Drug link cited in Detroit pension loan

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This house on 12209 Whithorn in Detroit was among the properties transferred to a firm owned by Macomb County resident Carlos Powell. (David Coates / The Detroit News)

Detroit— A businessman who borrowed $10 million from a Detroit pension fund to buy foreclosed homes had transferred some of the properties to an alleged international heroin dealer's company, The Detroit News has learned.

The property transfers were discovered by federal drug agents during a raid two years ago, according to a search warrant application reviewed by The News.

Agents found property records indicating a company headed by Detroit businessman Abner McWhorter had transferred two dozen houses to a firm headed by Macomb County resident Carlos Powell, who was indicted in January and accused of heading a large-scale drug ring.

The link is the latest fallout from a failed deal that led to McWhorter's suicide, an international manhunt and a search for $5 million in missing pension fund money.

"It's another twist of a crazy story," Police and Fire pension board Trustee George Orzech said.

The search warrant describes a connection between one of the largest drug busts in Metro Detroit history and a failed pension fund deal involving McWhorter and his company, Paramount Land Holdings.

McWhorter business partner George Kastanes, who is wanted by federal investigators after fleeing to the Caribbean in March, told The News a federal prosecutor asked him questions about the properties during a grand jury appearance in January.

Learning the houses had been transferred to Powell's company "surprised me a lot," Kastanes told The News during a phone interview while holed up at a resort on the Caribbean island St. Kitts.

It is unclear why McWhorter was transferring the houses and what his relationship was with Powell. It also was unclear how and if the homes purchased with pension fund cash were being used by Powell.

The size, scope and profits of Powell's alleged drug ring would rank him among the most prolific drug dealers in recent Metro Detroit history, according to federal investigators.

During the drug probe, federal agents have raided multiple locations in Michigan and Florida and seized more than $21 million in cash, 66 pounds of heroin, 26 pounds of cocaine, 1,000 pounds of marijuana and a fleet of exotic vehicles.

During a November 2010 raid of Powell's home in Washington Township, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents found copies of property records transferring approximately 26 Detroit houses to an Eastpointe company, Grand Towers Inc., according to the search warrant.

The president of Grand Towers was Powell, 37, according to state business records.

Paramount's former lawyer, Ben Gonek, could not explain the connection between Paramount and Grand Towers.

"I have no idea," Gonek said Wednesday. "The first I've heard of Powell's name is today."

Powell's attorney, N.C. Deday LaRene, declined comment on any connection between the two companies.

"I just don't think it's appropriate for me to discuss anything about Mr. Powell's affairs with you," LaRene said.

A spokesman for the DEA declined comment Wednesday.

McWhorter, 41, committed suicide in August amid accusations he was involved in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded the pension fund.

The property records were quitclaim deeds transferring Paramount's title to the homes to Grand Towers, according to the federal search warrant application.

The quitclaim deeds found by drug agents were never recorded with the Wayne County Register of Deeds. The deeds were dated Jan. 11, 2008.

That's almost two weeks before the pension fund approved loaning $10 million to Paramount.

The homes were initially purchased by one of Kastanes' companies, Interstate Investment Group, in fall 2007, the businessman said.

The homes were purchased in anticipation of the pension fund loaning $10 million to Paramount, Kastanes said.

"I would not have agreed to have the houses actually deeded out without payment having been received," Kastanes wrote in an email to The News.

McWhorter reimbursed Kastanes for the homes after the pension fund approved the loan, Kastanes said.

A pension fund spokesman declined comment.

The homes are spread across Detroit. Many are in disrepair.

The properties are a fraction of the more than 1,400 foreclosed homes in Metro Detroit purchased as part of the pension fund deal. Instead of being refurbished and resold, many of those homes are facing foreclosure — or demolition.

In May 2011, the pension fund sued McWhorter's company and 17 related parties, alleging McWhorter was involved in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded the pension fund.

The pension fund alleged Kastanes and his wife helped perpetuate the fraud and diverted loan money. The Paramount deal went into default last year, McWhorter committed suicide in August, and the pension fund is trying to recover money from the $10 million deal.

Kastanes and his wife allegedly pocketed as much as $5 million from the deal and are spending the cash on overseas business ventures and island hopping in the Caribbean, pension fund lawyers said in a court filing last month.

Kastanes said he and his wife fled the United States in March to avoid arrest warrants and they are wanted by federal agents for failing to comply with subpoenas related to a bankruptcy filing.

George Kastanes said he didn't flee with any pension fund money and is not a thief.

He's broke, Kastanes said.

"I wish that I indeed did have $5 million," Kastanes wrote in an email to The News.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120503/METRO01/205030402#ixzz1tnoM71gY

It's "Our Town" in our town tonight

Laura Nation-Atchison/The Daily Home Carter Hadley, left is George Gibbs and Grace Byrd, right, is his girlfriend, Emily Webb, in the local production of “Our Town,” with performances at 7 p.m. tonight and Friday. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults.

Tonight and Friday night bring a special opportunity to those who attend the production of “Our Town” at Talladega’s Ritz Theatre.

Not only will audiences familiarize themselves with the people of Grover’s Corners, N.H. in Thornton Wilder’s classic play.

Students from Talladega High School and Middle School are set to deliver the Pulitzer Prize winning play with performances will beginning at 7 p.m.

But this isn’t just any group of student actors, this is a group who has also worked to raise money to put on the show.

“They raised about $600 on their own,” said Georrge Culver, executive director for The Ritz Theatre and its governing body, Antique Talladega.

The students held a “Bake Sale and Jazz on the Square” event to help raise the money.

The Jemison-Carnegie Foundation of Talladega also provided funding for the production.

Culver said the play has great appeal to audiences of all ages.

“Our Town” is set in 1901 in a small town on New Hampshire. The plot revolves around two families – the Webbs and the Gibbs.

The romance between Emily Webb and George Gibbs results in a wedding and forever intertwines the two families. Grace Byrd and Carter Hadley star in the roles of Emily Webb and George Gibbs.

The play also uses an all-knowing stage manager to narrate the lives of the citizens of Grovers Corners played by Luke Smith.

Directing the play is 21-year-old Cody Carlton. Carlton is currently in his fifth season as CharACTers Theatre’s Artistic Director and President in Gadsden. Carlton was brought in by Culver to direct the production of “Our Town.”

Carlton says that he has truly enjoyed the experience.

“Working with these students has been truly fulfilling,” he said. “Watching them grow and learn from their first rehearsal has been the best part of this for me.”

Carlton is no newcomer to directing.

He began directing at the young age of 15 with his first show, Disney’s “The Jungle Book,” which received rave reviews and had a completely sold out run.

At 16, Carlton formed CharACTers Theatre in Gadsden. Over the past six years, he has directed more than 25 productions.

Some of his most recent directing credits include “Titanic the Musical,” “Ragtime,” and “Hairspray.”

“The true message behind this show is that life is something to savor,” Carlton said. “Enjoy your life and appreciate each person, thing, and experience that you are so fortunate to have. The play tells a story that everyone can feel a connection with because it is genuine. No games or gimmicks, just a real human experience.

“The stage manager puts it best when he says, ‘This is the way we were, in our growing up, and in our marrying, and in our living, and in our dying,’” Carlton said.

Tickets for “Our Town” will be available at The Ritz on the evenings of the two performances. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

“Our Town” was originally performed in 1938, and has been the focus of countless productions since then. The play is known for its minimalist sets which help to draw the focus of the audience to the actors and their performances.

The cast of the Ritz production of “Our Town” is comprised entirely of students. Cast members include Luke Smith as the stage manager, Grace Byrd as Emily Webb, Carter Hadley as George Gibbs, Benjamin McKay as Mr. Webb, Cate Rasco as Mrs. Webb, Michael McKay as Wally Webb, Johnathan Matson as Dr. Gibbs, Noel Williamson as Mrs. Gibbs, Elizabeth Byrd as Rebecca Gibbs, Robert Byron as Professor Willard and the constable, William Shelby Layfield as Howie Newsome, Lexie Rasco as Mrs. Soames, Jordan Hallman as Joe Crowell, Brad Word as Simon Stimson, and Jesse Stackdale as the man in the audience.

The production would not be possible without the generous support of members of the Antique Talladega and the Historic Ritz Theatre, Carlton said.

Carlton began performing in community theatre at the age of 12 with his first role as The Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart’s “Oliver” and he has been hooked ever since.

He is currently in his fifth season as CharACTers Theatre’s Artistic Director and President.

He has performed in well over 50 productions playing such roles as Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet,” Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast,” and Emmett in “Legally Blonde the Musical.”

Carlton is also a full time college student and is majoring in English language arts with a focus in theatre.

He is engaged to Santana McKinney who currently serves as the director of the CharACTers Children’s Theatre.

Carlton and McKinney work as a production duo on many productions with Carlton as the director and McKinney as the choreographer.

Carlton would like to say a special “thank you” to all of the wonderful people of Talladega for supporting them in this huge endeavor.

His final comment to the group of young thespians is “break a leg!”

Read more:The Daily Home - It s Our Town in our town tonight

Garbage truck catches fire; driver escapes injury

St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department deputies shut down a section of Old Coal City Road after a garbage truck caught fire Wednesday morning. David Atchison/The Daily Home

PELL CITY — When the woman looked down her driveway, she was shocked to see smoke and flames.

“It was just blazing,” said Mary Thompkins of 1226 Old Coal City Road, Pell City. “The truck was just blazing.”

Flames shot up 10 feet in the air and the cloud of white smoke was so thick Thompkins couldn’t see inside the cab of the truck.

“It scared me to death,” she said. “I was worried about the driver of the truck. With so much smoke and fire, I couldn’t see anybody.”

Thompkins called 911 and emergency workers responded to her call.

Both Wattsville and Riverside volunteer fire departments responded to the fire, which was just north of the Pleasant Valley Quick Stop.

Veolia Environmental Services driver Jerry Higginbotham escaped unharmed from the garbage truck.

Fortunately, Higginbotham frequently looks in the rearview mirror of the truck.

“I saw smoke,” Higginbotham said. “I turned around, and it was flaming.”

The engine that caught fire was behind the truck’s cab.

“I jumped out of my truck,” Higginbotham said. “I thought it was going to blow.”

Authorities said the emergency call was received at about 11:14 a.m. Wednesday.

Old Coal City Road was temporarily closed as firefighters fought the blaze and wreckers worked to remove the large green garbage truck.

Old Coal City Road was closed for more than one hour, but nobody was hurt in the fire.

Higginbotham said he thought the engine fire was electrical.

Read more:The Daily Home - Garbage truck catches fire driver escapes injury

Students, teachers show off knowledge at technology showcase

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Second-grader Breanna Clark and Munford Elementary School teacher Amber Waites check out the iPad in the learning lab at the Talladega County Schools Technology Showcase Wednesday. Bob Crisp/The Daily Home

CHILDERSBURG — Fairytales, comic strips, artwork, “rock” songs and “code” talking were just a few of the things available in one place in Talladega County on Wednesday.

While it may not sound like it at first listen, all the events were educational as well.

The Childersburg High Performing Arts and Sports Arena was filled with elementary, middle and high school students showing off some of their best technology projects of the year on Wednesday.

The fifth annual Talladega County Schools’ Technology Showcase served as a chance for students and their educators to celebrate what they’ve learned throughout the year and the neat things they’ve done with that knowledge. And while showing off their own accomplishments, the students and teachers were also able to learn new things from others presenting projects at the event.

Brooke Morgan, assistant principal at Munford Elementary School, and Jennifer Barnett, an English and history teacher at Fayetteville High School, co-coordinated the showcase. Both educators said the event is a chance to show others in the county School System as well as others in the state some of the projects the students have been working on throughout the school year. Those projects all utilize 21st century technology, such as computers or iPads.

After learning about a subject or particular topic in class, the students then work on the project for several weeks. The best of those projects and several students from those classes are then chosen to present the project at the showcase.

In addition to learning the subject and the technology, the students also begin working on their communication skills from an early age.

“Even second-graders … they are able to explain their project and teach visitors how to use the technology,” Morgan said. “It’s more than just technology.”

Barnett said the presentation portion of the event puts the teaching in the students’ hands and “makes their learning more authentic.”

Barnett and Morgan said the event works as “great professional development” for the teachers because they are able to see things other educators are using in their classrooms.

One of the biggest hits of the day was the iPad learning lab. The “lab” featured 16 iPads with students teaching the “classes” on different applications available for the device. Attendees who have never used the iPad were able to sit down with one and actually get to see how the different applications work on the tablet.

“Several people were really excited and now want to go out and get an iPad,” Morgan said.

Several second-graders from Amber Waites’ Munford Elementary School class presented fairytales they wrote and illustrated on iPads using various apps. Breanna Clark, Aiden Marquardt and Connor Morgan each talked about reading various fairytales and learning about variations of such stories before making their own stories in Waites’ class this year. The students used apps such at Toontastic, Picturebook and Scribble Press while publishing their fairytales on the iPads.

Several third-graders at A.H. Watwood Elementary used technology to enhance their study of rocks this year. Malakai Mitchell, Ayanna Swain and Ryan Slaten told showcase attendees how they took their research on various types of rocks and made a video using the Animoto app. The students also recorded their research on igneous rocks, then used the app Songify to turn their information into a song.

Chance Owens and Kazden Duke, second-graders in Anita Simpson’s class at Fayetteville, made math a little more fun by using a website to turn math problems into comic strips.

The fun wasn’t limited to just the elementary school level. High school students from around the county presented some of their projects as well. Barnett’s students from Fayetteville High used quick response codes, commonly referred to as QR codes, to jazz up their history project. Jacob Skinner, Landyn Bassett, Kayla Sherbert, Justin Andrews, Heather Hurst, Grayson Shaw, Alana Campbell and Lauren Guy each wore T-shirts with a QR code on the front Wednesday.

Snapping a picture of the code connects the user with the student’s wiki page, which features their history project. To learn historical events and also gain more knowledge about QR codes, students in Barnett’s class had a QR code scavenger hunt over the school. Students would find a code, go to the website to find out their question, which would lead them to a teacher or a place in the school where they would find another code that would lead to another question. The “hunt” eventually ended up back in Barnett’s classroom.

“It was a lot better than sitting in class taking notes,” Skinner said.

After finishing the project, the students began to notice the codes on all sorts of products, ranging from bags of chips to boxes of pizza. The students had several of those products available for showcase attendees to see, and were able to tell those interested how to generate a QR code for themselves.

Students in Phillip Jenkins’ math class at B.B. Comer added a little color to their geometry this year. Several students were present at the showcase to talk about their artwork that they made during math class. Logan Lackey and Makayla Harris are just two of the students who were displaying their artwork, which features a geometric shape in its design. The students had a visit from a professional painter before beginning the project. They then researched art at the library before finding something that spoke to them personally. After painting their masterpieces, the students took a picture of the artwork and then imported it into the computer to make a digital art gallery. Both the digital version and the printed work was displayed Wednesday and the students were able to tell participants about the artwork and why they chose to paint a certain subject. The students’ artwork will be available for purchase Tuesday night at a silent auction at Math, Art and Music at B.B. Comer High. The event begins at 6 p.m.

IMHoF is treat for race fans

Steve Perez of Los Angeles looks inside one of several cars on display at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Brian Schoenhals/The Daily Home

TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY — The International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum has a lot to offer race fans with extended hours this weekend.

“The International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum is a unique facility to have here in Talladega, and it’s a real treat for race fans,” said Grant Lynch, chairman of the Talladega Superspeedway and executive director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum.

The museum is on Speedway Boulevard next to the Talladega Superspeedway.

“This is truly an international hall of fame that recognizes not just drivers but owners, promoters, executives and more,” Lynch said. “And they range across all forms of motor sports. If it has an engine and goes fast, it’s represented at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.”

Lynch said the range of exhibits include a powerboat, dragsters, NASCAR stock cars, go-karts, motorcycles, an airplane once flown by the legendary Bobby Allison and more.

The museum is open for special race week hours 8 a.m.-4 p.m. today, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. The average monthly attendance is 1,000 visitors. The average race week attendance jumps to 7,500 visitors, with approximately 30,000 visitors each year.

The museum tour is a walking, self-guided tour that takes 1-3 hours to complete, depending on the amount of time spent with each attraction.

There is also a Talladega Superspeedway Tour featuring an 18-seat handicap-accessible van tour every half hour available today that lasts approximately 20 minutes and is narrated by the van driver.

Tickets to the Hall of Fame are $12 per adult, $5 per student (ages 6-12) and children under 5 are free with adult admission. Track Tour tickets are $8 per adult, $5 per student (ages 6-12) and children under 5 are free with adult admission. The Museum and Speedway Tour Combo (available today) is $16 per adult, $8 per student (ages 6-12) and children under 5 are free with adult admission.

Special exhibits include the John Force dragster, which is on display through the induction ceremony tonight.

According to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, Force raced dozens of Funny Cars over the course of his Hall of Fame career and race fans can see the one-of-a-kind Castrol GTX HIGH MILEAGE Hall of Fame special edition Ford Mustang Funny Car.

Also on display during race week is the “King of Speed” Kenny Bernstein’s Budweiser Top Fuel Dragster, which was the first to break the 300 mph barrier at the Gainesville (Florida) Raceway March 20, 1992.

Other special exhibits include the Dale Earnhardt motorcoach and a Jr. Dragster.

For more information, call the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum at 256-362-5002.

Loyalty Day Parade this Saturday

The annual Loyalty Day Parade will take place Saturday, May 5.The V.F.W. Post 1127 sponsors the event.
V.F.W. Post Commander Bob Bigley told The Brazil Times the parade lineup would begin at 1 p.m., at the corner of National Avenue and Depot Street.
"Everything will kick off from the club, then the lineup will begin," Bigley said.
The parade itself is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. This year's theme is, "And Some Gave All."
Bigley said the three best floats would be awarded trophies for their efforts. Local residents will judge the floats in front of Brazil City Hall on a flatbed trailer Bigley secured to pose as the judge's stand.
Bigley said Clover Signs has made a 14-foot banner stating, "V.F.W. 1127 Loyalty Day Parade Judges Stand," for the event.
In addition, Bigley said both the Northview High School Marching Band and Jackson Township Community Band would be given $150 donations.
Bigley said floats could still be entered through the end of the week. To enter a float, send the name of the individual or organization, name and phone number, description of the entry and information to share at the judge's stand to V.F.W. Post 1127, 303 S. Depot St., Brazil, or by e-mailing mammyof8@gmail.com.
The annual Clay County Veterans Brunch will also take place prior to Saturday's parade. The brunch will take place at Traditions Banquet Hall, 105 E. National Ave. Doors will open for the event at 10 a.m., with a program set for 10:30. The lunch, donated and catered by Pappy's Barbecue, will begin close to 11 a.m.
Clay County Veterans Officer Mike Holland said all Clay County Veterans, spouses, guests, widows and widowers are welcome to the brunch. Giveaways and door prizes will also be offered prior to the meal. Holland added the meal would consist of pulled pork and pulled chicken, baked beans, cheesy potatoes and a choice of tea, lemonade or water. Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham will be the guest speaker at the brunch.

Local meets favorite band

Brazil resident Dustin Helwig listens as Jared Leto works his way through a song.

Before Friday, the greatest day in Dustin Helwig's life was the day his son was born.But he can add another "greatest day" to his list after meeting members of his favorite band.
The 24-year-old Brazil resident spent part of Friday with the band 30 Seconds to Mars. He flew to California Friday morning to meet with the band after being chosen randomly through a contest called VyRT.
The contest offered fans of the band to purchase tickets for a live event, which was broadcast worldwide online.
Helwig purchased a ticket and entered a contest where fans were interviewed by others who work for the band, called "The Hive."
During the concert, Helwig said the band talked to fans, played music and talked about the groups' future.
"Once I bought the ticket, I was entered into the competition," Helwig said.
He added e-mails were randomly picked and those who were selected were then interviewed.
From there, he and another fan were chosen to meet the band in person.
Helwig flew to California Friday morning after finding out he had been selected Wednesday.
While meeting with the band, he had the chance to listen to an impromptu acoustic show -- with a string quartet -- and watch the band members interact with fans online. Helwig said the band also entertained its guests with clips of new songs it is preparing for a new album.
Members of 30 Seconds to Mars include Jared Leto (guitar, vocals), Shannon Leto (drums, percussion) and Tomo Milicevic (guitar, keyboards). Jared Leto is also known for acting in several movies, including "Panic Room," and "Prefontaine," and for his stint on the MTV hit show, "My So-Called Life."
"They were all just kind of hanging out," Helwig said. "Jared was sitting there talking to the fans over the Internet. Right in the middle of doing that, he had me come over. I went to shake his hand and he was like, 'Nope, nope ... bring it in,' (for a hug).
"It was really cool. They were all really down to earth. It was like I had known them for 10 years. Friday was probably the most memorable afternoon of my life, next to my son being born. I will never forget it."
The band has released three studio albums, including its self-title debut in 2002, "A Beautiful Life," in 2005, and "This is War," in 2009.
The band has had three singles, "From Yesterday," "Kings and Queens," and "This is War," reach the No. 1 spot on the Alternative Chart.
Helwig has been a fan of the band since 2006.
"When 'This is War' came out, I was in Iraq," Helwig said. "I had downloaded it and listened to it non-stop the whole time. That's when I really got big into them."
Members of "The Hive" have also asked Helwig to write about his experience for the group's fan journal.
"They flew us out there," Helwig said. "It was probably a first for them. It was really awe inspiring to see how much they really, really appreciate the fans. They talked about it. Every time they do an interview, they thank the fans. It kind of brought it home and made it that much more real.
"It was very humbling. When you think of rock stars, you have this idea they are larger than life. That was not the case at all. They are just like you and I."

Candidates speak to GOP base

Current 8th District Congressman Larry Bucshon (above) was the keynote speaker of the annual Clay County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner Monday. The event took place at Calvary Baptist Church. 

Both speakers at the 2012 Lincoln Day Dinner gave speeches layered heavy with campaign pitches.On Monday, Clay County Republicans gathered at Calvary Baptist Church for the annual event.
Kristi Risk, candidate for the 8th District congressional seat, was the featured speaker, while Larry Bucshon, current 8th District Congressman, served as the keynote speaker.
Risk, an Owen County native, is running for the congressional seat again after losing to Bucshon in the 2010 Primary. On Monday, she explained her reasons for running again.
"I'm very excited for the upcoming election," Risk told the audience. "(President Barack Obama) has woken up this nation."
Risk harkened back to the Founders of America, saying they had "exceptional ideas," ideas, she said needed to be revisited.
"When our Founders came here, they were intent to have this nation be the greatest beacon of freedom," Risk said. "Now, we're marching toward socialism. Our principles are being discarded.
"It's the people of this nation who make it great, not the government ... the cord of independence is unraveling fast ... the government will obliterate our independence."
Risk said she believed the majority of people have "lost hope" and have a "lack of trust" in government.
"We have to restore that trust," she said. "America is our last, best hope. We must return to our pure ideas (of the Founders)."
Risk said the United States Constitution is the best place to start.
"Government must be bound," she said. "I'll legislate through the Constitution."
Following Risk, Bucshon, who edged Risk in the 2010 Primary and went on to win the seat, told the audience he first ran for Congress because he wanted to see more private sector people in government.
"I still believe that today," Bucshon said. "I still consider myself new to politics."
Bucshon added the country's direction in regard to health care is wrong, adding if he is re-elected, repealing "Obama Care" is one of his top priorities.
Bucshon said since becoming a member of Congress, he and fellow Republicans have "stopped" more stimulus spending and tax increases, while also curbing exploding budget deficits. He said the Republican-controlled Congress has also decreased discretionary spending and voted to repeal "Obama Care."
"The House has done its job when it comes to 'Obama Care,'" Bucshon said. "But the only way to get rid of 'Obama Care' is to get rid of this President."
Bucshon also discussed other top priorities if re-elected. But most important, he said, was making sure a Republican gets into the White House.
"We have to work hard to make sure President Barack Obama is a one-term president," he said. "You have not seen the real Barack Obama."
Bucshon said tax reform is key for businesses to thrive in the future.
"Small business ... that's what drives this country," he said. "I've been all over Clay County. I love Clay County. Before I was elected, I didn't know how much industry you had. But businesses are worried ... I can tell you we are in big trouble."
Bucshon also said coming up with a long-term energy plan for the nation is crucial.
"We continue to be dependent on people who hate us," he said. "We have the resources in our own country to solve this problem.
"Republicans are not against 'green' energy, but it's practical to continue to use fossil fuels. We need an energy policy."
Bucshon said for the country to continue to move forward, Republicans must retain control of the House of Representatives, win the Senate and defeat the president.
"This country wants to stock to conservatism," he said. "There's no reason to apologize for our beliefs. I think we'll get through this crisis. Americans always get through."
Clay County Republican Committee officials also introduced local elected officials and local candidates, as well as state elected officials and candidates for state offices and congressional seats.

Kristi Risk, 8th District Congressional candidate, discussed the state of the nation while speaking at the annual Clay County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner Monday

Class Top 10

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The Top 10 students for Northview High School's (NHS) 2012 graduating class were featured as guest speakers at the Brazil Rotary Club luncheon Wednesday. The students honored included: (front, from left) Rachel Reese, Jacob Dispennett, Dylan Dyar, Tyler Wilson, NHS Counselor Mike Gugino, NHS Counselor Susan Treash (back, from right), Scott McDonald, Damon Hyatt, Ethan Stewart, Shadrick Brattain, Dillon Reynolds, NHS Counselor Debbie Zimmerman, Kyley Clark, NHS Principal Lynn Romas and Emily Latta.

Two locals arrested

Two Clay County residents were arrested late Tuesday evening following a traffic stop.According to officials with the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post, at approximately 9:10 p.m., Tuesday, Master Trooper Todd Brown stopped a white, 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass for erratic driving and failure to dim headlights.
The vehicle was heading westbound on United States 40 near Murphy Avenue in Brazil.
During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, Tony T. Lalen, 51, Staunton, was allegedly found to not have a valid Indiana driver's license and listed as a Habitual Traffic Violator.
A female passenger, later identified as Tracey G. Kline, 48, also of Staunton, exited the vehicle and was seen allegedly kicking an object under the front passenger seat, later found to be items commonly used in the manufacture and storage of illegal drug substances.
As officers continued to investigate the individuals and the interior of the vehicle, they located nearly 12.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine, four grams of suspected marijuana, a switchblade knife and numerous items of suspected drug related paraphernalia (including syringes).

The pair were taken into custody and transported to the Clay County Justice Center.Lalen was preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine (a class D felony), habitual traffic violator (a class D felony), maintaining a common nuisance (a class D felony), possession of marijuana (a class A misdemeanor), reckless possession of paraphernalia (a class B misdemeanor), and having an open alcoholic beverage container (an infraction).
Kline was preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, visiting a common nuisance (a class B misdemeanor), reckless possession of paraphernalia, and possession of a switchblade knife (a class B misdemeanor).
Assisting in the investigation were members of the Brazil Police Department.
As of Wednesday afternoon, both were still in custody at the justice center.
Lalen's bond was $7,000, with no 10 percent allowed, while Kline's bond was $7,000, with 10 percent allowed.

Knights 'B' team rallies past Patriots

Northview shortstop Brock Smith (left) prepares to apply the tag to catch a Terre Haute North base stealer. [Order this photo]

By CAREY FOX
Times Sports Editor

Fortune and shaky defense by Terre Haute North were smiling at the Northview junior varsity baseball team on Wednesday night.

The Knights' Trevor Hetrick delivers a pitch on the way to gaining the win on the mound. [Order this photo]

Northview scored in the final four innings and pitcher Trevor Hetrick allowed just two runs over five-plus innings of work in relief as the Knights rallied for a 7-5 victory against the Patriots.
The Knights didn't do too much with the bats during a come back bid from a 5-2 deficit after three-and-a-half innings. Patriot's starter Ryan Moshak only allowed three hits during his five innings of work, but four runs still crossed the plate for Northview.

North took its lead off starting pitcher Tanner Wilson, who gave up six hits and three runs over an inning-plus of work. He gave way to Hetrick in the second inning with the runners on second and third. The sophomore righty gave up a walk to Gabe Sevigny, but then coaxed a grounder that resulted in a force out at home plate. Hetrick then got Greg Hannum on a grounder to end a three-run outburst for North.

The Patriots would increase their lead to 5-2 in the fourth inning off Hetrick as the Patriots scored on an RBI double by Cody Maloon, an infield single by Nathan Will and Moshak reached on an error.

The Knights began to rally, one run at a time, against the Patriots beginning in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Brock Smith walked, Wilson reached on a single to right-centerfield. Smith would get picked off second base, but a misplayed grounder by Joe Ball would score Wilson with two outs.

Walks played a role in the fifth frame as well with Kyle Moore led off with a walk and moved to third on a wild pitch and a passed ball. Jacob Harden would bring him home with an RBI flyout to narrow the Patriots' lead to 5-4.

Northview would finally get its equalizer in the sixth inning on North miscues.

Smith reached on an error by North's shortstop and moved to second on a stolen base. Wilson smacked an RBI single, his third hit of the game, to tie the game. Hetrick would reach on a fielding error by the third baseman and pinch runner Cullen Jones would steal second.

With the go-ahead run in scoring position, Sevigny, who relieved Moshak to start the sixth inning, got Damon Bass and Moore for the second out. However, what should have been a routine grounder by Bo Stewart to second base, was overthrown to first base for the third Patriot error of the inning. The mistake allowed both Jones and Wilson to score to put the Knights ahead 7-5.

The Patriots had one more chance to even the score, but a sliding grab by Ball in centerfield got the first out. Hetrick would get the final out after Tyler Tuberosa reached first on a bad hop infield single. However, he rounded first base too far and was thrown out to cement the Knights' win.

The Northview 'B' team (5-3 overall) travel to Sullivan on Monday at 5 p.m.

At Northview

Junior varsity

T.H. North	030	200	0	-5	11	6
Northview	101	113	x	-	7	4	5

2B -- Nv (None), THN (Maloon, Sevigny, Will 2). SB -- Nv (Moore, Stewart, Smith, Wilson, Jones), THN (Sevigny, Will, Moshak). CS -- (Tuberosa).

Pitching

Northview	IP	R	H	BB	K
Ta. Wilson	1.2	3	6	1	1
Hetrick (W)	5.2	2	5	4	1
THN	IP	R	H	BB	K
Moshak	5.0	43	5	5
Sevigny (L)	1.0	3	1	0	1

Former publisher's program honors students

Forty-one standout students have identified teachers who influenced them, and the pairs have been honored in the 2012 Daniel B. Swift Scholar Recognition Program.

High schools in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties were invited to select an exemplary student who reflects academic achievement, leadership, community service and other characteristics.

"I'm honored to be able to take part in it," Jessica Terrano, 17, a senior at Franklin Central School, said Wednesday afternoon before the night's celebratory dinner. Math teacher Nancy Piper has been the most influential teacher who helped her with academics and confidence, Terrano said.

"Mrs. Piper is always there to help her students, even if it means staying after school or giving up a free period," Terrano said.

Teachers play key roles in preparing students to face a competitive world, she said.

"Teachers not only teach us things we need to know to be competitive, but they also teach us life values," said Terrano, who plans to enroll at the State University College at Oswego and study physical therapy.

On Wednesday night, area business representatives and educators took time to honor students and their teachers at a dinner for the ninth annual Scholar Recognition Program. About 360 people, including family members, were expected at the 6 p.m. event in the ballroom of the Hunt College Union at the State University College at Oneonta.

Nancy Kleniewski, college president and keynote speaker, said the college looks forward to hosting the Scholar Recognition Program banquet each spring because it is a chance to celebrate and acknowledge many of the region's finest teachers and to honor some of their most promising students.

"Being asked to speak at this year's event is all the more special because it gives me the opportunity to personally congratulate each of these young scholars and their families, and to wish them continued success," Kleniewski said in a statement.

The Daniel B. Swift Scholar Recognition Program is the result of a business and education partnership spearheaded by the Education Committee of The Otsego County Chamber.

In addition, organizers this year are recognizing Swift for his initiative to start the program and continuing support.

DCMO BOCES coordinator of enrichment services Stacie Haynes said Swift, retired publisher of The Daily Star, is well-respected and was not only initiator of the local program but also "the glue" that kept it together.

"He really built this program from nothing to a very well-attended and respected event," Haynes said Wednesday.

The program is offered in collaboration with the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego and the Otsego Northern Catskills Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, five institutions of higher education, The Daily Star and underwritten by several area businesses, including the Mang Insurance Group.

New Law Takes on ‘Trophy Lawns’

Homeowners have been told to limit fertilizer use, which has contributed to poor water quality, shellfish declines, and contamination of swimming areas.Carrie Ann Salvi

    A state law that limits the percentage of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers and restricts the time of year when and locations where fertilizers can be used went into effect on Jan. 1. The New York State Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law was enacted to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering and degrading the water and to lower the cost to local governments of removing excess quantities.
    The law applies to fertilizer application and would restrict the use of “weed and feed” products that contain phosphorus in amounts over 0.67 percent, unless a soil test showed that a lawn needed phosphorus or in cases where a new lawn is being established.
    “I would like to see it go further,” Kevin McAllister, the Peconic Baykeeper, said.
    The law, according to a release from Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., aims to improve recreational and other uses of the state’s waters.
    Mr. McAllister said the county put restrictions into effect a few years ago, and while the state is now involved, “We’ve got to do better. . . . We have got to move beyond the trend of the ‘trophy lawn.’ ”
    The desire for emerald green, dandelion-free lawns is leading homeowners to pay for excessive applications of fertilizer, he said. Those “hooked on turf,” the baykeeper said, need to learn that a healthy green lawn is possible using organic and sustainable practices that will not threaten water quality.
    The State Department of Environmental Conservation states that most soils in New York already contain sufficient phosphorus to support turf grass growth without additional phosphorus from fertilizers, which can account for up to 50 percent of the phosphorus in stormwater runoff.
    Phosphorus is expensive for municipalities to remove from wastewater at treatment plants — from $1 to $20 per pound. More than 100 sub-watersheds in the state contain water impaired by phosphorus, according to the D.E.C.’s Web site.
    The state’s recent closure of Shinnecock Bay was nitrogen-related, Mr. McAllister said. “We have to curtail the loading of fertilizer,” he said, adding that the way we manage tens of thousands of lawns will make a difference.
    Pollutants enter bays and harbors in a number of ways, but primarily through groundwater and stormwater runoff, according to the Nature Conservancy. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that are used on lawns travel through the soil to the groundwater that flows into our bays and harbors. Phosphorus affects fresh water, and nitrogen affects marine waters.
    Mr. McAllister said many of our water bodies have been on the state’s impaired-waters list, which is reassessed every two years, since 2006. In 2010, he said, the entirety of the county’s south shore, including fresh water bodies in East Hampton and Southampton Towns, were placed on the list for either recurring algae blooms or low oxygen levels.
    The baykeeper explained that nitrogen from fertilizers triggers the microscopic plants to burst in growth for several weeks. They then decompose and consume dissolved oxygen from the water, resulting in fish and crab kills.
    In addition to devastating shellfish populations, overgrowth of algae causes brown tides and interferes with swimming, boating, and fishing, too, the Nature Conservancy said. Even chemicals used on properties far inland can travel long distances underground, ultimately finding their way into bays and wetlands and onto beaches.
    In the release, Mr. Thiele reminded East End residents to be mindful of the new state law, which prohibits the application of fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium between Dec. 1 and April 1. If a product does not contain any of the three primary macronutrients, it could be applied during the winter months without violating the law.
    “Banning fertilizer in the winter is not going to do it,” Mr. McAllister said. “To really see the reductions, we need to impose more restrictions during the entire year.” The spring and summer are when most homeowners are using lawn products, often as a result of “brilliant marketing” disguised as education by companies such as Scotts, he said.
    Although the law also states that “no fertilizers may be applied within 20 feet of surface water,” an exception is made where there is a 10-foot-wide vegetative buffer of planted or naturally occurring vegetation — trees, shrubs, legumes, or grasses — or if the fertilizer is applied using a deflector shield or drop spreader, in which cases applications may be done within three feet of a body of water.
    The law does not affect agricultural fertilizer, flower or vegetable gardens, pasture land, land where hay is harvested, the trees, shrubs, and turf grown on turf farms, or any form of agricultural production.
    Mr. McAllister is concerned that the law does not apply to agricultural lands, which he said are a significant contributor of nitrogen flushing into groundwater. He said the county’s monitoring of nitrate levels in groundwater downstream from farms is “through the roof.”
    The law requires retailers to display phosphorus fertilizer separately from phosphorus-free fertilizer and to post signs notifying customers of the terms of the law. It has no specific disposal requirements for lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus. The law affects organic phosphorus fertilizer, as well, but not compost or liquid compost as long as they do not contain chemically, mechanically, or otherwise manipulated manure or plant matter.
    The state banned the sale of phosphorus-containing dishwasher detergents for household use in 2010. The new law prohibits the sale of such detergents for commercial use as of July 1, 2013.
    Mr. McAllister said education of property owners about sustainable practices is a priority — the application, for example, of compost that is organic and slowly releases nutrients that are absorbed for growth instead of flushed. He said useful information such as “Four Steps to a Pesticide-Free Lawn” is available online at neighborhood-network.org. The Web site has suggestions such as mowing with the blade set higher, watering infrequently and deeply, seeding with a tall fescue blend, and using organic solutions on weeds and pests. There is also a list of companies that provide landscaping services using sustainable practices.
    The Nature Conservancy suggests that homeowners replace high-maintenance sod lawns with native grasses and shrubs that require less fertilization and irrigation.
    Mr. McAllister also pointed out that the natural resources of the water bodies on the East End drive the economy here. Regarding polluted, fishless waters that can’t be swum in, he asked, “What will this do to property values?”
    “We’ve got to change our evil ways,” the baykeeper said. “This isn’t alarmist, it’s reality.”

Manhattanville Houses gets a makeover during Earth Week

Comcast Cares volunteers unite to revitalize the Manhattanville community in Harlem.

Last week tens of thousands of Comcast, the parent company of NBC, and NBCUniversal volunteers joined together across the country for one of the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer efforts, Comcast Cares Day.

NBCUniversal and City Year New York, refreshed the New York City Housing Authority’s Manhattanville Houses on 129 – 133rd Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue in New York City’s Harlem community as part of Comcast Cares Day and Green is Universal’s Earth Week.

The event was led by home improvement expert George Oliphant, host of NBC 4 New York’s George to the Rescue, with contribution from Michael Jack, President and General Manager of NBC 4 New York, Carlos Sanchez, President and General Manager of Telemundo 47, Margarita López, NYCHA Board Member, Harlem Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, and public housing residents.

Oliphant and his production team alongside more than 150 volunteers from NBCUniversal, Comcast and City Year New York, a nonprofit organization that partners with public schools to provide services for students most at risk of dropping out, took part in projects that like constructing wooden beds for organic vegetables and flowers, constructing benches, removing concrete and painting murals for the Manhattanville Houses.

"Harlem has always been the green jewel in the crown of Manhattan,” said Assemblyman Keith Wright of Harlem, Chairman of the New York State Assembly Subcommittee on Public Housing. “By revitalizing the aged infrastructure at the Manhattanville Houses and providing our residents with a beautiful new urban landscape, we ensure that our green tradition will live on. I am so happy to join with Comcast and NBC Universal as they give back to the community of Harlem."

April 28th, The May Day You Probably Don't Know About

Progressive Labor Party May Day rally

While millions around the world were celebrating International Workers' Day May 1st, the Communist Progressive Labor Party held their own May Day celebrations in Flatbush last Saturday.

Known for its ongoing struggles for a wageless and classless society lead by the working class, PLP members gathered at the intersection of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenue. Here, participants expressed their anti-capitalist, anti-sexist and anti-racist rage, explaining how their version differs from the one Americans are familiar with.

“This is not asking for the bosses or people in power to give us crumbs,” said Jonathan, a PL member from Crown Heights. “This May Day, we're telling them that we're gonna take it all. That's our plan.”

Jonathan also explained his view on what it will take to accomplish revolution. “We have to fight to overthrow the system. The system can't be changed from the inside. It has to be overthrown and smashed. We can't rely on these politicians of any kind or these union leaders to really give us what we want. What we want as a whole working class is unity and an end to the constant suffering that happens every day.”

A marcher named Jessica linked the neighborhood to the importance of this particular May Day. “We want people in this community to get involved rather than just the people in Manhattan,” she said. “People know about that May Day. Bringing it here to people who aren't as familiar is always helpful for us because a lot of us live here. This is our community. We don't have an agenda. This is for the working class people to come out and unite for the most part.”

Lead by a sign advocating class war, the PLP'ers began their march down Flatbush Avenue, chanting “They say cut back, we say fight back!” and “The Workers United Will Never Be Defeated!” through turns on a compact megaphone. Flatbush Councilman Jumaane Williams made a brief appearance right before the group's departure, taking a copy of PL's newspaper Challenge being handed out.

Even though it shares the same origins from the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, PLP's May Day analyzes racial ideologies in ways the traditional one doesn't, according to a veteran member. “We are the ones who are really struggling to unite all races,” said Mike, who is celebrating 10 years as a member of PLP. “Other groups don't really hold a strong message on what racism is and what the concept of racism is. We want to destroy that concept; we want to explain to everyone that it's a social construct that's basically a way of controlling and manipulating people and confusing them to believe their enemies are with each other when our enemies are people who oppress us and the ruling class.”

The Cold War and Red Scares of the 20th Century haven't endeared many Americans to support Communism. Ask most what they think about the political system and you're likely to hear responses along the lines of, “It's an evil, dangerous system where people have no rights” or “Look at how China and Russia fared under Communism.” But to Progressive Labor's fighters, these viewpoints are nothing less than typical misconceptions.

“The people that are at the forefront of bashing this idea of workers running society for themselves based on a collective organization and egalitarian principles: that ideology isn't a friendly ideology to the people who want to run society based on individualistic practices,”said Reymundo, who sat on a committee to help organize the day's activities. “We hear a lot of this bashing of multi-racial unity. From these same mouths come the bashing of the idea of Communism.”

To Jessica, Anti-Communism is a by-product of a McCarthyist news cycle. “That's something that's been put in by the media, especially in this country If something is so hated, you have to understand why. What is all the propaganda about? What is the force behind it that these people want to hide?”

“We are not anarchists.” said Mike. “We have a concrete analysis of how to fight back. We're not crazy radicals. We do understand that it's gonna take a revolution to change the world, but we are not doing that until we have everyone on the same page.”

Once the march ended at a private dinner reception, the members reflected on another May Day in the books.

“People were very receptive,” said longtime Progressive Laborer Karen after hearing a few speeches from her comrades at the reception. “Flatbush is more and more integrated—Arabs, black, white, Latino. We got a very good response from people. I thought it was great.”

Reymundo was more prophetic in his final words about PLP's 2012 May Day celebration.

“Maybe yesterday I was a little bit hopeless. Maybe tomorrow I'll be a little bit hopeless. But today that's not true. Because today I see workers from around the world fighting back and telling me their stories. We can't possibly be hopeless today. Today is the most hopeful day of the year.”