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Delta IV launch goes through after delay due to wind gusts

CAPE CANAVERAL -- The delay was more than an hour because of high winds, but a military communications satellite but a Delta IV rocket was finally launched Saturday night, carrying a military communications satellite.

Wind gusts forced officials to hold off on the initial 7:23 p.m. launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in favor of liftoff at 8:47 p.m.

'Cudas overwhelmed by powerhouse Dwyer in Class 4A playoffs; 42-6

Newspaper Section

NSBNEWS.net file photo by Sera Frederick. The 2009 football season is over for the New Smyrna Beach 'Cudas who were no match for powerhouse Dwyer High School Panthers of Palm Beach Gardens, with a 42-6 loss tonight on the road in the Class 4A state quarterfinals. Cudas senior quarterback A.J. Granger, at right, had a rough night getting intercepted by Florida High School Player of the Year Matt Elam early in the first quarter. The Cudas' scoring was limited to six points the third quarter. Dwyer, now 12-1, moves on while the season comes to an abrupt end for the Cudas who finish with an 8-5 record.

Obituaries

Frances M. Riess, 92, of Edgewater, a member of Edgewater Baptist Church who enjoyed knitting along with her church activities, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009.

Carol Ford Grooms, 87, of New Smyrna Beach, a New York native who moved to Florida and was an active Democrat, having served on the Titusville Shoreline Authority, the Democratic Executive Committee, and as President of the Democratic Women's Club there, died Friday, Nov. 27, 2009.

Light Up Flagler Avenue canceled tonight because of rain; rescheduled for next Friday

Newspaper Section

NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick. Steady rainfall has caused organizers of Light Up Flagler to postpone tonight's annual street-lighting ceremony to next Friday because of heavy rainfall.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Tonight's scheduled Light Up Flagler Avenue has been postponed until Dec. 11 because of the storm front moving through the state today.

The festive holiday event has been rescheduled to take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, on Flagler Avenue.

The Merchants Association will host free live entertainment by school groups, choirs, strolling carolers and there will be wonderful light displays. Most merchants will have an open house at their place of business, while serving refreshments, and will be decorated for the season.

Christmas tree above Bert Fish Medical Center lights up special night

Newspaper Section

NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. The towering electronic Christmas tree is lit up above Bert Fish Medical Center during the 20th annual Lights of Love ceremony Tuesday night, far left photo. In the second photo, Doug Hodson, board member of the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, sits on the curb with friends. Pictured in the third photo are Sue Williams, incoming president of the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce, and her husband, Tom, also a member of the CRA. Speaking on stage in the fourth photo is Garry Mac, spokesman for Bert Fish. Pictured in the sixth photo are the Beu Sisters.

Blogger Marilee Walters: Echoing the 'frustration' of the taxpayers

What we are beginning to see is, although it has been "festering" is the frustration of the "taxpayers."

They are beginning to awaken from their complacency, and are shocked and angry with what they see. A lot of them are taking it to the "streets" so to speak.

What the elected officials are learning is that they no longer will be able to act without providing answers to their constituents and also transparency. Democracy in action is surfacing.

We see it happening here in New Smyrna Beach.

Embattled CRA Director Kevin Fall blames last 4 months for reason for quitting; does not acknowledge tickets charging him with driving with an open container and speeding

Newspaper Section

NSBNEWS.net file photo by Sera Frederick. Community Redevelopment Agency Director Kevin Fall doesn't address the Nov. 14 motor vehicle stop in his resignation letter Wednesday for which he was issued tickets charging him with driving with an open container of alcohol, speeding or driving without insurance, but he refers instead to not being allowed to perform his intended duties over the past four months.