12
BY STEPHEN WOODWARD Staff Writer PINEVILLE — Pine Mountain State Resort Park is under new management. Stephen Eastin replaces former manager John Brock, who retired at the end of last year. But Eastin said it’s not the last park visitors will see of Brock. “He’ll still be around playing golf,” said Eastin, who’s been serving as interim manager since Jan 1. Eastin started his career under state employment at the Warren County Regional Detention Center and then transferred to the Department of Parks in 2002 as the fit- ness manager at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. He later became the assistant park manager at Barren River Lake State Resort Park in 2006. “I spent a lot of time working with at-risk youth,” said Eastin, when he worked at the Detention Center. With a Bachelor’s degree in science and recreation and love for fitness and the outdoors, Eastin said it was a natural move to start working in the park service. “I love golf and love nature,” said Eastin, who was born in Bowling Green, Ky. “If I’m not working out, I’m play- ing golf or hiking the trails.” But his job won’t just be a walk in the park. Eastin said that his job has many responsibilities. For instance, he came in yesterday and the laundry room was flooded. “Every day is different,” said Eastin. ”I’ve got visitors from Frankfort yesterday, I’ve started to work on the budget for 2010, personnel are constantly coming and going.” Eastin said his duties also include operational problem solving and taking care of his staff, as well as managing the daily park operations, like the restaurant, kitchen, rec- reation, golf course, and maintenance departments. But he‘s thankful he doesn’t have to do it all himself. “I have very qualified supervisors who oversee these depart- ments,” he said. “Without the supervisors, it would be too much for me.” Eastin said that there were NEWS IN BRIEF Regional news: Missing juvenile HARLAN, Ky. — Police are searching for a missing juvenile who was last seen on Sunday, February 22. If anyone has any infor- mation on the whereabouts of Jonathan D. Curry, age 17 of Cawood, Ky., they should contact Kentucky State Police Post 10 Harlan at 606-573-3131. This case is under inves- tigation by Trooper Jason Young. Ky.’s top public defender says office going broke LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s top public defender said the state’s indi- gent defense system will go broke by late April or early May and have to stop taking on clients. Department of Public Advocacy chief Ed Monahan says the agency needs $4.7 million to continue function- ing until the 2009-10 budget takes effect July 1. Without the funds, Monahan says, the agency will have to stop represent- ing clients when appointed by the courts. The Department of Public Advocacy is locked in a legal battle with the state over funding for public defend- ers. The public defenders say their caseloads are too high and their office is short on funds. The state has said the agency is getting all the money that can be expended. Opponents protest anti-gay adoption bill FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A measure that would bar gay and lesbian couples from adopting children is sparking protests in Frankfort. Opponents gathered in the Capitol on Wednesday to call on lawmakers to defeat the legislation. Their calls for “fairness” echoed through the marble hallways. Louisville civil rights group The Fairness Campaign organized the rally against legislation that would bar gay, lesbian and unmarried heterosexual cou- ples from adopting children or providing foster care. The measure would allow children to be placed only in adoptive or foster homes with people who “are not cohabiting outside of a mar- riage that is legally valid in Kentucky.” Chris Hartman, head of The Fairness Campaign, said the legislation unjustly rules out potentially good parents just because they’re not mar- ried in the traditional sense. ——— The legislation is Senate Bill 68. Serving the Tri-State community 12 pages, 50¢ Thursday, February 26, 2009 www.middlesborodailynews.com • See PARK, page 3 Printed on 100% Recycled Newsprint BY SARAH MIRACLE Staff Writer MIDDLESBORO — The entire coun- try is in a recession. People are struggling to financially make ends meet. How does one overcome this trying economy when it seems like everyday brings another obsta- cle? Current budget shortfalls in Kentucky have sparked several debates. Each argu- ment questions how to raise revenue in the Commonwealth. Casino gambling, video slot machines at horse tracks and a number of other items have been hot topics. State politicians believe they have an enduring solution to the state’s budget deficit — an alcohol/ cigarette tax increase. Kentucky is facing a $456.1 million shortfall for the fiscal year ending June 30. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear recently signed a bill that imposes higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol sold across the state to curb the monetary problems. Following Beshear’s lead, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 24-12. Local residents will hardly be affected by the alcohol tax, as Bell is a ‘dry county’, but cigarette taxes are a different story. The bill raises the tax on cigarettes from 30 cents to 60 cents per pack. The increase is expected to generate approximately $81.5 million a year. The bill imposes a six percent retail sales tax on all alcohol prod- ucts, generating an additional $97.9 million a year. The plan will also transfer $219 million from the state’s rainy day fund to the general fund. Lawmakers say raising the combined taxes and shifting other state money should offset the need for deeper cuts in govern- ment spending. The new taxes will go into effect on April 1, 2009. The Middlesboro Daily News wants to know how our readers feel about the increased cigarette tax. We hit the street and posed the question. Here are a few of the responses we heard: How do you feel about Ky.’s increased cigarette tax? “I’m not a smoker but I don’t agree with the tax increase. Cigarette prices are already ridiculous. People are going to start neglecting other things just so they can afford their cigarettes.” — Amanda Edwards “I’m a smoker and I think it’s really unfair. Everytime the government needs money it seems like they target the smokers.” — Kathy Garland “I think it’s unfair. Smokers don’t have a chance. Our politicians shouldn’t have the rights to put taxes on a particular group of people. It’s a choice for people to smoke but we don’t get to choose the price of our habit.” — Kathy Caldwell “While not a smoker myself, I don’t like it when the state or federal government tries to legislate against bad habits.” — Josh Eldridge Jonathan D. Curry SARAH MIRACLE/ Middlesboro Daily News The local economic atmosphere is reflective of the reces- sion that the entire country is in. Within the last year, the Tri-State area has experienced a profound loss of local busi- nesses, including two that just recently announced their closings. Goody’s Family Clothing Store is gone. The Shoe Department is no longer in business. China Buffet is just an empty build- ing. And now, Sterchi’s Furniture Store (pictured at right) is selling their last few items of furniture in a ‘going out of business’ sale. As of Tuesday, officials had not set a closing date, but furniture is selling quickly at discounted prices. The Middlesboro Mall continues to feel the sting of this economic downfall. Despite extensive efforts, mall officials stood by as Steve & Barry’s Sportswear, a major anchor store, filed bankruptcy and closed its doors. Kay-Bee Toys, Dawahares and Underground Attitude have also closed within the last several months. Now, the mall is losing another tenant. Bear Bottom Coffee (doorway pictured at bottom, left) is going out of business. According to Mall Manager Charles Burchfield, when the novel coffee shop’s lease expired, owners weren’t interested in renewing another agreement. Burchfield said mall officials maintain their optimism on new business and the mall’s longevity. Under new management Stephen Eastin (pictured above) has replaced John Brock as manager of Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Economic slump hits two more local businesses

Printed on 100% Recycled Newsprint NEWS IN BRIEF …matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/508/assets/...store, filed bankruptcy and closed its doors. Kay-Bee Toys, Dawahares

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

BY STEPHEN WOODWARDStaff Writer

PINEVILLE — Pine Mountain State Resort Park is under new management. Stephen Eastin replaces former manager John Brock, who retired at the end of last year. But Eastin said it’s not the last park visitors will see of Brock.

“He’ll still be around playing golf,” said Eastin, who’s been serving as interim manager since Jan 1.

Eastin started his career under state employment at the Warren County Regional Detention Center and then transferred to the Department of Parks in 2002 as the fit-ness manager at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. He later became the assistant park manager at Barren River Lake State Resort Park in 2006.

“I spent a lot of time working with at-risk youth,” said Eastin, when he worked at the Detention Center. With a Bachelor’s degree in science and recreation and love for fitness and the outdoors, Eastin said it was a natural move to start working in the park service.

“I love golf and love nature,” said Eastin, who was born in Bowling Green, Ky. “If I’m not working out, I’m play-ing golf or hiking the trails.”

But his job won’t just be a walk in the park.Eastin said that his job has many responsibilities. For

instance, he came in yesterday and the laundry room was flooded. “Every day is different,” said Eastin. ”I’ve got visitors from Frankfort yesterday, I’ve started to work on the budget for 2010, personnel are constantly coming and going.”

Eastin said his duties also include operational problem solving and taking care of his staff, as well as managing the daily park operations, like the restaurant, kitchen, rec-reation, golf course, and maintenance departments.

But he‘s thankful he doesn’t have to do it all himself. “I have very qualified supervisors who oversee these depart-ments,” he said. “Without the supervisors, it would be too much for me.”

Eastin said that there were

NEWS IN BRIEF

Regional news: Missing

juvenileHARLAN, Ky. — Police

are searching for a missing juvenile who was last seen on Sunday, February 22.

If anyone has any infor-mation on the whereabouts of Jonathan D. Curry, age 17 of Cawood, Ky., they should contact Kentucky State Police Post 10 Harlan at 606-573-3131.

This case is under inves-tigation by Trooper Jason Young.

Ky.’s top public defender says office going

brokeLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)

— Kentucky’s top public defender said the state’s indi-gent defense system will go broke by late April or early May and have to stop taking on clients.

Department of Public Advocacy chief Ed Monahan says the agency needs $4.7 million to continue function-ing until the 2009-10 budget takes effect July 1.

Without the funds, Monahan says, the agency will have to stop represent-ing clients when appointed by the courts.

The Department of Public Advocacy is locked in a legal battle with the state over funding for public defend-ers. The public defenders say their caseloads are too high and their office is short on funds. The state has said the agency is getting all the money that can be expended.

Opponents protest anti-gay

adoption billFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)

— A measure that would bar gay and lesbian couples from adopting children is sparking protests in Frankfort.

Opponents gathered in the Capitol on Wednesday to call on lawmakers to defeat the legislation. Their calls for “fairness” echoed through the marble hallways.

Louisville civil rights g roup The Fa i r ness Campaign organized the rally against legislation that would bar gay, lesbian and unmarried heterosexual cou-ples from adopting children or providing foster care.

The measure would allow children to be placed only in adoptive or foster homes with people who “are not cohabiting outside of a mar-riage that is legally valid in Kentucky.”

Chris Hartman, head of The Fairness Campaign, said the legislation unjustly rules out potentially good parents just because they’re not mar-ried in the traditional sense.

———The legislation is Senate

Bill 68.

Serving the Tri-State community 12 pages, 50¢Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.middlesborodailynews.com

• See PARK, page 3

Printed on 100% Recycled Newsprint

BY SARAH MIRACLEStaff Writer

MIDDLESBORO — The entire coun-try is in a recession. People are struggling to financially make ends meet. How does one overcome this trying economy when it seems like everyday brings another obsta-cle?

Current budget shortfalls in Kentucky have sparked several debates. Each argu-ment questions how to raise revenue in the Commonwealth. Casino gambling, video slot machines at horse tracks and a number of other items have been hot topics. State politicians believe they have an enduring solution to the state’s budget deficit — an alcohol/ cigarette tax increase.

Kentucky is facing a $456.1 million shortfall for the fiscal year ending June 30. Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear recently signed a bill that imposes higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol sold across the state to curb the monetary problems.

Following Beshear’s lead, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 24-12. Local residents will hardly be affected by the alcohol tax, as Bell is a ‘dry county’, but cigarette taxes are a different story.

The bill raises the tax on cigarettes from 30 cents to 60 cents per pack. The increase is expected to generate approximately $81.5 million a year. The bill imposes a six percent retail sales tax on all alcohol prod-ucts, generating an additional $97.9 million a year. The plan will also transfer $219 million from the state’s rainy day fund to the general fund.

Lawmakers say raising the combined taxes and shifting other state money should offset the need for deeper cuts in govern-ment spending. The new taxes will go into effect on April 1, 2009.

The Middlesboro Daily News wants to know how our readers feel about the increased cigarette tax. We hit the street

and posed the question. Here are a few of the responses we heard:

How do you feel about Ky.’s increased cigarette

tax?

“I’m not a smoker but I don’t agree with the tax increase. Cigarette prices are already ridiculous. People are going

to start neglecting other things just so they can afford their cigarettes.”

— Amanda Edwards

“I’m a smoker and I think it’s really unfair. Everytime the government needs

money it seems like they target the smokers.”

— Kathy Garland

“I think it’s unfair. Smokers don’t have a chance. Our politicians shouldn’t have the rights to put taxes on a particular

group of people. It’s a choice for people to smoke but we don’t get to choose the

price of our habit.”

— Kathy Caldwell

“While not a smoker myself, I don’t like it when the state or federal government tries to legislate against bad habits.”

— Josh Eldridge

Jonathan D. Curry

SARAH MIRACLE/ Middlesboro Daily News

The local economic atmosphere is reflective of the reces-sion that the entire country is in. Within the last year, the Tri-State area has experienced a profound loss of local busi-nesses, including two that just recently announced their closings.Goody’s Family Clothing Store is gone. The Shoe Department is no longer in business. China Buffet is just an empty build-ing. And now, Sterchi’s Furniture Store (pictured at right) is selling their last few items of furniture in a ‘going out of business’ sale. As of Tuesday, officials had not set a closing date, but furniture is selling quickly at discounted prices.The Middlesboro Mall continues to feel the sting of this economic downfall. Despite extensive efforts, mall officials stood by as Steve & Barry’s Sportswear, a major anchor store, filed bankruptcy and closed its doors. Kay-Bee Toys, Dawahares and Underground Attitude have also closed within the last several months. Now, the mall is losing another tenant. Bear Bottom Coffee (doorway pictured at bottom, left) is going out of business. According to Mall Manager Charles Burchfield, when the novel coffee shop’s lease expired, owners weren’t interested in renewing another agreement. Burchfield said mall officials maintain their optimism on new business and the mall’s longevity.

Under new management

Stephen Eastin (pictured above) has replaced John Brock as manager of Pine Mountain State Resort Park.

Economic slump hits two more local businesses

Today's WeatherLocal 5-Day Forecast

Thu

2/26

64/51Cloudy. Highs in themid 60s and lows inthe low 50s.

Sunrise Sunset7:09 AM 6:27 PM

Fri

2/27

53/35Chance of showers.Highs in the low 50sand lows in the mid30s.

Sunrise Sunset7:08 AM 6:28 PM

Sat

2/28

48/30Few showers. Highsin the upper 40s andlows in the low 30s.

Sunrise Sunset7:07 AM 6:29 PM

Sun

3/1

45/29Partly cloudy. Highsin the mid 40s andlows in the upper20s.

Sunrise Sunset7:05 AM 6:30 PM

Mon

3/2

41/31Mix of sun andclouds. Highs in thelow 40s and lows inthe low 30s.

Sunrise Sunset7:04 AM 6:31 PM

Lexington62/43

Louisville62/43

Bowling Green66/48

Paducah64/42

Frankfort63/44

Middlesboro64/51

Kentucky At A Glance

Area CitiesCity Hi Lo Cond. City Hi Lo Cond. City Hi Lo Cond.Ashland 61 43 rain Glasgow 65 48 rain Murray 65 45 rainBowling Green 66 48 rain Hopkinsville 65 45 rain Nashville, TN 68 51 rainCincinnati, OH 61 43 rain Knoxville, TN 65 52 cloudy Owensboro 60 40 rainCorbin 65 50 rain Lexington 62 43 rain Paducah 64 42 rainCovington 57 39 rain Louisville 62 43 rain Pikeville 64 51 cloudyCynthiana 61 41 rain Madisonville 63 43 rain Prestonsburg 62 45 cloudyDanville 63 46 rain Mayfield 66 45 rain Richmond 63 46 rainElizabethtown 62 42 rain Middlesboro 64 51 cloudy Russell Springs 65 49 rainEvansville, IN 60 39 rain Morehead 61 42 rain Somerset 67 53 rainFrankfort 63 44 rain Mount Vernon 64 48 rain Winchester 63 45 rain

National CitiesCity Hi Lo Cond. City Hi Lo Cond. City Hi Lo Cond.Atlanta 67 49 cloudy Houston 80 64 t-storm Phoenix 76 51 mst sunnyBoston 47 36 cloudy Los Angeles 68 49 cloudy San Francisco 57 42 rainChicago 42 20 frz rain Miami 75 63 mst sunny Seattle 42 35 rainDallas 82 55 windy Minneapolis 23 2 snow St. Louis 59 33 rainDenver 59 33 pt sunny New York 52 41 pt sunny Washington, DC 60 47 pt sunny

Moon Phases

NewFeb 25

FirstMar 4

FullMar 11

LastMar 18

UV IndexThu

2/263

Moderate

Fri2/27

2

Low

Sat2/28

3

Moderate

Sun3/14

Moderate

Mon3/25

Moderate

The UV Index is measured on a 0 -11 number scale, with a higher UVIndex showing the need for greaterskin protection.

0 11

©2005 American Profile Hometown Content Service

PEOPLE In the news from Associated Press reports

Page 2 THE DAILY NEWS | THURSDAY |FEBRUARY 26, 2009

Associated Press reports

— World Headlines —

— National Headlines —

TODAY IN BRIEF

Marine accused of setting Camp Pendleton fire

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.— A Marine has been charged with recklessly setting one of the two wildfires that threatened homes in and around Camp Pendleton north of San Diego last October.

Base officials said in a statement Wednesday that Lance Cpl. Nason G. Lamb faces military charges of reckless endangerment, setting fire to and damaging property and making a false official statement.

Authorities say Lamb started a grass fire during a training exercise. It was the smaller of two fires on the base at about the same time that together blackened more than six square miles.

No structural damage or injuries were report-ed. Lamb remained free on the base and did not immediately respond to a request for comment submitted through a Marine spokesman.

A hearing will determine if he should be court-martialed. The Marine statement says Lamb could face up to 8 1/2 years in the brig and dishonorable discharge if convicted.

Sanctuary warned Conn. chimp owner about dangers

STAMFORD, Conn.— The founder of a primate rescue sanctuary says she warned a Connecticut woman years ago that her chim-panzee was a “ticking time bomb.

April Truitt runs the Primate Rescue Center in Kentucky. She said Wednesday that she

warned chimp owner Sandra Herold of the dan-gers of keeping the animal in her home after it escaped in 2003.

The chimp attacked and critically injured 55-year-old Charla Nash last week as she tried to help lure him into a house. Police shot and killed the animal.

Truitt says she pleaded with Herold to con-sider placing the chimp in a sanctuary. She says Herold replied: “You don’t know my Travis.”

Herold and her attorneys didn’t return mes-sages Wednesday.

Defendant’s lawyer: Star witness can’t be believed

PHOENIX— A lawyer for the main sus-pect in the Phoenix metropolitan area’s Serial Shooter case says the prosecution’s star witness was trying to save himself from the death pen-alty and can’t be trusted.

Defendant Dale Hausner is charged with killing eight people and attacking 20 others in nighttime shootings in 2005 and 2006.

Defense attorney Ken Everett said in his closing arguments Wednesday that star witness Samuel Dieteman, his client’s former room-mate, is a convicted killer who spiced up his statements to police to save his own skin.

Everett scoffed at Dieteman’s claim that he was clearing his conscience by testifying against Hausner.

Dieteman has pleaded guilty to two killings. He has yet to be sentenced but could face the death penalty.

Rival Palestinian groups agree to prisoner swapCAIRO— Rival Palestinian groups

Hamas and Fatah agreed Wednesday to exchange prisoners as part of talks meant to reconcile, a senior Hamas official said.

A deal between the Islamic militants of Hamas who rule Gaza and the more moderate Fatah movement in charge of the West Bank is seen as key to moving ahead with Gaza’s reconstruction after Israel’s recent offensive.

The Palestinians hope to raise $2.8 billion at an international donor’s confer-ence in Egypt on Monday. But determin-ing how to send aid to Gaza’s people is tricky because much of the international community shuns Hamas.

Hamas and Fatah met in advance of Thursday’s main talks on more challeng-ing issues like holding elections and shar-ing power.

Distrust between the groups runs deep after a three-year power struggle, includ-ing a civil war that ended with Hamas’ violent takeover of Gaza in 2007, leaving Fatah in charge of only the West Bank.

Hamas claimed the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ran a Gaza spy ring that fed Israel infor-mation about Hamas targets during the offensive that ended Jan. 18. Abbas’ Fatah

accused Hamas of killing and wounding dozens of Fatah activists under the cover of the war.

The two sides met in Cairo for talks mediated by Egypt’s intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman.

Leading Hamas f igure Izzat Rashaq told reporters Wednesday night that the groups had agreed on a prisoner swap. In a goodwill gesture, Fatah released 42 Hamas detainees in the West Bank and promised to release more.

Rashaq welcomed the release but said it was not enough.

Unless Fatah releases more detainees, “it will turn to a bomb that would explode in the face of the Palestinian-Palestinian talks,” he warned.

Speaking earlier in the day, Nabil Shaath, a top Abbas aide, said the sides also agreed to immediately stop all media attacks against each other.

The Egyptians say the talks will also cover forming an interim government, holding presidential and legislative elec-tions, restructuring the security services and finding a role for Hamas in the Fatah-run Palestine Liberation Organization.

In a separate effort, Egyptian media-tors are trying to reach a more perma-nent truce between Israel and Hamas to replace a shaky cease-fire that ended last month’s offensive.

House passes resolution to honor actor Paul Newman

WASHINGTON— Paul Newman, the late actor and 10-time Academy Award nominee, has been honored by lawmakers as a screen leg-end and humanitarian.

Newman died Sept. 26, 2008, at age 83 after a long battle with cancer. The House on Tuesday night approved a resolution recogniz-ing Newman’s achievements on and off screen.

The resolution said Newman’s “humanitarian works and incomparable talents have made him an American icon who will never be forgotten.”

The Hollywood star won one Oscar and took home two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including “Cool Hand Luke,” “Exodus,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Verdict,” “The Sting” and “Absence of Malice.”

Newman and his popular food company, Newman’s Own, have given more than $250 million to charity over the years. He also helped to start “Hole in the Wall” camps across the world for children with life-threatening illness-es.

The resolution is H.R.18.

Singer-guitarist leaves the Barenaked Ladies

TORONTO— Singer-guitarist Steven Page has left the Barenaked Ladies.

The news comes several months after drug charges against Page were dropped in the U.S. His arrest came after the band, known for its clean-cut image and whimsical lyrics, released an album of children’s songs titled “Snacktime.”

The band’s Web site said Wednesday that Page will pursue solo projects, including theatri-cal opportunities.

Page, his girlfriend and her roommate were charged with drug possession in July after police found cocaine at an apartment in New York state. In late October, all three secured a deal to have charges dropped if they stayed out of trouble for six months.

Page wished the band the best.

“These guys are my brothers,” he said in the online statement. “We’ve grown up together over the past 20 years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future.”

The band was formed in Toronto and released 12 albums, producing hits such as “If I Had $1,000,000,” “Brian Wilson” and “Too Little, Too Late.”

The other members will return to the studio in April and will tour in the fall.

“It’s the start of a new chapter for all of us,” band member Ed Robertson said. “Here’s to the future!”

Schwarzenegger to play himself in Stallone filmSACRAMENTO, Calif.— Art will imitate

life when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger spends a few hours playing himself later this year in a movie by Sylvester Stallone.

Stallone’s publicist, Sheryl Main, revealed more details Tuesday of Schwarzenegger’s rare big-screen appearance. The governor said he has done just three cameos for friends since becoming governor in 2003.

Shooting on the film, “The Expendables,” will begin March 28 in Brazil and move to New Orleans for two months. Main says the governor will shoot his scene in Los Angeles.

His role will be a familiar one: California governor.

Stallone writes, directs and stars in the movie, a film about a group of mercenaries try-ing to overthrow a South American dictator. It also stars Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke and Forest Whitaker.

Nick Mitchell defies ‘American Idol’ norm

LOS ANGELES— It seemed like just another dead-on-arrival “American Idol” audi-tion: Nick Mitchell lunged into the popular Fox singing competition’s New York tryout, performing not as his unassuming self, but as a saucy character he’d named Norman Gentle.

Decked out in a terry cloth headband, over-sized glasses and a sparkly shirt, he wailed

“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls.” It was clear from the start that this guy was not here to advance a serious sing-ing career.

But after some candid banter — some of it funny enough to make Simon Cowell laugh out loud — and an almost-earnest “Amazing Grace,” the judges actually voted to put Mitchell through to Hollywood Week.

Kara DioGuardi said he didn’t have “a shot in hell,” so his improbable ascension seemed destined to end on the West Coast. But the 27-year-old crooner from Brookfield, Conn., has kept going and going in the competition.

The judges have bought the schtick so far. Will America?

Mitchell — or perhaps Gentle? — is sched-uled perform for viewer votes Wednesday for the first time. The crowning of such a jester has left many in the “Idol” audience wondering: Who the heck is this guy?

Bob Appleby, a friend and former class-mate who started the “Brookfield Loves Nick Mitchell” group on Facebook, said Mitchell is “a natural entertainer.”

“Growing up, he got along with everyone,” said Appleby. “He would always sing and make everyone laugh. He was known for doing spoofs. He was always entertaining everyone in elementary school, junior high and high school — and he still is. I think a lot of us in Brookfield are excited that the rest of the country gets to see how entertaining he is.”

After graduating from high school, Mitchell studied at Marymount Manhattan College and Western Connecticut State University, and he took classes at the Singers Forum and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York, accord-ing to his MySpace page. His family owns Mitchell Oil in Danbury, Conn., but by all accounts, he’s just another struggling performer.

“I decided to audition for ’American Idol,’ to be honest, just to hopefully get on camera and see if I could possibly get some work out of this or an agent,” Mitchell said in a video posted on AmericanIdol.com. “I’m not the normal contes-tant, I guess you’d say. I hope that’s OK. I’m a sketch comedian, but I also am a singer.”

Mitchell said he crafted the Gentle persona a few years ago to be able to “get away” with

singing Whitney Houston and “Dreamgirls”tunes.

Seeing Gentle was a first for Julie Gabriele, who attended high school and starred in a production of “Little Shop of Horrors” with Mitchell.

“I didn’t know what it was,” Gabriele, who now lives in Chicago, said of Mitchell’s alterego. “Since I’ve never watched ’American Idol’ before, I wasn’t sure if creating an alias likethat was something that other contestants did.I’d never seen that character before, so I know that he didn’t really sing like that. Nick can singreally well, actually.”

The show’s four judges have agreed, select-ing Mitchell as one of the eighth season’s 36semifinalists after Mitchell performed as him-self and as Gentle during Hollywood Week.For the record, they preferred Gentle. No other intentionally over-the-top contestant — SanjayaMalakar was never this self-aware — has ever achieved such “Idol” success.

Like the judges, Appleby believes thatMitchell needed Gentle to put his “good” sing-ing over the top.

“Seeing as how they were basically interviewing 103,000 people, he might have been overlooked,” Appleby said, “but by going in there and having an edge, usingcomedy to get noticed, I think that was thedeciding factor that got him noticed duringof all his auditions.”

The “Idol” stage isn’t Gentle’s f irst moment in the spotlight. Mitchell appearedas the character on “The Wendy WilliamsShow” last year after sending in an unsolic-ited tape of himself dancing around his liv-ing room while lip-syncing to the syndicat-ed talk show’s theme song. Executive pro-ducer Rob Dauber said he knew Mitchell deserved a second look.

“Right away, his sense of humor and sense of fun came right through that screen,” said Dauber. “We all loved it, andWendy loved it, so we decided to book himto come and open the show. He was beyond excited. He came, and he stayed in charac-ter the entire time he was here. It’s obvioushe’s wanted this for a long, long time.”

BY ROGER ALFORDAssociated Press Writer

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, who plans to run for U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning’s seat next year, called Wednesday for Bunning to withdraw from his re-elec-tion campaign, saying the 77-year-old is an embarrassment to Kentucky.

“We are facing an unprec-edented financial crisis that is costing Kentuckians their jobs, their homes, and their life savings,” Mongiardo said. “In the midst of this crisis, Senator Bunning has engaged in a verbal spectacle that’s not just embarrassing, but shows he’s incapable of delivering for Kentucky.”

Bunning declined to com-ment on Mongiardo’s one-page written statement, said his Washington spokesman, Mike Reynard.

Mongiardo said recent com-

ments by Bunning raise ques-tions about his ability to rep-resent the state in Washington and show he has “engaged in conduct unbecoming of a United States senator.”

Bunning apologized Monday to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for saying he believes she could die within a year from pancreatic can-cer. Bunning, a Hall-of-Fame major league pitcher, who has no medical background, apologized on Monday, say-ing he didn’t intend to offend Ginsburg.

Doctors diagnosed the 75-year-old justice and removed a small tumor this month. They said the cancer was caught early, when it is most curable. The American Cancer Society estimates that 20 percent to 24 percent of patients whose pan-creatic cancer is caught early survive five years.

Mongiardo, who lost to Bunning in 2004, cited an apparent rift between Bunning and other GOP senators, including Republican Floor Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, to suggest that the incumbent “has lost any sense of how to get things done” in the Senate.

“If Senator Bunning is going to constantly fight with his fellow Republican senators, how can he possibly deliver for Kentucky? It’s time for Senator Bunning to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race,” Mongiardo said. “It’s time for him to go.”

Mongiardo said “from a purely personal and partisan perspective” he would like Bunning to remain in the race because he would be “easy to run against” in 2010.

“With so many problems facing us, Kentucky needs a senator who can get things done to improve the lives of

Kentucky families,” Mongiardo said. “Senator Bunning’s recent comments and actions clearly demonstrate that he is incapable of being effective in Washington or being a senator that Kentuckians can be proud of.”

many events that he was looking forward to, like the Buffalo Buffet on March 12, which will offer many unique entrees including carved buf-falo rounds, buffalo stampede chili, buffalo barbecue, buf-falo chuckwagon stew and chopped buffalo steaks.

“It will be my f irst Mountain Laurel Festival, and I’ve started work on that,” said Eastin about the summer festival at the park.

“I hope to keep making it the success that it is, and make it better and bigger.”

While he hasn’t been at the park for long, Eastin said he was most impressed by his fellow coworkers.

“They’re a great group of people, and the hardest working people,” said Eastin. “They exude teamwork — that was evident from day one... They’re a tight knit group and they know what needs to be done. That helps my job.”

Stephen Woodward may be contacted at [email protected].

PINEVILLE — Bell County has been chosen to receive $21,166 to supplement emergency food and shelter pro-grams in the county.

The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the SA; and United Way of America. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shel-ter programs in high-need areas around the country.

A Local Board will determine how the funds awarded to

Bell County will be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Bell County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with the Salvation Army, Christian Corporative Ministries, Henderson Settlement,and the Bell County Homeless Shelter. These agencies were responsible for providing services to Bell County.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in apply-ing for Emergency Food and Shelter Program Funds mustcontact the Local Board Chair, Patricia Stanley, P.O. Box 721, Middlesboro, KY 40965. Deadline for applications is March 6, 2009.

THE DAILY NEWS |THURSDAY|FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Page 3

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PINEVILLE — The following people were recently arrested and charged by local law enforcement officials, for various law violations. Names and charges, as listed, were submitted by the Bell County Detention Center.

Patrick Brian Vinson, 20, of Middlesboro was arrested Feb. 23 by Middlesboro Police Dept., arresting officer David Buis. Vinson was charged with third degree bur-glary.

David Lee Smallwood, 30, of Middlesboro was arrested Feb. 23 by Middlesboro Police Dept., arresting officer Wade Barnett. Smallwood was charged with third degree burglary.

Tabitha Henderson, 28, of Barbourville, Ky. was arrest-ed Feb. 23, no arresting agency listed. Henderson was charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, shop-lifting.

James M. Womack, 47, of Middlesboro was arrested Feb. 23, no arresting agency listed. Womack was charged with a misdemeanor offense probation violation.

David E. Posey, 29, of Barbourville, Ky. was arrested Feb. 24 by Kentucky State Police, arresting officer Tyson Lawson. Posey was charged with a bench warrant for court.

Jason Scott Weaver, 28, of Middlesboro was arrested

Feb. 24 by Middlesboro Police Dept., arresting officer Joey Brigmon. Weaver was served four bench warrants for court.

Christopher William Mills, 25, of Middlesboro was arrested Feb. 24 by Bell County Sheriff’s Dept., arresting officer Leon Wilson. Mills was charged with two counts of contempt of court, libel/ slander, resistance to order.

Matthew Allen Baker, 19, of Pineville was arrested Feb. 24 by Kentucky State Police, arresting officer Keith Baker. Baker was served two warrants for another police agency.

Timothy Lee Estep, 35, of Harrogate was arrested Feb. 24 by Bell County Sheriff ’s Dept., arresting officer Jack Owens. Estep was charged with a felony offense probation violation.

Randall R. Womack, 25, of Middlesboro was arrested Feb. 24 by Middlesboro Police Dept., arresting officer Kevin Goodin. Womack was served three warrants for another police agency.

David Allen Mason, 32, of Arjay was arrested Feb. 24 by Kentucky State Police, arresting officer Tyson Lawson. Mason was charged with failure to or improper signal, rear license not illuminated, failure to wear seat belts and oper-ating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, first offense.

Jeffrey D. Lawson, 25, of Harrogate was arrested Feb. 24 by Middlesboro Police Dept., arresting officer Tom

Busic. Lawson was charged with theft by unlawful takingor disposition, shoplifting, operating a motor vehicle whileunder the influence of drugs or alcohol, second offense,operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license,failure of non-owner to maintain required insurance, firstoffense and display or possession of a canceled or ficti-tious operator’s license.

Genia Mason, 35, of Arjay was arrested Feb. 25 by Kentucky State Police, arresting officer Tyson Lawson.Mason was served four bench warrants for court.

William Thomas Poston, 31, of Lafollette, Tenn., was arrested Feb. 25 by Middlesboro Police Dept., arresting officer Wade Barnett. Poston was charged with operatinga motor vehicle while under the influence or drugs or alco-hol, second offense and driving under the influence on asuspended license, second offense.

Jason D. Lambdin, 28, of Pineville was arrested Feb. 25by Bell County Sheriff’s Dept., no arresting officer listed.Lambdin was served with two warrants for another policeagency.

Those arrested are accused only and are presumed inno-cent unless proven guilty, in a court of law.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].

Bell County public records

ParkContinued from page 1

Bell County to receive emergency food and shelter funds

Mongiardo: Bunning should not run for re-election

As an eastern Kentucky transplant I managed to turn out pretty darn good. I understand that your narrow viewpoint of the mountains is constrained from your limited interac-

tion in the area as well as your stereotyping of the area’s people. I have met people like you before. I have met people from cen-

tral Kentucky who accused me of "talking funny" because I had managed to obtain a slight accent for the time I have lived in east-ern Kentucky. These people are the bane of my existence.

What gives you the right to portray the people of the Kentucky in that manner? Because you're from central Kentucky (or claim to be so)? You think because you are from a part of Kentucky that is, on average, more educated and more cultured than the southern and eastern parts of the state that gives you the right (and the nerve) to produce this expose and further brand us as "hillbillies"?

If you are from the state, why would you help to perpetuate the negative stereotypes of Kentuckians? This is treason to the people in your home state. Would you do the same to a poor black family liv-

ing in the ghetto of Atlanta? Would you do a story about the 15 year old mother of 4 who lives in the barrios of east Los Angeles? No. Because if you did, you would be considered a racist, and in no way, shape, form, or fashion is racism considered journalism. However, because the population of the people you are referring to are white and the prejudice you are reinforcing is "regional" at best ("caste" at worst), it is considered acceptable by the viewing public.

Well it is not acceptable by me. Your actions are appalling. Youhave painted a very narrow, and incorrect, picture of the people from eastern Kentucky. We are a proud people who would likea fair representation of it’s people and not the most entertainingglimpse of life in the mountains. There are many people from thearea who have went on to achieve great things in life, of which, I consider myself to be one. I obtained my education from the University of Kentucky and obtained 2 degrees (a Bachelor and Master) there within 6 years. I have a fine paying job and haverefrained from falling into the stereotype of people who live inKentucky.

You, a former Kentuckian, make it hard for people like me to beproud of where I am from. You make it hard for me to avoid judg-ment and curious stares when I tell people where I am from. You help to make me ashamed to talk about my home in the mountains.You have created a need for me to speak without a southern accentto avoid the stereotyping and prejudgment that comes with one. You have proven to be a traitor to your "home state", a state that Ihope officially disowns you in the same way that so many residents currently have.

If you, ma’am are here to serve as a role model for people fromKentucky, then I certainly do not want to follow in your footsteps.You have turned your back on your home state. I, like others in thearea, will blaze my own path in an effort to break the stereotypesthat have been consistently perpetuated and reinforced by your shameful journalism.

So, on behalf of the proud people of eastern Kentucky, Diane Sawyer, please stop calling yourself a Kentuckian and let the self-

respecting, loyal Kentuckians make our own name. We don’t need your help andwe never did. In short, shut up.

Sincerely,Patrick Lawson

Today is Thursday, Feb. 26, the 57th day of 2009. There are 308 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight in History:On Feb. 26, 1870, an experimental air-driven subway, the

Beach Pneumatic Transit, opened in New York City for public demonstrations. (The tunnel was only a block long, and the line had only one car.)

On this date:In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the

Island of Elba in Italy.In 1907, Congress created the Dillingham Commission to

examine the impact of immigrants on America. (The panel later recommended curtailing immigration from southern and eastern Europe.)

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure establishing Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge signed a measure establishing Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

In 1940, the U.S. Air Defense Command was created.

In 1945, a midnight curfew on night clubs, bars and other places of entertainment was set to go into effect across the nation.

In 1952, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that Britain had developed its own atomic bomb.

In 1979, a total solar eclipse cast a moving shadow 175 miles wide from Oregon to North Dakota before moving into Canada.

In 1987, the Tower Commission, which probed the Iran-Contra affair, issued its report, which rebuked President Ronald Reagan for failing to control his national security staff.

In 1993, a bomb built by Islamic extremists exploded in the parking garage of New York’s World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others.

Ten years ago: President Bill Clinton, outlining foreign policy goals for the final two years of his administration, urged continued American engagement in the quest for peace and freedom abroad during a news conference in San Francisco.

Five years ago: Two church-sanctioned studies document-ing sex abuse by U.S. Roman Catholic clergy said that about 4 percent of clerics had been accused of molesting minors since 1950 and blamed bishops’ “moral laxity” in disciplin-

ing offenders for letting the problem worsen. Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski was killed in a plane crash in southern Bosnia.

One year ago: A power failure later blamed primarily on human error plunged large parts of Florida into darkness. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, visiting Beijing, won a verbal assurance from Chinese officials to use their influence to jump-start the stalled process of dismantling North Korea’s nuclear programs. The New York Philharmonic performed a historic concert in North Korea before the communist nation’s elite. Former Israeli military chief Dan Shomron, the paratrooper who commanded the famed 1976 hostage rescue at Entebbe airport in Uganda, died in Tel Aviv at age 70.

Today’s Birthdays: Singer Fats Domino is 81. Political columnist Robert Novak is 78. Country-rock musician Paul Cotton (Poco) is 66. Actor-director Bill Duke is 66. Singer Mitch Ryder is 64. Rock musician Jonathan Cain (Journey) is 59. Singer Michael Bolton is 56. Actor Greg Germann is 51. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is 51. Bandleader John McDaniel is 48. Actress Jennifer Grant is 43. Rock musician Tim Commerford (Audioslave) is 41. Singer Erykah Badu is 38. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rico Wade (Society of Soul) is 37. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kyle Norman (Jagged Edge) is 34. Rock musician Chris Culos (O.A.R.) is 30.

Letters PolicyThe Daily News welcomes concise, timely

letters to the editor, especially letters that deal with local issues.

The letters must be typed or legibly writ-ten on one side of the paper and must contain the name, address and a telephone number for verification.

The Daily News does NOT publish unsigned or forum letters.

Letters should be held to 250 words, but longer letters may be accepted. Those deemed too long to print, but state an important mes-sage, will be edited with efforts to retain the commentary message.

Letters should deal precisely with a topic and offer suggestions to improve, as well as identify a problem.

The Daily News reserves the right to reject letters deemed inappropriate to print.

THE DAILY NEWS | THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 26, 2009Page 4

President Barack Obama faces a moment of truth soon about Iraq: Does he keep his campaign promise to pull out all combat

troops by next April or his other promise to "end the war responsibly"?

According to a range of mil-itary experts, including some notable critics of George W. Bush's policies, a sizeable U.S. presence will be necessary well into the future.

Thomas Ricks, the former Washington Post defense corre-spondent who exposed the fail-ings of Bush's initial war policy in his 2006 book, "Fiasco," now thinks "we can't leave" for sev-eral years.

In his new book on Bush's 2007 troop surge, "The Gamble," Ricks quotes the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, as say-ing that at least 30,000 U.S. troops will be needed into 2014

or 2015.Fred Kagan, the American Enterprise

Institute scholar who advocated and helped design the surge, told me that, of 140,000 troops in Iraq now, "as few as possible" should be removed before Iraq's parliamentary elections late this year and the formation of a new nation-al government around March 2010.

Thereafter, he said, "there can be a fairly rapid withdrawal" on the 23-month sched-ule agreed to in the U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces

Agreement reached last year.That agreement calls for all U.S. forces to be

out of Iraq by the end of 2011, but it allows for mutually agreed extensions.

Obama's promised 16-month withdrawal schedule, Kagan said, "would mean significant withdrawals before the elections, creating tre-mendous risk. It would be done only to keep a campaign promise and would require renegoti-ating (the SOFA) with the Iraqis."

Significantly, surge supporters like Kaplan do not declare — as some pro-Bush columnists and TV commentators do — that the U.S. has "won" the war in Iraq or "is winning."

They concur that Iraq's recent provincial elections achieved significant success: They were overwhelmingly peaceful. They were won by secular, nonsectarian parties, chiefly the alli-ance of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. And they represented a defeat for Iran, Moktada al-Sadr and pro-Iran Shiite parties.

"The elections proved the naysayers dead wrong — those who said that the surge might succeed militarily but fail politically," says Ken Pollack of the Brookings Institution.

But dangers remain, among which is that Maliki may turn out to be no democrat, but a "strongman" on the model of Egypt's Hosni Mubarak.

Maliki's own base political party, Dawa, was modeled on Leninism, one expert told me, and he has routinely resorted to "extra-constitu-tional" institutions — including his personal paramilitary force — to stifle opposition.

Maliki also tried to rid Iraq's interior ministry of Sunnis and has ordered the arrest of oppo-

nents on trumped up charges.According to Kagan and Pollack, it's neces-

sary for U.S. forces to remain as "peacekeep-ers" — a favored U.S. military role among Democrats — partly to ensure that Maliki doesn't over-reach.

A U.S. presence also is necessary to ensure that sectarian violence doesn't break out again, which might happen in the aftermath of a too-hasty withdrawal, and to maintain robust pro-vincial reconstruction teams to help inexperi-enced newly elected provincial governments.

Another expert, Stephen Biddle of the Council on Foreign Relations and an original opponent of the war, said during a Washington Post-sponsored blog exchange with Ricks that he, too, favors a slow drawdown.

"U.S. strategic attention is definitely refocus-ing on Afghanistan," he said. "There will clearly be a shift of resources. (But) my own preference is for a slower shift than a faster one.

"We need to keep the strategic interests of these two countries in context. Failure in Iraq is still possible and threatens profound U.S. inter-ests in the stability of the Persian Gulf.

"Afghanistan is important, too, but its impor-tance is less direct than sometimes supposed in the U.S. debate and does not necessarily domi-nate the scale of our continuing interest in Iraq."

Obama has not declared what his troop with-drawal plan is, but his reaction to the Iraqi elec-tions was that "we are in a position to start putting more responsibility on the Iraqis, and that's good news not only for the troops on the ground, but for the families who are carrying an enormous burden."

While Odierno is arguing for a slow pace of withdrawal, the high command at the Pentagon, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman MikeMullen and Army Chief of Staff George Casey,reportedly favor speeding it up to give troopslonger "dwell time" in the United States beforepossible deployment in Afghanistan.

The Iraq endgame bears on both Bush's and Obama's places in history. A group of historianspolled by C-SPAN this month rated Bush sev-enth from the bottom among the 43 past presi-dents and second from the bottom in running international affairs.

But Ricks said in a panel discussion at the Center for a New American Security that with the surge, "Bush started being a strategic lead-er."

In December 2006, Ricks said, Bush "finally woke up and said, 'I'm losing the war.' For thefirst time, in the next eight weeks, he really became the commander in chief. I think it washis finest moment, those eight weeks."

Obama, practically every other Democrat and much of the foreign-policy establishment was dead against the surge. But "it worked mili-tarily," Ricks says. He still thinks it failed politi-cally.

Ricks grades the surge campaign with "a solid incomplete." That has to be Bush's grade,too. Now, the person who decides Bush's place in history — and his own — is Barack Obama.

Morton Kondracke is executive editor of Roll Call, the newspaper of Capitol Hill.

Obama shouldn't stick to 16-month Iraq pullout plan

TODAY IN HISTORYBy the Associated Press

USPS No. 347300 ISSN 1041-7095O w n e d a n d O p e r a t e d b y HeartlandPublications, LLC.Published Monday-Saturday except on fed-eral holidays by The Daily News, P.O. Box 579, Middlesboro, Ky. 40965.Periodical postage fee paid at Middlesboro, Ky. Postmaster: Changes to The Daily News, P.O. Box 579, Middlesboro, Ky. 40965.Copyright 2009, The Daily News. All rights reserved. Property rights for the contents of the publication shall be the property of The Daily News. No part hereof may be reproduced without prior written consent. The Associated Press is entitled exclusively to publication of all local news, as well as AP dispatches.Rights of publication of all other matters herein also reserved. Rates: Carrier and motor route, $9.50 monthly; three months, $28.50; six months, $57.00; one year, $114.00. By mail, paid in advance outside motor route area: $17.00 per month. Kentucky residents add 6% sales tax.

“The Home Daily of the Cumberlands”

VOL. 98 NO. — 283

Main number: (606) 248-1010Fax number: (606) 248-7614

How to contact us:

Call the main number then ask for the following extensions:

Publisher: Tom Spargur — [email protected]

Newsroom

Managing Editor: Brandy Calvert — [email protected]

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Phone: (606) 248-1010 ext. 206Fax: (606) 248-7614

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◆ Publisher Tom Spargur ◆ Managing Editor Brandy Calvert ◆ Views expressed on the Opinion page are not necessarily those of the Daily News or its staff.

Morton Kondracke

———Roll Call

Dear Diane Sawyer,

Patrick Lawson———

Middlesboro Daily News Columnist

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Dr. Ron Eller, one of the experts on Appalachia inter-v i ewe d by 2 0 / 2 0 f o r “A H i d d e n America: Children of the Mountains,” w i l l s p e a k a t Union Col lege in B a r b o u r v i l l e o n Wednesday, March 4 at noon.

The public is invit-ed to attend. There is no charge for the event.

Eller’s presenta-t ion, “Stereotypes a n d I n e q u a l i t i e s : Responding to ‘A Hidden America,’” will be held in the Union College student center in conference rooms A, B and C.

Or ig ina l ly f rom s o u t h e r n W e s t Virginia, Eller teaches Southern his-tory and is the former director of the Appalachian Center at the University of Kentucky. He has led research and service programs on a wide range of Appalachian and Southern policy issues, including education, health care, economic development,

c iv i c l e a d e r s h i p and the envi ron-ment . E l l e r i s a former Rockefeller Foundation Scholar a n d a u t h o r o f “Uneven Ground: Appalachia Since 1945,” published in 2008.

El le r has long b e e n i n d e m a n d as a speake r on Appalachian issues at colleges, confer-ences and communi-ty forums through-out the nation, and serves as a frequent consultant to civic a n d g ove r n m e n -ta l organiza t ions and the na t iona l m e d i a . H e h a s served as chairman of the Governor’s K e n t u c k y Appalachian Task

Force, founding chairman of the Kentucky Appalachian Commission, and as the John Whisman Scholar f o r t h e A p p a l a c h i a n R eg i o n a l Commission.

For more information about the event, call Union at 546-1230 or e-mail [email protected].

OBITUARIES

THE DAILY NEWS |THURSDAY |FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Page 5

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Audrey Jean Howard

MIDDLESBORO — Audrey Jean Howard, 65, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at Middlesboro Appalachian Regional Hospital.

Born July 1, 1943, at Pathfork, she was the daugh-ter of the late Ligel and Cloa Caldwell North.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son, James Colbern Rice; and a sister, Mary Hubbard.

Survivors include her daughter, Kristie Wilder; sons, Brian (Amanda) R ice , John Co leman , David (Marie) Coleman, Roger Coleman, and Gary (Jennifer) Coleman; sisters, Gathel Parks and Louise

Brown; brothers, Taylor North, Herman North, and Larry North; grandchildren, Wendy Burroughs, Dewayne Coleman, Courtney Wilder, Caden Wilson , Dylan Coleman, and Madison Coleman; great-grandchild, Jaxon Burroughs; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Middlesboro Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Alonzo Miracle and the Rev. J.C. Craig presiding. Music will be provided by Darlene Brock, Opal Inman, and Larry North.

Interment will be in the Green Hills Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be, Jason Simpson, Steve North, Matthew North, Ron North, Ronnie Green, and Lewis Parks.

The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Middlesboro Pentecostal Church.

Creech Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is in charge of all arrangements.

Jo Ann Thompson

MIRACLE — Jo Ann Thompson, 71, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at Middlesboro Appalachian Regional Hospital.

Born October 20, 1937, she was the daughter of the late John H. and Myrtle Wilson Thompson.

In addition to her par-ents she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pleas and Martha Durham

Thompson, and Lazarus and Telitha Jane Wilson; infant brother, John H. Thompson; sister, Wilma T. Whitlow;and brother-in-law, WilliamJ. Whitlow.

Survivors include her sister, Sara Thompson ofMiracle; brother, CliffordThompson of Miracle; nephew, Scott Thompson of Miracle; nieces, Tami T h o m p s o n H a l e a n d Rebekah Hale of Wartburg,Tenn.; nephews, Joshua Hale and Elijah Clifford Hale.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home in Pinevillewith Elder John E. Robbins and Brother John Henry Jackson presiding.

Burial will follow in the Thompson Family Cemetery at Miracle. Pallbearers will be Charles Griff in, Don Hobbs, Gerald Graves, Gary Graves, Jason Johnston, Harold McGeorge and Johnny McGeorge.

The family will receivefriends on Thursday from 12 noon until the hour of the funeral at the Arnett & Steele Funeral Home in Pineville. Guestbook at www.arnettsteele.com.

Ida Belle LamarrHULEN — Ida Belle

Lamarr, 84, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2009m at Britthaven of Pineville.

Arrangements are incom-plete. For further informa-tion call the Obituary Line at 337-2244, or Arnett & Steele 337-2045, or check the online guest register atwww.arnettsteele.com.

Audrey Jean Howard

The Singing Cookes & The Cooke Brothers will be in concert Saturday, March 7 in Middlesboro. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Middlesboro High School. Admission is a $5

donation.

Visit us on the world-wide web:

www.middlesborodailynews.com

Ron Eller to respond to ‘A Hidden America’

at Union College

Ron Eller will respond to “A Hid-den America” at Union College on Wednesday.

FEBRUARY 26LIGHTHOUSE MISSION

CENTER will be distributing food boxes Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Participants must have proof of income and valid photo ID.

FEB. 26, MARCH 1, 3N A R C O T I C S

ANONYMOUS meets each Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m., and each Sunday at 4 p.m. at 149 North 28th Street, Middlesboro.

FEBRUARY 27LEAGUE OF WOMEN

VOTERS of Bell County will meet at noon Friday, Feb. 27, at the Arthur Museum. Speaker will be Main Street manager Kassie House. The meeting will have a do-it-yourself brown bag lunch. Everyone welcome.

M A I N T A I N I N G FRUIT & VEGETABLE QUALITY for Farmer’s Markets will the focus of a workshop on Friday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m. in the third floor meeting room at the Bell County Courthouse. Speaker will be Dr. John Strang a horticulture spe-cialist at UK. Apple and pear rootstock will also be available for purchase. For more information contact Stacy White, Bell County E x t e n s i o n A g e n t Fo r Agriculture and Natural Resources, at 337-2376.FEB. 27, 28, MARCH 2, 4

B E L L C O U N T Y HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM is featuring an exhibit of Vintage Valentines in February. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

FEB. 28, MARCH 2-6MIDDLESBORO TEE-

BALL REGISTRATION will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday, March 2-6, from 4-6 p.m., at Arnold’s Athletics in Middlesboro. Tee-Ball is open to boys and girls ages 6-8 (must be age 6 before Aug. 1 to play). There will also be Wee-Ball for boys and girls age 5. Parents should bring child’s birth certificate to register him/her. Registration fee is $20.

M I D D L E S B O R O L I T T L E L E A G U E REGISTRATION will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m., at First Place Trophies, 2121 Cumberland Ave., Middlesboro. Ages for the three baseball leagues range from 8 to 16 while the girl’s softball league ages are 9 to 12. Registration is required even if the child played previously. Parents should bring child’s birth certificate to register him/her. Please

also bring three documents that show the address of the legal residence of the parent(s) or court-appointedguardian(s) for the player.These can include a driver’slicense, an electric or other utility bill and a financialrecord like a credit cardstatement or loan statement.Note that three utility bills count as only one proof. Registration fee is $30. For more information, call Steve Schneider, president,242-2149 or Russ Britton atFirst Place Trophies.

Pictured above is Freshman Queen is Ashley Graveswith escort Travis Brock.

Pictured at left is Sophomore Queen is Katelin Welchwith escort Jacob Mayfield.

Photos by JAY CMPTON/Middlesboro Daily News

LIFESTYLESTHE DAILY NEWS |THURSDAY |FEBRUARY 26, 2009

Section Editor: Donna GreenePhone: (606) 248-1010 ext. 205

Fax: (606) 248-7614Email: [email protected]

Web page: www.middlesborodailynews.com

Page 6

PERSONALS

In Loving Memory of My SisterConnie Daniels Cross

Feb. 26, 1967 - June 28, 2008Happy Birthday in Heaven

Dear Connie I’m writing you a letter just to let you know, I miss you so much. I’m all the time picking up my phone just to call you like I always use to do. If I had a problem, I always had to call you. If you had a problem, you always called me. I miss seeing you laugh over something funny. Why you could get so tickled over nothing & have every body laughing.

I know you missed Mammaw when she died. You lived with her & Glen, I know it hurt you & Glen more thananybody, but I hurt too. Now I’m hurting over Mammaw, Glen & you.Knowing that you were murdered, its almost more then I can stand. I want to blame myself some how, but on the other hand, I know there’s nothing I could do, but I also know in my heart you’re happy once again. Sitting around talking andlaughing (you, Mammaw, & Glen).

From your sister Tina WilsonBrother-in-law Richard WilsonFrom this world you were taken; from our hearts you’ll never go.Greatly Missed by husband Joe Cross, Mom & Dad, Barb & Steve Hatfeild, Lance Hatfield - Brother, Vanessa Hardin - Sister, and the whole family.We loved you so much.

Cumberland Gap crowns homecoming queen

Senior class queen Jasmine Rose (center) was also crowned the 2009 homecoming queen. Pictured with Rose is her escort Blake Hopper (left) and 2008 queen Carla Dunn (right).

Pictured above is Junior Queen Whitney Whitaker with her escort Michael Chumley.

Cumberland Gap High School recently held its 2009 basketball homecoming cor-onation ceremonies. Students in each class selected a class queen and the homecom-ing queen was selected from these four young ladies.

The 2009 Homecoming Queen at Cumberland Gap High School is Jasmine Rose, the senior class queen, is the granddaughter of Hoy and Trula Bussell. Her escort was Blake Hopper, son of Darryl and Bonnie Hopper.

In addition to Rose, other class queens were:

Fre shman Queen i s Ashley Graves, daughter of John and Gerri Graves. Her escort was Travis Brock, son of Clifford Brock and Julie Luckadoo.

Sophomore Queen is Katelin Welch, daughter of Mont and Sharon Welch. Her escort was Jacob Mayfield, son of Alan and Vickie Mayfield.

Junior Queen is Whitney Whi taker, daughter of Sylvia Whitaker. Her escort was Michael Chumley, the son of Freddie and Teresa Chumley.

Dear Annie: I have been married six years and have two children. I am worried about my husband’s relation-ship with our 5-year-old son. My husband is very stern and has an unwavering view of right and wrong. I dis-agree with many of his ideas about parenting, and our relationship suffers as a result.

My husband and my son do not talk, play ball or anything else I expect a father and son to do. The only thing my husband does consistently is criticize, yell and belittle. He often calls him a “baby” and tells him he acts like “a girl.” My son gets upset, and my husband taunts or spanks him instead of comfort-ing him. I admit I baby him, but I justify that because I am compensating for my husband’s harsh behavior.

My son has recently begun saying he doesn’t love his daddy, doesn’t care about him, wishes he were not home, etc. Is this going to create any long-term effects on his self-esteem? As a stay-at-home mom, I do not feel I have many options other than to stick around until I am in a posi-

tion to make it on my own with the children. What can I do to make sure there aren’t any repercussions? — A Concerned Mother

Dear Mother: Unless your husband changes his behavior, there will be repercussions no matter what you do. His parenting is emotionally and verbally abusive, and you are overcompensating. Talk to your pediatrician and get a referral for a family therapist who can help your husband learn how to be a decent father. If neces-sary, see the therapist on your own and have the pediatri-cian speak to your husband. This behavior pattern must not be allowed to continue.

Dear Annie: A few months ago, I received two mar-riage proposals. I have not given a response to either man.

My family adores “Chet.” However, since his pro-posal he has been dodging me. He’s even making plans to buy a house with a male friend. He’s smart, goofy and very protective. He just doesn’t seem to have any initia-tive when it comes to planning a future.

The other man, “Dennis,” is a couple of years older. He adores me and treats me like a princess. He is very prepared for his future. He even told me a few days ago that if I accept his proposal, I can start looking for a house. The only problem is, my family doesn’t like him and isn’t aware I’ve been seeing him.

So here I am with these two great guys who love me. I love them, too, but it isn’t fair to string them along. Which one should I pick? — Confused and Torn

Dear Confused: Neither. If you are in love with two men, you cannot fully commit to either. It’s flattering to have two marriage proposals, but we strongly urge you to turn them both down, at least right now. You need more time. When you are truly ready to make this deci-sion, you will know which is the best choice.

Dear Annie: I think your readers will enjoy my mother, Mildred’s, words of wisdom on why her marriage has last-ed 60 years: “We have a 50-50 marriage. I cook it, he eats it. He raises the toilet seat, I lower it. He does the outside work, I do the inside work. I wash the windows inside and he doesn’t wash the windows outside. He doesn’t do windows. I make out the grocery list and he doesn’t make out a grocery list. I drive and he tells me how. If he needs help, he calls me. If I need help, I call him. We agree on religion and politics. After all these years, we enjoy going out to eat together and we still enjoy each other’s com-pany.” — Her Daughter, Debra Renick

Dear Debra: Your mom obviously has a wonderful sense of humor and a lot of patience. Thanks for sharing.

TO OUR BAHA’I READERS: Happy Ayyam-i-Ha.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Husband’s parenting technique is verbally abusive

Kathy MitchellMarcy Sugar———Annie’s Mailbox

HARLAN, Ky. — Risk is often inevitable no matter what the circumstances, but the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is helping woodland owners and natural resource professionals mitigate risk by offering the Master Tree Farmer series, “Forest Risks and Risk Management.”

UK Extension Forestry Professor Jeff Stringer will lead the three-part series from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 2, 9 and 16. The pro-gram will be offered simul-taneously at various county extension off ices in the state, with each site’s par-ticipants connected with the others through a web-based conferencing system.

The th ree se s s ions w i l l c ov e r t h e t o p -ics: Understanding and Managing Natural Disasters

and Changing Climate; Managing and Mitigating Invasive Plant Species, Insects and Diseases; and Taxes, Policy, Regulations, Law and Land Use Change.

“Problems with ice dam-age, wind damage, invasive species and timber theft — all of those issues are ongoing in Kentucky and important to woodland owners, regardless of their objectives for their prop-erty,” Stringer said. “This program will provide wood-land owners with informa-tion that helps them deal with those issues and the protection of their property and assets.”

The series will include live presentations from Stringer and other Kentucky forestry experts, as well as recorded sessions from forestry experts across the

South. Southeastern District Foresters Jared Calvert and Michael Froelich will be the professional foresters on hand in Harlan.

notebook and speak-ers’ notes for each session. Those completing the pro-gram will receive a cer-tificate and a subscription to Kentucky Woodlands Magazine.

Kentucky Master Tree

Farmer partners include UK Cooperative Extension, Kentucky Divis ion of Forestry and Kentucky Tree Farm Committee. Financial support also comes from C l e m s o n U n iv e r s i t y, S o u t h e r n R e g i o n a l Extension Forestry, the American Tree Farm System and the South Carolina Tree Farm Program.

Course fees are $30

for an individual, $45 for couples. Preregistration is required. For more informa-tion about the Master Tree Farmer Series call 859-257-7597 or visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/forestryexten-sion/MTF.php.

Did you know that approximately four million cats and dogs are put down in shelters across the United

States each year? Statistically speak-ing, one animal every eight seconds is euthanized. These animals are not only strays that have no home, but often the offspring of cherished family pets. In some cases the family pet will venture off only to return with an unintentional litter. Even though the owner may make every viable attempt to find a loving home for the offspring, they often end up in a shelter.

The 2008 statistics from the Bell County Animal Shelter show what a tre-mendous pet overpopulation problem we have here in the tri-state area. Last year, the shelter picked up 1,637 dogs and accepted another 1,342 at the shelter. Of these, 517 were adopted, 113 were returned to their owners, and a stagger-ing 2,342 had to be euthanized. Also last year, 1,509 cats were dropped off at the shelter, and of those, 188 were adopted, 15 were returned to owners, and 1,306 were euthanized. These heartbreaking numbers would drop drastically if all pets were spayed or neutered.

The only way to solve this epidemic is to spay or neuter your pet. This method is the only 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats. It is also the most proven way to reduce the number of animals who are born only to die prematurely. With this in mind, please do your part and have your com-

panion animal spayed or neutered. This is the single most important step you can take in reducing the pet overpopulation problem.

In some cases you may be a pet owner with low-income and just not have the funds to spay or neuter. If this is the case, Friends of the Bell County Animal Shelter may be able to assist with your pet’s needs. Friends of the Shelter has a program called SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program). Through this pro-gram, the pet owner is allowed to pay what he/she can afford and Friends of the Shelter pays the remaining amount. For more information, please call the Bell County Animal Shelter at (606) 337-6331.

Information courtesy of Bell County Friends of the Shelter.

THE DAILY NEWS |THURSDAY|FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Page 7

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WEBB’SWEBB’S

We are honored to have 225 members within the Bell County Chamber of

Commerce. It is your support that makes us a driving force in Bell County.

Chamber of Commerce Mission

The Bell County Chamber of Commerce is a community-mind-ed business organization commit-ted to the growth and develop-ment of the local economy.

As members in the Bell County Chamber of Commerce, you are a vital part of an organization whose goal is to help make Bell County a better place to live, work and visit.

We want to salute each mem-ber of the Bell County Chamber of Commerce for working with us to make a difference in Bell County.

This article is the first in a series of articles to acknowledge our outstanding Chamber mem-bers.

Today, we salute and give thanks to these members who have supported the Chamber for 20 or more years and to the indi-

viduals who are Lifetime mem-bers.

Chamber of Commerce Members — 20 plus yearsAction RealtyArnett & Steele Funeral HomeAssociated Industries of KentuckyAT & TBelk SimpsonBowling & YoakumBrooks BookkeepingBrooks Oil CompanyBusiness & Professional Women's ClubPete Cline's Law OfficeCoca-Cola Bottling CompanyCommercial BankCommunity Trust BankCumber l and Gap Na t i ona l Historical ParkCumberland Gap ProvisionsDelta Natural GasDept. for Employment ServicesDr. Ronald DubinEdward JonesDr. Meredith EvansFirst Place TrophiesFirst State FinancialGreen ConstructionHome Federal BankIdeal Print Shop

J. R. Hoe & SonsJ. T. E. Epps MotorsKentucky UtilitiesLincoln Memorial UniversityMiddlesboro ARHMiddlesboro Board of EducationMiddlesboro Country ClubMiddlesboro Daily NewsMiddlesboro Mall AssociationNagle Law OfficesParkview MotelPepsi Cola Bottling Co.Pineville Community HospitalPizza HutSally Simpson CPASoutheast Community CollegeState ElectricVaughn & Melton EngineersVillage Square Shopping CenterWal-MartWater Service Corp of KentuckyWendy's

Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Members

Aubrey BaileyChet BrisleyHarry HoeVirginia HuffJane MeltonBob Vaughn

A message from the Bell County Chamber of Commerce:The Bell County Chamber of Commerce salutes its members

Did you know?

A group of local busi-ness leaders organized the Bell County Chamber of Commerce in 1926.

Forty-two tons of bitu-minous coal were used to build the facility where the Bell County Chamber of Commerce offices are locat-ed on North 20th Street in Middlesboro.

15th Annual Spay Day USA

Photo at right submitted

FOS and LMU teamed up to provide another spay/neuter clinic this month with funds

from Pet Smart. 26 animals were neutered during the one-day clinic held at the LMU

Vet Tech School. Union County vet Dr. Carson Hutchison, LMU students, and FOS

volunteers worked to keep things going smoothly. Here, an LMU vet tech student

checks on a dog in recovery after surgery.

Master Tree Farmer series on risk management to start in March

BY JAY COMPTONSports Editor

HARLAN — The Bell County Bobcats had their run of eleven straight district championships come to a bitter end Wednesday night with a 50-49 loss to Harlan County in the semifinals of the 52nd District Tournament.

Bryan Robbins’ basket with f ive minutes to play put the Bobcats up 49-41, but they wouldn’t score the rest of the game. Harlan County scored the final nine points, capped by Kyle Hogue’s turn-around jumper from about four feet out with 5.5 sec-onds left.

Bell called a timeout with five seconds to go, but George Wilson was slowed by the Black Bear defense in the backcourt and had to settle for a heave from mid-court that was off the mark.

The loss ends the Bobcats’ season with a 12-13 record and, unfortunately, neither the boys or girls team will be playing in the 13th Region tournament which will be at Bell County next week.

“It’s been a tough year,” Bell coach Lewis Morris said. “Our kids have worked hard and had a good attitude. There’s been a lot of things going on and things just didn’t fall for us this year.”

The Bobcats looked to be com-plete control for most of the game. After falling behind 8-2 in the first five minutes, they stormed back to take a 16-10 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Mitchell Mayes hit a 3-pointer with just under three minutes to play in the f irst and Bell went into a press and started forc-ing turnovers. Following anoth-er Mayes basket, Wilson stole the inbounds pass and found Shawnta Zachery for a layup and the Bobcats had their f irst lead at 9-8 at the 1:40 mark. They wouldn’t trail again until the game’s final seconds.

Keith Lowe came off the bench and converted a three-point play,

and Robbins and Wilson both

scored on feeds from Zachery by the end of the quarter.

They led by as many as 12 in the second quarter on Wilson’s 3 with 2:38 remaining inthe half and took a 31-22 advantage into the locker room.

Baskets by Robbins and Mayes gave Bell their largest lead of the game, 35-22 at the 6:30 mark of the third quarter.

In just about every game, the losing team can point to some calls that didn’t go their way. But Harlan County definitely benefitted from getting more than their share of calls from that point on.

It was a physical game with bodies often hitting the floor dur-ing the chase for rebounds and on two occasion a double fouls were called to try and ease the roughing.

But the Bobcats were whistled five times over a three minute span as the Bears were in the bonues by the 3:08 mark of the third quarter.

They went 8-of-10 from the free throw line in the quarter while Bell County was 1-of-2. For the game Harlan County hit 15-of-22 free throws to Bell’s 4-of-8.

A free throw from Tyrek Simmons and floater in the lane from T.J. Green cut the Bobcat lead to 42-36 going into the fourth.

“I didn’t think we got any calls but that’s the way it goes some-times,” Morris said. “I give Harlan County credit, they kept fighting and they came back and did what they had to do, though.”

A steal and then a 3-pointer from Wilson put the Bobcats back up by nine, 45-36, early in the fourth. He also had the assist on Robbins’ layup with five minutes left that made the score 49-41.

Josh Caldwelll hit a free throw and Simmons knocked down a 3-pointer to bring the Bears within 49-45 with 3:53 to play.

The Bobcats missed three shots on their next two possessions instead of trying to run down the clock, but Robbins helped them stay out in front with a pair of rebounds on the defensive end.

THE DAILY NEWS | THURSDAY |FEBRUARY 26, 2009Page 8

SPORTSSports Editor: Jay Compton

Phone: (606) 248-1010 ext. 219Fax: (606) 248-7614

Email: [email protected] page: www.middlesborodailynews.com

Bobcats’ season comes to an endHogue’s late shot give Harlan County 50-49 win,

stops Bell’s string of 11 straight district titles

JAY COMPTON/Daily News

Bell junior Bryan Robbins puts up a jumper over Harlan County’s Josh Caldwell for the Bobcats first two points of the game. Robbins finished with 10 in the 50-49 loss.

BELL COUNTY (12-13)Shawnta Zachery 6-16 1-2 13, George Wilson 4-8 0-0 10, Mitchell Mayes 4-6 0-0 9, Brian Robbins 4-6 2-5 10, Seth Chambers 1-3 0-0 2, Keith Lowe 1-5 1-1 3, John Dudley Hilton 0-2 0-0 0, Tanner Lefevers 1-2 0-0 2. Totals: 21-48 4-8 49.

HARLAN COUNTY (13-13)T.J. Green 2-7 2-2 7, Tyrek Simmons 3-8 2-3 10, Kyle Hogue 5-8 4-4 16, Blake Polson 2-4 4-7 8, Josh Caldwell 3-6 3-6 9, Dillon Cain 0-0 0-0 0, Dustin Bray 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 15-33 15-22 50.

Bell County 16 15 11 7 — 49Harlan County 10 12 14 14 — 50

3-point goals: Bell County 3-10 (Wilson 2-5, Mayes 1-2, Hilton 0-1, Zachery 0-2), Harlan County 5-13 (Simmons 2-4, Hogue 2-4, Green 1-5). Rebounds: Bell County 19 (Zachery 5), Harlan County 24 (Polson 11). Turnovers: Bell County 4, Harlan County 12. Fouled out: Bell County (Mayes).

JAY COMPTON/Daily News

Bobcat senior George Wilson lets go of a jumper from midcourtjust before the final buzzer over Harlan County’s Kyle Hogue. Thepotential game-winner was on line but too strong. Wilson scored10 points in the 50-49 loss.

BY JAMIN LEGERCorrespondent

BARBOURVILLE — The Barbourville Tigers got 30 points from Travis Beck Wednesday night as they brought an end to Pineville’s season with a 68-59 win in the 51st District semifinals.

Both teams came out of the locker rooms cold. A total of four points were scored in the f irst four and a half minutes of the ball game. The bad news for Pineville was that Barbourville had all four points.

Point guard Garrett Clark made two from the foul stripe and center Kevin Williamson added a bucket almost two minutes later. Shawn Madon finally broke through for Pineville with a nice post move while being defended by the much taller Williamson.

Beck started the next bit of scoring for Barbourville with a three point basket, and then followed that up with a free throw. He would prove to be a nemesis for the Mountain Lions all night long as he hit nine 3-pointers to lead all scorers with 30 points.

Pineville’s highly talented point guard, James David Strange, would have a few things to say through his shooting about the Lions staying in the game.

He hit back to back threes and then made a beautiful pass to Logan Jeffrey after a made Kevin Williamson basket. Jeffrey put the ball in the basket to end the first quarter with the score tied at 10.

Barbourville started off the second quarter on a 5-0 run, with two Williamson free throws sandwiching a Beck three pointer.

Then Pineville started playing the way they did in the All ‘A’ Tournament a few weeks ago. Their offense became very methodic and effective as they moved the ball around with silky smoothness. Shawn Madon started and f inished an 8-0 Lion run with baskets inside. Strange hit a very nice finger roll in the lane and Brandon Hollingsworth got in on the action with a bucket of his own as the Lions took an 18-15 lead.

The teams swapped baskets the rest of the half, including a last second 3-pointer from by Strange from about 50 feet out and Barbourville took a 27-26 lead into the locker room.

Lions’ season ends with 68-59 loss to Barbourville in 51st District semifinal

RICK DORTON/Daily News

Pineville senior guard James David Strange (pictured during action earlier this season) finished his high school career with 24 points Wednesday in a 68-59 loss to host Barbourville in the semifinals of the 51st District tourna-ment.

S. Carolina rolls over Kentucky,

77-59 BY JEFFREY COLLINSAssociated Press Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — DevinDowney skipped down the court. His 3-pointer had just put South Carolina up 28 points on Kentucky midway through the second half, and his team was about to vault alone into first in the SEC East for thefirst time in February in 12 years.

Downey and his teammates soaked up some of the loudest cheers ever heard at their 6-year-old arena. “I’m just speech-less,” Downey said when asked to recall themoment. “This feels so special.”

The Gamecocks’ special season contin-ued on Wednesday night with a 77-59 winover Kentucky. South Carolina left little doubt it’s an NCAA tournament team, win-ning the biggest game in Columbia sincethe program’s only SEC East title in 1997.

South Carolina (20-6, 9-4 Southeastern Conference) set a school record with 16 blocked shots, forced 20 turnovers, never trailed and led by at least 18 points for theentire second half in just its ninth win over Kentucky (19-9, 8-5) in 50 games betweenthe teams.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats find their streakof 17 straight NCAA tournaments in jeop-ardy.

“They got their tails kicked tonight, guys.Everybody gets their tails kicked every once in a while. We’ll be better on Saturday.The world is not ending,” Kentucky coachBilly Gillispie said. “We got whipped. GiveCarolina credit for how well they played ...they made us play poorly.”

Downey may be South Carolina’s SECplayer of the year candidate, and he showedhis versatility with f ive steals and f ive assists. But he received plenty of help, espe-cially from Muldrow, who South Carolinacoach Darrin Horn challenged before the game.

• See UK, page 9

• See BELL, page 9

• See LIONS, page 9

Pineville started off the third quarter with a 5-0 spurt as Madon hit two free throws, and then Strange was fouled on a layup. The layup was good and so was the free throw.

That was when Beck and Josh Mills took over for the Tigers. In a two minute time span, Barbourville scored 13 straight points with Mills hitting a basket and two free throws, and Beck nailing three, 3-point baskets.

Beck would add another three in the quarter, while Strange and Hollingsworth would add three point bas-kets of their own to go into the final frame down by eight, 47-39.

There were two stories in the fourth quarter that led to Pineville’s inability to make a comeback. Travis Beck kept hitting three point shots, and James David Strange fouled out with a little over two minutes left to play.

Billy Rye and Michael Cunningham hit three’s late for Pineville, but without their general on the floor to take the pressure off the other shoot-ers, the closest they could get was within nine points.

Strange closed out his out-standing career at Pineville with 24 points while Shawn

Madon added 10 and Michael Cunningham 6.

Beck was the only Tiger to reach double figures with his 30 points. Mills finished with nine while Brad Marsee and Williamson added eight each.

Pineville ends the season with a record of 17-12.

Barbourvil le (15-11) will play Knox Central (15-8) Friday at 7 p.m. for the District 51 Championship.

Tonight at 7 p.m. the Pineville Lady Lions will

play Knox Central tonight for the girls title.

———Pineville 10 16 13 20 — 59Barbourville 10 17 20 21 — 68

PINEVILLE (59): James David Strange 24, Shawn Madon 10, Michael Cunningham 6, Brandon Hollingsworth 5, Logan Jeffrey 4, Jesse Fuson 3, Billy Rye 3, Dalton Simpson 2, Tyler Tuttle 1, Travis Napier 1, Mike Clifton 0.

BARBOURVILLE (68): Travis Beck 30, Josh Mills 9, Brad Marcee 8, Kevin Williamson 8, Garrett Clark 7, Darrin Mills 6, Cody Thompson 0, Garrett Vaughn 0, Micah Corey 0, Josh Hildebrand 0, Tyler Tye 0, Ben Stuber 0, Tyler Fuson 0, Steve Rudd 0..

THE DAILY NEWS |THURSDAY|FEBRUARY 26, 2009 Page 9

KY. PREP BASKETBALL

Wednesday’s District Tournament ScoresBOYS4th DistrictFirst RoundCalloway Co. 50, Murray 38 10th DistrictFirst RoundOhio Co. 63, Muhlenberg South 62 14th DistrictFirst RoundWarren Central 71, Warren East 41 20th DistrictFirst RoundAdair Co. 69, Marion Co. 36 22nd DistrictSemifinalLou. Iroquois 60, Lou. Butler 39 27th DistrictFirst RoundLou. Ballard 104, Lou. Waggener 65Lou. Trinity 66, Lou. Seneca 52 28th DistrictFirst RoundLou. Eastern 64, Lou. Chr ist ian Academy 49Lou. Jeffersontown 79, Lou. Ky. Country Day 37 29th DistrictFirst RoundSouth Oldham 53, Oldham Co. 51 30th DistrictFirst RoundShelby Co. 69, Spencer Co. 41 31st DistrictFirst RoundHenry Co. 43, Carroll Co. 42Owen Co. 53, Gallatin Co. 44 32nd DistrictFirst RoundGrant Co. 59, Walton-Verona 45 33rd DistrictSemifinalBoone Co. 71, Cooper 20Ryle 58, Conner 56, OT 34th DistrictSemifinalSt. Henry 69, Villa Madonna 43 36th DistrictFirst RoundHighlands 71, Newport 61 37th DistrictSemifinalsBishop Brossart 53, Campbell Co. 46Scott 67, Calvary Christian 48 41st DistrictFirst RoundWestern Hills 44, Woodford Co. 38 43rd DistrictSemifinalLexington Catholic 77, Lex. Tates Creek 69 44th DistrictFirst RoundMadison Southern 73, Model 39 45th DistrictSemifinalDanville 55, Garrard Co. 46Lincoln Co. 59, Boyle Co. 49 47th DistrictFirst RoundCasey Co. 45, Pulaski Co. 41 51st DistrictFirst RoundBarbourville 68, Pineville 5952nd DistrictFirst RoundHarlan Co. 50, Bell Co. 49 53rd DistrictSemifinalKnott Co. Central 67, Cordia 31 55th DistrictFirst RoundWolfe Co. 61, Jackson City 52 56th DistrictFirst RoundEstill Co. 50, Owsley Co. 37 57th DistrictSemifinalLawrence Co. 59, Magoffin Co. 43 58th DistrictFirst RoundPrestonsburg 91, South Floyd 66 59th DistrictSemifinalBelfry 72, Phelps 53Shelby Valley 101, Pike Co. Central 52 61st DistrictFirst RoundBath Co. 59, Fleming Co. 45 62nd DistrictFirst RoundWest Carter 66, Morgan Co. 58 64th DistrictFirst RoundAshland Blazer 64, Rose Hill Christian 60

GIRLS8th DistrictChampionshipChristian Co. 75, Hopkinsville 49 17th DistrictSemifinalElizabethtown 54, Central Hardin 31North Hardin 75, John Hardin 36 22nd DistrictFirst RoundButler Co. 81, Lou. Doss 51 24th DistrictFirst RoundLou. Fairdale 62, Bullitt Central 58 SemifinalBullitt East 44, North Bullitt 34 25th DistrictChampionship

Lou. DuPont Manual 70, Lou. Mercy 54 26th DistrictSemifinalsLou. Assumption 61, Lou. Atherton 32 29th DistrictFirst RoundSouth Oldham 45, North Oldham 23 30th DistrictFirst RoundSpencer Co. 42, Shelby Co. 38 34th DistrictSemifinalSt. Henry 46, Villa Madonna 40 36th DistrictFirst RoundHighlands 86, Dayton 36 40th DistrictChampionshipMontgomery Co. 54, George Rogers Clark 47 41st DistrictFirst RoundWestern Hills 36, Woodford Co. 31 43rd DistrictSemifinalLexington Catholic 61, Lex. Paul Dunbar 58 44th DistrictFirst RoundMadison Southern 51, Model 45 53rd DistrictSemifinalLetcher County Central 65, June Buchanan 45 57th DistrictSemifinalsPaintsville 52, Sheldon Clark 45 58th DistrictSemifinalAllen Central 52, South Floyd 48

NBA

National Basketball AssociationEASTERN CONFERENCEAtlantic Division W L Pct GBBoston 46 13 .780 —Philadelphia 28 28 .500 16 1/2New Jersey 26 32 .448 19 1/2New York 24 33 .421 21Toronto 23 36 .390 23Southeast Division W L Pct GBOrlando 42 15 .737 —Atlanta 32 25 .561 10Miami 30 26 .536 11 1/2Charlotte 23 35 .397 19 1/2Washington 13 44 .228 29Central Division W L Pct GBCleveland 44 11 .800 —Detroit 27 29 .482 17 1/2Milwaukee 28 32 .467 18 1/2Chicago 26 32 .448 19 1/2Indiana 25 35 .417 21 1/2

WESTERN CONFERENCESouthwest Division W L Pct GBSan Antonio 39 17 .696 —Houston 36 21 .632 3 1/2New Orleans 34 22 .607 5Dallas 34 23 .596 5 1/2Memphis 15 42 .263 24 1/2Northwest Division W L Pct GBDenver 38 20 .655 —Portland 35 22 .614 2 1/2Utah 35 23 .603 3Minnesota 18 39 .316 19 1/2Oklahoma City 13 44 .228 24 1/2Pacific Division W L Pct GBL.A. Lakers 47 10 .825 —Phoenix 32 24 .571 14 1/2Golden State 20 37 .351 27L.A. Clippers 15 43 .259 32 1/2Sacramento 12 47 .203 36———Tuesday’s GamesCleveland 94, Memphis 79Toronto 118, Minnesota 110Miami 103, Detroit 91Chicago 120, Orlando 102L.A. Lakers 107, Oklahoma City 93San Antonio 93, Dallas 76Houston 98, Portland 94Phoenix 112, Charlotte 102Wednesday’s GamesIndiana 104, Memphis 99Philadelphia 106, Washington 98New Jersey 111, Chicago 99Orlando 114, New York 109Utah 120, Minnesota 103New Orleans 90, Detroit 87Dallas 116, Milwaukee 96San Antonio 99, Portland 84Denver 110, Atlanta 109Charlotte 98, Sacramento 91L.A. Clippers 93, Boston 91Thursday’s GamesCleveland at Houston, 8 p.m.Phoenix at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.Friday’s GamesDetroit at Orlando, 7 p.m.Chicago at Washington, 7 p.m.Miami at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.Indiana at Boston, 7:30 p.m.Philadelphia at New York, 7:30 p.m.Milwaukee at New Orleans, 8 p.m.Portland at Minnesota, 8 p.m.Oklahoma City at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.Toronto at Phoenix, 9 p.m.L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m.Cleveland at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m.L.A. Clippers at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Charlotte at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Wednesday’s Men’s ScoresEASTAmerican U. 64, Navy 59Army 79, Lafayette 55Bucknell 72, Lehigh 51Charlotte 59, George Washington 57DeSales 74, Wilkes 62Duquesne 94, Massachusetts 77Holy Cross 60, Colgate 58Northeastern 47, Drexel 46Rhode Island 93, Dayton 91, OTRichmond 78, Fordham 68Seton Hall 75, South Florida 60St. Bonaventure 72, Saint Louis 55Towson 75, Delaware 74SOUTHAlabama 88, Arkansas 67Armstrong Atlantic 77, Francis Marion 66, OTAuburn 77, Mississippi 64Catawba 92, Carson-Newman 84Davidson 70, UNC Greensboro 49Duke 78, Maryland 67Florida Tech 72, Nova Southeastern 64Gardner-Webb 78, Presbyterian 72George Mason 53, UNC Wilmington 52Georgia 61, Vanderbilt 57Georgia St. 76, Hofstra 55Lenoir-Rhyne 76, Wingate 73Longwood 109, N.C. Central 89Mars Hill 78, Tusculum 75Marshall 76, East Carolina 62Newberry 73, Brevard 62Northwestern St. 77, Texas-San Antonio 74Old Dominion 64, William & Mary 63Radford 69, High Point 64Rice 69, UCF 66S.C.-Aiken 58, Clayton St. 53SE Louisiana 70, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 68Sam Houston St. 75, McNeese St. 60South Carolina 77, Kentucky 59Tennessee 81, Mississippi St. 76Va. Commonwealth 71, James Madison 52Virginia Tech 80, Clemson 77MIDWESTBall St. 53, Cent. Michigan 44Connecticut 93, Marquette 82E. Michigan 58, Toledo 49Evansville 56, Bradley 49Michigan St. 62, Iowa 54Missouri 94, Kansas St. 74N. Illinois 78, W. Michigan 63Northwestern 75, Indiana 53Notre Dame 70, Rutgers 65S. Illinois 56, Drake 55Villanova 74, DePaul 72SOUTHWESTLamar 75, Texas-Arlington 64Nicholls St. 60, Cent. Arkansas 58Stephen F.Austin 68, Texas St. 52Texas 87, Texas Tech 81Tulsa 77, Houston 68UTEP 61, SMU 58, OTFAR WESTOklahoma St. 76, Colorado 55Pacific 72, UC Davis 57Utah 70, UNLV 60Wyoming 82, Colorado St. 79———Wednesday’s Women’s ScoresEASTAlbany, N.Y. 92, UMBC 80Army 60, Lafayette 55Bowling Green 89, Buffalo 82, OTDowling 85, C.W. Post 80Duquesne 66, La Salle 51Holy Cross 75, Colgate 57Lehigh 69, Bucknell 60Navy 59, American U. 56Providence 51, Marquette 49Saint Joseph’s 77, Massachusetts 63St. John’s 78, Seton Hall 57Temple 74, Xavier 65Vermont 61, Maine 44SOUTHArmstrong Atlantic 92, Francis Marion 91, OTCarson-Newman 93, Catawba 62Charlotte 59, George Washington 57Clayton St. 67, S.C.-Aiken 59Duke 83, Wake Forest 50Louisiana-Monroe 65, Denver 41Middle Tennessee 74, Fla. International 54Newberry 77, Brevard 46Nicholls St. 71, Cent. Arkansas 64Nova Southeastern 78, Florida Tech 57Troy 93, Louisiana-Lafayette 52Tusculum 86, Mars Hill 68UNC Pembroke 64, Georgia College 61W. Kentucky 66, Florida Atlantic 48Wingate 89, Lenoir-Rhyne 78MIDWESTAkron 68, Miami (Ohio) 56Cent. Michigan 64, W. Michigan 60Iowa St. 76, Colorado 63Nebraska 52, Kansas St. 47Ohio 68, Kent St. 58Saint Louis 64, St. Bonaventure 57SOUTHWESTArk.-Little Rock 52, New Orleans 42Arkansas St. 76, North Texas 67Baylor 83, Texas Tech 53Kansas 67, Oklahoma St. 52Sam Houston St. 81, McNeese St. 71TCU 41, New Mexico 38Texas St. 73, Stephen F.Austin 60FAR WESTSan Diego St. 59, BYU 47UNLV 68, Utah 55Wyoming 71, Colorado St. 62

SCOREBOARD

“He got dunked on two or three times at Kentucky,” Horn said. “I told him I thought he was better than that in so many words not for print.”

Muldrow responded with eight points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks. Zam Fredrick added 15 for the Gamecocks.

South Carolina swarmed Kentucky inside, and Patrick Patterson called it the most frustrating game he has ever had. He scored 28 points and had 12 rebounds, but had his shot blocked eight times and shot 10 of 24, almost all on shots within five feet of the basket.

Gillispie said Patterson got no help from the rest of the team.

“One of the best perfor-mances I’ve ever seen as far as courage, toughness, deter-mination, willingness to try to help your team win,” the coach said of his sophomore forward.

Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks, battling with Downey for SEC player of the year hon-ors, scored 18 points, play-ing sparingly once the game got out of hand.

The Gamecocks pushed Kentucky around all night long.

Leading by 23 with less than 10 minutes to go, the 5-foot-9 Downey swooped between three defenders and hit a high-arching layup to put South Carolina ahead 68-43.

On the next possession, Muldrow and Mike Holmes had back-to-back blocks as Kentucky tried to push the ball inside, and then Downey buried a 3 to give the Gamecocks their biggest lead at 71-43 with 9 minutes to go.

In the next three minutes, South Carolina blocked three more shots. Holmes also blocked a Patterson hook shot on its way down. He got called for an obvious goaltending, but the crowd roared anyway.

“I really think our bigs were the difference in the game. You know Meeks and Patterson are going to be good and Fredrick and Downey are going to do what they do. That’s what all-caliber SEC players do,” Horn said. “But I thought our bigs and our bench were the difference. They were terrific.”

The Wildcats have little time to regroup. They need at least a couple more wins

to feel comfor table on Selection Sunday, and fin-ish with SEC leader LSU,Florida — a team also bat-tling for an NCAA bid — and Georgia.

The road is much easier for South Carolina, which heads to Vanderbilt on Saturday, then finishes with Tennessee and Georgia.

Gamecocks fans haven’t been this excited since 1997,when they won the SEC witha 15-1 league record. Thatteam was the only other oneto sweep Kentucky.

Wednesday’s game wasthe biggest in Columbiasince that team knockedoff the then-No. 3 Wildcatsin overtime. The courtside celebrities that night were ajust-past-their-peak-of-fameHootie and the Blowfish, who scrambled over tablesto rush the court along withhundreds of other fans at theold Carolina Coliseum.

The fans stayed in thestands on Wednesday, and Horn planned to temper theenthusiasm by telling his team this game means little unless the Gamecocks can keep winning.

“I don’t think we need toget too overly excited aboutit,” Horn said. “Again, we’vegot to lay it one brick at a time.”

UKcontinued from page 8

The score was still 49-45 when Robbins was fouled with 2:06 to play. He missed both free throws but the rebound went out off of Harlan County’s Blake Polson. On a very question-able call, Mayes picked up his fifth foul on the play as the offical ruled that he had pushed Polson. Instead of Bell getting the ball back, Harlan County was again headed to the free throw line.

“I didn’t see nothing. I don’t know what he called,” Morris said. “Those things are big in games like this. I think we were up by four or five and if we get it back they’re going to have to foul again.”

Polson hit one of the free throws and Zachery came away with the rebound after he missed the second.

Up by three with time winding under two minutes, Bell again had an opportuni-ty to try and run some clock and force the Bears to foul. Instead, Robbins had a shot blocked by Polson as he cut to the basket. Lowe got the offensive rebound and his layup attempt went halfway down before rattling out.

“I thought we did pretty good there for three and a half quarters,” Morris said. “You can’t ask for any more. You have the lead and the ball. We took some quick shots we didn’t have to shoot and missed some layups we probably should have made.

“It’s the same old story. You have to execute down at the end and you have to hit your free throws and make good decisions.”

Robbins blocked a pair of Black Bear shots at the other end, but Caldwell put back the last one to make it a one-point game, 49-48,with 1:20 to play.

This time Bell did run the clock down and Robbins was fouled with 26.9 seconds left. He missed the front end of the bonus and Caldwell pulled down the rebound.

Following a timeout, Harlan County got the ball to Hogue in the right corner and backed down along the baseline. He spun around Robbins and into the lane and put up what proved to be the game winner with John Dudley Hilton and Seth Chambers both in his face.

“They did a good job down the stretch of battling of f ighting and getting it where they wanted it,” Bell County coach Lewis Morris said. “Coach (Mike) Jones does a good job when it gets in tight situations. He has some post kids they will go to, and they just manhandled there at the last.”

Hogue led all scorers with 16 points in the game, Simmons added 10 for the Bears and Caldwell finished with eight.

The Bobcats were led by Zachery’s 13 points, while Robbins and Wilson finished with 10 each and Mayes added nine.

It was the final game for Bell’s two seniors, Zachery and Wilson. Morris said they will be missed by the Bobcat program.

The Bobcats will have leading scorer Robbins back next season along with start-ers Mayes and Chambers. They’l l also have Ben

Madon back, the sophomoreguard misssed the end of thisseason with a broken wrist along with several youngplayers who saw significantvarsity action throughout theseason.

“We lose two seniors and we’ve got work to do to get our younger kids ready,” Morris said. “We’ve just got to keep working and try-ing to build and hopefully will have a better year nextyear.”

Har lan County (13-13) advances to f aceMiddlesboro Friday night at7 p.m. in the 52nd Districtchampionship game.

Bellcontinued from page 8

A b o v e : B e l l senior Shawnta Zachery battles for a reboundw i t h H a r l a n County’s TyrekSimmons dur-ing action in We d n e s d ay ’s52nd Distr ic t s e m i f i n a l .Zachery scored a team-high 13 points in the Bobcats’ 50-49loss.

Left: Bell juniorMitchell Mayesg o e s u p fo rtwo of his nine points in the game

JAY COMPTON/

Daily News

Lionscontinued from page 8

RICK DORTON/Daily News

Pineville’s Shawn Madon (pictured during action earlier this season) scored 10 points in Wednesday’s game.

PAGE 10 THE DAILY NEWS |THURSDAY|FEBRUARY 26, 2009

DEADLINE CHANGESfor ALL classifieds 4:00p.m. 2 days prior to run

of adNO EXCEPTIONS

Run Date DeadlineMon Fri 4:00pmTues Fri 4:00pmWed Mon 4:00pmThurs Tues 4:00pmFri Wed 4:00pmSat Thurs 4:00pm

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Visa & Mastercard.

38IMMEDIATE OPENING

The Claiborne Progress is seeking a person toassist in laying out pages weekly for the

newspaper. This position is mostly layout withthe use of Quark and Adobe Photoshop. We are

offering a full time position which requires flexibleworking hours. This is an immediate opening andthe position offers health benefits, 401(k), vision

and dental options. Apply in person or call(606) 248-1010, ext 202 to arrange

an appointment.Email resume to:

[email protected] [email protected]

Director of NursingBarbourville Nursing Home issearching for an energetic and

enthusiastic Director of Nursing. Ifyou are an RN with long term careexperience, are dedicated, detail

oriented, and interested in workingin a challenging, fun and rewarding

environment, we want to talk to you!We are a leading Long Term care

provider in the area and named oneof Kentucky’s Best Places to Work.

Our state of the art 119 bed facility islocated in beautiful Barbourville, Ky.We will provide excellent leadership,a very competitive salary and, a greatbenefit package that includes health,

vision, dental, employer paid andoptional life, optional cancer plan, anda 401 k plan with excellent employer

contributions.Come be a part of our team!

Fax your cover letter and resume toJanna Moses at 606-546-5138 or

email to [email protected] or formore information contact Janna

Moses, Administrator at606-546-5136.

Barbourville Nursing Home

Barbourville Nursing Home issearching for a Maintenance Director.If you are hard working, dedicated,

and interested in working in achallenging, fun and rewarding

environment, we want to talk to you!We are a leading Long Term Care

provider in the area and named oneof Kentucky’s Best places to Work.

Our state of the art 119 bed facility islocated in beautiful Barbourville, Ky.We will provide excellent leadership,a very competitive salary and a greatbenefit package that includes health,

vision, dental, employer paid andoptional life, optional cancer plan, anda 401 k plan with excellent employer

contributions.Come be a part of our team!

Fax your cover letter and resume toJanna Moses at 606-546-5138 or

email to [email protected] or formore information contact Janna

Moses, Administrator at606-546-5136.

D & D HaulingFor all your hauling

needs. Sand, gravel, dirt, mulch.

David Daniels(606) 269-2244

Earl Daniels(423) 869-5313

All types ofChainlink & Wood

Fences. BUELLFENCE, Pineville.Free Estimates(606) 337-3339

or (606) 269-1171

100 Legals

NOTICEPURSUANT TOSECTION 421.120 and242.340 of KentuckyRevised Statutes, Noticeto Creditors,Administration has beengranted by the DistrictCourt of Bell Countyupon the followingestate:

Glenna Mae Brown,Deceased 12-16-2008HC 62, Box 1233Calvin, Ky 40813Sheila Smith, Co-ExecutrixLori Lea Brown, Co-ExecutrixJeffrey W. Helton,AttorneyPO Box 1070Pineville, Ky 40977

All persons havingclaims against the aboveestate(s) are notified topresent same to thefiduciary verifiedaccording to law, notlater than August 18,2009.

Colby Slusher, ClerkBell Circuit and DistrictCourts

NOTICEPURSUANT TOSECTION 421.120 and242.340 of KentuckyRevised Statutes, Noticeto Creditors,Administration has beengranted by the DistrictCourt of Bell Countyupon the followingestate:

Omega WilsonBranscom, Deceased12-14-2008Rt. 1 Box 212Middlesboro, Ky 40965Etta Lou Engle Talley,ExecutrixBill Hayes, AttorneyPO Box 817Middlesboro, Ky 40965

All persons havingclaims against the aboveestate(s) are notified topresent same to thefiduciary verifiedaccording to law, notlater than August 18,2009.

Colby Slusher, ClerkBell Circuit and DistrictCourts

NOTICEPURSUANT TOSECTION 421.120 and242.340 of KentuckyRevised Statutes, Noticeto Creditors,Administration has beengranted by the DistrictCourt of Bell Countyupon the followingestate:

Paul K. Slusher,Deceased 2/5/2009Rt. 7 Box 728-APineville, Ky 40977Mark Slusher,AdministratorRt. 7 Box 708Pineville, Ky 40977

All persons havingclaims against the aboveestate(s) are notified topresent same to thefiduciary verifiedaccording to law, notlater than August 18,2009.

Colby Slusher, ClerkBell Circuit and DistrictCourts

NOTICEAs provided in KRS359.230, the personalproperty contained in thefollowing storage units: #63. Will be sold for cashto satisfy the liensresulting from rentaldefault. Sale will takeplace at US 25-E MiniStorage Lot on HappyHollow Road at 9:00 AMon Monday, March 2,2009.

NOTICEPURSUANT TOSECTION 421.120 and242.340 of Kentucky

100 Legals

Revised Statutes, Noticeto Creditors,Administration has beengranted by the DistrictCourt of Bell Countyupon the followingestate:

Sandra "Kathy" Slusher,Deceased 6-11-2008Rt. 7 Box 728-APineville, Ky 40977Mark Slusher,AdministratorRt. 7 Box 708Pineville, Ky 40977

All persons havingclaims against the aboveestate(s) are notified topresent same to thefiduciary verifiedaccording to law, notlater than August 18,2009.

Colby Slusher, ClerkBell Circuit and DistrictCourts

200 Announcements

Notices

All Legal Advertisingmust be in written formand be in our office 2days prior to run.

Genealogy Day atthe Library: FREE

GENEALOGYWorkshops

The Bell CountyGenealogical Society,Bell County PublicLibraries, and the localKentucky Path of theDaughters of theAmerican Revolutionare sponsoring variousworkshops at theMiddlesboro Libraryon March 14th, 2009.For more information,please call email us [email protected] or stop by thelibrary or museum fora flyer or call 606-242-0005. Pre-registeration isrequired by March12th, 2009.

ATTENTION!NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONS CANRUN THEIRANNOUNCEMENTS INTHE BULLETIN BOARDAT NO CHARGE YOUCAN FAX TO 606-248-7614 OR E-MAIL TOclassified@ middlesborodailynews.com WRITE ITDOWN AND MAIL ORBRING INTO THEOFFICE 120 N. 11THST. P.O. BOX 579MIDDLESBORO, KY40965

It’s illegal for companiesdoing business by phoneto promise you a loanand ask you to pay for itbefore they deliver. Formore information, calltoll-free 1-877-FTCHELP. A public servicemessage from The DailyNews and the FederalTrade Commission.

We will not knowinglyaccept any advertisingfor real estate which is inviolation of the law. Allpersons are herebyinformed that all dwellingadvertised are availableon an equal oppotunitybasis.

300 Services

Appliance Services

Will buy your torn upappliances for parts. 606-248-8844

Appliance Services

Will fix your torn up appl.All parts on hand,cheapest in area. A.R.S.Services. 606-248-0814

Child / Elderly Care

NOTE TO PARENTS:Kentucky State Lawrequres licensing forchild care facilitiesproviding care for 4 ormore children not relatedto the licensee by blood,marriage or adoption.Daycare centers mustinclude address in ads.

Financial

Advance-Fee Loans orCredit Offers:

Companies that dobusiness by phone can’task you to pay for creditbefore you get it. Formore information, calltoll-free 1-877-FTCHELP. A public servicemessage from The DailyNews and the FederalTrade Commission.

Advance-Fee Loans orCredit Offers: Companiesthat do business byphone can’t ask you topay for credit before youget it. For moreinformation, call toll-free1-877-FTC HELP. Apublic service messagefrom The Daily News andthe Federal TradeCommission.

General Repairs

BROCK'S HOMEREPAIR

Roofing, decks--No jobtoo big or too small, wedo it all!!!FREE ESTIMATEPhone 606-337-8804

Other Services

Landscaping,oddjobs,handymanservices.Call 423-912-0360

400 Financial

500 Education

600 Animals

Pets

Free puppies:1/2 Lab, 1/2 BorderCollie. 7 wks. 606-499-1747

Free to good home.Medium-sized mixedbreed, 3 mos. old. 276-445-4470

Have you lost your pet?Please check the BellCo. Animal Shelter to seeif it has been picked up.We love happy endings!Call 606-337-6331 orcome by today!

Yorkie pups (M&FM)need rehoming. For infocontact me at [email protected]

700 Agriculture

900 Merchandise

Appliances

Washers & dryers $50-$200/ea. All guaranteedA.R.S. 606-248-0814

Hobby / Hunt & Sport

2 Guns for Sale. 423-851-2651 after 4:30.

Miscellaneous

Lawn mower parts forsale, various types for allmowers, push and riding.606-248-6172

1000Recreational

Vehicles

Boats / Accessories

14ft fiberglass boat,25hpJohnson motor $1500606-269-7884.

2000 Automotive

3000Real Estate

Sales

3500Real Estate

Rentals

Apartments/Townhouses

1 BR apt., LR, bath,kitchen. Securitygate/lighting, deck,courtyard, stove, frig,washer, dryer, water &sewer provided. 12 mo.lease. $425/ mo. +$425/dep. Call Mack606-269-1779

1 br eff, elec, water incd,between Pville & M'boro,stainless appliance,CH/A, ceramictile/lamenate fl. $475month, $475 damagedep. Ref Req, call 606-499-7824. HUD notaccepted.

2 BR apt. for rent. CallKevin 606-269-7970

2 BR apt. for rent,M'Boro. No pets.$450/mo. + $500 dep.Call for application. 606-269-2965

Apartments for rentin Middlesboro. Call(606)248-4742

1 BR apt. All utils. furn.except elec. $500/mo +$200 dep. 606-269-0641or 606-269-5334

Newly remod. 2BR apt. 1mi. from LMU. Elec. &water incl. $575/mo. +$575/dep. 606-302-1797

REDUCEDLuxury Penthouse

ApartmentsBrand new in M'boro. 1brw/ master bath & guest1/2ba. Laundry facility onlocation. Call for moreinfo. 606-499-0834

Small 1BR apt., LR,bath, kitchen, study,deck, courtyard, washer,dryer, stove, frig, water,sewer, securitygate/lighting provided. 12mo. lease. $375/mo. +$375/dep. Call Mack606-269-1779

Commercial

BESIDECUMBERLAND

FORD'S2 Commercialbuildings for lease.Each are 25'x60' andlocated on busyhighway 25E. Formore information call606-248-0400 or 606-269-3320

Houses For Rent

2BR house, P'ville-LaurelHill, full basement.$375/mo. 606-337-7160

Houses For Rent

House for rent,1BR,W/Dhookups,walkingdistance to LMU,depreq.423-526-9333.

4000Manufactured

Housing

Rentals

Trailers for rent,2BR,W/Dhookup,dep req,quietNeighborhood, 423-526-9333.

Sales

'01 Clayton singlewide,2BR,14x60,must bemoved,porches areincluded 276-346-1765.

5000 Resort Property

6000 Employment

Education

POST OFFICE HIRINGNATIONALLY!

Avg. pay $20/hr, $57/yr,incl Fed ben, OT optionalfee-based test prepmaterials, not affiliatedwith the US PostalService. 866-880-2690

Mechanics

Certified Motorcycle &ATV Technician Needed****************************

Call Scott248-8647

Coal Truck/HeavyEquipment Mechanicposition available withManalapan MiningCompany, Pathfork,Kentucky.

Excellent benefits whichinclude 401K, Health andDental Insurance,Production and SafetyBonuses.

Pay associated withexperience andqualifications.

To apply call Cheryl at606-664-3861, ext. 223.

9000Service / Bus.

Directory

Land Services

Backhoe, bulldozer work,septic & escavating,reasonable rates. 248-0862

Landscaping

Fill dirt & rock, callBuddy, 606-269-3320 orJoe 606-269-2961.

ClassifiedAds Get

Fast,EffectiveResults!248-1010

NOTICEMiddlesboro Nursing &Rehabilitation Facility,235 New Wilson Lane,Middlesboro, Kentucky

admits and serves patientsequally without regard torace, color, creed, religion

or national origin.

Middlesboro Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility, in order to maintain compliance with Title VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Age Discrimina-tion Act of 1975, is notifying all parties and the community that the facility will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap subject to the ap-propriate regulations.

BIG NATE

ASTROLOGY

GARFIELD

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CATHY

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ARLO & JANIS

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

THE BORN LOSER

SOUP TO NUTS

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KIT AND CARLYLE

Page 11

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009

ASTRO-GRAPH

By Bernice Bede Osol

Through some signifi cant changes in your outlook and attitude, views and concepts that have held you back will fi nally be resolved in the year ahead. The new you will discover what you’ve been looking for in this fresh perspective.PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- An associate of yours who always asks more of everyone than this person is ever willing to do for others will perform the old tricks again. Don’t be afraid to reject any undesirable requests.ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Although you might get some things accomplished, it won’t be enough if one job in particular doesn’t get done. Be grateful for whatever gains you make, even if they’re small.TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- There is a strong possibility that you will be privy to some information that could be harmful to another if it got out. Don’t be either prosecutor or judge when deciding who should know what.GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Harmful comments about another will damage you more than they will any individual you trash. You won’t have much luck winning friends with nasty gossip.CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Be careful not to overreact if a loyal friend provides support to your opposition. The person isn’t being mean, merely honest. Ask yourself why he or she thinks so differently.LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Take ample time to study the directions or other pertinent information about anything new in your life, even if it’s similar to something previously explored. It’ll save you a big headache.VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Without meaning to, there’s a good chance you could put restraints on those you love. Remember, the tighter you try to bind them to you, the harder they’re going to strain to break away.LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t force yourself to take on a project if you’re only lukewarm about seeing it through to completion. Your small amount of enthusiasm won’t hold up long enough to fi nish the job.SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Although one of your friends might do something that warrants criticism, no one is perfect -- so keep your thoughts to yourself. Finger-pointing will only create hostility and the loss of a pal.SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Loss of a prized possession is possible unless you are extra diligent about protecting that which you hold dear. Don’t leave anything lying around where it can easily be stolen.CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Heal old differences by letting bygones be bygones, even if they remind you of past indiscretions. Dredging this stuff up again will only widen the chasm.AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- If your thoughts are negative, keep your mouth shut. If you don’t, the words that pop out will be regrettable ones, especially if they harm another who doesn’t deserve it.

THE DAILY NEWS | THURSDAY |FEBRUARY 26, 2009

SUDOKU

Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

FRANK AND ERNEST

BUSINESSSection Editor: Donna Greene

Phone: (606) 248-1010 ext. 205Fax: (606) 248-7614

Email: [email protected] page: www.middlesborodailynews.com

PAGE 12 THE DAILY NEWS | THURSDAY| FEBRUARY 26, 2009

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Make sure to be included in this guide to what to see and do in our wonderful community.

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Published by the Middlesboro Daily News and the Claiborne Progress

InsiderInsiderTri-State

2009 - 2010 Visitors Guide

Coming July 31st, 2009

Tri-State

Area residents to benefit from Verizon’s network enhancementsNew cell site

means clearer reception, fewer dropped calls

M I D D L E S B O R O — Ve r i z o n Wireless has activated a new cell site in Middlesboro, which enables more custom-ers to use their wireless phones concur-rently to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messag-es; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and

ringtones, while enjoying clearer recep-tion and fewer dropped calls.

The new cell site, which is equipped with a permanent backup generator for times of emergency, improves voice and data coverage in Middlesboro; along U.S. Route 25 east between U.S. Route 988 and State Road 441; and along State Road 74 west of U.S. Route 25 east toward State Road 441.

“Network reliability is the No. 1 rea-son that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless,” said Greg Haller, presi-dent–Kentucky/Indiana/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. “Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are important to them. In 2009, we will

continue to perfect our network so that our customers in Kentucky know they can depend on us every time they pick up their wireless devices.”

This network improvement is part of Verizon Wireless’ continual effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Kentucky and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $50 billion since it was formed – $5.5 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. In 2008, the compa-ny invested more than $47 million in its Kentucky network.

About Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s

most reliable and largest wireless voiceand data network, serving more than 80 million customers. Headquarteredin Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 85,000 employees nationwide, VerizonWireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communicat ions (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwire-less.com. To preview and request broad-cast-quality video footage and high-resolu-tion stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless MultimediaLibrary at www.verizonwireless.com/mul-timedia .

Arnett & Steele secures grant for Pineville Resource CenterMary Steele of Arnett & Steele Funeral

Home, Pineville, recently presented a $500 grant to Pineville Combined Family Resource Youth Services Center Day Care of Pineville Independent School District.

The Youth Center is a non-profit orga-nization committed to the children of the Pineville School District.

The Arnett & Steele Funeral Home has been active in its collaboration with the York Chidlren’s Foundation to help improve the lives of area youth. This is the second grant they have secured to help the children of Bell County.

“Through the funeral home, I was aware of the York Children’s Foundation’s commitment to supporting children’s organizations across the country,” stated Mary Steele. “We have always placed a high priority on community involvement,

especially as it relates to helping children in need. We’re proud to partner with the York Children’s Foundation to help sup-port this most worthy cause.”

To learn more about Arnett & Steele Funeral Home, visit their website at www.arnettsteele.com.

The York Children’s Foundation is a non-profit organization that awards quar-terly grants to non-profit organizations that work solely for the benefit of chil-dren. The Foundation is funded by the Matthews Casket Division through dona-tions made on every sale of a Matthews’ casket.

To date, the Foundation has given more than $2.5 million to community-based children’s charities throughout the United States. For more information call 800-223-4964.

Pictured, from left, are Shelley Jennings, a York-Matthews Funeral Service Consultant,Mary Steele of Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Jamie Mills of the Pineville CombinedFamily Resource Center accepting the check from Mrs. Steele.

Commercial Bank was the corpo-

rate sponsor of the Lincoln Memorial University vs. Carson Newman basketball game Febuary 21 at the Tex Turner Arena. LMU won both games in front of the second larg-est crowd ever at the Tex Turner Arena for a basketball game. Commercial Bank employee Heather Woody and daugh-ter Baylee (pictured above) conducted the drawing for a Nintendo Wii game system bundle. LMU Railsplitter mascot, Abe Pictured (at right center) threw out Commercial Bank and LMU t-shirts to the crowd with the help of the Cumberland Gap Pantherettes. The Pantherettes provided entertainment danc-ing at halftime for each game. And a special Pink Zone tee shirt was sold to raise money for cancer awareness. Pictured bottom right is Jaymin and Michelle Huddleston wearing Pink Zone shirts!