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Vol. 41, No. 216

Classifieds. . . 15-17Sports . . . . . . . . 7-9County scene . . . .6Opinion. . . . . . . . .4

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Sports

By JEAN GORDONDaily Courier Staff Writer

ELLENBORO — Two wom-en were treated in Rutherford Hospital’s emergency room Wednesday following a spectacu-lar crash off New House Road at about 10:30 a.m.

Injured were the driver of the vehicle, Greta Jean Lockett, 40, of Maple Valley Drive, Shelby, and passenger, Amanda Smith, 29, of Diamond Drive, Ellenboro.

Both women were discharged from the hospital late Wednesday afternoon.

North Carolina Highway Patrolman M.D. McSwain said Lockett was traveling west on New House Road, driving her 2004 Nissan at an estimated 64 mph, when she ran off the road to the right, over corrected, ran off the road to the left twice, before hitting an embankment and over-turning and then coming to rest at a tree. Lockett and Smith were trapped in the vehicle until freed by Ellenboro firefighters and Rutherford County EMS.

The women were transported, one at a time, in a stoke basket from the wreck scene to await-ing ambulances at the top of the embankment.

Smith, who was complaining of leg pain, had her leg splinted with a cloth and stick from the woods.

Ellenboro Fire Chief Robbie

Jean Gordon/Daily CourierGreta Jean Lockett, 40, was driving a 2004 Nissan west on New House Road when she lost control of the vehicle, crashed down an embankment, struck a tree and overturned. Lockett and a passen-ger, Amanda Smith, 29, being carried from the accident scene, were taken to Rutherford Hospital for treatment. Lockett was charged with reckless driving and no operator’s license. A total of three pas-sengers were in the car. Two of the passengers were also charged in the wreck.

By ALLISON FLYNNDaily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY – The key to keeping H1N1 and other viruses from infect-ing students and others in Rutherford County Schools is simple, said RCS Clinical Nurse Supervisor Robin York, and that’s prevention.

York addressed the Rutherford County Schools Board of Education Tuesday night about mea-sures being taken to pre-vent the virus. “Rutherford County has been working on this since 2007 when we formed a state committee for a pandemic flu plan,” York said. “This year, we have gone a step further and made a flu prevention plan.”

York said the system has followed up on any reports of H1N1 and as of Tuesday afternoon, there had not been any confirmed viruses in the county schools.

Part of the flu preven-tion plan is not just good hygiene and hand washing, which is being encouraged in classrooms, but also flu vaccine clinics. Clinics will be held for students and faculty of Rutherford County Schools at elemen-tary schools. School nurses, York said, will serve as site coordinators. Dates and times for the clinics have not been set; those dates will be announced once flu vaccines arrive at the Rutherford-Polk-McDowell Health Department.

“These will be for the sea-sonal flu only,” York said. “The health department got funding to offer sea-sonal flu shots for students. Vaccination for H1N1

Two injured in morning accident

Trash no more

Photo illustration by Garrett Byers

Schools address flu plan

Please see Flu, Page 6

By SCOTT BAUGHMANDaily Courier Staff Writer

FOREST CITY — Be care-ful where you toss that plas-tic bottle. Beginning Oct. 1, it will be illegal to dispose of plastic in any landfill in North Carolina with citizens encouraged to recycle.

“We are very pleased that the state has begun to encourage this recy-cling,” said Susan LosCalzo of SWEEP (Solid Waste Environmental Education Panel). “It is important to educate the public about this new law, and we feel the state may not have done quite enough publicity.”

The law, which was passed during the 2005 legisla-tive session, will mainly be policed by staff at conve-nience centers and landfills. Authorities admit it will be difficult to inspect every citi-zen’s trash, but are hopeful that people will begin more

recycling of their plastic bottles soon.

A similar law banning aluminum cans in North Carolina landfills has been in effect for some time.

“The essential part of the law is number one and two plastic bottles — which is all your soda bottles, detergent bottles and water bottles — will not be allowed at land-fills any more. The onus is not on the consumer, but on the haulers, the trash com-panies.” said Frank Chyz of SWEEP “If there is a lot of them in the load they could be fined. The real gist of the law is to get those ones and twos out of the landfills.”

The new law will also affect wooden pallets and motor oil filters, but will not affect motor oil bottles themselves.

“In the presentations that I do, I show people how many billions of plastic bottles that this country produces every year — about 200 billion plastic bottles in the trash every year nationwide — and how only 30 percent of them get recycled,” Chyz said. “And the product is 100 percent recyclable, there is no reason to throw them

out.Here in Rutherford County

we have curb side pick-up in Forest City and in Rutherfordton, so it isn’t an issue for those citizens. And in the county we have ten convenience centers for people to bring them to, but our numbers are still kind of low.”

In addition to informing the public about the new law, SWEEP has also been hard at work informing the public about recycling options in general.

“It is an educational pro-cess that is an on-going process of constantly letting people know they do need to recycle the product that is 100 percent recyclable,” said Chyz. “It is like Coca-Cola, they’re over 100 years old, but everyday they advertise to keep it in the forefront and everyday we need to do the same thing.”

Bringing the recycling opportunities to the public has worked well for SWEEP.

“What we have done in the last 18 months especially

Please see Accident, Page 6

Please see Recycle, Page 6

Plastic recycling will become mandatory Oct. 1

1/front

2 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009

LocaL/State

Body found in Canyon, may be missing N.C. man

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — A body was recovered from the Grand Canyon on Wednesday and National Park Service officials believe it’s that of a missing North Carolina man.

The search for Andrew Brunelli began on Sept. 4 after the Coconino County Sheriff’s office received word that the 43-year-old Clayton, N.C., resident had not checked out of his motel in Valle, Ariz.

Searchers seek bodiesWHITAKERS (AP) — North

Carolina officials are searching for the bodies of up to three missing women in the same rural area where six women have been found dead since 2005.

Multiple media outlets report that the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office aided in the search and recovery operation with Edgecombe County authorities Wednesday.

The Edgecombe County sheriff’s office last week charged 31-year-old Antwan Maurice Pittman with murder in the death of 29-year-old Taraha Shenice Nicholson who was discovered strangled in a wooded, swampy area in March.

Governor now on TwitterRALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina

Gov. Beverly Perdue has joined the growing masses getting out their message on Twitter.

Perdue announced Wednesday her office is now signed on to the microb-

logging Web site that limits users to messages of 140 characters or less.

The Twitter membership is the lat-est alternative communication source used by the Democratic governor. Her office also uses Facebook and YouTube.

Perdue OKs debt billRALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina

consumers soon will have new pro-tections from foreclosures and intim-idating debt collection practices.

Gov. Beverly Perdue on Wednesday signed into law a bill approved by the Legislature last month and backed by Attorney General Roy Cooper.

Once the new law takes effect next month, it will allow a clerk of court to postpone a foreclosure hearing for up to 60 days to allow a homeowner more time to work out a payment plan with the mortgage holder and remain in their home.

The bill also sets out new rules for companies that attempt to collect from consumers on old debts from credit cards or other unpaid bills.

The law extends regulation to debt buyers.

Debt buyers pay credit card compa-nies, hospitals and others a fraction of the full amount due on unpaid accounts, then work at forcing debt-ors to pay up. The state law extends debt-collection regulations to cover the law firms that often file lawsuits to collect the cash.

Beginning next month, debt buyers who try to collect on a debt that they should reasonably know is blocked by a statute of limitations could face lawsuits and civil penalties of up to $4,000 per violation.

RALEIGH (AP) — House Speaker Joe Hackney on Wednesday called for a legislative ethics panel to exam-ine “irregularities” in the campaign finance reports of a fellow House Democrat.

Hackney said he was asking the Legislative Ethics Committee to determine whether activities of Rep. Ty Harrell of Wake County “amount to violations of the Legislative Ethics Act, or the criminal law, or both.”

The request for an ethics exami-nation comes as the State Board of Elections is performing an audit of Harrell’s campaign finances. The board’s campaign finance unit regu-larly reviews campaign reports, state elections director Gary Bartlett said in an interview.

Bartlett said campaign finance investigators are examining certain expenses such as those Harrell’s campaign attributes only as “donor recruitment” or “volunteer meeting.” Many of these type of expenses were incurred at restaurants.

“There was not sufficient informa-tion on some of these expenditures,” Bartlett said.

Harrell, first elected to the House in 2006 and now in his second two-year term, said he would comment later Wednesday after a meeting with Hackney. Harrell didn’t immediately return calls left on his cell phone and at his office by The Associated Press

after the meeting.Harrell listed 165 itemized expendi-

tures during the first half of this year, according to his campaign finance report at the board of elections. Legislative elections are in 2010.

Harrell told Raleigh television sta-tion WRAL on Tuesday that the expenses were legitimate and came at meetings with people to discuss his campaign and a possible bid for higher office.

State law requires campaign funds to be spent for limited purposes, mainly for expenses related to run-ning for and holding public office, charity and penalties for election law violations.

Hackney, D-Orange, said the elec-tions board audit was appropriate and combined with the ethics com-mittee “are proper forums for these matters to be examined.”

Activity by the 12-member Legislative Ethics Committee, com-prised of House and Senate members from both major parties, is confiden-tial in the preliminary stages of an investigation. If the committee finds potential wrongdoing, it can hold an investigative hearing that could become public if the subject of a probe agrees to open the meeting.

The committee can recommend to the House that the subject of a probe be punished, from reprimand to expulsion, or that no action be taken.

RALEIGH (AP) — Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, the first wom-an elected to a statewide office in North Carolina, is entering the race for U.S. Senate with the hopes of unseating Republican Richard Burr.

Marshall filed paperwork this week to create a campaign committee. Her political consultant, Thomas Mills, said Wednesday she had been think-ing about running for a while and decided that “now’s the time” to enter the race.

“The country’s in a world of hurt,” Mills said. “And we need leaders that can find solutions. Secretary Marshall has built a career out of

building consensus and solving prob-lems.”

Durham lawyer Kenneth Lewis is the only other Democrat to declare candidacy, although others are con-sidering the race. Party primaries are scheduled for May.

Marshall unsuccessfully cam-paigned for U.S. Senate in 2002 but was eliminated during the primary. Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole, the first woman elected to represent North Carolina in the upper cham-ber, went on to claim that seat but lost it last year to Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan.

Marshall was elected secretary of state in 1996.

FISHERMAN’S DAY OFFN.C. speaker asking for ethics investigation

Marshall enters Senate race

Carolina Today

Continued photoThomas McBrayer, 12, shot this photograph while attending Boy Scout Camp at Camp Bud Schiele in August. The seventh grader is the son of Bill and Laura McBrayer of Hickory, formerly of Rutherford County.

2/

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Shaking off a summer of setbacks, President Barack Obama summoned Congress to enact sweeping health care legislation Wednesday night, declaring the “time for bickering is over” and the moment has arrived to pro-tect millions who have unre-liable insurance or no cover-age at all.

Obama said the chang-es he has in mind would cost about $900 billion over decade, “less than we have spent on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and less than the tax cuts for the wealthiest few Americans” passed during the Bush administration.

In a televised speech to a joint session of Congress, Obama spoke in favor of an option for the federal gov-ernment to sell insurance in competition with private industry. But he said he was open to alternatives that cre-ate choices for consumers — a declaration sure to dis-please its liberal supporters.

Obama’s speech came as the president and his allies in Congress readied an autumn campaign to enact his top domestic priority. While Democrats command strong majorities in both the House and Senate, nei-ther chamber has acted on Obama’s top domestic prior-ity, missing numerous dead-lines leaders had set.

In a fresh sign of urgency, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., announced that his Senate Finance Committee would meet in two weeks to begin drafting legislation, whether or not a handful of Democrats and Republicans have come to an agreement. The panel is the last of five to act in Congress, and while the outcome is uncertain, it is the only one where bipar-tisanship has been given a chance to flourish.

Obama said there is wide-spread agreement on about 80 percent of what must be included in legislation. Any yet, criticizing Republicans without saying so, he added: “Instead of honest debate, we have seen scare tactics” and ideological warfare that offers no hope for compro-mise.

“Well, the time for bicker-ing is over,” he said. “The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action.”

“I am not the first presi-dent to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last,” he added.

The president was alter-nately bipartisan and tough on his Republican critics. He singled out Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., for praise at one point. Yet, moments later he accused Republicans of spreading the “cynical and irresponsible” charge that the legislation would include “death panels” with the power to hasten the death of senior citizens.

In one gesture to Repub-licans, Obama said his administration would autho-rize a series of test programs in some states to check the impact of medical malprac-tice changes on health insur-ance costs.

In a reflection of the stakes, White House aides mustered all the traditional pomp they could for a presi-dent who took office vow-ing to change Washington. The setting was a State of the Union-like joint session of Congress, attended by lawmakers, members of the Cabinet and diplomats.

The House was packed, and loud applause greet-ed the president when he walked down the aisle.

Additionally, the White House invited as guests men and women who have suf-fered from high costs and insurance practices, seating them near first lady Michelle Obama. Vicki Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., was also on the guest list. Kennedy, who died last month, had made health care a career-long cause.

Despite deep-seated dif-ferences among lawmakers, Obama drew a standing ova-tion when he recounted sto-ries of Americans whose cov-erage was denied or delayed by their insurers with cata-strophic results.

“That is heartbreaking, it is wrong, and no one should me treated that way in the United States of America.”

The president sought to cast his own plan as being in the comfortable political middle, rejecting both the government-run system that some liberals favor and the Republican-backed approach under which all consum-ers buy health insurance on their own.

Obama said the legislation

he seeks would guarantee insurance to consumers, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions, as well as other protections. “As soon as I sign this bill, it will be against the law for insur-ance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick or water it down when you need it most,” he added.

The president assured those with insurance that “nothing in this plan will require you or your employer to change the coverage or the doctor you have.”

Obama also said the leg-islation he seeks would help those who lack insurance to afford it. “These are not pri-marily people on welfare,” he said. “These are middle-class Americans.”

The president also said he wants legislation that “will slow the growth of health care costs for our families.”

Obama said a collective failure to meet the challenge of overhauling health care for decades has “led us to a breaking point.”

Responding on behalf of Republicans, Rep. Charles Boustany, R-La., said in excerpts released in advance that the country wants Obama to instruct Democratic congressional leaders that “it’s time to start over on a common-sense, bipartisan plan focused on lowering the cost of health care while improving qual-ity.”

The so-called government option that Obama men-tioned has emerged as one of the most contentious issues in the monthslong debate over health care, with lib-eral Democrats supporting it and many moderates inside the party opposed. An early draft of Baucus’ plan calls for an alternative consist-ing of nonprofit co-ops. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, the Republican who seems most inclined to cross party lines on the issue, favors a different approach, consist-ing of a standby in which the government could sell insur-ance if competition fails to emerge in individual states.

The speech took place after weeks of halting progress and highly publicized set-backs for Obama and his allies on the issue of health care. After internal divisions prevented House Democrats from passing legislation in July, numerous members of

the rank and file were con-fronted in town-hall style meetings with highly vocal critics.

There were charges — launched by former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and debunked by nonpartisan organizations — that the legislation included “death panels” whose purpose was to facilitate the end of life for the elderly under Medicare.

At the same time, polling has shown a deterioration in support for the presi-dent, and an AP-GfK poll hours before the speech showed public disapproval of Obama’s handling of health care has jumped to 52 per-cent, an increase of 9 per-centage points since July.

Democrats had yet another change to factor into their plans. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s death this sum-mer robbed them not only of the experience of one of the Senate’s most accomplished legislators, but also of their 60th vote in the Senate. That meant they needed at least one Republican vote to choke off any filibuster. Alternatively, they could try a more partisan approach, drafting a bill that could not be filibustered, but also shorn of some of the provi-sions they want.

Republicans greeted Obama’s appearance politely but coolly.

“When it comes to health care, Americans don’t want government to tear down the house we have,” said Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Obama has said repeat-edly that agreement exists on about 80 percent of the issues involved in drafting legislation, and the White House and Baucus have lined up numerous outside interests to help shepherd a bill to passage.

The nation’s drugmak-ers and hospitals have already made deals to help pay the cost of the legisla-tion. The American Medical Association also is in sup-port fees. The AARP, which advocates for those aged 50 and over, supports the approach Obama and his congressional allies have taken.

On the other hand, the nation’s health insurance providers have yet to come to terms with the White House.

Obama: ‘Time for bickering is over’

President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress on healthcare at the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday. At back are Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Slow down and start over.

That was the message from top Capitol Hill Republicans in advance of President Barack Obama’s address Wednesday night to Congress and the nation on health care.

As Obama seeks to jump start an ambitious health care overhaul despite sliding public opinion poll numbers, Republicans countered with a call for a slimmed-down mea-sure containing a few popular elements such as making sure insurance companies don’t deny coverage to people with pre-existing health problems.

“Our view is: Let’s scale it back, target the problems and not have the government take over, in effect, all of American health care,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said.

The alternative GOP mes-sage seems to be, “Keep going, and we’ll keep kicking your teeth in.” For instance, though he’s voted for Medicare cuts in the past, McConnell attacked the Medicare cost curbs in the Obama plan as “massive cuts” to start a health care program for the poor and uninsured.

McConnell again called for a bipartisan bill even as the Democratic chairman of a key Senate committee announced Thursday that he was pressing ahead regardless of whether ongoing talks with Republicans were successful.

Not a single Republican has endorsed any of the plans approved so far by four House and Senate commit-tees. House GOP leader John Boehner said Wednesday that he doubted Democrats have enough votes to pass the bill after the political setbacks of August.

“If they think they have the votes, we’ll let them bring the bill up,” Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters. “Don’t hold your breath waiting for it to hap-pen.”

Republicans chose Louisiana Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., a heart surgeon who was elect-ed to the House after arthritis forced him to close his prac-tice, to give the GOP’s tele-vised response after Obama’s speech.

“It’s clear the American people want health care reform, but they want their elected leaders to get it right,” Boustany said in an excerpt released in advance of his address. “It’s time to start over on a commonsense, biparti-san plan focused on lowering the cost of health care while improving quality.”

Boustany is a supporter of allowing people to keep their health insurance when they switch jobs, and giving a tax break to self-employed work-ers purchasing insurance. He also wants to allow people to purchase insurance in a national marketplace rather than being limited to plans offered in their state.

GOP says Obama should start over

Associated Press

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

James R. Brown/ publisherSteven E. Parham/ executive editor

601 Oak Street, P.O. Box 1149,Forest City, N.C. 28043Phone: 245-6431 Fax: 248-2790E-mail: dailycourier@thedigitalcourier.com

As the flu season draws nearer, more and more people are beginning to feel concern about

the potential threat of the swine flu.The world’s first brush with this flu

strain was a bit scary, but on the whole, not the threat many feared and some predicted.

That, however, is no reason to ignore the potential risks of this flu. This virus, like others, can mutate and the worst fears of some could become real.

That makes it even more critical that we all do everything in our power to reduce the threat. That means that we follow the accepted guidelines to avoid getting the flu, or if we get it, to avoid spreading it.

The standard flu bugs that we pass around every year is still a deadly threat, killing thousands around the country every year.

A new virus that can bypass any immunity we already have and that can mutate quickly could be even more dangerous.

The best way to get through the flu season is to use the standard precau-tions such as regular hand washing, avoiding contact with infected people, and staying home when we are sick or critical. If everyone follows those, every-one will be a lot healthier.

Our Views

Every one key in fight against flu

Our readers’ viewsWriters react to uproar of Obama speech

To the editor:All this outrage over the

President of the United States making a speech to school chil-dren on the importance of educa-tion. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush did the same thing without any protests or concerns whatsoever. So be honest ... where is this “outrage” truly rooted?

Certainly not in the President talking to kids, and not in his message of stay in school and work hard toward your goals ... just in this president talking to kids, but why? Because he didn’t earn your vote, you don’t recog-nize him as your leader?

That is the claim I have heard echoed all over the internet dur-ing the heated debates on this issue, but how is that democratic? What message are we sending our children when we tell them that the only valid President is the one we personally voted for?

When did democracy cease to exist on American soil? When did America become a country that only recognized the democracy they happen to agree with? When did petty partisanship become more important than the free-dom and democracy we claim to embrace? What happened to the freedom and democracy that sup-posedly defines us as a country?

When children are being taught that the President really isn’t our leader because mommy or daddy didn’t vote for him, then democ-racy has died. And if democracy has died, what are our troops dying for as we speak? They spread democracy abroad while it is dying here at home.

Tara WrightForest City

I just had a conversation with the principal at Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary, Keith Ezell, con-cerning his decision to censor the President’s address to the American school children.

He said that he made the decision based on 10 telephone

calls from parents against their children seeing it. So the entire 300-plus student-body of the school are being denied even the chance to see it based on those 10 calls. I guess “majority rules” does not apply at Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary.

Now if I can just get 9 other parents to join me in complain-ing about the lunch menu...

Loyce BroughtonUnion Mills

About the uproar about the President’s speech. I ask those that were against the speech — if McCain had won and wanted to give the same speech, or if George W had wanted to give the exact speech two years ago — what would your reaction have been?

Answer that question honestly. If your reaction would have been the same, that’s reasonable. But if your reaction would have been different because of the speaker — you should be ashamed of yourself for being so narrow minded and full of hate.

Joan MurrayRutherfordton

I believe on Tuesday, his-tory was made in this country. Rutherford County was right in the middle. Many of our people chose not to allow their children to listen to the President address school children.

I saw the speech and I would like to challenge anyone to point out anything the President said that was controversial, unless challenging kids to work hard, do their homework, .stay in school, and listen to their teachers and parents is controversial; there was none.

Our County Superintendent told principals and teachers it was up to them whether or not they showed the President’s speech. Seems to me, this is a cut and run type leadership. All over the country, people were scream-ing that the President was going to brainwash our students and turn them into socialists in a 20 minute speech.

In 1988, George H. W. Bush spoke to the school children. I don’t remember any wild carry-ing-ons.

Many principals took the ball from the superintendent and told their teachers it was up to them. Now it must have been somewhat lonely to be a teacher and make the decision without support from his/her Superintendent or Principal.

One principal in the County encouraged teachers to show the speech. Six public schools chose not to show the speech. Rutherfordton Elementary was not, being new, hooked up to show the speech. The others left it up to the teachers.

As I said Rutherford County was not alone. It was the news of the day all over the United States. This bothers me a lot.

Since when are we afraid to allow children to be exposed to the President? What is hap-pening in this country that makes it impossible to agree on anything? Today’s speech was in no way about Republicans nor Democrats; not about the left nor the right. It was totally encouraging children to do well in school. It is so sad and so scary to realize that our nation has come to such a state. We have had partisan politics for a long time. I don’t recall since the Civil War the hatred that is now shown to a man who won the Presidency.

I do not believe objections to the speech were about what the President might say. It was about Obama. Just as Senator DeMint (R SC) has said if we can bring health care reform we bring down Obama. Why are there so much hate for the President and all his programs? How is this President so differ-ent? He is more intelligent than most. However, he is black. How very sad and what shame on our nation. I really thought we were a better people than that. I reckon I was just naïve.

Ray CrawfordRutherfordton

Doesn’t need images to be reminded of 09/11/01There’s a video making

its rounds this week on Facebook called “When the World Stopped Turning.” It’s a tribute to the tragic events that occurred eight years on Sept. 11, 2001.

I’ve refused to watch the video. Not because I don’t want to remember what hap-pened or honor those who died, but because I remem-ber the events of that all too well. This year I don’t want to view the images that I believe are now permanently burned into my brain.

Eight years ago I was green – I was 24 years old, not married yet a year and work-ing at my first newspaper job, where I’d been for a little over a year.

I’ve always been one to remember random things – I can tell you the exact sweater

and perfume I was wear-ing the night my husband kissed me the first time. And I remember thinking driv-ing to Shelby the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, that the sky was the brilliant shade of blue it starts to turn in the fall. A blue so bright I just wanted to pull it down and make a blouse out of it. It was that beautiful.

I got to work expecting a normal day and was sur-prised when my phone rang before 9 a.m. with the man-aging editor on the other

end. “Somebody just flew a

plane into one of the World Trade Center Towers,” she said. “You guys may want to watch and see what’s going on.”

Thinking it was just a pilot’s mishap, I, my edi-tor and another co-worker turned on the TV. Shock fol-lowed minutes later when a second plane hit the other tower. By that time the pub-lisher was in the newsroom and gasped out loud.

What followed was a day filled with reporting on what we knew, based on reports from the Associated Press, making calls to local folks who had ties to both New York City and Washington, D.C., and putting out two editions of the newspaper.

It wasn’t until I drove home that night the enormity of what happened hit me, as I

looked up at those same blue skies that were free from the white trails left from passing airplanes overhead.

Cleveland County, where I worked, and Rutherford County, where I lived, both seemed eerily quiet that night. My husband and I went to dinner with a friend and found the restaurant we chose nearly vacant. We went home and spent much of the night and early morning hours glued to the TV.

It wasn’t until much later when a special program aired, filmed by two men who were shadowing fire-fighters on that fateful day, that I got a much broader picture of the lives lost on Sept. 11. The most horrify-ing for me was to watch and hear the story of a mother, almost full-term in her preg-nancy with her first child,

who jumped from one of the burning towers, taking her fate and that of her unborn child into her own hands.

I wept. At that time I was not a mother, but I still understood the anguish she must have felt knowing she and her child would never know each other on this earth.

Even as I keep my TV tuned to something light-hearted tomorrow, my heart will be heavy. I don’t need to see the images to be remind-ed of what happened. I will pray for God’s peace and strength for those who lost loved ones that day. And I will thank God for the bless-ings in my life.

Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@thedigitalcourier.com.

Allison Flynn

Mom Sense

4 editorial/

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009 — 5

LocaL/obituaries/state

Police Notes

ObituariesBrenda Scruggs

Brenda Hill Scruggs, 65, of Rutherfordton, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at Rutherford Hospital.

She was a homemaker and a member of Green Hill Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Charles Ernest Scruggs of the home; two sons, Joel Scruggs and Nathan Scruggs, both of Cliffside; one brother, Johnny Hill of Harris; and one sister, Barbara Byers of Cliffside.

Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Cleveland Memorial Park with Rev. Billy Thompson officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., prior to the service, at Crowe’s Mortuary.

Online condolences www.crowemortuary.com.

George SimpsonGeorge Simpson, of 1014

East Miller St., Spindale, died Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 at Hospice House in Forest City.

He was a son of the late Roy and Sallie Simpson of Polk County.

He was a member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Spindale, where he was a deacon, a member of the men’s choir and a devo-tion member.

He is survived by a son, Carl Simpson of Spindale, and a daughter, Lovettia Carver of Indiana.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at New Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald N. Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park. The body will lie in state one hour pri-or to the service.

Thompson’s Mortuary has charge of arrangements.

Norris CulbertsonNorris Ray Culbertson, 82,

of the 5600 block of Pontiac Rd., Virginia Beach, Va., died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009.

A native of Rutherford County, he was a son of the late John D. and Lucy Hogan Culbertson.

He was a retired assistant manager for Farm Fresh, where he worked for 26 years. He was a member of Kempsville Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, usher, greeter and member of the Bill Baker Sunday School Class. He also served in the Navy Seabees during World War II and was a volunteer firefighter in Emporia, Va.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Joan Massey Culbertson; a son, Michael A. Culbertson of Virginia Beach; three grandchil-dren; one great-grandchild; two sisters, Doris Boring of Winter Haven, Fla., and Ruby Culbertson of Forest City; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-niec-es and nephews.

Services were held in Virginia Beach.

Reeve HannionMEDFORD, Ore. (AP) —

Reeve Hennion, a veteran

newsman with United Press International and longtime Rogue Valley community leader, has died. He was 67.

Hennion died early Monday after a three-year battle with brain cancer.

Hennion went on to work for UPI for 22 years before coming to Jackson County.

Finn CaspersenWESTERLY, Rhode

Island (AP) — Finn M.W. Caspersen, a former chief executive of the financial ser-vices firm Beneficial Corp., has been found dead after what Rhode Island police say is an apparent suicide.

Police say they found the body of the 67-year-old Caspersen on the grounds of the Shelter Harbor Golf Club after being asked to check on him Monday afternoon by a concerned family member. The club’s Web site lists him as one of the founders.

Police Capt. Edward St. Clair said Wednesday that Caspersen died of an appar-ently self-inflicted gunshot wound. St. Clair declined to comment on a possible motive.

Caspersen, a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Law School, was a philanthropist and fundrais-er who had served as chair-man and chief executive of Beneficial Corp. from 1976 to 1998. The company was later sold and is now part of HSBC.

Army ArcherdLOS ANGELES (AP) —

Army Archerd, whose breezy column for the entertain-ment trade publication Daily Variety kept tabs on various Hollywood doings for more than a half-century, has died. He was 87.

Archerd’s died Tuesday at UCLA Medical Center of mesothelioma.

Over the years, Archerd won praise from the Hollywood establishment for always checking the accu-racy of his news tips before printing them. He had an extensive phone directory of much-guarded private num-bers that he would use to call movie stars and studio bosses directly to ferret out which rumors were true and which were not.

His biggest scoop came in 1985 when he was first to report that veteran lead-ing man Rock Hudson had AIDS. It was the first time a major Hollywood star was disclosed to be an AIDS victim, and it helped break down some of the secrecy surrounding the disease.

FCPD seeks help in hit-and-run case

FOREST CITY — The Forest City Police Department is requesting assistance on a hit-and-run accident that occurred at Main Street and Cherry Mountain Street on Monday, Aug. 31.

Sometime between 2:17 a.m. and 4:13 a.m., someone damaged the yield sign and pole located on the median in the intersection.

The FCPD is asking anyone with information about this incident or anyone who wit-nessed this to call 245-5555 or to call the TIP LINE at 245-7771.

Sheriff’s Reportsn The Rutherford County

Sheriff’s Office responded to 179 E-911 calls Tuesday.n Misty Dawn Stuart

reported the theft of money.n Allen Hubert Lee report-

ed the theft of two televisions and a refrigerator.n The theft of checks was

reported at the Chase Wood Shop, 1630 Harris Henrietta Rd., Mooresboro.n Gary William Lloyd

reported the theft of a welder and tools.n Vandalism was report-

ed at Foothills Livestock Auctions, 313 Island Ford Rd., Forest City.n Lynda Gail Fraser

reported the theft of a money order.n Michelle Lynn

Washington reported the theft of money.n David Joel Emory report-

ed a breaking and entering.

Rutherfordtonn The Rutherfordton Police

Department responded to 26 E-911 calls Tuesday.n David Joel Emory report-

ed a breaking and enter-ing and the theft of a riding lawnmower and other items.n Gennell Morgan Ruppe

reported an assault.

Spindalen The Spindale Police

Department responded to 26 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Lake Luren The Lake Lure Police

Department responded to six E-911 calls Tuesday.

Forest Cityn The Forest City Police

Department responded to 96 E-911 calls Tuesday.

n Jackie Hogan reported a breaking and entering and larceny.n Randy Boyce reported

damage to property.n Vernon Harrill reported

a lost or stolen wallet.n An employee of the

Sports Center, on West Main Street, reported the larceny of a U-Haul trailer.

Arrestsn Andre Devon Moore, 23,

of 735 S. Church St.; charged with communicating threats and two counts of second-degree trespassing; placed under a $3,500 secured bond. (RCSD)n Jeffrey David White,

62, of 217 Boulder Drive; charged with three counts of failure to appear and with assault on a female; placed under a $1,400 secured bond. (RCSD)

n Duane Ray Lamb, 37, of 441 Cleghorn Mill Rd.; charged with communicating threats and violation of court order; released on a written promise to appear. (RCSD)n Howard Junior Edgerton,

37, of 1056 Grassy Knob Rd.; charged with first-degree trespassing; placed under a $500 secured bond. (RCSD)n Dacia Lee Shearer, 29,

of 311 Halsey Trail; charged with communicating threats, harassing phone call and cyberstalking; no bond. (RCSD)n Mitchell Craig Padgett,

24, of 219 Ive Bright; charged with assault on a female; no bond. (RCSD)n Janice Diane Putnam,

41, of 705 Webb Church Rd.; charged with communicating threats; released on a $500 unsecured bond. (RCSD)n Audrey Joann Greene,

37, of 502-B Oakland Rd., Spindale; charged with fail-ure to appear and conceal-

ment of goods; placed under a $700 cash bond. (RPD)n Michael Dean Loftin, 43,

of 248 Catawba River Rd., Old Fort; charged with driv-ing while license revoked, simple possession of schedule VI controlled substance and possession of drug parapher-nalia; placed under a $1,700 secured bond. (RPD)n Benjamin Todd Turpin,

34, of 218 Stacy Tucker Circle; charged with break-ing and/or entering; placed under a $66,000 secured bond. (SPD)

Citationsn Gregory Steven Garner,

19, of 143 Hamilton Rd.; cit-ed for possession of alcohol underage. (RPD)n Elbert Eugene Moore,

52, of 857 County Line Rd., Rutherfordton; cited for pos-session/ consumption of an alcoholic beverage in the pas-senger area of a motor vehi-cle. (RPD)

EMS/Rescuen The Rutherford County

EMS responded to 29 E-911 calls Tuesday.

n The Volunteer Life Saving and Rescue, Hickory Nut Gorge EMS and Rutherford County Rescue responded to 20 E-911 calls Tuesday.

Fire Callsn Ellenboro responded to

an industrial fire alarm.n Forest City responded to

an industrial fire alarm and to a motor vehicle crash.

n Rutherfordton responded to a motor vehicle accident.n Sandy Mush responded

to a motor vehicle accident.

CorrectionRebecca Maria Edgerton

was incorrectly listed in the Police Notes section of Wednesday’s Daily Courier as having been arrested. She was served a criminal sum-mons by the Rutherfordton Police Department for fail-ure to comply, but was not arrested. The Daily Courier regrets the error.

NEW ATTORNEYS

Larry Dale/Daily CourierFour new attorneys were sworn in last week by Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Laura Bridges at the Rutherford County Courthouse in Rutherfordton. The attorneys, from left, are Brandon Jaynes, Rustin Duncan, Caleb Farmer and Jeffrey Cooper. Jaynes and Duncan are both graduates of the Campbell University School of Law and both will be working for King Law Offices. Farmer and Cooper are both graduates of the law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Farmer will be working for the firm of Tomblin, Farmer & Morris. Cooper is still considering his employment options.

Deaths

CHARLOTTE (AP) — A Charlotte couple who took their pitch to church gather-ings persuaded hundreds of investors to cash out their retirement funds and then bilked them out of about $32.5 million, federal regula-tors said in a civil lawsuit.

A federal judge last week agreed to freeze the assets of Sidney and Charlotte Hanson, The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday. Sidney Hanson pleaded guilty in July to securities fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. He

could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison on each of the three counts and also could be fined up to $6 mil-lion.

The Securities and Exchange Commission said in a civil lawsuit filed last month that the Hansons spoke at church gatherings and other meetings and got about 500 people to invest in private loan agreements through their Charlotte investment company, Queen Shoals Entities LLC.

The couple targeted older investors, “saying all the right

things to convince victims to make all the wrong decisions with their retirement sav-ings,” the SEC said.

Queen Shoals promised annual returns of between 8 percent and 30 percent on investments billed as risk-free, including Treasury bills, precious metals and foreign currency, the government said. The SEC said the couple never invested the money and instead spent most of it on risky investment opportu-nities and personal expenses.

The Hansons have agreed to settle the lawsuit.

Securities fraud alleged in suit

5/

THE DAILY COURIERPublished Tuesday through Sunday mornings by Paxton Media Group LLC dba The Daily Courier USPS 204-920 Periodical Postage paid in Forest City, NC.Company Address: 601 Oak St., P.O. Box 1149, Forest City, NC 28043.Phone: (828) 245-6431Fax: (828) 248-2790Subscription rates: Single copy, daily 50¢ / Sunday $1.50. Home delivery $11.75 per month, $35.25 for three months, $70.50 for six months, $129 per year. In county rates by mail pay-able in advance are: $12.50 for one month, $37.50for three months, $75 for six months, $150 per year. Outside county: $13.50 for one month, $40.50 for three months, $81 for six months, $162 per year. College students for school year subscription, $75.The Digital Courier, $6.50 a month for non-subscribers to The Daily Courier. Payment may be made at the website: www.thedigitalcourier.comThe Daily Courier is not responsible for advance subscription payments made to carriers, all of who are independent contractors.

Estelle Heafner Mitchum

Mrs. Estelle Heafner Mitchum, 93, of the Sunshine Community, Bostic, died Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at Hospice of Rutherford County.

She was the daughter of the late Charles and Dessie Dakota All-ran; she was first married to the late Rev. L. Paul Heafner, and sec-ond to the late John L. Mitchum. Estelle was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, a member of the United Methodist Women, and was an active Meth-odist pastor’s wife for 30 years. She was a member of the Home Extension Club and was a hospital dietitian.

She is survived by her son, Ste-phen Heafner and his wife Dena, of Ellenboro; two daughters, Ann Calton and her husband Javan, of Sunshine, and Pat Booth of Shel-by. Seven grandchildren, Wendy C. Hodge of Sunshine, Jonathan L. Calton of Sunshine, Paula C. Davis of Forest City, Christine H. Allred of Ashburn, VA, Michael Shannon Heafner of Ellenboro, Traci H. Burnett of Sunshine, and Joshua E. Booth of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Nine great grandchildren.

The Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Roseman and Rev. Don Freshour will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The Visitation will be from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to: Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 160 Toney Road, Bostic, NC 28018 or Hospice of Ruther-ford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Friends may sign the online guest book @www.washburn-dorsey.com.

Paid obit

6 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009

Red CrossThe following blood drives are scheduled:Sept. 12 — Goodes Creek Baptist Church, Goodes Creek Road, Cliffside, 7:30 a.m. until noon, call 657-4444 or 245-3513 for an appointment, breakfast served;Sept. 14 — Red Cross Chapter House, 838 Oakland Rd., Forest City, 2 to 6:30 p.m., call 287-5916 for an appointment, walk-ins also welcome; Sept. 24 — Crestview Baptist Church, 630 S. Church St., Forest City, 3 to 7:30 p.m., contact Robin Rohm at 286-9758 for an appoint-ment;Sept. 28 — Isothermal Community College gym, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., contact Cindy Martin at 286-3636, ext. 353 for an appointment. All presenting donors in September may enter a drawing to win one of three $1000 gas cards. For more information call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit redcrossblood.org.

Meetings/other Washburn community meeting: Washburn Community Club mem-bers will meet Thursday, Sept. 10, to vote on how to disperse the commu-nity funds. Meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Community club meeting: Piedmont-Pleasant Hill Community Club will meet Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Covered dish meal, games and fun.

MiscellaneousRutherford County Senior Dance: Thursday, Sept. 10, 7 to 10 p.m., Moose Lodge, Hwy. 74 B; $5 per person; no covered dish this week; call Brenda, 289-5852 for more information.

Youth Fest 2009: Saturday, Sept. 19, 3 to 7 p.m., Spencer Baptist Church, Spindale; Tabacco Prevention Program with Dr. Tom LaBreche, Dr. Gary Schafer, and Jamie Ingraham, RN.Talent show with youth from area churches; free pizza, prizes and T-shirts; for middle grades and high school students; to reserve seating or for more information call 286-5502.

Hunter Safety Course: Sept. 21, 23 and 24, 6 to 9 p.m.; Cooperative Extension Office, Callahan-Koon Rd., Spindale; must attend all three nights; register online at www.ncwildlife.org or contact Officer Tim Bullock at 248-2694.

Hours changing: All Rutherford County Convenience Centers will be closed on Sundays, beginning Nov. 1. Also the convenience centers will now close at 7 p.m., beginning Nov. 2.

Fundraisers Fish fry: Saturday, Sept. 12, 4:30 to 8 p.m.; Concord Community Clubhouse; adults $10; ages 6-12, $5; under 6 free; includes dessert and drink; all take outs $9.

Car wash: Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Faith Temple Christian Church, 111 Kentucky St., Spindale; sponsored by the church youth.

Country breakfast: Saturday, Sept. 12, 7 to 10 a.m., Union Mills Learning Center; adults $6, chil-dren $2.50, under six free.

Yard sale: Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Shoe Show (beside Wal-Mart); baked goods and hot dog sale; sponsored by Stony Knoll CME Church; proceeds for mission outreach.

Breakfast, hot dog lunch: Benefit for Howard Hill; Saturday, Sept. 12, Mt. Vernon Clubhouse; 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Plant auction, hot dog supper: Saturday, Sept. 19, 3 p.m., Crestview Park, Rutherfordton; large variety of registered daylilies and other perennials; sponsored by Foothills Daylily Society.

Italian Night Out: Saturday, Sept. 19, 4 to 7 p.m., Oak Grove United Methodist Church, near Ellenboro; spaghetti, lasagna, and other Italian dishes; $8 for adults; ages 12 and under, $4; includes salad, drink and dessert; sponsored by the UMM; proceeds for various church proj-ects.

Family portraits: Saturday, Sept. 19, at the county annex build-ing; pictures will be made by Heart Strings Family Portrait Photography; professional photo-graphs for a $10 donation; receive 2 free 10x13 portraits ($69.95 value); contact Debra Conner at 287-6061 for more information; proceeds for Relay for Life.

ReligionMissionary program: Saturday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m., Doggett’s Grove AME Zion Church; on program — Green Creek All-Male Choir, Men of Faith and others.

191st Homecoming: Sunday, Sept. 13, worship service 11 a.m., Big Springs Baptist Church, Hollis community; Pastor Paul Scott will deliver the message; a covered dish lunch will follow the service.

CalendaR/loCal

would be a separate series of two shots.”

The seasonal flu vaccines offered at the clinics will be free for students; school staff will be able to use their BlueCross BlueShield insurance to cover the cost.

Right now, there have been no special recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control or the health department regarding dis-infecting schools, but teachers have been instructed to wipe down hard surfaces that students touch a lot. York said bus drivers have been asked to wipe down buses between runs as well.

Teachers have also been asked to encourage students to wash their hands often and York recommended students even change shirts once they arrive home from school each day.

“With this particular virus those ages six months to 24 years are at the highest risk for complications,” York said. “I would encourage all of

Rutherford County to practice good hygiene.”

Students who are absent due to ill-ness would be excused and York said the CDC recommendation for those with the flu is for them to remain at home until they are fever free without any medication for 24 hours.

Any specific symptoms that seemed to affect more than a few students would be reported to the health department, York said.

“If they find they are suspicious the school or grade level could be closed,” York said.

Before that would happen, though, York said measures would be taken to keep students in class.

“We’d practice social distancing,” she said. “Children would stay in their classrooms and teachers would switch.

“In an absolute worst-case scenario teachers and staff would still come into school and could hold virtual classrooms or contact teachers by phone.”

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are basi-cally the same as the seasonal flu, explained Dr. John Mark Bennett,

RCS board chair. “It really doesn’t seem to be any

worse or any better than the regular flu,” Bennett explained. “The preven-tion is key, but the other key I see is if folks are sick with fever, they should stay home. That’s the way this thing could get out of hand.”

Bennett said parents and students should use common sense and be respectful of others when they are sick. York informed the board that if a student was running a fever they would not be allowed on the school bus.

“Even if a parent cannot be reached by the end of the school day, they will remain at school,” she said.

Fliers will go home to parents this week about H1N1, hand washing and hygiene, but overall the threat of any flu is lower than that of other com-mon viruses.

“We probably have fewer students out with flu than with strep or stom-ach viruses,” York said. “We’re looking at it as just another flu virus.”

Contact Flynn via e-mail at aflynn@the-digitalcourier.com.

Flu Continued from Page 1

By LARRY DALEDaily Courier Staff Writer

ELLENBORO — In a nod to the struggling economy, aldermen on Tuesday decided not to hold the town-sponsored Christmas breakfast and not to buy new Christmas lights this year.

The Christmas breakfast, held for people who work on behalf of the town, costs slightly more than $1,000 last year and drew only 40 people, although caterers charged the town for 55 people. Aldermen decided that the event was not worth the expense.

Although Christmas lighting is particularly needed on Henrietta Street, council members were told, they decided that it would not be economically wise to invest money in Christmas decorations this year.

In other action at the meeting:n Alderman Allan “Bunt” Black

wondered if the town might want to take some money out of the water

fund and put it into a CD. But Alderman Jim Rhyne pointed out that the town’s water tank is going to need some work, so it might be bet-ter to wait to move money, and the board agreed. Council members plan to have a workshop concerning the water tank to consider their options for maintenance work on it.n Alderman Sandra Butler Weeks

noted that the drainage problem at Randall’s Restaurant has been fixed, and Rhyne said the work was paid for with Powell Bill funds.n Black also said he would look into

the possibility of cutting water rates for people who use less than 3,000 gallons per month. “We can hopefully adjust water, because we can’t adjust sewer,” he said.n Rhyne noted that he had received

a call from a citizen worried about an unknown person walking in their yard. It turns out, Rhyne said, that the person was mapping water meters on behalf of Odom and Associates. It

was suggested by aldermen that the person have a sign placed on his vehi-cle to indicate who he is, so residents would not be concerned.

n Town leaders agreed to sign a proclamation from the Griffith Rutherford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution concern-ing Constitution Week on Sept. 17 through 23. The signing acknowl-edges the town’s commitment to the Constitution. A copy of the procla-mation also will be displayed at the town’s restored train depot.n Mayor Teresa Whisnant Wood

said she had talked with Ronnie Powell from DOT, who plans to look at the issue of standing water on New House Road. The mayor asked that it be done quickly to avoid a pos-sible hydroplaning accident in rainy weather.

Contact Dale via e-mail at ldale@thedigi-talcourier.com

Downey said there was not a splint on the truck and they had to make do “with what we had in the field.”

Smith’s leg was not broken.Trooper McSwain said the vehicle

traveled 369 feet after Lockett ini-tially lost control of her car, ran off the road and then traveled 10 feet

down the embankment before it came to rest. The car was completely destroyed.

Other passengers in the car were Jeremiah Russell, 27, also of 204 Diamond Drive, Ellenboro, and Christopher Leon Neely, 31, of Hopewell Road, Ellenboro.

Smith was charged with no seat belt and Russell was charged with posses-sion of marijuana and other narcotics and no seat belt.

Neely, the boyfriend of Lockett, was one of the four people in the car to escape criminal charges.

Also assisting at the scene were Rutherford County Rescue, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department and the N.C. Crime Control.

Contact Gordon via: jgordon@thedigital-courier.com

accident Continued from Page 1

public events like Spring Fest and the Forest City Car Show,” Chyz said. “We own 25 of those big recycling racks and we bring them out and set them up. The public accepts them and uses them.

“We’ve also taken care of the recy-cling at the Forest City Owls games at McNair field. We’ve recycled easily 90 percent of those bottles at Owls games,” Chyz said.

“So the public will do it if you make it extremely convenient and uncom-plicated.”

Contact Baughman via e-mail at sbaugh-man@thedigitalcourier.com.

Recycle Continued from Page 1

AdministrationJames R. Brown/publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . .209Steven E. Parham/executive editor . . . . . .210Lori Spurling/ advertising director . . . . . . .224Pam Dixon/ ad production coordinator . . . 231Anthony Rollins/ circulation director . . . . .206

NewsroomScott Bowers, sports editor . . . . . . . . . . . . .213Jean Gordon, features editor . . . . . . . . . . . .211Abbe Byers, lifestyles editor . . . . . . . . . . . . .215Allison Flynn, editor/reporter . . . . . . . . . . . .218Garrett Byers, photography . . . . . . . . . . . . .212Scott Baughman, reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216Larry Dale, reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217Bobbie Greene, typesetting . . . . . . . . . . . . .220Virginia Rucker, contributing editor

Circulation

Sally Glover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208Virle Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208

Business officeJessica Higgins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202Cindy White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

AdvertisingChrissy Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226Jill Hasty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227Jessica Hendrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228

ClassifiedErika Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

MaintenanceGary Hardin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222

An operator will direct your call during business hours, 8 a .m . to 5 p .m ., Monday-Friday . After business hours, you can reach the person you are calling using this list . As soon as you hear the automated attendant, use your Touch Tone phone to dial 1 and the person’s extension or dial 3 for dial by name .

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today please call 245-6431 and ask for circulation.

If you call by 9 a.m. on Monday through Friday, a paper will be brought to your home. If you call after 9 a.m., we will make sure your carrier brings you the missed paper in the morning with that day’s edi-tion.

If you do not receive your paper on either Saturday or Sunday and call by 8 a.m., a customer service repre-sentative will bring you a paper.

If you call after 8 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday, the missed paper will be brought out on Monday morning.

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Remember, call 245-6431 for cir-culation customer service.

Phone: 245-6431 Fax: 248-2790 www.thedigitalcourier.comE-mail: dailycourier@thedigitalcourier .com

economy hits ellenboro holiday plans

n Every 17.3 seconds, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to reach the height of the Bank of America Building in Charlotte.n Every 1.3 minutes, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to

reach the distance of the first Wright Brothers’ f light.n Every week, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to line the

Outer Banks 28 times.n Every 75 minutes, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to

equal the weight of a Fort Bragg F16 fighter plane.n Every 3.9 seconds, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to

reach the height of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.n North Carolinians throw away more than $41,411,600 in plastic each year.n Every 1.7 hours, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to equal

the weight of a school bus.n Producing new plastic from recycled material uses only two-thirds of the ener-

gy required to manufacture it from raw materials.n In a year, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to line the Blue

Ridge Pkwy 642 times.n In a year, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to line the

length of I-40 (in N.C.) 715 times.n Every hour, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to line the

length of Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte 22.9 times.

Solid Waste Facts

6 jump page /

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009 — 7

Inside

Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . . . Page .8ACC .Notebook . . . . . . . Page .9NFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page .9

On TV

Local Sports

Rain .washes .out . .local .prep .sports

FOREST CITY — Chase and East Rutherford cancelled soc-cer games after heavy thunder-storms ripped through the area Thursday.

The heavy rains fell Thursday morning and again in the afternoon forcing the cancella-tions.

No makeup dates were reported to the Daily Courier.

France .defeats . .Russia .at .Euro .worlds

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Ronny Turiaf had a double-double and Tony Parker added 17 points Wednesday to help France to a 69-64 win over defending champion Russia at the European basketball cham-pionship.

Golden State Warriors cen-ter Turiaf had 18 points and 14 rebounds and Charlotte Bobcats forward Boris Diaw added 19 points. Parker, the San Antonio Spurs point guard, had 23 points in Tuesday’s win against Latvia.

Undefeated France secured a spot in the next round. Russia (1-2) managed to advance to the next round after Latvia beat Germany 68-62 because of a better point differential.

Russia has only three players from the team that upset Spain in the 2007 final.

Recurring .rib .injury .sidelines .John .Daly .SYDNEY (AP) — John Daly has pulled out of his two-tournament trip to Australia due to a recurring rib injury he expects will sideline him for the remainder of the year.

The 1991 PGA Championship winner and 1995 British Open champion had planned to play in the Australian Open in Sydney and the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum in December, but announced that the old injury had flared again and required surgery last

JV FOOTBALL7 p.m. Chase at Cherryville7 p.m. East Rutherford at West Henderson7 p.m. R-S Central at McDowell

VOLLEYBALL5 p.m. Madison at Thomas Jefferson5 p.m. East Rutherford at Shelby5 p.m. Burns at R-S Central5 p.m. Chase at Freedom

SOCCER5 p.m. West Lincoln at Thomas Jefferson

CROSS COUNTRY4 p.m. East Rutherford at N. Henderson

WOMEN’S TENNIS4 p.m. East Rutherford at Shelby4 p.m. Owen at Thomas Jefferson

11 a.m. (ESPN2) Tennis U.S. Open — Men’s Quarterfinals. 7 p.m. (WMYA) High School Football Mauldin at T L Hanna. 7 p.m. (ESPN2) Tennis U.S. Open — Men’s Quarterfinals and Mixed Doubles Final. 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) College Football Clemson at Georgia Tech. 8 p.m. (TS) MLB Baseball Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros. 8:30 p.m. (WYFF) NFL Football Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers.

NEW YORK (AP) — The 9-year-old girl put labels on the furniture she planned to take to America.

Yanina Wickmayer’s mother had died of cancer a week earlier, and she decided — all on her own — that she needed a fresh start: leave her native Belgium to attend a Florida tennis academy. She did research on the Internet and informed her father they were moving.

No matter that she had only recently begun playing the sport, or that neither of them spoke English.

Marc Wickmayer said yes.A decade later, he came to America to

watch his daughter reach her first Grand Slam semifinal. Yanina Wickmayer beat Kateryna Bondarenko 7-5, 6-4 at the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

“This is a great moment,” Marc Wickmayer said. “But every moment with Yanina is a great moment.”

Ranked 50th, Wickmayer had never made it past the second round at a

Please see US Open, Page 8

Associated PressThis is an Aug. 17, 2009, file photo showing Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme passing against the New York Giants in the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Week .1: .Eagles .vs . .Panthers

Westbrook ready to play againPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Brian

Westbrook believes he can still be a dynamic running back for the Philadelphia Eagles even as he recovers from injuries that cost him the entire preseason.

Westbrook had surgery to remove scar tissue and bone fragments from his right ankle in June. He also had his left knee cleaned out shortly after the Eagles lost to Arizona in the NFC championship game last January.

Westbrook said Wednesday that he feels fresh and hopes he’ll be back to normal after only a few carries. He believes he can be counted on to carry a full load in Sunday’s opener at Carolina.

Westbrook has two 1,000-yard seasons and he also just turned 30. Even as age and injuries take their toll on Westbrook, he says he’s still capable of playing at an elite level.

McNabb .says .he .wants .Michael .Vick .on .field

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb says Michael Vick has served his time and wishes the disgraced quarter-back was eligible to play in the sea-son opener at Carolina.

McNabb says he’s disappointed for Vick and believes he should have the opportunity to play in the first game. Vick will not be reinstated until the third game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 27. He can’t practice with the team until he is placed on the roster.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Vick will travel with the team to Carolina. Reid also says Vick will watch practice.

Vick signed with Philadelphia on Aug. 13 and played in two preseason games.

Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook

Beason, Stewart back at practiceCHARLOTTE (AP) — Carolina

Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart had just participated in his first practice in nearly a month and his ninth in 49 workouts since the spring when fullback Brad Hoover playfully pounced.

“I just told them we’re happy to have you back,” Hoover told Stewart while pointing at reporters, “and not eating cake on the sidelines.”

Jokes were aplenty in the Panthers locker room Wednesday. Stewart,

their No. 2 back, had returned from a left Achilles’ tendon injury on the same day middle linebacker and defensive leader Jon Beason practiced for the first time since spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee Aug. 22.

“It was an opportunity to prove everybody wrong, even the docs,” Beason said. “I felt good about it.”

Suddenly a dreary, winless pre-season had given way to optimism four days before Carolina opens

against Philadelphia. Minus safety Chris Harris, who was limited with a leg injury, the Panthers had all their key players practicing together for the first time in a month.

“They both looked really good,” coach John Fox said of Beason and Stewart. “They were good to finally have back. That was the plan, and I thought they had a good day’s work.”

Beason, who was injured in the sec-

Please see Panthers, Page 8

Wickmayer beats Bondarenko at Open

Associated PressYanina Wickmayer returns a shot to Alona Bondarenko during their match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Wednesday.

7 sports front/

8 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009

sports

FOOTBALLNational Football League

AMERICAN CONFERENCEEast

W L T Pct PF PABuffalo 0 0 0 .000 0 0Miami 0 0 0 .000 0 0New England 0 0 0 .000 0 0N.Y. Jets 0 0 0 .000 0 0

South W L T Pct PF PAIndianapolis 0 0 0 .000 0 0Houston 0 0 0 .000 0 0Jacksonville 0 0 0 .000 0 0Tennessee 0 0 0 .000 0 0

North W L T Pct PF PABaltimore 0 0 0 .000 0 0Cincinnati 0 0 0 .000 0 0Cleveland 0 0 0 .000 0 0Pittsburgh 0 0 0 .000 0 0

West W L T Pct PF PADenver 0 0 0 .000 0 0Kansas City 0 0 0 .000 0 0Oakland 0 0 0 .000 0 0San Diego 0 0 0 .000 0 0

NATIONAL CONFERENCEEast

W L T Pct PF PADallas 0 0 0 .000 0 0N.Y. Giants 0 0 0 .000 0 0Philadelphia 0 0 0 .000 0 0Washington 0 0 0 .000 0 0

South W L T Pct PF PAAtlanta 0 0 0 .000 0 0Carolina 0 0 0 .000 0 0New Orleans 0 0 0 .000 0 0Tampa Bay 0 0 0 .000 0 0

North W L T Pct PF PAChicago 0 0 0 .000 0 0Detroit 0 0 0 .000 0 0Green Bay 0 0 0 .000 0 0Minnesota 0 0 0 .000 0 0

West W L T Pct PF PAArizona 0 0 0 .000 0 0St. Louis 0 0 0 .000 0 0San Francisco 0 0 0 .000 0 0Seattle 0 0 0 .000 0 0

Thursday’s GamesTennessee at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.Sunday’s GamesMiami at Atlanta, 1 p.m.N.Y. Jets at Houston, 1 p.m.Detroit at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Denver at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Kansas City at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Dallas at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.Minnesota at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Philadelphia at Carolina, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.St. Louis at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.Washington at N.Y. Giants, 4:15 p.m.San Francisco at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.Chicago at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m.Monday’s GameBuffalo at New England, 7 p.m.San Diego at Oakland, 10:15 p.m.Sunday, Sept. 20Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m.Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m.St. Louis at Washington, 1 p.m.New England at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Cincinnati at Green Bay, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.Arizona at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 4:05 p.m.Seattle at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.Pittsburgh at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.Baltimore at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.Cleveland at Denver, 4:15 p.m.N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 8:20 p.m.Monday, Sept. 21Indianapolis at Miami, 8:30 p.m.

BASEBALLNational League

East Division W L Pct GBPhiladelphia 78 58 .574 — Florida 73 65 .529 6

Atlanta 71 67 .514 8 New York 62 76 .449 17 Washington 47 91 .341 32

Central Division W L Pct GBSt. Louis 83 57 .593 — Chicago 71 67 .514 11 Houston 67 71 .486 15 Milwaukee 66 72 .478 16 Cincinnati 63 75 .457 19 Pittsburgh 54 84 .391 28

West Division W L Pct GBLos Angeles 83 57 .593 — Colorado 79 60 .568 3 1/2San Francisco 76 63 .547 6 1/2San Diego 62 78 .443 21 Arizona 61 79 .436 22

Tuesday’s GamesChicago Cubs 9, Pittsburgh 4Philadelphia 5, Washington 3Florida 4, N.Y. Mets 2Atlanta 2, Houston 1St. Louis 4, Milwaukee 3Colorado 3, Cincinnati 1L.A. Dodgers 5, Arizona 4San Diego 4, San Francisco 3Wednesday’s GamesChicago Cubs 8, Pittsburgh 5St. Louis 5, Milwaukee 1San Diego 4, San Francisco 2Philadelphia at Washington, lateFlorida 6, N.Y. Mets 3Atlanta at Houston, lateCincinnati at Colorado, lateL.A. Dodgers at Arizona, lateThursday’s GamesCincinnati (K.Wells 1-3) at Colorado (Contreras 1-0), 3:10 p.m.Philadelphia (Blanton 9-6) at Washington (Li.Hernandez 7-10), 7:05 p.m.Florida (West 6-5) at N.Y. Mets (Parnell 3-7), 7:10 p.m.Atlanta (D.Lowe 13-9) at Houston (Oswalt 8-5), 8:05 p.m.Friday’s GamesCincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m.Washington at Florida, 7:10 p.m.Pittsburgh at Houston, 8:05 p.m.Atlanta at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m.Milwaukee at Arizona, 9:40 p.m.Colorado at San Diego, 10:05 p.m.L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

American League

East Division W L Pct GBNew York 90 50 .643 — Boston 80 58 .580 9 Tampa Bay 72 67 .518 17 1/2Toronto 62 76 .449 27 Baltimore 56 82 .406 33

Central Division W L Pct GBDetroit 75 62 .547 — Minnesota 69 69 .500 6 1/2Chicago 69 71 .493 7 1/2Cleveland 60 79 .432 16 Kansas City 53 85 .384 22 1/2

West Division W L Pct GBLos Angeles 82 55 .599 — Texas 79 60 .568 4 Seattle 72 67 .518 11 Oakland 62 76 .449 20 1/2

Tuesday’s GamesTexas 11, Cleveland 9, 1st gameN.Y. Yankees 3, Tampa Bay 2Toronto 6, Minnesota 3Boston 10, Baltimore 0Kansas City 7, Detroit 5Oakland 11, Chicago White Sox 3Texas 10, Cleveland 5, 2nd gameL.A. Angels 3, Seattle 2, 10 inningsWednesday’s GamesTexas 10, Cleveland 0Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees, late Minnesota 4, Toronto 1Baltimore at Boston, late Detroit at Kansas City, lateOakland at Chicago White Sox, lateSeattle at L.A. Angels, lateThursday’s GamesMinnesota (S.Baker 13-7) at Toronto (Cecil 6-4), 12:37 p.m.Detroit (Washburn 9-8) at Kansas City (DiNardo 0-0), 2:10 p.m.Seattle (Rowland-Smith 3-2) at L.A. Angels (Lackey 9-7), 10:05 p.m.Friday’s GamesBaltimore at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Kansas City at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.Toronto at Detroit, 7:05 p.m.Tampa Bay at Boston, 7:10 p.m.Seattle at Texas, 8:05 p.m.Oakland at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.Chicago White Sox at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

RACING2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule and standings

Feb. 7 — x-Budweiser Shootout, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Kevin Harvick)Feb. 15 — Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Matt Kenseth)Feb. 22 — Auto Club 500, Fontana, Calif. (Matt Kenseth)March 1 — Shelby 427, Las Vegas. (Kyle Busch)March 8 — Kobalt Tools 500, Hampton, Ga. (Kurt Busch)March 22 — Food City 500, Bristol, Tenn. (Kyle Busch)March 29 — Goody’s Fast Relief 500, Martinsville, Va. (Jimmie Johnson)April 5 — Samsung 500, Fort Worth, Texas (Jeff Gordon)April 18 — Subway Fresh Fit 500, Avondale, Ariz. (Mark Martin)April 26 — Aaron’s 499, Talladega, Ala. (Brad Keselowski)May 2 — Crown Royal Presents the Russell Friedman 400, Richmond, Va. (Kyle Busch)May 9 — Southern 500, Darlington, S.C. (Mark Martin)May 16 — x-NASCAR All-Star Challenge, Concord, N.C. (Tony Stewart)May 24 — Coca-Cola 600, Concord, N.C. (David Reutimann)May 31 — Dover 400, Dover, Del. (Jimmie Johnson)June 7 — Pocono 500, Long Pond, Pa. (Tony Stewart)June 14 — LifeLock 400, Brooklyn, Mich. (Mark Martin)June 21 — Toyota/Savemart 350, Sonoma, Calif. (Kasey Kahne)June 28 — LENOX Industrial Tools 301, Loudon, N.H. (Joey Logano)July 4 — Coke Zero 400, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Tony Stewart)July 11 — LifeLock.com 400, Joliet, Ill. (Mark Martin)July 26 — Allstate 400, Indianapolis. (Jimmie Johnson)Aug. 2 — Pennsylvania 500, Long Pond, Pa. (Denny Hamlin)Aug. 9 — Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips At The Glen, Watkins Glen, N.Y. (Tony Stewart)Aug. 16 — Carfax 400, Brooklyn, Mich. (Brian Vickers)Aug. 22 — Sharpie 500, Bristol, Tenn. (Kyle Busch)Sept. 6 — Pep Boys Auto 500, Hampton, Ga. (Kasey Kahne)Sept. 12 — Chevy Rock & Roll 400, Richmond, Va.Sept. 20 — Sylvania 300, Loudon, N.H.Sept. 27 — Dover 400, Dover, Del.Oct. 4 — Price Chopper 400, Kansas City, Kan.Oct. 11 — Pepsi 500, Fontana, Calif.Oct. 17 — Bank of America 500, Concord, N.C.Oct. 25 — Tums Fast Relief 500, Martinsville, Va.Nov. 1 — Amp Energy 500, Talladega, Ala.Nov. 8 — Dickies 500, Fort Worth, Texas.Nov. 15 — Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, Avondale, Ariz.Nov. 22 — Ford 400, Homestead, Fla.x-non-points race

Driver Standings

1. Tony Stewart, 3,6942. Jeff Gordon, 3,4573. Jimmie Johnson, 3,4044. Denny Hamlin, 3,2965. Carl Edwards, 3,1626. Kasey Kahne, 3,1537. Kurt Busch, 3,1528. Juan Pablo Montoya, 3,1459. Ryan Newman, 3,13810. Mark Martin, 3,12611. Greg Biffle, 3,12512. Matt Kenseth, 3,07713. Brian Vickers, 3,05714. Kyle Busch, 3,04015. David Reutimann, 2,94516. Clint Bowyer, 2,90917. Marcos Ambrose, 2,73318. Jeff Burton, 2,62919. Joey Logano, 2,58420. Casey Mears, 2,566

Scoreboard

ond exhibition game against Miami, said he spent countless hours rehabbing. It included about 10 hours a day hooked up to a new-age stim machine, which helped increase blood flow to the knee and strengthen muscles around it.

“It finds what muscle along the lines of the injury is not firing,” Beason said. “Then it forces all the other muscles to work hard-er so that that muscle has less strain on it.”

With Donovan McNabb and a healthy Brian Westbrook com-ing to Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, the Panthers need Beason. He led Carolina in tack-les in each of the past two sea-sons and was voted to his first Pro Bowl last year.

Without Beason and fellow starting linebackers Thomas Davis and Na’il Diggs, who also missed time with injuries, the Panthers struggled to tackle and stop the run in the preseason.

“When you don’t have your leader on the defense, which is your mike linebacker, then

you have Diggsy banged up and Thomas Davis banged up, that’s the second level of your defense,” defensive tackle Damione Lewis said.

“Those guys are your do-alls, they cover you up when you mess up in the run gaps and they also help the secondary with under-neath stuff. That’s the meat and potatoes on your defense, the linebacking corps.”

Lewis said he expected Nick Hayden would start at the other tackle position vacated when Maake Kemoeatu was lost to a season-ending torn Achilles’ tendon. The other options are Louis Leonard, acquired from Cleveland last week, and Ra’Shon Harris, claimed off waivers Sunday from Pittsburgh.

The offense has fewer con-cerns with the return of Stewart, who combined with DeAngelo Williams to rush for 2,351 yards

last season, the most by team-mates in the NFL since 1984.

Stewart said the pain in his Achilles’ tendon was an offshoot from toe surgery he had before last season. He sat out all off-season workouts, then practiced eight times in training camp before being limited to a station-ary bike since mid-August.

Teammates said he looked good in practice Wednesday.

“You’ve got to get the timing down. That’s the main thing,” Stewart said. “Today went well with that. I felt like I wasn’t really out of the loop on a lot of things. I felt fine, running and everything.”

He was part of a locker room where players were attempt-ing to distance themselves from their troublesome eight months since the blowout playoff loss to Arizona. Even defensive Julius Peppers, who tried to force his way out of town at the end of last season, was voted a defen-sive team captain by his team-mates.

“The main thing is we’ve still got to go out there and play,” Hoover said. “But to have every-body ready to roll, especially this week, is nice.”

Grand Slam tournament. The 19-year-old player joins fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters in the semis and is guaranteed to face another teen — American Melanie Oudin or No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.

Marc Wickmayer, who owned a pool construc-tion company in Belgium, closed the business and didn’t work while they lived in Tampa. Relatives helped provide financial support as Yanina honed her skills at Saddlebrook tennis academy. He had worked long days when his wife was sick, but she told him before she died that he needed to devote his time to his daughter after she was gone.

“He just gave everything up for me,” Yanina said. “He just left. He listened to a girl that was 9 years old and left his life, left his dreams. I’m always going to respect him for that.”

After 2 1/2 years, they were ready to return to Belgium.

“We were living our lives and being happy to live,” she said, “and being happy to see the next day arrive.”

On this day in Flushing Meadows, Wickmayer rallied to win the last five games of the second set and close out the 52nd-ranked Ukrainian. That fighting spirit was forged through tragedy — and the way she and her father endured.

“I know what life is, and maybe I’m older in my head than some people think,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not easy for me, because sometimes I wish I could be a girl from 19 and just enjoy, you know. But I guess that’s life.”

The main thing is we’ve still got to go out there and play. But to have everybody ready to roll, especially this week, is nice.

Brad Hoover

PanthersContinued from Page 7

Associated PressNASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya walks through the garage area before practice for the Sprint Cup Series Lenox Industrial Tools 301 car race in Loudon, N.H., Friday, June 26, 2009.

US OpenContinued from Page 7

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Juan Pablo Montoya climbed out of his car after his third-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday night and immediately began his search.

He was in a rush to find an updated list of the Sprint Cup points leaders heading into the race in Richmond on Saturday night.

Montoya quickly found the standings, and the news was good: He had moved up one spot from ninth to eighth.

It’s crunch time and it’s clear by watching Montoya that the real NASCAR racing to watch this weekend will be the battle for the final spots in the group of 12 drivers who will qualify for the Chase for the championship.

Montoya had good reason to check and recheck the standings. With one race remaining before the field is set for NASCAR’s postseason, only 122 points separate fifth-place Carl Edwards (3,162) and 14th-place Kyle Busch (3,040).

Only four drivers have clinched spots: Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin.

Montoya, like other drivers, is busy watching points

TJCA drops MitchellAVONDALE — Thomas Jefferson Classical

Academy won its first ever NCHSAA soccer game with a 3-2 decision over Mitchell, Wednesday.

David Snyder’s header off of Billy Krier’s corner in the 83rd minute lifted the Gryphons to the win over the Mountaineers.

TJCA’s (1-6, 1-0) Krier scored the game’s first goal, with Snyder scoring the second, in addition to the game winner.

“I knew it was just a matter of time,” said TJCA coach Brian Espinoza. “It’s nice to have this mon-key off of our back, and I’m excited for the kids.”

8/

0% financing for 36 mo

Giant Auction & Flea Market ItemsTuckasegee Beagle Club

360 Evans Edwards Road, Ellenboro

Saturday, Sept. 12th Rabies Clinic 8–10am

Happy Jack Medicines, collars, dog leads, cakes, bottles & collectables, heavy duty hand trucks, 6 gun walnut cabinet, hand tools, dog

food, dog boxes, knives, feeders, whelping pens, 18ft. camper, tri-tronics trash breakers and no bark collars, steel work table, San Juan rabbits, puppies, and hunting dogs, plus other vendors.

BBQ lunch served also.

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009 — 9

sports

Associated PressIn this Dec. 21, 2008, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, right, fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Tennessee Titans defen-sive end Jason Jones during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn. The Steelers recovered the ball on the play. The Tennessee Titans and Steelers, teams that always stay in character amid the constant changes that swirl around them in the NFL, open the new season Thursday night.

Towel Tromp II? Steelers, Titans open NFL season

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The stomp-ing their Terrible Towel took on the Tennessee Titans’ sideline last December was nothing compared to the trampling the Pittsburgh Steelers took on the field.

The Titans were Steelers-like in the way they manhandled Pittsburgh up front, hurried Ben Roethlisberger into mistakes, and were more physi-cal. Tennessee’s 31-14 victory on Dec. 21 was Pittsburgh’s only loss in its final 10 games, and it made fans of both teams eager for the rematch.

It never took place — until now.The Titans and Steelers, teams

that always stay in character amid the constant changes that swirl around them in the NFL, open the new season Thursday night by play-ing the game that was anticipated in January.

The Steelers cooperated — they won the Super Bowl — but the Titans were derailed by Baltimore in the divisional round, and the Ravens then lost to Pittsburgh. The Titans started 10-0, finished 13-3 and have spent the last seven-plus months pondering how their season — and perhaps the Super Bowl — got away from them.

To the Steelers, the most indel-ible image of that Titans rout was running back LenDale White and several teammates tromping on Terrible Towels. The sideline stomp has been replayed countless times in Pittsburgh, where the towel is as much a source of civic pride as it is a symbol of the six-time Super Bowl-winning team it represents.

In Pittsburgh, one doesn’t dare tread on the Terrible Towel, but White said he would gladly do it again if he gets the chance.

“If it happens to be there, I’m going to stomp all over that, man,” White said. “If there’s a towel in the stands, I will stomp on it.”

White’s words weren’t especially well-received in his own locker room — why agitate the champions, after all? Coach Jeff Fisher quickly moved to end such talk.

“It was something that took place in an emotional moment,” Fisher said. “The players now understand ... the tradition behind the towel and the organization. They’re certainly not going to carry their own towels out there and stomp on them before kickoff.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he’s got more important matters to

worry about, such as making sure his players don’t turn over the ball four times again.

“There’s a lot of things that pump fans up that got nothing to do with playing and winning and losing,” Tomlin said. “This is going to be two top-quality teams. They’re going to play because it’s opening night ... both teams need to get off to a great start. Those are going to be the things that motivate these teams.”

Still, that didn’t prevent offensive tackle Willie Colon from saying, “We’ll talk about it (with the Titans) Thursday night.”

Obviously, he’s not expecting a Towel Tromp II.

The Steelers return 19 of 22 start-ers, exceptional for a Super Bowl-winning team. Tomlin, however, has repeatedly taken steps to distance this team from last season’s.

“Just because we won the Super Bowl last year don’t mean nothing,” defensive tackle Casey Hampton said. “To be at the top then doesn’t mean anything because it’s a whole new season.”

Associated PressFergie, of the Hip Hop musical group, Black Eyed Peas answers questions during a news conference in Pittsburgh, Wednesday. The Black Eyed Peas and country singer Tim McGraw will give a concert in downtown Pittsburgh as part of the NFL kickoff festivities before the season opening football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Al Groh: Maybe droids write celebration rules

ACC Notebook

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Virginia coach Al Groh tries to avoid being demonstrative on the sidelines.

However, Groh doesn’t object to reasonable end zone celebrations and hasn’t been above doing a flying chest bump himself after a good play in his eight years at Virginia.

Groh does have a problem with the rules and officials who seem to have no tolerance for even the slightest display of emotion.

In Virginia’s 26-14 loss to William & Mary, Cavaliers quarterback Jameel Sewell was flagged 15 yards for making an inoffensive symbol with his hands in the end zone after scoring a touchdown. Tribe defensive back B.W. Webb also was flagged for putting his hands in the air after scoring on a 50-yard interception return that essentially closed out the game.

Both scores gave their teams the lead.

“I don’t think it was over the top for my personal sensitivities,” Groh said of both gestures. “Obviously that’s not the sensitivities of the rule-mak-ers, so you have to know what the rules are, and the rules say, virtually, there is no room for celebration.”

Groh recalled the game last season where Washington quarterback Jake Locker scored a touchdown in the closing seconds against BYU to pull his team within a point. Locker drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty because after tumbling into the end zone for the 3-yard TD, he thrust his hands in the air as he got to his feet, sending the ball sailing upward. The penalty was assessed on the extra point, BYU blocked it and won 28-27.

Groh said Locker’s reaction, like the two in his game Saturday, were not excessive.

“I thought in a lot of ways, it was natural human reaction the other day,” he said. “But maybe we’ve got some droids that are writing the rules in terms of human reaction.”

CALM CUTCLIFFE: Duke has had plenty of practice at losing, so it’s probably good that coach David Cutcliffe said he gets more reflective than angry after a defeat.

The Blue Devils’ loss to Richmond last weekend was a frustrating way to start a season that some think will end with Duke in a bowl game. It’s why Cutcliffe started his weekly news conference by asking if any reporters had been injured from “jumping off the bandwagon.”

Cutcliffe also expects his players to take setbacks without making a scene.

“I’m deep into thought: what could I have done better?” he said. “I don’t slam things down and throw things and kick things. I don’t like that. If I was a baseball manager, the first guy that did that in the dugout, he wouldn’t see me again because I’d trade him.”

PLAYING THEIR PEERS: First Baylor, now Stanford.

Wake Forest’s first two opponents fit the Demon Deacons’ profile: Private schools from power confer-ences whose recent success in foot-ball has been, at best, sporadic.

Linebacker Matt Woodlief said it doesn’t matter if the Demon Deacons play peer programs or the major players in big-time college football; it’s still all about the opportunity.

“Say we did play Florida or Tennessee or Purdue, anybody,” Woodlief said. “It’s going to be a chal-lenge for us. Stanford’s new. That’s going to be a new challenge, a new set of different players from out west. I like that, and I love new challenges every week.”

FLASHBACKS: Clemson defen-sive coordinator Kevin Steele remem-bers all too well the long days and nights he spent at Nebraska schem-ing against the option offense.

Steele, the Cornhuskers lineback-ers coach from 1989-1994, has had to dust off his plans for stopping the option this week. The Tigers face No. 15 Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson’s new-style spread on Thursday night.

“Obviously, they’re very good at what they do,” Steele said.

DRAGGING HIS FEET: Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson issued a warning to his punter.

Chandler Anderson averaged 51 yards on two punts in the season-opening victory over Jacksonville State, but he took his time getting them off and both were line drives. The kicks were not the sort of high, soaring kicks that coaches prefer so the coverage teams can get down-field.

“I thought he would have to wait until Sunday before he kicked it,” Johnson said sarcastically.

The coach said he wouldn’t put up with a similar performance when the No. 15 Yellow Jackets (1-0) face Clemson (1-0) in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener Thursday night.

9/

SAVE THE

DATE!Your weekly guide to what’s coming up in Rutherford County!

10 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009

Weather/NatioN

NC heating bills expected to be lower RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina households can expect lower heat-ing bills this winter as the recession forces energy costs down.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Wednesday that slower economic activity has cut demand and forced energy producers to cut costs. Electricity and natural gas utilities have been able to lower their costs.

PSNC Energy is expected to charge 28 percent less, saving about $38 for the typical home natural gas bill.

Piedmont Natural Gas will charge about 16 percent less this winter.

Progress Energy is asking state regulators for a rate cut of less than 50 cents a month for the typical household.

Duke Energy, however, raised its rates about 5 percent this month.

Flight 93 passengers, crew honored at Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two days before the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, family members of the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who died that day are being honored on Capitol Hill.

A bronze plaque paying tribute to their heroism is being unveiled Wednesday at the Capitol nearly eight years later.

The plane was traveling from Newark, N.J., to San Francisco when it was diverted. The official 9/11 Commission report said the hijackers crashed the plane as pas-sengers tried to wrest control of the cockpit from them.

The Capitol or White House were likely targets of terrorists on board the flight before it was brought down by passengers and crew.

Plans are under way for a larger memorial at the crash site in west-ern Pennsylvania.

Suspected serial killer held on $1 million bond

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Milwaukee man police have linked to the slayings of nine women since 1986 has been ordered held on $1 million bond during an initial court appearance.

Walter E. Ellis appeared Wednesday in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, facing two counts of first-degree intentional homicide. A preliminary hearing was sched-uled for Sept. 23. Police have said the 49-year-old’s DNA was found on women ages 16 to 41 who were killed in a three-square-mile area.

Investigators believe eight of the women were prostitutes and one was a runaway.

Ellis is charged in the deaths of Joyce Mims in 1997 and Ouithrean Stokes in 2007.

District Attorney John Chisholm says he expects to file more charges on Thursday.

Ellis’s attorney, Alejandro Lockwood, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Space shuttle aims for Thursday landing

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) — Shuttle Discovery’s astro-nauts aimed for a Thursday evening landing to wrap up their successful space station delivery mission, but late summer storms threatened to keep them up an extra day or two.

Mission Control said Wednesday that “the weather will pose a chal-lenge” for bringing Discovery home. The forecast called for a chance of thunderstorms. Conditions were expected to worsen Friday and remain poor Saturday.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two years after Las Vegas chapels hit the wed-ding date jackpot with lucky sevens, it’s all eyes on the nines for 9-9-09.

Wedding officials in Sin City and elsewhere staged a marathon set of nuptials and vow renewals on Wednesday during what was antici-pated to be of the busiest days of the year — the quirky date of Sept. 9, 2009, or 9-9-09.

Jessica Skrutvold of Las Vegas said she and her husband-to-be Chad Lyons were expecting nine guests for their 9 p.m. wedding, which coinci-dentally celebrates her favorite num-ber.

“The easiest day for my poor mem-ory to remember was 9-9-09, and we’ve been doing everything last-minute ever since,” said the 31-year-old who works for a local insurance agency. “It was easy, and both of us can remember it and never forget.”

Skrutvold called to book a chapel in March and found the only open slots were for 8:30 or 9 that night.

“We took the most obvious choice,” she said.

Tony Thompson and his new wife Lisa of New York exchanged vows before life-sized figurines of Justin Timberlake and Jennifer Lopez dur-ing a short ceremony at 9:09 a.m. at the Madame Tussauds wax museum on the Las Vegas Strip. They were joined near a small stage by four cou-ples renewing vows and an officiant — nine people total.

“It seems like the whole town is celebrating, like we walked into this

big celebration,” Tony Thompson, 53, said. “It’s like totally out of the ordi-nary, everybody’s getting married.”

Chapels were steadily booked throughout the day from the Strip to downtown. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman planned to renew vows with his wife Carolyn in an evening ceremony conducted by an Elvis Presley impersonator at the Fremont Street Experience.

Another 99 couples were waiting until 9:09 p.m. for a shared cer-emony in the observation deck at the Stratosphere Tower. Each paid $99 for their wedding package.

Spokeswoman Whitney Lloyd said Chapel of the Flowers booked 70 cer-emonies for Wednesday, compared with 12 on Sept. 9 last year. She said three 9 a.m. slots were booked at least a year ago — an eternity by Las Vegas standards.

“Grooms love it, because they’ll def-initely remember their wedding day,” Lloyd said.

Employees normally off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the marriage services division of the Clark County clerk’s office were called in to help quickly distribute licenses.

Marriage Services Supervisor Mariah Consiglieri said 637 licens-es were issued on Tuesday, a boost from the average of 262 per day but far from the 1,623 issued on Aug. 6, 2007, in anticipation of 7-7-07. Another 975 licenses were issued on Aug. 7 that year — a Saturday.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A Bolivian religious fanatic briefly hijacked a jetliner from the beach resort of Cancun as it landed in Mexico City on Wednesday, police said. All pas-sengers and the crew were released unharmed.

The Bible-carrying hijacker used a juice can he said was a bomb to hold the 103 passengers and crew on the tarmac for more than an hour. Masked police stormed the aircraft with their guns drawn and escorted several handcuffed men away with-out firing a shot. Police later said there was only one hijacker.

Jose Flores, 44, told investigators he hijacked Aeromexico Flight 576 after a divine revelation, accord-ing to Public Safety Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna. Flores said Wednesday’s date — 9-9-09 — is the satanic number 666 turned upside down.

Flores, speaking to reporters after he was detained, said he took control of the aircraft with “a juice can with some little lights I attached.”

“Christ is coming soon,” he added, smiling.

As the plane was landing, Flores stood up and showed his contrap-tion to a flight attendant, saying he

and three others were hijacking the plane, Garcia Luna said. Flores later told police his three companions were “the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.”

He ordered the pilot to circle over Mexico City seven times and asked to speak with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, saying he wanted to warn him of an impending earthquake, Garcia Luna said.

Garcia Luna said Flores is a drug addict who was convicted of armed robbery in Bolivia, and has lived in Mexico for 17 years. Flores described himself as a pastor in southern Oaxaca state who had gone to Cancun to preach.

The attorney general’s office said it was opening an investigation into terrorism and kidnapping.

U.S., French and Mexican citizens were among the passengers, accord-ing to a U.S. official who had been briefed on the situation. The official was not authorized to discuss the case and spoke on condition of ano-nymity.

Passenger Rocio Garcia told the Televisa network that the pilot made an announcement after landing in Mexico City that the airplane was being hijacked.

Associated PressCheryl and James Krah are married at the Little White Chapel Wednesday in Las Vegas. The date 9/9/09 is proving popular at Las Vegas wedding chapels. Employees normally off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the marriage services division of the Clark County clerk’s office were called in to help quickly distribute licenses, Marriage Services Supervisor Cheryl Vernon said.

Eyes on the nines

Police raid ends plan, hijacking in Mexico

Nation/State Today

10/

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The Daily Courier Weather

Moon Phases

Almanac

North Carolina Forecast

Today’s National Map

Last9/11

New9/18

First9/25

Full10/4

Today

T-stormsPrecip Chance: 30%

79º

Tonight

T-stormsPrecip Chance: 30%

60º

Friday

Mostly CloudyPrecip Chance: 20%

81º 62º

Saturday

Mostly SunnyPrecip Chance: 5%

86º 64º

Sunday

Partly CloudyPrecip Chance: 10%

85º 65º

Monday

T-stormsPrecip Chance: 30%

82º 64º

Sun and Moon

Local UV Index

Sunrise today . . . . .7:06 a.m.Sunset tonight . . . . .7:42 p.m.Moonrise today . . .11:02 p.m.Moonset today . . . . .1:13 p.m.

TemperaturesHigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Normal High . . . . . . . . . . . .83Normal Low . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Precipitation24 hrs through 7 a.m. yest. .0.50"Month to date . . . . . . . . .0.58"Year to date . . . . . . . . .32.33"

Barometric PressureHigh yesterday . . . . . . .30.13"

Relative HumidityHigh yesterday . . . . . . . . .88%

City Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Asheville . . . . . . .77/57 t 77/58 tCape Hatteras . . .77/65 mc 80/73 sCharlotte . . . . . . .80/59 mc 82/64 mcFayetteville . . . . .82/60 mc 84/66 mcGreensboro . . . . .79/58 pc 81/63 mcGreenville . . . . . .79/60 pc 83/67 mcHickory . . . . . . . . . .78/58 t 80/62 mcJacksonville . . . .82/60 pc 83/67 mcKitty Hawk . . . . . .75/64 mc 80/72 pcNew Bern . . . . . .82/59 pc 82/68 mcRaleigh . . . . . . . .80/59 pc 82/65 mcSouthern Pines . .82/59 mc 84/66 mcWilmington . . . . .83/62 pc 82/68 pcWinston-Salem . .78/58 mc 80/63 mc

Around Our State

Across Our Nation

Weather (Wx): cl/cloudy; pc/partly cloudy;ra/rain; rs/rain & snow; s/sunny; sh/showers;

sn/snow; t/thunderstorms; w/windy

Today Friday

City Hi/Lo Wx Hi/Lo Wx

Atlanta . . . . . . . . .83/66 t 84/65 tBaltimore . . . . . . .70/61 ra 76/64 shChicago . . . . . . . .77/63 pc 77/63 sDetroit . . . . . . . . .78/59 mc 75/59 mcIndianapolis . . . .80/58 pc 80/63 sLos Angeles . . . .89/67 s 91/67 sMiami . . . . . . . . . .88/75 t 90/76 tNew York . . . . . . .66/60 ra 68/64 tPhiladelphia . . . .67/60 t 72/65 raSacramento . . . . .98/61 s 101/61 sSan Francisco . . .79/57 s 80/57 sSeattle . . . . . . . . .73/55 s 83/58 sTampa . . . . . . . . .89/74 t 89/75 tWashington, DC .71/58 ra 76/63 sh

Today Friday

Cold Front Stationary Front Warm Front Low Pressure High Pressure

L H

This map shows high temperatures,type of precipitation expected andlocation of frontal systems at noon.

L

H

HL L

L80s

80s

80s

70s

70s

60s

90s

90s

100s

3 50 - 2 4 6 8 107 9 11+

0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure

Statistics provided by BroadRiver Water Authority through7 a.m. yesterday.

Elizabeth City77/62

Greenville79/60

Wilmington83/62

Greensboro79/58

Raleigh80/59

Charlotte80/59

Forest City79/60

Fayetteville82/60

Kinston81/59

Durham80/58

Asheville77/57

Winston-Salem78/58

Shown is today’s weather.Temperatures are today’s highsand tonight’s lows.

Weather

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009 — 11

Business/finance

By ANNE D’INNOCENZIOAP Retail Writer

NEW YORK — The Great Recession and Americans’ retreat into thriftiness are teach-ing retailers a new lesson: How to survive when consumers are focused on “needs” rather than “wants.”

For years, shoppers splurged on everything from $5 lattes to $200 jeans, and retailers responded by opening more stores and offering more choices. Now, beset by high unemploy-ment and limited access to cred-it, shoppers are limiting most of their purchases only to essentials or the best deals.

Retailers’ first response to the sudden and sharp pullback in spending last fall was to offer deep discounts and more cou-pons to keep merchandise mov-ing.

But to survive over the long haul, the watchword for stores and product makers is “small.”

They’re stocking shelves with slimmed-down milk jugs and half-sized pies. They’re charging less for stripped-down products such as blouses with less-frilly designs and detergents with less

powerful cleaning action. Brands are disappearing, too, including Kraft’s Handi-Snacks pudding. Some stores are being reduced in size, if they’re not shut down entirely.

The changes are likely to last for years. Consumers today are beset by job losses and limited access to credit. Even when the economy improves, it will take years before the debts that piled up during the decade-long shopping spree are paid off. Americans are also getting used to their newly adopted frugal habits of saving more and spend-ing less.

“I don’t think we are going to go back to business as usual,” said Steve Sadove, chairman and CEO of Saks Inc., operator of Saks Fifth Avenue.

As companies woo buyers, shoppers are finding they’re in control. And they’re driving hard bargains.

Renee Bello, a real estate bro-ker in Sandwich, Mass., is enjoy-ing the bombardment of store coupons, more lower-priced products and better quality in store-label merchandise, partic-ularly at grocery chains.

“I definitely feel I have power,”

says Bello, 54, who has been able to grab coveted brands and high-quality groceries even though she’s cut her spending in half because of economic uncer-tainty.

For retailers, the changes need not be devastating. In fact, those that survive will be leaner and more efficient.

“There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned recession to make you run a better business,” J. Crew Group Chairman and CEO Millard Drexler said recently.

To stay in business, stores find they can’t take big chances with what they put on the shelves, and how much they stock of each item.

Merchants are now keeping less stock on hand and deliver-ing goods into the store more frequently to keep stores looking fresh, instead of having items sitting on the shelves for months. Retail executives hope that strategy will help cut down on aggressive discounting.

The long-term goal is for mer-chants to carry 1 1/2 months’ worth of inventory, compared with 3 1/2 months in the past, says retail consultant Burt P. Flickinger III.

Gap cus-tomer pays for his clothes at a Gap store in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday.

Associated Press

Stores pull back amidst frugality

Fed: Economyis stabilizing;stocks climbBy TIM PARADISAP Business Writer

NEW YORK — The stock market extended its gains to a fourth day as the Federal Reserve said the economy was stabilizing.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 index, which is the basis for many mutual funds, reached an 11-month high as industrial stocks rallied. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 50 points to its second-highest close of the year.

The market stumbled briefly following the release of the Fed’s report on regional economies, which also found that consumer spending would rise but only because of car purchases linked to the govern-ment’s brief Cash for Clunkers program. The report also said the job market remains weak.

The prolonged slump in consumer spending has been one of the most serious points of worry for economists, and the Fed’s warning about it deflat-ed some of the market’s optimism. About 70 per-cent of the U.S. economy depends on spending by consumers.

Matt Lloyd, chief investment strategist at Advisors Asset Management, said investors were jittery following the Fed’s report because many traders are fearful of a correction following a 50 percent surge in stocks over the past six months.

“To me there is no conviction” behind the mar-ket’s recent gains, Lloyd said.

The Dow rose 49.88, or 0.5 percent, to 9,547.22. The index has added 267 points, or 2.9 percent, in four days.

It was the Dow’s second-highest close of the year, just below its Aug. 27 close.

The broader Standard & Poor’s 500 index gained 7.98, or 0.8 percent, to 1,033.37, while the Nasdaq composite rose 22.62, or 1.1 percent, to 2,060.39. It was the highest close for the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq since October.

The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 10.02, or 1.7 percent, to 586.40.

Advancing stocks outpaced those that fell by about 5-to-2 on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to 1.2 billion shares compared with 1.3 billion Tuesday.

Light, sweet crude rose 20 cents to settle at $71.31 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Gold fell but still hovered near $1,000 after crossing that mark Tuesday for the first time since February.

Bond prices mostly rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note was flat at 3.48 percent.

11/

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Taking your own blood pressure keeps you more informed of your own health. In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medications, here at SMITH’S DRUGS OF FOREST CITY, 139 E. Main Street, (828) 245-4591, we carry a full range of home health supplies and aids such as the latest blood pressure monitors. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible information, service, products, and value. Visit our Wellness Center and learn about screening test for osteoporosis,cholesterol, body fat percentage, and blood sugar.

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RESTAURANT

STOCKS OF LOCAL INTERESTYTD

Name Div Yld PE Last Chg%ChgYTD

Name Div Yld PE Last Chg %ChgAT&T Inc 1.64 6.3 13 25.94 +.19 -9.0Amazon ... ... 54 82.24 +1.34 +60.4ArvMerit ... ... ... 8.28 +.49+190.5BB&T Cp .60 2.2 15 27.00 +.48 -1.7BkofAm .04 .2 46 17.04 +.02 +21.0BerkHa A ... ... 5298400.00+840.00+1.9Cisco ... ... 21 22.23 +.31 +36.4Delhaize 2.01 2.9 ... 70.01 +.84 +11.1Dell Inc ... ... 17 15.92 -.04 +55.5DukeEngy .96 6.2 16 15.43 -.09 +2.8ExxonMbl 1.68 2.4 11 70.50 -.15 -11.7FamilyDlr .54 1.9 14 27.87 -.31 +6.9FifthThird .04 .4 ... 10.55 +.02 +27.7FCtzBA 1.20 .9 30 136.56 -.16 -10.6GenElec .40 2.7 11 14.87 +.37 -8.2GoldmanS 1.40 .8 34 170.27 +3.05+101.8Google ... ... 32 463.97 +5.35 +50.8KrispKrm ... ... ... 3.66 +.27 +117.9

LeggPlat 1.04 5.5 70 18.77 +.25 +23.6

Lowes .36 1.7 16 21.72 -.05 +.9

Microsoft .52 2.1 15 24.78 -.04 +27.5

PPG 2.12 3.8 25 56.46 +1.07 +33.1

ParkerHan 1.00 2.1 16 48.35 +.26 +13.7

ProgrssEn 2.48 6.3 14 39.06 -.09 -2.0

RedHat ... ... 62 24.97 +.14 +88.9

RoyalBk g 2.00 ... ... 51.78 -.82 +74.6

SaraLee .44 4.6 18 9.61 +.19 -1.8

SonicAut ... ... ... 11.19 +.16+181.2

SonocoP 1.08 4.1 18 26.18 +.38 +13.0

SpectraEn 1.52 8.1 13 18.82 +.02 +19.6

SpeedM .36 2.5 ... 14.67 +.12 -8.9

Timken .36 1.6 70 21.82 +.30 +11.2

UPS B 1.80 3.2 26 55.43 +1.33 +.5

WalMart 1.09 2.1 15 51.11 -.29 -8.8

STOCK MARKET INDEXES

MUTUAL FUNDS

DAILY DOW JONES

11,577.50 6,469.95 Dow Industrials 9,547.22 +49.88 +.53 +8.78 -15.285,227.53 2,134.21 Dow Transportation 3,806.75 +39.95 +1.06 +7.62 -22.49

461.87 288.66 Dow Utilities 370.48 -.14 -.04 -.08 -17.258,241.71 4,181.75 NYSE Composite 6,772.40 +46.33 +.69 +17.64 -14.891,963.12 1,130.47 Amex Market Value 1,750.63 +8.00 +.46 +25.27 -7.142,318.43 1,265.52 Nasdaq Composite 2,060.39 +22.62 +1.11 +30.65 -7.551,274.42 666.79 S&P 500 1,033.37 +7.98 +.78 +14.40 -16.13

809.79 397.97 S&P MidCap 670.93 +9.14 +1.38 +24.64 -13.5013,017.93 6,772.29 Wilshire 5000 10,673.99 +94.82 +.90 +17.46 -15.09

761.78 342.59 Russell 2000 586.40 +10.02 +1.74 +17.41 -18.23

52-Week Net YTD 12-moHigh Low Name Last Chg %Chg %Chg %Chg

THE MARKET IN REVIEW

PIMCO TotRetIs CI 104,023 10.79 +2.7 +10.8/A +6.7/A NL 5,000,000American Funds GrthAmA m LG 60,573 25.46 +2.4 -9.3/B +3.4/A 5.75 250American Funds CapIncBuA m IH 55,198 46.43 +3.5 -5.0/C +4.9/C 5.75 250Vanguard TotStIdx LB 50,934 25.55 +2.7 -12.6/C +1.3/B NL 3,000American Funds CpWldGrIA m WS 50,929 32.24 +4.8 -4.6/B +7.7/A 5.75 250Fidelity Contra LG 50,782 52.83 +2.5 -9.4/C +5.0/A NL 2,500American Funds IncAmerA m MA 45,570 14.63 +2.7 -6.0/D +2.9/B 5.75 250American Funds InvCoAmA m LB 45,458 24.12 +3.2 -8.8/A +1.7/B 5.75 250Vanguard 500Inv LB 45,011 95.65 +2.5 -13.3/C +0.4/C NL 3,000Vanguard InstIdx LB 39,179 95.06 +2.5 -13.1/C +0.5/C NL 5,000,000Dodge & Cox Stock LV 38,148 90.09 +3.7 -14.8/D +0.6/C NL 2,500American Funds EurPacGrA m FB 37,090 36.86 +5.3 +1.7/A +9.7/A 5.75 250American Funds WAMutInvA m LV 36,779 22.83 +2.1 -16.2/D -0.4/D 5.75 250Dodge & Cox IntlStk FV 33,241 30.74 +6.4 -5.2/C +8.4/A NL 2,500Fidelity DivrIntl d FG 30,568 26.87 +4.6 -9.5/D +5.9/C NL 2,500American Funds NewPerspA m WS 29,745 24.06 +5.1 -1.2/A +7.0/A 5.75 250American Funds BalA m MA 27,846 15.30 +2.0 -6.3/D +1.9/D 5.75 250PIMCO TotRetAdm b CI 27,791 10.79 +2.7 +10.5/A +6.4/A NL 5,000,000American Funds FnInvA m LB 27,676 30.15 +2.4 -10.3/B +4.4/A 5.75 250FrankTemp-Franklin Income A m CA 26,682 1.92 +0.7 -4.9/E +3.1/B 4.25 1,000American Funds BondA m CI 26,476 11.61 +2.1 +1.0/E +2.4/D 3.75 250Vanguard Welltn MA 26,324 27.56 +2.5 -2.6/B +5.0/A NL 10,000Vanguard 500Adml LB 26,060 95.68 +2.5 -13.2/C +0.5/C NL 100,000Fidelity GrowCo LG 25,845 62.31 +3.4 -7.5/B +5.3/A NL 2,500Vanguard TotStIAdm LB 24,330 25.56 +2.7 -12.6/C +1.4/B NL 100,000Vanguard TotIntl FB 23,301 14.03 +5.3 -3.0/B +7.6/A NL 3,000Vanguard InstPlus LB 23,263 95.07 +2.5 -13.1/C +0.5/C NL 200,000,000Fidelity LowPriStk d MB 22,770 30.13 +4.7 -3.7/A +4.9/A NL 2,500T Rowe Price EqtyInc LV 14,574 19.77 +2.2 -13.0/C +1.1/B NL 2,500Hartford CapAprA m LB 8,978 28.17 +2.4 -10.9/B +4.8/A 5.50 1,000Pioneer PioneerA m LB 4,009 32.93 +2.3 -15.6/E +1.3/B 5.75 1,000Alliance Bernstein GrowIncA m LV 1,184 2.79 +1.8 -14.2/C -1.4/E 4.25 2,500Goldman Sachs ShDuGovA m GS 1,156 10.47 +0.9 +6.7/A +4.6/A 1.50 1,000DWS-Scudder REstA m SR 383 12.25 -2.0 -32.5/C +0.4/C 5.75 1,000Hartford GrowthL m LG 178 14.00 +3.2 -5.7/A +0.5/D 4.75 0

Total Assets Total Return/Rank Pct Min InitName Obj ($Mlns) NAV 4-wk 12-mo 5-year Load Invt

CA -Conservative Allocation, CI -Intermediate-Term Bond, ES -Europe Stock, FB -Foreign Large Blend, FG -Foreign LargeGrowth, FV -ForeignLarge Value, IH -World Allocation, LB -Large Blend, LG -Large Growth, LV -Large Value, MA -Moderate Allocation, MB -Mid-Cap Blend, MV -Mid-Cap Value, SH -Specialty-heath, WS -World Stock, Total Return: Chng in NAV with dividends reinvested. Rank: How fund performed vs.others with same objective: A is in top 20%, E in bottom 20%. Min Init Invt: Minimum $ needed to invest in fund. Source: Morningstar.

NYSE6,772.40 +46.33

AMEX1,750.63 +8.00

NASDAQ2,060.39 +22.62

STOCK EXCHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

Stock Footnotes: g = Dividends and earnings in Canadian dollars. h = Does not meet continued-listing standards.lf = Late filing with SEC. n = New in past 52 weeks. pf = Preferred. rs = Stock has undergone a reverse stock split of at least 50percent within the past year. rt = Right to buy security at a specified price. s = Stock has split by at least 20 percent within thelast year. un = Units. vj = In bankruptcy or receivership. wd = When distributed. wi = When issued. wt = Warrants. Mutual Fund Footnotes: b = Fee covering market costs is paid from fund assets. d = Deferred sales charge, or redemption fee.f = front load (sales charges). m = Multiple fees are charged. NA = not available. p = previous day’s net asset value. s = fundsplit shares during the week. x = fund paid a distribution during the week.Gainers and Losers must be worth at least $2 to belisted in tables at left. Most Actives must be worth at least $1. Volume in hundreds of shares. Source: The Associated Press.Sales figures are unofficial.

uu uu uuGAINERS ($2 OR MORE)

Volume

Name Vol (00) Last ChgPwShs QQQ907108 41.09 +.35ETrade 874519 1.66 +.01Vivus 666744 11.80 +4.89DltaPtr 638165 3.03 +.75Microsoft 489357 24.78 -.04Intel 478296 19.93 +.13Cisco 443166 22.23 +.31DryShips 436190 6.37 +.43Oracle 300809 22.52 +.64JnprNtwk 295920 26.14 +1.85

MOST ACTIVE ($1 OR MORE)

LOSERS ($2 OR MORE)

Name Last Chg %ChgVivus 11.80 +4.89 +70.8Candela 2.68 +.80 +42.6C&F Fnc 21.31 +5.51 +34.9DltaPtr 3.03 +.75 +32.9Toreador 6.62 +1.40 +26.8SCM Mic 2.55 +.51 +25.0HiTchPhm 21.42 +4.16 +24.1SevenArts n 4.02 +.77 +23.7CentrueF 3.96 +.68 +20.7US Enr 3.66 +.61 +20.0

Name Last Chg %ChgOpexaTher 4.00 -1.66 -29.3Intergrp 8.25 -1.89 -18.6Transcat 6.01 -1.27 -17.4Habersh 2.70 -.55 -16.9Amertns pf 5.07 -.93 -15.4CmtyVlyBc 4.55 -.83 -15.4OmegaNav 3.46 -.63 -15.4Nanomtr 7.44 -1.26 -14.5BridgfdFds 7.56 -1.24 -14.1FPB Bncp 2.60 -.40 -13.3

DIARYAdvanced 1,910Declined 787Unchanged 115Total issues 2,812New Highs 95New Lows 5

2,447,452,227Volume

Name Vol (00) Last ChgRentech 68361 1.97 +.05EldorGld g 58690 11.06 -.16Sinovac 45057 9.43 -.32KodiakO g 37091 1.79 -.04Oilsands g 36008 1.01 -.01AdeonaPh 32281 1.08 -.22NthgtM g 31079 2.75 +.02GoldStr g 30598 3.03 -.04Hemisphrx 30315 2.05 -.03NovaGld g 26593 4.44 -.12

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Name Last Chg %ChgNTS Rlty 5.51 +.86 +18.5Velocity rs 3.40 +.49 +16.8SL Ind 7.84 +.99 +14.5TravelCtrs 4.63 +.53 +12.9ExeterR g 3.95 +.30 +8.1Accelr8 3.08 +.22 +7.7Graham s 14.05 +.96 +7.3EvolPetrol 2.99 +.19 +6.8Lannett 8.91 +.56 +6.7SbdCp 1193.00+64.00 +5.7

Name Last Chg %ChgFrischs 26.75 -2.75 -9.3AmLorain n 2.75 -.25 -8.3AlexcoR g 2.40 -.21 -8.0EVInsPA 12.98 -1.00 -7.2AvalonHld 2.60 -.19 -6.8InvCapHld 2.06 -.14 -6.4RELM 2.72 -.18 -6.2Aerosonic 4.70 -.30 -6.0Rubicon g 3.45 -.21 -5.7MercBcp 3.55 -.20 -5.3

DIARYAdvanced 335Declined 206Unchanged 55Total issues 596New Highs 26New Lows 2

Name Vol (00) Last ChgCitigrp 7797531 4.66 -.02BkofAm 1526755 17.04 +.02GenElec 1502669 14.87 +.37SPDR 1417413 103.73 +.79FannieMae 1186758 1.66 +.03SPDR Fncl 886832 14.50 +.22DirFBear rs 704906 23.40 -.97iShEMkts 630722 37.35 +.20MGMMir 572192 10.09 +.68FredMac 564753 1.92 +.06

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Name Last Chg %ChgK12 16.53 -2.47 -13.0FMae pfL 2.42 -.33 -12.0FredM pfO 2.74 -.31 -10.2SwESPRet104.60 -.38 -7.6EncoreAcq 36.48 -2.94 -7.5MaxcomTel 3.47 -.27 -7.3NatFnPrt 7.60 -.57 -7.0DirREBear 24.69 -1.72 -6.5BkA BM RE 6.28 -.42 -6.3PSEG pfE 85.25 -5.75 -6.3

DIARYAdvanced 2,196Declined 853Unchanged 105Total issues 3,154New Highs 170New Lows 1

5,261,379,295Volume 157,676,482

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9,640Dow Jones industrialsClose: 9,547.22Change: 49.88 (0.5%)

10 DAYS

SCHEDULE A FREEANNUITY REVIEW TODAY.

12 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009

Washington

By CHARLES BABINGTONAssociated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — In retro-spect, President Barack Obama now says, he should have offered more details about health care proposals a few months ago, rather than give critics all sum-mer to criticize them, often with baseless claims.

Such missed opportunities are one reason for Obama’s prime-time speech to Congress Wednesday night in which he hopes to salvage his top domes-tic priority. The summer was marked by several risks and dubious decisions that have forced the high-stakes speech.

Obama told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that in an effort to give Congress ample leeway to draft a huge bill, he “probably left too much ambi-guity out there, which allowed, then, opponents of reform to come in and to fill up the air waves with a lot of nonsense — everything from this ridiculous idea that we were setting up death panels to false notions that this was designed to provide health insurance to illegal immi-grants.”

A team of Associated Press reporters, interviewing dozens of key players, identified other

crucial moments and decisions that brought the health care saga to this point.

———Harry Reid could hardly

believe his ears.The Senate majority leader

was in Denver for a mid-August Democratic conference when he heard one of Congress’ pivotal negotiators on health care trash-ing a bill on that very subject.

“You have every right to fear,” Republican Sen. Charles Grassley told a raucous citi-zens’ forum in Iowa that day. “We should not have a govern-ment program that determines you’re going to pull the plug on Grandma.”

Grassley’s stunning com-ments made Reid second-guess a decision he and Obama had reluctantly made months earlier: to give six senators from small states, the so-called Gang of Six, the time and prominence to fashion a bipartisan bill on over-hauling the health care system.

And on Wednesday, the Democratic leader of the Gang of Six, Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, acknowledged the ultimate futility of the time and effort spent. A bipartisan deal is unlikely, he said, and he will push legislation with or without GOP help.

———The first big blow to Obama’s

health care agenda came from a bearded, bespectacled Harvard University-trained economist with a background in the Clinton administration.

Douglas Elmendorf, director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, sat before the Senate Budget Committee on July 16. Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., cut to the chase: Would newly released House bills curb federal health care costs?

Nope, Elmendorf said. “On the contrary,” he said, “the legisla-tion significantly expands the federal responsibility for health care costs.”

———Warning signs about the cost

issue’s volatility came as early as March 4.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner explained the presi-dent’s proposal to limit tax deductions for wealthy people as a way to raise money to help pay for expanded health care. But when lawmakers pushed back, Geithner did not dig in.

“We recognize there are other ways to do this,” he told mem-bers of Congress. The comment seemed to unleash a flood of ideas, trial balloons and mixed messages.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administra-tion’s $50 billion mortgage relief program is finally picking up speed after a sluggish and disappoint-ing start: Nearly one in five eligible homeown-ers have been offered help so far, the Treasury Department said Wednesday.

The “Making Home Affordable” plan, launched with great fanfare in March, had been slow to get going, but more than 571,000 loan modification offers, or 19 percent, have been sent to nearly 3 million eligible homeown-ers. That’s up from 15 per-cent at the end of July.’

Of those, more than 360,000 borrowers have signed up for three-month trial modifications, which are supposed to be extended for five years if the homeowners make their payments on time.

“There are signs the plan is working,” Michael Barr, assistant Treasury secre-tary for financial insti-tutions, said at a House hearing. “But we can do better.”

Treasury says 48 mortgage companies are now involved in the program, up from 38 in July. The companies have requested financial information from almost two-thirds of eligible borrowers and say they are on track to have 500,000 loan modifi-cations in place by Nov. 1.

Nevertheless, lawmakers are frustrated that help has not arrived quicker, especially as foreclosures continue to surge.

“I am disappointed at the pace of this program,” said Rep Barney Frank, D-Mass., chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

While lenders say they are adding thousands of workers to modify loans, housing advocates say getting approved is still a time-consuming, bureau-cratic nightmare. Many borrowers, are also wary of signing up because they are worried their payment will rise after the three-month trial period is over.

“You can absolutely understand why people are reluctant to sign these documents,” said Bruce Dorpalen, director of housing counseling at Acorn Housing, a nonprofit group.

The program is voluntary, relying on subsidies to encourage mortgage companies to participate. Lenders must agree to reduce the loan payments to 38 percent of a borrower’s monthly income. After that, the government and lender split the cost of bringing the payment down to 31 percent.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court signaled Wednesday it may let businesses and unions spend freely to help their favored political candidates in time for next year’s elections.

In a case that began with a movie attacking Hillary Rodham Clinton, newly seated Justice Sonia Sotomayor jumped right into the questioning. She appeared skeptical about tak-ing the far-reaching step of lifting the ban, a move urged on the court by a lawyer for a group that made the 90-minute movie that sought to undermine Clinton’s presidential ambitions.

The focus of the case will be on whether two conservatives, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, are willing to overrule earlier decisions that had upheld the restrictions.

Both justices spoke at length in their Senate confirmation hear-ings about the importance of abiding by precedents — even if they would have voted the other way had they been involved in

an earlier decision.On Wednesday, Alito ques-

tioned the basis for blocking corporate and union campaign donations.

More than half the states, including California, Washington and Virginia, allow corporations to make indepen-dent campaign expenditures.

“Have they all been over-whelmed by corruption?” Alito asked. Justice Stephen Breyer expressed doubts about rolling back the requirements. He sug-gested that to do so might “make a hash” of campaign finance reforms enacted by Congress in 2002.

“Robust debate ... is the most fundamental value” protected by the First Amendment, argued Theodore Olson, the attorney representing Citizens United, the conservative group that made the movie. Olson said the gov-ernment in this case “has pro-hibited speech.”

Roberts seemed to suggest he’s prepared to at least scale back

restrictions.“We don’t put our First

Amendment rights in the hands of FEC bureaucrats,” said the chief justice. The Federal Election Commission oversees the enforcement of campaign finance laws.

The justices were hearing argu-ments in the case for the sec-ond time. It began as a dispute over whether the Clinton movie should be regulated as a cam-paign ad. But it took on greater significance after the justices decided to use the case to con-sider whether to ease restrictions on how corporations and labor unions may spend money to influence elections.

Besides Roberts and Alito, the other three conservative-lean-ing justices, Anthony Kennedy, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, are on record opposing the restrictions on corporations and unions. Restrictions on cor-porations have been around for more than 100 years; limits on unions date from the 1940s.

Obama’s new mortgage relief plan is growing

Court receptive to freer election spending

Obama regrets delaying details

In this July 20, file photo, President Barack Obama talks about his plan for health care reform fol-lowing a round-table discussion with health care providers, during a visit to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington. The teddy bear in the back-ground is the hospital logo. Associated Press

Associated PressIn this March 20, file photo David Bossie, leader of Citizens United and producer of “Hillary: The Movie”, is seen in his office in Washington. Hillary: The Movie” is returning to the Supreme Court for a limited engage-ment.

“You can absolutely understand why people are reluctant to sign these documents,”

- Bruce Dorpalen, Acorn Housing

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world

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York Times report-er taken hostage in Afghanistan and rescued by British commandos Wednesday told his editors that the situation in the Taliban hide-out where he was held was had beenz growing more ominous.

Stephen Farrell and his translator were taken hostage Saturday in the northern province of Kunduz when they went to cover a German-ordered airstrike of two hijacked fuel tankers. The bombing, carried out by U.S. jets, caused a number of civilian casualties.

British commandos carried out a raid to free him early Wednesday; the translator and a British com-mando were killed.

Times Executive Editor Bill Keller said he had understood from the military that they did not intend to conduct a raid unless the situation turned “particularly menacing, and they had actionable intelligence and a high probability of success.”

Keller said he doesn’t know what triggered the decision to carry out the raid, but that Farrell told him the situation had been growing worse.

“It’s entirely possible that the Allied forces picked up on a plan either to move the hostages or to do something with them,” Keller said Wednesday.

The translator, Sultan Munadi was killed in the firefight, said a spokesman for the Kunduz gov-ernor. A British defense official said he couldn’t rule out the possibility Munadi, 34, was killed by British gunfire.

Keller said the Times was grateful Farrell was alive, but saddened by the deaths of Munadi and the commando. He said he would not second-guess the military’s decision to take action.

“I don’t know enough about what intelligence they had,” he said.

Another Times reporter and an Afghan colleague were kidnapped in November near Kabul and later taken to Pakistan. The men, David Rohde and Tahir Ludin, escaped seven months later.

Keller said the Times had done a review of secu-rity protocols after the Rohde kidnapping, but that another review would be undertaken.

Covering Afghanistan carries risks for journal-ists, but it’s a story that needs to be told, said Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

“This is huge story of tremendous international significance and the media has an obligation to the best of its ability to cover it,” he said. “The question becomes, how do you do that safely?”

He said many of the reporters working in the area are experienced, having spent time in Iraq. He said they are constantly assessing the risks and weighing what kind of acceptable chances they can take in their efforts to cover stories.

ISTANBUL (AP) — The heaviest rainfall in at least eight decades sent flash floods barreling across a major highway and into busy business districts in Turkey’s largest city on Wednesday, trapping factory workers and truck drivers in their vehicles and drowning at least 20 people.

Waters six feet (2 meters) high in some places flooded hundreds of homes and offices and cut off the TEM highway, which connects central Istanbul to the sprawling city’s main airport and goes on to Greece and Bulgaria.

Rescue crews in helicopters pulled people off rooftops in Ikitelli, a district of media offices and corporate headquarters about 13 miles (20 kilome-ters) from the Bosporus strait, which divides the European and Asian parts of Turkey.

The surging water flipped trucks, cars and buses, crushing many into piles of debris.

Some people took refuge atop stranded vehicles. Others were pulled from the floodwaters by pass-ers-by who threw ropes or pulled them from the raging waters.

Inflatable boats fought the swirling waters to go from vehicle to vehicle, picking up survivors. Several others managed to swim to a tractor driv-ing at the edge of the floods.

LONDON (AP) — The Beatles are back, sounding better than ever, and Britain is embracing them one more time.

It’s not exactly 1964 — no fainting teens or visible signs of feverish Beatlemania — but the long-awaited release of the remastered Beatles CDs and the Rock Band video game has again brought the Fab Four to the top of the British charts.

Or, as John Lennon liked to say, “to the toppermost of the poppermost.”

It was B-Day in much of the world Wednesday as the new versions of the old classics finally became available in Britain, the United States and elsewhere and many fans celebrated by flocking to Abbey Road, the studio where the Beatles recorded many of their hits.

Uma Nolan, an Irish nurse visiting London, came to the landmark recording studio to be photographed at the pedestrian crossing near the building made famous on the “Abbey Road” album cover. She plans to buy the entire set of 17 remastered CDs — even though she already has all the songs in collection.

“I will absolutely go out and buy them,” she said. “I’m a huge Beatles fan and have every single LP in original first edition cop-ies. They were the first real pop group. The entire generation was waiting for that to happen. They sent worldwide pop culture off into orbit.”

Nolan, 50, said remastering the Beatles albums will introduce their masterworks to a new gen-eration.

“It brings them up do date and modernizes their music,” she said. “You’re enhancing what was really to begin with, so that can’t

be a bad thing.”High prices are apparently

no deterrent — online retail-er Amazon.co.uk reported Wednesday that pre-orders for the Beatles box set, priced at 170 pounds ($280), put the Fab Four on top in terms of CD sales.

The robust sales are expected to add to the already consider-able wealth of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the “thank my lucky stars” drummer who joined the band just before it had its first hit, as well as Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, the widows of the late John Lennon and George Harrison. Court records publicized last year put McCartney’s net worth at about $800 million.

The critically praised Rock Band video game also is expect-ed to sell well, even though McCartney told the New Musical Express magazine in a rare interview that he hasn’t road-tested the offering because he’s not much of a videogamer.

He said he was aware some purists would be offended by the licensed use of the Beatles music in a video game but felt it offered the long-defunct band a chance to reach a new, younger audience four decades after it split.

“For me, the most interest-ing thing is that it will intro-duce the Beatles music to people who might never have heard it because they game all the time, they don’t listen to the radio, and they haven’t got much of a record collection,” said McCartney.

The New Musical Express, which targets younger music fans, is using the releases as a chance for a major critical review of the band with the goal of getting a new generation to listen to the Beatles with fresh

ears, said reviews editor Hamish MacBain.

“If we can get a bunch of 14-year-olds in 2009 to really hear them, that’s a very good thing,” he said, admitting that it takes “a certain kind of nerd” to appreciate the sonic changes offered by the remastered edi-tions.

MacBain said many fans will shy away from spending 170 pounds for a complete new col-lection of songs they already have, but said the Beatles have more devoted fans than any oth-er musicians.

“It takes a certain class of fan to replace things time and time again,” he said. “But the Beatles have a lot more of these kind of fans than any other band in the world. And having heard all the remasters, I can say that if you do have 170 pounds in your pocket there are worse ways to spend it. It made me appreciate the band more.”

Not everyone agrees. Rory Mulcahy, a retiree visiting Abbey Road, said he was not convinced he needed remastered CDs.

“I appreciate the songs and I love the Beatles, but I’m happy enough with the CD collection I’ve got,” he said. “I think there is a bit of moneymaking in there.”

The Beatles aren’t the only golden oldies making a nostalgic return to the charts. A collection of Dame Vera Lynn’s greatest hits from World War II has risen near the top of the UK album charts, challenging the top spot held by the much more contem-porary Arctic Monkeys.

“It occurs to me that when she was in her heyday during the war she meant much the same as the Beatles did in their day,” said author and historian Jan Morris.

Reporter freed as his situation grew more dire

Heavy flooding kills 20 in Turkey

Beatlemania back in Britain

A member of staff dem-onstrates the game ‘The Beatles: Rock Band’ at a HMV store in London, Wednesday, where The Beatles’ remastered albums and the game were launched.

Associated Press

13/

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14 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009

SHOE by Chris Cassat and Gary Brookins

BROOM-HILDA by Russell Myers

ARLO AND JANIS by Jimmy Johnson

THE GRIZZWELLS by Bill Schoor

DILBERT by Scott Adams

THE BORN LOSER by Art and Chip SansomGIL THORP by Jerry Jenkins, Ray Burns and Frank McLaughlin

FRANK AND ERNEST by Bob Thaves

Dear Dr. Gott: I have had pso-riasis for many years. When it first started, my husband (a pathologist and a university professor of pathol-ogy) diagnosed it and told me to see a dermatologist for treatment. I have seen several dermatologists and was prescribed many medications. None of them really helped to relieve my symptoms, so I finally stopped seeing the specialists and stopped using the medications.

I often receive notices in the mail regarding psoriasis drugs, espe-cially Humira. I am enclosing a copy of the list of warnings associated with the medication. I can’t help but wonder why the Food and Drug Administration would approve a drug that can cause so many life-threatening problems. Now, to some good news. Recently, my husband decided to do some research on pso-riasis and see what he could come up with to help me. About a month ago, he told me to start taking 1,000

milligrams of fish oil and 2,000 IU of vitamin D three times daily. My skin looks so much better already. It’s amazing! It’s not completely cleared, but I no longer have the huge red splotches and ugly scales. My arms are almost clear, and my legs are very much improved. I no longer feel I have to be completely covered up. I’m much more comfortable in my skin.

Dear Reader: I am glad to hear that your husband appears to have found a simple, nonprescription remedy to your psoriasis. I have cho-sen to print it in my column for the benefit of other sufferers. I urge any-one interested in trying this to first discuss it with his or her physician.

Psoriasis difficult to treat

Dear Abby: At the age of 72, hav-ing had two spouses over the years, I need to put in my two cents regard-ing the letter from “Still Hot and Bothered in Georgia” (July 8). I have learned that some women won’t say “no!” to a husband’s amorous advanc-es, especially in the morning. But they will try to distract him by scrub-bing the tub, spotting a spider on the wall, feeding the cat or saying she forgot to fold the laundry and has to do it before it wrinkles. Whether it’s conscious or unconscious, they do it to cool their husbands off on a “hot” morning. “Still Hot and Bothered” may need to give some thought to what turns his wife on or off — espe-cially the timing. After all, we are from Mars and they are from Venus.

— AlexDear Alex: I agree that timing is

important. My office was showered with responses from readers who were steamed over my response to that letter. Read on:

Dear Abby: The guys and I enjoy reading your column out loud to see if we agree or not with your advice. We were unanimous in our disagree-ment with your advice to “Still Hot and Bothered.” We would have been torqued if our wife had stayed in the shower to clean it instead of com-ing to bed for a good romp. We also would have showered with our wife to start the festivities early and then

moved to the bedroom. Several of the guys said they’d have

gotten into the shower and made the cleaning come to a halt. There’s a time for cleaning, and it’s not when your husband is waiting with his motor running.

— The guys in the electric labDear Abby: I’m not against spon-

taneous cleaning (I do it myself), but the fact that the wife would rather clean than spend time with her hus-band tells me she’s either unable to read his signals or she just doesn’t care to be close and intimate with him. It also shows a lack of judg-ment, compassion and understanding on her part.

If the situation were reversed and he had decided he’d rather watch sports than be with his wife, I’m sure she would have been equally upset.

— HeatherDear Abby: It appears that these

days couples never have time for each other. Instead, they have their “indi-vidual” priorities before their “mar-ried” priorities.

— Ken

Cooling off hot husbands?

Your Birthday, Sept. 10;

Chances are you have a valuable ally who has wanted to help you for a long time but never had the means.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Even if returns aren’t lavish, your material gains should bring some satisfac-tion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — It’s always smart to closely observe persons whose style and methods you admire.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Put yourself out to gain the confidence of someone whose support you need.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — An old friend might go out on a limb and offer some sage advice.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If you believe aggression will achieve an important objective, it won’t.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Partaking in vigorous physical activ-ity will get you out of that unshakable rut.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Something can be worked out to put an end to a negative situation that has been distressing you and your family.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — A change of venue or a change of routine could help satisfy your mind.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — A couple of new ideas with regard to ways and means for adding income might cross your mind.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — If you’re feeling a bit restless, contact a few fun-loving friends.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Much to your sur-prise, someone you don’t know well discuss an inti-mate situation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Socializing with an intimate groups of friends will be more satisfying.

EVENING SEPTEMBER 10 DSH DTV 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

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PREMIUM CHANNELS

MAX 510 310 512 Fool’s Gold } ››› Hairspray (‘07) } ›› Death Sentence Cleavagefi eld ENC 520 340 526 Vision Quest } › Money Train (‘95) Å 9:50 } Natural Born Killers Kalifornia HBO 500 300 501 Ghost 24 7 } ›› Meet Dave Hung Hung Hung Real Mak Hard Knocks SHO 540 318 537 Thief } ›› Encino Man } Lower Learning Clive Barker ›› The Ten STARZ 530 350 520 Dr. Seuss’ How-Grinch } ›› 30 Days of Night } › Kickin’ It Old Skool

IN THE STARSPUZZLE

Dr. Peter M. Gott

Ask Dr. Gott

Abigail van Buren

Dear Abby

14 comics /

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009 — 15

World

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Relatives of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed have released the first photo-graphs of the self-pro-claimed 9/11 mastermind at Guantanamo Bay, and experts say the images are being used by terror-ist groups to inspire attacks against the United States.

The photographs, taken in July by the Red Cross at the detention center on a U.S. naval base in Cuba, show Mohammed sitting serenely wearing a white robe, a red-patterned headdress and a long salt-and-pepper beard.

They are the first known images of Mohammed since a widely distributed shot taken upon his capture in Pakistan in March 2003 showing him in a stretched white T-shirt, with dishev-eled hair and a mustache. Since then, only courtroom sketches from his war-crimes trial have been available.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which photographs Guantanamo prisoners as part of its mission to moni-tor their treatment, took the images in July and sent them to his family, spokes-

man Bernard Barrett said Wednesday. He did not iden-tify the location of the family or specify their relationship.

Barrett said the photos were not intended for public release, but the organization does not impose conditions on detainee families.

The military began to allow the Red Cross to photo-graph Guantanamo detain-ees in February and the group has taken pictures of 107 inmates. Detainees are allowed to select two shots and the ICRC sends five prints to their families.

Mohammed’s photos began

appearing in recent days on Internet sites that have previously been used by al-Qaida and sympathizers to communicate with each other, said Jarret Brachman, the former research director at the Combating Terrorism Center of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Brachman, now an inde-pendent terrorism research-er based in Fargo, North Dakota, said he fears the photos could breed sympathy for a man who has proudly proclaimed his role in the Sept. 11 attacks, as well as other incidents of terrorism,

while also alleging he has been tortured by the U.S.

“What’s problematic for me is it really humanizes the guy,” Brachman said. “I understand the value of these photos for family members, but at the same time this is the guy who planned 9-11.”

An Australian counter-ter-rorism expert, Leah Farrall, said she first noticed one of the photographs on Sept. 3 on an Internet forum that al-Qaida has used to communi-cate messages. She said it has since “gone viral,” with some users posting online state-ments of support.

Photos released of terrorist mastermind at Gitmo

15 class /

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, September 10, 2009 — 15

DEADLINES: New Ads, Cancellations & ChangesTuesday Edition.............Monday, 12pmWednesday Edition......Tuesday, 2pmThursday Edition......Wednesday, 2pmFriday Edition...............Thursday, 2pmSaturday Edition................Friday, 2pmSunday Edition......................Friday, 2pm

Please check your ad on the first day that it runs. Call

us before the deadline for the next edition with corrections.We will rerun the ad or credit

your account for no more than one day.

*4 line minimum on all ads

1 WEEK SPECIALRun ad 6 consecutive

days and only pay for 5 days*

2 WEEK SPECIALRun ad 12 consecutive

days and only pay for 9 days*

3 DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL

YARD SALE SPECIALRun a 20 word yard sale ad Thurs.,

Fri., & Sat. for ONLY $20. Additional words are only 75¢ each. Deadline: Wed. at 2 p.m.

Email: emeyer@thedigitalcourier.comIn person: 601 Oak St., Forest City

Contact Erika Meyer to place your ad!Call: 828-245-6431 Fax: 828-248-2790

CLASSIFIEDS4 FOR 24

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY SPECIAL

NEED TO SELL OR RENT YOUR

PROPERTY?LET US HELP!

4 Lines • $2400

One Week In The Paper

*Private party customers only! This special must be mentioned at the time of ad placement.

Valid 6/15/09 - 6/19/09

*Private party customers only! This special mustbe mentioned at the time of ad placement.

Valid 9/8/09 - 9/11/09

A TO Z, IT’S IN THE

CLASSIFIEDS!

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICEOF NORTH CAROLINA

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISIONRUTHERFORD COUNTY

09 SP 293

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHARLES EDWARD MILLER AND TERRI C. MILLER DATED JUNE 7, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 844 AT PAGE 706 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

Pursuant to a Court order and under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 1:30 PM on September 16, 2009 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

LYING AND BEING ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF DOGWOOD LANE, WHICH STREET RUNS SOUTHEASTWARD FROM NORTH CAROLINA RURAL ROAD NUMBER 1586 IN THE TOWN OF FOREST CITY, NORTH CAROLINA AND BEING LOT NUMBER TWENTY-SEVEN (27) IN BLOCK "C" OF THE SUBDIVISION OF DR. G.E. YOUNG PROPERTY AS SHOWN ON A PLAT OF SAID SUBDIVISION, MADE BY FRED A. WILKIE, REGISTERED SURVEYOR, IN June 1964, AND RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 6 ON PAGE 156 IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, REFERENCE TO WHICH IS HEREBY MADE FOR A FULL AND COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE LOT HEREIN CONVEYED.

And Being more commonly known as:388 Dogwood Ln, Forest City, NC 28043

The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Charles E. Miller and Terri C. Miller.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance "AS IS, WHERE IS." Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is August 27, 2009.

Grady Ingle Substitute Trustee 8520 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/09-116522

SECOND NOTICE - REQUEST FOR BIDS

Project Name: Town of Rutherfordton - Manhole and Sewer RehabilitationProject Description: Division I: Provide all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and supervision, necessary for rehabbing 55 manholes approximately 6 feet deep. Division II: Provide all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and supervision, necessary for slip lining approximately 1,100 feet of 8 inch sewer line.

Location: Owner: Engineer:Town of Rutherfordton Town of Rutherfordton Brown Consultants PARutherford County, NC 129 N. Main Street 30 Ben Lippen School Rd., Suite 202

Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Asheville, NC 28806828-350-7683; FAX 828-350-7684

Bids Due: The Town will receive bids for the project until 10:00 am on Friday, September 18, 2009 at the Manager office, Town of Rutherfordton, 129 N. Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.

Bidding Documents: The Information for Bidders, Bid Form, Contract, Plans, Specifications, and other contract documents may be examined at the following locations: Rutherfordton Town Hall, and Engineers Office and a set purchased, non-refundable, for $100, from the engineer.

Bid Security: There is no bid security required for this project.

Qualifications: Contractors offering a bid on the project must be licensed to perform Utility work in the State of North Carolina in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and the General Requirements of the NCDENR. The contractor will be required to provide proof of work successfully performed of similar type as this project.

MBE & WBE: Small, local, minority and women’s businesses are encouraged to submit bids. The Town of Rutherfordton is an equal opportunity employer.

Award Requirements: The project will be awarded to the lowest, qualified bidder. Upon award of the project, the successful bidder will not be required to provide Payment and Performance Bonds on this project. Proof of general liability and workman’s compensation insurance is required.

Withdraw of Bid and Informalities: No bidder may withdraw his bid within 90 days after the actual date of the opening thereof. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids.

Authorized Official:The Town of Rutherfordton, Karen Andrews, Manager

RV or Trailer spaceon priv. lot. All utilities

avail. Walking distance to Dogwood Valley

Golf Course. $125/mo. Call 704-434-5821

ask for Don

2BR/2BA SW in Rutherfordton!

RENT TO OWN!Will Finance! No Banks! Hurry! You pay no lot

rent, taxes, or insurance! NEG. $75 wk + dep 704-806-6686

Single wide Shiloh: 2BR/2BA No Pets!

$400/mo. + $300 dep. 245-5703 or 286-8665

Mobile Homes

For Rent

4 Bedroom/2 Bath(between Lake Lure and Rutherfordton)

$650/mo. 828-329-4577

Homes

For Rent

5BR/1.5BA 2 StoryBest Spindale

neighborhood. Big porch, outdoor storage

workshop. No A/C $650 per month Call 561-523-4077 or at

828-201-0851

2BR/1BA, Ellenboro Hopewell/Hollis Rd.

brick home, appliances furnished, hardwood

floors. No pets.Ref. 453-7717

Cleghorn Condos 1BR/1BA $600/mo.

3BR/2BA $1,100/mo. Utilities incld. and

appl. furn. for both. Call 828-429-9442

Nice 2BR/1BA Central h/a. 911 Stonecutter

St., Spindale $400/mo. + $200 dep. 429-6670

Homes

For Rent

RENT TO OWN:3BR/1.5BA in Spindale Central h/a, new paint. $550/mo. + $300 dep. Call 919-604-1115 or dlbuff@yahoo.com

Rfdtn area: 2BR/2 full baths, living room &

family room. Cent. h/a $750/mo. Avail. now!

828-288-1399 lv. msg.

Homes

For Rent

1, 2 & 3BR Nice, large Townhomes

Private decks, washer/dryer hook up

Water included!$375, $475 & $550/mo

828-289-2700

Nice 2 Bedroom Townhouse Apt &

1 Bedroom Aptacross from Super 8

Motel in Spindale $385/mo. & $515/mo.

Call 828-447-1989

Apartments

Richmond Hill Senior Apts. in Rfdtn 1BR Units w/handicap

accessible units avail. Sec 8 assistance avail.

287-2578 Hours: Mon., Tues., & Thurs.

7-3. TDD Relay 1-800-735-2962 EqualHousing Opportunity. Income Based Rent.

September Special Ask about free month’s

rent! Senior Citizen Piney Ridge Apt 2BR

Appl., w/d hookup,carpet, cent. h/a. One person. No pets! $400/ mo. + $400 dep. 1 yr. lease. 245-4263 (day) or 245-4083 (evening)

Vacation year roundLive at beautiful

Cleghorn Country Club 2BR/3BA

furnished, fireplace, newly decorated,

gas logs! $1,000/mo. 1BR/2BA $800/mo.

287-0983 or 223-1112

Apartments

2BR APT in RfdtnWest Court Street

$350/mo. + depositCall 287-3535

CALL TODAY!

16 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, September 10, 2009

REGULAR MEETING OF THEZONING AND PLANNING BOARD

September 22, 20099:30 a.m.

Lake Lure Municipal CenterAGENDA

1. Roll Call 2. Approval of the Agenda 3. Approval of the minutes from the regular

meeting of August 18, 20094. Old Business

(A) Review Proposed Amendments to theSubdivision Regulations Pertaining toPerformance Guarantees

(B) Review Proposed Amendments to theZoning Regulations and the Fabric &Metal Structure Regulations Pertainingto Standards for Fabric Structures

(C) Review Proposed Amendments to theZoning Regulations Pertaining to Signsin Commercial Subdivisions and theGU-Government Use District

(D) Review Proposed Amendments to theZoning Regulations Pertaining to Residential Vacation Rentals

5. New Business6. Adjournment

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of REBECCA JEAN RHODES CULP of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said REBECCA JEAN RHODES CULP to present them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of November 2009 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This is the 20th day of August, 2009.

Norman Mark Melton, Administrator182 Sunnyside StreetForest City, NC 28043

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Administrator of the estate of DANIEL LEE RHODES of Rutherford County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the estate of the said DANIEL LEE RHODES to present them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of November 2009 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment.

This is the 20th day of August, 2009.

Mark Melton, Administrator182 Sunnyside StreetForest City, NC 28043

White Oak Manor - Shelby is currently accepting applications for

RN - SupervisorFull-time, Mon.-Fri., 2nd shift

Supervisory experience required, LTC experience is preferred.

Excellent benefits with a wellestablished company.

Apply at 401 North Morgan St., Shelby, NC 28150 or

fax resume to 704-487-7193 Julie Hollifield -

Human Resources EOE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINARUTHERFORD COUNTY

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICESUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

BEFORE THE CLERK09 SP 302

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSUREOF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BYPATTY A. BRADLEYDATED DECEMBER 7, 2006AND RECORDED IN DEED OF TRUSTBOOK 931, PAGE 291 IN THE RUTHERFORDCOUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY BYRICHARD P. WILLIAMS, TRUSTEE

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by PATTY A. BRADLEY dated December 7, 2006, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, North Carolina, in Book 931 at Page 291, said Deed of Trust securing a Note executed and delivered by PATTY A. BRADLEY, dated December 7, 2006, and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness thereby secured and failure to carry out or perform the stipulations and agreements therein contained in said Deed of Trust and pursuant to the demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, and pursuant to the Order of the Clerk of Superior Court for Rutherford County, North Carolina, entered in this foreclosure proceeding, the undersigned RICHARD P. WILLIAMS, Trustee, will expose for sale at public auction on the 30th day of September, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.at the door of the Rutherford County Courthouse, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, the following described real property (including permanent structures, if any, and any other improvements attached to the real property) as follows:

BEING Lot No. 113 and known as 184 New Town Street as shown on a plat entitled “Section 2, Subdivision for B.I. Cotton Mills, Martel-Henrietta Mills, Henrietta Mill, Rutherford County, N.C., dated April, 1958” made by Piedmont Engineering Service of Greenville, S.C. and recorded in Map Book 6, Page 57, in the office of the Register of Deeds of Rutherford County, N.C.

BEING the same and identical property described in a deed from Donald Grant and wife, Barbara Grant, to James B. Doggett and wife, Mabel B. Doggett, said deed dated August 10, 1962, and recorded in Deed Book 257 at Page 87, Rutherford County Registry, and being shown by the Rutherford County Tax Collector as Tax Map 410, Block 3, Lot 33.

ALSO being the same and identical property as described as Tract Three in deed dated November 1, 2004, from the heirs of James B. Doggett to Rutherford County Habitat, Inc., and recorded in Deed Book 858 at Page 910, Rutherford County Registry.

The address for the real property is as follows: 184 New Town Road, Henrietta, NCPresent record owner is Patty A. Bradley.

The sale will be made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, restrictions and easements of record and assessments, if any.

Trustee may, in Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that person must pay the statutory final assessment fee of forty-five cents ($.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1), and any applicable county and/or state transfer tax and/or revenue tax.

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.10, and the terms of the Deed of Trust, any successful bidder may be required to deposit with the Substitute Trustee immediately upon conclusion of the same a cash deposit not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Substitute Trustee tenders to him a deed for the real property, or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in North Carolina General Statutes Sections 45-21.30 (d) and (e).

The property offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS”. Neither the Substitute Trustee nor the holder of the Promissory Note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representatives of either the Substitute Trustee or the holder of the Promissory Note made any representation of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination.

This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law.

This the 3rd day of August, 2009.

/s/_____________________(SEAL)Richard P. Williams, TrusteeWilliams & Martelle, PLLCAttorneys at LawPost Office Box 550Rutherfordton, NC 28139NC Bar Number 21293Telephone (828) 288-1844Fax (828) 288-1840

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICEOF NORTH CAROLINA

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISIONRUTHERFORD COUNTY

09 SP 309

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROY L. SHATTO AND SHEILA SHATTO DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 829 AT PAGE 237 IN THE RUTHERFORD COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

Pursuant to a Court order and under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 1:30 PM on September 23, 2009 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

Tract One: Lying and being on the North side of US Highway Number 74 about ten miles West of Rutherfordton, North Carolina at the intersection of the Mcentire Public Road with the Us Highway 74 Opposite the McBrayer residence and being a part of the Old McBrayer and Jackson Property and being bounded on the North and East by the lands of now or formerly Hershall Buckner (formerly FH Jackson Property) on the South by Highway Number 74 and on the West by the Old Mcentire Road and being more particularly described as follows: beginning at a point in the center of highway opposite the center of the intersection of the Mcentire Public Road with said highway and runs thence with the center of the highway South 67 East 122 feet to the Southwest corner of the old service station 3/8 acre lot; thence with the line of said lot and also outside line of the McBrayer Lands, North 25 West 274 feet to the center of the Mcentire Public Road; thence with the center of said road South 1/2 East 204 feet to the beginning containing 11,645 square feet or approximately 1/4 acre.

Tract Two: adjoining the first tract above described and lying immediately East or Northeast thereof and being a part of the FH Jackson lands and known as the service station lot and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning on an iron pin in the outside line of the FH Jackson Homeplace West of Jackson Homeplace and on the East Bank of Mcentire Road about 200 feet from the center of Highway Number 74 where said public road enters same; thence South 25 East 265 feet to the center of State Highway Number 74; thence with the center of said highway South 58 East 50 feet to a point in said highway marked by an iron pin in the North edge of cement; thence North 8 East 130 feet to an iron pin on the North side of private driveway to the Jackson House; thence North 52 West 224 feet to the beginning containing 16,240 square feet or 3/8 acre more or less.

Tract Three: Being a part of the Old FH Jacksonplace which was more recently conveyed to SD McKinney and wife by HH Buckner and wife by deed recorded in Rutherford County Registry at Deed Book 200 Page 140 and being located about 8 miles West of Rutherfordton on the North side of US Highway Number 74 and on the East side of the Old McIntyre Road and beginning on a point in the center of Old McIntyre about 200 feet North of the intersection of said road with US Highway 74 beginning point being the Northwest corner of JC Parker fillings station lot and running thence with line of 3/8 acre lot, South 52 East 224 feet to an iron pin on the North side of a private driveway corner of sale by so McKinney to Billy B. Wright and wife; thence with line of said sale North 82-1/2 East 35-1/2 feet to an iron pin; thence with another of Wright's lines North 35 West 100 feet to an iron pin, his corner also corner of sale to Max Davis and wife; thence with line of sale to Davis same course North 35 West 235 feet to a point in the center of the Old Road marked by an iron pin on the side of said road; thence with the Old McIntyre Road in a southerly direction to the beginning.

And Being more commonly known as:4160 64/74A Hwy, 4152 64/74A Hwy, Rutherfordton, NC 28139

The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Roy L. Shatto and Sheila Shatto.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance "AS IS, WHERE IS." Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to all prior liens and encumbrances, and unpaid taxes and assessments including but not limited to any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. Following the expiration of the statutory upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is September 3, 2009.

Grady Ingle Substitute Trustee 8520 Cliff Cameron Drive, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28269 (704) 333-8107 http://shapiroattorneys.com/nc/09-116377

YARD SALE Spindale Elementary Sat. Sept.

12th 8A-until All proceeds benefit

Spindale Elementary PTO. Come support our school & PTO!

YARD SALE RutherfordtonElliott Road

Fri. & Sat. 7:30A-until

Rfdtn, 531 ThompsonRd., Sat., 8AM-Noon.Estate items, toddler

items, books, furniture, women’s clothes and

much more

Multi-family, Rfdtn., 670 Cleghorn Mill Rd.,

Sat., 7AM-noonHousehold, books,

men, ladies clothing, med/lg., trail bike,Panther 4-wheeler,

furniture, misc.828-429-0081

Multi-family, Rfdtn, 138 Allen St., next to

Reeves Brothers,Sat., 7:30AM-untilFurniture and more

Everything priced to go

Multi-family, FC, 517 Byers Rd.,Fri., and Sat.7AM-until.

Big variety, baby items, clothes, etc

Multi family, FC, in Holly Hills, Sat., 7AM-until. Clothes, baby items, Nascar items, furniture, too much

to mention!

HUGE 4 FAMILYEllenboro 159 Fairfax Dr. (East of Ellenboro)

Sat. 7A-until Large variety to choose from!

Yard Sales

MULTI FAMILY FC 307 Aqua Dr. (off Hudlow, turn onto Lincoln Rd.) Sat.

7A-until Furniture, household, clothes, jewelry, and more!

MULTI FAMILYSpindale: 837 Thunder Rd. Saturday 8A-until

Women’s, men’s, children’s & baby clothes, furniture,

household, Christmas items and more!

MOVING SALE Rfdtn198 Center Ridge Dr. (in Green Hill Farms,

next to Green Hill Baptist Church on Hwy

64/74) Sat. 8A-untilOak dining set, a/c-heating unit, pool

supplies, household

LARGE INDOOR YARD SALE Rfdtn Grace Bible Church

(about 1.5 miles from Dean’s Produce headed West on

64/74) Sat. 7A-2P

HUGE YARD SALEChase: 167 Francis St.

Saturday 8A-untilHousehold, home interior, Princess

House, Dale Earnhardt,cookie jars, bar stools!

ESTATE SALE Walter Horn Rd.

(Business 74, between Spindale and FC, across from North

State Gas Company) Saturday 8A-until

Antiques, collectibles, clothing, toys

Yard Sales

CLEARANCE YARD SALE FC: 208

Springdale Dr. (off Butler Rd.) Sat. 7A-til Homemade Christmas

decorations, plants. All things must go!

Want to end an addiction and get

your life back? Joinus Sept. 14th at 7PM Spindale Church of

the Brethren, Midland St., SpindaleFor more info 289-6851

Miscellaneous

Female yellow tigercat 1 year old, skinny.

Lost 9/4 from Cane Creek Rd. in Rfdtn

Call 287-5737

Lost

Free to a good homeDoberman/Chocolate Lab puppies. Mother

is reg. blue Doberman. Call 248-2980 after 6p

Pets

1995 Landrover Discovery All wheel

drive. Exc. cond.! Must sell! $4,200 980-8009

Sport Utility

1994 GMC Pick UpP/w, p/l, good a/c,

new tires. Runs good! Call 828-305-3627

Trucks

WILL BUYYOUR GOLD AND SILVER

We come to you!Get more for your gold!! 289-7066

Want To Buy

WANT TO BUY ORREPAIR USED

APPLIANCES. Call 447-6215 or 429-7728

I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST

STRIPS Up to $10 per 100 ct. Call Frank

828-577-4197

Want To Buy

RN Supervisor 3-11RN/LPN 3-11/11-7Lic. Social Worker

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Call 864-489-3101 for directions. Brookview

is a drug free workplaceEOE/M/F/D/V

Help Wanted

Technical In HouseSales position withlocal company that

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vacation and sick time. High School education,

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Help Wanted

Wee The People Child Care,

has openings for 6 weeks to 3 years of

age. Located onWest St., Spindale

288-2844

Daycare

Rollback ServicesCars Rolling $40 local Utility Bldgs. $95 local After 5pm & weekends

extra 828-289-8346

Business

Services

Garage/Shop For Rent: 60’x25’, cement floors. Main Street inBostic $200/mo. 1 yr. lease. Call 447-3634

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Commercial

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Sell or rent yourproperty in the

Classifieds! Calltoday 245-6431

Find what youare looking for in the

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Lost or founda pet? Placean ad at nocost to you.Ad runs forone week inthe paper!245-6431

Advertise youryard sale today!

The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, THURSDAY, September 10, 2009 — 17

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WEB DIRECTORYVisit the advertisers below by entering their Web address

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

AUTO DEALERSHIPS

HUNNICUTT FORD(828) 245-1626

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NEWSPAPER

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Garrett Byers / Daily CourierAlthough it has not officially began, fall is quickly approaching and an all too notice-able sign is the vivid color of various tree leaves around the area beginning to turn. As the fall season moves closer, more and more leaves will change and begin to blanket yards and sidewalks with their coverage. The first day of fall is Sept. 22.

18 — The Daily Courier, Forest City, NC, ThursDay, september 10, 2009

LOCAL

VisitNC announces giveaways, contests

FOREST CITY — The North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development is brimming with fall fun. The fall color experts are already predicting a brilliant fall color season. Dr. Howard Neufeld from Appalachian State University and Dick Thomas, executive direc-tor of the Piedmont Environmental Center, will lead the Division’s leaf reports on VisitNC.com.

Dr. Neufeld predicts, “If September has a predominance of sunny days and cool nights, there will be good fall color.”

One of the best things about North Carolina is that the highest alti-tudes in the state often see peak color the first two weeks in October, altitudes such as Boone come into play during the middle of the month with Asheville and the foothills following. Then the color literally sweeps down the mountains to the Piedmont, offering color in Chapel Hill and coastal regions through Thanksgiving.

For that reason, David Thomas has been tapped to help draw attention to the color that paints the Piedmont. “Rainfall in the Piedmont for this year is below average, and a number of days this summer have been clear and warm. If we have warm bright days, cool nights and avoid large amounts of rainfall into the early fall season, we’ll be treated to a beautiful fall.”

The NC Division of Tourism’s fall campaign will begin Sept. 14 and will also feature:

n Weekly giveaways for visitors to VisitNC.com who register and join in the fun from the week of Sept. 14 – Nov. 16. Giveaways include tickets to events, hotel discounts or even free nights. Everyone can enter into the BIG giveaway at the end of the pro-

motion for a mountains-piedmont-coast trip across the state.

n Up-to-the minute fall color reports including reports from Neufeld and Thomas begin Sept. 29 on VisitNC.com, Twitter @VisitNC and on www.facebook.com/north-carolina.

n Fall fishing reports along the NC coast will come from Captain Gary Dubiel, starting September 29. Captain Dubiel is a fly-casting instructor and fishing guide. www.specfever.com

n Scenic drives from across the state beginning Oct. 1. MEDIA, for a sneak peak of fall drives YOU can use, go to http://2005.visitnc.com/scenicdrives/.

n Travelers upload their favorite fall color and fall fishing images in real time on VisitNC.com and www.facebook.com/northcarolina.

n Spooky haunts and events in the state as well as some gool ol’ NC ghost stories tied to NC towns and destinations as Halloween approach-es.

n Harvest fun—from apples to wine grapes to corn mazes and more will be featured on VisitNC.com.

n A “pirate look-alike” and “talk like a pirate” video contest in honor of Blackbeard, our most notori-ous North Carolina villain. Visitors can upload their own pirate talk on YouTube and post photos to VisitNC.com. Winners will be announced on the anniversary of Blackbeard’s death on Nov. 22.

Visitors can call 1-866-6LEAVES, 1-888-2FISHNC or 1-800-VISITNC to speak with trained North Carolina fall travel counselors.

Become a fan of North Carolina on facebook at Visit North Carolina. Follow the latest travel news on twit-ter @VisitNC.

A GLIMPSE OF FALL

FOREST CITY — The American Red Cross urges individuals to donate blood as soon as possible. The blood supply has dropped critically low throughout the Southeast. Donors of all blood types are welcome, but there is an urgent need for type O nega-tive, B negative and A negative blood donors.

All presenting donors will receive a free American Red Cross cushion and may enter a drawing to win one of three $1,000 gas cards

Saturday, Sept. 12Goode’s Creek Baptist Church,

Cliffside7:30 a.m.to noonCall 657-4444 or 245-3513Breakfast will be served to everyoneMonday, Sept. 14 American Red Cross Chapter Office838 Oakland Road; Forest City2 to 6:30 pmCall 828-287-5916Thursday, Sept. 24Crestview Baptist Church3 to 7:30 p.m.Call Robin Rohm, 828-286-9758Monday, Sept. 28Isothermal Community College10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Call Cindy Martin, 828-286-3636In the summer, blood shortages

often occur because individual dona-tions decrease, along with the num-ber of organizations that are able to sponsor blood drives. The absence of high school and college blood drives also contributes to this annual drop in donations because these drives account for approximately 20 percent of all donations.

“Collecting enough blood to meet

hospitals’ needs during the summer is always a challenge,” stated Nelson Long, executive director, Rutherford County Chapter. “This is especially true this year as many donors are also dealing with business closings, lay-offs and other issues relating to our current economy. Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t go away.”

Long added, “Patients are depen-dent on the Red Cross and volunteer blood donors to make sure blood is available to patients in need. Without an immediate response from generous people in the community, our ability to provide the needed blood will be limited.”

Every two seconds someone in this country needs blood. That need for blood continues to grow each year far faster than the number of individuals who donate blood. Currently only 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate and only a fraction of those eligible actually do so. There is no substitute for blood, and the only source is from volunteer donors. In our region, the Red Cross must col-lect 1,600 units of blood each week-day to meet the needs of hospital patients. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with paren-tal consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors with type O (positive and negative), B negative and A negative blood should consider an automated red cell donation, a process in which only red cells are donated. For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit redcrossblood.org.

Area blood drives announced

18/

800-356-3166828-245-0128269 . Main St., Forest City DLR#2458

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