03.03.10 Smoky Mountain Sentinel

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Sentinel SMOKY MOUNTAIN

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VOLUME 24, ISSUE 9 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010 | WWW.WNCSENTINEL.NET

BLIZZARD FOR A DAY A surprise snowstorm forced schools to shut and clogged county roads before melting hours later

ONLINE See a gallery of snow photos: Facebook.com/ NewsSentinel A man walks along Old Highway 64 while traffic jams after four cars slid off the road on Tuesday morning. Harrison Keely/ Sentinel Photo

He can’t vote or run for office, but he’s the life of the party Young orator taking local political scene by storm By: Harrison Keely

Editor@wncSentinel.net 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 Harrison Keely/ Sentinel Photo before he was a year old,” Ashton’s Republican party chairman Jim Davis stands with Ashton Owens, an up-and-coming politico. mother, Carla, said. “He’s just al-

would have thought he’d been giving speeches all of his life.” Ashton said he was nervous about the engagement until a few minutes into his first speech. “Experience has definitely shaped my confidence,” 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.” 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,” Ashton said, but as the night drew on, his hope faded. “I was not immensely devastated, but I 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 sevSee ”OWENS” Page 5A

Candidates for Sheriff

Candidates for Clerk of Superior Court

Democrats say tough road ahead for election

ways 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 ONLINE are.’” See a video of When a memAshton Owens ber of his church addressing the invited him to Republicans 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,” Carla said. “All the things that you would learn in a speech class, he just did naturally. It was just mind-boggling;…you

By: Harrison Keely

Editor@wncSentinel.net The following candidates spoke at the Clay County Democratic Party meeting on Saturday, February 27 at the Hayesville High School cafeteria. Read about what each candidate had to say. To read profiles on more candidates: See DEMOCRATS Page 2A

ONLINE Audio: t -JTUFO UP UIF TQFFDIFT PG DBOEJdates at the Democratic meeting.

Smoky Mountain

MELVIN CANTRELL

ISRAEL ROGERS

DENISE HALLAUER

JOE SHOOK

DEBY JO FERGUSON

Cantrell is the vice chairman of Reach of Clay County and a charter member of the Brasstown Fire Department, but his resume doesn't end there. In addition to being a former member of the Clay County Fire and Rescue Squad, he's been employed by the sheriff 's office for a continuous 28 years. "I think that's probably something that nobody else has ever accomplished in Clay County, work-

Having served on school board for four years, Rogers said he's ready to move on. ONLINE At 37-yearsold, he described See dozens of himself as a "peo- photos of the ple person" who event only at would take the Facebook.com/ job very seriously. NewsSentinel "I've got a lot to learn about the law…but the management skills I have," he said.

An attorney at a "struggling small business" in Murphy, Hallauer listed the duties and functions of the position and office, stating that few know what the job really entails. "The economy is very, very tough right now," she said. "The clerk's office, while not being able to solve any of those problems," can still work to the benefit of citizens, she said. Hallauer said that foreclosures are a big concern right now.

Shook defended his tenure as sheriff of Clay County at the Democratic meeting Saturday night. "I run on the Democratic ticket but I think that once you're elected you're the sheriff for everybody in this county - everybody," he said. The sheriff 's office hired about four new deputies, secured extra grant funding and purchased new uniforms and side arms under his watch, Shook said. In total 22 glock pistols and 22

Having worked for both the Smoky Mountain Sentinel and the Clay County Progress, Ferguson said she has a long history with Clay County. In fact, she reported on Heath Shuler when he played local football long before becoming a congressman. "As you know, I am running against Joe," she said. "I do work for the sheriff's department, so obviously we have things that we probably don't agree with, but that's okay." The time will come, she said, to discuss their differences.

Sentin el 116 Sanderson St. Hayesville NC, 28904

See ”CANTRELL” Page 8A

See ”HALLAUER” Page 8A

See ”SHOOK” Page 8A

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NEWS BRIEFS Mardi Gras king and queen crowned

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Smoky Mountain Sentinel Wednesday , March 3, 2010

SHULER NOTES

Shuler leads fight for transportation projects A majority of the North Carolina Congressional delegation have thrown their support behind Congressman Heath Shuler (DWaynesville) 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 received in earmarks during the original SAFETEALU. 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.” Said someone…

Shuler votes to bring competition to health care industry The Region A Partnership for Children held its seventh annual Mountain Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Mill Creek Golf and Country Club located in Franklin. The Mardi Gras Ball is an annual fundraiser in support of the Carolina Mountain Trust for Children and Youth, the Partnership sponsored endowment fund, which is used to honor and recognize children, families and child advocacy organizations in the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina and on the Qualla Boundary. Each year a Queen and King, selected from a group of nominees, are crowned at the event to celebrate outstanding examples of volunteerism on behalf of young children. Pictured are this year’s Queen Melissa Barker, Executive Director of the Swain County Family Resource Center and King Chuck Mallonee, Chief Court Counselor for the 30th Judicial District, enjoying the first dance of the evening. “Melissa and Chuck are inspiring examples of volunteer service to children and families,” said Janice M. Edgerton, Executive Director of the Region A Partnership for Children. “Their unassuming manner and tireless efforts to improve the lives of children in our region deserve our thanks and recognition.” Over 90 partygoers braved the cold in costume and finery to dance the night away to the rocking sounds of the Caribbean Cowboys and indulge in fine Creole and Cajun cuisine prepared by the Rosewood Market. The evening also featured a silent auction, including many fine gifts, art items and collectibles, donated by supporters from throughout Region A. Attendees collected party gifts of colorful beads, masks and doubloons along with their treasures won by the highest bidders at the auction. We are honored to recognize the 2010 Mardi Gras King and Queen who will reign over western North Carolina until next year’s coronation and we’re grateful to all of the sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees who made this event possible. At the end of the evening, Edgerton said, “It’s clear that when it comes to children in Region A, neither extreme cold, nor snowy weather can keep our friends from coming out for children. This was a wonderful show of support for youth.”

State weekly gas price update North Carolina, NC, March 1 Average retail gasoline prices in North Carolina have risen 3.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.65/g today. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.69/g, according to gasoline price website NorthCarolinaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in North Carolina during the past week, prices today are 78.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 0.2 cents per gallon flat than a month ago. The national average has increased 3.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 78.3 cents per gallon higher than this day a year ago. "Average gasoline prices have increased nearly ten cents over the last week for much of the United States. With warmer weather approaching, prices will climb even further", said Patrick DeHaan, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst. "A major reason for the rise is that refiners will soon begin maintenance to prepare for the summer driving season, cutting into supply. Some areas of the country are already moving towards more expensive, cleaner burning summer fuels, boosting prices at the pump", he adds. GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline pricetracking websites, including NorthCarolinaGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine's 50 best websites and to PC World's 100 most useful websites of 2008.

Marriages

t +PTF "OUPOJP 3JWFSB &TUSBEB PG Hayesville, NC and Tomasa Elena Alvarado Garcia, 24, of Rock Hill, SC were united in marriage on February 20, 2010. t +VMJVT %BMF "OEFSTPO PG )BZFTville, NC and Prucilla Mae Landress, 36, of Hiawassee, GA were united in marriage on February 22, 2010.

News when it happens. Not a week later.

Yesterday Congressman Heath Shuler (DWaynesville) cast a vote to stop the special treatment that insurance companies have received for more than 50 years. The bill, the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act, aims to rescind the privilege insurance companies have that gives them the power to fix prices, partner with competitor companies, and set their own markets without fear of investigation. The bill passed in the House with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 406 to 19. “There is no question that exorbitant insurance prices are adding insult to injury to American families who are already struggling in our economy,” said Congressman Shuler. “For months, Congress has been attempting to find common-sense solutions to the health care problems in our country. This bill is a levelheaded and rational solution that both Re-

publicans and Democrats can support. By correcting past injustices such as bid rigging and price fixing, this bill will bring new competition to the health care industry and consequently lower premium costs. Today, Congress stood up against insurance companies and for American families.” More than 400 insurance companies mergers in the last 14 years have resulted in 95% of the health insurance market being “highly concentrated” in states and regions. The American Medical Association found that in 39 states two health insurance companies control at least 50 percent of the market. In nine states, a single company controls 75 percent of the market or more. The Center for American Progress found in June 2009 that in North Carolina two health insurance companies have a market share of 73% of the total insurance industry in the state.

With the anti-trust exemption that this bill eliminates, health insurance companies were able to essentially divide the nation into geographic zones that create local monopolies and leave Consumers little to no choice between insurers. The non-competitive market resulted in insurance premiums more than doubling during the past decade. Nearly 800,000 customers of Anthem Blue Cross health insurance in California learned this week of rate hikes of up to 39%. The Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act will strip these companies of their anti-trust exemptions, and thereby prevent rate hikes and regional monopolies. The bill, which is strongly supported by the Obama Administration, will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Shuler’s vote to protect consumers becomes law

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 anti-competitive 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.” 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 Econo-

mist Bill Hampel. "For too long, credit card companies 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 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.

Sexual Assault 101 Wildlife manager wins award PART 1 OF A SERIES Sexual assault prevention tips are common in the United States, which is not surprising given the high rates of sexual violence. Tips are passed on presumably to decrease the risk of being sexually assaulted. In this sense, tips may be considered helpful. Or, at the very least, they are thought to do no harm. Chances are, you have been given or have heard, or perhaps even you, yourself have given, sexual assault prevention tips. Common safety tips include: - don't walk alone - watch your drink - take a self defense course avoid alcohol / intoxication - don't go home with, or accept rides or drinks from strangers - be aware of your surroundings - walk confidently and with a steady pace - clearly communicate your boundaries with dates These tips are connected to sexual assault myths. For instance, tips focusing on stranger sexual assault (such as not walking home alone, being aware of one's surroundings and not accepting rides, drinks or going home with strangers) perpetuate the myth that the majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by strangers. According to RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) 73% of rapes were perpetuated by a non-stranger. A person is more likely to be sexually assaulted

by someone they know and ask to walk home with them for 'safety' than they are to be sexually assaulted by a stranger. Another problem with safety tips is that they can increase self-blame in individuals who have experienced sexualized violence, as well as victimblaming by others, especially if the person who was assaulted engaged in behaviors considered 'risky'. For instance, if a person was sexually assaulted while drinking alcohol, they may be considered partly to blame for 'not being careful enough'. Similarly, individuals who have been sexually assaulted may blame themselves for the assault, and subsequently not access support, such as reporting it to law enforcement, contacting the local Sexual Assault Program (Reach Of Clay County) or by even just telling a friend. As most personal safety tips are directed towards women, they can be viewed as a way of holding them responsible for their own safety - versus holding sexual offenders accountable. So how do we prevent sexual assault without perpetuating victim-blaming beliefs? Well, that is the subject of the next article. Reach Of Clay County, Fighting the war on terror… one household at a time.

David C. Allen received the Joe Kurz Excellence in Wildlife Management Award during the NWTF's Convention and Sport Show. Allen, a 37-year veteran of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, received the award at the NWTF's National Convention and Sport Show, taking place Feb. 18 to Feb. 21 in Nashville, Tenn., and sponsored by MidwayUSA. "I love wild turkeys, turkey hunting and the biology associated with wild turkeys," Allen said. "I'm surprised and pleased to receive this award, which honors many years of hard work for this great game bird." The Joe Kurz Excellence in Wildlife Management Award recognizes wildlife managers who have proven themselves as exceptional stewards of wild turkey populations and habitat. Wildlife managers, such as Allen, are the unsung heroes who do on-the-ground work for wild turkeys and other wildlife. "NWTF volunteers and state agencies nationwide have spent the past 37 years bringing wild turkeys back from alarmingly low populations," said the NWTF's Chief Conservation Officer James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D. "From the onset, David distinguished himself as a leader in North Carolina's turkey restoration efforts and has since made fostering wild turkey and

other wildlife populations and land stewardship his life's work." Allen has spent the last 35 years as a wildlife technician III and crew leader for the Andrews Wildlife Management Crew in Andrews, N.C. Since wild turkey restoration efforts began several decades ago, Allen has trapped and transferred 260 birds. "David has many accomplishments for which to be proud. He's helped develop and maintain more than 1,000 acres of wildlife openings and prescribed burn areas and cooperated with the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter of the NWTF on more than 20 projects," said Kennamer. Allen's conservation work doesn't stop when he's off the clock. Each year, he volunteers as a guide at a local turkey hunting fundraiser to benefit the North Carolina Chapter of The Wildlife Society and even finds time to manage a trout production facility. The Joe Kurz Excellence in Wildlife Management Award is named in honor of Joe Kurz, a former Georgia Department of Natural Resources wildlife chief for his leadership and the vital role he played in improving wildlife management. Kurz was also a principal figure in the wild turkey trap and transfer program across North America.

WNCSENTINEL.NET

OPINION Sentinel Staff FRANK BRADLEY, Publisher HARRISON KEELY, Editor DEBBIE WALKER Editorial Assistant Circulation PAT MCCOLLUM Bookkeeping

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Smoky Mountain Sentinel Wednesday , March 3, 2010

The Smoky Mountain Sentinel is in the 24th year of publication. CORRECTIONS If you find a mistake of fact in the Smoky Mountain Sentinel that is serious enough to warrant a correction or clarification, call 828-389-8338, fax 828-389-3955 or email smoky@wncsentinel.net ADVERTISEMENTS In case of errors, the Smoky Mountain Sentinel is responsible only for the cost of the actual advertisement. Customers are encouraged to check their advertisements the first week of run. In case of errors, the Smoky Mountain Sentinel will not credit advertisements for more than one week.

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

CONSERVATIVE VIEWPOINT

A short history of stimulus spending By: Jim Davis Columnist To be able to critically analyze economic probabilities, one needs to know the history of previous similar situations. For the first 125 years of our county we had no Federal Reserve Bank and no income tax. We also had virtually no inflation and the average economic downturn lasted only 10 months. In late 1913 the Federal Reserve Bank (FED) was created. It made it possible for the government to create money out of thin air. Also a permanent income tax was passed. From 1915 to 1920 inflation was over 75%. Since 1915 there has been over 340% inflation according to government statistics. By 1920-21 the USA experienced the greatest economic downturn and depression in US history. Our economy contracted by 21% in one year putting millions out of work. What caused this? Among other things, the Federal Reserve Bank became the vehicle to borrow and create money to fund WW I along with a Federal income tax and many new regulations on businesses. What did President Harding’s administration do to get out of this depression left by President Wilson? Government spending in 1922 alone was slashed by 34%. They reduced taxes on businesses and individuals from 73% to 24%. They also repealed a lot of the costly government bureaucratic regulations on businesses.The result was a huge increase in tax revenues and prosperity, as has always happened when government intervention in the economy is reduced. We had the roaring twenties, the time of the greatest economic and technical improvement in the standard of living of the American people in our history. Also there were government budget surpluses every year and much of the WWI debt was paid off. To keep the growth going in the late 1920’s, the FED kept interest rates artificially low thus contributing to over speculation in the stock markets. Also in 1929, Congress announced their intention to pass punitive tariffs to protect US manufacturers and unions from foreign competition. Although several thousand economists warned the Congress that the passage of such legislation would result in punitive reciprocal tariffs against US exports and cause a depression, the Congress passed the tariff bill anyway. This resulted in US exports decreasing by 66% and worldwide unemployment reached 25%. President Hoover was not a free market President. After

the stock market crash in 1929 he and the Congress started a massive 42% increase in government stimulus projects in his first two years of office, raised taxes on individuals and corporations and urged corporations NOT to lower union wages. The result was that a number of corporations could not be competitive and went out of business. Unemployment soared. Also the increase in taxes reduced personal saving and investment that would normally have gone to create new jobs in the productive private sector. Do you see any parallels with what's going on right now? President Roosevelt and the Congress elected in 1932 adopted Hoover's policies, expanded them and called it the ‘New Deal.’ They created hundreds of new government agencies and temporary public works jobs. The result was that the Depression continued with unemployment never going under 14% for another 8 years. At the same time Canada had virtually no new government programs and their economy recovered. What does that tell you? US private sector production remained below 1929 levels until much of the New Deal legislation was repealed after WWII. Actually there was a second Depression in 1938 as FDR’s new government programs gave the appearance of unemployment going down temporarily but in the end further strangled the creation of new permanent productive jobs. Unemployment went up to 19%. That is why most of Obama administration “Stimulus” funds will hit the street before the coming elections – to make it appear that unemployment is going down. When John F. Kennedy’s administration lowered taxes, reduced regulations and took on the unions in the early 1960’s, the economy surged. When Ronald Reagan cut the top marginal tax rate in the early 1980’s from 70% down to 28%, government tax revenues almost doubled during the next 10 years. 22.4 million new jobs were created. His supply side or trickledown economics has worked every time it has been tried. Unfortunately Congress tripled spending, causing a deficit. Economic historical evidence is overwhelming that the of lowering taxes, cutting back government spending, cutting tariffs and deregulating control over private businesses has virtually always created new jobs. And raising taxes and tariffs, increased government spending and control has usually hurt lasting new job growth. Those that have not learned the lessons of the past are bound to have them repeated.

SEND US YOUR LETTERS!

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

THE GREEN COLUMN

Radon is a leading cause of death By: Lisa Turner Guest Columnist

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.

LIBERAL VIEWPOINT

Republicans can yell all they want By: Jim Fitzgerald 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 malarkey, 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 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 noth-

ing 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 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 onethird 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.

SHULER NOTES

Shuler fights to keep highway, 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 lapse could put 90,000 jobs across the U.S. at risk in the next week. “The House acted to continue all these programs. Not passing this bill in the Senate will directly affect many Americans,” said Congressman Shuler. “If the Highway Administration shuts down, transportation and construction jobs will be disrupted. If unemployment insurance and COBRA expire, more than 490,000 unemployed North Carolinians could lose their insurance. The House has passed 290 bills that the Senate has yet to touch, and the American people are suffering as a result.” In December of 2009, the House passed the jobs bill which would

have continued a number of these programs. On Thursday, every member of the House again passed a bill that would continue these programs, yet Senator Bunning arbitrarily blocked the passage of this bill in the Senate. Earlier this week, Congressman Shuler, a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, acted to swiftly to move legislation that would extend the authorization of federal highway programs. He led a bipartisan effort to avoid disruptions in vital transportation projects and prevent the loss of thousands of construction jobs that are associated with those projects. In a letter sent to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner, Shuler urged a prompt extension and fair allocation of $932 million in FHWA funding through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEALU).

Tributes

Wednesday , March 3, 2010

Ronald “Mojo� Lingerfelt

Michael Noe

Michael Noe, age 56, of Hayesville, NC passed away Sunday, February 21, 2010 at his residence. He was a native of Charleston, West VA and had made his home in Key West Florida and Hayesville, NC. Michael was the son of Bill and Iris Jean Herold of Hiawassee, GA. Michael was a devoted husband to Elaine for 40 years and was a true father, teacher and best friend to his three sons. Throughout his 56 years of life Michael enjoyed dirt bike racing, coaching his sons in baseball, football and life. He enjoyed the Florida Keys lifestyle where he built residential homes and created fond memories with love and devotion for his wife and family. Michael also enjoyed boating in the ocean and coming to the NC mountains in the summer. He loved the outdoors, reading historical books, and watching westerns. His pride and joy were his three grandchildren Aidan, Haley and Saylor. Mike touched everyones heart he came in contact with and will be greatly missed. In addition to his parents he is survived by his loving wife, Elaine Cole Noe; three sons, Mickey Noe and his wife, Stacy of Hayesville, NC, Shane Noe and his wife, Mandy of Calhoun, GA, and Jason Noe of Key West, FL; three grandchildren, Aidan Noe, Haley Noe and Saylor Noe; one brother, Gary Noe and his wife, Barbara of Hiawassee, GA; nephews, Billy Noe of Hiawassee, GA, Brian Noe

Ronald “Mojo� Lingerfelt, 50, of Hayesville died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010 in a Marietta, GA hospital. He was a native of Atlanta, GA, but had lived in Clay County since 1991. He held at CDL license and was a commercial driver. He was of the Baptist faith and had lately been attending Mountain Grace Baptist Church in Young Harris, GA. “Mojo� was very influential with the people he encountered and had a real passion of helping the elderly as well as the youth. He was the son of Faye Burney Lingerfelt of Smyrna, GA and the late Willard Lingerfelt. Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife, Melissa Moss Lingerfelt; two sons, Donny Lingerfelt and wife, Megan of Sylva, of Miami, FL, Shannon Norman NC and Jordan Lingerfelt of of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Brian Nor- Hayesville; a sister, Robin Vasser man of Albany, NY, Michael Cole of Smyrna; two brothers, Randall of Dothan, AL and Lucia Infante of Las Vegas, NV; sister-in-laws, Liz Norman and her husband, Lee of Athens, GA, Nifa Cole of Dothan, AL and Judy Infante of Milton, FL. A Celebration of his life will be Blue Ridge Mountain EMC held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Washington Youth Tour -June 10-17, 2010 Funeral Home Chapel in Hayes-Juniors- one junior will be ville, NC. Rev. Keith Nuckolls and chosen Arnaldo Lugo will officiate. -Essay: Why are you interested Michaels wishes were to have his in participating with the Washashes spread in Key West during a ington Youth Leadership tour? private ceremony. This celebration What to you hope to gain from will be held at a later date. the experience? And, explain You may send tributes to the what personally interests you the Noe family at www.mem.com most about touring Washington, or view other obits at www.townD.C. son-rose.com -Application and essay due

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Lingerfelt of Gainesville, GA and Rodney Lingerfelt of Smyrna; and his maternal grandmother, Martha Burney of Mableton, GA Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 3 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Rev. Denny Moss officiating. Interment will be in the Bethabara Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Tuesday evening at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville. The family requests memorials be made in memory of Ronald “Mojo� Lingerfelt to the Mountain Grace Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 825, Young Harris, GA 30582. Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements. An online guest register is available at “Obituaries� at www.iviefuneralhome.com

Hayesville High School guidance office news

CATHOLIC MASS TIME

Got old Macs? Donate to a local collector! e-mail: hkeely@gmail.com

Pastor: Rev. George M. Kloster

Clay County Farm Bureau Scholarship

-Two $1,000 scholarships -Students must have a 2.5 GPA or better -Offered to seniors pursuing an agriculturally related degree at any accredited college, technical college, or farm short course -Some examples are the study of Forestry, Agribusiness Management, Genetics, Landscape Architecture, Biochemistry, Bacteriology, Food Science, Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Journalism, Soil Science, Biology or Chemistry as a Pre-vet, or other related fields of agricultural study -Selection will be based upon demonstrated financial need, commitment to community service, potential for success at the college-university level, and character/leadership qualities -Must be received by April 9, 2010 to the Clay County Farm Bureau

Sentinel Newsgroup (828) 389-8338 Jacky Jones

Celebrating 55 years

Rev. and Mrs. Jimmy Rogers of Young Harris, Ga. celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary February 26th, with a surprise party by their family. Jim and Helen were married in 1955 and have since added 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren to the family. Pictured are Rev. Jimmy Rogers, wife Helen Adams Rogers and son Ricky Rogers of Hayesville. NC. Dance Classes Register Now!

“Ballet�, “Tap�, “Jazz� and MORE! Ages 3 to Adult, Beginner to Expert

Brasstown Dance Academy On US 76 on the hill across from the EMC in Young Harris

Townson Rose Funeral Home, LLC 222 NC Hwy 69 Hayesville, NC 28904 3KRQH ‡ )D[ www.jackyjonesfivestardealers.com

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Do you know who I am? ( with Maria Shiver) March 16, 2010 Part 3: Momentum of Silence March 23, 2010 Part 4: Caregivers Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon each Tuesday Place: Clay County Senior Center 196 Ritter Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904 Call: 828-389-9271 Discussion will follow each showing. Caregivers & others that work with older adults are encouraged to attend. Certificates of Attendance will be provided. ** If the public schools are closed for bad weather, the film showing will be moved to the following Tuesday.

Favorites From Our Table, the new cookbook which Morris Publishers printed for the Women of Murphy Presbyterian Church, is available at Blissful Escape, 4195 Highway 64 in Murphy, or call 837-8197 for information. Over 180 recipes feature pot-luck brunch and luncheon favorites and many cookie recipes from the cookie exchange and the annual Cookies and Carols church program. Former Sarasotans' love for Murphy are reflected in the Sarasota Sailing Squadron Baked Beans recipe, and Sarasota County Fair favorites, Sloppy Joes for the Crowd, and the Chili recipe which begins "25 lbs of ground beef." More than twenty-five local women and men contributed recipes. Proceeds will go to the missions of the group, which include the local Sharing Center, Meals on Wheels, and Family Resources as well as three North Carolina Children's Homes, world mission projects and local church uses such as Bibles for second and third graders.

Now Accepting New Students 706-379-2651

FLOORING

Fax: 828-389-0080

Beginning on Tuesday, March 2010 a free screening of the critically acclaimed 4-part HBO Documentary Films Presentation, The Alzheimer's Project will be presented at the Clay County Senior Center, locate at 196 Ritter Road, Hayesville. A joint venture of the Alzheimer;s Association, the Clay County Senior Center , Smoky Mountain Center Geriatric & Adult Mental Health Specialty Team, and the southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging, this HBO series will be sown over a 4- week period, at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, March 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd. There is no charge to view this documentary, complimentary refreshments will be provided. March 9, 2010 Part 2: Grandpa,

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4A

Smoky Mountain Sentinel

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COMMUNITY

Wednesday , March 3, 2010

DEED REPORT

Owens:

Thomas W Hutchins- Exec and Thomas W & Judy H Hutchins sold 8.880 acres in Hayesville Township to Bobby & Connie Bristol and Thomas M Fassuliotis and Ginger E Lowery for $ 68,000 on February 23, 2010. William Richard Boyd, Jr-TR and Classic Living Homes LLC sold 1.28 acres, Lot 5B (Mtn Harbour Golf & Yacht Club) in Hiawassee Township to United Community Bank for $ 58,500 on February 23, 2010. Ann M Olsen-TR sold 3.59 acres in Sweetwater Township to Raymond Brogan for $ 67,000 on February 25, 2010.

t $POUJOVFE GSPN QBHF " eral 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 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

5A

Smoky Mountain Sentinel

ARREST REPORT Harry Lewis Kendall, 55, of Hayesville, NC arrested for shoplifting concealment goods on February 22, 2010 and released on February 22, 2010. Harry George Tipton, 61, of Young Harris, GA arrested for criminal contempt on February 22, 2010 and released on February 27, 2010. Gary Hugh Chrisman, 51, of Hayesville, NC arrested for indecent liberties with child (4 counts); stat rape/sex offense def. 6 yrs. of age or older; first degree rape child; assault with deadly weapon intent to kill ( 2 counts); resisting public officer (2 counts) on February 23, 2010. Linda Kay Dockery, 37, of Warne, NC arrested for possess marijuana up to 1/2 oz; probation violation on February 24, 2010 and released on February 24, 2010. Stewart Lee Dockery, 38, of Warne, NC arrested for possess marijuana up to 1/2 oz; probation violation on February 24, 2010 and released on February 24, 2010. Kerry Allison Slade, 38, of Hayesville, NC arrested for receiving stolen goods (2 counts) on February 24, 2010. Carla Marie Ellis, 41, of Hayesville, NC arrested for possess with intent to sell/deliver marijuana on February 25, 2010 and released on February 25, 2010. Joshua David Brown, 27, of Murphy, NC arrested for driving while impaired on February 27, 2010 and released on February 27, 2010. Lawrence John Thibodeau, 47, of Young Harris, GA arrested for reckless driving; driving while impaired on February 27, 20120 and released on February 27, 2010.

READING SPOTLIGHT

A bounty of young adult books fills library shelves By: Dorothy Ethridge Guest Writer

Harrison Keely/ Sentinel Photo

Ashton Owens works on his math homework after school. While he loves his public speaking class and band, he says math is his least favorite course.

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 he has his eyes on the Oval Office as well. “Everyone in the political field aspires to become president, so I defi-

nitely 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.”

The Library has many new books for tweens and teens. Come check them out! Masquerade, Blue Blood, Revelations (The Blue Bloods Series) by Melissa De La Cruz--Is the young vampire a Blue Blood or is it Silver Blood that runs through her veins? Faeries of Dreamdark-Blackbringer by Laini Taylor is a vivid adventure set in a place both familiar and new, with characters that make you laugh and cheer.... and a truly frightening villain. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart--Join the Society and embark on a new adventure. Blue Is For Nightmares, White Is For Magic, Silver is for Secrets, Red Is For Remembrance, Black Is For Beginnings by Laurie Faria Stolarz are best selling suspense thrillers....where nightmares come true. Mothstorm by Philip Reeve-Mothy evils discovered within the monstrous cloud are far beyond anything imaginations could concoct. Al Capone Shines My Shoes by

Gennifer Choldenko is fast-paced and funny...a Newberry Honor Book. Dreamdark-Silksinger by Laini Taylor--Discover an exotic world of secrets and spice, fortune-tellers, hobgoblins, and devils. The Willoughby's by Lois Lowry--The Willoughby kids concoct a diabolical plot to turn themselves into worthy and winsome orphans. Fans of Anne of Green Gables will enjoy. Eli The Good by Silas House is a tender and timeless story about the terrible costs of war and the redemptive power of a young heart that cannot be broken. Inkspell by Cornelia Funke is the sequel to Inkheart. Will Meggie, Farid, and Fenoglio manage to write the wrongs of a charmed world? Montmorency And The Assassins by Eleanor Updale is a Victorian era thriller. Valiant-A Modern Tale of Faerie by Holly Black The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong is the first book in the Darkest Powers Series. She sees dead people.

How can one be Celtic music set for member dinner warm alone?

The Bible asks “…BUT HOW CAN ONE BE WARM ALONE?” in Ecclesiastes 4:11 We are having a cold winter! In the words of Scriptures proclaimed wisest man, King Solomon, ‘keeping warm is almost impossible when you are all alone!’ At Zion United Methodist Church, we believe sincere warmth comes with great Christian fellowship, one with another. If you are hungry for some warmhearted camaraderie and a hot home cooked meal, join us every Wednesday from 11:30 to 1:00 at Zion UMC, 5708 Young Harris Highway, Blairsville. This Wednesday, March 3rd, we will be serving Pork Loin, cooked

tender and juicy! As usual, you will receive side items, bread, drink and homemade dessert! A $5.00 donation allows us to meet expenses and put all profits in our church mission funds. We have been greatly blessed with how the Lord multiplies our efforts time and time again. Some wonderful friendships have been born out of our Wednesday mid-day time together. There is always room for one more. You can eat in our comfortable fellowship hall or get your orders to go. Call ahead if you have groups of six or more; 706-379-2173. Don’t forget to listen to WYHG, the Best Mix in the Stix Young Harris Radio to hear your favorite music and our weekly menu.

All you have to do is click “become a fan” at:

Bear Notes is an all-girl celtic band.

Have fun supporting and involving yourself in the activities of your local historical and arts organization. Each spring, membership of the Clay County Historical and Arts Council starts off with a potluck and a treat for members new and old. This year’s Membership Dinner will be on Thursday March 11, 2010 at 6pm the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 495 Herbert Hills Drive on Hwy 64 in Hayesville. Join up for 2010/11 and enjoy a relaxed evening with a recap of the Council’s activities over the previous year, the potluck supper and special live entertainment. This year the Celtic all-girl band ‘Bear Notes’ will perform. The members are: Linda Allen (fiddle), Amanda Burts (recorder and accordion) Nancy Beach (guitar, mandolin, mountain Contributed Photo dulcimer & vocals) and Amy Johnson (bodhran, guitar & vocals). The

band, based in Brasstown and Murphy was formed in 2006 and their repertoire features a unique blend of jigs, reels, waltzes, hornpipes, and strathspey, each traditional to Scotland and Ireland. The strong support and membership dues from you, the community is vital to the ability of the council to put on events such as the Festival on the Square, the Arts Expo and the Holiday Tour of Homes; keep the Old Jail Museum open; be instrumental in progressing projects such as the Nelson Heritage Park and bring theater performances to the children of Clay County. This event received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources. The mission of the North Carolina Arts Council is to make North Carolina a better state through the arts.

FACEBOOK.COM/NEWSSENTINEL

CALENDAR

Wednesday , March 3, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alzheimer's Support

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

Body Sculpting Class

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

Divorce Seminar

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

Food Addicts

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

Alzheimer's Group

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

Cancer support group

Cancer support group meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the community

room, United Community Bank, Hayesville, corner of Hwy 64 and Hwy 69. Any questions can be directed to Janet Curns, evenings at 828-389-0295.

Drug Treatment Narconon warns families that abuse of addictive pharmaceutical drugs is on the rise with deadly consequences. Learn the signs of drug abuse. Someone you love may be at risk. Call Narconon for a free brochure on the signs of addiction for all drugs. 877-379-0208. www.drugsno.com

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

ACTIVITIES Square Dance Classes Enchanted Valley Squares is having Basic Mainstream Classess on Tuesday Nights at the Towns Co Middle School Cafeteria from 7:00-9:00 pm. For more information: GA-Al Supplee (706) 379-2191 or NC-Bob or Loretta Hughes (828) 837-2561.

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

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

Senior Game Day Dominoes, Hearts, Scrabble, Checkers, etc. Every Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Clay County Senior Center Call 838389-9271 for more info.

Upcoming Events Corn Beef & Cabbage dinner

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

Granny’s Attic Thrift Store

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

Facing the Giants at UMC

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

Bicycle repair class

Blairsville Bikes & Boards, Thursday evening, April 1 at 7 p.m. 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.

Men’s coffee club

Beginning Monday, March 1st, the Clay County Senior Center will host the Men’s Coffee Club from 8 am to 9 am every Monday morning. FREE coffee to all men age 50 and over.

Ladies’ tea time

The Clay County Senior Center will hold a Ladies’ Tea at 2 pm each Monday beginning Monday March 1st. A variety of FREE teas will be available. All women age 50 and over are welcome.

New library hours

Moss Memorial Library will have new hours due to budget cuts: Tuesday, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Story-time for Preschoolers is Tuesdays at 10 a.m. GED Classes are Thursdays 5 p.m. to 8p.m.

Bloodhound at Hospital

There will be a blood drive hosted by Murphy Medical Center on Tuesday, March 9th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GIVE BLOOD TO WIN $1,000 Cherokee and Clay Counties It’s a brand new year, and while many are trying to stick to their new year’s resolution, others haven’t decided on one yet. Why not take this time to focus on what’s important – donating blood? The American Red Cross wants donors to “Make A New Resolution: Give Blood.� The need for blood remains constant - it’s important to take the time to give blood and platelets during these coming months. The campaign, which runs from January 1 to March 31, 2010, allows each person who presents to donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross to have an opportunity to win a $1,000 gift card. t .POEBZ .BSDI Murphy Community Blood Drive at the First United Methodist Church (71 Valley River Avenue) 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm 1MFBTF DBMM GPS NPSF information or to schedule an appointment. t 'SJEBZ .BSDI

Hayesville Community Blood Drive at the Clay County Health Department (Riverside Circle) 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 1MFBTF DBMM GPS NPSF information or to schedule an appointment. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region provides lifesaving blood to patients in 103 hospitals. Approximately 1,600 people need to give blood or platelets each week day to meet hospital demand. Blood can be safely donated evFSZ EBZT .PTU IFBMUIZ QFPQMF age 17 and older, or 16 with parental consent, who weigh at least 110 pounds, are eligible to donate blood and platelets. Donors who BSF BOE ZPVOHFS NVTU BMTP NFFU specific height and weight requirements. For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

6A

Smoky Mountain Sentinel

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.

Bassmasters meeting

Members of the fishing community are cordially invited to participate in the next meeting of PIGEON VALLEY BASSMASTERS of Canton, NC on MONDAY, March 8, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the New Canton Library.

NCWN workshops

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: 828-389-6394. 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: 828-837-5500 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

Intermediate Bridge Intermediate Bridge is being played at the health department, downstairs in Hiawassee on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 12:45 p.m. All players welcome. For more information please call (828) 389-8065.

Oil Painting Classes

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

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

Fellowship Weekly Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at Daniels in Hiawassee, Ga. Call (828) 389-0140.

Valley Kennel Club Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Brother’s Restaurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, NC. We invite all those interested in pure bred dogs and canine activities to attend. Call President Kit Miracle @ 706 492 5253 or Peggy Moorman @ 828 835 1082 for details.

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

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

Amateur Radio

The North Georgia Tri-State A.R.C. (Amateur Radio Club) meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month 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: 828-389-6394. We invite visitors to come and observe.

Computer club meeting

On March 8th at 7PM there will be a presentation of Microsoft Windows 7 by MCUG Past President Jim Bell. Jim will present his experiences and observations of installing and using Windows 7. A Q&A session will begin at 6 PM (prior to the presentation) so bring your questions and we will try to find you an answer. Join us for an interesting evening discussing Microsoft’s newest operating system. The meeting will be held in the Goolsby Center, Young Harris College. All the Mountain Computer User Group meetings are open to the public the 2nd Monday 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.

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

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

Veteran Consultant

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

Granny's Attic

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

Library Book Store

Record Albums (33 1/3) are back and we've got dozens of new arrivals. Also books on tape and VCR movies. Don't forget us when you need that special book! Monday to Sat. 10 a.m. -4 p.m Great door prizes are awarded to members present.

Democratic convention

Clay County Democratic Convention is April 10 at 10:00AM at the Clay County Courthouse.

Art Matters classes

March Classes: Fine Art Painting with Billie Shelburne, “ Art Classes 4 Kids�, “ Meet the Artists� art classes for homeschoolers, Make a Marionette and 8 week course for homeschoolers, “ Women & Tools� , Two week class to learn to crochet and make a scarf, Make a Toothbrush Rug, “ Chicken Scratch�, funny name but lots of fun and looks like lace, very easy. Hand built bowl clay project, get your hands dirty and have some fun... Classes available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday an well as some evenings! Most classes are $10 plus material. Call to sign up 389-0804 or stop by our Gallery at 1942 Old Hwy. 64 at the corner of Old 64 and Cherry Road.

Puppet courses

Learn to make your own Marionette and write a puppet show script. 8 week course for Homeschoolers start Friday, March 5th, 2010 Class A: 9 a.m. to noon. Class B: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Limit 8 students per class. $10.00 per week plus materials. Ages 7 and up only please. Call for reservations 828-389-0804 look for Saturday class to start soon! “Women & Tools� an 8 week course for women taught by a woman. Get the knowledge of tools and the ability to do home proj-

across from the moss library in Hayesville.

REACH Thrift Store

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

CCCC Auxillary

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

Merchants Assoc.

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

Game Day

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

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

Mtn. Community Seniors

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

Enchanted Square Dance Enchanted Valley Square Dance is the 2nd & 4th Friday each month at the Tons County Elementary School Cafeteria. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Our caller is Ray Mauney. Join us for lessons at 7 p.m. at the Hayesville Senior Center, Ritter Road. For more information call Loyd Lee at 706-896-5969. ects. Hands on projects, field trips and more. Only 10 ladies per course. Starting soon call to register 828-389-0804.

Crafts guild 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 6:00 pm and the meeting begins at 6:30 pm. The next meeting will be held on March 8. 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 visit mtnregartscraftsguild.org

Bass Tournament

Please join us on beautiful Lake Chatuge in Hayesville, NC on Saturday, April 3 for TriCounty Community College’s 2nd Annual Fishing for Scholarships Bass Fishing Tournament, sponsored by the Tri-County Community College Foundation and the Tri-County Bass Club. The tournament is for two-person teams, artificial lures only, with a limit of five fish per boat. Largemouth, Smallmouth, Shoal, and Spotted Bass will be weighed. There is a guaranteed pay out of $3,250 and proceeds go to support scholarships for TCCC students. Cost is $70 per boat before March 22 and then increases to $80 per boat. Contact Dotie Ortega at 828-835-4208 or dstafford@tricountycc. edu or visit www.tricountycc.edu for more information.

IT’S NOT FIXED YET

Rockslide area on I-40 may be open by April The N.C. Department of Transportation has reevaluated 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,� said the NCDOT’s Chief Engineer of Operations Jon Nance. Twenty-five inches of snow fell in the area between %FDFNCFS BOE 'FCSVBSZ o B QFSDFOU 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. “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 – including the installation of rock bolts and anchor mesh - at the five additional sites. The additional sites are: t 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS UIJT BSFB is approximately 200 feet long. This area has shed medium-sized boulders in the past. t 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS UIJT BSFB JT BQQSPYJNBUFMZ GFFU MPOH BOE IBT UXP TFDUJPOT PG rock that are at risk of slipping. t 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS UIJT BSFB JT BQQSPYJNBUFMZ GFFU MPOH XJUI WFSZ MBSHFS CPVMEFST about 300-400 feet above the road. t 4JUF -PDBUFE BU NJMF NBSLFS UIJT BSFB is adjacent to the site of the October rockslide. ApQSPYJNBUFMZ GFFU MPOH JU IBT MBSHF CPVMEFST

400 feet above the road. t 4JUF "QQSPYJNBUFMZ GFFU MPOH UIJT BSFB 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 additional XPSL PO TJUFT BOE ɊJT XPSL JT FTUJNBUFE to cost $4 million. Because site 4 is so close to the original rockslide, it is being considered part of that project. 4JODF UIF SPDLTMJEF PDDVSSFE PO 0DU TUBUF BOE contract workers have removed thousands of tons of boulders and unstable rock from the site of the rockslide at mile marker 2.6 in North Carolina, near the Tennessee border. After clearing a rock mass about the size of a small apartment building – 60 feet wide, GFFU UBMM BOE GFFU UIJDL o DSFXT IBWF GPDVTFE PO JOTUBMMJOH SPDL CPMUT UP TUBCJMJ[F UIF NPVOUBJOTJEF 4P GBS QFSDFOU PG UIF IPMFT IBWF CFFO ESJMMFE and 20 percent of the holes have been grouted. In addition, while the I-40 corridor has been closed UP USBċD /$%05 IBT VOEFS XBZ BCPVU NJMlion 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.

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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(828) 389-8338 You can submit classifieds online at www.wncsentinel.net

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COMMUNITY Candidates for the Board of Education

Smoky Mountain Sentinel Wednesday , March 3, 2010

Commissioner

State Senate

WANDA ANDERSON

WANDA COTTON

TONY ELLIS

CHAD HODGES

Cotton said she wants to give schoolchildren the technology needed to prosper, noting that she has two children. Cotton was born in Hayesville, graduated from HHS and owns Cotton Builders with her husband.

Ellis said he began work with the Clay County Sheriff 's Office in 1992 and has most recently been a School Resource Officer for Clay County Schools. "We're in the top ten in the state and I hope to at least keep it that way and hopefully improve it if we can," he said.

"I have an utmost desire to see children and youth in this area succeed and get the best possible education," he said. Hodges said it would be his job to ensure that teachers get the best possible resources. "Our schools have been top performing in the state and that is my main agenda," he said.

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The other candidates for commissioner called to say they couldn't make it, leaving Anderson to stand alone at Saturday's meeting. Despite working two full-time jobs, Anderson said she was up for the task. "Give a busy woman something that she's really passionate about and I can get it done," she said. Having been raised in Clay County, Anderson said the education system still needs to be tweaked and that business needs to pick up. "We need jobs here," she said. "We can entice some industry to come into the county" Anderson has experience working against the tide, having triumphed against the local zoning board in the past and also advocating for less fortunate citizens. "I worked for Clay County social services for seven years so I know there's a great need in this county for help for the people," she said.

CANTRELL (CONTINUED) ing for the sheriff 's office that long," he said. Recounting the story of the county commissioners' decision to give each community $40,000 for a community building 15 years ago, Cantrell said he was involved with an even bigger task. Raising extra money for the community of Brasstown. In all, more than $120,000 was contributed to add to the $40,000. "People who work together for a common cause can do wonderful things, and that's what we did at Brasstown," he said. Cantrell said that the center is still moving forward with other projects like buying three additional acres and building a playground. "We leave that community center open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to try to give these kids something other to do than experiment with drugs or whatever," he said.

HALLAUER (CONTINUED) "If there's any possible way to keep someone from losing their home I would find those ways to do that…" she said. She noted that she has experience working with finances for employers in the past and emphasized the execution of perfection to the letter of the law.

SHOOK (CONTINUED) shotguns were added to the law enforcement arsenal recently. Shook said that officers in training at Southwestern Community College speak highly of the operation in Clay County, but that while his team has worked hard for the past three years, 2010 would be tough. Until just a few years ago Shook had never attended a political meeting in his life, he said, due to restrictions on patrol officer activities. He said he wished all of the candidates well.

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JOHN SNOW "Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to be faced with a really difficult election," incumbent state senator John Snow warned members of the Clay County Democratic Party on Saturday night. Snow, who is running for his fourth term for district 50, said too many people are scared of the current economic condition. "There's a lot of people who don't have a job, a lot of people who have lost a job, and a lot of people who are trying to get a job but can't," he said. "People are losing their homes due to foreclosure. It's a climate that can be used against you to try to get somebody else put in office... We got to the brink of disaster with the election of Obama. One of the reasons Obama was able to be elected is that we were in such serious trouble." Snow reminded the crowd that there was a $5 billion surplus when former president Bill Clinton left office. "I don't need to tell you what happened in the two Bush terms," he said. Snow said that while the stimulus programs have been wholly unpopular, he was thankful for them. "If we hadn't had the stimulus programs and moved forward we would have fell off that cliff into a depression," he said. "There'd be a lot of people taking their own lives because they couldn't face the consequences..." He said that while he wasn't sure how everything is going to turn out, he's glad that the government is at least trying to take action. "We almost lost a whole generation of teachers," he said. "We had to raise some taxes and people didn't like that" but it was necessary to save jobs. Snow said that education, if nothing else, will move America beyond the recession. He also said that promoting green industry would help provide more jobs. "The stimulus money allowed us to keep our schools open," he said. "We can't be drowned out by the people who are shouting. There's a lot of people shouting things that just aren't true." Snow reminded voters that of all North Carolina legislators, he lives the furthest from Raleigh and it's difficult for him to travel for frequent visits. "I live closer to five other state capitols than my own," he said. "My district is bigger than the state of Delaware." The upcoming election is an especially important one, Snow said. "To be honest with you, all of the power of the senate has been in Eastern North Carolina," he said. "But we have an opportunity now…to move some of that power back to the mountains…" He said that he was glad to see a good turnout at the Clay County meeting. "I went to a meeting they had over in Haywood County the other day… and it wasn't nearly as good as this," he said. "It looked like there were more candidates than there were people." Snow said that while he was committed to doing whatever it takes to keep people working, it would make it even harder to balance the budget. "Thank you for your support for me in the past," he said. "I hope you'll work for me in the future. This is going to be a tough election; but we're tough people and we're going to make it."

8A U.S. Census still hiring part-time job positions

The best temporary part-time job to come along in 10 years! Some of life’s big events only happen once in a while. Many are eagerly anticipated – The Olympics, graduations, birthdays. Others – dental exams, renewing your driver’s license, cleaning out gutters - not as much. But one big event that only comes around every 10 years brings with it an opportunity for thousands of people. It’s the United States Census, and it’s coming up soon. To conduct the 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau will hire hundreds of thousands of census takers. If that seems like a lot, consider that those census takers will count millions of people spread out over more than 2.4 billion acres! The reasons that people apply for these jobs are as varied as our population. First, census jobs pay well. Surveys have found that the pay is consistently the top reason for taking a census job. The Census Bureau makes sure that its workers are paid well. They examine current wages across the nation, and set pay rates on a county-by-county basis, ensuring that census jobs are among the best paying part-time positions. Then there’s the flexibility. As a census taker, you’ll work 20 to 40 hours per week for several weeks, largely on a schedule of your choosing. Most people find it very manageable, and the more you accomplish, the more work you’ll become eligible for. Adding to the flexibility is the fact that you’ll be working near home. Even if the area you cover extends a bit further from your neighborhood, the Census Bureau will cover authorized work expenses, such as mileage on your automobile. If you’re ready to apply, the Census is primarily looking for US citizens, 18 years of age or older, with a valid Social Security number. In some cases, citizenship may be waived, such as when bilingual ability is required and no US citizens are available. Also, you will have to pass a background check and complete a written test of basic skills, such as reading, working with numbers, and interpreting information. Then you’re all set. The decennial (every 10 years) census is an important source of information. Census data are used to determine representation in government and to help direct funding for projects such as roads and other community needs. So, it’s important to make sure that you and your community are accurately accounted for. The Census Bureau is counting on people just like you to help get the job done. To contact the Census Bureau, call 1-866-861-2010 or visit them on the Internet at www.2010censusjobs.gov.

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