January 11, 2010

By ELLEN BROWNStaff Writer

SEVIERVILLE — Fanatics from through-out the Southeast didn’t let Saturday’s ice and snow keep them from the Pokemon City Championship Tournament, held at First United Methodist Church.

Pokemon is a media franchise published and owned by Nintendo. First created by Japanese video game designer Satoshi Tajiri in 1996, it has since spawned into anime, manga, trading cards, toys, books and

By DEREK HODGESStaff Writer

SEVIERVILLE — County planning officials are set to give a second look to a rezoning request they previously declined for a Wears Valley property when they meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the court-house.

Developer Ron Ogle has asked that the petition be put onto the group’s agen-da again after it opted not to approve changing the lot at the intersection of Wears Valley and Valley View roads from A-1 (agri-cultural) to C-2 (general commercial). Ogle believes the site meets all the requirements and should be approved.

“I’m not encroaching on anyone whatsoever,” Ogle told The Mountain Press late last week. “(County Planner) Jeff Ownby knows that will meet all the requirements. If they turn it down, I’m going to sue.”

Ogle maintains Commissioner Ben Clabo has “already made up his mind that he doesn’t want that land developed.” Clabo, who represents the area both on the County and Planning commis-sions, came out as the main opponent to Ogle’s plan the first time it came up a few months ago.

At the time, Clabo and others worried that work on the site, particularly any earth moving that might be done to build the property up to street level, could impede the flow of flood-prone Cove Creek. Without a site plan to show if he planned to do that sort of work, Ogle got a consensus thumbs-down from the commission.

Ogle has resubmitted the proposal with a site plan attached this time, saying it’s a move he was encour-aged to make by Ownby. He says it shows there won’t be significant dirt work done on the property, and the landscaping and retail business he plans to build there will be outside the flood hazard area.

“There’s nothing there on that site plan that will impede the flow of the water there,” Ogle said. “I’m just a fellow trying to use the property he owns.”

The site plan calls for a gazebo and a small walk-ing path, with additional parking for those. Ogle said that move is a nod to

By ELLEN BROWNStaff Writer

SEYMOUR — Elayne Kohan, an accountant for 20 years, knows a thing or two about starting and man-aging a business.

So when she heard that the Seymour Public Library hosts speakers on various topics each month, she was eager to share her knowledge with aspiring entrepre-neurs.

“A lot of people call me with questions,” said Kohan, owner of Accurate Business Services in Knoxville.

Suzette Tack, a South Knoxville resident who visits the Seymour library often for her job search, was looking forward to Kohan’s seminar at the library Saturday afternoon.

“I’m here because I can’t find a job,” Tack said. “I moved here a year and a half ago from Michigan, where the economy has collapsed. I have a paralegal degree and a business degree, but I’ve worked at two

By BOB MAYESManaging Editor

It appears the weather gods will throw a little more frozen pre-cipitation at Sevier County before finally easing off its icy grip.

In the meantime, the county is far from in the clear concerning icy roadways.

County Roads Superintendent Jonas Smelcer said all of the major thoroughfares were in

good shape, but at least one area — Grassy Branch Loop — near Pittman Center, had four inches of snow still on the road.

“There are still quite a few sub-divisions that have icy spots,” he said Sunday afternoon. “We are trying to address the road that

have steep inclines. We will be working around the clock until we get all the roads clear.”

It could be Wednesday before the weather warms up signifi-cantly enough to ease the burden on the road crews.

David Gaffin, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Morristown, said temps should be warmer today, inching up into the mid to upper 30s, but tonight

The Mountain Press■ Sevier County’s Daily Newspaper ■ Vol. 26, No. 11 ■ January 11, 2010 ■ www.themountainpress.com ■ 50 Cents

Monday

INSIDE

Sport

PAGE A8

Clean upyour actGovernor delivers message to UTathletic department

Local & State . . A1-A4,A6Calendar . . . . . . . . . . A3Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . A7Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . A8Business . . . . . . . . . . . . A2Advice . . . . . . . . . . . A14Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . A14Classifieds . . . . . A12,A13Nation . . . . . . . . . . A5,A9World . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx

Index

Because of icy road con-ditions in some parts of the county, The Mountain Press had an early deadline Sunday. Some late-breaking stores may have been left out.

Note to readers

Weather

TodaySunny

High: 36°

TonightSnow showers

Low: 23°

DETAILS, PAGE A6

5Man faces 5assault chargesPigeon Forge police allege man attacked woman with knife

LOcAL, PAGE A5

Shelby Howell, 65John Kerr, 87Jerry Rolen, 69Elizabeth Kuncitis, 53Oris Waters Sr., 94

Obituaries

DETAILS, PAGE A4

5A cause with biteActivists, officialstake on puppy mills

NATION, PAGE A9

See WEATHER, Page A4

See SPEAKER, Page A4 See PLANNERS, Page A4

See POKEMON, Page A4

Relief from weather in sight“There are still quite a few subdivisions that have icy spots.

We are trying to address the road that have steep inclines. We will be working around the clock until we get all the roads

clear.”— county Roads Superintendent Jonas Smelcer

Ellen Brown/The Mountain Press

Nine-year-old Noah Sawyer of Chattanooga, left, and 8-year-old Devin Sawyer of Abingdon, Va., concentrate on dealing cards at Saturday’s Pokemon City Championship Tournament held in Sevierville.

It’s all in the cardsPokemon devotees play in city tournament


Tom Wise of Asheville, N.C., credits his daughter for getting him into Pokemon trading cards.

Seymour speaker hopes to open doors

Plannersto revisitzoningrequestMeeting set forTuesday, 5:30 p.m.


Elayne Kohan, owner of Accurate Business Services in Knoxville, presents a seminar on starting a business at the Seymour Public Library Saturday afternoon.

Knoxville businesswoman shares tips at library seminar

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, January 11, 2010

From Submitted Reports

PIGEON FORGE — A pizzeria offering a diverse menu in a hip environment is coming to the Smoky Mountains in April.

Local restaurateur Tom Horne and devel-oper Darby Campbell are planning to open a Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers. Architectural and design plans are in the final stages to con-vert the existing Flying Horse Grill to a Mellow Mushroom restaurant.

With more than 100 locations, primarily in the Southeast, Mellow

Mushroom started in 1974. Three college stu-dents founded the res-taurant in Atlanta.

The concept features stone-baked pizza. The dough is made with pure spring water and molas-ses instead of tap water and sugar.

Other options include hoagies, calzones, salads and vegetarian dishes. Mellow Mushroom will feature over 24 beers on tap, many of which are regional brews.

“We are proud to bring the best pizza in the country to the Smoky Mountains. We know you will love it. Our restaurant will have its

own unique flair while maintaining a fun, ener-getic and trendy atmo-sphere that distinguishes Mellow Mushroom from the typical pizza baker,” said Horne.

Mellow Mushroom will be located at 2485 Parkway.

To find out more visit www.mellowmushroom.


At the beginning of each new year, many people make a list of resolutions to keep in the coming months, such as losing weight or learning a new skill. As you make your list, don’t forget to consider wise financial goals for the year ahead. The Tennessee Society of CPAs suggests you adopt these smart resolutions.

Save MoreIt sounds simple but people often forget or make excuses

that prevent them from setting aside more money for the long term. That’s why it’s a good idea to make the process automatic. One way to do that is have your bank deposit a certain amount of your payroll check or checking account balance into a savings account each month. Even if you start by setting aside a very small amount, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up.

And no matter what your age, don’t forget that it’s never too early to begin saving for retirement.

Watch Your SpendingThis is another area where people have great intentions

that often don’t get carried out. One way to motivate yourself to take this goal more seriously is to keep a list of everything you spend each month. Categorize the items in areas such as groceries, restaurant meals and takeout, entertainment, com-muting and gasoline — or whatever categories apply.

Once again you may be surprised this time at how much you are spending in certain areas. Are your takeout expenses much higher than you thought? Are you spending a lot on gas when public transportation could be a cheaper option? When you set down your outlays on paper, you may find yourself much more motivated to change your habits.

Keep a BudgetOnce you write down your expenses, you can use them

as part of a monthly budget. A budget is an excellent tool for making sense of your financial life and identifying where change is needed. Add up what you receive in your pay checks each month and any other income, then deduct your regular expenses, such as rental or mortgage payments, utili-ties, groceries and savings.

You can use what’s left for restaurants and entertainment, travel or other discretionary purchases.

Make Your Own Financial Statement How much are you worth? The beginning of the year is a

good time to find out, since understanding where you stand financially can help you make decisions about your future.

The process is simple: Add up the value of what you own, including the equity you have in your home or any other property and the amount in your savings, investment or retirement accounts. Then calculate your debts, including your total outstanding mortgage balance, auto loans, student loans and credit card balances.

If your assets are greater than your debts, then the excess amount is your net worth. If your debts add up to more than your assets, it’s a good idea to give some thought to your debt management plan and your spending habits.

Is it time to make some revisions in how you manage your money? If the answer is yes, consider new steps to take dur-ing the coming year.

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Pampered Pooches is a new business located just past 284 Red Bud Lane in Sevierville.

Pampered Pooches to offerservices beyond grooming


SEVIERVILLE — Mike and Ashley Broadwell have turned their love of animals into a business venture in their own backyard facility.

Their pet salon, Pampered Pooches, opened Jan. 4. The salon is located on Red Bud Lane off of Highway 411 near New Center.

In addition to basic grooming ser-vices, the couple will offer some differ-ent pet services. Among those are pet facials, mud baths, and nail painting as well as gourmet dog treats.

The couple also offers boarding. “We will have walk time, play time

and a safe and relaxing place to sleep,” Mike Broadwell said. “Even in this economy, people still want to take care of their pets. We look forward to being a part of that process as well as being local Sevier County business owners.”

To schedule a grooming appointment or to find out about additional services and pricing call 908-2007. The salon is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Extended evening hours are also be available upon request.

Make financialresolutions forthe coming year

Mellow Mushroom pizzeria to openin April; will feature diverse menu


USDA is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce fraud in farm programs and streamlining payment lim-its for family farmers.

The actions are intended to strengthen the USDA farm safety net programs and help the agricultural industry to meet require-ments included in the 2008 Farm Bill.

USDA has finalized agreement with IRS to establish an electronic information exchange pro-cess for verifying compli-ance with provisions for programs administered by Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Payments will not be issued to producers whose adjust-ed gross income exceeds certain limits: $500,000 nonfarm average for com-modity and disaster pro-grams; $750,000 farm average for direct pay-ments; and $1 million for conservation programs.

The process reviews data from tax returns, performs calculations, and compares these values to the limita-tions from the 2008 Farm Bill. No actual tax data will be included in the report that IRS sends to USDA.

Meanwhile, beginning with the 2010 program year, USDA has amended the rules that govern the requirements to be “actively engaged” in farming. These rules apply to eligibility for payments under programs administered by the FSA.

Programaims tostop fraudin farming

Submitted reports

SEVIERVILLE — Tony Jornd has joined The Thomas Group.

“He is here to help expand our digital printing division and copy cen-ter along with signs and banners,” said Andrew Byrd, p r e s i d e n t of the busi-ness. “Due to continued growth of The Thomas Group, our management team felt the need to bring in additional personnel with in-depth knowledge in the field of printing.”

Jornd was formerly with Davis Print Group/Reliable Printing.

“This move will aid in The Thomas Group servicing our customers and clients more effectively,” Byrd said.

Jornd may be reached at 453-3978, ext. 26, or by e-mail to [email protected].

Jornd joinsThomas Group

Jornd Check Out

The Mountain Press

the

Monday, January 11, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

Editor’s Note: The com-munity calendar is printed as space permits. Only noncommercial, public events held in Sevier County will be considered. They are listed by date. To place an item phone 428-0748, ext. 214, or e-mail to [email protected]. Items may be faxed to 453-4913.

Monday, Jan. 11GateKeepers

GateKeepers men’s com-munity Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831.

Women’s Bible StudyGarlands of Grace wom-

en’s Bible study:n 10 a.m. Seymour

Heights Christian Church (enter last door on right), Chapman at Boyds Creek Highway.

n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn

Cancer Support GroupSmoky Mountain Cancer

Support Group meets at Senior Center. Supper 6 p.m., program 6:45 by Barbara Edwards on stress. 428-5834 or 654-9280.

DAR DAR Spencer Clack

Chapter meets 7 p.m., Sevier County Library. Program on history of silver by Carrie Murphy.

Angel FoodAngel Food orders:n 2 to 5 p.m. Gum Stand

Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508.

n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., First Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 908-1245.

n 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., River Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

Gym Closing Sevierville Community

Center gym closed Jan. 11-13 for maintenance. 453-5441.

Seymour Story TimePreschool story time 11

a.m., Seymour Library. Guest readers for Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. 573-0728.

Tuesday, Jan. 12S.I.T.

Seniors In Touch (S.I.T.) meets 6 to 7:30 p.m. at MountainBrook Village, 700 Markhill Drive, Sevierville. 428-2445.

Alzheimer’s SupportAlzheimer’s Support group

at MountainBrook Village meets from 5-6 p.m.

Program by Bobby Fields of Alzheimer’s Association. 428-2445, ext. 107.

GateKeepersGateKeepers men’s Bible

study, 6:30 p.m. 1328 Old Newport Highway, Sevierville. 908-0591.

Angel FoodAngel Food orders:n 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gum

Stand Baptist Church, 3031 Veterans Blvd., Pigeon Forge. 429-2508.


n 6 to 7:30 p.m. Basic Life Ministries, formerly The Father’s House, 139 Bruce Street. 286-9784 or 230-1526.

Wednesday, Jan. 13Garden Club

Sevierville Garden Club will meet at noon at Sevier Senior Center. Lunch served. Tom Leonard, man-ager of Sevier Solid Waste Inc., to speak on recycling. Board meeting at 11.

Angel FoodAngel Food Ordersn 5 to 6:30 p.m., River

Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

Middle Creek UMCWorship services at 6:30

p.m. at Middle Creek United Methodist Church, 1828 Middle Creek Road, Pigeon Forge. 216-2066.

Sevierville Story TimePreschool story time

10:30 a.m., Sevier County Main Library. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday guest read-ers. 453-3532.

Thursday, Jan. 14 Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace wom-en’s Bible study:

n 9 a.m., Pigeon Forge UMC

n 2 p.m., Blue Mountain Mist B&B, Pullen Road, Sevierville

n 6:30 p.m., Sevierville UMC, Conference Room

Community Choir

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Choir will practice 6-8 p.m. today and Friday in Conner-Short Building, Walters State Community College. Interested singers wel-come.

Hot Meals Smoky Mountain Area

Rescue Ministries pro-vides hot meals 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville.

TOPSTOPS weight loss chap-

ter meets at 6 p.m., Parkway Church of God in Sevierville. 755-9517 or 429-3150.




Blood Drivesn 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sevierville Primary School, 1146 Blanton Drive

n 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Seymour Middle School, 737 Boyds Creek Highway

Friday, Jan. 15Lions Club Sale

Sevierville Lions Club indoor charity rummage sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and Saturday, 122 Bruce St., downtown Sevierville. Rescheduled from Jan. 8 and 9. 453-2025.



Blood DriveMedic blood drive 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m., Seymour Food City.

Garden Club TripSevierville Garden Club

will meet at noon in Room 133 of Senior Center for lunch followed by trip to tour composting facility. Nonmembers call 609-8079 for reservations.

Kodak Story TimePreschool story time 11

a.m., Kodak Library. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday guest reader. 933-0078.

Relay Dinner/DanceRelay For Life dinner/

dance 6-10:30 p.m. Jan. 30, Sevierville Civic Center. $50 per person. RSVP by Jan. 15; 428-0846. Table sponsorships available. Semi-formal attire. 654-9280; 397-5556; 603-1223.

Saturday, Jan. 16Lions Club Sale

Sevierville Lions Club

indoor charity rummage sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, 122 Bruce St., downtown Sevierville. Rescheduled from Jan. 8 and 9. 453-2025.

Cove Clothes ClosetCove Clothes Closet, 3238

Pittman Center Road at Old Richardson Cove Church, open 9-3 Saturdays only. Free clothing. 453-4526.

Monday, Jan. 18SCHS Banquet

Sevier County High foot-ball banquet 6 p.m. at Park Vista, Gatlinburg. $25; play-ers free.

GateKeepers GateKeepers men’s com-

munity Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831.

Women’s Bible StudyGarlands of Grace women’s

Bible study:n 10 a.m. Seymour Heights

Christian Church (enter last door on right), Chapman and Boyds Highway

n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn

Bariatric SurgeryBariatric Surgery Support

Group will not meet January and February, will resume meetings at 7 p.m. March 15 at Echota Resort Clubhouse on Highway 66. 453-6841 or 712-3287.

Tuesday, Jan. 19GateKeepersGateKeepers men’s Bible


Republican PartySevier County Republican

Party meets at 6 p.m. at courthouse. 453-3882 or 368-3833.

CrewettesSevier County Crewettes

meets at 7 p.m. at Rescue Squad. 453-3861 or 453-8572.

Wednesday, Jan. 20Middle Creek UMC

Middle Creek United Methodist Church, 1828 Middle Creek Road, Pigeon Forge, worship services 6:30 p.m. 216-2066.

Thursday, Jan. 21 Women’s Bible Study

Garlands of Grace women’s Bible study:

n 9 a.m. UMC Pigeon Forge

n 2 p.m. Blue Mountain Mist B&B, Pullen Road, Sevierville

n 6:30 p.m. Sevierville UMC, Conference Room, Sevierville

Gatlinburg LibraryAnna Porter Public Library

Thursday Theater showing “Julie and Julia,” 6:30 p.m. 436-5588.

Hot Meals Smoky Mountain Area

Rescue Ministries provides hot meals 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville.

TOPSTOPS weight loss chapter

meets at 6 p.m., Parkway Church of God in Sevierville. 755-9517 or 429-3150.

ABWA American Business Women’s

Association meets at Holiday Inn, Pigeon Forge. Networking 6 p.m., dinner meeting to follow. Cost of meal is $13. RSVP to 933-4048. www.abwasevier.org.

Submarine Veterans

Smoky Mountain sub vets meet at 6 p.m., Islamorada Restauran. www.SmokyMountainBase.com or 429-0465 or 692-3368.

Aero ClubSmoky Mountain Aero Club

meets at 7 p.m., Sevierville Community Center. 604-5211 or 428-3663.

Emergency RadioSevier County Emergency

Radio Service meets at 7:30 p.m., EOC office on Bruce Street. 429-2422 or www.freewebs.com/aresradio.

DAV/DAVA MeetingChapter 94 Disabled

American Veterans and Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary meet at Fort Sanders Sevier Senior Center. Potluck dinner 6 p.m. and meeting 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23Angel Food

Angel Food pickup:n 8 to 11 a.m. Gum


n 8 to 10 a.m. First

Smoky Mountain Church of the Nazarene, 2652 Upper Middle Creek Road. 908-1245.

n 10-noon, River Of Life Outreach, 110 Simmons Road, Seymour. 679-6796.

n 9:30 to 11 a.m. Basic Life Ministries, formerly The Father’s House, 139 Bruce Street. 286-9784 or 230-1526.

Monday, Jan. 25GateKeepers

GateKeepers men’s com-munity Bible study, 6:30 p.m., 2445 Scenic Mt. Drive, Sevierville. (865) 310-7831.

Women’s Bible StudyGarlands of Grace wom-

en’s Bible study:n 10 a.m. Seymour

Heights Christian Church (last door on right), Chapman Highway

n 1 p.m., Gatlinburg Inn, Gatlinburg

Tuesday, Jan. 26GateKeepersGateKeepers men’s Bible


Gatlinburg GreenwaysSecond workshop to

develop Gatlinburg’s Greenways Master Plan at 5 p.m. in City Hall. 436-4990.

Wednesday, Jan. 27Middle Creek UMC

Worship services at 6:30 p.m. at Middle Creek United Methodist Church, 1828 Middle Creek Road, Pigeon Forge. 216-2066.

Thursday, Jan. 28Hot Meals

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries pro-vides hot meals 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sevierville.

TOPSTOPS weight loss chap-

ter meets at 6 p.m., Parkway Church of God in Sevierville. 755-9517 or 429-3150.

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The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, January 11, 2010

low-paying jobs. I’m unem-ployed now, and in the past month, I’ve put out more than 100 resumes. It’s extremely difficult to find a job.”

Becoming self-employed is what many people in Tack’s situation often do, Kohan said.

“If you have a particu-lar hobby or specialty, why not start a business?” she

asked, rhetorically.Tack said she felt there

were lots of services she could provide on her own, but she confessed that she was “scared” and had no capital.

“That’s the biggest thing that keeps people from doing it — fear,” Kohan said. “There are grants you can apply for online to help you get started. People want a step-by-step guide (when starting a business).”

And so Kohan presented

her own guide, which start-ed out with determining if one is even the “entrepre-neurial type.”

“Are you going to be disciplined enough to do this?” she challenged. “Are you going to be able to go into the little office you’ve created and work there, despite the TV, the Internet and the kids in the next room?”

Kohan also discussed examining the viability of one’s business idea; writing a business plan;

financing the business; licenses, regulations and permits; refining the marketing plan; modify-ing one’s product; and more.

“If you think positive, positive things will come to you,” she said.

For more informa-tion on programs with the Sevier County Public Library System, call its administrative office at 774-6033.

n [email protected]

could bring a little more snow.

“We have another little system that might bring an inch in the mountains,” Gaffin said Sunday after-noon. “It looks like we might get a dusting in the valley. That should be the last we see (of frozen pre-cipitation) for the immedi-ate future.”

After an expected low of 23 tonight, the forecast

calls for partly cloudy skies and a high of 35 Tuesday, with a low of 20. By Wednesday, the high will climb to 47 — and sunny, with a low still a frigid 24.

“At least until the week-end after that, it won’t be anything like we’ve had,” Gaffin said. “We should be seeing temperatures near our normal values.”

Gaffin said the norms for this time of the year are highs of 46 and lows of 28.

n [email protected]

a Wears Valley group push-ing for the construction of a greenway trail through the area.

“They asked me to donate the land for that and so that’s what I did,” Ogle said.

If Ogle’s plan is rejected and he does sue the county, it will be the second law-

suit he’s filed related to a planning issue in about a month. In early December, Ogle submitted court docu-ments claiming the county illegally rejected his plan to build 400 homes on Cove Mountain in the proposed High Bridge development. He’s seeking $50 million in damages in that action.

Also on the agenda for Tuesday’s session is:

n Introducing new mem-

ber Dale Reagan, who is fill-ing out the unexpired term of the late Joe Irwin, to the group

Design plan reviewn Douglas Lake Resort,

a 130-lot development on 153.91 acres off Flat Creek Road

Rezoning requestn From Hillside LLC

for property on South Old Sevierville Pike from R-1 (rural residential) to R-2 (high-density residential)

Site Plan Reviewn Waffle House, a new res-

taurant on property next to Sonic on Chapman Highway in Seymour.

n [email protected]

other media.“My son was given

a pack of Pokemon cards in 1998 by his cousins,” said Keith Haas, Pokemon tourna-ment organizer for East Tennessee. “Now he’s 15, and he’s still play-ing.”

Tournament par-ticipants play with a 60-card playing deck of the trading cards, with certain rules and regulations of what can be put in the deck. The 40-minute rounds are split into three age groups: Junior Division includes those born in 1999 and younger; Senior Division, those born from 1995-1998; and Masters Division, those born in 1994 and before.

Prizes were given to

the top four in each age group.

“We have folks here today from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Cleveland and Chattanooga, as well as locals,” said Haas, who has traveled across the country judging tour-naments. “The social interaction is great, and it’s a very strategic game. The main thing is that we have fun.”

“My daughter got me into this,” said Tom Wise of Asheville, N.C. “It’s a lot of fun, and I like win-ning stuff.”

Noah Sawyer, 9, of Chattanooga, encountered his first Pokemon trading card at a yard sale.

“It’s fun challenging your friends,” he said. “When I first started playing, I knew it would be.”

n [email protected]

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O B I T U A R I E S

In Memoriam

Shelby Jean HowellShelby Jean Howell, age 65 of Dandridge, TN,

passed away Saturday evening, January 9, 2010 at Ft. Sanders Sevier Medical Center.

She was the daughter of the late Vernon and Beulah Tipton Haire and was a member of the Lighthouse Church. Preceded in death by her brother, Roger Wayne “Butch” Haire. She was a beloved sister and friend and will be missed by all.

Survivors: sister: Shirley Ann Garner; brothers: Charles Vernon Haire and Ferman Ray Haire

Funeral services will be 7:00 PM Monday, January 11, 2010, at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Darrell Williams officiating. The fam-ily will receive friends Monday evening, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. prior to services. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be directed to the Shelby Jean Howell Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1025, Dandridge, TN 37725.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home, Dandridge.

n www.farrarfuneralhome.com

Hobert Kenneth “John” Kerr

Hobert Kenneth “John” Kerr, 87, of Sevierville, died Friday, January 8, 2010.

Survivors: sisters, Helen Flynn, Francis Loveday; srothers, Mayford and wife Helen, Ernest and wife Ruby, and Raymond Kerr; brother-in-law, Brownie Campbell and wife Christine; several nieces, nephews, great niec-es, and great nephews; spe-cial friends, Claude England and Gene Abbott.

In lieu of flowers dona-tions can be made to Millican Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, 1559 Allensville Rd., Sevierville, TN 37876

Funeral service were Sunday in the East Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. David Wilson officiating. Interment 11 a.m. Monday in Millican Grove Cemetery. Nephews and great nephews will serve as pallbearers.

www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Jerry Lee RolenJerry Lee Rolen, Sr., 69,

of Knoxville, died Friday, January 8, 2010 at St. Mary ’s North Hospital.

Survivors: wife, Katie Rolen; children, Malisa Gail Kontour, Sandra M. Rolen Mackey and husband Tracy, and Jerry L. Rolen, Jr. and wife Rita; 11 grandchildren; brothers and sister-in-law, Mike and Faye Rolen and Paul Rolen; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty O’Neal, Geneva and Murrell Parton, and Mary Kate Webb.

Funeral service 1 p.m. Monday in the East Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Brother John Daniels officiat-ing. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

n www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

Elizabeth KuncitisElizabeth Kuncitis, 53,

of Sevierville, died Friday, January 8, 2010 at St. Mary ’s Hospital in Knoxville, TN.

Survivors include her parents, Edgars and Anna Kuncitis of Sevierville; a brother, Edgar Kuncitis of Sevierville; uncles, Lorenz Hermann of Knoxville and Stephan and wife Margret Hermann; aunt Zigrida Simonsons; cousins, Michelle and husband Doug Kurry and their children, Kaitlyn and Jaclyn; Dogmar and Stanley Salkewiezc; and the Steins family.

A private committal ser-vice will be conducted in the Hamblen Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Relay For Life.

Arrangements are by Stubblefield Funeral Home.

Oris Lee Waters Sr.Oris Lee Waters Sr., age 94

of Sevierville, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2010.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville.

Man faces 5 aggravated assault countsStaff Report

PIGEON FORGE — A man accused of attacking and stabbing a woman in Pigeon Forge was arrested Sunday and charged with five counts of aggravated assault by the Pigeon Forge Police Department.

Joseph B. Blowers, 24,

is accused of attack-ing Shasta Flynn, 20, and stab-bing her in her hand. B l o w e r s had a gun-shot wound in his torso.

Pigeon Forge police

tracked down Blowers after officers were flagged down early Sunday morn-ing on Wears Valley Road by David Bell, 26, who said he shot someone after Flynn was attacked. Bell told the officers he was afraid for his life so he shot Blowers with a handgun from inside the residence.

Police say Blowers

attacked Flynn with a knife and stabbed her, then when she tried to go to the hospital Blowers shot the front tire of her car with a shotgun.

Flynn was treated and released from Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center. Blowers was treated and released from UT Medical Center in Knoxville.

Blowers

Assistant goes on trial in ex-punk manager slayingNEW YORK (AP) — The confes-

sion was dramatic and videotaped. The weeping woman described to a prosecu-tor how she fatally bludgeoned her boss — punk-rock pioneer and celebrity real estate broker Linda Stein — with a piece of exercise equipment.

The suspect, Stein’s personal assistant, said she snapped after Stein insulted and

cursed at her and blew marijuana smoke in her face.

“’Leave me alone. Leave me alone!”’ Natavia Lowery said she recalled thinking while clubbing Stein six times in the agent’s Fifth Avenue apartment.

Lowery has since said her confession was false — a claim at the heart of the

2007 murder case as it heads for trial. Jury selection is expected to start as soon as Monday.

After losing a bid to keep Lowery’s statements from being used at her trial, her lawyers want jurors to hear about the psychology surrounding false con-fessions, over prosecutors’ objections. A judge hasn’t yet ruled.

Trailer fire kills two, injures 2in Elizabethon

ELIZABETHTON (AP) — Two people have died and two others were injured in a trailer home fire in northeastern Tennessee.

Fire crews arrived on the scene of a trailer fully engulfed in flames around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.

WJHL-TV reported that two people were treated at the Johnson City Medical Center and the bodies of two others were taken to Quillen College of Medicine for autopsies.

The names of the vic-tims were not immediately released and the cause of the fire was still under investigation.

Monday, January 11, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Both times that accused serial killer Rodney Alcala was sentenced to death in the killing of a young girl, a court overturned his conviction. So when prosecutors filed charg-es a third time and added four new cases, he made a startling decision: represent himself.

His decision is almost unheard of in a death penalty case and is bound to create a surreal scene when his trial begins today.

The former photographer with a purported IQ between 160 and 170 and an obsession with detail plans to testify himself, call prosecutors from his previous trials as witness-es and question the mother of one of his five alleged victims, a 12-year-old girl last seen rid-ing a bicycle to ballet class.

“He’s obviously a bright guy and he’s been involved in the legal process for 30 years, so if he’s paid any atten-

tion he’s probably learned a fair amount,” said Michael Brennan, a clinical law pro-fessor at the University of Southern California who’s handled death penalty appeals.

“But it’s an incredible task, particularly in a death penalty case,” Brennan said. “It’s a huge mistake.”

While Alcala has seen the case of the young Robin Samsoe play out twice before, the new charges in the serial slayings of four Los Angeles County women could make his gamble even more daunt-ing.

“The stakes are very high,” said Jean Rosenbluth, a USC law professor and former prosecutor. “It’s going to be a lot of witnesses and a lot of stuff going on that he hasn’t had the opportunity to observe yet.”

By DON THOMPSONAssociated Press Writer

EUREKA, Calif. — A powerful offshore earth-quake that struck near the Northern California coast left a hodgepodge of debris for communities to sort through Sunday but spared residents any seri-ous injury.

The 6.5 magnitude tem-blor hit late Saturday after-noon and was centered in the Pacific about 22 miles west of Ferndale. It was felt in towns more than 300 miles south into cen-tral California and as far north as central Oregon, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Ferndale is about 240 miles north of San Francisco.

Dozens of people suf-fered minor injuries and thousands lost power.

In Eureka, north of Ferndale, residents of an apartment building were evacuated, and an office building and two other commercial structures in the town of about 26,000 people were declared unsafe for occupancy, according to Humboldt

County spokesman Phil Smith-Hanes.

“Our initial reports were that, though this was a pretty decent quake, we survived it well,” Smith-Hanes said, adding that damage assessments would continue Sunday across the county.

Sandra Hall, owner of Antiques and Goodies, said furniture fell over, nearly all her lamps broke and the handful of customers in her store got a big scare. She said it was the most

dramatic quake in the 30 years the Eureka store has been open.

“We’ll be having a sale on broken china for those who like to do mosaics,” she said.

More than a dozen after-shocks, some with magni-tudes as powerful as 4.5, rumbled for several hours after the initial quake, which had a depth of near-ly 10 miles.

Authorities on Saturday said no major injuries were reported. But several

people received minor cuts and scrapes from broken glass at the Bayshore Mall in Eureka, and an elderly person fell and broke a hip, authorities said.

“We’re mostly getting reports of bumps, bruis-es and hits on the head,” said Laurie Watson Stone, a spokeswoman for St. Joseph Hospital, a 146-bed hospital in Eureka. “The emergency room is busy, but we haven’t heard of any major inju-ries.”

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GOP chief: Reid should step downWASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican Party

chairman says Sen. Harry Reid should step down as the Senate Democratic leader over racial remarks Reid made about Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.

GOP Chairman Michael Steele says if a Republican had made such remarks, Democrats would be calling for that Republican’s head.

In a private conversation reported in a new book, Reid described Obama as a “light-skinned” African-American “with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.”

Reid has apologized to Obama, and the president said he considers the episode closed.

Democratic Party chairman Tim Kaine says the remarks should not affect Reid’s leadership position.

Steele and Kaine spoke on “Fox News Sunday.”

Leno’s nightly prime-time show endingPASADENA, Calif (AP) — NBC decided to end the

Jay Leno experiment when some of its affiliates start-ed talking about dropping the nightly prime-time show, its top entertainment executive said Sunday.

NBC Universal Television Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin said Sunday that Leno’s nightly prime-time show will end with the beginning of the Winter Olympics on Feb. 12. NBC wants Leno to do an 11:35 p.m. show each night, a return to his old time slot, Gaspin said.

Gaspin said despite lower ratings for NBC at 10 p.m. compared with last year, the network was mak-ing money off the show.

But affiliates were upset that the show was leading fewer viewers into their late news programs, costing them significant advertising revenue. Some affiliates told NBC in December they would go public soon about their complaints if a change wasn’t made, or even take Leno’s show off the air.

Gaspin has proposed moving Conan O’Brien’s “Tonight” show to 12:05 a.m., and Jimmy Fallon’s show would start an hour later. But the late-night hosts had not agreed to the move. Gaspin said he expected NBC’s late-night situation to be cleared up by the start of the Olympics.

Stephanopoulos ends ‘This Week’ runNEW YORK (AP) — George Stephanopoulos has

ended a seven-year run as host of ABC News’ “This Week” interview program.

Stephanopoulos, who last month began his new job co-anchoring ABC’s “Good Morning America,” had been doing double duty the past several weeks.

Wrapping up his final “This Week” broadcast Sunday, he thanked the audience as well as his col-leagues.

ABC has said no replacement will be named right away, with a rotating group of substitutes filling in.

The next two weeks, ABC correspondents Jake Tapper and Terry Moran are scheduled to host. Both are considered candidates to land the job permanent-ly, as is PBS’ Gwen Ifill. The name of Ted Koppel, original anchor of ABC’s “Nightline,” surfaced last week as another possible candidate.

Jet makes emergency landing NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Landing gear problems has

forced a United Airlines flight to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.

No injuries were reported in the landing at around 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport, said all 53 people aboard Flight 634 from Chicago got off the plane safely.

Officials say the plane’s landing gear apparently failed to deploy properly. It was not yet clear why that happened.

The incident has caused delays of about an hour for departing flights.

Anchorage officer shot several times

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An Anchorage police officer was ambushed without provo-cation by unknown gun-men early Saturday as he sat in his patrol car working on an apparently unrelated assault case, police said, and city offi-cials vowed to catch those responsible.

“We are shocked, we are outraged, we are angered,” Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan said at an after-noon press briefing.

Quake leaves jumble of debris

Associated Press

Eureka Natural Foods employees clean up the store as a back-up genera-tor provides power after an earthquake struck on Saturday.

Registers 6.5 innorthern California

Accused serial killer willdefend self in capital case

The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, January 11, 2010A6 ◆

6 Monday 1/11

Departments:News: Ext. 214; e-mail: [email protected]: Ext. 210; e-mail: [email protected]: Ext. 201 & 221Commercial Printing: Ext. 229

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January 9, 2010

Evening: 2-8-2-1 13

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■ ober ski report

Base: 47-62 inches

Primary surface: Machine groomed

Trails open:Ober Chute, Bear Run, Castle Run, Alpine Way, Ski School, Grizzly, Mogul Ridge

toDAy’SbriefiNg

CeLebritieSiN the NewS

toPStAte NewS

The Mountain PressStaffPublisher: Jana Thomassoneditor: Stan VoitProduction Director: Tom McCarterAdvertising Director: Joi Whaleybusiness manager: Mary OwenbyCirculation Distribution manager: Will Sing

SubscriptionsCarrier Delivery (where Available): $11.60 per 4 weeksin-County mail: $13.08 per 4 weeksout-of-County mail: $19.60 per 4 weeksPostmaster: Send address changes to The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville, TN 37864

(ISSN 0894-2218) Copyright 2008 The Mountain Press. All Rights Reserved. All property belongs to The Mountain Press and no part may be reproduced without prior written consent. Published daily by The Mountain Press. P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville, TN, 37864, 119 River Bend Dr., Sevierville, TN 37876. Periodical Postage paid at Sevierville, TN.

how to reach us:Phone: (865) 428-0746Fax: (865) 453-4913

P.o. box 4810, Sevierville, tN 37864

office hours:8 a.m. to 5 p.m. WeekdaysLocated at 119 Riverbend Dr., Sevierville, TN 37876

quote rouNDuP

■ “Avatar”LOS ANGELES (AP)

— James Cameron’s “Avatar” continues to race up the box office charts, remaining No. 1 domestically for the fourth straight weekend with $48.5 million and placing second among all-time top-grossing films worldwide.

The science-fiction saga from 20th Century Fox added $143 mil-lion overseas to raise its international haul to $906 million. With $429 million domestically, “Avatar” has pulled in $1.34 billion worldwide, behind only Cameron’s “Titanic,” which took in $1.8 billion.

“I have no intention of sending U.S. boots on the ground in these regions. ... (However) I never rule out any possibility in a world that is this complex ... in countries like Yemen, in countries like Somalia, I think working with

international partners is most effective at this point.”

— President barack obama on the possibility of sending u.S. troops to yemen or Somalia.

“There is this standard where the Democrats feel that they can say these things and they

can apologize when it comes from the mouths of their own. But if it comes from anyone else, it’s racism. It’s either racist or it’s not. And it’s

inappropriate, absolutely.” — republican Party Chairman michael Steele after

Democratic Sen. harry reid of Nevada apologized to President barack obama after reid described obama

during the 2008 presidential campaign as a “light-skinned” African-American “with no Negro dialect,

unless he wanted to have one.”

LOCAL:Sunny

High: 36°Low: 23°

Wind 5-10 mph

Chance of rain 0%

■ Lake Stages:Douglas 952.0 Unch

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■ tuesdayPartly cloudy high: 35°Low: 20°■ wednesdaySunnyhigh: 47°Low: 24°

Local■ SeVierViLLe

Emergency panelto meet Jan. 28

The Sevier County Local Emergency Planning Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Jan. 28 at the E911 Building on Bruce Street.

The committee is comprised of represen-tatives from area emer-gency service agencies and associated groups, who meet on a monthly basis to discuss disas-ter preparedness and responses to large scale emergencies.

■ SeVierViLLe

Election panelto meet Thursday

The Sevier County Election Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the voting machine warehouse, 1145 Dolly Parton Parkway.

The commission will discuss the Boyds Creek polling location

■ SeVierViLLe

407 Merchantsgroup to meet

The Sevierville 407 Merchants will meet at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Islamorada Restaurant in the Bass Pro Shops.

Greg Hosler will make a presentation about a www.sevier-ville407.com Web site.

John Turley from the Dumplin Creek devel-opment and Charles Atchley from Great Smoky Mountain Flea Market also will speak.

■ SeVierViLLe

Tennis leaguesmay be formed

The Sevierville Parks & Recreation Department is considering an adult ten-nis league in the spring.

If there is enough interest, leagues may be formed for competitive and recreational players.

Contact Patrick Oxley, athletic supervisor with the department, at 453-5441 or the City Park office at 453-6616 to express interest.

The league probably would run April through June. The league would be for ages 18 or older.

■ SeVier CouNty

Helping Heartshas new numbers

Tennessee Helping Hearts has a new phone system and new telephone numbers.

The new numbers: (865) 366-7224; fax 366-7142.

State■ ChAttANoogA

Insurer addressessecurity breach

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will start contacting customers this week whose per-sonal information was exposed when hard drives were stolen from the state’s largest health insurer.

The insurer has been analyzing the security breach since 57 hard drives were stolen in October from a storage closet at the Eastgate Town Center training center.

Company spokes-woman Mary Thompson said that letters are being mailed in batches starting this week as the data is being combed over and the breaches are discovered.

Chattanooga-based insurer has 3.1 million customers, but the com-pany has not released a total estimate of how many were affected.

thiS DAy iN hiStory

Today is Monday, Jan. 11, the 11th day of 2010. There are 354 days left in the year.

■ Locally a year ago:Dennis Bolze,

Gatlinburg investor who disappeared last month, was once most common-ly described as generous. He built a reputation as a philanthropist and did everything he could to ensure the causes he cared about were well funded. Attorney Scott Hall, representing some investors, said, “I keep hoping he’ll show back up and his financial sta-tus is OK and this has all been a big mistake.”

■ today’s highlight:On Jan. 11, 1935, avia-

tor Amelia Earhart began an 18-hour trip from Honolulu to Oakland, Calif., that made her the first woman to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean.

■ on this date:In 1861, Alabama

seceded from the Union.In 1964, U.S. Surgeon

General Luther Terry issued the first govern-ment report that said smoking may be hazard-ous to one’s health.

■ ten years ago: Whittling away more

of the federal govern-ment’s power over states, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that state employees cannot go into federal court to sue over age discrimination.

■ five years ago: President George W.

Bush nominated federal judge Michael Chertoff to be homeland security chief, succeeding Tom Ridge.

■ thought for today: “The essence of taste

is suitability. Divest the word of its prim and priggish implications, and see how it expresses the mysterious demand of the eye and mind for symmetry, harmony and order.” — Edith Wharton, American author (1862-1937).

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — It was three years ago when Kathy and Chris Young’s 13-year-old daughter, Jessica, started acting out. But her actions went further than those of the typical rebellious teen-ager.

Over the years Jessica, now 16, began cutting herself, running away from home at night and threatening suicide, said Mrs. Young, Jessica’s step-mother for more than a decade.

Overwhelmed and frightened for Jessica’s safety, the Athens parents

considered placing their daughter in a residential treatment facility, where they hoped experts could help her.

But Mrs. Young said they couldn’t stand the thought of Jessica going away.

“Emotionally, it just tears me apart. I can’t imagine to think of something like that,” she said.

Instead, in August, they started working with Memphis-based Youth Villages, a private, non-profit organization focused on child welfare.

The group’s in-home

counseling program is rooted in the notion that family can provide the best support for a child. Options such as foster care, the juvenile justice system or residential treat-ment are considered only as a last resort, organizers say.

Mrs. Young said the reg-ular in-home counseling on how to set and main-tain boundaries for Jessica has made a difference in just a few months.

Jessica said the counsel-ing has helped her better deal with her emotions.

“My fits (of anger)

used to be five hours. Now it’s five minutes,” she said.

The idea of focusing on a child’s whole environment, from parents to siblings to school life, is a departure from a philosophy that aimed to “fix” children in a setting away from home, organizers said.

The in-home strategy has improved outcomes for children with emo-tional or behavioral prob-lems and added stabil-ity in their lives, said Kori Bell, Chattanooga regional supervisor for the pro-gram.

Program designed to help troubled youth

S u N r i S e i N t h e S m o k i e S

7 Opinion 1/11

“The more things change, the more they are the same.”

That quote is credited to Alphonse Karr, a French journalist who died in 1890, more than 100 years ago. Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the Serenity Prayer about 50 years ago; “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

For me, this has always been a tremen-dous challenge. The world is changing faster than ever. Our county is going through great change as you could see in The Mountain Press on Jan. 3, when the headline was “Decade in Review.”

Although we are experiencing many of the same economic challenges as the rest of the nation, we are fortunate in many ways. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to bring guests our way. In 2007 the Sevierville Events Center opened and it has become one of the most successful in the country, bring-ing millions of dollars in new revenue to Sevier County.

Henry Piarrot, the new president of the Sevierville Lodging Association, invited me to speak at the first meeting of the new year. There were about 80 people in atten-dance, representing lodging, the Chamber, city government and vendors who work as partners.

There was a great deal of energy and synergy in the meeting room at the Events Center. Mike Wilds, who was originally asked to come in as a consultant for the center and was then asked to be the direc-tor, was recognized for all that he and the team have achieved.

Mike is much in demand and will be going back to consulting as of Feb. 1. I have had the privilege of working with many people in positions similar to Mike. He is, by far, one of the most professional servant Leaders that I have ever known and he leaves quite a legacy.

We have so much going for us in this area. Things are simply tools that can be used for good or for evil. Computers are a wonderful tool, yet pedophiles use them for evil.

We live in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains — not a tool, a great natural resource. God gave it to us and it stands beautifully painted with snow right now and magnificently colored in the Fall.

“Megatrends,” one of the best selling books of the past 25 years, talked about “High Tech, High Touch.” As things change, with more and more use of tech-nology, we must be keenly aware of build-ing personal relationships with people.

If your doctor moves their office, you will most likely go to the new location. You and the doctor have built a relation-ship over the years and while technology plays a key role in medicine today, the doctor must know how to interpret the test results, communicate them to the patient and then decide on the best course of action.

Anthony D’Angelo said, “Become a student of change. It is the only thing that will remain constant.” D’Angelo is a man who has sparked a revolution in higher education. In the spring of 1995, he was inspired by a vision to “Take Higher Education Deeper.” At the young age of 23, he left his cushy job, liquidated his personal savings, got a “grant” from his Discover Card (he went into over $150,000 in personal debt to fund the vision) and drove throughout the Mid-Atlantic to interview over 5,000 college students and 1,000 university profession-als.

His goal was to gain the pulse of what college students were missing. Six months into his journey he found it.

Based on his research and interviews, he learned what was missing from most stu-dents’ collegiate experience. He discovered that most college students go to college and get a degree, but not an education.

Today D’Angelo serves as the chief visionary officer of Collegiate EmPowerment, where it is his lifetime mission to “Take Higher Education Deeper” by empowering students, educa-tors and university executives a like to embrace the concepts, strategies and tools of Collegiate EmPowerment for success in the 21st Century.

Will we adapt and embrace change, or will we perish?

— Dave Gorden of Sevierville is a member of the Speakers Hall of Fame, past president of the National Speakers Association and one of the Authors of “Chicken Soup For the Adopted Soul.” E-mail [email protected].

Mountain Views■ The Mountain Press ■ Page A7 ■ Monday, January 11, 2010

c o m m e n ta ry e d i t o r i a l

P o l i t i c a l v i e w

P u b l i c f o r u m

editorial board:◆ Jana Thomasson, Publisher◆ Stan Voit, Editor◆ Bob Mayes, Managing Editor◆ Gail Crutchfield, Community News Editor

State legislators:◆ rep. richard montgomery

1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5981; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN [email protected]

◆ rep. Joe mccord1-800-449-8366 Ext. 1-5481; 207 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN [email protected]

◆ Sen. doug overbey1-800-449-8366 Ext. 10981; 320 War Memorial Bldg., Nashville TN [email protected]

federal legislators:◆ u.S. Sen. bob corker

(202) 224-3344; Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., B40A, Washington, D.C. 20510

◆ u.S. Sen. lamar alexander(202) 224-4944; S/H 302, Washington, D.C. 20510

◆ u.S. rep. Phil roe(202) 225-6356; 419 Cannon House Office, Washington, D.C. 20515

◆ u.S. rep. John J. duncan Jr.(202) 225-5435; 2267 Rayburn Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515

letters to the editor policy and how to contact us:◆ We encourage our readers to send letters to the editor. Letters must contain no more than 500 words. No more than one letter per person will be published in a 30-day period. Letters must be neatly printed or typed and contain no libel, plagiarism or personal attacks. All letters are subject to editing for style, length and content. Statements of fact must be attributed to a source for verification. All letters must be signed and contain a phone number and address for verification purposes. No anonymous or unveri-fied letters will be printed. No letters endorsing candidates will be considered. The Mountain Press reserves the right to refuse publication of any letter. E-MAIL LETTERS TO: [email protected] or MAIL LETTERS TO: Editor, The Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4810, Sevierville, TN 37864. For questions, call (865) 428-0748, ext. 214. The Mountain Press and its publishers do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed in letters and columns on this page.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establish-ment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacably to assemble and to petition

the government for a redress of grievances.”—united States constitution, amendment one

Filing for unemployment causesconfusion, frustration for manyEditor:

With area unemployment on the rise, feel sorry for those who must jump through ridiculous hoops in filing for unemployment in Tennessee.

When the state closed Labor and Workforce Development offices to claimants, they created a bottleneck of confusion. In requiring claimants to file online or phone, they assured that many individuals tired of the confusing directions on the phone or unable to use a computer would just give up.

My mother is an unemployed housekeeper who has no experience with computers and has a hearing problem that makes telephone use difficult. I filed her initial claim online. The first week my mother called in for weekly certification. One simply cannot get through on the telephone. After being told repeatedly that due to high call volume she could not certify, she called me and I once again went online.

Due to high filing volumes online cer-tification would not work either. I finally was able to get the certification to go through. Logically one would then expect a check? No. My mother did not receive a check even though she was not supposed to have a waiting period. It took nearly three weeks for her check to arrive and then she received two at once. This would be OK if you had money to live on for three weeks. For the others, I hope you have an under-standing landlord.

This difficulty in certifying weekly occurs every week, but while annoying I realize the automated certification center is over-whelmed. But the absolute last straw was when my mother finally exhausted her regu-lar benefits; she was supposed to switch to extended benefits until she would be able to file a new claim on Jan. 2. That did not hap-pen, but apparently it is the case with every applicant. My mother called our local Labor and Workforce development office and was informed they could not help her. What do they get paid for. They apparently get our tax dollars for directing people to call someone

else and showing people computers they can use themselves to file without assistance from the paid employees.

We called the number given to my mother. No one ever answered. One cannot leave a message because the mailbox is always “full.” My mother has called multiple times. I have called over 200 times and not spoken to one person. I have been unable to leave a mes-sage.

My mother is being cheated out of her emergency unemployment benefits. I will not give up. I will continue to call and write let-ters. Many will say that if people like me did not continue to call, the claim center would not be overwhelmed, but I say if they would empty the mailboxes, call back the claimants and actually do their jobs, the center would not be overwhelmed.

I hope that everyone who has experienced this will join me in writing to their congress-men and to Gov. Bredesen to express their outrage, because while they may be poor and unemployed, they can indeed still vote.

Jama A. GraySevierville

When Gatlinburg City Manager Cindy Ogle talks about the planned penguin exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, she is rightfully proud of seeing a local business expand. But she also is not bashful about admit-ting another reason the news was so appreciated. The $5 million interactive penguin exhibit opening in spring will be another major boost to the local tourism market, yet another reason for tourists to choose Gatlinburg as their destination. Believe it or not.

That’s an important aspect to last week’s announcement. The aquarium, among the best in the nation and in fact voted No. 1 by one Web site poll, already draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Adding a feature with animals so beloved by the public, and in a way that will allow visitors to be right there among the penguins, sig-nals not only Ripley’s commitment to its Gatlinburg properties, but also the need to be different, to add features, to

give people something new and excit-ing whenever possible.

The aquarium, Dollywood, the the-aters and our other tourist destinations will have to deal with a new kid on the block this year: the Titanic attraction opening in a month or so in Pigeon Forge. This one will be a major draw. It’s got experienced people behind it, a great location and an existing and suc-cessful formula for success — there is one in Branson. The Titanic will be a success.

While some may be fearful of what it could do to their own business model, the new attraction will only serve to bring more people to our community. More people will mean more business for all those attrac-tions that keep changing, keep mov-ing, keep looking for new ways to bring in customers.

Those business owners who are complacent will be the ones at highest risk.

This will be a big year for tourism in Sevier County. The economy is improv-ing, so people will start traveling again and spending more on their trips. Dollywood will be observing its 25th anniversary and opening a new ride. Ripley’s will celebrate 40 years as a presence in Gatlinburg — it has several other attractions there and elsewhere in the county. The Titantic gives us a new player with aggressive owners who will live in this community.

There is much reason for optimism as we begin this new year. The last couple of years have been less success-ful than we were used to. We suffered as did almost every segment of our economy.

For Ripley’s to invest millions in a new exhibit, designed to be visitor-friendly, is a sign of good things to come. Under the leadership of Ryan DeSear — a Gatlinburg-Pittman gradu-ate, by the way — the Ripley’s attrac-tions in Sevier County will prosper.

Change mustbe embracedto move ahead

Believe this oneNew aquarium attraction signals bright year ahead for local tourism

By HOWARD ULMANAP Sports Writer

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — From the very first play, Ray Rice and the running Ravens made the team of the last decade look like the pushovers of the new one.

Rice burst up the middle for an 83-yard touchdown with frigid fans still set-tling into their seats, Tom Brady turned the ball over three times on the first four possessions and Baltimore knocked off New England 33-14 on Sunday in a sta-dium where the Patriots had never lost a playoff game.

The Ravens (10-7) were only slight underdogs to the team that won three Super Bowls from 2002 through 2005. Now, if they beat Indianapolis next Saturday night, they’ll reach the AFC champion-ship game for the second straight year as a wild-card team.

The Patriots tried to rev up the crowd by send-ing Wes Welker onto the field on crutches with four teammates for the opening coin toss after he suffered a season-ending knee injury a week earlier at Houston.

But with just 6:02 gone in the game and the Ravens leading 14-0, that crowd booed the team that hadn’t lost at home all season.

By the end of the first quarter it was 24-0.

Brady, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, would have trouble overcoming that on his best day. Sunday was not one of them. Brady was 23 of 42 for 154 yards two touchdowns passing and three interceptions.

The Patriots (10-7) received the second-half

kickoff trailing 24-7. But Brady threw his third interception, matching his career playoff high, and Dawan Landry returned it 42 yards to set up Billy Cundiff’s 23-yard field goal that made it 27-7.

Brady then threw his second touchdown pass to Julian Edelman, Welker’s replacement, covering 1 yard. But the Patriots’ defense kept parting in the path of the Ravens runners and Willis McGahee ran 3

yards with 10:32 left for a 33-14 lead.

The Ravens, who lost the AFC championship game to Pittsburgh last year, will try to make up for a 17-15 loss to the Colts in Baltimore on Nov. 22.

Since then, the Ravens are 5-2 after their three-man rushing attack of Rice, McGahee and Le’Ron McClain outran and over-powered the Patriots — gaining 236 yards on the ground with Rice leading

the way with 159. Rice ran for two touchdowns and McGahee and McClain one each on the Gillette Stadium turf where the Patriots had been out-standing.

They were 8-0 this sea-son, the only AFC team to go unbeaten at home. Brady was 7-0 in playoff games at Gillette. And they had won their last 11 home playoff games there and at Foxborough Stadium, since their last loss in 1978.

8 Sports Mon 1/11

Sports■ The Mountain Press ■ A8 ■ Monday, January 11, 2010

Visit: The Mountain Press.comView/Purchase Sports & News Photos

Bredesen: UT needs to clean up sports programCHATTANOOGA (AP) —

The University of Tennessee needs to clean up the sports program after two recent incidents involving the arrest of student athletes, Gov. Phil Bredesen said.

Bredesen, who is chairman of the UT Board of Trustees, told The Chattanooga Times Free Press he hopes to see improvement in the athletic program’s image.

“I think it’s a realistic mat-ter that UTK is going to con-tinue to have an SEC-oriented sports program over time,” Bredesen said last week. “But I think they clearly have some cleaning up to do in the pro-gram. I’m hoping that will happen.”

In November, two fresh-man football players were dismissed in connection with an alleged attempted robbery with a pellet gun. And three men’s basketball players were suspended and one was dis-

missed after their arrest on Jan. 1 on misdemeanor gun and drug charges.

The incidents have raised questions about whether future coaching and admin-istrative contracts should include accountability for student athletes who run into trouble. UT’s coaching contracts, like most major college athletic programs, have incentives for academic accomplishments like GPAs, graduation rates and high scores on the NCAA’s annual Academic Progress Report rankings.

But UT men’s athletics director Mike Hamilton said he’s not aware of specific con-tract language that addresses player conduct.

“Everything is on the table when you’re getting ready to negotiate — and ’negotiate’ implies exactly what it says,” he said.

Hamilton said the recent arrests don’t reflect the stan-dards of football coach Lane Kiffin and men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl.

“That’s when it really tar-nishes the program’s image, and it gives an indication

or impression to some that maybe this is how things are here, collectively,” he said. “And that’s just not the case.”

He said that, in general, UT athletes are good kids.

“They’re kids that have per-sonality, and they’re trying to do the right things in class,” he said. “Do they mess up? Absolutely from time to time.”

He said that an outside group could assess the cul-ture and programs at other universities to make recom-mendations that might ben-efit Tennessee.

“We need to ensure that we have a proper environment and are doing everything we can to instill the right type of culture and ethics,” he said. “When incidents like this happen ... it certainly causes concern with the alumni and parents, as well as students.”

Bredesen didn’t state a preference when asked if coaching contracts should

include language tied to stu-dent athlete behavior.

“I don’t see what’s going on directly affecting the aca-demics of the university, except insofar as it affects the reputation,” Bredesen said. “I think our interim (president) is doing a great job down there, but I think that stuff will get solved, with sports put into the proper context as time goes on.”

Pearl, whose coaching career began in 1978, said the arrest of the four men’s bas-ketball players was the first time he’d dealt with a situa-tion involving weapons.

“Obviously, there are some

cultures that exist that we have to deal with,” Pearl said. “Is there a weapons culture that exists or has existed? Is it more or less? This is new on me.”

After the arrest of the foot-ball players, Kiffin instituted a new policy that prohibits players from bringing any form of gun to the university.

“No firearms, no BB guns, no fake guns,” Hamilton said. “That (rule) may have trans-pired since the incident, but that’s his deal.”

Also last week, the depart-ment adopted a “zero-tol-erance” policy on weapons offenses.

“I think it’s a realistic matter that UTK is going to continue to have an SEC-oriented sports pro-

gram over time. But I think they clearly have some cleaning up to do in the program. I’m hoping that

will happen.”— Gov. Phil Bredesen

“Obviously, there are some cultures that exist that we have to deal with. Is there a weapons culture

that exists or has existed? Is it more or less? This is new on me.”

— UT men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl

By JAIME ARONAP Sports Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas — Their embarrassingly long wait between playoff wins is history, shredded to pieces alongside their December jinx. Now it’s time to con-sider something a lot more meaningful about the Dallas Cowboys, like how long this playoff run might last.

A 34-14 victory over Philadelphia on Saturday night guarantees Dallas will play at least once more, in Minnesota on Sunday. Yet the way the Cowboys domi-nated the Eagles, and the way they’ve won their last

four games, suggest they are the team to beat in the NFC.

“If we beat Minnesota, something special can hap-pen here,” team owner Jerry Jones said. “I don’t know that we will, but there’s no reason why we can’t.”

Dallas hasn’t trailed dur-ing its four-game surge and hasn’t been tied other than 0-0. The Cowboys are doing it with the basic formula for playoff success: a solid quar-terback and a stingy defense.

Tony Romo is putting up points early and often without making the careless mistakes that fueled those now-erased hexes. He has six touchdowns and two inter-

ceptions over the last four outings, putting up 24.8 points per game. He guided Dallas to a franchise playoff-record 27 points in the sec-ond quarter Saturday night, putting the Cowboys well on the way to their NFL-record 33rd playoff win, but first since Dec. 28, 1996.

Earlier this season, the offense piled up yards but not points. Lately, they’ve been getting the most out of their drives, a testament to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett having figured out how to blend the pass and run, and how to mix up his stable of running backs to keep defenses guessing.

Meanwhile, DeMarcus Ware and the defense are keeping offenses frustrated.

Dallas has given up only 31 points the last 16 quarters, just four touchdowns in four games. And three of those games were against New Orleans and Philadelphia, the teams that scored the most and fifth-most points in the NFL this season. The Eagles had just 18 snaps in the deci-sive first half Saturday night, and they finished 2 of 11 on third downs.

“There’s no miraculous answer,” nose tackle Jay Ratliff said. “It’s just people doing their job and every-body playing together.”

Coach Wade Phillips is also the defensive coordi-nator and he’s drawing lots of praise for his unit’s per-formance. What he hasn’t drawn is Jones’ guarantee of sticking around next sea-son. That seems pretty moot, though, especially with Jones joking about it.

“I’m superstitious,” he said, “and I wouldn’t want to touch anything that’s going pretty good.”

Another key to postseason success is being healthy, and the Cowboys have that going for them, too.

The only banged-up start-er is running back Marion Barber, who lasted just three

carries against Philadelphia because he aggravated a knee injury. It wasn’t much of a problem, though, because running back might be Dallas’ deepest position.

Felix Jones turned his increased workload into a career-high 146 yards, half coming on a 73-yard touch-down run that was the lon-gest in franchise playoff his-tory. Third-stringer Tashard Choice added another 42 yards and a touchdown. But he got knocked around pret-ty good one week after suf-fering a mild concussion, so his and Barber’s status will be worth watching over the coming days.

Skid stopped, Cowboys looking for long playoff run

Pats are patsies for Ravens

Associated Press

New England Patriots linebacker Pierre Woods (58) puts his hand on teammate Tom Brady’s helmet near the end of their 33-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL wildcard playoff game in Foxborough, Mass., on Sunday.

S P O R T S B R I E F S

Lady Vols rout Miss. StateSTARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Glory Johnson had

a double-double by halftime and finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds to lead No. 4 Tennessee to an easy 75-48 win over Mississippi State on Sunday.

It was the fifth straight win for the Volunteers (14-1, 2-0), who also got 16 from Angie Bjorklund and extended their streak in the Southeastern Conference’s most lopsided series. The Bulldogs (11-5, 1-1) still haven’t beaten Tennessee, dropping to 0-31 since the teams began playing in 1986.

Johnson helped break the game open late in the first half with a personal 8-2 run against Mississippi State that included four layups. That run was part of a larger 19-7 spurt to finish the first half, leaving the Vols with a 39-18 lead and Johnson with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Alexis Rack led Mississippi State with 19.Mississippi State was coming off a 14-point upset

of No. 17 Vanderbilt with some momentum and a three-game winning streak, but the Bulldogs missed 16 of their first 22 shots and never recovered.

Report: Jeter to be marry next fallNEW YORK (AP) — Admirers of Yankees most eli-

gible bachelor Derek Jeter could be cheering a World Series victory in November — then mourning his marriage a few days later.

The New York Post reports Sunday that the star shortstop and girlfriend Minka Kelly will be married Nov. 5 on Long Island. Acting on a tip, a reporter posing as a bride-to-be spotted an entry reading “JETER wedding” on the calendar for the Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y. Sales manager Rick Bellando insisted that a celebrity wouldn’t be listed under his real name when the reporter pointed it out.

The Oheka Castle is the second-largest private resi-dence in the United States and recently hosted the wedding of one of the Jonas Brothers.

McNabb done in Philly?PHILADELPHIA (AP) — For all their success

together, all those division titles and playoff appear-ances over the past decade, Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb are measured by this in Philadelphia: No Super Bowl trophy.

Strong favorites to make a championship run just eight days ago, the Eagles were quickly eliminated from the playoffs with a 34-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC wild-card game Saturday night.

Now begins an offseason filled with uncertainty. The biggest question is whether McNabb will return. Reid isn’t going anywhere. The winningest coach in franchise history recently signed a three-year con-tract extension through 2013.

But McNabb has just one year left on his deal, and it’s no longer unimaginable to think the Eagles could be ready to move on without the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

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Cause with bite: Activists take on puppy millsBy MICHAEL RUBINKAMAssociated Press Writer

RONKS, Pa. — Megan Anderson’s nerves are shot. But she presses ahead — the dogs need her.

She pulls into the drive-way of Scarlet-Maple Farm Kennel. She tells the ado-lescent boy who greets her that she’s looking for puppies to give to her nephews for Christmas.

It’s a lie. A necessary one, Anderson thinks, but a lie nonetheless. That’s why she’s jittery. Will the boy swal-low her story? How about the Amish man with the long gray beard, straw hat and plain dress — the kennel’s owner? Will he discover her ruse and chase her away?

She hopes not. If all goes well, Anderson will leave with at least one dog, maybe more — and perhaps with evidence that could help put this kennel out of business for good.

Over the past four years, Anderson — who works for Main Line Animal Rescue, a shelter outside of Philadelphia — has managed to coax some of Pennsylvania’s largest commercial breeding kennels to part with their unwanted canines, usually females past their reproductive prime or young males they couldn’t sell.

Main Line’s founder, Bill Smith, would like to shut down Scarlet-Maple Farm Kennel and others like it. Smith and other animal welfare activists pushed for a new state law — regarded as the toughest in the nation — designed to end the inhu-mane treatment of breeding dogs in the large commercial kennels popularly known as puppy mills. Kennel owners say the law is unnecessary and too expensive to comply with, and that it is eliminating many good breeders along with the few bad apples.

After listening to Anderson’s tale, the boy dis-appears into the kennel, leav-ing her to wait outside in the November chill.

She knows the drill. Large operations like Scarlet-Maple rarely allow prospective buy-ers inside. They don’t want the public seeing how their breeding dogs live.

———It’s no wonder.State regulators say the

smell of a high-volume puppy mill is unforgettable, an over-whelming stench of urine and feces. Ammonia fumes burn the nose and eyes. The simultaneous barking of hun-dreds of dogs creates a wall of sound that makes it hard to think, let alone converse.

Puppy mill dogs spend most of their working lives inside cramped wire cages, stacked one atop the other.

They get little grooming, vet-erinary care or attention of any kind.

Lacking a bone or toy to occupy their time, some dogs go into a frenzy every time they see a human. Other dogs circle endlessly. Still others just sit there, staring, like a “warm statue,” says Jessie Smith, special deputy secre-tary of dog law enforcement at the state Department of Agriculture.

Breeders often act as their own vets, performing delicate surgical procedures — dock-ing tails, “debarking” dogs by hacking at the vocal cords, performing Caesarean sec-tions on pregnant females. The lack of medical training can have disastrous results. Main Line recently took in a critically ill boxer with a mummified puppy in her belly, the apparent result of a botched Caesarean. She was rushed to the hospital with bleeding and a severe infec-tion.

The physical wounds, horrific as they may be, are treatable. Tougher to heal are the psychological ones. Bill Smith says the volunteers at Main Line spend weeks or even months working with rescued dogs so they can be adopted.

“Every day it must be so difficult for them to try new things, especially when they’re 7 or 8 years old and they’ve spent their entire lives in a box in a dark barn,” says Smith, 48.

All of this has contribut-ed to Pennsylvania’s sordid reputation as the puppy mill capital of the East Coast. It’s an image that state lawmak-ers and Gov. Ed Rendell are working to shed.

In 2008, Rendell signed off on strict health and safety standards for large breed-ing operations. Key provi-sions that went into effect in October required large-scale breeders to double cage sizes, eliminate wire flooring and provide unfettered access to exercise. The new law also banned cage stacking, insti-

tuted twice-a-year vet checks, and mandated new ventila-tion and cleanliness stan-dards.

Between the new legisla-tion, the bad economy, and heightened public awareness — the state has established a tip line, and Bill Smith per-suaded Oprah Winfrey to do a show on puppy mills — pressure is building on mul-tiple fronts against people like Daniel Esh, the owner of Scarlet-Maple.

———The boy returns with three

dogs. They cost $500, $400 and $300, he says. Too rich for Megan Anderson’s blood.

“Do you have anything cheaper?” she asks.

The boy goes back to the kennel. This time he brings her two small dogs, offering both for a discounted price of $250. At 5 months, they’re too old to sell as puppies, he explains. He tells Anderson they would make a good breeding pair.

Deal, she says.It’s an unusual transaction.

Main Line almost never buys animals from puppy mills. But it will purchase a dog as part of a cruelty investigation. If these dogs show signs they have been mistreated, Main Line will take them to the PSPCA to determine whether charges can be filed. A cruelty conviction could result in the

loss of Daniel Esh’s federal dealer’s license, hasten the removal of his dogs, and pre-vent him from simply join-ing his father’s kennel busi-ness, which is operated on the same compound, Smith says.

As Anderson and the boy talk, a middle-aged man guides his horse-drawn buggy into the driveway. Esh climbs off his rig and strides toward them.

His business is already on the verge of collapse.

State inspectors combing through Esh’s kennel found dogs with lameness, lesions, dehydration and dental dis-ease; puppies’ paws falling through wire flooring; excre-ment in food dishes. Esh pleaded guilty in January 2009 to three summary vio-lations of the dog law and subsequently lost his state kennel license. That means he can no longer breed dogs — though he can continue selling the ones in his ken-nel — and must reduce his kennel population to 25 dogs or less, down from more than 500 as recently as two years ago.

Inspectors planned to visit Esh in January to make sure he has complied.

Esh denies ever mistreat-ing his dogs, telling The Associated Press in a later interview that he has fallen

victim to a radical political agenda that seeks the end of commercial dog breeding in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

“The dogs were feeding my family. They were helping me keep my farm. And we enjoyed it,” says Esh, who has been selling dogs for 21 years. “If (activists and poli-ticians) had any idea how many lives they hurt by doing this, I don’t think they would sleep at night. ... I feel like we as breeders are doomed.”

Many commercial breeding kennels in Pennsylvania are run by Amish and Mennonite farmers in Lancaster County. With milk prices in freefall, dairy farmers have increas-ingly relied on dog breeding to help pay the bills, selling to pet stores or directly to the public via the Internet.

Like Esh and many other breeders, Edwin Zeiset, 34, blames the new regulations for ruining his livelihood. Zeiset says he operated a clean kennel and had many repeat customers. But he recently shut down his EZ Puppies kennel rather than spend tens of thousands of dollars on a big new build-ing.

He’s not alone: Nearly four out of every 10 commercial kennels in Pennsylvania told the state they would be closed by the end of December.

“The animal activists come out of the cities and tell us exactly how they want things done,” even though “there’s no science to it,” says Zeiset, a third-generation dairy farm-er who estimates his income will drop by half with the loss of the kennel. If there are breeders who mistreat dogs, he says, target them.

Bill Smith has heard such talk before. He says he’s not out to ruin the lives of ken-nel owners. He just wants to improve the lives of their dogs.

———Anderson holds back tears

as she plants a kiss on the head of a black-and-white, poodle-bichon mix. Daniel

Esh believed her story.“New life, guys. New life,”

she murmurs from the back seat of a gray SUV. “No breed-ing for you guys. Sorry.”

As the SUV pulls away from Scarlet-Maple, she clutches the dogs tightly to her chest.

They are filthy and fetid.Anderson meets up with

Smith, who has been waiting in a parking lot a few miles away, and loads the dogs into a crate in the back of Smith’s SUV.

Mission accomplished, it’s off to the next puppy mill, and the next, and the next. By nightfall, Main Line has visit-ed five kennels and retrieved 12 dogs.

Back at the shelter, Anderson tests the pooches for parvo, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. Exams reveal the puppies from Scarlet-Maple have ear infections and intestinal parasites; two poodles from a kennel near the tiny vil-lage of Georgetown likewise need deworming. It’s clear that none of these dogs have been groomed in a long time, if ever. Their fur is dirty and matted, their nails long, their ears filled with muck.

But these, in fact, are lucky dogs. They’ve made it out.

———The dogs are spayed and

neutered, treated for their ailments, and adopted out. Compared to dogs previously taken from Scarlet-Maple, these pooches — both design-er mixes — are in good shape. And they’re friendly. No evi-dence of animal cruelty.

The poodles from Georgetown, rescued the same day, will require a lot more work to prepare them for life outside the mill. Nearly two weeks after their rescue, the poodles — dubbed Mr. White and Mrs. White — are still very skinny, they haven’t been eating, and they’re terri-fied of humans.

None of this fazes Mary Remer, a renowned trainer and behaviorist who works with the dogs of Main Line Animal Rescue. She’s seen plenty of puppy mill dogs in far worse straits that have wound up as great family pets.

It just takes time and patience, she says. And plen-ty of love.

Indeed, by the end of a 45-minute “shy dog” class, Mrs. White is walking, not hopping. Mr. White, an older dog, remains cradled in a volunteer’s arms, still too frightened to be put down. But he is blinking normally and taking stock of his sur-roundings; his nose twitches, a sign his olfactory senses are awakening.

It’s not a lot, but it’s some-thing. “It’s a beginning,” Remer says.

Associated Press

Kody, a Great Pyrenees breed dog that is up for adoption, walks in an open field during some out-side time at Main Line Animal Rescue in Chester Springs, Pa., in November.

Associated Press

Nukka , left, a female and Kodiak, a male, both res-cued miniature American Eskimo dogs now owned by Todd and Dorothy Grasle are seen in Portland, Ore.. These two were part of a May 2009 rescue of a puppy mill in Kennewick, Wash.

Who ya gonna call? If you have a problem with the delivery of your morning Mountain Press , please call the Circulation Department at 428-0746, ext. 239 & 231 Monday - Friday and your paper will be delivered to you on the same day. Newspapers from calls after 10:00 a.m. will be delivered with the next day’s paper. On Saturday, Sunday and holidays you may dial 428-0748 extensions 239 & 231. If complaints are received between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., papers will be delivered the same day. Newspapers from calls received after 10:00 a.m. will be delivered with the next day’s paper. This applies to in-county home delivery only.

Sevier County’s Only Daily Newspaper

117 ELECTRICAL

Sevier County RoofingQuality Work

*Senior Discounts*10 yr WarrantyFree Estimates

countyroofingcorp.com865-236-2698

115 ROOFINGSERVICES

115 ROOFINGSERVICES

House Cleaning

Free Estimate.

577-1295

111 HOME & OFFICECLEANING

Kitchens, Bath, Decks,Windows, Doors, Trim, Sheetrock,

Painting, Plumbing & Electrical,Vinyl & Laminate Flooring

ALL REPAIRS24 HOUR

865-740-7102755-0178

B & W

106 HOMEIMPROVEMENTS

BIG DAD’SHome Service

All Types of Home building repairs.

Need it Done Call

865-654-7648or 865-475-7628

Professional Painter for hire1st class

guaranteed work.Over 25 yrs. exp.Phone Sam

865-453-6811



Coplen ConstructionHome repairs,

Remodeling Additions, Elect, Plumbing, Kitchen, Bath, Painting, FlooringBig or Small, we do it all

Licensed & InsureCall Carl 865-654-6691


DCC ConstructionResidential & Commercial

Licensed & Insured865-360-4352

C B BuildersExperienced local carpenterDoes all types remodeling

Additions & RepairsLicensed & Insured

Call Conley Whaley428-2791 or

919-7340(cell)

Quality Work - Reasonable Prices

KELLY’S HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Licensed & InsuredCall Ty 368-2361

• Carpentry • Electrical • • Plumbing • Kitchens • • Bathrooms • Painting •


McKinney Lawn ServiceNew Years Special

Landscaping, French DrainAll Drain work, Bobcat workAll your yard service needs.

Senior Discounts

654-9078

Tree RemovalStump GrindingStorm Clean upLeaf Removal

Stanley 865-254-3844

Lic & Insured

FIREWOOD

105 YARD & TREESERVICES

105 YARD & TREESERVICES

REACHmore buyers

with the Classifieds.

To The Classifieds!

Call428-0746

People

Respond

Find BIG Savings...When You Place Your Ad in the Classifieds!

Call 428-0746

Working for

peanuts?

Working for

peanuts?

Find your perfect job

in

Classifieds.

NICE, CLEAN1 BR / 1 BA

IN SEVIERVILLE$380.00 + DEPOSIT

NO PETS865-712-5238

696 APARTMENTSFOR RENT

DOWNTOWN SEVIERVILLE

428 Park Rd. CHEAP- $100 weekly Includes All Utilities.

Cable, Laundry, Kitchens, Clean Rooms, NO PETS.800-359-8913

near trolley stop

Weekly RentalsIncludes

Family Inns WestPigeon Forge •86 5-45 3-4905

Phone, Color TV,Wkly HousekeepingMicr./Frig. Available

$169.77+

693 ROOMS FORRENT

693 ROOMS FORRENT

Affordable Housingin Gatlinburg

Rooms for rent, weeklyrates, furn., cable TV,

same rent all year.436-4471 or 621-2941

693 ROOMS FORRENT

3BR 2BA Gat. $850 mth. W/D hkup. Kit appl. 865-386-2512

2 & 3 BR duplexes for rent in Kodak. 865-932-2613

610 DUPLEX FORRENT

Shop at 1605 #2 Win-field Dunn Pkwy $500 mth. Call 453-3958 between 8am-5pm. Mon-day-Friday

Retail shops in The Vil-lage shopping cen-ter downtown Gat-linburg. 865-436-3995 or 803-5950

2700 sq ft Office/Ware-house in Sevier-ville. Heated and Cooled. 256-4809 or 698-6042

605 BUSINESSRENTALS

For Sale A-1 pre-owned dryers,

washers, ranges & refrigerators

All with warranty. Cagles Furniture and Appliances

453-0727

NEW YEARS SPECIAL2 new recliners

$398Cagles Furniture &

Appliances2364B Pittman Center Rd.

453-0727

1943 Hutch buffet bev-eled mirror cherry wood. Unique pieces. 437-8868

589 FURNITURE

Firewood for sale. All hardwood. $45 rick. 865-977-8903

556 FIREWOOD

500MERCHANDISE

10X10 or 10X20SELF STORAGEConvenient Location!

411 South, left onRobert Henderson Rd.,

1/4 mil on right atRiverwalk Apts.

429-2962

356 STORAGEBUILDINGS

Babysitting in my home. 865-724-3359.

307 CHILDCARE

Willow Brook Lodge is seeking to hire a dependable person to work in our Maintenance Dept. Apply in Person at Willow Brook Lodge 3035 Park-way, Pigeon Forge

Laurel Crest, A Blue-green Resort, Seeking Full-Time Front Desk Super-visor. Weekends a must. Please apply in person at: Laurel Crest Resort, 2628 Laurel Crest Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN.

238 HOTEL/MOTEL

Local cabin company taking applications for Reservationist, Assistant Manager, and Cleaners. Ap-ply in person at: 333 Ski Mtn. Rd. Gatlinburg.

Cove Mountain Re-sorts has the fol-lowing positions open:Cabin Cleaner/Housekeeper

This is a contract posi-tion which requires applicant to pro-vide their own transportation and vehicle insurance. Hotel/Cabin clean-ing experience pre-ferred. Applicant must be self moti-vated, detail orient-ed.

Reservations ClerkThis position requires:

Excellent commu-nication skills, ex-perience in the hospitality industry a plus.

Please stop by to fill out application at 3202 Wears Valley Rd. located in the Century 21 office building. No phone calls please.

to become an Ac-count Executive . Salary position with benefits. Email resume to [email protected]

236 GENERAL

Associate Account Executive

Regional publishing company seeks a f/t sales position. Duties include ad-vertising sales, production and merchandising of area Visitors Guide Magazines and hospitality prod-ucts. Territory in-cludes the High Country area of NC. Position is ideal for college graduates and serves as training

236 GENERAL

ClassifiedsCorrections

After the first insertion, want ads scheduled to be published again on Tue., Wed., Thu., or Fri. may be canceled or corrected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the day prior to publication. For ads on Sat., due Thu. prior to 3 p.m.; for Sun., Fri. prior to 10 a.m. and Mon., prior to 11 a.m.

Notice of typographical or other errors must be given before 2nd insertion. The Mountain Press does not assume responsibility for an ad beyond the cost of the ad itself and shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for a typographical error.

Deadlines

Online http:// www.themountainpress.com

OR, www.adquest.com All line ads published in The Mountain

Press are placed FREE on a searchable network of over 500 newspapers’

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Go to http:// www.adquest/request/ to register your request and we will notify

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Edition Deadline Sunday Friday, 10 a.m. Monday Friday, 11 a.m. Tuesday Monday, 10 a.m. Wednesday Tuesday, 10 a.m. Thursday Wednesday, 10 a.m. Friday Thursday, 10 a.m. Saturday Friday, 10 a.m. Good News in the Smokies Thursday, 10 a.m.

110 SPECIALNOTICES

PHOTOS SUBMITTEDIf you submit a

photo for publication,

please pick it up after it runs

in the paper within ONE MONTH ofpublicationdate. Our

photo files will be discarded each month.Thank You!

does not recommend or endorse any

product, service or company. For more

information and assistance regarding the investigation of

FINANCING, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND

WORK AT HOME OPPORTUNITIES, this newspaper urges its

readers to contact the Better Business

Bureau, 2633 Kingston Pike, Suite 2,

Knoxville, TN 37919, Phone (865)692-1600.

Unauthorized use of The Mountain Presstubes for circulars

or any other advertisementauthorizes a

minimum $250 charge for which

the advertiser will be billed.

110 SPECIALNOTICES

Legals

100 Announcements

200 Employment

300 Services

400 Financial

500 Merchandise

600 Rentals

700 Real Estate

800 Mobile Homes

900 Transportation

C o r r e c t i o n sO n l i n e After the first insertion, want ads scheduled to be published again on Tue., Wed., Thu., or Fri. may be canceled or corrected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the day prior to publication. For ads on Sat., due Thu., prior to 3 p.m., for Sun., Fri., prior to 10 a.m. and Mon., prior to 11 a.m.

Notice of typographical or other errors must be given before 2nd insertion. The Mountain Press does not assume responsibility for an ad beyond the cost of the ad itself and shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for a typographical error.

http://www.themountainpress.com OR, www.adquest.com

All line ads published in The Mountain Press are placed FREE on a searchable network of over

500 newspapers’ classifieds located at http://www.themountainpress.com

WANT TO KNOW WHEN A CLASSIFIED ITEM IS AVAILABLE?

Go to http://www.adquest/request/ to register your request and we will notify you by e-mail when it

becomes available in the Classifieds.

D e a d l i n e s Edition Deadline

Sunday Friday, 10 a.m. Monday Friday, 11 a.m. Tuesday Monday, 10 a.m. Wednesday Tuesday, 10 a.m. Thursday Wednesday, 10 a.m. Friday Thursday, 10 a.m. Saturday Friday, 10 a.m. Good News In The Smokies Thursday, 10 a.m.

A publication from The Mountain Press

12 Classifieds The Mountain Press Monday, January 11, 2010

The Mountain Press Monday, January 11, 2010 Classifieds 13

(Answers tomorrow)MANGY BRINY PODIUM GOLFERSaturday’s Jumbles:

Answer: It can be difficult to make up at a cosmeticscounter — YOUR MIND

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, assuggested by the above cartoon.

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAMEby Mike Argirion and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these four Jumbles,one letter to each square,to form four ordinary words.

OPYPP

HOTUM

KLEETT

MILTEY

©2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.All Rights Reserved.

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”“Print answer here:

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE

Sale at public auction will be on January 26, 2010 at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, at the front door, Sevier County Courthouse, Sevierville, Tennessee pursuant to Deed of Trust executed by Richard David Hubbs, a single man to First American Title Insurance Co. of NY, Trustee, on January 26, 2007 at Book Volume 2727, Page 312conducted by Shapiro & Kirsch, LLP Substitute Trustee, all of record in the Sevier County Register�s Office.Owner of Debt: Southstar III, LLCThe following real estate located in Sevier County, Tennessee, will be sold to the highest call bidder subject to all unpaid taxes, prior liens and encumbrances of record:Described property located in the Eleventh (11th) Civil District of Sevier County, Tennessee, in the City of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to wit:Lot 31, Block M, Section 4, Tyrolea Subdivision, as shown on plat of record in Map Book 13, Page 38, in the Register�s Office for Sevier County, Tennessee, to which plat specific reference is hereby made for a more particularly description, and being more particularly described as follows:BEGINNING at an existing iron rod at the common corner of the subject property and Lot 8, said rod being along the Western edge of a cul-de-sac in the 50 foot right-of-way for “Heiden Court”; thence from the point of beginning, and leaving the line of said cul-de-sac, and with the line of the said Lot 8, South 66 degrees 14 minutes 00 seconds East, passing through the common corner of the subject property and the said Lot 8 and Lot 23, 168.39 feet to a new iron rod at the common corner of the subject property and Lot 23 and Lot 3; thence leaving the line of the said Lot 23, and with the line of said Lot 30, South 70 degrees 25 minutes 35 seconds West, 132.04 feet to an existing iron rod at the common corner of the subject property and the said Lot 30 and Lot 34, South 62 degrees 06 minutes 33 seconds West 108.29 feet to an existing iron rod at the common corner of the subject property and the said Lot 34 and the subject Lot 32; thence North 08 degrees 25 minutes 21 seconds East 141.35 feet to a new iron rod at the common corner of the subject property and the subject Lot 32, said rod being along the of the southern edge of said cul-de-sac; thence leaving the line of said Lot 32, and with the line of the said cul-de-sac, and curving in a concave posture, with an arc of 55.01 feet and a radius of 40.0 feet, North 63 degrees 09 minutes 19 seconds East, 50.78 feet to the point of beginning.LESS AND EXCEPT the following property being conveyed to the City of Gatlinburg:BEGINNING on an iron pin in the margin of a 40 foot cul-de-sac in Zurich Court, a corner to Lots 30 and 34, Block M, Section 4 of Tyrolea Subdivision; thence with the arc of the cul-de-sac and Lot 30 and a curve to the right having a radius of 40 feet, a distance of 66.14 feet to an iron pin, a corner to Lots 29 and 30; thence with a curve to the left having a radius of 68.55 feet, a distance of 44.68 feet to a point; thence North 25 degrees 53 minutes West 24.93 feet to the point of beginning.

Street Address:904 Heiden Court

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Current Owner(s) of Property: Richard David Hubbs, a single manThe street address of the above described property is believed to be 904 Heiden Court, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, but such address is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description herein shall control.SALE IS SUBJECT TO TENANT(S) RIGHTS IN POSSESSION.All right of equity of redemption, statutory and otherwise, and homestead are expressly waived in said Deed of Trust, and the title is believed to be good, but the undersigned will sell and convey only as Substitute Trustee.The right is reserved to adjourn the day of the sale to another day, time, and place certain without further publication, upon announcement at the time and place for the sale set forth above.If the highest bidder cannot pay the bid within twenty-four (24) hours of the sale, the next highest bidder, at their highest bid, will be deemed the successful bidder.This property is being sold with the express reservation that the sale is subject to confirmation by the lender or trustee. This sale may be rescinded at any time.This office is a debt collector. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Shapiro & Kirsch, LLP Substitute TrusteeLaw Office of Shapiro & Kirsch, LLP

6055 Primacy Parkway, Suite 410Memphis, TN 38119Phone 901-767-5566

Fax 901-767-8890File No. 08-001138

January 4, 11 and 18, 2010

NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE

TENNESSEE, SEVIER COUNTYDEFAULT having been made in the terms, conditions and payments provided in certain Deed of Trust executed by Daniel Houston Howell and Wendi Kay Parker and Mary E. Howell to Robert M. Wilson, Trustee dated June 9, 2006 in the amount of $168,000.00, and recorded in the Register�s Office of Sevier County, Tennessee in Deed Book 2555, Page 607, (“Deed of Trust”); and, the beneficial interest of said Deed of Trust having been last transferred to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as trustee of MASTR 2007-01 by assignment; and, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as trustee of MASTR 2007-01, as the current owner and holder of said Deed of Trust (the “Owner and Holder”), has appointed as Substitute Trustee the undersigned, Patrick A. Taggart, Laura A. Grifka, Sidney A. Gelernter, or J. Michael Dugan, any of whom may act, by instrument filed for record in the Register�sOffice of Sevier County, Tennessee with all the rights, powers and privileges of the original Trustee named in said Deed of Trust; therefore,NOTICE is hereby given that the entire amount of said indebtedness has been declared due and payable as provided in said Deed of Trust by the Owner and Holder, and the undersigned as Substitute Trustee, or a duly appointed attorneys or agents, by virtue of the power and authority vested by the Appointment of Substitute Trustee, will on Thursday, January 21, 2010 commencing at 12:00 PM at the front steps of the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville, Tennessee; sell to the highest bidder for cash, immediately at the close of sale, the following property to-wit:Land in Sevier County, Tennessee, being all of Lot No. 63, on the Plan of River Vista, Phase II, as shown on plat of record in Large Map Book 5, Page 157, in the Registers Office for Sevier County, Tennessee, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description.Being the same property conveyed to Daniel Houston Howell and Wendi Kay Parker and Mary E. Howell, as joint tenants by Deed of record in Book 2170, Page 728 recorded 2/8/2005, Registers Office for Sevier County, Tennessee. Map & Parcel No.: 16IA63

PROPERTY ADDRESS:1975 River Vista Circle

Sevierville, Tennessee 37876

CURRENT OWNER(S): Daniel Houston Howell and Wendi Kay Parker and Mary E. HowellSUBORDINATE LIENHOLDERS: America`s Servicing Company OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES: N/A All right and equity of redemption, statutory or otherwise, homestead, and dower are expressly waived in said Deed of Trust, and the title is believed to be good, however, the undersigned will sell and convey only as Substitute Trustee.The sale will be held subject to any unpaid taxes, assessments, rights-of-way, easements, protective covenants or restrictions, liens, and other superior matters of record which may affect said property; as well as any prior liens or encumbrances as well as priority created by a fixture filing; and/or any matter that an accurate survey of the premises might disclose.If the U.S. Department of Treasury/IRS, the State of Tennessee Department of Revenue, or the State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development are listed as Interested Parties in the advertisement, then the Notice of this foreclosure is being given to them and the sale will be subject to the applicable governmental entities` right to redeem the property, as required by 26 U.S.C ß 7425 and T.C.A. ß 67-1-1433.The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the Deed of Trust.Substitute Trustee reserves the right to adjourn the day of the sale to another day, time and place certain without further publication, upon announcement at the time and place for the sale set forth above.THIS LAW FIRM IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Patrick A. Taggart, Laura A. Grifka,Sidney A. Gelernter, or J. Michael Dugan

McCurdy & Candler, L.L.C.(404) 373-1612

www.mccurdycandler.comFile No. 09-17145 /CONV

December 228, 2009 and January 4 and 11, 2010

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that by authority of a Credit Line Deed of Trust (Deed of Trust) executed by Eric R. Kelch and wife, Leslie J. Kelch, to Dwight B. Grizzell, Trustee, dated May 12, 2006, and recorded in Book 2534, Page 312 in the Register�s Office for Sevier County, Tennessee, to secure the indebtedness due from Eric P. Kelch and Leslie J. Kelch to Mountain National Bank, which has become due and payable by virtue of default in the Deed of Trust on the property hereinafter described; and Mountain National Bank, the true and lawful owner and holder of said indebtedness, having exercised its option to declare the indebtedness due and payable and having made demand for foreclosure pursuant to the Deed of Trust; I, the undersigned, acting under the authority of the Deed of Trust, by virtue of appointment as substitute trustee, in Book 3460 Page 55 in the Register�s Office for Sevier County, Tennessee, will be at the front door of the Sevier County Courthouse, 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville, Tennessee on the 19th day of January, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. to sell to the highest bidder for cash in bar of all rights waived by said Deed of Trust, the following described property to-wit

Which is believed to have a street address of 990 Autumn Ridge Way Sevierville, TN 37876

SITUATED in the First (1st) Civil District of Sevier County, Tennessee and being LLot 8 of Autumn Ridge Estates as the same is shown by plat of record in Map Book 34, Page 147, in the Sevier County, Tennessee, Register�s Office to which reference is hereby made for particular description.BEING a part of the same property conveyed to Eric R. Kelch, et ux, by deeds of record in Book 1462, Page 642; Book 1462, Page 644; and Book 1615, Page 442, in the Register�s Office to which reference is hereby made for further title.LESS AND EXCEPT any portion of the above-described property previously conveyed to Mountain National Bank by Trustee�s Deed from Sykes & Wynn, PLLC, Trustee, dated August 13, 2009, and of record in Book 3403, Page 305, Register�s Office for Sevier County, Tennessee.The right is reserved to adjourn the day of the sale to another day and time certain, without further publication and in accordance with law, upon announcement of such adjournment on the day and at the time and place of sale as set forth above.A-1 Block & Brick, LLC and Aggregates USA, LLC f/d/b/a Rinker Materials South Central, Inc. may assert an interest in the above-described property by virtue of recorded judgment liens and said entities have been notified of this sale.The above-described property will be sold subject to unpaid taxes, prior deeds of trust, all easements and restrictions, the rights of tenants in possession of said premises, if any, prior claims, or matters of record.The proceeds of the sale will be applied first to discharge the costs and charges of executing this trust, including attorney�s fees; next, to all indebtedness remaining unpaid and secured thereby, including all indebtedness owing to Mountain National Bank, by the grantors; and next, the balance, if any, shall be paid to those legally entitled thereto.This 22nd day of December, 2009.

THOMAS H. DICKENSONSubstitute Trustee

Hodges, Doughty & CarsonP. O. Box 869

Knoxville, Tennessee 37901(865) 292-2307

December 28, 2009 and January 4 and 11, 2010

First Time BuyersYour Job isYour Credit

New Single Wides& Double WidesCREDIT HOTLINE865-453-0086

NEW HOME1900 Sq. Feet

1/2 Acre-ReadyEasy- Loan by

Phone865-453-0086

829 MANUFACTURED

HOME SALES

Office Space for Rent 119 South Blvd Way. Formerly used as Beauty Shop 933-6544

4 office rentals + large garage. S. Blvd Way $249,000. 933-6544

722 BUSINESSBUILDINGS

Space for lease in cli-mate control stor-age area. Hwy 321 East Gatlinburg. 850-2487.

Log Cabins on Hwy 321 S. for lease Business and or business living quarters. Call Cheryl 865-368-8640.

Building for lease for-merly Creekside Wedding Chapel. Parkway Gatlin-burg 850-2004.

721 COMMERCIALPROPERTY

**Home For Sale**Historic Neighborhood

in Downtown Sev-ierville. Close to all schools.710

3BR/1.5 bath. 654-7907

**************************

710 HOMES FORSALE

Owner FinanceCobbly Knobb area3 BR 2 BTH BSMTRancher. Sits on

Webb Creek. Totally remodeled with

2 car garage. Asking $190,000 Call Brackfield &

Associates865-691-8195

710 HOMES FORSALE

HUD PUBLISHER’S NOTICEAll real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, family status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. State laws forbid discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-669-9777, The Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Small 1BR cottage furn. $385 + $200 dep. 680-3078 No pets.

Seymour Hinkle Sub 3BR 2BA $975 mth. + dep. 680-1032

Sevierville Doublewide 2BR $500 mth + deposit. No pets. Ref. 933-6544

Newport 3BR 1BA un-finished basement. $700 mth $500 dep. 865-696-9993

House for rent off 338 Douglas Dam Rd 3BR 2BA. 1 bed-room is very large. Stove, fridge, dish-washer, yard main-tenance & pest control included. $850 mth 1st & last required + $500 damage dep. Ab-solutely no pets. References need-ed. Call 865-428-4752 Mon-Fri 8-4

House 2BR Close to Sevierville. Sewer & water furnished. C/H. W/D hook up. $600 + dep. No pets. 453-9269 or 382-1966

Home for Rent. 2 BR/2BA, Flatcreek Rd, gorgeous view, hardwood flrs, washer/dryer, nice for retired couple, $575, 1st & last. 908-0704

Great Pigeon Forge location. 3bd, 1ba home w/FP. $850 monthly + deposit. 1 yr lease. 385-9530

New Homes for Rent.

3BR/2BA starting at $700 - $850 & $1000

per month. No pets.

865-850-3874

699 HOME RENTALS

Great Location. 2 blocks from WalMart Sevierville 313 Lynn Dr. 3BR 1.5BA home. Im-maculate. Laundry room with W/D. Quiet neighbor-hood, large yard, carport, city water, sewer & garbage pick up, central H/A. 1 year lease. $850 mth. 1st, last & $300 sec. dep. No pets/smoking. Call 429-1335 or 654-6623

For Rent: 3BR House. Gatlinburg. Call 436-4748

For rent: 2BR house $400 mth $400 dep. No pets. Suit-able for small fami-ly. Call 453-3958 between 8am-5pm.

4BR/2BA Furnished. Traffic Light #6 in Pigeon Forge. Credit References and Deposit Re-quired. $1250 mth. 770-983-0698

3BR 2BA Fully furn. On lake. $850 mth $500 dep. 865-654-4003

3BR 1.5BA Newly ren-ovated. Sevierville. Garage. $950 mth + dep. 654-0222.

3 BR 2 BA house for rent with carport.Boyds CreekCommunity

$600 mth$600 damage deposit.

850-5700

Nice Homes in Kodak.

2 BR 1 BA $3852BR 2BA $465

Each has C H/A, deck appliances. No pets.

865-368-6602

3BR 2BA in Red BudSubdivision.

Appliances included. $750 & up +

deposit.428-5212

NICE, CLEAN IN KODAK3 BD / 2 BA

4 MILES FROM EXIT 407

$700/MONTH & DEPOSIT. NO PETS.

865-712-5238, 865-705-9096

699 HOME RENTALS

2BR 2BA mobile home Central H/A Water & sewer furn. on Hwy 66 near Swaggertys Saus-age. 933-5509 or 755-2402

OPEN HOUSE 12 Homes to view

RENT NO MORE!

RENTERS, LET YOUR RENT BE YOUR DOWN PAYMENT!ONLY 10

HOMES LEFT865-453-0086

698 MOBILE HOMERENTALS

Pigeon Forge behind Ruby Tuesday 2br 2ba Immaculate. No pets. $700 mth. 1st. last & sec. Call 865-712-8333.

Gatlinburg Beautiful 2BR 2BA Furnish-ed Condo with Fireplace, Over-looks stocked trout stream and has heated pool. Walk to downtown Gat-linburg, includes water, cable, Flat screen TV. Imme-diate occupancy, Minimum 1 Year lease $875 mth. 865-771-9600

1 Bedroom condo for rent; includes wa-ter, cable and wifi. $695/mo. + depos-it. No pets. 908-1342

697 CONDORENTALS

RIVERWALK1BR/1BA TO 2BR/2BA$545.00 to $695.00865-429-2962


McCarter’s Efficiency Apts 221 Newman Rd, $420 month everything except power and phone. Gatlinburg. Call 865-850-2542 or 865-436-5489.

Large 1BR apt 453-6758 or 207-5700.

CROSSCREEK2BR/1.5BA $5452BR/2BA LargeGarden apartment$570.00 to $580.00865-429-4470

Beautiful Newly re-decorated 2BR 1BA. Sevierville $575, $400 dep. 712-0254.

2BR appliances fur-nished $600 a month. By month or week $500 se-curity 654-7127 or 748-7946

2BR 2BA triplex PF. 2BR apt Sev. No pets. Clean & con-venient. 453-5079.

2BR 1BA apt. $595 mth Call 428-1514.

SILO APARTMENTSin Sevierville

Offers 1/2 BR UnitsPet Friendly

PIGEON FORGE2BD/2BA APARTMENT

New Center3BR/2BA

Garage, Pet Friendly

Sevierville5BD/4.5BA

Fully furnished, w/hot tub, washer, dryer, etc.

Wears Valley1BD/1.5BAPet Friendly

BIG BROKERBOB’s REALTY865-774-5919

EFFICIENCIESAll utilities included

Townhouse close to hospital. New car-pet. $600 month.

Small Pets ok.865-384-4054 or

865-384-1054


TownhomesSevierville

2 BD / 2BA Very Nice$645.00

(incl. water & sewer.)865-908-6789

1Br Apt in Sevierville. $400 a month. Util-ities ncluded. 256-4809


CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN SEVIERVILLE

2 bedroom 1.5 bath townhomesCall 428-5161

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The Mountain Press ◆ Monday, January 11, 2010A14 ◆ Comics

14 Comics Mon 1/11

Dear Annie: I am married to a wonder-ful man who loves my kids and me very much. Since the first of our five children was born, I’ve stayed home to raise them. The problem is his family.

My husband’s brother has been in and out of jobs, jail and rehab his entire life. Several months ago, he was hurt on the job and has been fighting to get workers compensation. Since he currently has no job and no money, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law think we should contrib-ute to pay his rent, which is about $600 a month. Annie, we cannot afford this. We have five kids and our own expenses. We live comfortably, but we don’t have a lot to spare.

Another of my hus-band’s brothers recently asked us for a loan of several thousand dol-lars. We already loaned this brother money a few years ago and have yet to see a dime paid back.

Is it just me, or is it wrong of my in-laws to ask us to help support my 51-year-old brother-in-law, who is also an alcoholic and drug user? All these requests for money are causing a rift between my husband and me. Please help. -- Bad Daughter-in-Law

Dear DIL: No, you do not have to help your grown relatives out of their own jams, especially when they have proved to be poor risks in the past. However, this is your husband’s family, and he apparently wants to continue giving to the cause. Discuss it calmly with him so he can

understand that his fam-ily members are taking advantage of his generous nature. If he still insists on loaning money to his brothers, put aside a spe-cific amount that you can afford to lose, and let him do with it as he pleases. It is not worth wrecking your marriage over this.

Dear Annie: I am a 66-year-old woman, mar-ried 42 years, and I can’t take the clutter in my house anymore.

My husband saves everything -- including the corners he tears off of envelopes. Our spare bed always has papers on it, as does the top of the dresser. I can’t store sheets or blankets in the drawers, because he has too much junk in there. Wherever there is a place to put anything, he does.

One day when I got mad, he said, “I guess I will have to move into the basement.” He would never consider getting rid of the accumulated junk. What do I do? -- All Cluttered Up

Dear Cluttered: You’ve been putting up with this for 42 years? We’re impressed with your forbearance. It sounds as if your hus-band is suffering from a form of obsessive-compulsive behavior. If he recognizes the prob-lem, he may allow you to throw things away for him. Otherwise, please contact the International OCD Foundation

(ocfoundation.org) at P.O. Box 961029, Boston, MA 02196.

Dear Annie: I truly felt the pain of “Sad at Christmas.” For years, I bought gifts, organized parties and put up deco-rations, and often my family totally forgot me. One day, while looking at family pictures, I realized I wasn’t in any of them because I was always the one snapping the photo-graphs.

The following year, I chose one family mem-ber to be in charge. I then booked a cruise and spent the holidays in the Caribbean dancing under the stars and meeting wonderful people, includ-ing a wonderful man from England who is still in my life. I didn’t miss my family at all.

Now I look forward to the holidays, and this year will be my seventh cruise. I come home relaxed, happy and ready to start the new year. I highly recommend it. -- Loving Christmas

Dear Loving: Good for you for finally finding a way to enjoy the holi-days.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime edi-tors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to [email protected], or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. To find out more about Annie’s Mailbox, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoon-ists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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Beetle Bailey

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Barney Google and Snuffy Smith

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Tina’s Groove

Woman shouldn’t wreck marriage because hubby wants to help family

January 11, 2010

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