02.17.10 Smoky Mountain Sentinel

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Sentinel SMOKY MOUNTAIN

Serving Clay County

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VOLUME 24, ISSUE 7 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010 | WWW.WNCSENTINEL.NET

Internet insufficiency Rural Internet customers are becoming frustrated with slow speeds in WNC The faster service you have requested has not been set up . Continue waiting for a reply.

Harrison Keely/ Sentinel Photo

▣ Does it take too long to load a video or download a software update? Are you unable to browse even after checking with alternative service providers and companies?

The Market, most commonly known as “Tommy’s Market,” has closed. Shoppers believe the store finally fell victim to the economic downturn.

Tusquittee market closes after more than fifty years By: Harrison Keely Editor@wncSentinel.net The door is covered with signs but none of them say closed. Randi Conlisk grasps the handle but the door stays locked. She peeks between the posters but the lights stay off. And she walks back to her car. The Tusquittee resident has stopped at The Market to buy the daily paper for five years now, but today the small community gas station and grocery joint operated by Robert Pullman is dead. "Several other places sell the paper but we would always try to come here first just to keep him in business," Conlisk said. Closed for more than a week, many in the community believe the store may have closed for good. For more than fifty years The Market (formerly Tommy's Market) served locals, but Conlisk believes the economy finally did it in. "I think people are just trying to be careful with their money and they go to Wal-Mart and whatever," she said. "When Ingles opened the gas pumps I think that hurt them too; people would always stop and get gas here." Joanne Bower, an employee at the quaint thrift store next to The Market, said the store's inventory

had mostly dried up in the final weeks. Local resident Amber Scott said her younger sister, Jenny Cook, recently worked a part-time job at The Market. "She worked there for like three weeks and they couldn't pay her so she stopped coming," Scott said. The store opened in the 1950s under the ownership of Marvin Mahu Caradine Moore, Tommy Hooper said. Anita Lance said that when her father owned the store she would spend some time there after school. In those days the store delivered groceries to local homes. "Some Indian chief from Cherokee would come during deer season and bring bear meet to daddy," she said. Hooper, of Hayesville Family Restaurant fame, gave the store it's most lasting name when he purchased it in 1975. "I spent a total of 21 years under that roof," he said. He began working at the store as a kid in 1959 and labored until he went to Vietnam in 1966. "I was a little boy working on a farm and I would ride my bike to the store and get groceries for my mom and dad," he said. "We See MARKET Page 8A

▣ Could it be that not enough people in your neighborhood have called to demand high-speed Internet?

▣ Western North Carolina is lagging behind much of the country in high-speed access. ▣ Still having trouble? Consult the article below for some solutions that might be on the horizon.

By: Harrison Keely Editor@wncSentinel.net

QUICK GLOSSARY

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, movie-watching, 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 customers disconnected from the increasingly complex applications offered on the web today.

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. LAND 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 high-speed 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 fiber-optic 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." UNABLE TO WORK

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 See INTERNET Page 5A

Moonshine event organizers call for bigger, better show By: Harrison Keely Editor@wncSentinel.net 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

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Sentin el 116 Sanderson St. Hayesville NC, 28904

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 ONLINE plan this year." The 2010 show will Listen to the be a three-day event, full February Parrish said, noting that 11 planning he would like to see the meeting 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

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for promotion. Business owners who contribute will 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. Harrison Keely/ Sentinel Photo Those involved would line-up at the fairRakes Parrish, the promoter of the Moonshine Cruiz-In, talked to local business owners about his See CRUIZ-IN Page 8A big plans for the 2010 show in Hiawassee, Georgia.

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NEWS

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Smoky Mountain Sentinel Wednesday , February 17, 2010

BRIEFS Meningitis kills Wisconsin teen Health officials in Wisconsin report a second student has died after contracting bacterial meningitis. The Dane County Public Health Department released a statement saying a 16-year-old Mount Horeb High School girl died Saturday after coming down with the illness, according to reports. Health officials are currently investigating with whom the girl could have come into close contact. The death from the bacterial infection is the second in as many weeks. A University of Wisconsin-Madison student died from the sickness earlier this month, health officials stated. Health experts think both deaths are a coincidence and not evidence of an epidemic. Bacterial meningitis is an illness that causes the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord to swell.

Canada closes ports over shrimp Canadian ports have been closed to vessels from Greenland and Faroe Islands because of a dispute over shrimp quotas. Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea on Sunday ordered the closure by Monday. Shea last month advised fisheries ministers from the two autonomou regions of Denmark that Ottawa will shutter its ports to their ships unless Greenland and Faroe Islands withdraw their objection to the 334 tons shrimp quota established by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization. Instead of following the NAFO standard, the two jurisdictions set their shrimp catch quota 10 times higher, according to Shea. Shrimp fishing brings in $250 million yearly to Canadian fishermen. Shea said in a statement, "We expect all NAFO Contracting Parties to abide by existing international agreements, particularly conservation measures such as the NAFO quotas agreed to last September in Bergen, Norway, and to resolve disputes through the appropriate NAFO process. Failure to do so undermines the very foundations of international fisheries management and the integrity of NAFO.”

Man falls in Mount St. Helens Rescuers resume their efforts on Tuesday to save a climber who fell into the crater of Mount St. Helens, an active volcano best known for its major eruption in 1980. According to the Oregonian, a 52-year-old man fell into the crater on Monday after a snow cornice gave way. The Skamania County Sheriff 's Office received a call at about 1 pm about the climber, who was heard blowing an emergency whistle later in the afternoon. Officials attempted twice to rescue the man, but were prevented from doing so because of dangerous conditions. High winds kept a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from continuing search efforts. A medic later successfully reached the crater floor but was also thwarted by winds and falling rocks. Mount St. Helens has a mile-wide, horseshoe-shaped crater. It is part of the a series of volcanoes along the the Pacific Ring of Fire. Climbing to its summit has been allowed since 1986.

DEED REPORT Nationwide Trustee Services, Inc.- TR & Jacintha Peris sold 2.19 acres, Lot 46M(North Ridge & High Meadows) in Hiawassee/Tusquittee Township to Bank of America for $ 22,500 on February 8, 2010. Bruce L Ferguson-TR and Steven I & Barbara J Domnitz sold 3.20 acres, Lot 5 (Saddle Ridge Farms) in Brasstown Township to Bank of Hiawassee for $ 58,500 on February 8, 2010. Double H Stables LLC sold 4.46 acres in Shooting Creek Township to Garrett Stables, Inc. for $ 295,000 on February 9, 2010. William Richard Boyd, Jr.-TR and John A & Sandra G Powers sold 1.20 acres, Lot 9A (Trillium Heights) in Brasstown Township to United Community Bank for $ 50,000 on February 10, 2010. David Robin Holdings, Inc. sold 1.24 acres, Lot 1 (Green Acres) in Hayesville Township to Gerald Darrow and Jeanette Mary Bowles for $ 63,000 on February 10, 2010. Horton Homes, Inc. sold 1.00 acre in Hayesville Township to Accent Awnings, Inc. for $16,500 on February 11, 2010.

Marriages Ron M. Hill, 59, of Cartersville, GA and Jerrie Lynn Hill, 46, of Cartersville, GA were united in marriage on February 9, 2010.

IT’S STILL NOT FIXED

Weather stalls rockslide progress on Interstate 40

Snow, subfreezing temperatures and windy conditions delayed work today on the Interstate 40 rockslide project. The National Weather Service for the area calls for snow today and tonight with a high of 26 degrees and an overnight low of 16 degrees. A blizzard warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday. The forecast for Thursday is for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-30s. Crews should be able to return to work on the ground tomorrow doing maintenance and assembling rock bolts, but work on the mountainside will depend on how much snow or ice accumulates on the slope. This section of I-40 near the Tennessee border has been closed in both directions since the rockslide occurred Oct. 25. Snow and ice from a winter storm made work on the mountainside too dangerous today, but crews worked on the ground assembling more rock bolts. The bolts assembled will be installed on the mountainside later. In all, 590 bolts will be installed to shore up the mountainside where the rockslide occurred.

The National Weather Service forecast for the area calls for a low of 19 degrees overnight and the chance of snow on Friday. A decision on work tonight and tomorrow will depend on weather conditions at the site. A new photo gallery has been posted that chronicles the project in pictures from the first days of the rockslide to where construction efforts currently stand. To view the photo gallery, go to http://www.ncdot.org/travel/i40_rockslide/. This section of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee border has been closed in both directions since the rockslide occurred Oct. 25. NCDOT estimates that the interstate could be fully reopened sometime in March depending on weather conditions between now and then. A decision on any partial opening of the highway will be made as work progresses. Travelers still can reach Western North Carolina via I-40 from the east and I-26 to the north and south. Exits 20 and 27 on I-40 provide access to popular destinations west of Asheville. In Tennessee, exits 432 through 451 provide access to popular destinations in southeastern Tennessee.

New Business Offers Services to Existing and Aspiring Writers

The detour route is 53 miles longer and is an additional 45 minutes to an hour driving time. Motorists traveling on I-40 West should take Exit 53B (I-240 West) in Asheville and follow I-240 West to Exit 4A (I-26 West). Follow I-26 West (a North Carolina Scenic Highway) to I-81 South in Tennessee. Take I-81 South and follow it back to I-40 at mile marker 421. Eastbound motorists should use the reverse directions. NCDOT reminds motorists to stay alert, follow instructions on the message boards on the highways, obey the posted speed limit, leave early and travel at non-peak times when possible. Plan ahead before driving by visiting the NCDOT Traveler Information Management System Web site at www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/ or calling 511, the state’s free travel information line, for current travel conditions. For daily rockslide updates, visit the NCDOT Web site at www.ncdot.gov and click on the I-40 rockslide daily news and information section or follow project on Twitter at http:// twitter.com/i40_rockslide.

HHS Guidance News

The Beal Scholarship -Four-year scholarship awarded to a graduating senior in the amount of $10,000 the first year and renewable at $10,000 per year for the next three consecutive years -1st runner-up receives a $5,000 one-time scholarship, 2nd runner-up receives a $2,500 one-time scholarship, 3rd runner-up receives a $1,000 one-time scholarship and 4th runner-up receives a $500 one-time scholarship -This scholarship will be awarded to a well-rounded student with a distinguished scholastic record, focusing on the areas of: academic achievement; leadership; need and citizenship -This grant may be applied to any accredited four-year college or university program, or a two-year college, provided a bachelor’s degree is to be eventually obtained. -This application must be submitted to Mrs. Nicholson by 3:00 P.M. on March 31, 2010

ins and outs of self-publishing will be offered to round out the course Contributing instruction and to provide informaThe mountains of western North tion on this growing trend. Since writing is only half the Carolina and north Georgia attract many talented artisans. A new busi- work of becoming published, Writness, Writers' Hub of the Moun- ers' Hub will also offer custom sertains, seeks to assist area writers by vices such as proofreading, editing, offering courses and custom servic- cover design, preparation of manues that will avail them to hone their scripts for publishing, and website and blog design. skills and become published. Ronda Birtha, local photographer The courses are designed to thoroughly cover the many important and writer (www.rondabirtha.com), aspects of crafting a well-written will be the course instructor and story that captivates its readers. will also provide the majority of the Each course, to be held in rotat- services listed. Ronda, a James Carr ing locations, will consist of two Scholar, earned a degree in English hour classes lasting from four to six Literature from Rutgers University. weeks. Some of the planned courses With 18 years of experience in all are: “The Elements of a Story - An aspects of photography, writing, Overview”, “Developing Charac- instructing and printing, Ronda is ters that Matter”, “Convincing Di- looking forward to sharing her exalogue”, “Using Effective Descrip- pertise. The Wallace Long Vocational For more information, or to advise tion to Move the Story Forward”, Scholarship and “It's Not Over - Revising and Writers' Hub of the Mountains of your (formally the Beal Technical areas of interest, please email mounRewriting”. Scholarship) One day seminars covering the tainwritershub@gmail.com. -A grant of $1,000 awarded to a graduating senior to be used at a technical or community college in pursuit of technical or job training -The criteria for this scholarship will include academic achievement, Help with Prescription Drug Costs is easier to qualify for than you need, participation in school activities, work outside of school in paid think. The Senior's Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is look- employment, and volunteer commuing for Medicare recipients that may qualify for Extra Help with their nity service -This application must be submitmedication costs. The Extra Help benefit could substantially lower your ted to Mrs. Nicholson by 3:00 P.M. Medicare premiums and help you receive your necessary medications for a on March 31, 2010 much reduced copayment. Here are the basic requirements: Murphy Medical Center FounIndividual income limit: $1,353.75 per month. Married couple living together income limit: $1,821.25 per month. Call the Clay County Senior Center at 389-9271 for an appointment with a SHIIP counselor today to complete the qualifying process. There is no cost involved; SHIIP is a free service of the Cay County Senior Center and the N.C. Department of Insurance.

By: Ellen Schofield

Help for medication costs

dation Healthcare Scholarship Program - Dorothy Cloer Healthcare Education Scholarship -High school seniors who have an interest in a career in health care -$1,750 renewable scholarship for tuition -Financial need a consideration -300-500 word essay -Due to Mrs. Nicholson by March 17, 2010 Murphy Medical Center Foundation Healthcare Scholarship Program - Dr. Helen Wells Healthcare Education Scholarship -High school seniors who have an interest in a career in health care -$1,750 renewable scholarship for tuition -Financial need a consideration -300-500 word essay -Due to Mrs. Nicholson by March 17, 2010 NC Bar Association Scholarship -Award scholarships to children of N.C. law enforcement officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty -Can get application on line at http://younglawyers.ncbar.org/media/207370/childrenofslainorpermanentlydisabledlawenforcementofficers.pdf -Must be received by April 1, 2010 Campbell University PGA Golf Management Program Visitation Day -Monday, April 12, 2010 -For juniors and seniors in high school -Sign up by going to www.campbell.edu/pgagm

Apples getting old? Donate old Macs and iPods in any condition to a local collector...

e-mail hkeely@gmail.com News when it happens. Not a week later.

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OPINION Sentinel Staff

CORRECTIONS If you find a mistake of fact in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call 828-389-8338, fax 828-389-3955 or email smoky@wncsentinel.net

HARRISON KEELY, Editor DEBBIE WALKER Editorial Assistant Circulation PAT MCCOLLUM Bookkeeping

Wednesday , February 17, 2010

The Smoky Mountain Sentinel is in the 24th year of publication.

FRANK BRADLEY, Publisher

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Smoky Mountain Sentinel

ADVERTISEMENTS In case of errors, the Smoky Mountain 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 Smoky Mountain Sentinel will not credit advertisements for more than one week.

The Smoky Mountain Sentinel (USPS 015-778) is published weekly each Wednesday. Subscriptions are $25 a year in Clay County; $45 out of area. Single Copy price $.50. Periodical postage paid at Hayesville, NC. Call 828-389-8338 to subscribe. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Smoky Mountain Sentinel, 116 Sanderson St., PO Box 870, Hayesville, NC 28904

PERDUE REPORT

Motorsports Council aims to strengthen the N.C. job market

Gov. Bev Perdue today signed an executive order establishing the North Carolina Motorsports Advisory Council. The council will advise the Governor on ways to strengthen the industry and recruit new motorsports jobs to North Carolina. “Just days away from the Daytona 500, I’m taking the time to rev up our commitment to the motorsports industry, which supports thousands of high-tech jobs in North Carolina,� said Perdue. “We’ve come a long way since moonshine running turned into a multi-billion dollar industry more than 60 years ago.� Gov. Perdue signed Executive Order No. 49 in a

ceremony at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. She was joined virtually by many motorsports leaders who are currently in Daytona preparing for Sunday’s Daytona 500. Today the motorsports industry supports more than 27,000 jobs in North Carolina and contributes more than $6 billion to the state’s economy each year. Ninety percent of NASCAR teams are based in North POLITICAL CONVICTION Carolina and Charlotte is the home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A motorsports advisory council was originally created in 2005, but has been inactive since 2007.

ARREST REPORT John Richard Beni, II, 19, of Hayesville, NC arrested for open container after consuming alcohol on February 8, 2010 and released on February 8, 2010. Kenneth James Gauthier, 21, of Hayesville, NC arrested for probation violation on February 9, 2010. Christopher Charles McCoy, 44, of Hayesville, NC arrested for possession

of stolen goods (2 counts) on February 9, 2010. James Shelton Pittman, Jr., 43, of Balsam Grove, NC arrested for assault with a deadly weapon; breaking and or entering on February 10, 2010 and released on February 12, 2010. Dan Lamar Thomas, 45, of Hiawassee, GA arrested for driving while impaired on February 12, 2010 and

released on February 12, 2010. Arthur Shea Fleming, 36, of Andrews, NC arrested for driving while impaired; DWLR-driving while license revoked on February 13, 2010 and released on February 13, 2010. Brett Alan Warren, 33, of Acworth, GA arrested for reckless driving to endanger on February 14 2010 and released on February 14, 2010.

LOCAL UPDATES New Tax break for Contributions to The Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund A new tax relief law allows people who contributed in 2010 to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti to claim these donations on their 2009 tax return. You can receive an immediate tax benefit, rather than having to wait until you file the next year's return. Certain requirements apply: Only cash contributions made to these charities after January 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010 are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card, or debit card. The contributions must be specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the January 12 earthquake in Haiti. You may deduct these contributions on either your 2009 or 1020

returns, but not both. For additional information go to IRS.gov and search Haiti Earthquake Relief. Mountain Synagogue will hold Shabbat services, conducted by Zvi Altman, on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at 10:30 AM, in the Parish Hall of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church at 216 Roller Mill Road in Franklin, North Carolina. For additional information, call Phyllis Cardoza at (828) 369-9270.

Saved by Grace Full Gospel Church will be having a All Weekend Service on Saturday, February 20thSunday February 21st. Sunday Morning Service begins at 10 a.m. all day food and refreshments will be served on Sunday. The church is located on Burnt Schoolhouse Ridge Road. Everyone is invited to attend. Reverend Shannon Burrell. For more information contact Mary Jane Kitchens 828-389-4180.

Bethabara Baptist Church will be having a singing on February 27th 2010 starting @ 7:00 p.m. Pastor Mark Shook invites everyone to come and enjoy good singing and let’s worship in the Lord. The chruch is located off of Bethabar Road.

VFW Post 6812- Quilt Giveaway Queen Size, Made with Love by the Hands of Hope of Truett Baptist Church. $2.00 Donation/ 1 chance $5.00 Donation/ 3 chances Drawing: March 13,2010 @ CornCFFG $BCCBHF %JOOFS

READING SPOTLIGHT

Beat the winter blues with fantasy By: Dorothy Ethridge Guest Writer Moss Library's latest are just the fantasy you need: t +PIO 5XFMWF )BXLT ÉŠF %BSL 3JWFS JT CPPL two in the Fourth Realm Trilogy. A frantic race to save a long-lost traveler in a dangerous world inspired by modern technology propels brothers on a collision course....with each other. t 4VTBOOB (SFHPSZhT " 1MBHVF 0O #PUI :PVS Houses--In 1348 the inhabitants of Cambridge live under the shadow of a terrible pestilence that has ravaged Europe and is traveling toward England. t 7POEB .D*OUZSFhT ÉŠF .PPO ÉŠF 4VO 1BSU adventure, part legend, and part gothic novel, this is a tale of alternate history set in 17th century France. t 3BZNPOE 'FJTUhT 'MJHIU PG UIF /JHIU )BXLT is book one of the Darkwar Saga, a gripping new trilogy that ushers in the third and most dramatic Riftwar yet...the Darkwar. t ( 1 5BZMPShT 8PSNXPPE )BT (PE UVSOFE His back on the world? Are these the last days? A star called the Wormwood is headed for London in this thrilling tale of good vs. evil. t +JN #VUDIFShT 8J[BSE "U -BSHF 8J[BSE CZ Trade, Wizard For Hire, and Wizard Under Fire-

-Harry Dresden is the only wizard listed in the Chicago phone book. He takes jobs no one else dare touch. t +JN #VUDIFS 5VSO $PBU " %SFTEFO 'JMFT Novel)--Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer starring Philip Marlowe. t 5FSSZ (PPELJOEhT ÉŠF -BXT PG /JOFT JOUSPduces a new hero, a struggling artist living in the Midwest. Turning 27 will be cataclysmic as he becomes a target for extreme and uncompromising violence. t 5FSSZ 1SBUDIFUUhT ÉŠF %JTDXPSME (SBQIJD Novels t 5FSSZ #SPPLTh " 1SJODFTT PG -BOEPWFS #SPPLT returns to the magic kingdom of Landover in this new adventure featuring a dazzling cast of characters and creatures. Also read The Magic Kingdom PG -BOEPWFS 7PMVNFT t +PF "CFSDSPNCJFhT #FTU 4FSWFE $PME JT BO FQJD fantasy trilogy. Reviews say "Delightfully twisted and evil...hard to stop reading." t - +BHJ -BNQMJHIUFShT 1SPTQFSP -PTU " UPVDI of Shakespeare and a dash of Sam Spade make for a truly fun read. The delightful story of a family as unique as the siblings in Zelazny's Chronicles of Amber. t -FW (SPTTNBOhT ÉŠF .BHJDJBOT JT B TXFFQJOH spic of sorcery and magic. Fans of C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling will enjoy this one!

SEND US YOUR LETTERS! This is your opportunity to sound off on what matters to you in the community. The Smoky Mountain Sentinel welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters should be e-mailed to letters@wncsentinel.net and no longer than 400 to 500 words in length. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number for verification. Letters that cannot be confirmed with the writer cannot be printed. Letters must be exclusive to the Sentinel. Mail to: Smoky Mountain Sentinel, PO Box 870, Hayesville, NC 28904

Palin speaks before she thinks, like the tea party 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 working 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 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 foreign 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?â€? 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.

THE GREEN COLUMN

Lower energy costs before building plans are made By: Richard C. MacCrea Columnist

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 mod-

els? 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.

Tributes

Frances Lillian Hayes Matheson

Frances Lillian Hayes Matheson, age 68, of Hayesville, NC passed away Saturday, February 13, 2010 at her residence. She was a native of Harrelson County, GA but had lived in Clay County, NC for 50 years and the daughter of the late Julius and Mae Jacobs Hayes. Frances was a homemaker, loved her family, sewing and crocheting. Her joy was to laugh. Frances also enjoyed camping, loved her flowers and collecting teddy bears. She loved her family, friends, Dr. Mollison and Mountain Home Nursing dearly. She was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, George Matheson; brother in law, Robert Freeman and three sisters, Barbara Joe Hayes, Lillian Hayes, and Leomi Hayes. She is survived by four sons, Tony Matheson and his wife, Kimberly, Lonnie Matheson, Danny Matheson and his wife, Pam, John Matheson and his wife, Dolly; one daughter, Kathy Cantrell and her husband, Melvin; five brothers, Thomas Hayes, Columbus

Hayes, Curtis Hayes, Robert Hayes and Julius Hayes, Jr.; two sisters, Rosa Lee Freeman and Judy Baker; seven grandchildren, Mary Matheson, Tye Matheson, Leann Matheson, Kayla Murray, Cody Matheson, Morgan Matheson, Samantha Matheson and two great grandchildren, Brianna Chastain and Hunter Chastain. Funeral Services were held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Frank Rose Sr. Memorial Chapel in Hayesville, NC. Rev. Danny Hollifield officiated. Burial was in the United Methodist Church Cemetery in Hayesville, NC. Pallbearers were Phillip Rickett, Richard Burch, Lee Freeman, Tony Matheson, Danny Matheson and John Matheson. The family received friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at the Frank Rose Sr. Memorial Chapel in Hayesville, NC. You may send tributes to the Matheson family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose. com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Vickie Shaw Pickelsimer, age 50 of Murphy, NC passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010 at her residence. She was native of Clay County, NC and the daughter of the late George and Gertie Anderson Shaw. Vickie worked at Murphy Medical Center as a Dietary Aide, Mohawk and Owenbys. She loved working in her flower garden. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, James Pickelsimer and nephew, Robbie Braham. She is survived by her mother in law, Betty Pickelsimer of Murphy, NC; one daughter, April Pickelsimer of Murphy, NC; one brother, Henry Shaw and his wife, Teresa of Blairsville, GA; one sister, Ann Patterson and her boyfriend, Ricky Ledford of

Hayesville, NC and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. Rev. Cecil Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in the Old Fashioned Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy, NC. Pallbearers will be Steven Donaldson, Johnathan Brown, Leroy Jordan, Chris Braham, Johnny Hartness and Edward Howes. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at TownsonRose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. You may send tributes to the Pickelsimer at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Vickie Shaw Pickelsimer

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SAVVY SENIOR

How to create a senior-friendly bathroom

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips or products can you recommend to make a bathroom more senior-friendly. My husband and I are looking to adapt our home for our elderly years and would like to start with the bathroom. What can you tell us? Aging Gracefully

Dear Aging, Because more accidents and injuries happen in the bathroom than any other room in the house, this is a great place to start seniorizing. Here’s what you should know. Small Changes To avoid hygiene hardships as you get older, let’s start with some simple tips and a few low-cost addons that can make a big difference in making your bathroom safer and easier to maneuver. ¡ Floor: To avoid slipping and tripping, get non-skid bath rugs for the floors or secure existing floor mats or rugs with double-sided rug tape. ¡ Lights: The older we get the more light we need, so install the highest wattage bulbs allowed for your fixtures, and get a plug in nightlight that automatically turns on when

the room gets dark. ¡ Entrance: If the doorway into the bathroom is not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker, you can easily widen your doorways (two inches) with inexpensive offset door hinges. ¡ Bath/shower: To make bathing safer, buy a non-slip rubber mat or put down self-stick strips on the tub/shower floor, and install grab bars for support. If you use the shower, it’s a good idea to put in a shower curtain rod that screws or bolts into the wall (versus a tensionmounted rod), so that if you lose your balance and grab the shower curtain, the rod won’t spring loose. Another safety precaution is to put in a water-resistant, wall-mounted phone in or near the bath/shower in case of a fall. And many seniors with mobility or balance problems need to shower sitting down. If this applies to you, install a hand-held, adjustable-height shower head, and buy a portable bath/shower chair. ¡ Toilet: Install grab bars next to the toilet too if possible, or purchase a toilet seat riser. This adds twoto-four inches of height making it easier to sit and rise. ¡ Faucets: If you have twist han-

Vicki and Felix Miclat, Jr. of Salsibury, North Carolina announce the engagement of their daughter, Alison Miclat of Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Josh Lance of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, son of Mrs. Anita Lance and the late Harold Lance. Alison received her degrees in Communications and Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May. Currently she works for Duke University Medical Center and plans on continuing a career in the health field. Josh is in his last semester at UNC-Chapel Hill and is majoring in Political Science and History. He also served in the United States Marine Corps from 2004-2008 and received his honorable discharge before going back to school. After graduation Josh is thinking about attending law school or working for the government. The wedding is planned from 5:30 p.m. September 11th, 2010 at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC

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17 inches high, versus a standard toilet that’s only 15 inches. Kohler (Kohler.com) and American Standard (AmericanStandard-us.com) make a nice variety. And if you’re putting in a new sink, install it at a level that reduces bending. For wheelchair access wallmounted or pedestal sinks, or a sink built into a cabinet that’s open underneath will let you roll in nice and close. And if you get a new faucet, the single lever handle style is great for those with arthritis. Savvy Tips: For more information on senior-friendly modification tips visit aarp.org/families/home_design/bath and Homemods.org. Also contact your nearby independent living center (ilru.org, 713-520-0232). These are nonprofit centers that provide modification information, and many even offer free or lowcost home assessments. Your Area Agency on Aging (800-677-1116) is also a good referral resource. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior� book.

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. 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. Tickets are $5 and are available, or can be reserved at the OEO office by calling 835-3535. 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. The office is located at 27 Hatchett St. in Murphy. For more information, call Joan Kennedy at 837-8519.

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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 K-Star 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 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 forms with electric bills and keeps track of where phone com-

Property away from fiber-optic lines is absolutely less valuable

– Joy Stein, Vista Realty

plaints 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

It’s like trying to find a parking space in a full parking lot; you just can’t get online

– Patrick Richardt, IT Pro

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. 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 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. "Verizon'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.

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"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 dicovered 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 1502,000 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

Many of our employees don’t have service and are desperate to get it

– Erik Brinke, BRMEMC

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 Electrifi-

cation 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

There are people who say it can’t be done and we’ve proven them wrong

– Steve Crosby, Frontier

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 highspeed 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!" THE SATELLITE EFFECT

In the meantime, customers who don't have access to high-speed Internet have been experimenting with satellite service from companies like HughesNet and WildBlue.

We are all subsidizing Verizon’s abandonment of rural America

– Ken Peres, SpeedMatters

Freelance Art Director Steve Newton said he didn't even consider not being able to get Internet service when he moved to Tusquittee from Atlanta last year, but now satellite is his only choice. Having designed ads for the Red Cross, John Deere, Land Rover, Southwest Airlines, and the U.S. Air Force to name a few, Newton said he depends on speedy web access to work with clients. "The satellite Internet here is just a hair better than dial-up," he said. "I'm paying about $65 a month and I'm not happy." Newton said he's called everyone there is to call to get faster Internet; he even asked a BRMEMC employee if it would help to start a petition signed by locals who share his quest for bandwidth. "Before I could finish my sentence she said, 'No, that's not going to make a difference,'" he recalled. While satellite service has been good, it's just not good enough, Newton said. "They've got you over a barrel out here," he said. "You don't have many options." Many of the files Newton sends back and forth to clients over the Internet are too big to send at home, so he often drives 15 minutes into Hayesville to work from the network at the local library. Yet as the Internet evolves into a more bandwidth-intensive beast, Newton often has to drive into town just to download an update for iTunes, watch a video online, or download large files. Chapman said that while download speeds are usually fine for satellite users, upload speed, uptime and latency are the service's biggest drags, especially during bad weather.

Newton and Chapman both agree that the terrible connection is a small cost for paradise.

Tusquittee is drop dead gorgeous, so slow Internet is just part of the trade-off

– Steve Newton, Designer

"We live in a beautiful area but the disadvantage is the Internet," Chapman said. "Tusquittee is drop dead gorgeous, so that's just part of the trade-off," Newton noted. "I don't want it to be that way but I'm accepting it." CHANGES IN THE SKY

Judy Blake, director of media relations for HughesNet, acknowledged that despite higher pricing, "if it's the only thing in town" satellite can be a savior to some. HughesNet pricing starts at $60 a month for speeds of 1mb/s. For comparison, DNet offers a comparable speed for $25 per month. Blake said she wasn't quite sure why satellite pricing is so high, but said it's probably the expense of the technology involved. "The prices come down the more subscribers you have," she added. "The DSL companies have millions. Satellite is a fairly new thing for consumers." Chapman said she doesn't foresee satellite Internet growing as much as other Internet technologies. One reason is that satellite is a poor medium for online gaming, which she said has become a big industry among DNet users in the region. Blake said changes are afoot, however, noting that a new satellite named "Jupiter" is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2012. Satellite service is making "quantum leaps," Blake said. She stated that HughesNet's current satellite offers ten times the speed and capacity of its predecessor. Jupiter, she added, will be a 100-fold improvement over the current hardware in orbit. The technological boosts will only continue, she said. Customer's should be appreciating Jupiter's improvements soon after the satellite is launched, Blake said, noting that either higher speeds will offered for the same price or current speeds will be offered at a lower price. MORE BARS

For those who don't want to face the HughesNet hassles, 3G cellular network cards provide another Internet alternative for laptops, although, like satellite, speeds are slower and cost is higher than traditional service. Unlike satellite, however, location matters, and in the mountains signal can prove to be pretty elusive. "If your home cell service doesn't offer five bars, you're not going to get a full data connection out of it," Richardt said. Yet 90 year-old Harold "Dana" Austin can't get a signal on his phone or high speed Internet to his Murphy home. In fact, after losing electricity three times this past week, Internet is becoming the least of his worries. His daughter, Lee Epstein, lives four miles further down the road and gets DSL service. She said she considered ordering HughesNet for her father but was put off by the high cost. "He's getting to the point that he's considering giving up on it," she said. "Partly because it takes so long for anything to come up." While Brinke said BRMEMC is committed to improving the quality of broadband in the region, he couldn't give a timeframe for unconnected communities. Customers who can't get any highspeed coverage should continue pushing a community grassroots campaign forward, Brinke said. "Talk to your neighbors; talk to your elected officials. That will certainly create some ripples on our pond," he said. "If you give us time we'll get there...it's just a very slow, very expensive endeavor that we feel should be cost-justified as we go along."

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Wednesday , February 17, 2010

Recurring Events SUPPORT Assault Support Rape and sexual assault have physical and emotional effects, both short-term and lasting. REACH of Clay County is holding a sexual assault support group for women in Hayesville. Call (828) 389-0797.

Stroke Support A stroke support group meets every third Thursday of each month. The meetings are in the large conference room at Murphy Medical Center. Medical advisor is Dr. Ken Cassell. Contact Carol Dorman or Dawn Colbert in the discharge planning department at (828) 835-7589.

Al-Anon Meetings 7 p.m. Sunday Night, Chatuge Regional Hospital, Hiawassee GA 8 p.m. Monday Night, “The Mustard Seed�, 12 Step and Twelve Tradition Meeting at Mountain Presbyterian Church, Blairsville GA New Ala-Teen Meeting 8 p.m. Wednesday Night at Mountain Presbyterian Church, Blairsville, Ga. 8 p.m. Wednesday Night at Mountain Presbyterian Church, Blairsville Ga. 12:00 noon Tuesday, Mountain Regional Library, Young Harris, GA Al-Anon is open anyone who has been affected by another person’ drinking. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or a friend. Call 706-835-5827, 706-897-0628 or 828-389-8981. for more information.

Free WRAP classes Free weekly WRAP classes are being offered every Tuesday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in Clay County at the Hayesville office of Murphy Counseling (the old Smoky Mountain Center). Wellness Recovery Action Planning, i.e. WRAP, is a 10-week course that teaches you an approach for managing mental health and/or substance abuse symptoms that are interfering with your life. Classes are free and you can begin at any time. There is HOPE for a better life! For more information, call the Marble Center, 837-7466, ext. 2311, and

talk to one of our facilitators about this wonderful program.

Co-dependents Co-Dependents Anonymous meetJOHT BSF BT GPMMPXT t'PS XPNFO POMZ "U 12 noon on Mondays at Young Harris Library in Young Harris, Ga. Call Linda at (706) 781 t"U Q N 5IVSTEBZT BU .PVOUBJO Presbyterian Church in Blairsville, Ga. Call Rocky, (706) 897-2885.

"Recovery" Ministry The First Freewill Baptist Church of Hayesville and Pastor Chris Rumfelt welcomes you to "Celebrate Recovery!," a Christ-centered recovery ministry for alcoholism, divorce, sexual abuse, co-dependency, domestic violence, drug addiction and any other hurt, habit or hang-up from 7-9 p.m., Thursdays. For more information, call Rumfelt at (828) 361-4090.

Alzheimer's Support

The Towns/Union Alzheimer's support meets at Brasstown Manor in Hiawassee, Ga. The group now meets the first and third Friday of each month from 3–4:30 p.m. Call (706) 896-4285

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.

Divorce Seminar

"Divorce Care," a divorce recovery seminar and support group, meets at 7 p.m. on Mondays at Hiawassee United Methodist Church. For more information, call Mary at (706) 896-9004.

Food Addicts

Meetings are 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Sharp Memorial Church in Young Harris, Ga. Call Jim at (828) 361-7565 (cell) or (828) 389-1975 or Sandy at (828) 361-5278.

Alzheimer's Group

An Alzheimer's Support Group meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Clay County Senior Center in Hayesville.

Cancer support group Cancer support group meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the community room, United Community Bank, Hayesville, corner of Hwy 64 and Hwy 69. Any questions can be directed to Janet Curns, evenings at 828-389-0295.

Out-Patient Drug Treatment Program and Education Narconon warns families that abuse of addictive pharmaceutical drugs is on the rise with deadly consequences. Learn the signs of drug abuse. Someone you love may be at risk. Call Narconon for a free brochure on the signs of addiction for all drugs. 877379-0208. www.drugsno.com

Soaking Prayer A healing prayer team holds prayer sessions each Tuesday evening at 7:00 at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Sponsored by the River of Healing chapter of the Int'l Order of St. Luke. More information (828)389-3397.

ACTIVITIES

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) 379-2191 or NC-Bob or Loretta Hughes (828) 837-2561.

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.

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

Upcoming Events Make a toothbrush rag

Art Matters Calendar: February 18- Toothbrush rag and Sketching to Paint. February 25- Rag wreath and Sketching to Paint Classes are from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the fee is $20.00 plus supplies. Call 828-389-0406

HAM it up

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 February 20th in Blairsville. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information.

Republican dinner

The Republican Party of Clay County will be having its annual Lincoln/Reagan Day Dinner at the Senior Center, 196 Ritter Road, on Thursday, February 18th at 6 PM. Call James F. Davis, Chairman, for details (389 8971). Independents welcomed.

Democratic dinner

The Clay County Democratic Party will be meeting for a Potluck Dinner and Precinct Meetings on Saturday, February 27, in the Hayesville School Cafeteria. The activities will begin at 6:00 P.M. All Democrats are urged to bring a favorite dish and join us for this important meeting. This will be a good opportunity to meet our candidates for public office. Please call 389-4430 for more information.

S.A.F.E. Gala $60 a plate

S.A.F.E. announces their 9th Annual Gala Charity Auction and Dinner on Saturday February 20th, 2010 at Brasstown Valley Resort. Festivities begin at 5pm, dinner at 6 pm. Tickets on sale at S.A.F.E. Thrift stores & Appalachian Community Bank. $60 each, or 2 for $100.00. For more information, please call 706-379-1901. Visit www.safeservices.org

Coin club flips meeting time

The organizational meeting of the Mountain Coin Club, open to residents of the tristate area, has been rescheduled to Thursday, Feb. 25th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cadence Bank in Blairsville, GA. For more information, call YOCS, 706-379-1488.

Hike to supper at Dick’s

On February 20th at Benton MacKaye Trail: Winter on the Tapoco Section (19c) 4.43 miles. Great views! Moderate difficulty. Hike Leader: Dick Evans (828) 479-2503 email: richardevans@wildblue .net Please contact Hike Leader for meeting time and place! Supper at Dick’s house. Also see website: www.bmta.org

Free plant symposium

Free native plant symposium, February 20, 9am-3pm at NC Arboretum, Asheville, presented by NC Native Plant Society. Ed Schwartzman, NCDENR, Natural Heritage Program, presents on flora of Nantahala River; Scott Dean, WNC Naturally, on Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildflower hike and many other presentations. Brought to you by Gardens of The Blue Ridge & Carolina Native Nursery. RSVP, mitch@ncwildflower.org or visit, http://www.ncwildflower.org/index. php/site/event_details/1445/

Arts classes upcoming

Tri-County Community College is offering a variety of classes from the Career & Community Education division beginning in February. These courses are a good opportunity to pass the cold winter months by learning something new. In Andrews, Kandy Barnard’s Oil Painting class will meet at the TCCC Andrews Office at Andrews High School on Tuesdays from 6:309:30 p.m. beginning February 23 and running through March 30. The class costs $45. Grace Hawkins will hold her Oil Painting class at the Hayesville Senior Center on Wednesdays from 9:00-Noon. The class is scheduled for February 24 through March 31 and will cost $58. Most of these classes require a minimum number of students in order to be held and pre-registration is required. For more information about any of Tri-County Community College’s Community Enrichment classes, please call Lisa Long at 828-835-9564, ext. 207.

Free food distribution

There will be a free community produce distribution on Friday, February 19, 2010 for needy families who are on low income. This is a coordinated project between Manna Food Bank and the First Free Will Baptist Church of Hayesville, NC. Please bring your own bags and boxes to collect food in. The distribution will be between the hours of 12:00 and 2:00 PM in front of the First Free Will Baptist Church at 259 Tusquittee Street

6A

Smoky Mountain Sentinel

(intersection of Ritter Road and Tusquittee Street) in Hayesville. For more information or directions, please contact Scott Scroggs at 828 389-4649 or 828 361-3111.

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 838389-9271 for more info.

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) 389-8065.

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) 389-0140.

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.

Army & Navy Garrison #66 The Army and Navy Garrison #66 meets the first Wednesday of each month. Dinner is at 6 p.m. Veterans meeting and Women’s Auxiliary begin at 7 p.m. 2641 Hwy 66, Young Harris, Ga ( at the Ga/ NC State Line)

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.

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

Clay Lions to Meet Clay County Lions Club meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Scout Hut. Call Membership Chairman Rondle Ford at (828) 389-9530 or Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Russell Hughes at (828) 389-3890.

British Empire Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) is hoping to establish a local chapter in the North Georgia/Western North Carolina mountains area and would like to contact eligible women. The DBE is a charitable, nonprofit, nonpolitical American organization and membership is extended to women of British or British Commonwealth birth or ancestry and to women married to men of British or British Commonwealth birth. Membership is organized on a chapter basis and meetings are held monthly usually followed by an informal social time over a cup of tea or coffee and British goodies. For more information about joining the chapter please contact: Maureen at 404 583 3958 or email at maureendbe@hotmail.com

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 828-3894233.

Library Book Store

Record Albums (33 1/3) are back and we've got dozens of new arrivals. Also books on tape and VCR movies.

Don't forget us when you need that special book! Monday to Sat. 10 a.m. -4 p.m across from the moss library in Hayesville.

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.

CCCC Auxillary

The Clay County Care Center Auxiliary holds it’s monthly meeting the 2nd Thursday of each month. The meetings begin at 10 a.m. at the Care Center. The Auxiliary raises money to help with residents activities. Anyone interested contact Linda Davis at 828-389-4233 or lulu111@verizon.net.

Merchants Assoc.

Historic Hayesville Merchants Association meets at 8 a.m. the 2nd Wed, The HHM board meets at 8 a.m. the 1st Wed, in the community room of United Community Bank. Contact Joseph Sorensen for information. 828-361-7569.

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.

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.

Mtn. Community Seniors

We meet at 2:00 P.M. second Thursday each month at Hiawassee Senior Center We welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties. We have Music, Informative speakers, picnics and field trips.

Enchanted Square Dance Enchanted Valley Square Dance is the 2nd & 4th Friday each month at the Tons County Elementary School Cafeteria. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Our caller is Ray Mauney. Join us for lessons at 7 p.m. at the Hayesville Senior Center, Ritter Road. For more information call Loyd Lee at 706-896-5969.

IS YOUR ENERGY USAGE THROUGH THE ROOF?

Corn Beef & Cabbage dinner

Allision - Bristol VFW Post 6812 for $8.00 Donation on March 13, 2010 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eat in or Take Out Senior Center, Ritter Road. Hayesville, NC

Tusquittee Community

The monthly covered dish supper will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Tusquittee Community Building on Downings Creek Road. The speaker will be Paul Leek, Clay County Manager. Please bring your favorite covered dish and join the fun. Questions? Call Audrey Ray at 389-4540

Granny’s Attic Thrift Store

Auxiliary for Good Shepherd Home Health care and Hospice. Open 9 am - 4 pm Wed. - Sat. Come in and find that treasure you just can’t do without. For information call 389-6311

Facing the Giants at UMC

March 19th at 6 p.m. Free Family Movie/ Popcorn Night at Sharp UMC. Movie: Facing the Giants March 23rd at 7 p.m. Movie and a Lecture at Sharp UMC. Movie: Expelled Lecture by Dr. Jamie Watson, Philosophy Prof. at YHC.

Auto Club at Brothers

Good Neighbors Auto Club will hold its monthly meeting 2-18-10 at Brothers Restaurant, Hwy 64 W, Murphy, NC at 6:30 - 8:00pm. Everyone is invited to attend and we will be discussing the new board.

Clay County Parents

You’re invited to Clay County Parent to Parent. This month we will be discussing How to Advocate Effectively. February 23, 2010 @ 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Dinner and Childcare provided. Please RSVP by February 19th to Melissa Myers @ 828-389-4197 or julie@regionkids. org. Sponsored by: Family Support Network of Region A Partnership for Children www.regionkids.org

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

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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 CNA’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 Registrar—Continuing Education - Qualifications: Associate Degree Required; Bachelor’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 4’ x 5’ 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 Shoppe’ 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 didn’t read the fine print – am now swamped with the stuff. How about $20 for the $45 product package? Call me – it’s a great product but I can’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. 33’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 don’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. That’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 – 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 – 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 Georgi’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 – not

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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

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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.

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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

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COMMUNITY

8A

Smoky Mountain Sentinel Wednesday , February 17, 2010

Cruiz-In:

Market:

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grounds 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." 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 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

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A member of the Towns County Tourism Board discusses the upcoming Moonshine Cruiz-In with locals.

$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-meterlong tour boat making multiple trips on 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

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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-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."

)BSSJTPO ,FFMZ 4FOUJOFM 1IPUP 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.

Upright to perform at Freewill Baptist

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.

Pastor Chris Rumfelt and the church family of The First Freewill Baptist Church located in Hayesville, NC would like to invite everyone to attend a special singing performed by Mike Upright on Sunday Feb. 21 at 11 am. Mike Upright has been traveling the United States for 15 years singing songs of hope and inspiration to God’s people and sharing the Gospel with the lost. Living in the mountains of North Carolina, Mike is dubbed by some as “The Southern Gentleman� of Gospel music. Mike shares the message in his songs with a smooth vocal style

that is very distinctive and easy to identify. Mike has appeared on TV shows such as TBN and FRONT PORCH GOSPEL, has charted many many songs in the nation’s top Gospel Music Magazine’s and his music can be heard on XM radio and Gospel Music stations throughout The United States,Canada, Mexico, The Netherlands and the list goes on! The church is located at the junction of Tusquittee Street and Ritter Rd in Hayesville. For more information, contact Pastor Chris Rumfelt at

were just poor people back in those days." One day the owner asked him if he wanted a job. During his seven years of employment, Hooper only missed work on two afternoons, he said. The first time was when he had tonsillitis and the second was when he went on his junior class trip to Vogel Lake, despite the owner warning him not to. They ended up not talking for three weeks, Hooper said. Hooper said he recalls pumping gas and kerosene for customers on the gravel roads in front of the station and carrying out grocery bags. After 11 years of ownership, Hooper sold the store to the DunDBO 0JM $PNQBOZ JO VOUJM they asked him to take it back in 1992. "We were there during the blizzard of '93," Hooper said. "Twenty-four inches of snow and we PQFOFE JU VQ * ESPWF NZ XIFFM drive down there and we just about sold half of the store." +VTU B ZFBS MBUFS JO IF TPME JU to Tommy and Linda Moore who, naturally, kept the name "Tommy's Market." "When we were down there we had a booming business," Linda Moore said, adding that she spent most of her time working the store. "It was mostly friends and neighbors coming and going all the time," she said. "I really miss seeing the people. Just about everybody who came through the store, we called them by their first name." "GUFS ZFBST UIF .PPSFT TPME Tommy's Market. Linda said that she believed the store fell victim to the economy, but that she holds out hope that someone else will reopen it. "Things have changed," Hooper said. "The big stores naturally get the bulk of the business now." If The Market had been managed well and kept a large inventory, Hooper said it might still be in operation. He said that expiration dates on food items have made owning a small store tough. "It used to be nothing had a date on it," he said. "Now customers get the freshest and leave the oldest.... and the store takes the loss." Hooper said he doesn't know the current owner personally but that Pullman mentioned he would probably have to close. After Pullman pushed for Clay County to pass the alcohol referendum, Hooper said he heard that the store began to fill with beer and lottery tickets, while gum, tobacco and gas dried up toward the end. "You've got to have what people want," he said. "Everybody don't buy lottery tickets and everybody don't buy beer. We're in the Bible belt here... A lot of people walk in and see beer and don't come back again." Hooper said he didn't know if the store will ever open again, adding that he's already heard from people who want him to buy it back. Even though he currently leases his old restaurant building, Hooper said he doesn't need the stress of handling two businesses: "I don't want to work seven days again." Robert Pullman did not return calls for comment on this story.

Aspen Fine breaks local cookie record

Aspen Fine, of the local Girl Scouts troop, recently broke the record for most pre-sales in history. Fine sold 1,200 boxes of cookies. The cookies are $3.50 a box and have arrived. If you are interested in purchasing cookies to support the Girl Scouts or picking up boxes you have PSEFSFE DPOUBDU Aspen Fine is pictured with her mother’s van packed full of cookie boxes. Initially Aspen couldn’t help deliver because there was no room for her in the vehicle.

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