Transportation projects in jeopardy
Area Dentists team up to Give Kids a Smile
Young Republican taking Party by storm
Students learn importance of good dental hygiene
Fourteen year old Ashton Owens aspires to be President
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bring government
to the schools Regular board meeting held at Murphy High School By: Frank Bradley
It was a class of sorts, one without grades, for Murphy High School seniors. It took place in the high school’s media center with a regularly scheduled county commissioners meeting. A chance for these students to see up close how local government works, at least one part of it. “Twenty-nine years ago, I was in your place (in school at Murphy High School),” board chairman Jonathan Dickey told the class. “I didn’t have a clue how our government operated. In fact for the first 42 years of my life, I never attended a commissioners meeting. “ Dickey went on to explain the importance of these young men and women finding out how government works to become better citizens for someday they might find themselves in governmental leadership positions like the current members of the board. Commissioner David Sumpter spoke of the importance boards play in conducting county business including the county school board. He also invited questions from the Murphy High School seniors. Commissioner Dana Jones explained that each of the three county commissioners, while being elected in a county wide vote for four year term actually come from a different section of the county. Jones from the Tomotla, Andrews end of the county; Sumpter from the western end includSentinel Writer
Andrews Valley Initiative seeks to bring Wi-Fi Internet Cloud into County By: Bryan Hughes Editor This cloud won’t bring any precipitation, but it may just be the first building block in solving our local high-speed internet problem. The Andrews Valley Initiative has proposed a wireless “cloud” or mesh to go over the town of Andrews. I recently had the chance to sit down with Leon Tatham of the Andrews Valley Initiative, and he showed me a fantastic presentation outlining just how easy it would be to cover the town of Andrews with a high speed wireless Internet “Cloud”. So how will it work? The concept is actually quite simple. There are three water tanks owned by the town of Andrews located at elevations well above the valley floor. It is proposed
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that wireless communication towers be located at each of these reservoirs. Those towers will then be fed with a High-Speed Fiber Internet Connection to serve as the main backbone for the system. The wireless signal from the towers will then be broadcast to strategically placed repeater boxes mounted on utility poles throughout Andrews. These repeater boxes will do exactly what their name implies – they repeat the signal throughout the town, thus creating a wireless mesh in Andrews. Now, those of you sitting in Murphy or Hayesville are probably wondering – how will this help me? Initially, the project is set to start in Andrews, but the beauty of wireless communication is that it is infinitely expandable. Take a look around at the cell and radio towers dotting the tops
of our mountains. “There is the real possibility that these towers can be incorporated into a Wireless Mesh, “Said Tatham. So as the project gains momentum it could be easily expanded to cover any distance. What are the benefits of moving to a wireless system? One major benefit is for our local service people. “Andrews police officers can’t always get a reliable signal for their laptops”, said Tatham. In an emergency situation, time is always of the essence, and our police officers, paramedics, and fire fighters need to have every available resource within reach at all times – including the Internet. A wireless mesh would allow for emergency personnel to receive a constant stream of emergency information no matter where they are at. This would allow See INTERNET Page 8A
2010 CENSUS
It pays to be Counted 2010 Census count about to start By: Frank Bradley Sentinel Writer It only happens every ten years. And getting an accurate head count is critically important. So said Andrea Robel, a regional director for the 2010 Census count. This month questionnaires will be
sent out to every know household with a mailable address. The forms are short, a mere 20 questions, which should only take ten minutes to fill out. The information to be provided is absolutely strictly confidential. It cannot be used by any other or shared with any other organization. So there is absolutely no reason that everyone should not com-
plete the questionnaire and be counted in the county in which you live for at least six months and one day of the year. Robel said there are two important reasons that everyone in the county should be counted. One is that the Census count is used to determine U.S. Congressional Districts, and with the growth of western North Carolina, there is a chance that the state of North Carolina could pick up a new congressional district, which would give the state more clout with the federal government. The second reason has to do with federal funding. Taxes that are paid into the federal government comes back to each state and to their respective counties based on the head count of people living in that district. And we have to live with the count and funding formula for the next ten years according to how the Census comes out, she said. If we have an undercounting of folks living in the county then we will be allocated less money from federal funds, she said.
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Vote to protect consumers becomes law Rep. Shuler voted for Credit Card Holders’ Bill of Rights
This week, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act, which Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) cast his vote for in April, went into effect. Commonly referred to as the Credit Card Holders’ Bill of Rights, the laws significantly change the way credit card companies operate to impede unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive credit card practices and protect consumers. Now that the rules are in effect, consumers will see “reasonable” penalty fees, steadier interest rates and clearer billing statements. “Implementing the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights will positively affect the financial security of every American who owns and uses a credit card.” Rep. Shuler remarked. “For far too long, American families have struggled to understand and manage their credit. Previously, Congress did not do enough to protect and assist families in their efforts to be fiscally responsible. This legislation protects consumers and gives American families the information they need and deserve to make smart financial decisions.” See CREDIT Page 5A
We e k l y We at h e r Fo re c a s t
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Robel said for those not returning the filled in questionnaires, then Census workers will have to contact them in their homes, which is really an unnecessary expense. She said the count is for every person living in the county. Undocumented immigrants as well as citizens because if they are living here, they are using government roads and facilities. She said information provided to the Census is not to be shared with immigration or with the internal bureau of revenue. She said to do so could result in census workers having to pay heavy fines and be imprisoned up to five years. So they are sworn to secrecy. Census workers are expected to be canvassing the county from mid-March until the end of July. The final count has to be on the President’s desk by December 31, 2010, Robel said. The Census count is important. It is a time when everyone should stand up and be counted. There is nothing to lose and much to be gained for all the residents of Cherokee County.
NEWS
Wednesday
38/22
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
40/26
41/23
46/34
45/26
40/15
Tuesday
38/20
NEWS
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The  Cherokee  Sentinel March 3, 2010
He’s the life of the party
BRIEFS
Government considering making brake override systems mandatory The Obama administration is considering a rule to require brake override systems on all automobiles to prevent the kind of sudden accelerations that led to recent Toyota recalls. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood mentioned proposals for requiring the systems during a Senate hearing Tuesday. “We’re looking at it,� LaHood told the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. “We think it is a good safety device, and we’re trying to figure out if we should be recommending it.� Congress is investigating how to respond to reports that sudden unintended accelerations caused at least 52 deaths in Toyota vehicles. The Transportation Department said as recently as last week that 34 people were killed in sudden accelerations but increased the number Tuesday to 52. Brake override systems deactivate the accelerators while the brakes are depressed.
Most pre-diabetics do little to prevent the disease’s onset A sizable portion of U.S. adults have pre-diabetes, but most are unaware of it and don’t do anything to prevent the disease, according to Emory University and federal researchers. The researchers said in a statement that in 2005, almost 30 percent of the country’s adult population were at risk of becoming diabetic, but only about half reported that they tried to lose weight or exercise more to stop the disease’s onset. The researchers interviewed 1,402 adults at risk of diabetes for their study. They found that 29.6 percent of U.S. adults had pre-diabetes. Only 7 percent were told they had the condition, and only 47.7 percent of adults who had pre-diabetes reported being tested for the disease or high blood sugar in the past three years. The study suggested that pre-diabetics were more likely to have higher levels of well-known cardiovascular disease risk factors like higher mean weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides and they had a high prevalence of hypertension, or high blood pressure. The study appears in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
GM recalling 1.3 million vehicles over power steering issues
General Motors is recalling 1.3 million compact cars sold in North America over the past five years. According to GM the recall is being initiated due to problems with power-steering functions. The recall effects Chevrolet Cobalts sold between 2005 and 2010 and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5s sold in the U.S., as well as 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuits sold in Canada and 2005-2006 Pontiac G4s sold in Mexico. GM states that power-steering assist in the vehicles mentioned could fail unexpectedly and at speeds less than 15 miles per hours steering could potentially be difficult. GM engineers are still trying to ascertain a solution to the problem however when one is identified customers will be notified when the fix is finalized. “After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty,� said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. “Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers’ peace of mind.
Post office considers eliminating Saturday delivery The United States Post Office might eliminate Saturday mail deliveries because it is losing money and looking for places to make cuts. Postal Service officials would also like to close some branches and increase prices, but those moves require Congressional approval. Mail volume keeps dropping as people shift away from snail mail even for paying bills, which many people do online now. Dropping revenue means the agency has experienced a string of losses. For 2009, USPS posted a $3.8 billion loss. It has a total debt load of $10 billion and is expected to reach its debt ceiling of $15 billion in 2011.
Egypt-Israel Gas Deal Realized Despite Popular Discontent The Egyptian Mediterranean Gas company, which exports natural gas to the state owned Israel Electric Corporation and the private Israeli firm Dorad, has expanded a deal signed in 2005 with Israel Electric. Officials at the Ampal-American Israel Corporation, which owns 12.5 percent of Egyptian Mediterranean Gas, said that the price of the gas has been raised in concert with growing energy prices throughout the world. “The update includes a variety of issues from operational details to pricing details,� Zeev Feiner, a spokesperson for the Ampal-American Israel Corporation told The Media Line. Initially signed in 2005, the original deal between Egyptian Mediterranean Gas and the Israeli Electrical Company called for the annual delivery of 1.7 billion cubic meters of gas for a total of 34 billion cubic meters over 20 years. The amended deal, signed in September last year, comes into effect this week. Worth $6 billion, the amended deal involves a higher price and calls for an increased production of 42 billion cubic meters over 20 years. The export of Egyptian gas to Israel is highly controversial in Egypt, and as recently as April 2009 the Cairo Court for Urgent Cases overturned a ruling made by a lower Administrative Court to ban the export of Egyptian gas to Israel.
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By: Harrison Keely
but he’s too young to run
Sentinel Writer Ashton Owens was the only speaker to receive a standing ovation after his address to the Clay County Republican Party. While most candidates were allotted five minutes to rally the crowd, he got fifteen. And he’s not even running for office. Ashton, 14, is an eighth grade student at Hayesville Middle School who has delivered speeches at regional campaign meetings, wooed the crowd at a U.S. senator’s campaign rally, and refined his political prowess since his first public speech at the age of 12. “He spoke in full sentences even before he was a year old,� Ashton’s mother, Carla, said. “He’s just always had that confidence and poise and the ability to communicate far beyond his years.� Ashton first became interested in politics while watching late-night television during the 2008 presidential election to avoid being sent to bed. “I was watching a Democratic political debate,� he recalled. “I was like, ‘I’ll just listen to how wrong they are.’�
When a member of his church invited him to speak at the Towns County Republican Party, Ashton immediately agreed. “I will never forget during that first speech I cried because I couldn’t believe that that was my 12-year-old son up there speaking,â€? Carla said. “All the things that you would learn in a speech class, he just did naturally. It was just mind-boggling;‌you would have thought he’d been giving speeches all of his life.â€? Ashton said he was nervous about the engagement until a few minutes into his first speech. “Experience has definitely shaped my confidence,â€? he said. “I love public speaking, I really enjoy it and every time I start off a little bit nervous, but after the first paragraph I’m just in my element.â€? When election night finally arrived, Ashton and his father pulled out calculators and delegate maps to total the electoral college as results came in. “I was confident that it could turn out to be McCain,â€? Ashton said, but as the night drew on, his hope faded. “I was not immensely devastated, but I
I-40 Rockslide Update
The N.C. Department of Transportation has re-evaluated progress to repair and stabilize the mountainside along a stretch of Interstate 40 closed by a rockslide in October and now anticipates that the highway will reopen by late April, weather permitting. The original contract called for the work to be completed in March, but harsh winter weather has delayed the work. While the road has been closed, NCDOT has looked at the corridor and determined that five other sites that need to be stabilized. This additional work should not affect the reopening of the road. “This has been an incredibly harsh winter, and because of that, the specialty contractors have not been able to do as much work as planned,â€? said the NCDOT’s Chief Engineer of Operations Jon Nance. Twenty-five inches of snow fell in the area between December 2009 and February 2010 – a 250 percent increase over the historic average of 10 inches. Seventeen inches of rain fell on the area during the same period, about a 30 percent increase over the historic average of 13 inches.Â
“If there’s a silver lining in all of this,� Nance added, “it’s that we’ve located other areas that need to be repaired to prevent another occurrence like this one.� Four of the five additional sites to be stabilized are just west of the area where the October rockslide occurred, near the Tennessee border. The fifth site is a mile and a half east of the rockslide site. All five sites are within the stretch of I-40 that is now closed, so that the initial safety improvements will not impact motorists. The first phase of the work at these sites will require removing unstable rock – called “scaling� - from the various sites. This work, which must be performed while the road is closed, should be completed before crews have finished shoring up the mountainside where the October rockslide occurred. NCDOT estimates that it will reopen I-40 by late April when work at the October rockslide site should be completed. About one mile of the westbound lane closest to the mountain will be closed until this summer to allow crews to complete the work
Harrison Keely / Sentinel Photo
Ashton Owens, 14, captivates the attendees at the Clay County Republican Party meeting.
was not happy with the outcome at all.� Nevertheless, Ashton’s interest in politics only strengthened as he polished his oratorial procedure. The crafting process begins several weeks beforehand, when Ashton spends about four hours at a time to fashion an outline and gather research. Afterwards, Ashton reviews his rough draft with his father before rewriting, tweaking and practicing for days to perfect his delivery and performance.
All told, Ashton pours about 24 hours into one speech, squeezing his passion between school, homework, and wrestling events. When Clay County’s Republican Party chairman, Jim Davis, heard Ashton speak in Towns County last month, he invited the political prodigy to stir up the recent Clay County meeting. “He was very passionate and very
– including the installation of rock bolts and anchor mesh - at the five additional sites. The additional sites are: tʪʪʪʪʪʪ 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS 0.05, this area is approximately 200 feet long. This area has shed medium-sized boulders in the past. tʪʪʪʪʪʪ 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS 0.25, this area is approximately 500 feet long and has two sections of rock that are at risk of slipping. tʪʪʪʪʪʪ 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS 1.4, this area is approximately 500 feet long, with very larger boulders about 300-400 feet above the road. tʪʪʪʪʪʪ 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS 2.3, this area is adjacent to the site of the October rockslide. Approximately 900 feet long, it has large boulders 300400 feet above the road. tʪʪʪʪʪʪ 4JUF "QQSPYJNBUFMZ GFFU long, this area has large boulders less than 100 feet from the roadway that need to be bolted down for long-term stability. NCDOT will advertise a contract for scaling work on sites 1 and 3 in the next several days. In the coming weeks, it will advertise other contracts for ad-
ditional work on sites 1, 2, 3 and 5. This work is estimated to cost $4 million. Because site 4 is so close to the original rockslide, it is being considered part of that project. Since the rockslide occurred on Oct. 25, state and contract workers have removed thousands of tons of boulders and unstable rock from the site of the rockslide at mile marker 2.6 in North Carolina, near the Tennessee border. After clearing a rock mass about the size of a small apartment building – 60 feet wide, 80 feet tall and 20 feet thick – crews have focused on installing 590 rock bolts to stabilize the mountainside. So far, 50 percent of the holes have been drilled and 20 percent of the holes have been grouted. In addition, while the I-40 corridor has been closed to traffic, NCDOT has under way about $5.3 million in highway maintenance projects that will improve the highway. Some of the projects, such as paving of tunnels, are difficult to do when the highway is open. The projects were accelerated so they could be done as efforts continue to stabilize the mountainside where the October rockslide occurred.
See  PARTY  Page  8A
Stretch of I-40 hit by rockslide to reopen by late April; five other sites will also be stabilized
NC State Highway projects in jeopardy Shuler fighting to keep projects alive
A majority of the North Carolina Congressional delegation have thrown their support behind Congressman Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) in his efforts to avoid disruptions in vital transportation projects and the loss of thousands of construction jobs that are associated with them. In a letter sent to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner, Shuler urged the extension of transportation project funding in a fair and equitable manner. The funding for the nation’s transportation programs is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2010. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) is slated to be extended through the end of the year. The House and Senate have taken different approaches on how to handle the extension and distribute funds earmarked in two particular accounts. The Senate has proposed allocating funding in these programs to states based on the amount of funding each state
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received in earmarks during the original SAFETEA-LU. This would give 58% of the roughly $932 million in these accounts to four states and would provide absolutely no funding to 22 states, including North Carolina. The attached PDF chart shows how states would fare under the Senate proposal. The Jobs for Main Street Act (H.R. 2847), which passed the House in December, requires that funding, totaling $932 million, be allocated at the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation through a competitive selection process available to all states. “The Senate is proposing an illogical and unfair method of allocating these funds that will make North Carolina ineligible for funding,� said Rep. Shuler. “This is not acceptable. I am advocating for a fairer allocation method, as passed by the House, which will fund worthy projects in all states and give our state a fair shot.� Representatives Mike McIntyre, David Price, Walter Jones, Larry Kissell, Mel Watt, Brad Miller and G.K.
Butterfield have lent their signatures to Shuler’s push for the House approach. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has also expressed support for a competitive process to ensure that the state has the opportunity to compete for funds based on the merits of its projects.
“Given that the upcoming extension is for a relatively long period of 15 months, and that there are clearly projects of national significance in many of the states that will have no opportunity to compete for that funding, we believe the Senate’s method of allocating these funds is inequitable.â€? Said someone‌
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3A VIEWS The price for economic rescue The Green Column The Cherokee Sentinel March 3, 2010
By: Jim Fitzgerald
#005 - Radon awareness can save lives
By: Richard C. MacCrea Andrews Valley Initiative rmaccrea@mountainhomeshow.com
Guest Writer: Lisa Turner Did you know that radon causes more deaths every year (cancer) than drunk driving? [from EPA’s 2009 A Citizen’s Guide to Radon] The United States Surgeon General re-emphasized just last month that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking in the U.S. If you smoke AND the radon levels in your home are high, you will have a very high risk for lung cancer. What can you do? Plenty! And it’s easy. First, what is radon? Radon is a is
colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, and ends up in the air we breathe. Although radon is found in all types of buildings, we get most of our exposure when we’re at home. Radon can exist in the air, and in our water. It has been found at varying levels in every state. You can see the average levels at www.epa.gov/radon. Average levels are medium to high in this area of the mountains. What levels of radon are okay? Generally speaking, levels less than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air) are considered safe, although lower is better. The good news: You can TEST for radon, and put systems in the home to lower radon levels. These systems can be relatively inexpensive. How should I get my home tested? This is easy. You can start with a do it yourself test kit from a home improvement store. If the results are high, you can call a professional, certified radon tester who can advise you on what to
do if your levels are high. This usually costs $125-$200. You can contact the NC state radon office for a list of professionals who have registered with them, or you can call a local home inspector who routinely performs radon testing as part of the home sale. The last piece of good news is if you do need to reduce the levels of radon in your home, it is not expensive to do. A vent and fan system is usually the first line of defense, and will lower the radon to acceptable levels over 85% of the time. There is a lot more that you can learn about radon by going to the Environmental Protection Agency’s web site (www.epa.gov) and by going to www. radon.com. Get a copy of the free A Citizen’s Guide to Radon from the EPA site. About the guest author: Lisa Turner is a local expert in the field of home inspections and radon testing. Lisa can be reached at 800-738-8781 if you have any questions about this article.
Do you have a Green question?
Email Richard MacCrea - rmaccrea@mountainhomeshow.com
From the desk of Heath Shuler
Columnist
Democrats do a very poor job of letting the nation know their accomplishments. On the other hand, the Republicans do a superb job creating catchy, even if misleading, headlines that leads one to believe the Democrats do little but over-reach. The supposed liberally biased media freely repeat the Republican mantras. Reporters seem to repeat what they are told without raising substantive questions about the motive behind the sound bites or reporting serious policy differences. All of the talking heads just make things worse by exaggerating events to raise their ratings. Because of the forces I have mentioned above, you would not know that the Democrats have been very constructive over the last year. Their latest accomplishment has been a jobs bill based almost entirely on tax cuts for business, especially small business. As anyone knows, Republicans are big tax cut proponents but that did not stop the majority of them from voting against this bill. Their major criticism of the Economic Recovery Act last summer was that it did not contain tax cuts for small business but when such cuts were offered in the jobs bill, they decided to vote against them. Republican may not like it but the people are looking to the government to save them from this economic crisis – small government talk to the contrary. Fortunately, Scott Brown gave some backbone to the more moderate Republicans and five of them voted to prevent a filibuster that would have prevented a debate of the bill. When the filibuster failed, 13 Republicans jumped ship and voted for the jobs bill but 27 Republicans voted against, including both of Georgia’s Senators. How can you hammer away at the theme of job creation and then vote against it? The lame, very lame, excuse is that the jobs bill will create more debt for our children. Am I the only one who, since the time of Reagan and supply side economics, heard Republican preach the gospel of tax cuts leading to revenue and tax growth? Because Democrats do not believe such malar-
key, the jobs bill identified sources of revenue to pay for the tax cuts, a process called pay-as-you-go that Bill Clinton used so effectively, and Republicans abandoned as soon as they gained control of the government. The Democrats have paid a heavy political price for rescuing our economy from Republican excesses but it is a feather in their cap that the steep decline has been halted. Yes, the recovery is likely to be slow and unemployment might remain in the 9% range for a while but I shudder to think what could have been. Frankly, I do not want
it were not for their fiscal excesses and gross mismanagement of government over eight years. So much for a Contract with America. Democrats may not be blameless but Republicans were in charge. The Economic Recovery Act was another milestone for the Democrats. A full one-third of that bill was middle class tax cuts. Rather than dole out a one-time check as George did, Obama cut the payroll tax so that workers received a little more in their paychecks over a year. Maybe that explains why slightly more than 12% of the population believes that Obama gave them a tax cut. Another one-third was to strengthen the social safety net such as unemployment benefits and COBRA health insurance benefits – both aimed at the middle class. Many states, including Georgia, were able to balance their budgets with money from that act.The final one-third was for infrastructure projects, projects that are direct job creators. Every Republican voted against this bill so even though they attempt to take credit for the money flowing into their communities, the credit goes solely to Democrats. Moreover, Democrats have faithfully extended unemployment benefits for over a year and are intent on extending them again – in spite of overwhelming Republican opposition all along the way. How will we ever pay the national debt if we allow our middle class to collapse? However, the bigger question is why do Republicans think people are expendable but business is sacred? There are many more unheralded accomplishments over the last year but space and time does not allow me to list them in detail at this time. However, we have a new hate crimes law, new emission standards, new environmental standards, and are very close to health care reform at the very moment health insurers are raising premiums to unaffordable levels. A lot can happen between now and November but remind your friends of what the Democrats have accomplished in spite of fierce opposition from the Republicans.
“Republicans can yell all they want but the new debt would not be there if it were not for their fiscal excesses and gross mismanagement of government over eight years. “ to know what would have happened if Republican advice had been followed and the banks, brokerage houses, and some businesses been allowed to collapse. Feckless Republican spending left the Democrats nothing to work with so piling on emergency debt was inevitable. People started yelling about the national debt too late, and suspiciously not until Democrats inherited a mess. The debt piled on by George was wasteful spending but the debt piled on to save the economy – and jobs – was necessary, even if regretful. Obama was forceful in staunching the rapid destruction of our economy and should be given credit for turning things around. He took emergency measures, nasty but necessary emergency measures. Had he not taken such forceful action, I suspect unemployment would have more than doubled from the current 9%, retirement accounts would have declined more than the 50% hit they took, and the human toll and suffering would have resulted in another generation with a great depression psyche. Republicans can yell all they want but the new debt would not be there if
EDITOR’S INBOX The story of just one frustrated Internet User
In regards to your article in the February 17th issue: In we do not live in million dollar homes or own a business. the 7 years that we have lived here we have had the following Next internet we went was Web Works, again too slow, internet services; WebWorks, AT&T, BRMEMC, Wild videos and long e-mails couldn’t come through. Blue and ended up with Hughes Net. Tried to get Verizon Aha BRMEMC said they were working on getting DSL and Roadrunner, but AT&T would not allow them to come or fiberoptics through, believing them we got their internet lapse could put 90,000 jobs across the urged a prompt extension and fair alhere. A stated in your article: In December Vice President services. Contacted them and a woman told us if we got U.S. at risk in the next week. location of $932 million in FHWA Joe Biden announced a 33 billion federal stimulus grant to the people on our road to sign a petition that they could do “The House acted to continue all funding through the Safe, Accountable, build 260 mile fiberoptic line that aims to connect Atlanta something about it. We took a Saturday, went around to all these programs. Not passing this bill Flexible, Efficient Transportation Eqwith the people on our road and out of 27 people, 25 signed the in the Senate will directly affect many uity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFENorth Carolina; what ever happened to that money and petition. We sent it in, didn’t hear anything so we called the Americans,” said Congressman Shuler. TEA-LU). who received it? woman and her response was “I’m sorry I cannot do any“If the Highway Administration shuts Eight members of the North CaroGot AT&T which was dial up, was very disgusted, videos thing about it.” down, transportation and construction lina delegation lent their signatures and long e-mails would not come through. The final straw Then signed up with Wild Blue, which we found out later jobs will be disrupted. If unemploy- to Shuler’s letter which advocates for was when AT&T told us through e-mails that we had too was owned by AT&T, terrible service and installation. The ment insurance and COBRA expire, SAFETEA-LU funding to be distribmany messages and would not let any more come through. cable wire from the dish was wound around and over a tree more than 490,000 unemployed North uted in a manner that is fair to all 50 To our amazement out of the 26, 25 were from AT&T and across our driveway. We fought with them and they Carolinians could lose their insurance. states. In contrast, the Senate proposal telling us we were over an allotment of messages. Tried to Were suppose to credit us with the $245.00 it cost us but The House has passed 290 bills that the for continuing SAFETEA-LU would get Verizon and Roadrunner, but were told that AT&T had they never did. Good bye Wild Blue. Senate has yet to touch, and the Ameri- have excluded 22 states, including the rights to our road and they could not serve us. I thought Hello Hughes net, signed up with them and still have can people are suffering as a result.” North Carolina, from receiving certain the government broke up the AT&T conglomerate. AT&T them. Being retired, $70.00 a month is expensive just to In December of 2009, the House transportation funds. The Senate procame up Marrestop Road—where we live with fiberoptics to keep in touch with family and friends. What we cannot unpassed the jobs bill which would have posal would give 58% of the roughly Orton road and up to the Sangtuary, which was suppose to derstand is why counties in Georgia and Tennessee can get continued a number of these programs. $932 million in SAFETEA-LU achave 50 homes, in reality there were only 3. We asked why DSL and fiberoptics, why not us? Thank you for taking the On Thursday, every member of the counts to only four states. The letter is they could not come to our house, which is only two tenths time to read this. House again passed a bill that would attached, as well as a PDF chart which of a mile farther, we were told it was too far from Orton road. continue these programs, yet Senator shows how states would fare under the Two tenths of a mile is too far when our road is only 2 miles -Raymond Miller Bunning arbitrarily blocked the passage Senate proposal. In response to Shuler’s long. 64 has it up to Tennessee why not us, probably because of this bill in the Senate. activism, House and Senate leadership Earlier this week, Congressman have agreed to ensure fairness in alShuler, a member of the Transportation location of SAFETEA-LU funds to and Infrastructure Committee, acted to all states, and which could result in an swiftly to move legislation that would increase of North Carolina’s share to extend the authorization of federal roughly $26 million. (USPS # 017-584) is published highway programs. He led a bipartisan “Congress has a tremendous reweekly every Wednesday. effort to avoid disruptions in vital trans- sponsibility to get its work done for the Subscriptions are $25 in Cherokee County for 1 year, portation projects and prevent the loss American people. This week, Senator $45 out of area for 1 year. of thousands of construction jobs that Bunning acted single-handedly to preSingle copy rate is $.50 are associated with those projects. In a vent the Senate from getting its work Periodical postage is paid at letter sent to Speaker of the U.S. House done,” said Congressman Shuler. The Sentinel Newsgroup is proud to serve this community Murphy, NC of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and To Subscribe call: CORRECTIONS If you find a mistake of fact in the Smoky Mountain Minority Leader John Boehner, Shuler FRANK BRADLEY, Publisher 828-837-6397 Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or
Congressman Shuler Fights to keep Federal Highway Administration and Transportation Jobs Alive
Today, Congressman Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville) announced that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will shut down early next week until the Senate passes a bill to continue funding of the Administration and other essential government programs. Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed emergency legislation that would extend a number of programs that are due to expire this weekend, including the Federal Highway Administration, some small business loans, unemployment insurance and health benefits for laid-off workers (COBRA). The emergency 30-day extension passed the House with unanimous support, and is essential to millions of American families. However, Senator Jim Bunning, a Kentucky Republican, threatened a filibuster on Thursday night which shut down Senate debate on the bill that would continue to fund these expiring programs. Almost 1.2 million unemployed Americans could lose federal unemployment benefits in the coming week as the unemployment insurance program expires. Expenses incurred by state Departments of Transportation and local agencies for highway and transportation projects will not be reimbursed by the federal government as of Monday without extension of this authorization. Allowing the FHWA to
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4A COMMUNITY Your invited to an NCWN Give Kids a Smile Day The  Cherokee  Sentinel March 3, 2010
NEWS
West Writer’s
Workshop and Critique
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Area dentists come together to teach the importance of oral health to local students
Schedule March will be eventful The week of March 1 The NCWN West (Netwest) Poetry Critique will meet at Tri-County Community College in Murphy, North Carolina, Thursday, March 4 at 7:00 P.M.  For more information contact Janice Moore: 828-3896394. We invite visitors to come and observe. The NCWN West (Netwest) Prose Workshop and Critique Session will meet at Tri-County Community College in Murphy, North Carolina, Thursday, March 11 at 7:00 P.M.  Visitors are invited to come and observe. For more information contact Richard Argo: 828-8375500 The NCWN West (Netwest) presents Coffee with the Poets, hosted by Phillips and Lloyd Book Store in Hayesville, North Carolina, Wednesday, March 10. at 10:30 A.M.  A Netwest poet is featured, followed by open mic. Desserts, coffee and tea are served by Crumpets Dessertery for a small charge. Join us for a morning of local writers reading their words in a warm and friendly environment where everyone is welcome to read, to come and listen and visit with friends. The week of March 8 The NCWN West (Netwest) presents two writers reading poems and stories at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina, March 18 at 7:00 in the Keith House. Look for articles about the readers in your local news paper.  The week of March 29 The NCWN West (Netwest) Poetry Critique will meet at Tri-County Community College in Murphy, North Carolina, Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 P.M.  For more information contact Janice Moore: 828-3896394. We invite visitors to come and observe.Â
information session Persons seeking general information on Family Law in North Carolina are invited to the Office of Economic Opportunity/Catholic Social Services in Murphy, N.C. this Friday, March 5, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. through 7 p.m. Information pamphlets on different areas of family law in North Carolina will be on display for attendees to browse and take for reading. Under the direct supervision of a N.C. licensed attorney, law student volunteers will briefly interview each attendee to determine what specific area of family law in N.C. that the attendee seeks information on. A N.C. licensed attorney with knowledge of the specific area of
family law will then provide general information on that area of law to the attendee. The goal of this event is limited to providing “general� legal information!! Those participating should be aware that no action will be taken by the attorneys at the event to protect the attendee’s specific interests and that because no attorney/client relationship will be established, any personal information stated by an attendee is not subject to attorney/ client privilege. Referral to other resources shall be provided, such as: N.C. Lawyer Referral Service; Private attorneys; and Legal Aid
MES Kindergarteners visit Tri-County Comm. College
Contributed Photo
 Chelsea Gibby shows off her pretty smile at Dr. Jason Shook’s office. Chelsea is a 5th grader at Murphy Elementary School.
When you think of common childhood diseases, what do you think of? Does tooth decay come to mind? Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease among school aged children in North Carolina, more common than asthma. A child who suffers from tooth decay and pain is distracted and unable to learn in school, may not eat well or sleep well at night, could experience speech problems and may suffer from reduced self-esteem. Dental disease can affect the health of the entire body. The good news is that tooth decay can be prevented. Proper toothbrushing, flossing, healthy snacking, and the use of fluorides can all help in the fight against tooth decay. Some areas of the teeth, though, need extra protection. The back teeth (molars and premolars) contain pits and grooves where food and bacteria can become trapped and cause tooth decay. These teeth can be protected by a plastic coating called a dental sealant. Sealants fill in the pits and grooves and seal out decay. The first week of February, several students in Cherokee, Clay and Graham Counties had the opportunity to have some dental sealants placed on their teeth for free. Several dentists
in the area provided dental exams and dental sealants to selected students as part of the annual Tri-County Seal Out/ National Give Kids A Smile Day. The dentists – which included Dr. Patrick Kelley, Dr. Tom Mims, Dr. Jason Shook and Dr. James Vollmer – donated their time and resources to treat students on this special day at no cost to their families. This year, 93 students received exams and 503 dental sealants. Tri- County Seal Out/ Give Kids A Smile Day is a collaborative event between the dental offices, the NC Oral Health Section and the local schools. The event is coordinated by Lori Nicholson, Public Health Dental Hygienist with the NC Oral Health Section. The schools help Nicholson with the selection of the students and provide the transportation to the dental offices. Nicholson said, “This event would not be possible without the strong support of the schools. There is even one principal who drives the students to the dentist office himself each year. Then he takes the students out to lunch. It is his way of spending some time with the students away from the school setting and the kids love spending the time with him.� Nicholson adds, “Of course the dentists and the staff are always so great to work with.
They, too, look forward to this each year and love spending the time with the kids. They are so generous and caring. They seem to outdo themselves each year with their giving spirit. This year I had two dentists (Dr. Barry Watson and Dr. Donald Ambler) who were unable to participate on the actual event day, but they will be seeing some students later for restorative care.� Nicholson would like to thank all of the participants who made this year’s Give Kids A Smile Day possible: Dr. Patrick Kelley, Janie Haney, Lynn Stone, Debbie Cable, Ashley Brown, Kerry Rogers, Adrian Nelms, Caroline Kelley, Rory Frederick, Sonya Lewis, Dr. Tom Mims, Robin Scionti, Amanda Edwards, Debbie Free, Tabitha Hughes, Jill Hughes, Rebecca McDonald, Dr. Jason Shook, Laurie Shook, Deanna Elliott, Maria Bradshaw, Montrece Hardin, Kylie Leek, Dr. James Vollmer, Michell Higdon, Jackie Trammel, Tamara Mashburn, Kelly Burch, Teresa Wood, Tom Graham, Pat Postell, Bob Swanson, Beth McCoy, Cheree Wells, Mike Wheeler, June Hensley, Don Stiles, Steve Simonds, Kevin Campbell, Jamie Thomas, Loretta Hughes, Melba Millsaps and Barbara Icenhower.
Diana Sneed’s Kindergarten class at Murphy Elementary had a funfilled day visiting Tri-County Community College on February 18. The 12 students started the day by having their hair done by cosmetology students, where streaks of bright colors were a popular choice. The class then took a campus tour where they
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learned about the college’s history and heard a story in the library. They also were able to visit with TCCC President Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers and take home their very own “Future TCCC Student� ID cards. They also had lunch on campus at TC’s Grill. The class is pictured here with Dr. Tipton-Rogers.
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LOCAL
March 3, 2010
Tributes
Helen Louise Marr Lester
Helen Louise Marr Lester, age 84 of Andrews, NC passed away Sunday, February 28, 2010 at her residence. She was a native of Helen, GA but had lived most of her life in Andrews, NC. Helen was the daughter of the late James Frank Marr, Sr. and Pauline Lusk Marr. She worked for Berkshire and was also a floor supervisor for Clifton Precision for over 30 years. Following her retirement Louise continued to work part-time at Ennis Home Center. She always had a beautiful yard and enjoyed working in her flowers. Louise will always be remembered for making her peanut butter fudge. She was an active member of Andrews First Baptist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by infant twins, Barbara Marr and Bobby Marr; son, Terry Jean Marr and two brothers, James Marr, Jr. and Bill L. Marr. She is survived by one brother, Don H. Marr of Chattanooga, TN; three sisters, Betty Marr Bolden of Lenoir, TN, Kathleen Marr Tatham of Robbinsville, NC and Margaret Marr
Sammons of Cincinnati, OH; two granddaughters, Patrice Wishon of Asheville, NC and Sherry Hill of Hendersonville, NC; four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Andrews First Baptist Church. Rev. Tommy Lamb officiated. Music was provided by Pricilla Cope and Jennifer Farr. Burial was in the Valleytown Cemetery in Andrews, NC. Pallbearers will be nephews. The family received friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Andrews First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Helen Louise Marr Lester to the Andrews First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 427, Andrews, NC 28901. You may send tributes to the Lester family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Gerald Todd Cooper, age 59 of Andrews, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 27, 2010 at the UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC after a long courageous battle with liver disease. He was a native of Blount County, TN and had lived in Andrews, NC since 1989. Gerald was the son of the late Ellis C. and Ruth D. Cooper. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam era serving his country two terms with pride. Gerald was an active member of the Andrews VFW Post until his health declined. He also was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled Veterans of America. Gerald was a retired welder, supervisor and landscaper. He was a member of Valleytown Baptist Church in Andrews, NC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Judy Cooper and son, Noah Ryan Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Katherine Payne Cooper; father and mother in law, Larry and Dorothy Payne of Andrews, NC; one daughter, Samanthia Cooper of Maryville, TN; three sons, Gerald Todd Cooper, Christopher Cooper and Nicklous Cooper all of Maryville, TN; two sisters, Peggy Cooper and her husband, Bruce and Sandra Roberts and her
husband, Clyde all of Maryville, TN; special grandson to which he was raising, Shane Cooper of the home; several other grandchildren and one great granddaughter; three pet companions, Jack, Jill and Josie; three special nieces and nephews and many special
Gerald Todd Cooper
friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at the Valleytown Baptist Church in Andrews, NC. Rev. Paul Jones and Rev. Tommy Messer will officiate. Burial will be in the Moss Cemetery in Marble, NC. Pallbearers will be Michael Enloe, Bruce Buchanan, Chief Dennis Cooper, Jr. McGaha and Timothy McGaha. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Valleytown Baptist Church in Andrews, NC. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Shane Cooper College Education Fund, c/o Dorothy Payne, 146 Swan Street, Andrews, NC 28901. You may send tributes to the Cooper family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Lois Ann Griggs
Lois Ann Griggs, 76, of Marble died Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 in a Murphy medical center. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Ann had worked for Baker Furniture for 17 years, retiring in 1997. She was a member of the Marble Springs Baptist Church, where she had served in the WMU and was a former Sunday School teacher. She was the daughter of the late William Edwin and Martha Beulah Kilpatrick Raxter. She was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Bobby Raxter; and a grandson, Adam Griggs. Surviving are her husband of 56 years, Gene Griggs; a son, Donny Griggs and wife, April of Andrews; two granddaughters, Allie and Erika Griggs; and an aunt, Mildred Raxter. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Thursday, Feb. 25 in the Marble Springs Baptist Church with the Revs. Fred Lunsford, Bernie Dixon, and Jeff
5A
The Cherokee Sentinel
Maynard officiating. Interment was in the Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robert Griggs, Grant Griggs Jr., Charles Griggs, Jim Burton, Paul Revis, and Roger Holloway. Honorary pallbearers were Mickey Griggs, Harold Adams, Don Cook, Leonard West, and Howard Coffey. The family received friends from 6-8 Wednesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews where the body was until placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Lois Ann Griggs to Marble Springs Baptist Church for the Smoky Mountain Dialysis Center, P.O. Box 264, Marble, NC 28905. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com
Patricia “Pat” Moore
Patricia “Pat” Moore, 67, of Murphy died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 at her residence. A native of Fort Payne, AL, she had lived in Cherokee County most of her life. She was a graduate of Grady School of Nursing in Atlanta, GA. Pat worked for 42 years as a registered nurse working for Providence Hospital and District Memorial Hospital, certified in many fields. She was a member of the Murphy BPW Club and the Providence Presbyterian Church. She was the daughter of the late Andy and Ann Fuller Kaylor. She was also preceded in death by a son, Burke E. Moore Jr. Surviving are her husband of over 47 years, Burke Edward Moore; a daughter, Katrina Palmer and husband, Edward of Murphy; a sister, Dianne Byers and husband, Jerry of Kennesaw, GA; and two grandchildren, Elizabeth
and Ethan Palmer. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Sunday, Feb. 28 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Larry Bowlin officiating. Interment was in Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ethan Palmer, Josh, Jacob, and Geoff Grubb, Zach Stockbridge, and Rodney Alt. The family received friends from 6-8 Saturday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Patricia “Pat” Moore to the Providence Presbyterian Church, PO Box 788, Murphy, NC 28906. Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com
Donald McCarter, age 77, of 896 Orton Road, Murphy, NC passed away Monday, February 22, 2010 at his residence. He was born May 7, 1932 in High Point, NC. Donald was the son of the late Roy and Bertie Freeman McCarter. He served in the US Air Force for 20 years and retired in 1970. Donald also served as Director of Lose Prevention with Gulf State Utilities in Beaumont, TX and retired from Gulf State in 1997. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Amelia McCarter; two daughters, Donna Rae McCarter of Daytona Beach, FL and Sandra McCarter Sheppard and her husband, Ken of Ormond Beach, FL; four sons, Paul Douglas McCarter of Kady, TX, Franklin Lindsay McCarter and his wife, Vicki of Lake Norman, NC, Daniel Wayne McCarter and his wife, Dawn of Austin, TX and James Fredrick McCarter and his wife, Denys of Victoria, TX; two brothers, William McCarter and Robert McCarter;
two sisters, Betty Bryant and Jeannie Craven; nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 4:00 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Ranger United Methodist Church in Murphy, NC. Rev. Nathan Finsel officiated. Military graveside rites was conduction by United State Air Force Honor Guard. Following the service the Ranger United Methodist Church hosted a dinner in honor of the McCarter family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Donald McCarter to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906 You may send tributes to the McCarter family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose. com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Mrs.Tamela Lynn Morris age 43 of Caney Creek Rd.Murphy,NC. passed away on Thursday Feb.25,2010 at her home following a battle with cancer.Mrs.Morris was born on March 2,1966 in Poughkeepsie,NY. Tamela owned and operated Tammy’s Cleaning Service.She never met a person that she did not like,She had a great sense of humor,she also loved camping and fishing.Tammy was of the Christian faith. Surviving Tamela are her loving husband of eleven years,Tom Mor-
ris of Murphy,Zach and Sassy,her four legged children,a host of friends also survive. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers if you wish,the family requests that memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Mrs.Morris. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville in charge of the arrangements.You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com
Gwynn Samuel Wheeler, 62, of Gainesville, GA died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 in a Northeast Georgia medical center. He was a native of Andrews, but had lived in Gainesville for the past 35 years. He had worked for William Wrigley’s Company for over 20 years. Early in his life, Gwynn worked for Geren’s Ride Carnival and Smoky Mountain Amusements. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Welcome Home Baptist Church in Gainesville. He was the son of Ruth Day Wheeler of Andrews and the late Clyde Henry Wheeler. Surviving, in addition to his mother, are a daughter, Crystal Wheeler of Gainesville; a brother, Jack Wheeler
of Oxnard, CA; and two grandchildren, Skyler Bruce Keck of Witter, AR and Jayla Ann Hicks of Gainesville. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 6 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews with Jack Wheeler officiating. Inurnment will be in Valleytown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Jayla Hicks Educational Fund, c/o Regions Bank, 111 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries” at www.iviefuneralhome.com
Donald McCarter
Tamela Lynn Morris
Gwynn Samuel Wheeler
View an online archive of tributes at
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Zadie Lorene Radford Young
Zadie Lorene Radford Young, age 83, of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Murphy Medical Center. She was a native of Cherokee County, NC and the daughter of the late Joseph McKinley and Mary Jane Allen Beaver. Zadie was a homemaker and a member of the Unaka Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking and canning. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Roy Radford and second husband, Rev. Earnest Young; son, Paul Dale Radford; baby daughter, Irene Radford; son-in-law, Bobby Robinson; granddaughter, Ruby Lorene Bolton and five brothers, Robert Beaver, Willis Beaver, Willard Beaver, Lee Beaver and Homer (Bud) Beaver. She is survived by two sons, J.C. Radford and his wife, Marlene of Murphy, NC, and L.T. Radford of Murphy, NC; four daughters, Bonnie Bolton and her husband, Ronnie of High Point, NC, Annlene Robinson of Davidson, NC, Kathleen Bragg and her husband, Donald of Archdale, NC and Ellen English and her husband, Lawrence of Murphy, NC; two sisters, Ada Cole and her husband, E.G. of Turtletown, TN and Delores Guthrie of Clarkston, GA; 10 grandchil-
dren, Rhonda Lynn Ivy, Tammie Marie Billings, Cynthia Michelle Stiles, Jeffery Scott Radford, Anthony Gene Bragg, Judith Roxann Gemme, Jill Catherine Isenburg, Tony Wayne Robinson, Benjamin Edward English and Andrea Lynn English; seven great-grandchildren, Jerry Leroy Bolton, Falon and Eric Ivy, Brittany Nicole Stiles, Jonah Michael Gemme, Conner Michael Isenberg and Delaney Rachel English. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, February 28, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. Rev. Lawrence English will officiate. Burial will be in the Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the TownsonRose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 12605 Beaverdam Road, Murphy, NC 28906. You may send tributes to the Young family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mountain Country Rod & Gun Club Mountain Country Rod & Gun Club will hold their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, March 16th at 7 p.m. at the Penland Senior Center located at 60 Alpine Street in Murphy. This months speaker will be Phil Keller, District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America. This year is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts. Mr. Keller will be discussing the "Take-Me-Fishing" Scouting program that the club has chosen to mentor. The meeting is open to the general public and anyone that is interested in Scouting or fishing is welcome to attend. For directions or information on any of the other clubs interests and activities, please call Glendon Gale at 828-835-9490.
Credit: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " The Consumer Federation of America and Credit Union National Association (CUNA) conducted a survey and found that “85 percent of consumers reported planning or taking action when aware of a rate hike, new fee, lower credit limit, fewer rewards, or other disadvantageous terms,” said CUNA Chief Economist Bill Hampel. “For too long, credit card companies utility bills, late. This bill prohibits that, and prohibits penalty rate increases for those less than 60 days overdue on their payments. Previously, card companies charged exorbitant over-draft fees. This bill prevents them from charging overlimit fees unless customers have given prior permission to process transactions that would put their accounts over the limit. Additionally, the rules require card companies to mail bills at least 21 days prior to payment due dates. A study conducted by Pew Charitable Trusts found that prior to these rules being put in place, retroactive interest rate hikes and penalties for late payments cost Americans more than $10 billion annually.
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have had free rein to employ deceptive, unfair tactics that hit responsible consumers with unreasonable costs,” President Obama said in a statement. “But today, we are shifting the balance of power back to the consumer and we are holding the credit card companies accountable.” The bill was passed by the House of Representatives in April, and signed into law by the President in May. Among other protections, the legislation requires 45-day advance notice for account interest rate and fee increases. Previously, card companies could raise interest rates on customers if they paid unrelated bills, such as
LEGALS NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BARBARA GENE S. MARLER
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Barbara Gene S. Marler, deceased, late of Cherokee County, State of North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned at the following address: c/o W. Arthur Hays, Jr. P.O. Box 596, Murphy, NC 28906, on or before the 24th day of May, 2010, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said decedent will please make immediate payment. This 24th day of February, 2010. Terry Paul Marler, Executor of the Estate of Barbara Gene S. Marler, deceased W. Arthur Hays, Jr. Attorney for the Estate Hays, Bius & Walker, PLLC P.O. Box 596 Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 837-2178
Do you need to place a legal notice - we have the best rates in the county 828.837.6397 SENTINEL NEWSGROUP
CALENDAR
March 3, 2010
U p c o m i n g E v e n t s Story Hour
Story hour at The Curiosity Shop Bookstore, 46 Valley River Avenue, Murphy, on Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your children or grandchildren and let them enjoy being read to. Call 835-7433 or 321-2242
hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706781-3992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.
Amateur Radio
Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hike, and regular trail maintaining trips- all in the mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.
Attention HAMs and anyone interested in Amateur Radio The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665. Amateur license testing will be held on January 23rd in Blairsville. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information.
Experimental Aircraft
Paint with a friend, please
Mountain High Hikers
The Experimental Aircraft Association local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. If interested, contact Jim Olson @ 828-557-2446.
GWRRA Meetings
Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, Ga. We eat at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting at 12 p.m. during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed. We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-896-7403 .
Family Resources
Family Resources in collaboration with Tri-County Community College will offer ESL (English as a second language) classes every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Classes will be held in the basement of Family Resources and are free to anyone wishing to participate. For more information call 837-3460.
Abandoned Animals
Just 4 Hours. Just 4 hours a week can make a big difference in caring for abandoned and abused animals. Just 4 hours to walk dogs. Just 4 hours to groom dogs or cats. Just 4 house to clean the cattery. Just 4 hours to transport dogs and/or cats to the vet. If you have just 4
Cherokee Trail Decorative Painters will be having a “Bring A Friend” meeting in January. Members will be inviting friends for a day of painting and fellowship. We will have a variety of projects at all levels to paint. The projects will be provided by our Ways and Means Committee and will be a lot of fun to paint. The meeting is January 23 at 9:30 at the All Saints Lutheran Church on Highway 76 in Blairsville, Georgia. Cherokee Trail Decorative Painters is an affiliated chapter of the Society of Decorative Painters located in the tri-state area of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. For more information email Nancy Gillis at wgillis@windstream.net.
Paint with a friend, please
Prepared childbirth classes will begin Jan 21st through Feb. 11th 2010. Classes are on Thursday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Cherokee County Health Department. Participants must arrive by 6:30pm on the first night in order to register. Classes are taught by a Lamaze Certified Instructor. To sign up or for more information call 828-837-7486 and ask for Ronnie or Montez.
Such thing as a free lunch
FREE SOUP AND SANDWICH LUNCH Fridays at Noon in January – February at Hickory Stand United Methodist Church on Green Cove Road in Brasstown, NC. All are invited.
Mountain Community Chorus
Mountain Community Chorus will hold auditions for new singers at 6 PM Feb. 8th Young Harris College Clegg Recital Hall. Regu-
lar rehearsal at 7 PM. Visit www.mapaa.org. Mountain Community Seniors meets second Thursday each month at Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2:00 P.M.. We invite and welcome all Mountain Seniors from Towns, Union and Clay Counties to join us. We have Music, Informative speakers, picnics and field trips. On Thursday Feb. 11th We have Roy Perrin, Principal of Towns County High School who will give us his very entertaining rendition of Elvis. Light refreshments served. Do come join us.
Castaway Critters
This the the beginning of a new year and CASTAWAY CRITTERS ANIMAL RESCUE needs YOU! We have so many areas (Puppy Promises Program, transporting dogs to northern state for adoption, assisting with adoptions, transporting dogs/cats to/from the vet, etc). I could go on and on. If you are interested in joining our wonderful team please call June Young at 706-400-8612.
Tri-County Womens Connection
Tri-County Women’s Connection meets the first Thursday of each month in the fellowship hall of Murphy First Baptist Church, welcoming retirees, homemakers, home-schoolers, young moms-------all women. Fascinating programs, delightful music, inspirational talks, good food, child care and wonderful fellowship make each gathering special. Call Linda at 828-508-0387 for information and reservations.
Mountain Community Seniors
The Mountain Community Seniors was formerly called AARP, but the Towns County AARP has closed. We are now called “Mountain Community Seniors”, which means you do not have to be retired to join in on all the fun. Our monthly meetings will still be the second Thursday of each month at the Senior Center in Hiawassee at 2 pm.
Comunity Night for Critters
“COMMUNITY NIGHT” TO BENEFIT CASTAWAY CRITTERS PET RESCUE BROTHERS RESTAURANT AT WILLOW RANCH ON HIGHWAY 76, YOUNG HARRIS TUESDAY, MARCH 2, FROM 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm What a great way to have a great meal and also benefit a worthy cause. Please mention to the hostess when you walk into the restaurant that you are supporting Castaway Critters.
R e c u r r i n g E v e n t s DAR Meetings
DAR meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of Jan.-May and Sept.Nov. at 2 p.m. at the Harshaw Chapel in Downtown Murphy. For more information contact Joan Wallace at 837-0876 or Margaret Warner at 837-8777 or 837-2644.
Blue Ridge MOAA
The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, National Guard, reserve, retired, and former Military, Public Health Service, and NOAA officers and warrant officers and surviving spouses are invited to attend. For information please contact Jim Ferrell at 828-835-9203 or visit www.moaa. org/chapter/blueridgemountains .
Amateur Radio
Attention HAMs and wannabe HAMs North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.
Brasstown Potluck
Brasstown Potluck The Brasstown Community holds a potluck supper and meeting on the third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Brasstown Community Center, 255 Settawig Road, Brasstown.
Flying Club
Flying Club. The Over mountain Flyers meets the second Saturday each month at the Andrews-Murphy Airport from 9 a.m. to noon. For information, call 837-3468.
Hiwasse Kennel Club
Hiwassee River Valley Kennel Club: Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Brother’s Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.
Experimental Aircraft
The Experimental Aircraft Association - local tri-state EAA Chapter #1211 meets the third Thursday, 7 p.m. of each month at Blairsville airport. If interested, contact Jim Olson @ 828-557-2446.
Small Scale Agriculture
The Far West Small Scale Agricultural Action Team meets the second Monday of each month in the St. Andrews Lutheran Church community room, Andrews. For information, call Mary Janis, 828-389-1913 mjanis@meyecomputer.com
Cherokee Mountain Lions
Cherokee County Mountain Lions meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at Downtown Pizza, 6 p.m. New members are welcome.
GWRRA Meetings
Chapter J of the Gold Wing Road Rid-
ers Association (GWRRA) meets the fourth Saturday of each month at Daniel’s Steakhouse, Hiawassee, Ga. We eat at 11 a.m. followed by the meeting at 12 p.m. during which rides and other activities are announced and discussed. We encourage current members of the GWRRA and anyone interested in becoming a member to join us. All motorcyclists are welcome and we look forward to seeing participants from other chapters. There are great rides coming up and we hope many of you will join us. For further information, contact Chapter Director, June Gottlieb, 706-8967403.
visit mtnregartscraftsguild.org.
Mountain Economic Partners
Alcoholics Anonymous
Far West Mountain Economic Partners’ Small Scale Agriculture Action Team meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month at the Far West offices located at 452 Main Street in Andrews. All farmers in from Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary are invited to attend. For details, contact Pat Love at 828-321-2929 or via email at fwpartners@ verizon.net.
Anti Death Penalty
People of Faith Against the Death Penalty meets the 1st Monday each month at 7 p.m. at the Glen Mary House, next to St. William Catholic Church. For information, call 837-0867.
Commissioners Meeting
The Cherokee County Commisioners meeting will be held on the first Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m. and on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners boardroom of the Cherokee County Courthouse, unless Monday falls on a holiday, or unless otherwise posted.
Valley River Civitan Club
Valley River Civitan Club of Andrews meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., PJ’s restaurant in Andrews. Visitors are welcome. For more information call Anita Davis at 361-1247.
Basket Weavers
The Shooting Creek Basket Weavers Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Shooting Creek Community Center (fire station). Refreshments are served and a business meeting is held before a weaving project is presented. For more information contact Joan (Guild president) at 706-896-1534.
MRACG Meeting
Mountain Regional Arts and Crafts Guild, Inc (MRACG) meets the second Tuesday of each month at ArtWorks Artisan Centre. ArtWorks is located at 308 Big Sky Drive (behind the Holiday Inn), Hiawassee. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more about the Guild, we invite you to the next meeting as our guest.Contact us at 706-896-0932 or mtnregartscraftsguild@hotmail.com or
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The Cherokee Sentinel
NCWN Poetry
There will be no NCWN West Poetry Critique Group in July, as the college campus will be closed. The next meeting will be in August at the regular time.
Alzheimer’s Support
Alzheimer’s Support Group of Murphy meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Murphy Senior Center. Contact Laura Harris at 828-644-0680 for more information. Also meetings every second Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Senior Center in Hayesville. Alcoholics Anonymous has scheduled meetings as follows: Tues. 7 p.m., in the back of the Episcopal Church of the Messiah located across the street from the Cherokee Scout and the Verizon building on the corner of Central & Church Street; Sat. noon at the 409 building; Thur. 8 p.m. St. William’s Catholic Ch., Murphy; Wed. 8 p.m., United Methodist Church, Andrews, in the fellowship hall; Tues. noon, Thur. noon, Fri. 8 p.m.; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hayesville; Sat. 8 p.m. First Methodist Church, Downtown Hayesville. For a complete area meeting schedule and information, call 837-4440.
Domestic Violence Support
Domestic Violence Support Group REACH of Cherokee County offers a free confidential support group to women whose lives are, or have been affected by domestic violence. The group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the REACH office in Murphy. Please call (828) 837-2097 for more information.
Compassionate Friends
The Compassionate Friends is a selfhelp, non-profit organization that offers that offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings meets at 7 p.m. every third Thursday each month at the Senior Center in Murphy. Call Maxine Arne at 837-0425, Mabel Cooke at 837-6871 or Vicky Sullivan at 837-9168 for details.
Weight Loss
Tops Weight Loss “Take Off Pounds Sensibly” in Murphy meets on Mondays at 5 p.m. at the Glen Mary Hall, Andrews Road. For more information, call 8374587. Two Tops clubs meet in Andrews on Mondays. The morning club meets in Valleytown Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 8:45 a.m. weigh in, meeting at 9 a.m. Call 321-5242 for more information. The evening club, which meets at Christ Community church, weights in at 5 p.m. and has a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Call 3213040 or 321-1422 for more information.
Divorce Care Seminar
Divorce Care Seminar. Divorce Care, a special-help seminar and support group for people experiencing divorce or separation will be held on Monday evenings at
A volunteer from Castaway Critters will be there to answer any of your questions regarding their non-profit organization.
Emergency bicycle repair class
Blairsville Bikes & Boards Thursday evening April 1st. 7 PM The class is free and will be approx. 1 ½ hours long. Topics covered will be basic bicycle repairs for trail or road, like fixing a flat, broken chain, minor brake & shifter adjustments, and a proactive pre-ride check over. The necessary tools you will need & how to use them. So you will hopefully never have to push your bike out. For more info call the shop @ 706 745 8141 Or stop by @ 49 Blue Ridge St. Blairsville GA. Located in historic downtown Bring your bike if you like (optional) & and what ever beverage you want to drink. Coffee & Soft Drinks are available at the shop. SABA member & supporter offering 10% discounts to SABA members
Amateur Radio
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. Our next meeting is to be held March 2nd and will begin with a special technical session to discuss and demonstrate interfacing/using N1MM logging/contesting software. 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 March 13th in Blairsville. Contact Bob Ochs at 706-838-4728 for more information and/or make an appointment.
Tri-County Women’s Connection
Tri-County Women’s Connection will host a GOING GREEN luncheon Thursday, March 4 at Murphy First Baptist fellowship hall from 12:00-1:45 pm. A mini-concert of Celtic and Irish melodies will be presented by local popular ensemble “The Bear Notes”. Vivian Blackerby, former food service director of Juliette, Ga, will present “The Perfect Recipe for Life.” Call Linda by Monday noon March 1 at 828508-0387 for details and reservations.
Submit your events to us directly from our website at wncsentinel.net 6:30 p.m. at Hiawassee United Methodist Church. Divorce Care features nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics.
English Classes
Classes de ingles gratis. Tri County Community College. Ofrece classes de ingles como Segundo idioma (ESL Classes) Todos los Miercoles y Jueves De 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. En el local de Family Resources of Cherokee County. Ubicado en 70 Central Street Murphy, NC 28906. Para mayor informacion llame al tlefono No. (828) 8373460.
Family Resources
Family Resources in collaboration with Tri-County Community College will offer ESL (English as a second language) classes every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Classes will be held in the basement of Family Resources and are free to anyone wishing to participate. For more information call 837-3460.
Knitting
Knitting and Spinning Lessons: “From How to Knit to Knitting Design”, Monday mornings 10 a.m. to noon and Monday evenings 7-9 p.m. “Spinning Saturdays”, 9 a.m. to noon, once a month. Call Martha at Yarn Circle, 835-4592 for details.
Quilting Classes
Quilting Classes In Nonnie’s Attic is quilting 100 squares in 100 days to help Andrews celebrate its 100th birthday. Join us each day at 1:30 p.m. and learn new quilt square. Call 321-2800 for more information.
Abandoned Animals
Just 4 Hours. Just 4 hours a week can make a big difference in caring for abandoned and abused animals. Just 4 hours to walk dogs. Just 4 hours to groom dogs or cats. Just 4 house to clean the cattery. Just 4 hours to transport dogs and/or cats to the vet. If you have just 4 hours a week to volunteer your time and energy, please contact Castaway Critters at 706-781-3992 or call Martha at 706-379-2729.
Moose Lodge We are now forming a Moose Lodge and invite you to join us. Our meetings are held at Homers Corner Cafe located at Hwy 19/129 in Murphy, NC inside Fosters Flea Market. Come early and join us for a Dutch Treat lunch. Our meetings are held on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1 p.m. For further information please call Art or Donna Harris at (828) 389-6342.
Body Sculpting Class
Body Sculpting/Cardiovascular Exercise classes are being offered at Towns County Recreational Center in Hiawassee, Ga. Class is from 6:30-7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cost is $4 per class or $48 per month. Contact the recreation center at (706) 8962600 or Susan Rogers at (706) 896-6842.
Square Dance Classes Enchanted Valley Squares is having Basic Mainstream Classess on Tuesday Nights at the Towns Co Middle School
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Environmental Heroes Environmental Heroes, is an important show airing on UNC-TV. It profiles the green pursuits of three Tar Heels working to protect and improve the state’s environment. The three “environmental heroes” include: * Dean Brooks, a former dairy farmer from Goldston, N.C., in Chatham County who started and runs one of the largest compost businesses in the southeastern United States. He and his family turn organic waste into profit while reducing garbage going into landfills. * Gary Grant, a community activist from Tillery, N.C., in Halifax County who has worked for decades to protect his African-American farming community from polluting industries such as corporate hog farms. He led the fight to institute a hog farm moratorium in North Carolina. * Todd Miller, founder and executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Federation in Newport, who has built one of the largest coastal protection organizations on the East Coast. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication science documentary television course produced this half-hour documentary, under the direction of Tom Linden, M.D., director of the school’s medical and science journalism program. “We hope the documentary provides inspiration for people who believe that one individual can make a huge difference in protecting the environment,” said Dr. Linden. Associate producers of the program are Jim Sander, documentary film producer, and Blair Pollock, environmental film producer and solid waste planner for Orange County, NC. Videographer/editor for the program was Martin Brown of Treehouse Productions in Hillsborough, NC. Additional videography was provided by George Bryant. Music was by Carrboro resident Chris Frank of the Red Clay Ramblers. UNC students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Gillings School of Global Public Health produced and wrote the featured three profiles. They include segment producers Jessica Hughes, Julea Steiner and Sander. Segment associate producers were Kathryn Barr, Jiang Li, Joseph Marra, Kevin Mckenna, Emily Waters and Sarah Whitmarsh. Scriptwriters included Kelly, Linden, Julia Connors and Maggie De Pano. Animation was produced by Zachary Ferriola-Bruckenstein. Visit http://www.unctv.org/environmentalheroes for additional information and resources. For more information about the Medical and Science Journalism Program, go to: http://www.jomc.unc.edu/medicaljournalism. UNC-TV, North Carolina’s statewide public television network, provides life-changing television services for viewers of all ages. In addition to flagship channel UNC-TV, broadcasting in high-definition, other services include UNC-EX The Explorer Channel, as well as UNC-KD, a channel just for kids, and UNC-MX, a cable-only channel featuring a mix of programming for adults, from public affairs shows to how-to and more. Visit www.unctv. org for more information about programs and services offered by UNC-TV.
Cafeteria from 7:00-9:00 pm. For more information: GA-Al Supplee (706) 3792191 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 every month. Please bring snack foods.
Senior Game Day Dominoes, Hearts, Scrabble, Checkers, etc. Every Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Clay County Senior Center Call 838-389-9271 for more info.
HAMs meetings North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Branan Lodge in Blairsville. All of our meetings are open to the public. For more information about joining the Club or becoming a HAM, call Don Deyton at 706-781-6665.
Intermediate Bridge Intermediate Bridge is being played at the health department, downstairs in Hiawassee on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 12:45 p.m. All players welcome. For more information please call (828) 3898065.
Oil Painting Classes
Classes for beginners and intermediate students, Wednesdays, 9AM - 1PM at Clay County Senior Center. Cost is $65; must furnish own brushes and canvas. Call the senior center for more information at (828) 389-9271
Helping Hands meet The ladies group at Sweetwater United Methodist Church meets from 10 a.m. to noon every first and third Tuesday. They make quilts for Clay and Cherokee counties’ sick and needy. Helpers are welcome.
Fellowship Weekly Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at Daniels in Hiawassee, Ga. Call (828) 3890140.
Valley Kennel Club Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the
first Monday of each month at Brother’s Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.
Mountain Hikers Mountain High Hikers schedule two hikes each Tuesday, occasionally specialty hikes, and regular trail maintaining tripsall in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Check the web site: MountainHighHikers.org for schedule and meeting locations or call 828-389-8240 for information.
Blue Ridge MOAA
The Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets the third Monday of each month at various area restaurants. All active duty, reserve, retired and former military, and Public Health Service, and NOAA officers, and warrant officers are invited to attend. For information please contact one of the following individuals, in North Carolina: John Bayne at 828-389-9427 and in Georgia: Jim Reynolds at 706-379-6601.
Veteran Consultant
The veterans’ consultant, Mike Casey, will be at the Job Link Office on the second Tuesday and the fourth Wednesday of each month. Call (828) 837-7407 of the Social Service Office in Hayesville at 389-6301.
Granny’s Attic
Granny’s Attic, Auxiliary of Good Shepherd Home Health Care and Hospice, is open Wed. - Sat., 9 am - 4 pm. We are now stocked for Fall. To make donations or volunteer contact Linda at 828-389-4233.
REACH Thrift Store The REACH Thrift Store hours are from 10 a.m. - 4:30 a.m. Monday Saturday. We are located at 1252 Hwy 64 W. (Old KT Billiards bldg., Donations accepted during business hours. Volunteers welcome. Call 828.389.1415 or 828.557.7416 for more information.
Women in fellowship
Tri-County Women’s Connection meets the first Thursday of each month in the fellowship hall of Murphy First Baptist Church, welcoming retirees, homemakers, home-schoolers, young moms-------all women. Fascinating programs, delightful music, inspirational talks, good food, child care and wonderful fellowship make each gathering special. Call Linda at 837-2305 for information and reservations.
Submit your events to CherokeeSentinel @gmail.com
CLASSIFIEDS
Reminder:
Deadline for classifieds is Monday at 3:00. All classifieds received after this time will be printed the following Thursday. 100-Autos 2005 FORD FOCUS SES, Runs GREAT! Automatic, white, power locks, power windows, leather seats, tinted windows. Great gas mileage. Well maintained car. Asking below Kelly Blue Book. Chevy Malibu 2005 10 K miles, asking $10,000.00 Call 828-389-0859 2008 Lexus GS350, 15,600 miles. One owner, non-smoker, garaged. GPS, rear camera, bluetooth, etc... Asking: $36,500 Call 706-896-6076
200-Employment 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
300-Services Cooking with Kara “ Remake Your Life� Shed weight, Look and Feel Great in 30 Days! A 4 week Healthy Cooking Series. Call Today 828-389-7044 or visit: www.CookingwithKara.com 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 828-
389-9394 # 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 of your home. Licensed and insured. 18 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
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 pets, no smoking. Located in Hiawassee in Campground on Lake. Has attached 30? deck with aluminum/ vinyl awning, pool, Recreation area, boat dock and storage, 8*'* DBCMF BWBJMBCMF 0#0 378-4175, 229-377-6104 LEAVE MESSAGE
400 - Yard Sales
600-Wanted
Moving Sale: 4 piece Bedroom set, Dining Table, sofa and Loveseat. Lamps, some misc. call 828-389-0859
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: Looking for female 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 #
500 - For Sale Antique Couch and chair in beautiful condition. Reupholstered chenille fabric. Walnut trim on both pieces. $300 8376623
2007 Harley Davidson Touring RS FLHXI Street Glide, 96 Cubic Inch, VTwin, six speed, Asking $4800, contact: ssa80ens@msn.com/ 336-464-2137. Dry hay in 4’ x 5’ Bales $25.00 828-3614633 Hay for Sale June 2009 cutting $3.00 a bale 828-389-0956 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
Hughes Pool & Stone Carries a full line of Landscaping products including: 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 Located behind Downtown Pizza in Murphy on Church St.
Call (828) 837-6222
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
Has 45 X 100 metal building. Land also has spring - lacks two filter tests for being state approved. Has nice views and would be good for developing. 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 TFXer. Located below Elementary school. $195,000.00 Steve 201-315-9818 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 fraction of cost. Charlotte Ledford Realtor; 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.
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
700-Lost and Found 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
800-Animals Happy Jack Mitex For ear mites in rabbits, dogs, or cats, ask for Happy Jack Mitex. Contains no IGR’s., Hiawassee 'FFE 'BSN 4VQQMZ XXX IBQQZKBDLJOD DPN 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
900 - Real Estate 139 Acres of land with with trout stream. Good place for campground.
Complete Piano Tuning $100
Moving away in a few weeks, Call before it’s too late! (832) 239 2644
1999 RV Winnebago Rialta 22F Coach has only 71050 miles, full size bed, great condition, winter sale $4700 contact: te77lad@msn.com/ 336-464-2457. Unrestricted Creekfront 1.4 acres own both sides of creek off Firescreek Rd located on Trevor’s Lane. 1 bedroom trailer on site, elect. available, 3 bdrm septic permit on file. Beautiful Mtn. views with convenient location near town and Firescreek Park. Must Sell $45K Come build your dream home or vacation property. Email at scootshell2@aol.com or call for more info, survey available. 352-2296764. 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. Two bedroom, one bath Mobile Home for Rent in Hiawassee, Ga. $125 per week or $400 per month plus $200 deposit. No pets. Call 706-8356561 Early Spring Special! Sit in your rockers and watch Spring Arrive from your front porch! 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath to 2 Bedrooms , 1 1/2 Bath from $495.00 per month with security deposit. MainUFOBODF '3&& /0 TUFQT '3&& XBUFS Trash disposal! All appliances included! “It’s time to move up to the Ridges Apartments! “3346 Highway 64 East, Hayesville, NC 828-389-1545 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, Large duplex Apt. + CPOVT SPPN JO #MBJSTWJMMF 'MQ KBDV[[J custom kitchen. $550./ mo. + security deposit. 706-745-2297 or 770-7122107 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath partially furnished home, Lakeview, Hwy 175 $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 Home w/ long range views. LR, eat-in ,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 in a trailer park. $300 a month. (828) 837-6222. # 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 Home for Rent. Large 3 BR/2BA secluded lakefront home.Unfurnished, partially furnished, or furnished. $1,000 per month + security. 140 ft. on Lake Nottely, Unfurnished basement for storage,Call 706-258-7134 or 561-2897493 Two bedroom, one bath Mobile Home for Rent in Hiawassee, Ga. $125 per week or $400 per month plus $200 deposit. No pets. Call 706-835-6561
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COMMUNITY Party: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " sincere about history, politics and his faith,” Davis said. “He also talked about some history that most people don’t know about.” Carla said several candidates have approached Ashton about garnering his support and including him in their campaigns. “Most of the time people are in awe, and I understand that because even after watching him give speech after speech after speech, every time it’s over with… I am amazed,” Carla said. “I can’t believe he has the poise to get up in front of adults and speak and not miss a beat.” Davis said he found Ashton’s speech inspirational and entertaining. Seeing youth so energetic about politics gives people hope for the future, he said. Ashton was able to take public speaking classes at Hayesville Middle School beginning this year, but Carla said her son would flourish at a school for the arts. “He has no opportunity whatsoever,” she said. “We’re just limited in the opportunities that we can provide for him because of where we live.” Ashton said that while he admires Barack Obama’s charisma and talent, he disagrees with the president’s policies and lack of morals.
While he supported McCain in 2008, Ashton said his first choice was Mike Huckabee, and while he believes Sarah Palin would make “an excellent president,” he said he has high hopes for 2012. “A Huckabee-Palin ticket would be my personal choice,” he said. “I think it could happen.” Locally, Ashton’s supporting Tim Barrett and Ricky Rogers for commissioner, and Vic Davis for sheriff. Right now, Ashton’s involved in starting a local Young Republicans club, and he’s looking forward to college. Aiming to major in political science at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, Ashton said he then plans to get a master’s degree in law from an Ivy League school. “It all depends, because a lot of the Ivy League schools are very liberal,” he said. “I definitely want to be involved in politics because I want to make a difference; I want to help change America for the better.” Ashton said his goal is to reverse the moral decline of America and bring the nation back to the Christian values with which the nation was founded. “In the Obama administration there is very little reverence for morality,” he said. “I believe that we should have Christian people in the White House and Congress.” Praising former president George W. Bush for his firm integrity despite slipping approval ratings, Ashton said
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The Cherokee Sentinel March 3, 2010
he has his eyes on the Oval Office as well. “Everyone in the political field aspires to become president, so I definitely would like to hold that office,” he said, noting that, “You can’t start off too big.” To begin his political career, Ashton said he’d like to move back to Hayesville and run for commissioner or probate judge. For now, however, he’s satisfied planning to run for office in high school and writing political commentary for a website he designed. The presidency will just have to wait. “I don’t put any limits on God, and if it’s God’s will for him to do that one day, I’m all for it,” Carla said. “I’d love to be in a country where Ashton’s the president. I think that’d be awesome.” She said that while her children have never visited Washington, D.C., she wants her family to take the trip sometime soon. “We’re very thankful for the opportunities Ashton has been given,” Carla said. “My heart melts and I’m just humbled by the goodness of the Lord. …God has been so good to us.” Davis said presidential aspirations put a lot of pressure on a young person, but Ashton may well have what it takes. “I think the kid has made a very good start,” he said. “Would I vote for him? Well, I’ll see what his policies are.”
Bloodhound is coming
There will be a blood drive hosted by Murphy Medical Center on Tuesday March 9th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Blood Assurance ' Bloodhound" mobile will be parked near the front entrance of the hospital. Please call Murphy Medical at 835-8683 to schedule a time that works for you! Registration starts Monday, March 1st Call Maggie @ 828-835-7683 to register.
DID YOU KNOW?
Internet: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " them to work more efficiently and spend more time keeping our towns safe rather than spending time finding an internet signal. For this reason alone it is vital that steps be taken to bring reliable wireless internet into our towns. Another key benefit is the stimulation of our economy. Consider this – a business owner is trying to find a rural location for their headquarters, and high speed internet is essential. They have considered locations such as Bryson City, Franklin, Andrews, Murphy, Clyde, and Waynesville. From a business standpoint, there really isn’t anything to differentiate one town from the other. All of them have similar storefront rental rates, similar scenery, mediocre high speed internet, similar real estate markets, and similar populations. In fact, a business owner may be more inclined to set up shop in Clyde or Waynesville because of the convenience to Asheville. The only
Schools: t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " ing Hiwassee Dam and Dickey from the Murphy, Peachtree area. He mentioned the election coming up this year for county offices and encouraged all of the students who would be 18 by the election to register and vote. “It’s not important who you vote for, you should decide that, but you exercise your voice in our government, in your government through your vote.” The commissioners said they would be going to the county’s other high school in coming meetings so seniors at those schools could also see how the local government works. During the course of the meeting the board approved several budget amendments including the use of $32,423 from Social Services funds to be used for Crisis intervention to help local low-income residents with their gas or electric bills. The board also approved request from the sher-
way for us to attract more commerce as a county is to continually set ourselves apart from the rest. Implementing a wireless cloud would be an excellent first step in making Cherokee County a more appealing and progressive place to live and work. Now you’re wondering how much it would cost bring a wireless mesh into Cherokee County? As we discussed in our previous Internet article – “Murphy can’t plug in,” the biggest drawback to beefing up our high speed internet infrastructure was cost. The cost of bringing high speed internet to those “Last Mile” (communities such as Tusquittee, Ranger, etc.) customers is way too expensive to be feasible. At a rate of around 40,000 dollars per mile to run fiber to our more isolated communities, the cost to customer return ratio makes it impossible. The initial wireless mesh project in Andrews is estimated to cost around 250,000 dollars and cover a 10 mile radius. That same coverage area could cost well over 400,000 dollars if crews had to run fiber. If we ever want to reach our “Last Mile” residents with high speed Internet, wireless may be our only option.
So how much will this cost the consumer? An exact subscription rate can not yet be determined but the cost will definitely be competitive with other high-speed internet options. Plans are already underway to implement a wireless cloud in Andrews, and Golden Leaf has provided funding for the technical survey that will soon be completed. The only thing stopping this project from starting tomorrow is funding. As I said before this can serve as the building block to making Cherokee County a more progressive place to live, so if you feel strongly about improving our local scene, I encourage you to write letters to the editor and our NC representatives. With the support of the local townspeople and our elected officials we can make this a reality. The Sentinel will be keeping this topic alive until a solution is found. In the coming weeks we will be reporting on its progress and exploring our options to bring about a change. In the meantime, start by voicing your opinion on our website at www.wncsentinel.net
iff to use $2,000 from the state drug tax for money to pay informants and conduct drug busts. Another $800 from contributions was to be provided is to be used to purchase supplies for the Kids Fishing Day. The board approved the use of insurance proceeds in the amount of $45,087 for equipment replacement and vehicle repairs and maintenance within the sheriff ’s department. The board approved the use of school lottery funds and designated sales tax in the amount of $283,666 to pay on work for Ranger School in lieu of ADM monies. Commissioner Sumpter explained to the seniors that the county can’t spend any money unless it is budgeted and approved by the board of commissioners. The board approved funding for prevention of juvenile delinquency for 2010-2011 in the amount of $85,779. $1,955 is to go for administrative cost while the remainder is almost evenly split among Pacesetters ($30,469); Hawthorn Heights ($24,962) and Project Challenge ($28,393). It was pointed out that these organizations
cover a broad spectrum of work and have a good job in the past. The board approved a 5-year projection of capital funds report for the Western Carolina Regional Airport. It gave the go ahead for a new restaurant located at the Cherokee Hills Golf Course to pursue a pouring license for beer, wine and mixed drinks. That application will have to be made and approved by the state. In a report to the commissioners, David Badger, the county manager said surveys have been completed on the several pieces of forest service property and that he expected to get a report shortly on what piece would be most suitable to establish and new recycling center. Badger also said that partnership with the county school system is going well regarding recycling that approximately 50 percent of paper waste has been recycled and prevented from going into the land fill. He said the county is looking forward to working with Walmart and other businesses in this recycling effort.
JACKY JONES
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