SPORTS: Brees sets passing mark, Page 10 The Union Daily...

Charles WarnerEditor

MONARCH — A fire that destroyed a mobile home in the Monarch community Sunday afternoon is being investigated as “suspicious” by the Union County Sheriff ’s Office.

J.D. McCarley, assistant fire chief for the Monarch Fire Department, said Tuesday that his department was dispatched at 4:24 p.m. to 100 Bobo St. in reference to a struc-ture fire. When the first fire-fighters arrived on the scene,

McCarley said they found the mobile home was “40 percent involved” by the fire. The Kelly-Kelton Fire Department and the Union Public Safety Department were also dis-patched to the scene to assist Monarch in battling the blaze. Union County Fire Rescue and Union County EMS were also dispatched to the scene as were deputies with the Union County Sheriff ’s Office who McCarley said assisted with traffic control.

Despite their efforts, how-ever, McCarley said firefight-

ers were unable to save the mobile home and its contents. Monarch Fire Chief Dr. John Flood estimated the loss of the mobile home at $5,000 but could not offer an estimate on the value of its contents.

There were no injures and McCarley said firefighters cleared the scene at 5:24 p.m.

McCarley said the mobile home was being used for stor-age but firefighters on the scene received conflicting reports about whether or not someone had been living there also. He said the mobile home

was without power and that the fire had started on the end opposite from where the kitch-en was. McCarley said these reasons plus the absence of any electrical storm that afternoon raised suspicions about the ori-gin of the blaze.

Flood said Tuesday that because of this the matter has been turned over to the sher-iff ’s office for investigation.

“Anything we have that appears to be suspicious we contact the sheriff ’s office and turn it over to them,” Flood said.

Sheriff David Taylor said Tuesday afternoon that an inci-dent report about the fire has already been completed. He said the blaze is being inves-tigated as suspicious in origin and that an investigator will be assigned to the case today.Jonesville

A little more than eight hours earlier, the Jonesville Fire Department was dis-patched to a mobile home fire but were also unable to save the building.

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• Essie Mae Greer RiceUnion 12/22/2011• Rosa L. CannonUnion 12/24/2011• Dr. James W. Sanders, Sr.Gaffney 7/6/2010• Hazel Bishop TrentUnion 12/27/2011• Shonda Means DillardBoiling Springs 12/27/2011

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From today’s viewpointtwo Cold War milestones

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il consolidated communist rule. Czech leader Vaclav fought against corrupt communists. Yet they had some things in common, besides dying a week before Christmas. They both abandoned careers in the arts to become reluctant politicians, and they stabilized their respective countries during difficult times.

Kim Jong Il ruled in the shadow of his father, Kim Il Sung. He lacked his father’s charisma and credentials.

The Union Daily TimesYour hometown newspaper in Union, South Carolina, since 1850

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Sheriff’s office investigating mobile home fire in MonarchFire also destroys mobile home in Jonesville Sunday morning; kitchen stove in Union on Monday

Photo submittedUnion County EMS Director Ronnie Roberson presents the 2011 Medic of the Year award to EMS Shift Supervisor Mark Wade.

‘It’s good to know you made a difference’Wade named Union County EMS Medic of the YearDerik VanderfordStaff Writer

For the second time in 12 years, Mark Wade has been honored for his con-tributions to the Union County EMS.

During the organiza-tion’s Christmas dinner at EMS headquarters on Dec. 16, Wade, an EMS shift supervisor, was pre-sented with the 2011 Medic of the Year award.

Union County EMS Director Ronnie Roberson said the winner of the annual Medic of the Year award is decided by secret ballot filled out by EMS employees.

“The ballot simply says to vote for the per-

son whom you feel has contributed the most toward the betterment of EMS over the last year,” Roberson said.

Roberson also said Wade is a longtime EMS employee who is very deserving of the award.

With more than 30 years of experience as an EMT, Wade is a two-time receiver of the Medic of the Year award as he was given the honor in 1999 as well.

Wade began working as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) as a teenager, taking class-es before he even had a driver’s license without restrictions.

Derik Vanderford/Daily TimesA jewelry sale held by Wallace Thomson Hospital volunteers Dec. 19-20 attracted a large number of customers and raised $16,000 for the hospital.

Volunteers raise $16,000 for hospital

Proceeds from jewelry sale to help purchase medical equipment, other needed itemsDerik VanderfordStaff Writer

An annual two-day jewelry sale held by hospital vol-unteers raised $16,000 for Wallace Thomson Hospital.

Customers consistent-ly shopped in the Wallace Thomson Hospital lobby throughout the days of Monday, Dec. 19 and

Tuesday, Dec. 20 as hospital volunteers hosted a jewelry sale. A variety of jewelry was available for men and women.

Florence Meador — the incoming 2012 Adult Volunteers treasurer — reported that the sale raised $16,000 toward upcoming projects within the hospital.

UCHS Rifle Team mem-bers are team captain

Tommy McKelvey, front, and Cole Sigmon, Mitchell

Ward, and Jonathan Bailey. The team placed

10th out of 45 teams com-peting in the Army JROTC

Postal Championship.

Photo submitted

UCHS Rifle Team places in National Postal Championship

The Union County High School Rifle Team placed 10th out of 45 teams competing in the annual Army JROTC Postal Championship sponsored by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. This result will qualify the team to compete in

the shoulder-to-shoulder championship match in Anniston, Alabama in Feb. 2012. The top five teams in the February match will be invited back to the All-Service JROTC National Championship match in March.

The team score of

1122/1200 was a six point improvement over the Union County team score in the same match last year. The 2011 team ulti-mately ended up placing ninth in the nation in the Army match and first

See MEDIC | 3 See SALE | 9

See TEAM | 3

Essie Mae Greer RiceEastern Star

UNION — Mrs. Essie Mae Greer Rice, 91, widow of the late James Rice Sr. and the mother of the late James Rice Jr., departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Her transition was peaceful with one of her granddaughters, Robin Miller, and one great-grandson, Pastor Lawrence Rodgers and wife Bettae, by her side.

Mrs. Rice was one of the oldest, active and devoted members of St. Paul Baptist Church (Rev. A.L. Brackett), President of the Jubilee Choir for many years and was an Eastern Star. She had a passion for sing-ing, traveling and help-ing others in anyway she could. She will always live in the hearts and minds of all those who loved her. She can rest assured that her life was well lived and her job well done.

She leaves to mourn her passing four daugh-ters, Mrs. Ida E.R. Whitfield of Union, Mrs. Barbara Woods and Mrs. Helen Vanterpool, both of Bronx, N.Y., and Mrs. Elsie R. Martin (Carl) of Goldsboro, N.C.; one brother, Roland Greer (Lucinda) of Richmond, VA; two sis-ters, Mrs. Emma Jeter of Spartanburg, SC and Mrs. Bessie Helen Sisco of Philadelphia, PA; 10 grandchil-dren, Delbra Rice, Adrianne Woods, Robbie Whitfield Rodgers, Darlene Woods Conely, Robin Whitfield Miller, Tabatha Woods Young, Helene Vanterpool, Gary Christopher Rice, Dr. Larry Rice, Dr. Ivy Rice Naartijorbi; 14 g re at - g ra n d c h i l d re n , Lawrence, Whitney, Kevin, Keith, Antionette, Daniel,Ciara, Bria, Latisha, Tina, Stephan, Claire, Victoria, Filipino; and many nieces, neph-ews, cousins, and special friends.

Graveside services were at Beatty’s Chapel Dec. 26, 2011 with Rev. James E. Farr Jr. officiat-ing.

Lewis Funeral Home has charge of the arrange-ments

Please sign the guest register at lewisfuneral-homeofunion.com.

Rosa L. CannonSims High School Graduate

UNION — Mrs. Rosa L. Cannon, 65, 1405 Peach Orchard Road, Lot 6, Union, SC, died Dec.

24, 2011 at the Oakmont Nursing Home.

Born in Union County to the late Willie D. Chick and the late Lenora Chick, she was a graduate of Sims High School and a member of St. Matthew A.M.E. Zion Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sammie Cannon, and a brother, Julius Hawkins.

She is survived by three daughters, Roxanne (Lawrence) Adams of Hickory Grove, SC, Chanda Chick of Jonesville, SC, Yoland Cannon of the home; one son, Tracy Chick of Dawson, Ga.; two stepsons, Michael Cannon of Atlanta, Ga., and Matthew Cannon of Mississippi; five sisters, Johncie (William) Goode of Chester, SC, Josephine Chick of Whitmire, SC, Gloria Diane Chick of Greenwood, SC, Alberta Robinson of Union, SC, Ethel Sims of Whitmire, SC; three brothers, James Chick of Union, SC, Edwardand Willie F. Chick of Whitmire, SC; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchil-dren.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday (Dec. 29) at 3 p.m. at St. Matthews A.M.E. Zion Church in Whitmire, SC.

Hunters Funeral Home is in charge of arrange-ments.

Dr. James W. Sanders, Sr.Fromer Sims High School Vice-Principal

GAFFNEY — The Celebrat ion of Life Entombment Services of the late Rev. Dr. James W. Sanders, Sr., of Gaffney, S o u t h C a r o l i n a ,

husband of Mrs. Rubye L. Corry, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery, College Drive entrance, Gaffney, South Carolina. The final entombment at the end of the services will be a Private Family Affair.

The extraordinary, delightful and extended life of Rev. Dr. James William Sanders, Sr. came to a peaceful end on July 6, 2010 at 4:15 p.m. at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Mr. William Sanders, Jr. and the late Mrs. Essie Morehead Sanders of Union, South Carolina.

He was an authentic

and prominent personal-ity who was a mentor and friend to everyone. He served his family, church and community in many capacities. He was highly regarded and esteemed by many. His spiritual duties included pastor of Bethel Baptist Church for 61 years and pastor of Island Creek Baptist Church for 38 1/2 years. He served as Moderator Emeritus of the Thickety Mountain Baptist Association and served as its moderator for 38 years. He served on many Boards and Committees and held various positions in them. He was an educa-tor and was a former Vice-Principal of Sims High School of Union. He was fraternally asso-ciated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a Mason and Shriner. Many awards and hon-ors were bestowed upon him.

Foster Funeral Home of Gaffney is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel Bishop TrentRetired From Graham Flowers

UNION — Mrs. Hazel Bishop Trent, 84, widow of Franklin W. Trent, formerly of Trent Road, Union, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at Oakmont of Union.

Mrs. Trent was born in Union County, SC, May 25, 1927, a daugh-ter of the late Fred Roper Bishop and Julia Lawson Bishop. She was a graduate of Union High School and retired from Graham Flowers. Mrs. Trent was a member of Lower Fairforest Baptist Church and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving are five nieces, Connie McCoy (Gerald), Julie Hart (Jim), all of Union, Pat Gault of Pauline, Bonnie Elliott of Simpsonville and Pam Hendry (Sandy) of Anderson; and numer-ous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mrs. Trent was prede-ceased by three sisters.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at Lower Fairforest Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Jim Cunningham and Rev. Josh Freeman. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Donald Hawkins, Leonard Smith, James Wicks, Roger Bishop, Wayne Bishop and Lindsey Bishop. Nurses

and staff of Oakmont Nursing Home are asked to serve as the honorary escort.

Visitation will be held in the church immedi-ately following the com-mittal service.

Memorials may be made to Lower Fairforest Baptist Church, 125 Lower Fairforest Church Road, Union, SC 29379.

The family is at the home of her niece, Connie and Gerald McCoy, 607 Lakeview Heights, Union.

SR Holcombe Funeral Home (www.holcombe-funeralhones.com)

Shonda Means DillardJonesville High School Graduate

BOILING SPRINGS — Mrs. Shonda M e a n s D i l l a r d , 35, wife of Mr. Darius Dillard, 207 C h a t e a u St., Boiling S p r i n g s , S.C., died

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born Aug. 20, 1976, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Magelene Simmons Means and the late John Henry Means Sr. Mrs. Dillard had been employed with Carolina Vision Associates and was a 1995 graduate of Jonesville High School, and was a member of The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Survivors in addition to her husband and mother are three brothers, John Henry Means Jr., Larry D. (Pamela) Means, all of Union, James Means of Kelton; six sisters, Shirley (Gonzie) Allen, Mary Means, Barbara (Michael) Henderson, all of Jonesville, Margaret Means of Kelton, Tiffany Means and Sherlyn Brannon, both of Union.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at noon at The Lewis Funeral Home with Reverend Freddie L. Wicker Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Funeral home.

The family is at the home, 207 Chateau St., Boiling Springs, S.C. 29316, and at the home of her mother, 634 Eisontown Road, Jonesville, S.C. 29353.

Lewis Funeral Home has charge of the arrange-ments

Please sign the guest register at lewisfuneral-homeofunion.com.

RecoRdWednesday, December 28, 2011, Union, S.C. —

Have a news tip for us? Call 427-1234

or e-mail us at [email protected]

The Union Daily Times

PRAYER

TODAY IN HISTORY

LOCAL WEATHER OBITUARIES

• Do you have Type 2 Diabetes?• Are you 18 or older?• Are you currently taking any antidiabetic background therapy or you are controlling your diabetes with diet and exercise only?• If your answer is yes - you may be suitable to take part in the research study which will test a new type of investigational tablet for Type 2 Diabetes

WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN A DIABETES RESEARCH STUDY?

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

CU PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH1005 THOMPSON BOULEVARD • UNION, SC 29379

(864) 427-1172REASONABLE TRAVEL EXPENSES WILL BE REIMBURSED

By The Associated Press

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2011. There are three days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History:

On Dec. 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state to be admitted to the Union.

On this date:In 1694, Queen Mary

II of England died after more than five years of joint rule with her hus-band, King William III.

In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first vice president of the United States to resign, stepping down because of differences with President Andrew Jackson.

In 1856, the 28th president of the United States, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, was born in Staunton (STAN’-tun), Va.

In 1908, a major earthquake followed by a tsunami devas-tated the Italian city of Messina, killing at least 70,000 people.

In 1917, the New York Evening Mail pub-lished “A Neglected Anniversary,” a face-tious, as well as fic-titious, essay by H.L. Mencken recounting the history of bathtubs in America.

In 1945, Congress officially recog-nized the Pledge of Allegiance.

In 1961, the Tennessee Williams play “Night of the Iguana” opened on Broadway. Former first lady Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, the sec-ond wife of President Woodrow Wilson, died in Washington at age 89.

In 1971, film compos-er Max Steiner (“Gone with the Wind,” among many others) died in Hollywood at age 83.

In 1981, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American “test-tube” baby, was born in Norfolk, Va.

In 1991, nine people died in a crush to get into a rap celebrity basketball game at City College in New York.

Ten years ago: The National Guard was called out to help Buffalo, N.Y., dig out from a paralyzing, 5-day storm that had unloaded nearly 7 feet of snow. Lawrence Singleton, a rapist and killer whose most notorious crime was

chopping off a teenage hitchhiker’s forearms in California in 1978, died at a prison in Starke, Fla., at age 74.

Five years ago: President George W. Bush, at his Texas ranch, worked on designing a new U.S. policy in Iraq. Saddam Hussein’s lawyer made a last-ditch effort to impede his client’s execution. In Somalia, troops of the U.N.-backed interim gov-ernment rolled into Mogadishu unopposed, putting an end to six months of domination of the capital by a radi-cal Islamic movement.

One year ago: Eight young people were killed in a fire that swept through an aban-doned New Orleans warehouse (some of the victims were squatters who had been living inside the building). Agathe von Trapp, the real-life inspiration for eldest daughter Liesl in the musical “The Sound of Music,” died in Towson, Md., at age 97.

Today’s Birthdays: Comic book creator Stan Lee is 89. Former United Auto Workers union president Owen Bieber is 82. Actor Martin Milner is 80. Actress Nichelle Nichols is 79. Actress Dame Maggie Smith is 77. Rock singer-musi-cian Charles Neville is 73. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., is 67. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is 65. Rock singer-musician Edgar Winter is 65. Actor Denzel Washington is 57. Country sing-er Joe Diffie is 53. Country musi-cian Mike McGuire (Shenandoah) is 53. Actor Chad McQueen is 51. Country sing-er-musician Marty Roe (Diamond Rio) is 51. Actor Malcolm Gets is 47. Actor Mauricio Mendoza is 42. Comedian Seth Meyers is 38. Actor Brendan Hines is 35. R h y t h m - a n d - b l u e s singer John Legend is 33. Actress Sienna Miller is 30. Actor Thomas Dekker is 24. Actress Mackenzie Rosman is 22. Pop singer David Archuleta (TV: “American Idol”) is 21.

Thought for Today: “There is no luck except where there is discipline.

— Irish proverb.

Robbers at store kill 1, injure another

LYNCHBURG, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say masked men fleeing a South Carolina conve-nience store fatally shot a Florida man and injured another customer.

Sumter County Coroner Havin Bullock says 27-year-old Jayshawn Thompson of Launderhill, Fla., died after being shot in the chest Monday night.

The sheriff's office says 24-year-old Arris Smalls of Coward was shot in the shoulder as he walked into a gas station off of Interstate 95 in Lynchburg while three men in ski masks were robbing it.

Deputies say Smalls fell on the ground outside, and Thompson helped him into a car. They drove away but got stuck in a ditch. Deputies say the rob-bers came to the car and pulled Thompson out of it. Thompson was shot during a struggle. The suspects ran away with an unknown amount of money.

Read Psalm 106:1-12Jesus said, “Come

to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”

— Matthew 11:28 (TEV)

PRAYER: Precious Lord, teach us to recog-

nize that you are power-ful and that we are not. We live not by our own power but only by your grace. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We have to stop talking in order to hear God’s response.

The Union Daily Times/Union, S.C., Wednesday, December 28, 2011 3

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Name, Designation TitleAddressCity, State ZIP 000-000-0000

Paul Winters, Field Rep(864) 462-1420Maria Blackwell, Field Rep(864) 427-7984Union, SC

A performance by the ‘Small Town Christmas Band’Hello everyone, Merry

Christmas! Gottrocks The Birthday Fairy is plumb worn out from helping Mr. and Mrs. Claus, so lets do our birthdays so he can prepare for New Year’s Festivities. By The way, how did you like the use of “plumb?” I digressed back to a grandparents’ favorite.

Happy Birthday Wishes to Tosha Sturkey Lida, Jackie K. Brown, Paula P. Dominick, Christie G. Swain, Donnette B. Davis, Miss Pete Lawson, Audrey Gilliam. Special Birthday wish-es in memory of Otis Gilliam, and Terrell E. “Red” Fowler Jr.

Holiday Event NewsA first time treat for parade

goers: A debut Of a Whitmire Band in Concert! The After the Parade Concert was held

at The Rescue Squad building on Main Street with a host of local Whitmire musicians. The group named itself “Small

Town Christmas Band.” The STCB is comprised of WCS band members, rescue squad members, and one faculty guest member. Musicians included: Jared Wicker, vocals; David Andrews Jr. on keys; Tanoy Hunter on sax; Kyelin Hunter on sax; Larry Johnson on bass; Ralph Rose on drums; Ian Elsmore, gui-tar/vocals; and special guest Martha “Mott”

Suber, WSC assistant princi-pal, on guitar and vocals.

What excited me most when David told me of the group, is that local music history was made. Martha, while she was in high school, played in bands with Ian’s dad, Barry

Elsmore, who himself was a top notch guitarist. “Mott” and Barry’s group used to practice and perform for local dances at what was known as the old “Canteen” location on Gilliam Street, across the street from the rescue building, where STCB played. David described the band’s mix of musical influ-ences and genres as “a blend of funk, blues, electronic, cross-ing between the Mannheim Steamroller and the Trans Siberian Orchestra.” Thank you to these teens and youth for giving the gift of music and their time. Lets hope we will see another concert in the near future.

Sims Chapel Baptist Church held their Winter Banquet Dec. 10. Over 125 guest filled The Whitmire Community Center. This year’s theme was “One More Time” and was coordi-nated by Linda Hair. The event

was sponsored by the Sims Chapel Baptist Youth. The cen-ter was decorated in silver and gold. The dinner was served by the Men and Boys of the church, who were dressed in semi-formal attire. The enter-tainment included soloists Jeffrey Lampkin of Columbia and Jermaine Watters of Greenville. Sims Chapel Youth Choir and Newberry area church choirs provided praise songs and dance.

Several churches presented their Christmas dramas and plays Dec. 18, giving members of the community a variety of choices for the day. Churches included Friendship, Sims, and First Baptist churches, and The Whitmire Penetcostal Church.

The Whitmire Jaycees held their Christmas dinner at the Home of Tammi Moss. A cov-ered dish dinner, along with some husbands and kids. What

a change in this year’s vibe from last year’s “All Ladies In The House” dinner. Nevertheless, The Clauses left gifts under the tree for number drawing and ooing and awing. Even Santa was surprised to see men pres-ent at a gab fest. The guys got with it, which included keeping with the Whitmire Columnist Tradition, “A delicious meal was served, and a good time was had by all.”

The Jaycees say Thank You to all members of the com-munity for the donations of items for their annual cheer fund drive. According to Sue Hollingsworth, “we were able to give gifts to 27 families.”

Alrighty readers, The Deadline Fairy just landed on the keyboard. Lets just sim-ply say Happy New Year, and don’t forget to send us your news, church, civic and events to [email protected]

Great events are becom-ing “Situation Normal” inNewberry.

Last Monday, it was theSouth Carolina RuralSummit, held this year atour Firehouse ConferenceCenter.

This year marked thefirst time since 2004 thatour Governor was pres-ent.

Yes, that is correct, ourGovernor Nikki Haleycame to Newberry andtalked to a full house ofguests in our ConferenceCenter.

Governor Haley spokeof her rural roots and thechallenges faced intoday’s world of economicupheaval.

One of our guests toldme, “I have alwayswanted to visit Newberry;it is so charming and youcan rest assured that I willreturn in the future.”

Our visitors were so im-pressed, I would not besurprised to see many ofthem make return visits,and soon.

This week, on Fridayevening from 6 p.m. untilclosing, you are invited toanother great event, IrishFling, in downtown New-berry.

This year, the weatherlooks to be ideal, thebands are great, restau-rants will be buzzing, andstores will remain openfor shoppers, so don yourgreen and come havesome good old Irish fun.

A “Kids Zone” will belocated near MemorialPark.

Music by Linda Burceand Ron will be 6-8 p.m.on the square.

In Astwood Park, thelocal band “Grand Illu-sion” will perform from 6-8 p.m. and from 8-10 p.m.,you can hear the music ofNewberry College’s“Modern Disruption.”

Oh yes, Newberry Col-lege students will also do“Face Painting” on MainStreet.

OPINION

The Newberry Observer prints letters on issues of public concern.They should be brief, no longer than 300 words. Letters need notbe typed but must be a signed original and include full name, alongwith address and daytime telephone number (not published). Wereserve the right to edit all submissions for length, content andclarity. Contact us at 276-0625, or by fax: 276-1517. The e-mail ad-dress is: [email protected]

Have Your Say

NEWS, ESTABLISHED 1865-THE NEWBERRY OBSERVER, ESTABLISHED 1883

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 558, Newberry, S.C. 29108

Phone: 803-276-0625 • Fax: 803-276-1517Please visit: www.newberryobserver.com

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The Newberry Observer (USPS384000) is published tri-weekly, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by The NewberryObserver, 1716 Main St., Newberry, S.C. 29108. Office hoursare 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Periodicals postage paid atNewberry, S.C. 29108. POSTMASTER: Send address changesto The Newberry Observer, P.O. Box 558, Newberry, S.C.29108. Subscriptions are non-refundable. Reproduction of allmatter herein is prohibited without the express consent of thepublisher. No responsibility is assumed by the publisher foromission or errors occurring in advertisements, but correctionswill be made, at no additional cost in the next issue following,when attention is directed to them.

In Newberry County (Mail/Carrier):1 year – $64, 6 months – $45Out of County: 1 year – $74

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PAGE 4 � Monday, March 14, 2011 – THE NEWBERRY OBSERVER

When I arrived in Newberry I some-times called myself a writer. Other timesI said I was an “author wannabe,” butnever an author. However, since cominghere I have become both. I can confi-dently say, “I am an author and awriter.”

This is the culmination of 13 years ofeffort. It is the result of a God-given giftfor chatting and sharing stories. It was inspired by mygrandparents and encouraged by my family andfriends. It was tweaked by my writer’s group in SouthDakota. My husband — totally believing in my poten-tial authorship — caught the vision of my mystery se-ries and agreed to infuse the project with the neededstart-up funds.

All of those were essential but there is an added influ-ence that God chose to use.

The South has a rich history of writers and offersmany more opportunities for writers to learn andgather. And Newberry itself has been incredibly sup-portive and encouraging to my writing career.

Even before my first book came out, Randy at Bookson Main promised that if it was published, he wouldsell it. He would also let me have a book signing. Oh,my! Such a dream. When the dream became a reality

he was true to his promise.In addition, I was offered

the opportunity to be onWKDK and Leslie Mosesfrom The Observer camecalling, asking to do ahuman-interest article.

After my co-worker, MissMona, mentioned my book to a friend from one of thelocal schools, I had a call asking me to come speak onthe writing process.

This spurred me to develop a PowerPoint presenta-tion that I have enjoyed taking into several schools.Now I am going to Girl Scout troops with the presenta-tion. Such wonderful opportunities. I was amazed andhumbled.

Last spring I wanted to start writing a column.Through a series of events which I call “acts of God”, Iwas reconnected with Leslie Moses and she offered theinformation that The Observer was looking for acolumnist.

I had an idea and they liked it. Voila! Here we are.Recently, because of the column I had the opportunityto speak to the AAUW group, prompting the creation

She is an author and a writer

Hello everyone, HappySt. Patrick’s Day ! Lots oflocal news on the way,after we send out ourbirthday wishes fromGottrocks The BirthdayFairy.

Happy Birthday toRonnie Garner, SadieErwin, my brother TerrellE. Fowler III, Virgil Taylor,Nancy Brock, Anita Sil-vers, George “Smokey”Alverson, Eddie“Moates” Bledsoe. Specialwishes to Youth Baseball

Number 5 -Lomas Tyrek Davis, andyour Aunt Kathy “Belle”Davis from your Momand Sister Sharon. To ourformer residents andchildhood friends andclassmates: Sam Lake,Jonathan Boyce, KathyBragg Fricks, Anne Brock

Smith and Charlene Ram-sey Christie.

Happy Anniversary toRachel and CharlesWallen.

The family and friendsof Taylor Chapman askfor special prayers.

On a sad note, we sendour sympathy and best

wishes to the families ofCassie Mae Boyd. She issurvived by her 10 chil-dren, grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren, andone brother. Her daughterin Whitmire is SylviaWhitener owner ofSylvia’s S&A in Whitmire.

The families of ClarenceHunter, survivors includehis sisters, Virginia Boyd,Bessie Crosby and brotherBud Hunter of Whitmire,

?THE QUESTION:

With Lent beginning Wednesday,what will you give up?

THE RESPONSE:• Chocolate: 0• Other: 20• Nothing: 44

Question for the week of March 7:Do you plan on watchng any of

the March Madness games?• Yes: VOTE NOW!• No: VOTE NOW!

—Each week we feature a short answer, poll questionwhich Observer reporters have asked of citizens.—Have your own question you want asked? [email protected] with “Poll Q” in thesubject line.

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YOUR OPINIONCOUNTS

County Council• Edgar BakerDistrict 1Office: 694-2368• Steven C. StockmanDistrict 2Home: 364-3693• Buddy LivingstonDistrict 3Home: 276-2566• Kirksey KoonDistrict 4Work: 321-6182Home: 321-0115• Les HippDistrict 5Home: 321-0011Office: 345-4705• Bill WaldropDistrict 6Home: 276-2477• John CaldwellDistrict 7Home: 276-5328

School Board• Hugh Gray—276-1741• Jody Hamm—vice

chairArea IV276-7552• Clyde Hill—secretary Area VII276-0827• Lucy Anne Meetze

Area III276-2696• Ike BledsoeArea I694-2803• Lee Attaway Area II803-954-7083• Gregg TaylorArea VI276-8522

City Council• Foster Senn—mayor405-9004• LeMont GlasgowDistrict 1276-8353• Zebbie GoudelockDistrict 3276-8777• Gregg SummerDistrict 4276-5530• Thomas Louis BoydDistrict 5405-9377• David DuBoseDistrict 6276-0323

Whitmire Council• Tim Carroll—mayor694-2649• Debbie Harris694-5603

• Dwight Lane694-4915• Michael Thomas924-6379• Cassie Fowler694-2292• Crystal Harsha694-2780

Prosperity Council• Derek Underwood—

mayor364-4546• G.W. “Billy” Dawkins364-2225• Allen Gallman364-4425• Chad Hawkins364-5031• Mike Hawkins364-3392

Little Mountain Council

• Buddy Johnson—mayor

[email protected]• Marty [email protected]• Roxie Derrick945-7064• Charles O. [email protected]• Melvin Bowers945-7181

State SenatorSenator Ronnie CromerHome: 364-3950Senate: 803-212-6330Business: 276-0990

State House Representatives

• David Tribble Jr., Dis-trict 15

Work: 803-212-6890Home: 864-905-7615• Walt McLeod, District

40Little Mountain office:

345-1538House of Representa-

tives: 803-734-3276Home:945-7461

Town of Peak Lewis Shealy—mayor945-7565Council meets the second

Tuesday 7:30 p.m. at TownHall

Town of Pomaria Pomaria Town HallPhone, 276-0030

Town of Silverstreet 1233 Main St., Silverstreet

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

By Ted Smithand Melissa Leitzsey

Newberry County Chamber of Commerce

Rural Summit andIrish Fling

By Miriam BradleyMiriam Bradley is a children’s author origi-

nally from South Dakota. She and her hus-band Bruce Bradley make their home in

Newberry.

� See CASSIE, page 8

� See MIRIAM, page 8

Birthdays, an anniversary and community and church events

new031411.qxp:22 inch FINAL Quark 3/14/11 9:36 AM Page 4

WHO, WHAT, WHEN & WHERE

OF WHITMIRECASSIE J. FOWLER

Chief Jimmy Wilkins said Tuesday his department was called to 228 Shady St., Jonesville, just before 8 a.m. Wilkins said the first firefight-ers to arrive on the scene found flames coming out the windows on the bedroom end of the trailer. He said firefighters were able to enter the mobile home through a door in the back and into a hallway that gave them direct access to the bedroom. Wilkins said firefighters were able to contain the fire to the bedroom and extinguish it.

Even though they were able to contain the fire, Wilkins said he believes the mobile home to be a total loss because of fire damage to the bedroom and water and smoke damage to the rest of the building. He said the fire is believed to have been caused by an electric space heater that had been left on over-night. Wilkins said no one was in the mobile home when the fire started because the owner is currently in the hospital. He said a relative of the owner was supposed to be stay-ing there while she is hospitalized but had stayed in Union overnight. Wilkins said the relative told fire-fighters he believed he left the space heater on the previous day when he left to go to Union.

Bonham and Kelly-Kelton fire departments also responded to the blaze. Wilkins said no one was injured in the fire and that firefight-ers were on the scene for approxi-mately 90 minutes.Union

A day later, the Southside Fire Department was dispatched early Monday morning to battle a fire in the kitchen of a Union residence.

Public Information Officer Roger Bailey said firefighters were dis-patched at 4:24 a.m. to 524 Lovers Lane Road, Union, where an electric stove residents had been cooking on had caught fire. Bailey said firefight-ers were on the scene for approxi-mately 45 minutes extinguishing the blaze. He said the damage, which was estimated at $500, was confined to the stove. No one was injured, but Bailey said the stove was a total loss.

FiresFrom page 1

“I could drive up there (Spartanburg) but not back,” Wade laughed. “My brother was going to Spartanburg Methodist College, and he would wait on me after class to take me home.”

Wade began working for what was known as the Gregory and Johnson Ambulance Service, which was private. In 1986, Union County EMS was founded under the Union Hospital District, replacing Gregory and Johnson. After many years as a private service, the system began its operation as a county service with one full-time ambulance.

Wade worked in Union for more than 10 years before going to work for services in Columbia and Spartanburg, eventually coming back to work for Union County EMS where he has worked continu-ously for the past 13-14 years.

“This is pretty much all I’ve ever done since high school,” Wade said.

Union County EMS contin-ues to operate today as a third service ALS (Advanced Life Support) 911 system. ALS is provided when a patient is in critical condition and a para-medic is required to assist in the treatment of the patient before and/or during trans-port to an emergency facility.

“In the old days there was not a lot of treatment; we just hauled butt to get people to

the hospital,” Wade said.With a wealth of experience

acquired through a lengthy career in emergency service, Wade said the changes he has seen over the years have been amazing.

“There is so much more technology now,” Wade said. “We are pretty much rid-ing around in an Emergency Room.”

Ambulances currently run a 12-lead EKG — the same type as a hospital ER — and the EKGs are then transmit-ted to the ER. Wade said patients who are experienc-ing an active heart attack are no longer taken to the ER, but directly to a cath lab. He also compared past and current treatments of stroke victims, mentioning that in previous years the damage was assessed but there was little treatment.

“Now there are lots of reversing techniques like going in to remove blood clots,” Wade said. “In the old days, we didn’t have the tech-nology — the tests, medicine and equipment.”

Wade also discussed changes in methods of air transport.

“When I started, once in a blue moon they might fly somebody to Charleston or something like that,” Wade said. “It would be an Army-type helicopter. A paramedic would fly with them, but

not back. Police would bring you back, so it might take you 45 minutes to get there, but six hours to get back. Now there are emergency helicopters in Spartanburg, Greenville, Columbia. You can get one from about any direction you want.”

Wade also explained that many do not realize how busy Union County EMS can be on a given night.

“Now, for EMS not to run 10-12-20 calls a day is unusual,” he said. “One-three trucks run all during the night. If you have one wreck with two people in one car and four people in another car, that puts the whole EMS in use.”

Union County EMS aver-ages around 5,000 calls per year, operating three ALS ambulances, one heavy rescue truck and two non-urgent transport units. Operating 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, EMTs and paramedics respond to calls received through the Union County E-911 system. Routine transports to physi-cian offices and area nursing homes are also provided by the non-urgent division. The service utilizes late-model ambulance chassis, hydrau-lic power stretchers, elec-tronic patient care records and other forms of technol-ogy for a safe and pleasant experience.

Wade said he is excited about recent improvements within the hospital district.

“Wallace Thomson has moved leaps and bounds just over the past year,” he said.

Wade also discussed the rewards of his career.

“It’s rewarding from the standpoint of being able to help the citizens of your county; no doubt about that,” he said.

Wade admitted that one drawback to the job is that emotions can become involved when a paramedic has a personal interest in the situation.

“Sometimes it might be a neighbor or a family mem-ber,” he said. “I have come up on a wreck with my son involved and one with my niece involved. When it’s somebody you know or a kid, it makes it more dif-ficult to deal with. It’s hard to say, ‘I’m going to handle this just like anything else.’ It creates more anxiety.”

Wade said the positives do outweigh the negatives, however.

“The best part is know-ing you played a hand in somebody getting better or surviving,” he said. “It’s good to know you made a difference in someone mak-ing a recovery and coming out of the hospital when there could have been a com-pletely different outcome.”

MedicFrom page 1

in the nation in the NRA Military Scholastic National Championship. While encour-aging on the surface, there is much work left to be done

before February. Another six points in the postal would have vaulted the team into fourth place, as the point spread among the fourth

through 12th place teams was very close.

Mitchell Ward led the Union County team with an individual score of 290/300,

which was good enough to place seventh in the nation. Cole Sigmon shot 281, Tommy McKelvey shot 280, and Jonathan Bailey shot 271.

TeamFrom page 1

Reporting on the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il, Reuters (via The Atlantic) asks, “How did one man starve

a nation of roughly 23 million people? The answer: By clinging to a bro-ken economic sys-tem designed to do little but ensure his own survival.”

Sketching out the tyrant’s disastrous tenure as General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the story underlines the country’s former reliance on the Soviet Union and its unwill-ingness to “open[] up its econo-my” after the Cold War.

Received economic wisdom places countries like North Korea on one end of a continuum that finds, roughly, the nations of the developed West on the other. The argument incorpo-rated in that account is that if too little economic freedom is

destructive, then that is also true of too much freedom. The problem with the conventional narrative, however, is that is puts far too much space between the supposedly “free” and “un-free,” and mistakenly places the blame owed to rather un-free systems on liberty.

It may be that a spectrum run-ning simply from more to less free is indeed a worthwhile tool, a set of metrics for attempting to measure the extent to which human relationships and society itself are voluntary as opposed to defined by coercion or aggres-sion. But, even at that, “vol-untary” must be given a more nuanced meaning than is com-monly assigned it today.

Observing the economies of those countries routinely adjudged — by the standards of conservative think tanks — economically free, we have to wonder what “free market” has come to mean. Any analysis that

disregards generations of, for instance, land thefts and other patent injustices, papering them over for a thin defense of today’s capitalism, is not one worth con-sidering.

The myth that wealth con-centration and huge gaps divid-ing the rich from the poor are symptomatic of free markets serves the ideological founda-tion of state in an important way. Whether the state refers to itself as (like North Korea) a communist “workers’ para-dise” or as a “liberal democracy” where “free enterprise” reigns supreme, inquiries about actual conditions of freedom remain to be dealt with.

Form should be humbled to substance, easy categorizations abandoned for the application of principles. Economic deci-sion-making power is no less distillated for elites in a state-maintained corporate economy than it is in the dreaded planned

economy.Just as governments may

arbitrarily declare certain gov-ernment-sponsored enterprises “private,” so too could compa-nies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman be regarded as “pub-lic.” The meaningful distinction, then, is a particular entity’s over-all relationship with the state, the source of the privileges that drive the cost of living up and wages down.

Today, virtually everywhere, we witness the mastery of a systematically-favored rich (not all that different from the Kims), but this end product is in no way begotten under conditions of lib-erty. Statism, in all of its forms, wherever it exists, is just one kind of thing; whatever its flavor or rhetoric, oscillating over the centuries, its purpose has been that of the Kim family’s in North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il consolidated communist rule. Czech leader Vaclav fought against corrupt communists.

Yet they had some things in com-mon, besides dying a week before Christmas. They both abandoned careers in the arts to become reluc-

tant politicians, and they stabi-lized their respective countries during difficult times.

Kim Jong Il ruled in the shad-ow of his father, Kim Il Sung. He lacked his father’s charisma and credentials.

The younger Kim, who spent many years in the film industry, seemed more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. He was a half-hearted proponent of reform, backing some eco-nomic changes and then revers-ing himself. His chief interest, other than expanding his own huge film collection and enjoy-ing the good life, was preserv-ing the power of North Korea’s ruling class. He was, at heart, a deeply conservative figure, more

comfortable with the tropes of Korean nationalism than with the slogans of revolutionary com-munism.

Kim prevented the country’s collapse through numerous catas-trophes, maintained alliances with China and Russia, coaxed South Korea into significant economic investments, brought North Korea into the nuclear club, and kept Washington at arm’s length when other leaders suffered regime change at the hands of U.S. forces.

In the end, Kim Jong Il didn’t fundamentally change North Korea or offer an alternative eco-nomic or political system to rival that of China or South Korea. He’ll be remembered as a transi-tional figure between his ruthless father and a future that’s yet to be determined by his 28-year-old son and successor Kim Jong Eun.

A dissident playwright and essayist, Vaclav Havel brilliantly exposed the deceptions and stu-pidities of Czechoslovakia ‘s com-munist system. He spent time in jail. He helped nurture the small civil society that would prove so critical in 1989 in transforming

not only his own country, but all of Eastern and Central Europe.

Havel became president of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1989, a position that he claimed to have run for only reluctantly. But he quickly became accus-tomed to high office.

He effectively guided the country through the “velvet divorce” that produced the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He ful-filled his promise in 2004 to bring the Czech Republic into the European Union, and today its per capita GDP ranks below only Slovenia’s among the for-mer communist countries of the region.

But when Havel tried to put his more stringent moral prin-ciples into practice, he discov-ered that the world was not quite ready for them, especially when it came to foreign pol-icy. The new president invit-ed the Dalai Lama to visit Czechoslovakia, thereby risk-ing a severing of relations with Beijing. In January 1990, his Foreign Minister Jiri Dienstbier announced that his country would no longer export arms.

And Havel’s Czechoslovakia pro-posed a new European security order that could replace NATO.

Ultimately, Havel’s team reversed itself on the arms export ban and came around to support NATO. Havel continued to speak out on Tibet and on behalf of Chinese dissidents. But the Czech Republic also made sure to maintain formal diplo-matic relations with Beijing and court Chinese investment.

Havel stabilized his country without transforming politics as usual. He’ll be remembered more for what he did and wrote against the powerful elite than what he did when he himself was part of it.

The Cold War generation is passing away, both those who ruled from above and those who challenged from below. Let’s hope that the few remain-ing Cold War fault lines, from the Demilitarized Zone on the Korean peninsula to the line that still stubbornly separates Russia from the West, will follow.

John Feffer is co-director of Foreign Policy In Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies.

viewpointWednesday, December 28, 2011, Union, S.C. —

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THE UNION DAILYTIMES STAFF:

Ext.George Fain 12Interim General [email protected]

Charles L.Warner [email protected]

Joe Pettit 25Sports [email protected]

Derik Vanderford 17Staff [email protected]

Julia Garmon [email protected]

Tiffany Lancaster 11Circulation [email protected]

Casey Boyea 16Advertising [email protected]

Whitney Kennedy 19Advertising [email protected]

Nora Vanderford 10Front Desk/[email protected]

HOW TO CONTACTOFFICIALS:

Hereʼs how to contact na-tional and state elected officials:President Barack Obama

The White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington, D.C. 20510PH: (202) 456-1414

U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint825 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510PH: (202) 224-6121

U.S. Sen. Lindsey GrahamC-1 Russell Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510PH: (202) 224-5972

Congressman Trey Gowdy1237 Longworth House Of-

fice BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515PH: (202) 225-6030FAX: (202) 226-1177Greenville office: 104 S.

Main St., Suite 801, Greenville,SC 29601.

Gov. Nikki R. Haley P.O. Box 1773Columbia, S.C. 29201PH: (803) 734-2100WEB SITE:

www.scgovernor.com

Lt. Gov. Ken Ard P.O. Box 142Columbia, S.C., 29202PH: (803) 734-2080WEB SITE: www.ltgov.sc.gov

State Sen. Harvey S.Peeler Jr.

213 Gressette BuildingColumbia, S.C. 29202PH: (803) 212-6430

State Sen. CreightonColeman

P.O. Box 142Columbia, S.C. 29202PH: (803) 212-6180

State Sen. Shane Martin P.O. Box 142Columbia, S.C. 29202— or —501 Gressette BuildingColumbia, S.C. 29202PH: (803) 212-6100

State Rep. Mike Anthony 414-B Blatt Office BuildingP.O. Box 11867Columbia, S.C. 29211PH: (803) 734-3060Union address: 322 Mt. Ver-

non Road, Union, S.C. 29379;PH: (864) 427-3023.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS:The Union Daily Times

welcomes comments andopinions from its readerson any subject. Lettersmust be 300 words orfewer. Letters may behandwritten or typed butthey must include thewriterʼs name, address andtelephone number for veri-fication.

Letters may be edited forgrammar, clarity and libelbut will not be censored.Letters may be mailed to:The Editor, The UnionDaily Times, P.O. Drawer749, Union S.C., 29379, orfaxed to us at 427-1237.The Union Daily Times re-serves the right to rejectany letter.

www.uniondailytimes.com

Find usonline— and —

THE UNION DAILYTIMES STAFF:

Ext.George Fain 12Interim General [email protected]

Charles L.Warner [email protected]

Joe Pettit 25Sports [email protected]


Julia Garmon [email protected]

Tiffany Lancaster 11Circulation [email protected]

Casey Boyea 16Advertising [email protected]


Nora Vanderford 10Front Desk/[email protected]

HOW TO CONTACTOFFICIALS:

Hereʼs how to contact na-tional and state elected officials:President Barack Obama

The White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington, D.C. 20510PH: (202) 456-1414

U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint825 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510PH: (202) 224-6121

U.S. Sen. Lindsey GrahamC-1 Russell Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510PH: (202) 224-5972

Congressman Trey Gowdy1237 Longworth House Of-

fice BuildingWashington, D.C. 20515PH: (202) 225-6030FAX: (202) 226-1177Greenville office: 104 S.

Main St., Suite 801, Greenville,SC 29601.

Gov. Nikki R. Haley P.O. Box 1773Columbia, S.C. 29201PH: (803) 734-2100WEB SITE:

www.scgovernor.com

Lt. Gov. Ken Ard P.O. Box 142Columbia, S.C., 29202PH: (803) 734-2080WEB SITE: www.ltgov.sc.gov

State Sen. Harvey S.Peeler Jr.

213 Gressette BuildingColumbia, S.C. 29202PH: (803) 212-6430

State Sen. CreightonColeman

P.O. Box 142Columbia, S.C. 29202PH: (803) 212-6180

State Sen. Shane Martin P.O. Box 142Columbia, S.C. 29202— or —501 Gressette BuildingColumbia, S.C. 29202PH: (803) 212-6100

State Rep. Mike Anthony 414-B Blatt Office BuildingP.O. Box 11867Columbia, S.C. 29211PH: (803) 734-3060Union address: 322 Mt. Ver-

non Road, Union, S.C. 29379;PH: (864) 427-3023.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS:The Union Daily Times

welcomes comments andopinions from its readerson any subject. Lettersmust be 300 words orfewer. Letters may behandwritten or typed butthey must include thewriterʼs name, address andtelephone number for veri-fication.

Letters may be edited forgrammar, clarity and libelbut will not be censored.Letters may be mailed to:The Editor, The UnionDaily Times, P.O. Drawer749, Union S.C., 29379, orfaxed to us at 427-1237.The Union Daily Times re-serves the right to rejectany letter.

www.uniondailytimes.com

Find usonline— and —

[email protected]

Ron MixGeneral [email protected]

Tiffany Grady-HudginsSports [email protected]

Charles Warner 14 [email protected]

Tiffany Grady-Hudgins 28Sports [email protected]


Julia Garmon 30Lifestyles [email protected]


Sherry Pressley 11Office [email protected]

David D’AmatoContributing Columnist

John FefferContributing Columnist

Two Cold War milestonesNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Il and Czech leader Vaclav Havel, although political opposites, shared some things in common

Starvenomics in North Korea and elsewhere

See D’AmAto | 9

Dear Annie: My sister is snide and competitive and makes hateful com-ments whenever we’re together. She’s a bully who has made my life

difficult for the past 10 years. I tried to make things right for my par-ents’ sake, until I real-ized they were too s p i n e l e s s

to say no to her. These days, I rarely speak to her.

Her wedding is in three months, and I told her I would not be attending. After all, if she dislikes me so much, why would she want me there anyway? Now, of course, she is furious, calling me all sorts of names.

My parents are hurt that I won’t attend, and my grandmother says she doesn’t know what’s gotten into me. Frankly, I don’t care what they think. But I do care what my aunts, uncles, cous-ins and mutual acquain-tances will believe about me if I don’t show up. If they ask what’s going on, I will tell them, but I’m sure my sister will come up with an alter-nate version, and who knows which one of us they will believe? They never notice how she treats me.

If I boycott the wed-ding, a huge number of people connected to my family will look at me as the worst kind of per-son. What should I do? — Massachusetts

Dear Massachusetts: When you take a stand, you must be willing to live with the con-sequences: Avoid the wedding and take your lumps from the rela-tives, or attend and hope your sister will behave. But we also think you should tell your sister how much it hurts when she bullies and belittles you, and ask why she finds it necessary to treat you this way. If you can get to the root of her animosity, perhaps things could improve.

Dear Annie: I recent-ly moved in with my boyfriend, “Beau,” and his roommate, “Scott.” Scott is usually at his girlfriend’s house, so Beau and I pretty much have the place to our-selves. Scott splits the bills with us while unof-ficially living with his girlfriend.

Scott makes the pay-ments, and we reim-burse him in cash. The problem is, on more than one occasion, I’ve noticed he has been late. I just found out that the water bill is three months past due and they are ready to shut it off. We have already paid Scott our share, but I think he expects us to pay two-thirds of the past-due amount.

I refuse to pay for this again, but don’t know how to say it. Should we let it go? Do we ask him to write a receipt? That seems extreme, and Scott is a close friend. Moving out is not an option. What do we do? — No Way, I Won’t Pay

Dear No Way: It is unfair to pay twice for the same bill.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A diary with a life-saving bullet hole from Gettysburg. An intricate valentine crafted by a Confederate soldier for the wife he would never see again. A slave’s des-perate escape to free-dom.

From New England to the South, state archi-vists are using the ses-quicentennial of the Civil War to collect a trove of wartime letters, diaries, documents and memen-toes that have gathered dust in attics and base-ments.

This still-unfolding

call will help states expand existing collec-tions on the Civil War and provide new insights into an era that violently wrenched a nation apart, leaving 600,000 dead.

Much of the Civil War has been told primar-ily through the eyes of battlefield and political leaders.

These documents are adding a new narrative

to the Civil War’s story, offering insights into the home front and of soldiers, their spouses and African-Americans, often in their own words.

Historians, who will

have access to the cen-tralized digital collec-tions, are excited by the prospect of what the states are finding and will ultimately share.

Want to know the easi-est and fastest way to put some money back into your wallet? You might think the answer is to earn more. But that’s not as simple as it sounds.

First, you have to work those addi-tional hours or find a second job, which these days is not all that easy to do. But let’s say that you can. You’ll have to wait at least a few weeks to see the extra cash once taxes are withheld and payday rolls around. And don’t forget the added expens-es that come with work-ing more — things like gasoline and child care. A much better way is to cut your expenses. Every dollar you don’t spend is a tax-free dollar you get to keep.

Here are six simple ways you can give your-self a raise, starting today!

Get free checking. Despite what you might be hearing about banks increasing fees, about one-third of banks still offer this freebie. Your best bet will be at a small community bank or credit union that doesn’t charge $10 to $15 a month for the privilege of having access to your own money.

Don’t idle. Automotive experts tell us that for every two minutes your car idles, you burn as much fuel as driving one mile. With gas prices flirting with $4 a gallon nationwide, 10 minutes of idling may be costing up to $1 a day. If you’ll be waiting longer than 30 seconds, turn off the engine.

Calm down. Aggressive drivers accelerate hard, brake sharply and basi-cally tear through a lot of fuel needlessly. Calm driv-ers stay at or below post-ed speed limits around town, accelerate cautious-ly and anticipate stopping by slowing down. The dif-ference? A recent study shows that calm drivers improve their miles per

gallon by more than 30 percent over aggressive drivers. Do the math.

Doubt the tag. Here’s a shocker: 65 per-cent of all clothes taken to the dry cleaner are actu-ally machine-wash-able, according to one national study. Unless the label says “Dry Clean Only,” follow the care directions listed. If you wash just two items you’d normally dry-clean,

you’ll save at least $10 a month.

Pay early. If you carry a credit card balance, the sooner you send in your monthly payment, the less interest you’ll pay, because interest com-pounds daily. Say you have a $10,000 balance, your minimum payment is 4 percent ($400), and your interest rate is 29 percent. If you pay $400 on the last day of the bill-ing cycle, your interest will be $160. But if you pay on the second day, the interest is $8 less and the balance of your payment will reduce the principal.

Turn off the computer. According to energy use experts, standby mode uses about $3 a month in electricity per comput-er. Plug your computer and printer into a power strip, and then flip off the switch when you’re not using them and enjoy the savings.

Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can email her at [email protected], or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Include your first and last name and state. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 19 books, including her January 2012 release “7 Money Rules for Life.”

To find out more about Mary and her past col-umns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

LifestyLesWednesday, December 28, 2011, Union, S.C. —

Have lifestyles news? Call 427-1234

or e-mail [email protected]

See ANNIE | 9

Everyday Cheapskate

Mary HuntAnnie’s Mailbox

Black Gold Dog Food Now In Stock. Christmas Sale 40% Off Starts Dec. 26th

Oil Mill • 427-3330

Call 429-0600Dr. Bridget Sherman-Miller

Union Chiropractic Center 410-B North Duncan Bypass

• Whiplash?• Auto Accident?• Neck Pain?

• Back Pain? • Headaches?• Arm/Leg Pain?

*Attorney Referral Available

Woman’s sister is a bully

Photo submitted

Raffle winnerDonald Gist wins a home cider kit in a Christmas raffle held at Fullbright’s Nutritional Center.

Load up your wallet with tax-free dollars

COMMUNITYCalendarThe Community

Calendar is printed daily. Prices are not printed in the calendar. Send your events to jgarmon@heartland-publications, leave message at 427-1234, ext 30, or post for free at www.uniondaily-times.com

TODAYTHE UNION

COUNTY DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS BOARD will hold a public meeting at noon in the Administration Building, 226 S. Gadberry St. For more information contact Lou Stackhouse at 864-427-7700, Ext. 315.

THE UNION COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Monthly Board Meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at the Hart Insurance Agency, 209 N. Ducan By-Pass (Beside Gene’s Fine Foods). For more information call Renee Alexander at 864.427.9039 or [email protected].

DECEMBER 29DON’T QUIT GET

FIT will host a family

skate night 6-8 p.m. at Union Skate Center.

JANUARY 1SIMS CLASS of

1966 will meet at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building on Herndon Street.

ONGOINGA VETERANS

ADVOCATE will be in Union every third Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the One Stop, 440 Duncan Hwy., to discuss eligibility for health care, pension, disability and more.

THE SPARTANBURG REGIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM at the Chapman Cultural Center is pleased to announce free admis-sion for the first week-end (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) of each month for the next year. The museum features local his-tory and is normally open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more infor-mation, please call 864-596-3501.

THE NEW EMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH has opened a free clothes closet in the back of the

Municipal Building in Jonesville. Hours of operation will be Tuesday and Friday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

UNION COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL sponsors “Painting With Coffee” each Tuesday morning from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Local artist Betsy Skipper leads the group in an informal workshop setting. Artists working in all mediums are wel-come. Call 864-429-2817 for more infor-mation.

JAM WITH LUNCH continues each Thursday from 11 a.m-1 p.m. at the Union County Arts Council office/gallery at 116 E. Main St. in Union. Musicians are invited to drop by during that time and play a few tunes with other musicians. This event is also open to anyone who would like to just sit and listen. Any instrument and any type of music is welcome. Please call UCAC at 864-429-2817 or email [email protected] for more information.

LIBRARY neWSLibrary HoursMonday-Friday — 9

a.m.-6 p.m.Saturday — 9 a.m.-3

p.m.www.unionlibrary.orgThe library will be

closed Jan. 2, 2012 for the New Year’s Holiday.

Fall Children/Teen programs: Please con-tact the library for fur-ther details at 864-427-7140, Ext. 302.

Teens: Games for the Holidays

Time: 1-3 p.m.Dec. 29Preschool — Ages –

Birth-5Winter/Spring 2012Tuesday Mornings

Time: 10 a.m.Call Ms. Cindy: 427-

7140, Ext. 302 for addi-tional information.

Jan. 24 — Hat on my Head

Wear your favorite hat!

Jan. 31 — WinterFeb. 7 — Mittens

Wear your mittens!Feb. 14 — ValentineFeb. 21 — Sleeping

BearsFeb. 28 — Building

and ConstructionMarch 6t — Blow

WindMarch 13th — St.

Patrick’s DayMarch 20 — SpringMarch 27 — Chinese

April 3 — EasterApril 10 — April

ShowersApril 17 — ButterfliesApril 24 — Fancy

NancySPRING GAMING

PROGRAMReading For Game

TimeMs. Cindy 864-427-

7140, Ext. 302One hour of reading

will result in 15 minutes of game time at the library playing the Xbox 360.

Time Forms can be picked up at the library or just keep a record of your time when you read.

The library will have game time once a month on a Saturday to redeem your time. Please read and make sure to bring your time form to be able to play.

NO READING, NO GAME TIME!

Jan. 28Feb. 18March 10March 31April 21May 12BOOKMOBILE

SCHEDULEDec. 29: Mon Aetna

Baptist Day Care 9-9:30; Kidz Lane Day Care 9:45-10:15; West Springs 11-12; Cross

Keys 12:30-2; J&T 2:30-3:45; Carlisle 4-5

Dec. 30: Lakeside Manor 1-2; Lakeview Garden 2:15-3:15; Buffalo Flat 3:30-4:15; Chambertown 4:30-5:15

NEW BOOKS*ADULT FICTION Lead…For God’s

Sake! By Todd G. Gongwer

Death Comes to Pemberly by P. D. James

D. C. Dead by Stuart Woods

ADULT BIOGRAPHY A Stolen Life by

Jaycee Dugard*2011 New books

donated by patrons

Civil War’s 150th annivesary stirs a trove of memories

See CIVIL WAR | 9

BLONDIE Dean Young/Denis Lebrun

BEETLE BAILEY Mort Walker

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE Chris Browne

HI & LOIS Brian and Greg Walker

FUNKY WINKERBEAN Tom Batiuk

MUTTS Patrick McDonnell

THE FAMILY CIRCUS Bil Keane

DENNIS THE MENACE Hank Ketchum

Ad goes here

CONCEPTIS SUDOKUby Dave Green

Wednesday, december 28, 2011 ComiCs/EntErtainmEnt

Today’s Answers

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011:

This year your ability to adapt and grow comes to the forefront. Many changes could greet you. You might not be thrilled in the immediate future, but ultimately you will be pleased. If you are single, remind yourself that time is an ally. Use it. Don’t decide on a commitment until next year. If you are attached, the two of you have different opinions. Respect the differences, and your bond will grow closer. AQUARIUS can offend your sensibilities by their very nature.

The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

ARIES (March 21-April 19) HHH Read between the lines with

a friend. At first you might feel this is unnecessary, as this person generally is forthright. Your imagination peaks in a brainstorming session. You might have a lot going on in your mind but say little. Tonight: Others wonder if you are Houdini, the way you van-ished.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) HHHH A lot drops on you out of

the blue. You handle responsibility well, but that doesn’t mean it knocks your socks off. Be willing to say no once in a while. Focus on a meeting that could turn into a brainstorming situation. Tonight: Where the fun is.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)HHHHH Do needed research

— now is the time to ask a question, not later. You know what you want. However, is it reasonable and is there a better path? You have a great imagination; now you are finding ways to harness some of those great ideas. Tonight: Working late.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)HHHH Deal with people directly.

Your eye contact and gestures tell them when you are not kidding. You might be taken aback by what is going on. Opportunities strike when you zero in on what you want. Tonight: Follow the music.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)HHHH Others seek you out en

masse. You might not be able to fol-low through on your plans because of the constant interruptions. You like hearing from others, but you might need to isolate yourself. An important conversation needs to be postponed until later. Tonight: Talk time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)HHH Get as much done as pos-

sible. Yes, you are overwhelmed by everything you have to do. Your imag-ination and creativity could open up a door. Reach out for someone at a dis-tance. Once more, you are reminded just how difficult another person can be. Tonight: Midweek break!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) HHHH With everything that is

going on around you, you might have difficulty settling down. Suddenly, someone who is distant wants to pull in close. You wonder what is going on with him or her. Your imagina-tion emerges with a simple chore or errand. Tonight: Have a talk with a key partner.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) HHHHH Your ability to see a situ-

ation through someone else’s eyes could be important. Yet your first reaction is to pull back from what this person expresses. A child or loved one interjects some lightness into your day. Tonight: Kissing goodbye to 2012 as only you can. Isn’t it a little early?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)HHH Stay centered, knowing you

have a lot to accomplish. You could feel overwhelmed by everything that appears. You might have had enough of a friend who, in a sense, is yanking your chain. Tonight: Head home.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)HHH A boss or someone you

look up to could be down on what you think is a good, workable idea. Know that you might need to instrument this project or do it on your own. Use care with your finances. Tonight: Let your imagination choose.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)HHHHH Use the daylight hours to

the max, and finish up as much work as you can. Do you feel overwhelmed by what is going on? Keep reaching for more information, or get a respect-ed associate’s feedback. Discuss what you would like to occur. Tonight: Your treat.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)HHH You might not be comfort-

able with others in the morning. Isolate yourself. You will accomplish more and emerge feeling much bet-ter. You have pushed to the max to get to this point. Your ability to circumvent a problem saves the day. Tonight: Happier and ready to greet the world.

Jacqueline Bigar is on the Internet at www.jacquelinebigar.com.

zITS Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

Jacquelene Bigar’s Horoscope

THE LOCKHORNS William Hoest

Call Whitney Kennedy at 864-427-1234for Advertising

Dec. 19, IBM formally unveiled the sixth annual “IBM 5 in 5’ (a list of innovations that have the potential to change the way people work, live and interact during the next five years):

1. People power will come to life

2. You will never need a password again

3. Mind reading is no longer science fiction

4. The digital divide will cease to exist

5. Junk mail will become priority mail

The next IBM 5 in 5 is based on market and societal trends as well as emerging technologies from IBM’s research labs around the world that can make these transforma-tions possible.

At IBM, we’re bridging the gap between science fiction and science fact on a daily basis. Here are how five technologies will define the future:1. People power will come to life.

Anything that moves or produces heat has the potential to create energy that can be cap-tured. Walking. Jogging. Bicycling. The heat from your computer. Even the water flowing through your pipes.

Advances in renewable energy technology will allow individuals to col-lect this kinetic energy, which now goes to waste, and use it to help power our homes, offices and cities.

Imagine attaching small devices to the spokes on your bicycle wheels that recharge bat-teries as you pedal along. You will have the satisfac-tion of not only getting to where you want to go, but at the same time power-ing some of the lights in your home.

Created energy comes in all shapes and forms and from anything around us. IBM scientists in Ireland are looking at ways to understand and minimize the environ-mental impact of convert-ing ocean wave energy into electricity.2. You will never need a password again.

Your biological makeup is the key to your indi-vidual identity, and soon, it will become the key to safeguarding it.

You will no longer need to create, track or remember multiple pass-words for various log-ins. Imagine you will be able to walk up to an ATM machine to securely with-draw money by simply speaking your name or looking into a tiny sen-sor that can recognize the unique patterns in the retina of your eye. Or by doing the same, you can check your account balance on your mobile phone or tablet.

Each person has a unique biological iden-tity and behind all that is data. Biometric data — facial definitions, reti-nal scans and voice files — will be composited through software to build your DNA unique online password.

Referred to as multi-factor biometrics, smart-er systems will be able to use this information in real-time to make sure whenever someone is attempting to access your information, it matches your unique biometric profile and the attempt is authorized. To be trust-ed, such systems should enable you to opt in or out of whatever informa-tion you choose to pro-vide.3. Mind reading is no lon-

ger science fictionFrom Houdini to

Skywalker to X-Men, mind reading has merely been “wishful thinking” for science fiction fans for decades, but their wish may soon come true.

IBM scientists are among those researching how to link your brain to your devices, such as a computer or a smart-phone. If you just need to think about calling some-one, it happens. Or you can control the cursor on a computer screen just by thinking about where you want to move it.

Scientists in the field of bioinformatics have designed headsets with advanced sensors to read electrical brain activity that can recognize facial expressions, excitement and concentration levels, and thoughts of a person without them physically taking any actions.

Within five years, we will begin to see early applications of this technology in the gam-ing and entertainment industry. Furthermore, doctors could use the technology to test brain patterns, possibly even assist in rehabilitation from strokes and to help in understanding brain disorders, such as autism.4. The digital divide will cease to exist.

In our global society, growth and wealth of economies are increas-ingly decided by the level of access to information. And in five years, the gap between information haves and have-nots will narrow considerably due to advances in mobile technology.

There are 7 billion peo-ple inhabiting the world today. In five years there will be 5.6 billion mobile devices sold — which

means 80 percent of the current global population would each have a mobile device.

As it becomes cheaper to own a mobile phone, people without a lot of spending power will be able to do much more than they can today.

For example, in India, using speech technol-ogy and mobile devices, IBM enabled rural villag-ers who were illiterate to pass along information through recorded mes-sages on their phones. With access to informa-tion that was not there before, villagers could check weather reports for help them decide when to fertilize crops, know when doctors were com-ing into town, and find the best prices for their crops or merchandise.

Growing communities will be able to use mobile technology to provide access to essential infor-mation and better serve people with new solutions and business models such as mobile commerce and remote healthcare.5. Junk mail will become priority mail.

Think about how often we’re flooded with adver-tisements we consider to be irrelevant or unwant-ed. It may not be that way for long.

In five years, unsolic-ited advertisements may feel so personalized and relevant it may seem spam is dead. At the same time, spam filters will be so precise you’ll never be bothered by unwanted sales pitches again.

Imagine if tickets to your favorite band are put on hold for you the moment they became available, and for the one night of the week that is free on your calendar. Through alerts direct

to you, you’ll be able to purchase tickets instantly from your mobile device. Or imagine being noti-fied that a snow storm is about to affect your travel plans and you might want to re-route your flight?

IBM is developing technology that uses real-time analytics to make sense and integrate data from across all the facets of your life such

as your social networks and online preferences to present and recommend information that is only useful to you.

From news, to sports, to politics, you’ll trust the technology will know what you want, so you can decide what to do with it.

For more information about the IBM 5 in 5, visit: A Smarter Planet Blog.


^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES. Free SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $38.97. Free HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME and Cinemax for 3 months, a value of $135. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Featured package names and prices: CHOICE $60.99/mo.; CHOICE XTRA $65.99/mo. CHOICE ULTIMATE $70.99/mo. Prices include a $26 bill credit for 12 months after rebate, plus an additional $5 with online rebate and consent to email alerts. Eligibility based on ZIP code. Upon DIRECTV System activation, customer will receive rebate redemption instructions (included in customer’s first DIRECTV bill, a separate mailing, or, in the state of New York, from retailer) and must comply with the terms of the instructions. In order to receive $31 monthly credits, customer must submit rebate online (valid email address required) and consent to email alerts prior to rebate redemption. Rebate begins up to 8 weeks after receipt of rebate submission online or by phone. Duration of promotional price varies based on redemption date. †FREE HD OFFER: Includes access to HD channels associated with your programming package. To be eligible for Free HD you must activate and maintain the CHOICE XTRA Package or higher and enrollment in Auto Bill Pay. Also requires at least one (1) HD Receiver and activation of HD Access. **2-YR. LEASE AGREEMENT: EARLY CANCELLATION WILL RESULT IN A FEE OF $20/MONTH FOR EACH REMAINING MONTH. Must maintain 24 consecutive months of your DIRECTV programming package. DVR service $7/mo. required for DVR and HD DVR lease. HD Access fee $10/mo. required for HD Receiver and HD DVR. No lease fee for only 1 receiver. Lease fee for first 2 receivers $6/mo.; additional receiver leases $6/mo. each. NON-ACTIVATION CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER MAY APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. Advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE Package or above; OPTIMO MÁS or above; Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package (valued at $39.99/mo.). Second, third and fourth HD receiver offer requires activation of CHOICE XTRA package or above or MAS ULTRA Package or above; an HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR service ($3/mo.). Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation in up to 4 rooms only. Custom installation extra.*Eligibility for local channels based on service address. Not all networks available in all markets. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in order confirmation. ©2011 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE and CHOICE XTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

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South Carolina launches TDL CouncilPrivate sector leaders recruit top state officials to form a single voice for TDL Industry in the Palmetto State

With formal endorsement and participation from the SC Department of Transportation, SC Department of Commerce and the SC Ports Authority, New Carolina recently launched the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL) Council.

The TDL Council is a collab-orative effort between public and private sector leaders to boost South Carolina’s econ-omy, create jobs and attract investment that will position the state as a global leader in the TDL industry. One of the objectives of the Council is to guide systematic investments in the state’s infrastructure, such as the Port of Charleston, through a cohesive, integrat-ed plan that better serves the needs of the business commu-nity in South Carolina.

“In the past year, South Carolina has seen capital investment of over $194 mil-lion and more than 3,000 jobs created from distribution and logistics companies. The state’s infrastructure, location on the East Coast, and work-

force talent make it an attrac-tive location for TDL indus-try firms,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce. “The goal is to make South Carolina more competitive and the TDL Council will only enhance our state’s ability to attract new firms and build our economy.”

The TDL industry is a driv-ing force in today’s economy and encompasses many of the state’s most important eco-nomic assets. In order to prog-ress and propel the Palmetto State forward, industry stake-holders need to align their goals and work together to accomplish them.

“Our ports are committed to growing well above the market, and the time to grow is now,” said Jim Newsome, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority. “The TDL Council looks to network transportation, distribution and logistics leaders from across the state, which will ultimately help our ports and the state’s economy flourish.”

The TDL Council will con-tinue to aid in this process and

work to provide a single voice for the TDL industry in South Carolina.

On Nov. 22, 2011, the first official meeting of the TDL Council, members discussed the future of the TDL industry in South Carolina and outlined some of the most immediate needs. Specifically, the group focused on the development of a statewide strategic plan that, when completed, will provide a clear roadmap for moving freight from the Port of Charleston throughout the state. The plan, led by SCDOT, will also prioritize future transportation infrastructure requirements. In addition, the plan will serve as an economic development tool to spur job creation, business expansion and education.

“SCDOT has begun the development of its 20-year Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan which will analyze not just infra-structure requirements but also rail, freight, and transit components. This plan will be developed in full consultation

with our government partners, especially the Department of Commerce and the State Ports Authority, as well as the pri-vate sector partners represent-ed in the TDL Council,” said Robert St. Onge, Secretary of Transportation. “The feedback received from our partners, both public and private, will be essential in making this a func-tional and useable broad-based blue-print for the state’s collec-tive transportation activities and future investments,” he added.

More details about the plan will be discussed at the 2012 TDL Summit in Columbia on March 13.

The governing body of the TDL Council will consist of no more than 30 seats, with 1 seat reserved for each of the public partners — SCDOT, SCDOC and the SCPA. To ensure the entire state is represented, seats have been established accounting for geographic and industry diversity. Additional industry stakeholders are invited to participate via an Associate Member level.

“Transportation, distribu-tion and logistics are the infra-structure of industry in our state,” said Deepal Eliatamby, Chair of the TDL Council and President of Alliance Consulting Engineers. “By coupling the efforts of pri-vate sector leaders and public agencies, I am confident that we can identify and prioritize challenges that, when solved, will give South Carolina a competitive advantage.”

In addition to the pub-lic representation, cur-rent TDL Council members include Alliance Consulting Engineers, ATS Logistics, Columbia Metropolitan Airport, CSX, Duke Energy South Carolina, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, Johnson Development Associates, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Myrtle Beach Airport, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Nucor, Performance Team, QVC Florence, SC Power Team, Southeastern Freight Lines, Superior Transportation, Universal Trade Solutions and UTi.

IBM reveals five innovations that will change our lives within five years

Twelve simple steps for going green in 2012As we head into 2012, many

of us will be resolving to lose those few extra pounds, save more money, or spend a few more hours with our families and friends. But there are also some resolutions we can make to make our lives a little greener. Each of us, especially in the United States, can make a commitment to reducing our environmental impacts.

“The global community, and particularly people living in industrialized societies, have put unsustainable demands on our planet’s limited resourc-es,” says Robert Engelman, President of the Worldwatch Institute, a global environ-

mental research organization based on Washington, D.C. “If we expect to be able to feed, shelter, and provide even basic living conditions to our growing population in years to come, we must act now to change.”

The United Nations has desig-nated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Broadening access to sus-tainable energy is essential to solving many of the world’s challenges, including food pro-duction, security, and poverty. “With so many hungry and poor in the world, address-ing these issues is critical,” says Danielle Nierenberg,

director of Worldwatch’s Nourishing the Planet project. “Fortunately, the solutions to these problems can come from simple innovations and prac-tices.”

The Nourishing the Planet team recently traveled to 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and will be soon trav-eling to Latin America, to research and highlight such solutions. The project shines a spotlight on innovations in agriculture that can help allevi-ate hunger and poverty while also protecting the environ-ment. These innovations are elaborated in Worldwatch’s flagship annual report, State

of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet.

Hunger, poverty, and climate change are issues that we can all help address. Here are 12 simple steps to go green in 2012:(1) Recycle

Recycling programs exist in cities and towns across the United States, helping to save energy and protect the environment. In 2009, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to require all homes and businesses to use recycling and composting collection programs. As a result, more than 75 percent of all mate-rial collected is being recycled,

diverting 1.6 million tons from the landfills annually — dou-ble the weight of the Golden Gate Bridge. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for each pound of alu-minum recovered, Americans save the energy resources nec-essary to generate roughly 7.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough to power a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years!

What you can do:Put a separate container

next to your trash can or printer, making it easier to recycle your bottles, cans, and paper.

See GREEN | 8

Classifi ed AdsWednesday, December 28, 2011,

Union, S.C. —

The Union Daily TimesTo place your Classifi ed Ad

Call 427-1234 or email us at [email protected]

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NOTICE OF APPLICATIONNotice is hereby given that WALTERO'DELL intends to apply to the SouthCarolina Department of Revenue for a li-cense/permit that will allow the saleand off premises consumption of beer at2100 Lockhart Hwy. Union S.C. 29379.To object to the issuance of thispermit/license, written protest must bepostmarked no later than January 6th,2012. For a protest to be valid, it must bein writing, and should include the follow-ing information:(1) the name, address and telephonenumber of the person filing the protest;(2) the specfic reasons why the applica-tion should be denied;(3) that the person protesting is willing toattend a hearing (if one is requested bythe applicant);(4) that the person protesting residesin the same county where the pro-posed place of business is located orwithin five miles of the business; and,(5) the name of the applicant and the ad-dress of the premises to be licensed.Protests must be mailed to: S.C. Depart-ment of Revenue, ABL SECTION, P.O.Box 125, Columbia, SC 29214-0907; orfaxed to: (803) 898-5899.

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(2) Turn off the lightsOn the last Saturday in

March — March 31 in 2012 — hundreds of people, busi-nesses, and governments around the world turn off their lights for an hour as part of Earth Hour, a movement to address climate change.

What you can do:Earth Hour happens only

once a year, but you can make an impact every day by turn-ing off lights during bright daylight, or whenever you will be away for an extended period of time.(3) Make the switch

In 2007, Australia became the first country to “ban the bulb,” drastically reducing domestic usage of incan-descent light bulbs. By late 2010, incandescent bulbs had been totally phased out, and, according to the coun-try’s environment minister, this simple move has made a big difference, cutting an estimated 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2012. China also recently pledged to replace the 1 bil-lion incandescent bulbs used in its government offices with more energy efficient models within five years.

What you can do:A bill in Congress to elimi-

nate incandescent in the United States failed in 2011, but you can still make the switch at home. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use only 20-30 percent of the energy required by incan-descents to create the same amount of light, and LEDs use only 10 percent, helping reduce both electric bills and carbon emissions.(4) Turn on the tap

The bottled water indus-try sold 8.8 billion gallons of water in 2010, generating nearly $11 billion in profits. Yet plastic water bottles cre-ate huge environmental prob-lems. The energy required to produce and transport these bottles could fuel an estimated 1.5 million cars for a year, yet approximately 75 percent of water bottles are not recycled — they end up in landfills, litter roadsides, and pollute waterways and oceans. And while public tap water is subject to strict safe-ty regulations, the bottled water industry is not required to report testing results for its products. According to a study, 10 of the most popular

brands of bottled water con-tain a wide range of pollut-ants, including pharmaceu-ticals, fertilizer residue, and arsenic.

What you can do:Fill up your glasses and

reusable water bottles with water from the sink. The United States has more than 160,000 public water sys-tems, and by eliminating bottled water you can help to keep nearly 1 million tons of bottles out of the landfill, as well as save money on water costs.(5) Turn down the heat

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that con-sumers can save up to 15 per-cent on heating and cooling bills just by adjusting their thermostats. Turning down the heat by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours can result in savings of 5-15 percent on your home heat-ing bill.

What you can do:Turn down your thermostat

when you leave for work, or use a programmable thermo-stat to control your heating settings.(6) Support food recovery programs

Each year, roughly a third of all food produced for human consumption — approximately 1.3 billion tons — gets lost or wasted, including 34 million tons in the United States, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Grocery stores, baker-ies, and other food providers throw away tons of food daily that is perfectly edible but is cosmetically imperfect or has passed its expiration date. In response, food recovery programs run by homeless shelters or food banks collect this food and use it to provide meals for the hungry, help-ing to divert food away from landfills and into the bellies of people who need it most.

What you can do:Encourage your local res-

taurants and grocery stores to partner with food res-cue organizations, like City Harvest in New York City or Second Harvest Heartland in Minnesota.

Go through your cabinets and shelves and donate any non-perishable canned and dried foods that you won’t be using to your nearest food bank or shelter.

(7) Buy local“Small Business Saturday,”

falling between “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday,” was established in 2010 as a way to support small busi-nesses during the busiest shopping time of the year. Author and consumer advo-cate Michael Shuman argues that local small businesses are more sustainable because they are often more account-able for their actions, have smaller environmental foot-prints, and innovate to meet local conditions — providing models for others to learn from.

What you can do:Instead of relying exclu-

sively on large supermarkets, consider farmers markets and local farms for your produce, eggs, dairy, and meat. Food from these sources is usually fresher and more flavorful, and your money will be going directly to these food produc-ers.(8) Get out and ride

We all know that carpool-ing and using public trans-portation helps cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as our gas bills. Now, cities across the country are investing in new mobil-ity options that provide exercise and offer an alter-native to being cramped in subways or buses. Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. have major bike sharing programs that allow people to rent bikes for short-term use. Similar programs exist in other cit-ies, and more are planned for places from Miami, Florida, to Madison, Wisconsin.

What you can do:If available, use your city’s

bike share program to run short errands or commute to work. Memberships are gen-erally inexpensive (only $75 for the year in Washington, D.C.), and by eliminating transportation costs, as well as a gym membership, you can save quite a bit of money!

Even if without bike share programs, many cities and towns are incorporating bike lanes and trails, making it easier and safer to use your bike for transportation and recreation.(9) Share a car

Car sharing programs spread from Europe to the United States nearly 13 years ago and are increasingly pop-

ular, with U.S. membership jumping 117 percent between 2007 and 2009. According to the University of California Transportation Center, each shared car replaces 15 per-sonally owned vehicles, and roughly 80 percent of more than 6,000 car-sharing house-holds surveyed across North America got rid of their cars after joining a sharing ser-vice. In 2009, car-sharing was credited with reducing U.S. carbon emissions by more than 482,000 tons. Innovative programs such as Chicago’s I-GO are even introducing solar-powered cars to their fleets, making the impact of these programs even more eco-friendly.

What you can do:Join a car share program!

As of July 2011, there were 26 such programs in the U.S., with more than 560,000 people sharing over 10,000 vehicles. Even if you don’t want to get rid of your own car, using a shared car when traveling in a city can greatly reduce the challenges of find-ing parking (car share pro-grams have their own desig-nated spots), as well as your environmental impact as you run errands or commute to work.(10) Plant a garden

Whether you live in a studio loft or a suburban McMansion, growing your own vegetables is a simple way to bring fresh and nutri-tious food literally to your doorstep. Researchers at the FAO and the United Nations Development Programme estimate that 200 million city dwellers around the world are already growing and sell-ing their own food, feeding some 800 million of their neighbors. Growing a garden doesn’t have to take up a lot of space, and in light of high food prices and recent food safety scares, even a small plot can make a big impact on your diet and wallet.

What you can do:Plant some lettuce in a

window box. Lettuce seeds are cheap and easy to find, and when planted in full sun, one window box can provide enough to make several sal-ads worth throughout a sea-son.(11) Compost

And what better way to fertilize your garden than using your own composted

organic waste. You will not only reduce costs by buying less fertilizer, but you will also help to cut down on food and other organic waste.

What you can do:If you are unsure about the

right ways to compost, web-sites such as HowToCompost.org and organizations such as the U.S. Composting Council, provide easy steps to reuse your organic waste.(12) Reduce your meat con-sumption

Livestock production accounts for about 18 percent of all human-caused green-house gas emissions and accounts for about 23 percent of all global water used in agriculture. Yet global meat production has experienced a 20 percent growth rate since 2000 to meet the per capita increase of meat consump-tion of about 42 kilograms.

What you can do:You don’t have to become

a vegetarian or vegan, but by simply cutting down on the amount of meat you consume can go a long way. Consider substituting one meal day with a vegetarian option. And if you are unable to think of how to substitute your meat-heavy diet, websites such as Meatless Monday and Eating Well offer numerous vegetar-ian recipes that are healthy for you and the environment.

The most successful and lasting New Year’s resolutions are those that are practiced regularly and have an impor-tant goal. Watching the ball drop in Times Square hap-pens only once a year, but for more and more people across the world, the impacts of hunger, poverty, and climate change are felt every day. Thankfully, simple practices, such as recycling or riding a bike, can have great impact. As we prepare to ring in the new year, let’s all resolve to make 2012 a healthier, hap-pier, and greener year for all.

About the Worldwatch Institute:

Worldwatch is an inde-pendent research organiza-tion based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute’s State of the World report is published annually in more than 20 languages. For more infor-mation, visit www.world-watch.org.

GreenFrom page 7

“I think now we’re broadening the story to include everybody — not just a soldier, not a general or a president — just somebody who found themselves swept up in the biggest drama in American life,” says University of Richmond President Edward Ayers, a Civil War expert. “That’s what’s so cool.”

In Virginia, archivists have borrowed from the popular PBS series “Antiques Roadshow,” traveling weekends throughout the state and asking residents to share family collections, which are scanned and added to the already vast col-lection at the Library of Virginia.

Started in September 2010, the Civil War 150 Legacy Project has col-lected 25,000 images.

Virginians have been generous, knowing they can share their long-held mementos with-out surrendering them, said Laura Drake Davis and Renee Savits, the Library of Virginia archi-vists who have divided the state for their on-the-road collection cam-paign.

“They think someone

can learn from them rather than just sitting in their cupboards,” Savits said of the family pos-sessions. “And they’re proud to share their fam-ily’s experience.”

Patricia Bangs heeded the call when a friend told her about the proj-ect. She had inher-ited 400 letters passed down through the years between Cecil A. Burleigh to his wife, Caroline, in Mount Carmel, Conn.

“I felt this would be useful to researchers, a treasure to somebody,” said Bangs, who works for the library system in Fairfax, Va. In one let-ter, she said, Cecil writes of Union troops travel-ing from Connecticut to Washington, crowds cheering them along the way.

The letters, like many collected by archivists, are difficult to read. Many are spelled pho-netically, and the pen-manship can be hard to decipher. Typically, they tell of the story of the home front and its daily deprivations.

Researchers in Tennessee, a battle-ground state in the war,

teamed up with Virginia archivists earlier this year in the border town of Bristol. Both states have seen their share of bullets, swords and other military hardware.

“We have grandmoth-ers dragging in swords and muskets,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee state librarian and archivist.

Documents are fished from attics, pressed between the pages of family bibles and stored in trunks.

Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and many other states have similar programs, or at least are trying to gather materials for use by scholars and regular folks.

Pennsylvania has been especially ambitious in adding new layers to the state’s deep links to the Civil War, including a traveling exhibit called the “PA Civil War Road Show.” The 53-foot-long museum on wheels also invites visitors to share their ancestors’ stories and artifacts in a recording booth. The remembrances will be uploaded on the website PACivilWar150.com.

One visitor brought in

a bugle that an ances-tor was blowing when he was fatally shot at the Battle of Gettysburg.

“He wouldn’t let any-one touch it,” said John Seitter, project manager of the Pennsylvania Civil War project. “It shows you how deeply these artifacts connect peo-ple with the Civil War. There’s some serious memorialization going on here.”

The George and Ann Richards Civil War Era Center at Penn State University is also amid

a survey of all the pub-lic archives in the state to produce a searchable database.

The ambitious project aims to shed light on small, underfunded pub-lic historical societies where records are often “hidden from historians and scholars” and not used, Matt Isham of the “The People’s Contest: A Civil War Era Digital Archiving Project” wrote in an email.

Some people are even donating items unsolic-ited.

In Maine, for instance,

some residents have submitted letters from ancestors who served in the war, but the sesqui-centennial also saw an unusual submission from James R. Hosmer.

Hosmer’s mother, Mary Ruth Hosmer, died in 2005. He was going through her posses-sions in Kittery, Maine, when he made a discov-ery: dozens of carte de viste, small photographs carried by some Union troops, an early version of dog tags. They were stored in a suitcase in an attic.


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But it’s also unfair that Scott pays a third of the costs for a place he rarely uses. Offer to restructure your rental arrangements with Scott, and then per-haps you or Beau could take over the bill paying and let Scott reimburse you. And make sure he gets a receipt.

Dear Annie: I disagree with your response to “Grandma in Missouri,” who requested payment for child care for her grandchildren.

The parents now have resources. If they value having family care for their children, they should be willing to pay.

The other option is to put the children in day care, where it will cost plenty. No one should expect others to watch their kids for free. — Paid a Family Member for 19 Years

Dear Paid: We are not disputing the merits of paying Grandma. The problem is, Grandma inadvertently pushed the daughter to transfer child care to someone else who will do it for free. Now Grandma doesn’t get to see the grandkids. This is a difficult result, and we feel she should talk to her daughter and see if they can reach some

accommodation.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, long-time editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to [email protected], or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. 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.

AnnieFrom page 5

As a matter of course particular states differ in degree and in their par-ticularities, but only in those, for the fundamental character of the state is what defines it. As Albert Jay Nock wrote, “The State originated in con-quest and confiscation, as a device for maintaining the stratification of soci-ety permanently into two classes — an owning and exploiting class, relatively small, and a propertyless

dependent class.”North Korea is an

extreme example of what the state is meant to do and has always done, but the opposite extreme is not the United Kingdom or Germany or the United States. The opposite extreme, the truly free society of mutually ben-eficial exchange and coop-eration, is a condition of statelessness or anarchy. And whereas nothing could be more hopeless or

disorderly than the North Korean state, anarchism represents genuine peace and justice.

Center for a Stateless Society News Analyst David S. D’Amato is a market anarchist and an attorney with an LL.M. in International Law and Business. His aversion to superstition and all permutations of political authority manifests itself at www.firsttruths.com.

D’AmatoFrom page 4

Civil WarFrom page 5

Meador said funds raised by the volunteers goes toward the purchase of items needed within the hospital. In the past, volunteer funds have pur-chased items varying from hospital equipment to cur-tains for the Emergency Room. The volunteers also award scholarships for hospital employees who decide to go back to school.

Daily volunteer activi-ties include visiting patients, delivering mail, writing letters for patients, supervising the information desk, assisting in Admissions & Registration, help-ing patients in Surgical Services and escorting patients who are being admitted or discharged. They also provide free weekly blood pressure screenings to the commu-nity.

For more information about how to become a volunteer, call the Wallace Thomson Hospital volun-teer office at (864) 429-2466 or pick up a volun-teer application form in the hospital’s main lobby.

SaleFrom page 1

NEW YORK (AP) — After a disastrous holiday shopping sea-son, the parent company of Sears and Kmart will close at least 100 stores to raise cash — a move that sparked speculation about whether the 125-year-old retailer can avoid a death spiral fed by declining sales and deteriorating stores.

Sears Holdings Corp., a pil-lar of American retailing that famously began with a mail-order catalog in the 1880s, declared Tuesday that it would no longer prop up "marginally performing" locations. The company pledged to refocus its efforts on stores that make money.

Sears' stock quickly plunged, dropping 27 percent.

The closings are the latest and most visible move by Eddie Lampert, the hands-on chairman who has struggled to reverse the company's fortunes.

As rivals Wal-Mart and Target Corp. spruced up stores in recent years, Sears Holdings struggled with falling sales and percep-tions of dowdy merchandise. Some analysts wondered if it

was already too late, questioning whether the retailer can afford to upgrade stores as it burns through its cash reserves.

The sales weakness "begins and some would argue ends with Sears' reluctance to invest in stores and service," Credit Suisse analyst Gary Balter wrote in a note to clients.

"There's no reason to go to Sears," added New York-based independent retail analyst Brian Sozzi. "It offers a depressing shopping experience and uncom-petitive prices."

Sears and Kmart were both retail pioneers. Sears' catalog and department stores were fix-tures of American life stretching back to the 19th century before being hurt in recent years by competition from steep discount-ers and by missteps that included forays into financial services and the decision to sell off a lucrative credit card business.

Kmart helped create the dis-count-store format that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. came to dominate.

Some customers complained that they have a hard time con-

necting with the Kmart and Sears of today.

Preschool teacher Sara Kriz, picking up hair conditioner at a Kmart on Tuesday in Manhattan, said she used to shop at Kmart often but now goes there only once every few months: "Only when I have to," she said.

"It seems easier to go to Target and Wal-Mart to get the same thing at the same price," Kriz added. "The stores are cleaner and they're better stocked."

Sears Holdings has watched its cash and short-term investments plummet by nearly half since Jan. 31, from about $1.3 billion to about $700 million.

The projected closings repre-sent only about 3 percent of Sears Holdings' U.S. stores. And the company has actually added stores since the Sears-Kmart merger in 2005. It has about 3,560 stores in the U.S., up from 3,500 right after the merger, thanks to the addition of more small stores.

But the company hinted that more closings could be on the horizon as it focuses on honing

the better-performing stores.The store closings were

expected to generate $140 mil-lion to $170 million in cash as the company sells down their inventory. Selling or subleasing the properties could generate more money.

Spokesman Chris Brathwaite said the company had not deter-mined which stores would close or how many jobs might be cut. He disputed speculation that the company will have problems sur-viving, noting it still has $2.9 billion available under its credit lines.

"While our operating perfor-mance has not met our expec-tations, we have significant assets," including inventory, real estate and proprietary brands like Kenmore and Craftsman, Brathwaite said.

Still, the company's announce-ments were grim. In addition to the closings, it announced that revenue at stores open at least a year fell 5.2 percent for the eight weeks ended Dec. 25, a crucial time because of the holiday shop-ping season.

Company to close at least 100 Sears, Kmart stores

SPORTSWednesday, December 28, 2011, Union, S.C. —

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Clemson receiver Hopkins hurt in car wreck

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins is recovering from a concus-sion after a car wreck on the way to meet his team-mates for a trip to Florida for the Orange Bowl.

The school says the sophomore was driving from his home to meet teammates on campus Tuesday morning when he was in a crash and suf-fered a mild concussion.

Hopkins is Clemson's second-leading receiv-er, with 62 receptions for 871 yards and four touchdowns this season. Coach Dabo Swinney says he hopes Hopkins can join the team in Miami. Swinney did not know if Hopkins would be able to play in the bowl game.

The 14th-ranked Tigers meet No. 23 West Virginia on Jan. 4 in the Orange Bowl.

Bengals trying hard to sell out final game

CINCINNATI (AP) — Hot dogs, cotton candy, hot chocolate and water. The Bengals offered refreshments Monday to fans who lined up for a ticket promotion aimed at filling Paul Brown Stadium for the final game.

The Bengals made a buy-one, get-one-free offer to season ticket holders for the final regu-lar season game Sunday. Cincinnati (9-6) would clinch a wild card play-off berth by beating the Baltimore Ravens (11-4).

The challenge is to fill the 65,500-seat stadium, which has been one-third empty for most games this season. The Bengals have sold out only one home game, when Pittsburgh brought thousands of fans.

Cincinnati sold 41,273 tickets for its victory over Arizona on Saturday that gave the Bengals only their third winning record in the last 21 years.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — After Drew Brees broke an NFL passing record that stood for nearly three decades, his teammates called on him to make a speech in the Saints’ locker room.

“This record isn’t about one person. There might be just one name that goes in led-ger under the record, but it’s really about the team,” Brees told his teammates. “I want everyone to feel a huge part of this, that this record would not have been possible without them.”

It was quite a night for Brees and the Saints — a record and a rout.

Brees set the NFL mark for yards passing in a season, breaking a record Dan Marino held for 27 years, and New Orleans wrapped up the NFC South title with a 45-16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.

Brees nearly topped Marino three years ago, finishing with 5,069 yards passing. But that pursuit rang a little hol-low because the Saints were 8-8.

This time, Brees’ prolific passing has led

New Orleans (12-3) to the playoffs and a legiti-mate shot at its second Super Bowl in three seasons.

“We all want this (record) very badly,” Brees began, “but it’s all about winning and we know if we just focus on that, all that other stuff will take care of itself.”

Brees threw for 307 yards and four touch-downs, the last a 9-yard strike to Darren Sproles that set the record with 2:51 to go.

It was Brees’ final pass of the game and it gave him 5,087 yards passing — with one game left. Marino fin-ished with 5,084 yards for the Miami Dolphins in 1984.

Minutes after Brees broke the record, Marino offered congrat-ulations on Twitter.

“Great job by such a special player,” Marino wrote.

As Sproles spiked the ball, Brees thrust his fist triumphantly in the air and started walk-ing toward the sideline while the Superdome crowd went wild and his teammates chased him down. Offensive guard Carl Nicks was the first one to get there

and tried to lift Brees onto his shoulder, but couldn’t do it as team-mates swarmed around.

“If I could have put him on my shoulders and paraded him around the whole stadium I would have done that. He deserves it,” Nicks said. “It’s like a movie, man. Just a movie end-ing. It’s beautiful. ... You could tell by everyone’s reaction after he did it how much people care about that guy. We all love him.”

Brees pushed his touchdown total to 276, moving him ahead of Joe Montana (273) and Vinny Testaverde (275) for ninth on the career list. The former Purdue star is the first quar-terback in NFL history to pass for more than 5,000 yards twice.

Brees’ first scoring pass went for 8 yards to Marques Colston and the second for 9 yards to Jimmy Graham. Graham’s TD catch was his 10th of the sea-son, a franchise high for a tight end. In the third quarter, Brees hit Robert Meachem for a score from 24 yards to make it 28-10.

The Saints (12-3) also had 463 total yards, giv-

ing them 6,857 offen-sive yards for the sea-son, breaking the 2008 club record of 6,571. New Orleans continues to close in on the NFL record of 7,075 offen-sive yards set by the 2000 St. Louis Rams.

Brees might have bro-ken the record in the third quarter if not for Sproles’ 92-yard kickoff return, which set up John Kasay’s 29-yard field goal. Brees also threw two intercep-tions, but New Orleans was still dominant enough to take a big lead.

The game became a romp when Julio Jones was stripped by Scott Shanle and Malcolm Jenkins returned it 30 yards for a score to make it 38-16 in the fourth quarter. The Superdome crowd was in full celebration by then, but the play also meant fans would have to wait until later in the fourth quarter before Brees finally got his chance to break the passing record.

The Saints can earn the No. 2 seed and a first-round playoff bye with a win Sunday over Carolina and a San Francisco loss at St.

Louis, which is 2-13.Atlanta (9-6) is head-

ed to the playoffs as a wild card.

Uncharacteristically, Brees had only a yard passing during a span of a little more than 18 minutes in the sec-ond half. Fans howled, “Drewwww!” each time he took the field, and he finally gave them what they wanted after Atlanta failed on a fourth-down try at its own 33. That gave Brees, who needed only 30 yards for the record at that point, just enough space to work with.

The Saints didn’t need another score, but Saints coach Sean Payton said he thought giving Brees a chance to go for the record was “appropriate.”

Falcons coach Mike Smith diplomatically deflected questions about that, saying only, “It is our job to go out there and stop them. It doesn’t matter if they are running the ball or throwing the ball.”

Matt Ryan had 373 yards passing and one TD, including an early 21-yard scoring strike to Jones.

“We didn’t really play

well enough in any phase of the game to give ourselves a chance,” said Smith, whose team came in with a chance to stay in the hunt for the division title. “It’s not the type of effort that you want to have with so much on the line with what the outcome could have meant to our team.”

Pierre Thomas scored New Orleans’ first touch-down on a 4-yard run, after which he pulled a bow from his uniform pants, put it on the foot-ball and offered it as a gift to a woman with a parasol in the front row behind the end zone.

The referees weren’t cutting Thomas any slack on his Christmas-themed celebration, flag-ging him for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike con-duct penalty.

Notes: Brees has passed for 300 yards or more an NFL-record 12 times this season. ... New England quarter-back Tom Brady could also pass Marino next week — and maybe even Brees, too. Brady has thrown for 4,897 yards. ... The Saints are 7-0 at home and never have gone undefeated at home in a full season.

Brees sets passing mark, Saints top Falcons 45-16

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