US Cellular LG Rhythm programming?

[dakota m]

Ok Yahoo! I need some help. I have a US Cellular LG Rhythm and every time i open it it says initial programming needed so i went to dial *228 like normal but then it says "Welcome to Verizon Wireless" so i took it to the store and they said it had to flashed so i was sad and wondered if there was any other way to help because this is a nice MP# phone i don't want to give it away or pay 20 buck for it to be flashed because there's a good chance of frying your phone then