-321-2929 or via email at fwpartners@ verizon.net.

Anti Death Penalty

People of Faith Against the Death Penalty meets the 1st Monday each month at 7 p.m. at the Glen Mary House, next to St. William Catholic Church. For information, call 837-0867.

Commissioners Meeting

The Cherokee County Commisioners meeting will be held on the first Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m. and on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners boardroom of the Cherokee County Courthouse, unless Monday falls on a holiday, or unless otherwise posted.

Valley River Civitan Club

Valley River Civitan Club of Andrews meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., PJ’s restaurant in Andrews. Visitors are welcome. For more information call Anita Davis at 361-1247.

Basket Weavers

The Shooting Creek Basket Weavers Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Shooting Creek Community Center (fire station). Refreshments are served and a business meeting is held before a weaving project is presented. For more information contact Joan (Guild president) at 706-896-1534.

MRACG Meeting

Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild, Inc (MRACG) meets the second Tuesday of each month at ArtWorks Artisan Centre. ArtWorks is located at 308 Big Sky Drive (behind the Holiday Inn), Hiawassee. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more about the Guild, we invite you to the next meeting as our guest.Contact us at 706-896-0932 or mtnregartscraftsguild@hotmail.com or

The Cherokee Sentinel

NCWN Poetry

There will be no NCWN West Poetry Critique Group in July, as the college campus will be closed. The next meeting will be in August at the regular time.

Alzheimer’s Support

Alzheimer’s Support Group of Murphy meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Murphy Senior Center. Contact Laura Harris at 828-644-0680 for more information. Also meetings every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Senior Center in Hayesville. Alcoholics Anonymous has scheduled meetings as follows: Tues. 7 p.m., in the back of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah located across the street from the Cherokee Scout and the Verizon building on the corner of Central & Church Street; Sat. noon at the 409 building; Thur. 8 p.m. St. William’s Catholic Ch., Murphy; Wed. 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, Andrews, in the fellowship hall; Tues. noon, Thur. noon, Fri. 8 p.m.; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hayesville; Sat. 8 p.m. First Methodist Church, Downtown Hayesville. For a complete area meeting schedule and information, call 837-4440.

Domestic Violence Support

Domestic Violence Support Group REACH of Cherokee County offers a free confidential support group to women whose lives are, or have been affected by domestic violence. The group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the REACH office in Murphy. Please call (828) 837-2097 for more information.

Compassionate Friends

The Compassionate Friends is a selfhelp, non-profit organization that offers that offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings meets at 7 p.m. every third Thursday each month at the Senior Center in Murphy. Call Maxine Arne at 837-0425, Mabel Cooke at 837-6871 or Vicky Sullivan at 837-9168 for details.

Weight Loss

Tops Weight Loss “Take Off Pounds Sensibly” in Murphy meets on Mondays at 5 p.m. at the Glen Mary Hall, Andrews Road. For more information, call 8374587. Two Tops clubs meet in Andrews on Mondays. The morning club meets in Valleytown Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 8:45 a.m. weigh in, meeting at 9 a.m. Call 321-5242 for more information. The evening club, which meets at Christ Community church, weights in at 5 p.m. and has a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Call 3213040 or 321-1422 for more information.

Divorce Care Seminar

Divorce Care Seminar. Divorce Care, a special-help seminar and support group for people experiencing divorce or separation will be held on Monday evenings at

TO: ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT: NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTION TO IMPACT FLOODPLAIN. This is to give notice that Cherokee County has chosen to conduct activities that will impact a floodplain to facilitate construction of the Regal Road and Pleasant Valley Road Water and Sewer Improvements (hereafter referred to as the proposed activity). The proposed activity is a Water and Sewer Infrastructure Project located in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The purpose of the proposed activity is to provide water and sewer system to a community that has multiple cases of failing septic systems as well as deficient private water systems. The proposed activity is intended to cover approximately one (1) acre, 2/10 acre of which is occupied by floodplain. The proposed impact will affect less than 2/10 acre of floodplain via installation of a 12 inch sewer line and associated manholes along portions near the Valley River. Cherokee County is requesting to release funds for a Community Development Block Grant – Recovery (CDBG-R) grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to undertake the proposed activity and is thereby obligated to follow Executive Order (EO) 11988 for Floodplain Management and HUD Regulations found at 24 CFR § 55.20 prior to conducting any activities that will impact floodplains. This Notice Of Proposed Action To Impact Floodplain is being provided in fulfillment of the aforementioned EO and Regulations. The proposed sewer system improvement activity was chosen for the following reasons: (Rejected Alternative 1) If Cherokee County takes no action to address inadequate private wastewater treatment and water systems in the Regal and Pleasant Valley areas, area residences and businesses will continue to operate their respective existing private wastewater treatment systems and the occurrence of failing septic systems will undoubtedly continue to increase. Additionally, the practice of straight piping black and gray water will likely continue to persist in the area. Inadequate treatment may lead to adverse ecological impacts to the Valley River and unnamed tributaries within the proposed project area. Also, private potable water wells and springs in the area may become contaminated. While the immediate, direct cost to Cherokee County is negligible, the long term cost associated with remediation of contaminated sites as well as public health costs may prove significant. Therefore, taking no action is not a desirable alternative in that it does not proactively protect public health and sanitation. (Rejected Alternative 2) This alternative consists of construction of a wastewater collection system to serve the residents and businesses in the proposed project area and the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for the treatment and disposal of the wastewater. This alternative would eliminate the need to connect to the existing Town of Murphy’s existing sewer collection system. The new sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plant would be owned and operated by Cherokee County and would be adequately sized for the twenty-year planning period. Due to the topography of the area, this alternative would also require the construction of one (1) wastewater pump station to serve residents and businesses along Pleasant Valley Road. This area appears to be unable to be served by a gravity collection system to the new wastewater treatment plant site on the Valley River. The primary disadvantage of this alternative is that it will require greater capital, operation and maintenance costs, and therefore the twenty-year present value of these improvements is greater than those included in the Proposed Action. Also, the process of acquiring the necessary land to construct the new wastewater treatment facility on will likely be costly and lengthy. In addition, this alternative would require the County to employ personnel to operate, maintain, and ensure compliance with an obtained National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge wastewater to the Valley River. It should be noted that consolidating the treatment of wastewater at the Town of Murphy WWTP is more environmentally desirable than creating an additional point source discharge along the Valley River. To minimize adverse effects the following mitigation measures will also be implemented: The proposed project utility alignment will minimize the length of floodplains crossed to the extent that is economically and hydraulically feasible. All manholes that must be located within the floodplain will be fitted with bolted-down water-tight lids to eliminate the possibility of water inflowing or sewage exfiltrating from the sewer collection system during a flood event. The proposed project utility alignment will avoid disturbing riparian vegetation. Sedimentation and erosion control measures will be installed and regularly maintained. The project specifications will state that all construction in floodplain areas will be restored to pre-project conditions. Native vegetative cover will be restored to the extent practicable and no fill will be allowed. Also, the Owner will enact a binding resolution to prohibit service to structures proposed to be built in 100-year floodplains. The resolution will be in place prior to USDA Rural Development’s approval of final plans and specifications. This notice with a request for comment is being submitted to the NC Division of Emergency Management, the Local Floodplain Administrator and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additional information on the proposed activity is available to the public between the hours of 8:30 – 4:30 Monday through Friday at the following location: Cherokee County 75 Peachtree Street Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 837-5527 Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments for consideration by Cherokee County at the above address by February 25, 2010. All comments will be considered prior to funding the proposed activity. 6:30 p.m. at Hiawassee United Methodist Church. Divorce Care features nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics.

English Classes

Classes de ingles gratis. Tri County Community College. Ofrece classes de ingles como Segundo idioma (ESL Classes) Todos los Miercoles y Jueves De 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. En el local de Family Resources of Cherokee County. Ubicado en 70 Central Street Murphy, NC 28906. Para mayor informacion llame al tlefono No. (828) 8373460.

Family Resources

Knitting

Knitting and Spinning Lessons: “From How to Knit to Knitting Design”, Monday mornings 10 a.m. to noon and Monday evenings 7-9 p.m. “Spinning Saturdays”, 9 a.m. to noon, once a month. Call Martha at Yarn Circle, 835-4592 for details.

Quilting Classes

Quilting Classes In Nonnie’s Attic is quilting 100 squares in 100 days to help Andrews celebrate its 100th birthday. Join us each day at 1:30 p.m. and learn new quilt square. Call 321-2800 for more information.

Abandoned Animals

Just 4 Hours. Just 4 hours a week can make a big difference in caring for abandoned and abused animals. Just 4 hours to walk dogs. Just 4 hours to groom dogs or cats. Just 4 house to clean the cattery. Just 4 hours to transport dogs and/or cats to the vet. If you have just 4 hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706-781-3992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.

Moose Lodge We are now forming a Moose Lodge and invite you to join us. Our meetings are held at Homers Corner Cafe located at Hwy 19/129 in Murphy, NC inside Fosters Flea Market. Come early and join us for a Dutch Treat lunch. Our meetings are held on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1 p.m. For further information please call Art or Donna Harris at (828) 389-6342.

Body Sculpting Class

Body Sculpting/Cardiovascular Exercise classes are being offered at Towns County Recreational Center in Hiawassee, Ga. Class is from 6:30-7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $4 per class or $48 per month. Contact the recreation center at (706) 8962600 or Susan Rogers at (706) 896-6842.

Square Dance Classes Enchanted Valley Squares is having Basic Mainstream Classess on Tuesday Nights at the Towns Co Middle School

Cafeteria from 7:00-9:00 pm. For more information: GA-Al Supplee (706) 3792191 or NC-Bob or Loretta Hughes (828) 837-2561.

Brasstown Suppers Brasstown Community Club meets at 6:30 p.m., the third Thursday of each month with a pot luck supper. Grocery game night, 7 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. Please bring snack foods.

Senior Game Day Dominoes, Hearts, Scrabble, Checkers, etc. Every Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Clay County Senior Center Call 838-389-9271 for more info.

HAMs meetings North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.

Intermediate Bridge Intermediate Bridge is being played at the health department, downstairs in Hiawassee on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 12:45 p.m. All players welcome. For more information please call (828) 3898065.

Oil Painting Classes

Classes for beginners and intermediate students, Wednesdays, 9AM - 1PM at Clay County Senior Center. Cost is $65; must furnish own brushes and canvas. Call the senior center for more information at (828) 389-9271

Helping Hands meet The ladies group at Sweetwater United Methodist Church meets from 10 a.m. to noon every first and third Tuesday. They make quilts for Clay and Cherokee counties’ sick and needy. Helpers are welcome.

Fellowship Weekly Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at Daniels in Hiawassee, Ga. Call (828) 3890140.

Valley Kennel Club Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the

first Monday of each month at Brother’s Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.

Mountain Hikers Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hikes, and regular trail maintaining tripsall in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.

Blue Ridge MOAA

The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, reserve, retired and former military, and Public Health Service, and NOAA officers, and warrant officers are invited to attend. For information please contact one of the following individuals, in North Carolina: John Bayne at 828-389-9427 and in Georgia: Jim Reynolds at 706-379-6601.

Veteran Consultant

The veterans’ consultant, Mike Casey, will be at the Job Link Office on the second Tuesday and the fourth Wednesday of each month. Call (828) 837-7407 of the Social Service Office in Hayesville at 389-6301.

Granny’s Attic

Granny’s Attic, Auxiliary of Good Shepherd Home Health Care and Hospice, is open Wed. - Sat., 9 am - 4 pm. We are now stocked for Fall. To make donations or volunteer contact Linda at 828-389-4233.

REACH Thrift Store The REACH Thrift Store hours are from 10 a.m. - 4:30 a.m. Monday Saturday. We are located at 1252 Hwy 64 W. (Old KT Billiards bldg., Donations accepted during business hours. Volunteers welcome. Call 828.389.1415 or 828.557.7416 for more information.

Women in fellowship

Submit your events to CherokeeSentinel @gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS

Reminder:

Deadline for classifieds is Monday at 3:00. All classifieds received after this time will be printed the following Thursday. 100-Autos 2005 FORD FOCUS SES, Runs GREAT! Automatic, white, power locks, power windows, leather seats, tinted windows. Great gas mileage. Well maintained car. Asking below Kelly Blue Book. 2008 Lexus GS350, 15,600 miles. One owner, non-smoker, garaged. GPS, rear camera, bluetooth, etc... Asking: $36,500 Call 706-896-6076 Bobcat T300 Track Loader, CabHeat-Air, 81 Hp, 1870 Hours, Good Condition! Rock bottom price $4500, contact: dmant5@msn.com / 678-609-1528

200-Employment Store Manager - Kerr Drug has an immediate opening for a Store Manager in our Hayesville, NC location. Full-time position with benefits. Management experience preferred, retail experience required.Please fax resume to (828) 2363328 Attn: Dennis Seeney CNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed for Cherokee and Clay County. Please call Helen @ (828) 8358147 CNA available excellent references. Will work Sundays. 706-896-5794 Drivers/CDL Career Training w/ Central Refrigerated. We Train, Employ w/ $0 Down Financing. AVG $35 K-$40K 1st Year! 1-800-543-4023 Tri-County Community College Registrarâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Continuing Education - Qualifications: Associate Degree Required; Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree Preferred. Minimum three years experience in office environment with high level of responsibility. Must have ability to multitask with attention to detail and accuracy in data entry. Experience in FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. For a more detailed description and requirements contact Ms. Helen Kilpatrick at Tri-County Community College, 21 Campus Circle, Murphy, NC 28906. Equal Opportunity Employer Real Estate Attorney full-time office position: Experience with real estate transactions and /or mortgage lending background required. Send resume to : P.O. Box 2807, Blairsville, Ga 30514 Child Care in my home $20.00 per day. 828-389-9656

300-Services Bush hogging, Stump-grinding, gardens plowed, gravel-roads/driveways scraped, post-holes dug, sickle mowing. Free estimates, reasonable rates, dependable service. (828) 837-7809 Cell: (828) 361-8738 # D&L Painting & drywall INC. PaintJOH 4UBJOJOH *OUFSJPS t &YUFSJPS t 3FTJEFOUJBM t $PNNFSDJBM %3:8"-- )BOH t 'JOJTI

t 5FYUVSF BMM UZQFT PG GJOJTIFT UFYUVSFT 100% Quality Driven. Free Estimates cell: 828-508-5270 office(1): 828-321-2111 office(2): 828-479-4052 # Tile installer your tile or mine, 26 years experience have references and liability insurance. Ask for Don at 828389-9394 # Walker Storage Corner of Old Highway 64 West and West Cherry Road. Concrete block Construction 828-3894926 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. # Massage Therapy- in the comfort PG ZPVS IPNF -JDFOTFE BOE JOTVSFE years experience, call Gerri; 1 hour $40; Half hour $25; 706-896-6108. A&R Landscape Residential, and commercial lawn care. Plant, turf and grassing, lot clean up, mulching and retaining walls. 706-994-2457. Horse back riding lessons for kids. Horses are calm and well behaved. Given by an experienced rider. Interested? Call for more information or rates. 706299-1614. Will baby sit your child or children: Any age. Reasonable rates.References available. Call 706-299-1614

500 - For Sale Dry hay in 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bales $25.00 828-3614633 Hay for Sale June 2009 cutting $3.00 a bale 828-389-0956 Reach of Clay County Thrift Store MidWinter Store Wide Sale. Saturday , February 6th 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 25%-50% off all merchandise over $1.00. Great chance to add to your Winter Wardrobe at half off and pick up other great buys! 828-3890017 RELOCATED & OPEN The PINK RIBBON Thrift Shoppeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1615 Hwy 17 (at the *OUFSTFDUJPO PG KVTU CFMPX Crossroads next to D-Nails). Due to extensive water damage from a pipe break DFJMJOH DPMMBQTJOH XF IBWF SFMPDBUFE again and are in need of your donations, FTQFDJBMMZ GPSNBM HPXOT KFXFMSZ PGG your purchase w/donations. Mon- Fri. 105p.m. Sat 10-4 Black Angus. Appalachian Grown- All natural farm raised USDA Inspected, processed and packaged by the quarter. Heifers and cows bred with quality genetics for sale. Walnut Hollow Ranch, Hayesville, 828389-8931 crkissling@verizon.net Pro-Activ Solution for sale! I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read the fine print â&#x20AC;&#x201C; am now swamped with the stuff. How about $20 for the $45 product package? Call me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great product but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use all of it. 706-781-3044. Sofa bed (queen) beige/ burgundy plaid $100 and small beige recliner $60 All good condition. 706-896-6071. 33â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Travel Trailer for Sale. Very clean, no QFUT OP TNPLJOH -PDBUFE JO )JBXBTTFF JO $BNQHSPVOE PO -BLF )BT BUUBDIFE

Hughes Pool & Stone Carries a fVMM MJOF PG -BOETDBQJOH QSPEVDUT JODMVEJOH t 0BL $ZQSFTT 3FE BOE #SPXO .VMDI t #SPXO 8IJUF BOE (SBZ %FDPSBUJWF 1FB (SBWFM t 4UBOEBSE (SBZ (SBWFM BOE 3JQ 3BQ t 8IJUF 4BOE BOE 3JWFS 3PDL -PDBUFE CFIJOE %PXOUPXO 1J[[B JO .VSQIZ PO $IVSDI 4U

Call (828) 837-6222

deck with aluminum/ vinyl awning, pool, Recreation area, boat dock and storage, 8*'* DBCMF BWBJMBCMF 0#0 -&"7& .&44"(&

550 - Antiques Hiawassee Antique Mall 460 N. Main Street Hiawassee. Open year round. Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun 12-5. Antiques-Collectibles. 706-896-0587

600-Wanted Have any old Mac/Apple products KVTU TJUUJOH BSPVOE HBUIFSJOH EVTU %Pnate old iPods and computers, even if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work anymore, to Harrison by contacting hkeely@gmail.com. Wanted: Old Pinball machines, electro-mechanical, . Call 828-389-6459 Looking for bumper-pull horse trailer in good shape. Nothing too pricey. If you have one for sale or you want to get rid of call 706-299-1614. MODELS NEEDED: -PPLJOH GPS GFmale models for pseudo bridal shoot. No compensation but photographer will provide images for your portfolio. Please email best images of yourself and we will contact chosen models. info@ lorenrouthierphotography.com #

-PTU BOE 'PVOE LOST 2 Stihl Chain Saws from North End of Dickey Road to Culberson NC. $200 reward offered for their return. Call 706.745.2590 or 828.361.4520 Found: Puppy near Murphy Elementary School January 5th . Call 828-3606634 to identify.

Place your ad in our classifieds and reach thousands of Western Carolina readers. Cost is only $5 for the first 10 words for one week in Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counties. Call (828) 389-8338

Price: $7,000 per acre. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less than half of what it has been priced for. Call 828.835.7880. Investment Property near YH College? 3 BR Brick House, remodeled on BDSFT JO DJUZ MJNJUT $JUZ XBUFS TFXFS -PDBUFE CFMPX &MFNFOUBSZ TDIPPM $195,000.00 Steve 201-315-9818 At Award Mobile Homes, -BSHF /&8 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Double-wide. FREE Fireplace, FREE Dishwasher, FREE Microwave Oven, FREE Entertainment Center, FREE TV, FREE Glamour Bath with separate shower, FREE Furniture, and much, much, more! Save $28,000 and now )PNF JT 0/-: JODMVEJOH %Flivery and set up and payments could be as low as $395.00 a month. One of many Specials. Award Mobile Homes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 mile North of Highway 53 on Highway 515, Jasper, Ga. 1-800-964-6638. Award Mobile Homes has the lowest prices anywhere! Save thousands! Spacious NEW Double-wide 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath with appliances, storm windows, plush carpet, House type front door, 8 GPPU TJEFXBMMT MPBEFE -JTU XBT #VU /08 GPS 0/-: XJUI '3&& Furniture and FREE Delivery and set-up. Payments on this new home could be less than $299.00 a month. Of course this home comes with all the warranties. One of many Specials. Award Mobile Homes, 1 mile North of Highway 53 on Highway 515, Jasper, Ga. 1-800-964-6638. Open Mon.- Sat. 10-6 p.m. and Sun. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. We also take trade-ins. Award Mobile Homes has the lowest prices anywhere on New and Used Homes. Used 16 x 80 Single-wide Year GPS 0/-: PS 0#0 6TFE Double-wide 28 x 56 , 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath :FBS GPS 0/-: PS 0#0 Award Mobile Homes, North Georgiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7PMVNF %&"-&3 NJMF /PSUI PG Highway 53 on Highway 515, Jasper, Ga. 1-800-964-6638. Financing available. stop THE CAR HONEY! $319,000 short sale Make offer- in town- lake view, MBLF BDDFTT NPVOUBJO WJFXT CS CB oversize 2 car garage, complete apartment downstairs. Many, many extras. Almost new. Excellent condition. Must sell. Beautifully furnished by designer. Owner must sell furniture and furnishings at GSBDUJPO PG DPTU $IBSMPUUF -FEGPSE 3FBMtor; 706-781-7028 Lots within a gated community. Reduced. Highest elevation in Towns County. Call 706-896-2353. Must sell! )JBXBTTFF (B BEKPJOJOH lots, long range, year round mountain views. Well established neighborhood; $36,500 each; 706-781-5274.

3 Cabins, must see- reduced! In gated communities.Starting at $199,000, Call 706-896-2353.

1000 - Rentals 2BDRM/2BA mobile, CHA, completely furnished on pond, 55+ community. Year round Mtn. views, decks, carport, many extras. $49,500. 706-896-8363 or 706-897-0311. Nothing else like it in Towns County. 2 unrestricted lots for sale or MFBTF 6UJMJUJFT CFBVUJGVM MBOETDBQJOH drive-ways already done by owner. All you have to do is place your RV, park model, or home on lot. 706-207-4159. 1 BR, 1 1/2 BA -BSHF EVQMFY "QU CPOVT SPPN JO #MBJSTWJMMF 'MQ KBDV[[J custom kitchen. $550./ mo. + security deposit. 706-745-2297 or 770-7122107 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath partially furOJTIFE IPNF -BLFWJFX )XZ $850.00 per month. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath $450.00 per month. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath furnished $350.00 per month. References and Security deposit required. 828-507-1617. We have cabins and Homes for Rent! Weekly to long-term, and we;re looking for more ! Call 828-837-5551. FOR RENT - 2 BR/2.5 BA, Mountain )PNF X MPOH SBOHF WJFXT -3 FBU JO ,JU "QQMJBODFT 8 % 8PPE CVSOJOH GJSFQMBDF DBSQPSU EFDL TIFE $700.00 month. 706-897-1734 NEW NAME, NEW DEALS! NOW Renting 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 2 Bedroom, 1 1/2 Bath from $475 to $595, includes all appliances, free water and trash disposal. NO steps and Pet friendly. Ridgeline Apartments, 3346 Highway 64 East, Hayesville, NC. 828389-1545 # 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Cabin for rent in Hanging Dog area. Unfurnished, washer/dryer, fireplace. $550 per month. Call 1-828-360-4630 We have cabins and Homes for Rent! Weekly to long-term, and we;re looking for more ! Call 828-837-5551. Young Harris rentals available Mountain Realty 706-379-3115 3br/2ba 2 car attached garage close to Young Harris College. BeauUJGVM QSJWBUF NPOUI EFQPTJU plus utilities; 706-897-3730. 5br/3ba Upscale home 2 car garage 1.71 acres near Young Harris College. $1200 per month/deposit plus utilities or for sale $399,000. Call 706896-6208. 3 BR 1 1/2 BA mobile home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not

Â&#x2021; Bulldozing ÂĽ Backhoe work

Professional dog training, Boarding & grooming. 1-4 week courses available, training service guaranteed, references abundant, in Mineral Bluff, GA. visit mountaindogboarding.com 706-374-9021

Residential & Commercial

139 Acres of land with with trout stream. Good place for campground. )BT 9 NFUBM CVJMEJOH -BOE BMTP has spring - lacks two filter tests for being state approved. Has nice views and would be good for developing.

You can submit classifieds online at www.wncsentinel.net

Complete Piano Tuning $100

Moving away in a few weeks, Call before itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too late! (832) 239 2644

Subscribe to the Sentinel

Local

Subscriptions

only

$25 per year

Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Construction

800-Animals

900 - Real Estate

in a trailer park. $300 a month. (828) 837-6222. # 2 Br- 2 Bath Lakeview on Highway 175 $500 a month . 828-524-0514 or 828-507-1617 3,000 square foot Commercial Building for rent in downtown Murphy. $800 per month. Call 828-8376222 # 2 Bedroom 1 Bath house for rent in the town of Andrews. Call 828-8376222 # Newer Lake Nottely Waterfront )PNF GPS 3FOU -BSHF #3 #" TFDMVEed lakefront home.Unfurnished, partially furnished, or furnished. $1,000 QFS NPOUI TFDVSJUZ GU PO -BLF Nottely, Unfurnished basement for storage,Call 706-258-7134 or 561-2897493

Ă&#x2019;GeneĂ&#x201C; Martin

389-6024 37 years experience

call us at

(828) 3898338

The following positions are available

0853+< 0(',&$/ &(17(5 Â&#x2021; 0HG 6XUJ 51 37 30 $0 Â&#x2021; 0HG 6XUJ 51 37 $0 30 Â&#x2021; 0HG 6XUJ 51 )7 $0 30 Â&#x2021;,&8 51 )7 30 $0 Â&#x2021; &HQWHU IRU :RPHQÂˇV +HDOWK 0HGLFDO $VVLVWDQW )7 'D\V

0853+< 0(',&$/ &(17(5 1856,1* +20( Â&#x2021; 51 /31 $OO 6KLIWV 7R DSSO\ JR WR ZZZ PXUSK\PHGLFDO RUJ DQG FOLFN RQ HPSOR\PHQW WR XVH RXU HOHFWURQLF DSSOLFDWLRQ V\VWHP 3DSHU DSSOLFDWLRQV ZLOO QR ORQJHU EH DFFHSWHG +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV 'HSDUWPHQW 0XUSK\ 0HGLFDO &HQWHU (DVW 86 $OW 0XUSK\ 1&

COMMUNITY Internet: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " now I can’t do that,” he said. “The Internet’s bascially become a way of life for some people... [I’m] getting no help from the few Internet Service Providers around the area.” Richardt said that Verizon has refused to upgrade its mountain network to allow more bandwidth because the company has monopolized the local industry. “There have been requests to update the line but Verizon doesn’t have to do it because there’s no other competition,” he said. Richardt said he’s considering moving again because of the whole ordeal, even though he doesn’t want to. “I’ve struggled a whole lot with the Internet since I got here and I’ve prety much given up on it,” he said. “I can’t stay like this for a long period of time.” FRUSTRATION MOUNTING “It’s becoming a volatile issue and emotional issue for folks now,” Erik Brinke, director of economic development for local ISP Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, said. BRMEMC gets calls every day from locals pleading for faster Internet to no avail, Brian Anderson, the corporation’s broadband director, said. “Folks are increasingly dependent on broadband,” Brinke said. “We really need the public’s patience.” Brinke said locals will inevitably get more and more frustrated as they try to use the Internet for increasingly intensive intentions. “There’s no inalienable right to have broadband access,” Brinke said, adding, “It’s increasingly becoming not neccesarily a right, but a necessity.” Anderson said that he recognizes some pockets of customers are underserved. He said one such pocket, Fires Creek, currently has an Internet enhancement project underway. Gauging customer demand is crucial, Anderson said, adding that BRMEMC includes general response

February 17, 2010

Local high-speed leaves much to be desired

forms with electric bills and keeps track of where phone complaints are coming from. He said the company tries to get customers to pre-sign commitments if there’s enough interest. Nevertheless, Anderson said that no matter how many people call to complain, there are some locations where engineers just say the job isn’t feasible yet. Brasstown and Tusquittee are two of those places. Some customers have been confused by a service area map on DNet’s web site that shows Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties completely highlighted in “Fastlane” DSL coverage. Judy Chapman, a manager at the Franklin-based ISP, said the map isn’t meant to mislead customers but rather to show that the service is available to some residents in those counties. She said the only way to be sure who is covered is for DNet to test a customer’s phone line. “We would love to provide more in these three counties but we’re limited,” Chapman said. “DSL is not available everywhere and it’s surprising to us the people who qualify and the people who don’t... it’s not necesarily if you live in town or not.” Brinke said customers aren’t the only ones longing for improved Internet speeds. “A lot of our employees don’t have service and are desperate to get it too,” he said. CAN YOU CONNECT ME NOW? Both Anderson and Chapman remarked that Verizon has consistently been slow to respond to infrastructure issues. “We feel like we brought broadband to WNC,” Anderson said. “We linedup DSL even when Verizon refused to set it up on its own network.” Chapman said she also knows the frustrations of operating on Verizon’s phone lines to provide DSL to local

The Cherokee Sentinel

customers. DNet relies on Verizon to update switches in DSL boxes to add more customers but the phone company has made no improvements whatsoever on the local infrastructure for about a year, Chapman said.

end up getting cancelled. As soon as it’s cancelled the service may be snatched up by the next available customer. If it gets cancelled the person who had the service yesterday may not be able to get it. It’s very difficult for us when we’re still trying to provide excellent service.” Chapman said she believed the Frontier deal could be a three-year process, stranding eager Internet customers in limbo. “We have no control,” she said. “Ve-

Glossary of Terms

If you are unfamiliar with any of the terms in this article - the following may be of some help.

Bandwidth: The transmission speed of data over the Internet. The higher the better. ISP: Internet Service Provider, a company that connects users to the web. Switches: The available slots on a local neighborhood box for DSL subscribers. Low-speed Internet: 56K Modem or Dial-Up: The most sluggish form of Internet service. The slowest DSL connection is about ten times as fast. High-speed Internet: DSL: Direct Service Line. Internet speeds range from about 1-7 megabytes per second, although most people get around 2 mb/s. Speed upgrades could take a week to effect. Fiber-optic: Comparatively limitless speed. Some local customers order speeds of 15mb/s to 100 mb/s from BRMEMC. Fiber can also provide TV and phone service. Speed changes take minutes.

Why is the phone company suddenly so lax? Last May Verizon agreed to sell its landline phone services in 14 states (including North Carolina) to a company called Frontier Communications Corp. in a deal valued at $8.6 billion. The move will triple the the size of Frontier. But the deal has yet to be sealed. “During this transition phase there seems to be no improvments on the lines,” Chapman said. “It makes it difficult to find someone who knows what’s going on.” She said that many customers attempting to change Internet speeds during the last few months had unexpectedly been cut off from service completely by the phone company. “If people want a speed change we’re advising them not to do it right now,” she said. “If people cancel phone service but not DSL, the whole line might

FREE Senior Financial Workshop A community seminar presented by OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling and The Better Business Bureau of WNC.

Answering Your Questions About: Smart Financial Decisions for Seniors Reverse Mortgages Consumer Fraud & Scam Prevention

Thursday, March 4th Two Sessions Available: 10:00 am - 11:30 pm or 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Workshop Location: The Truett Baptist Association of Churches

2235 NC HWY 141 Marble, NC 28905 Workshop is FREE and open to the public. No registration is required. For More Information Call OnTrack at 828-255-5166 or 1-800-737-5485.

rizon’s not going to fix any of the problems because they consider it a Frontier issue.” Chapman said that despite the troubles from corporate Verizon, DNet has maintained a strong relationship with the telecom giant’s local employees. “They feel part of our pain too,” she said. Verizon spokesperson Christy Reap gave a more optimistic timeline for the negotiation, however, stating that the company was on track to close the deal in the second quarter of 2010. THE PRICE OF PROGRESS So what would it take to get that high-speed fiber-optic line a mile down the road to reach your home? A low estimate would be about $60,000, Chapman said, indicating that the cost would only shoot higher with terrain issues. “It’s hardly feasible for a residential customer to try to connect to [fiberoptic],” she said. Anderson said that while the cable itself would run approximately $20,000 per mile, the cost is double for underground cables, and trucks, equipment and employee salaries easily send the price much higher. “Material is not really the biggest expense, it’s the labor,” said David Hubbs, CEO of BalsamWest FiberNET, a company that builds telecommunications infrastructure in Western North Carolina. Hubbs said the cost to lay a new cable can fluctuate wildly. “If you put it underground along a road it can be relatively easy,” he said. “If you get into an area where there’s a lot of rock it can be very expensive. In the WNC mountains we have discovered a lot of rock.” To avoid weather outages and pole attachment fees, 99 percent of the cable BalsamWest lays is underground, Hubbs said. At those prices, it would take approximately $5 million to connect 81 miles of high-speed Internet to every home in Tusquittee for just 11 customers per mile... if everyone committed to buying service. To Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, that kind of a price isn’t feasible to stay in business. Customer density is often an indicator of Internet speed. Brinke called the issue “a tricky balancing act,” stating that population density in rural WNC (at about 12 residents per mile) is just a fraction of the 150-2,000 potential customers for every mile of fiber in a city. “If we had more subdivisions, it would be a lot more cost effective,” he said. “Since we don’t have that luxury we struggle sometimes to build lines we really, really want to do.” Chapman said installing a wireless tower would be an even better solution for future developments, stating that it’s more feasible to beam Internet into homes than to bury cables in the ground. Like Verizon before it, DNet’s fastest growing market has become wireless service, which Chapman said is much more reliable than DSL. “We’re still relying on Verizon to get lines fixed and that could takes months,” she said. In comparison, Chapman said wireless dilemmas can be repaired almost immediately and that the ISP has yet to push the limits

on wireless speed. The service is only available in Franklin for now, however, though Chapman said DNet would try to expand it to Cherokee and Clay counties if a high-speed line could be run across the mountains. “The main hold-up is the construction cost,” she said. A fiber-optic line stretching the 34 miles between downtown Franklin and downtown Hayesville could easily run upwards of $3 million and face complicated terrain challenges. In the meantime, Hubbs said BalsamWest has buried approximately 340 miles of fiber in WNC. He said BalsamWest is trying to work with other organizations to determine a model that is workable for residential fiber in rural communities. Hubbs said other services (such as TV and phone) would have to be offered in addition to Internet to make the cost of the lines, permits, easements and heavy-duty engineering worthwhile. “There is hope,” he said. “It’s an ongoing process.” GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION Brinke believes the solution may be in history itself. The BRMEMC employee compared the rural North Carolina highspeed Internet problem to the challenge of providing electric power to disconnected residents before Congress introduced the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. When the government realized how important electricity was it stepped in to create rural electric cooperatives because the population densities wouldn’t justify the cost of building power lines,” he said. “If you’re a for-profit company you’re not going to make any money [reaching rural customers],” Brinke said. “Even if you’re nonprofit, it’s still difficult.” Cue the government. In December Vice President Joe Biden announced a $33 million federal stimulus grant to build a 260-mile fiber-optic line that aims to connect Atlanta with North Carolina. Brinke said the new high-speed network will bring more data at better prices and that BRMEMC has been given two years to finish the project. “We’ve been really fortunate in our service territory to garner the kind of attention from government agencies that we have,” Brinke said. “Clay County had a downtown fiber network before most people even knew what fiber was.” While he praised federal efforts to bring Internet to Western North Carolina, Brinke said the government still needs to become more involved in providing rural access. “Ultimately it depends on citizens who will contact their elected officials and fight for it,” he said. “There have been some great things done. We have a lot of great things to come.” A NEW FRONTIER Nevertheless, providing faster speed to current DSL customers is not the most important issue, Chapman explained. “For a lot of people in the mountains high-speed Internet is still not available at all,” she said. And while Chapman believes it’s too early for DNet to predict what kind of improvements, if any, Frontier might make, it turns out that the two companies share a similar mission. “It doesn’t matter how fast the Internet is on your system; if you can’t get it out to people, it doesn’t matter,” said Frontier’s Steve Crosby. “We have to get it out to people first.” Crosby, vice president of regulatory, legislative and public relations, said Frontier was utilizing the transition period to work with Verizon teams. Everyone from engineers to customer care managers are currently trying to understand the needs in each individual state, he said. Improvements to Western North Carolina’s network will begin as soon as the transaction with Verizon closes, he said, noting that the benefits of an improved infrastructure would be felt within a few years. While Frontier plans to install a few fiber-optic lines, Crosby said the primary concern is beefing up available switches and building more DSL lines on the existing infrastructure as quickly as possible. Despite the heavy cost of improvements, Crosby said the company’s successful track record speaks for itself.

“This is the kind of company that sits well with N.C.,” he said. “This transaction is something that we sought out from Verizon. Our focus has been rural; small town, small city.” In the rural areas where Frontier’s service is currently available, 92 percent of residents have access to high-speed Internet. In contrast, Crosby said Verizon’s properties (including WNC) currently average about 63 percent DSL penetration. “There are ways to get further and further out in the network,” he said. “Clearly there are people who say it can’t be done and we’ve proven them wrong with our current system.” Customers who currently use Verizon for Internet services will be switched to Frontier, Crosby said, noting that Frontier would be much faster than Verizon to make improvements. “I think we’re a pretty darn responsive company,” he said. Crosby added that Frontier had already communicated with ISPs in all of the states its acquiring, but Chapman said no one from Frontier had visited DNet to keep the company informed. In an article on SpeedMatters.org, Dr. Kenneth Peres said he was concerned about the Verizon-Frontier deal: “Verizon is abandoning rural America and leaving a broad swath of destruction in its wake,” he said. “Verizon sold its telephone lines in Hawaii. The result: consumers received terrible service quality and Hawaiian Telecom went bankrupt. Verizon sold its lines in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont to tiny FairPoint. The result: terrible service quality and FairPoint is nearly bankrupt. Verizon spun off Idearc its Yellow Pages operation. The result: bankruptcy.” On Aug. 11, 2009, the Wall Street Journal wrote, “In all, these companies have lost upward of $13 billion in value and counting.” The story continued “... [Verizon’s CEO] extracted prices that literally sucked the life out of the buyers.” The sale of 4.8 million access lines to Frontier comes packaged with more than $3 billion of debt left over from Verizon. “In effect, we are all subsidizing Verizon’s abandonment of rural America,” Peres wrote. “Frontier, just like FairPoint and Hawaiian Telecom, is promising everything to everyone. It promises to increase investment, improve service quality, significantly expand broadband availability and increase jobs – and to do this while taking on more than $3 billion in new debt while cutting operations by 21 percent!

Editor’s Note:

Although this article is lengthy, we felt it was important to take an in-depth look at the core issues of the local highspeed internet problem in our area. The sentiments expressed by the quoted residents are shared by hundreds of people in the county. While the problem may seem menial to some, if unadressed it could very well mean the future of our town. As was mentioned in the article - the Internet has become a very integral part of everyday life and many folks may completely depend on it for their livelihood. The reality is, that the Internet is the future of our communications. If we as a community want to continue to progress and take our rightful place in society - we must have the necessary infrastructure in place to provide quality High-Speed Internet. Period. It has become commonplace for many would-be residents and business proprieters to take their business elsewhere because of better Internet availability. Although the general consensus is that the cost of improving our current Internet infrastructure is too costly, I believe there is great strength in numbers and if we, as a community, can continue to be proactiv on the subject, a solution will be put into effect. The saying goes - “The squeaky door gets fixed first.” The idea being - if we keep using our voices someone is eventually going listen. So in light of this, the Sentinel will be keeping this subject alive on our website and in print, and I encourage all who feel strongly about the subject to weigh in by posting comments and sending us your letters. Our website address is www.wncsentinel.net. You may also send your letters directly to me by email - bryan@ wncsentinel.net. Thank you, -Bryan Hughes