(Left Click Audio Button to Listen - Right Click Audio Button to Save File)

Authorities: East Yancey Fires Suspicious

11/20/2009

New License Plates Guidelines

11/20/2009

Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1, a new law goes into effect that requires the state’s name across the bottom of the plate as well as the year and month stickers on a license plate to be fully visible. They can no longer be partially covered by a license frame. Vehicle owners can be cited for committing an infraction and, after Nov. 30, 2010, fined $100 for the violation. The law was introduced in the 2009 session of the General Assembly and was supported by law enforcement officials because it increases the readability of registration information on the plates and helps identify vehicles registered in North Carolina.

Court Upholds Trout Buffer

11/20/2009

The Asheville-Citizens Times is reporting the state court of appeals has ruled State officials should not have given Mountain Air Country Club an exception to state rules protecting trout streams in order to build a golf course along Banks Creek. Mountain Air cleared trees from 2,763 feet of the creek and all buffer vegetation from 160 feet and put part of the creek in pipes, the court decision said. State law ordinarily requires at least a 25-foot buffer along trout streams. The 2-1 decision handed down Tuesday strengthens protection for trout streams and clarifies the amount of discretion state officials have when interpreting the law, the Southern Environmental Law Center said. The center represented advocacy group Clean Water for North Carolina and two downstream landowners in the case.

I-40 Update…

11/20/2009

A fleet of 15 trucks hauled 250 loads of debris Thursday from the rockslide on I-40 in Haywood County near the Tennessee state line. The trucks went to a nearby U.S. Forest Service site east on Interstate 40. The Forest Service and the N.C. Department of Transportation will use the material for future road repair. The trucks hauled about 5,300 tons to the site. That equates to about 1.06 million pounds of debris. Construction crews will drill holes into the slope in preparation for the next round of blasting scheduled for today.

H1N1 Available in Mitchell & Yancey

11/19/2009

H1N1 & Seasonal Flu Vaccine is Available at Mitchell & Yancey County Health Departments.

H1N1 Nasal spray for 2 years through 49 years of age.
H1N1 shots for 6 months old and older.

Seasonal flu shots for children 6 months through 18 years of age (up to 19th birthday) Both Health Departments are out of seasonal flu vaccine for adults. Jesse Greene, Director of Toe River Health District, says because of the day-to-day changes in the availability of the H1N1 Vaccine, citizens should listen to WKYK & WTOE for the latest information on when the H1N1 vaccine arrives and how much has been received. This information is also posted on wkyk.com and wtoe.com. He said week-to-week vaccines for both seasonal flu and H1N1 are becoming more readily available throughout the 3-county district. As we reported last week, as of November, 6, 2009, some 4-thousand doses of H1N1 were available in most doctors’ offices, hospitals and health departments.

Jobs Coming to McDowell

11/19/2009

North Cove Springs in McDowell County is expanding and creating 138 new jobs over the next 3 years. The company produces bottled water from natural springs. The announcement was made possible in part by a $310,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The company will invest more than $6.3 million to add at least one more bottling line at the facility. North Cove is entering a joint venture with Able Rebuilders to expand water production by adding another bottling line at the existing Marion facility. While salaries will vary by position, the project’s 138 new jobs will pay an average annual wage of $28,141, not including benefits. That is higher than the McDowell County annual average wage of $27,976. Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 40,000 jobs and $7 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other project partners include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Department of Revenue, N.C. Community Colleges and McDowell County. For information on job opportunities go to: iwant2work@ncnaturals.com.

Charges of Selling Stolen Items on E-Bay

11/19/2009

A Spruce Pine man has been charged with stealing items from his work place and then selling them on E-Bay. Investigators say 32-year old Jason Peterson took at least $100-thousand in electronic parts from Baxter Health Care. He worked there as head of the maintenance division. Authorities say Peterson has stolen from the company at least fifty times over the past three years.

Gatekeeper Approved for MHS

11/18/2009 

The Mitchell County School Board has approved a gatekeeper at the high school. Some details need to be worked out, but the gate will probably be manned from around 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on school days and will begin in January. To hear this story and comment from Dr. Brock Womble, Superintendent of Schools click audio button above.

Grants Available for Farmers

11/18/2009

Grants totaling $225,000 are available to Western North Carolina farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations in 2010. WNC Agricultural Options will award approximately 45 farmers in 17 counties and the Cherokee Reservation $3,000, $6,000 or $9,000 each. Managed by the N.C. Cooperative Extension County Centers in the West District, the WNC AgOptions program works with producers who demonstrate ways to increase farm income to other transitioning farmers, particularly tobacco growers; interested applicants should see the agricultural agents at their local Extension Centers by November 23rd. Projects should increase the sale of farm products and lead to the long-term sustainability of the farm business. The N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission sponsors the program. The postmark deadline for applications is January 8. To download an application go to: (www.wncagoptions.org)

Identity Theft

11/18/2009

Did you know that some identity thieves will begin by stealing just one dollar? When an identity thief gains access to a bank account via a debit card number, they will often test whether or not the account is active by making a small purchase that may go unnoticed by the valid account holder. Once the thief has verified that the account is active, that is their cue to start spending freely, and that's when the real problems begin for the unsuspecting valid account holder. If you see a suspicious small charge on your bank statement, it may be a red flag that your account has been compromised. Be sure to review your bank statements regularly, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

Dr. Shopping in WNC & East Tennessee

11/17/2009

Over a year long joint investigation conducted by the Burnsville Police Department and Watauga County Sheriff’s Office into illegally obtaining prescription drugs has led to the Drug Enforcement Agency becoming involved in the case at the federal level. The investigation has revealed 33 different individuals from Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee that have committed fraud and or forgery in attempts to obtain prescription pain medication. Lt. Detective Randall Shuford, of the Burnsville Police Department, said these individuals are connected into the conspiracy to obtain pain medication through doctor shopping and altering prescriptions. The DEA plans to take the case before a Federal Grand Jury to seek indictments. Shuford said he investigation is still continuing and because indictments haven't been issued the identity of those involved are being withheld at this time.

Making Progress

11/17/2009

Workers made significant progress Monday at the site of the rock slide in Haywood County on I-40 near the Tennessee line. Nearly two-thirds of the rock mass that started out about 60 feet wide, 80 feet tall and 20 feet thick is now gone. Crews will work on drilling and scaling the remainder of the mass for removal. An explosive blast on Sunday brought down enough material to cover three of the four lanes on Interstate 40. It is uncertain whether hauling operations will begin today or Wednesday, dependent on progress. The rock slide occurred Oct. 25th. Get travel information and the latest on the rock slide, return to our  home page and scroll down to the headline ”I-40 road closure information.“

NCEL breakdown of the net proceeds to education

 11/16/2009

The NC Education Lottery began in 2006. How much is received by our area counties and how are the net proceeds used??

 5 percent goes to the Education Lottery Reserve Fund to be used when lottery proceeds fall short of target. The Reserve Fund may not exceed $50 million.

50 percent of the total remainder shall be used for reduction of class size ratios in early grades to 18 children per teacher and for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four year olds who would not otherwise be served in high-quality settings. (The Governor and the Legislature set a goal of one teacher per 18 students in grades K-3. In FY09, 2,031 teaching positions were funded by lottery dollars, encompassing every county in the state.)

40 percent of the total remainder shall be used for school construction. Roughly 65 percent of this total shall be distributed to each county based on total school enrollment. The remaining 35 percent of this total shall be distributed to each county with average effective county property tax rates above the state average based on total school enrollment. School construction dollars may be used by the counties for any capital project.

10 percent of the total remainder shall be used for college scholarships for students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant. These scholarships can be used at North Carolina public and private universities and community colleges.

AVERY COUNTY: Funds total-to-date: $2,020,341.26

MADISON COUNTY: Funds total-to-date: $1,616,403.26

MCDOWELL COUNTY: Funds total-to-date: $4,341,959.01

MITCHELL COUNTY: Funds total-to-date: $1,495,148.53

YANCEY COUNTY: Funds total-to-date: $1,644,055.96

Celebrating 75 years

11/16/2009 

The Blue Ridge parkway is celebrating 75 years of great views and great memories. Parkway officials marked the occasion on Friday in Cherokee to kick off a year long celebration of the 475 miles that link the past to present (audio from Phil Francis, Parkway Superintendent.) Our mountain communities depend on the Parkway for economic growth through tourism and it becomes our responsibility to protect these historic resources. (to hear story with comment from Phil Francis click audio button above)

Spruce Pine Mayor Will Seek 47th State Senate Seat

11/13/2009

Ralph E. Hise, Jr. of Spruce Pine has announced he will seek the 47th State Senate seat representing Avery, Haywood, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties. Hise is the Mayor of Spruce Pine and is currently employed by Mayland Community College as Institutional Assessment and Planning Officer. He was born and grew up in Mitchell County and attended Mitchell High School and the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics. He earned his bachelor’s degree in statistics from Appalachian State University and his master’s degree in higher education administration from North Carolina State University. He is married to Linn Hise, they have twin two year old sons, Thomas and Deren. Two other candidates have announced their intentions to run for the 47th district; Andy Webb of McDowell County announced in August and Tamara Frank, of Yancey County, in September. All three are Republicans, the current Senator Joe Sam Queen is a Democrat from Haywood County.

Attempts to Remove large Rock at I-40 Slide

11/13/2009

Workers on Thursday set off another blast in hopes of removing a large rock mass in the middle of the rock slide on I-40 in Haywood County near the Tennessee Border. They’re attempting to clear a rock mass that started out about 60 feet wide, 80 feet tall and 20 feet thick, which is the size of a small apartment building, about 50 feet above the Interstate. The blast sheared about eight feet of thickness from the massive rock which must be removed before crews continue work up the slope. The rock slide occurred Oct. 25 on I-40 in North Carolina near the Tennessee line. Travelers can still reach Western North Carolina via a number of routes. An official detour has been set up for inter-state traffic. Motorists traveling west to Tennessee should take I-40 West to I-240 West (Exit 53b) in Asheville to I-26 West (Exit 4a). Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South (Exit 8a) in Tennessee, back to I-40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions. A map is available at: https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/TIMS/default.aspx.)

Restoring Wildlife Habitat on WNC Private Lands

11/12/2009

As part of the federal economic stimulus effort, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has awarded $425,000 in grants to three western North Carolina non-profits to help restore wildlife habitat on private lands.

The Little Tennessee Watershed Association, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, and the Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council will use the funds for stream and wetland restoration projects on private lands in three of the Service’s priority areas: the Little Tennessee River watershed, the Upper French Broad River watershed, and the Upper Nolichucky River watershed – each home to federally endangered species. Fish & Wildlife Service biologists say these grants will help local organizations and local people accomplish what really are some tremendous on-the-ground conservation projects. The Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council will receive $150,000 to improve streams in the Mitchell and Yancey County portion of the Upper Nolichucky River watershed. This area is home to the endangered Appalachian elk toe mussel and numerous rare fish. The money will help fund dam removal, restore stream-side forests, stabilize stream banks, and eradicate invasive exotic species.

Rockslide in Madison County

11/12/2009

Large rocks, trees and dirt came falling down on a road in Madison County in the Laurel Community late Wednesday morning as rain saturated ground broke loose in the Laurel community. DOT crews spent the day clearing debris from Spillcorn Road after the rockslide stopped traffic in both directions. No one was injured. Motorists should be aware that roadways may become flooded and that if they encounter a flooded roadway, to turn around and do not try to drive through the flooded area. Speaking of rock slides, the heavy rains stopped work on the slide on I-40 in Haywood County near the Tennessee border. The rain helped bring down some of the smaller debris from the slope giving crews a chance to break up the rock at the bottom of the slide and not work on the slope until conditions permit. There have been no reports of weather related problems in Mitchell and Yancey Counties.

Swine Flu Update

11/11/2009 

At of the end of October in the U.S., the CDC reported 25,985 hospitalizations and 2,916 deaths attributable to influenza and pneumonia. Hospitalizations continued to increase. Since April 26, 2009, there have been 127 flu-associated pediatric deaths, 114 from H1N1. In North Carolina, the Division of Public Health reported 807 hospitalizations and 48 deaths attributed to influenza and pneumonia. We spoke with Jesse Greene; Director of the Toe River Health District: (audio from Greene) As of November 6th, 2009, there were approximately 4,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine available in most doctors’ offices, hospitals, and health departments in the tri-county area. For now, however, because of the limited supply of available vaccine, it is very important for providers to focus on ensuring access to the vaccine for the priority groups; pregnant women, caretakers of infants less than 6 months of age, health care workers, children and adults with health conditions such as asthma or diabetes, and people under the age of 25. One area of concern is the flu season has yet to arrive and this presents a big unknown about how bad this flu season will be when it arrives and the H1N1 flu is also circulating in our communities. To get more information on H1N1/Flu, return to our web site home page and scroll down to the headline “Update on Flu 11/11”. (To hear this story and comment from Jesse Greene, Director of Toe River Health District, click on audio button above)

Census Bureau Accepting Job Applications

11/11/2009

NC 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry has announced the U.S. Census Bureau is accepting applications for temporary employment. Primary recruiting for census workers will take place throughout the fall and winter of 2009 with the bulk of hiring to occur in the spring of 2010. McHenry said “Capable and dedicated workers are essential to a successful count. Our communities have so much at stake in the 2010 Census. Full participation is the only way we can get our fair share of federal funding for the next decade.” Available positions include crew leaders, census takers, and census clerks and recruiting assistants. For most positions, hours vary and do not exceed 40 hours per week and working evenings and weekends may be required. Employment with the Bureau usually lasts five to 10 weeks. For more information and to apply for a position, please call 1-866-861-2010. Additional information can also be found at http://2010censusjobs.gov.

Saving Community Funding During Down Economy

11/10/2009

South Toe Volunteer Fire Department has embarked on an endeavor to try to better themselves and their North Carolina Response Rating System from the NC Department of Insurance; grading systems for fire departments help insurance companies determine risks associated with issuing homeowner’s insurance policies in certain areas. The better the rating, the more effective the fire department is at handling fires, which statistics reflect that this results in lower property loss amounts (in dollars). Since anyone that has a mortgage is required to have homeowner’s insurance, the premiums are adjusted based on the rating, so when a rating is lower then so are the premiums because the expectation is that there will be lower claims.

Currently the rating score for South Toe Fire & Rescue is a 9S which means that South Toe has never requested a lower insurance rating due to the lack of equipment and certified water points. The department’s goal is to drop that rating as much as possible in order to help save the community money and make the community safer.

Authorities Warn Citizens on Latest Jamaican Lottery Scam

11/09/2009

Have you received a phone call telling you that you have won the Jamaican lottery? The caller says all you have to do to claim your winnings is to pay a fee to release the funds? The only problem is there is no Jamaican lottery! Lt. Thomas L. Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department said that within the last week alone multiple calls from citizens saying hey have received telephone calls on their cellular and home telephones from individuals reporting to them that they have won the Jamaican lottery and will need to advance fees in order for the large lottery amounts to be released to them. Farmer said the reporting parties said the telephone number showing up on caller identification systems begins with the area code (876). Lt. Farmer said the area code (876) is a hot-line number for telephone fraud and the area code being used by scammers in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. There are a few things individuals should look for when it comes to lottery scams like this one.

1) If you did not enter a lottery, you will not win one.

2) Participating in foreign lotteries is illegal in the United States.

3) It is illegal for an agency to require a winner of a prize to pay in order to receive their compensation.

As the Holiday Season approaches a large number of scams will be popping up, just remember if it seems too good to be true then it’s probably a scam!!

State Meeting Set on Surfacing Mining Permit Request

11/06/2009 

Back on October 13th, Yancey County Manager Nathan Bennett sent a letter to the NC Department of Environment of Natural Resources expressing the County’s concern over a proposed notice of application from Burnsville Land Company LLC for a new surface mining permit to conduct surface mining operations for stone on two tracts of land in the Pensacola. The Town of Burnsville was notified of the County’s action. A State conducted public hearing on this issue has been set for December 3, 2009, at 7:00 pm in the Courtroom of the Yancey County Courthouse. (To hear story and comment from Walter Savage, Yancey Commission Chairman, click audio button above)

A Boost to Student Achievement

11/06/2009

The State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, has awarded Yancey County Schools four separate $10,000 grants to help strengthen its libraries book collections at Mountain Heritage, East Yancey, Cane River, and Burnsville Elementary schools; only libraries with full time media coordinators were eligible to apply. The grants are to purchase books in order to support reading, reading readiness, and student achievement. These grants are one means to focus the attention of teachers, principals, and parents on the need to maintain strong print collections in school libraries. Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of the Yancey School System said: “Research in North Carolina and other states shows a link between levels of spending on the school library’s book collection and student achievement. The library is one of the best places to start when it comes to academic success.”

Above the State Average in Most Areas

11/05/2009 

Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of Yancey County Schools says the community can be proud of the work and progress of its students. (to hear story with Dr. Little's comment click on audio button above)

Mitchell CIS Volunteer Receives Governor’s Award

11/05/2009

Frances “Fran” Herrell was recently awarded the N.C. Medallion Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in recognition of her service at Communities in Schools of Mitchell County. Gov. Bev Perdue presented the award to Fran and 19 other North Carolina recipients last night at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Raleigh.

“Like CIS’s mission, Fran is dedicated to making sure Mitchell County School children have the tools they need and deserve in order to stay in school and prepare for life,” said Lori Gilcrist, executive director of CIS Mitchell County. “Fran’s mission-driven dedication and commitment set her apart, making her truly worthy of this honor.”

As a tutor and mentor, Fran provides one-on-one academic assistance and encouragement to students in Mitchell County Schools, and communicates with teachers and principals about student progress and needs in grades K-8. She also develops and delivers activities for the CIS Summer Enrichment Program for K-2 students. Fran connects with her students and can identify the type of academic or support intervention that will serve them best. She makes sure that students have the resources they need both in and out of the classroom to be successful and prepare for life. Communities in Schools of North Carolina (CISNC) were established in 1989 as part of the national Communities in Schools network. The organization is the nation's largest community-based dropout prevention program with nearly 200 communities serving 1.2 million youth in the United States. For more information, call (800) 849-8881 or visit www.cisnc.org.

Prison Escape in Madison

11/05/2009

The search continues for a federal inmate who escaped from the Madison County Jail, Wednesday. Sheriff Buddy Harwood says 25-year-old Benjamin Jones was being processed into the jail around 11:30 AM and ran out the back door and down the railroad tracks toward Hot Springs. He then cut up into the woods toward Highway 25/70. Students at nearby Madison High were given Jones' description and warned not to pick up any hitchhikers. Jones was being held on misdemeanor charges and is not considered dangerous. This is the third escape from the Madison County Jail in the past 16 months. The 105-year-old jail does meet minimum state security standards, but will be replaced with a new Justice Center. Ground was broken for the new facility earlier this year.

Buy ‘Energy Star’ Appliances during 2nd Annual Tax-Free Weekend

11/05/09

North Carolina consumers can take advantage of some major savings on energy efficient appliances during the state’s second annual tax-free weekend for selected ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, which runs Friday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 8. Consumers will not have to pay state or local sales taxes on home appliances such as clothes washers, freezers, refrigerators and other items that carry the “Energy Star” label. Products that earn the “Energy Star” label operate more efficiently and that means they help cut the production of greenhouse gases. These appliances use less energy to save consumers money on their power bills. They must carry the “Energy Star” label, meaning they meet the energy efficient standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. For additional information, see the N.C. Revenue Department Energy Star tax holiday fact sheet at: http://www.dornc.com/aboutus/education/salestax_holiday_energy_star.pdf.

Election 09 Municipal Results

11/04/2009

Mitchell County: Just over 28% of the 1,936 reregistered voters in Bakersville & Spruce Pine voted Tuesday. The total votes cast for both towns were 548.

Bakersville:
Mayor: Chuck Vines ran unopposed; he received 74 votes and will serve 4-year term.

Town Council: Six Candidates ran for 3 seats.
Sue Ledford 28% with 72 votes and will serve a 4-year term
George Wilson 23% with 58 votes and will serve 2-year term
Charlie Nash 16% with 42 votes and will serve 2-year term

Also receiving votes were James (Beau) Thomas with 41 votes, Mark Paffrath had 28 votes and Perry Wilson had 16 votes.

Spruce Pine:
Mayor: Ralph Hise Jr. ran unopposed; he received 283 votes and will serve a 2-year term.

Town Council: Four candidates ran for 2 seats. (Winners serve 4-year terms)
Darla Phillips Harding 32% with 239 votes
Larry McKinney 26% with 194 votes

Also receiving votes were John Boone, the incumbent, with 189 votes and Brock Duncan with 123 votes.



Yancey County

Burnsville: 37.83% of the 1,385 registered voters cast ballots Tuesday. The total number of ballots cast was 524.

Mayor:
Danny McIntosh 54% with 276 votes, incumbent Mayor McIntosh will serve a 4-year term
Armin Wessel 45% with 231 votes

Town Council (Top 2-winners serve 4-years each)
Ron Powell 35% with 324 votes
Ruth Banks 29% with 273 votes

Also receiving votes were Miguel Cruz with 185 votes and William Fox with 149.

Municipal Election is Today

11/03/2009

It’s Election Day; the polls are open until 7:30 pm tonight in Bakersville, Burnsville and Spruce Pine. There is some confusion about where to go to vote, in each community the voting place is at Town Hall.

In Bakersville, Mayor Charles Vines is running unopposed and will serve a four year term; six candidates are running for three council seats: Sue Ledford, Charlie Nash, Mark Paffrath, James (Beau) Thomas, George A. Wilson and Perry G. Wilson. The candidate with the most votes will serve four years and the candidates receiving the second and third most votes will each serve two years.

In Burnsville, Two candidates are running for mayor, incumbent Danny McIntosh is being challenged by Armin L. Wessel. The winner will serve four years. Four candidates are running for two council seats: Ruth L. Banks, Miguel A. Cruz, William Carter Fox and Ron Powell. The two candidates receiving the most votes will serve four years each.

And in Spruce Pine, Mayor Ralph E. Hise Jr. is running unopposed for another term, he will serve two years. Four candidates are running for two council seats: John H. Boone, Brock Duncan, Darla Phillips Harding and Larry McKinney. The two candidates receiving the most votes will each serve four years.

The voting place in each community will be at Town Hall and the polls will remain open until 7:30 pm. We will have the results on WKYK/WTOE & posted on our websites wkyk.com and wtoe.com

Old Fort Elementary Radon Meeting

11/03/2009

Parents met school and state officials over elevated levels of radon in their children's classrooms at Old Fort Elementary, Monday night. Tests confirmed the problem in September and experts say the threat to students’ is.02% which is well below the EPA's level for mandatory evacuation of a building. Radon is a natural colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes from rock formations in the Earth. Long term exposure can lead to lung cancer. Old Fort's principal Charles Gaffigan says a three part plan is in place to deal with the radon: The first is sealing cracks, which is being done. The second part involves better ventilation of outside air, which has been done in all tested rooms. One month after those measures have been in place, the third phase will be to retest every room will be retested. After the meeting, parents said they felt better about the situation and the plan that's in place to deal with the radon.

I-40 Slide Rock Blasting Begins Today

11/03/2009

The latest on the rock slide which occurred Oct. 25 on I-40 in North Carolina near the Tennessee line. The slide is about 150 feet high and 200-300 feet wide and the majority of debris is rock. Contractors have installed a pulley system and moved two drills into place on the face of the mountain slope and will drill holes in preparation to begin blasting the rock this afternoon. On the ground, crews continue to break up the largest boulders lying in the road. This work will continue to take place over the next couple weeks. Travelers can still reach Western North Carolina via a number of routes. An official detour has been set up for inter-state traffic. Motorists traveling west to Tennessee should take I-40 West to I-240 West (Exit 53b) in Asheville to I-26 West (Exit 4a). Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South (Exit 8a) in Tennessee, back to I-40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions. NCDOT reminds motorists to stay alert, travel at non-peak times and use alternate routes when possible.

11/02/2009

A fight between two residents at a McDowell County assisted living home has resulted in one man dead and the other man charged with murder. McDowell Detectives say the fight at the Cedarbrook Residential Center in Nebo, occurred on Monday October 23^rd. The victim is Walter Davis, age 66, and the man accused of killing him is Kenneth Hayward age 43. McDowell Sheriff Dudley Green said apparently the fight started because one man had loaned the other $4, but was expecting $4.25 in repayment. Detectives said Davis was hurt so badly that he was sent to Mission Hospital and appeared to be recovering when he took a turn for the worse and died Thursday. Officials at the residential center did want to make a comment. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Cedarbrook is an 80-bed adult care home and had the highest rating available during their last inspection in May.

11/02/2009

Donna Kay Crain, 53, of Burnsville was taken into custody October 30th by Lt. Detective Randall Shuford of the Burnsville Police Department. Crain was charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury. On October 17th officers responded to Summit Street in reference to a 911 call that came in stating that there was a man that had been stabbed and was bleeding badly. Officers found Brian Thomas Wilson outside an apartment on Summit Street suffering from a single stab wound in the neck and bleeding badly. Wilson was transported to Blue Ridge Regional Hospital by Yancey EMS and later transported to Mission Hospital where Wilson went into emergency surgery for his injuries. Investigation into this matter has led to probable cause to believe that Crain is responsible for stabbing Wilson. Crain is being held in the Yancey County Jail under a $25,000.00 secured bond and has a November 11th court date in Yancey County District Court.

11/2/2009

Election Day is tomorrow in Bakersville, Burnsville and Spruce Pine. You can get a look a sample ballot for each election on out websites wkyk com and wtoe.com, click on the community events button and scroll down to the headline “Election Day is November 3rd.” The voting place in each community will at town hall and the polls will be open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

11/02/2009

A couple of weekend events from organizations who do much for the area…..Hospice of Yancey County held an open house and a note burning at their location on Georges Fork Road in Burnsville. And, Mayland Community College held their 2009 D.R.E.A.M Celebration day featuring a drop-in open house of their new facilities and donor recognition and appreciation trustee awards.

10/30/2009

An accident early this morning, at 5:45 am, east of Burnsville between Highway 80S & Cane Branch Road on Highway 19E caused a major traffic problem. According to State Trooper B.K. Wyatt, Abel Reyes, age 27, of Burnsville was driving a Ford Explorer on Highway 19E south toward Burnsville and went left of center side-swiping two vehicles traveling north, and then the Explorer flipped over on its top. A third vehicle traveling behind the two vehicles in the north bound lane could not stop and tried to maneuver through the debris but ended up with a flat tire. One woman was taken to the hospital, she was treated and released. Reyes was charged with driving left of center, having no drivers license and DWI. Both lanes of 19E were blocked for about 90-minutes.

Marion Ford Dealership Shuts Down

10/30/2009   

Water Causes MCC-SP to Cancel Most DAY Classes

10/21/2009

Due to water problems at the Spruce Pine Campus of Mayland Community College the day classes at the college are cancelled with the exception of auto body, horticulture and public safety. Night classes will be held as usual. This is the Spruce Pine Campus only.

Health Assessment Meeting in Mitchell-Tomorrow

10/21/2009

The Mitchell County Health Department will hold a Community Health Assessment public forum tomorrow, Thursday, October 22nd from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at Spruce Pine First Baptist Church. Breakfast will be available too. This forum is the culmination of several months of gathering information from groups and individuals on the pressing health needs in Mitchell County. From these surveys, the top ten health concerns have been compiled and tomorrow community members attending the forum will vote on the top three concerns that can by adequately address with the recourses available in Mitchell County Any citizen of Mitchell County is welcome to come and join this meeting. Guest speakers will talk briefly about the ten health concerns before the top three are selected!! Again all citizens of Mitchell County are invited to attend.

Local Company Applies for Surface Mining Permit

10/21/2009 

Yancey County has received notice of application from Burnsville Land Company LLC for a new surface mining permit to conduct surface mining operations for stone on two tracts of land in the Pensacola Township, and the County has concerns :(Audio-Walter Savage, Chairman of the Yancey County Commission.) County Manager Nathan Bennett, in his letter to the NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources, requesting a public hearing on this subject said: “All of this mining activity is located adjacent to the Cane River and subject to both this ordinance and the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance required by FEMA. Yancey County is concerned that the location of this mining operation in such immediate proximity to the Cane River may adversely affect the ground and surface water quality, and also endangers wildlife and fresh water fisheries in the Cane River Watershed.” (to hear the story and comment from Walter Savage, click on the button above)

Yancey County Man Arrested on Charges of Sexually Abusing a Minor

10/20/2009

A Yancey County man, Jack Terry Holland, age 53, was taken into custody by Lt. Thomas L. Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday October 14, 2009 on a charge of one count of Felonious Sex Offense with a minor female!! He was released after posting a $12,500.00 secured bond. Lt, Farmer declined to comment on the age of the minor female. Holland is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on November 13, 2009.

And Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Dustin Lynn Chandler, age 22, of Burnsville, on charges of Possessing Methamphetamine, Schedule IV Controlled Substances and with the Intent to sell and deliver Methamphetamine. Chandler remains in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $ 10,000.00 secured bond. And a Yancey County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested a Green Mountain woman, Christie Maria Self, age 35, charging her with Intent to sell & deliver Methamphetamine, and Possessing Schedule IV Controlled Substances, she also remains in custody a $ 10,000.00 secured bond. Self and Chandler are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on November 10, 2009.

BBB Warns of New Phishing E-mail Attack

10/20/2009

The Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers and businesses about a new phishing attack that resembles an e-mail confirmation claiming the recipient has filed a complaint with the BBB about a business. The malicious e-mails first came to the attention of the BBB on Thursday, October 15. Phishing is the practice of luring unsuspecting Internet users to a fake Web site by using authentic-looking email with the real organization's logo, in an attempt to steal passwords, financial or personal information, or introduce a virus attack; When consumers file a complaint with the BBB about a business, they may often receive a confirmation e-mail and subsequent follow up e-mails from the BBB on the status of their complaint. The malicious phishing e-mail attack is designed to mimic a confirmation e-mail from the BBB and includes the full name of the recipient and the name of the company they supposedly filed a complaint about. According to reports to the BBB, individuals who have received this e-mail have not actually filed a complaint with the BBB but are, instead, employed by the business the e-mail claims they have filed a complaint about. Anyone who receives a complaint e-mail confirmation claiming to be from the BBB, but has not actually filed a complaint with the BBB, should not click on any links in the e-mail. Instead, either delete the message or forward it to:phishing@council.bbb.org If you would like further information contact Norma Messer at (828) 253-2392, ext. 100.

Watch out for the Child Week

10/20/2009

Governor Bev Perdue has proclaimed this week as “Watch out for the Child” week to remind drivers that they must stop when a school bus’ stop sign arm is extended. Each school day, more than 2,300 drivers violate North Carolina’s school bus stop arm law. State Highway Patrol will be aggressively enforcing stop arm violations and other traffic violations in and around school zones. Troopers will be working school zones and others will be following the buses. Troopers will be driving marked and unmarked patrol cars during the operation. Passing a stopped school bus is a Class 2 misdemeanor. If convicted, a person will receive five driving points on their driver’s license and is subject to fines up to $200.

A New Sheriff for Madison

10/19/2009 

The new Sheriff in Madison County is Buddy Harwood; (audio) Harwood, age 44, was sworn on Friday following the departure of John Ledford last month to become head of the NC Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. The Madison Democratic Party appointed Harwood to complete the Sheriff’s term until the 2010 general election. Harwood has said he will run for re-election at after he finishes out the current term. (To hear story with Sheriff Harwood's comment click on audio button above)

“The Choice Bus” Addressing the Dropout Rate

10/16/2009

“The Choice Bus,” the nation’s first mobile experience dedicated to reducing the dropout rate made a stop at Mitchell High School Thursday. 8th and 9th grade students from Mitchell High School, Harris and Bowman Middle Schools had a taste of the reality of dropping-out of school. The objective of “The Choice Bus” is for students to understand the link between dropping out of school and the likelihood of spending time in prison, there is a jail cell in the bus, 75% of prison inmates dropped out of school; other objectives include the importance of making good choices and the potential consequences of making bad choices; to encourage students to commit to finishing high school; to demonstrate the relevance of education to earning potential on an annual and lifetime basis and to open students’ eyes to the opportunities that await those with an education!! “The Choice Bus” tour is sponsored by AT&T on North Carolina. At Mitchell High School, 71% of the students who walked through the doors in 2005 graduated in 2009, compared to a 61% rate the previous year. Lori Gilcrest, with Communities in Schools of Mitchell County says "at least part of this positive movement can be attributed to the student support program at Mitchell High School, the collaboration between the High School & Communities in Schools that was initially funded through a state dropout prevention grant. Last year was the first full year of the program. At the time of the grant award, 163 students had dropped out of Mitchell County Schools in the previous four years with the number of dropouts per year rising steadily over time. At the conclusion of the first full year of the Student Support Program the number of dropouts has declined below the number of dropouts for any of the previous four years, down to 33 in 2009 from a high of 51 in 2008. The overall long-term goal of the program is to increase the cohort graduation rate from Mitchell County Schools by 13% over four years, a goal we are well on the way to achieving."

Madison Schools and the Flu

10/16/2009

Absenteeism at Madison County Schools has been increasing due to the flu and officials are trying to keep that from going up any further. System Superintendent Dr. Ron Wilcox said schools were at a 15 percent absentee rate as of last week, usually they only have 3 to 5 percent of the students out. The district has 25 hundred students system wide. Teachers and custodians are wiping down everything you can think of in hopes of stopping the illness from spreading and of course plenty of hand-washing. School system officials have relaxed their attendance policy and if their child is sick parents are urged to keep them at home. Reports earlier this week from Mitchell & Yancey County Schools indicated the number of absentees had declined to about eight percent in Mitchell and about 9.5 percent in Yancey. The October 5th absentees have been the highest so far ranging from 15 percent in Mitchell and 17 percent in Yancey.

SP Needs Assessment

10/15/2009 

Dr. Gary Cooper, a community planning consultant, presented the results of a recently completed needs assessment survey to the Spruce Pine Town Council on Monday. Two Community meetings were held between February & March of this year as part of the project. One meeting was open to the general public, and the second meeting involved mostly youth. Town government officials wanted this assessment to reflect ideas and concerns identified by those who live and work in the town, in that connection, promoting community ownership in the planning process. Participants identified a wide range of ideas and concerns. Some ideas and concerns are simple, and others are complex; some will be easy to execute, and others will be tough; some will be expensive, and others will be inexpensive; some are very important, and others are less important; and some are conflicting in terms of outcomes. However, as DR. Cooper said “when one looks holistically at all the ideas and concerns, they represent Spruce Pine’s needs the town should address as it grows and changes over the next 5-8 years.” The top 5 categories from the assessment are:

1) Community facilities, Programs and Entertainment
2) Economy
3) Parks-Recreation-Open Space, Infrastructure and Transportation
4) Education
5) Aesthetics and Appearance

We asked Spruce Pine Mayor Ralph Hise about the next step in the process. (audio-Mayor Hise) Mayor Hise added as a part of their support, the town adopted the plan by a unanimous vote. (to hear the story with Mayor Hise's comment, click audio button above)

Potential Slide Forces Blue Ridge Parkway Closure

10/15/2009

Blue Ridge Parkway officials announced an emergency closure of the Parkway south of Asheville approaching Mt. Pisgah because of a potential slide because of excessive rain. Parkway personnel have erected barriers in the potential slide area from Milepost 393.6 at the French Broad river junction to Milepost 405.5 near the Pisgah Campground Country Store. The Pisgah Inn will remain open and will be accessible from NC-276 at Wagon Road Gap. The slope failed in 2002 and has been closely monitored since being repaired. For more alternate route information return to our homepage and scroll down to the headline: Potential Slide Forces Blue Ridge Parkway Closure.

Black Mountain to get Veterans Home

10/15/2009 

$14.6 million in federal money has been approved for a state veteran’s home in Black Mountain, in Buncombe County. There are growing numbers of aging and younger veterans who need services. North Carolina Bev Perdue said: “This facility will go a long way toward providing the long-term, skilled care that our veterans need and deserve.” It’s estimated there are more than 100-thousand veterans within a 60-mile radius of Asheville alone. The new facility will provide care for up to 100 veterans and employ between 150 and 170 people. No date has been set for a groundbreaking.

Flu #s Down a Little-But Still Widespread

10/14/2009

The absentee numbers at area schools seem to be improving. As of Tuesday Yancey Schools had a total of 235 absentees, or 9.67% of student enrollment, this compares to October 5th when the absentee number was 422, which was over 17% of enrollment. In the Mitchell School System, the high number was also on Oct 5th at 410, absentees as of Tuesday were 169 or 8% of the system student population. Mary Ann Johnson, Infection Control Nurse at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital says we are beginning to see a little decrease in the amount of flu in our area, but the flu is still widespread. We are continuing our restrictions, especially under the age of 18, because that is still where we are seeing the majority of the cases in the clinics and the Emergency room. And we continue to ask the community to limit visitation to only immediate family or primary caregivers. If you are sick please do not visit patients, this for the patients health and your health. In a news release from the Toe River Health District, they are beginning to receive the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. The immunization branch of the NC Division of Public Health will be shipping vaccine weekly, both in the injection and nasal spray forms. The Health Departments are offering the H1N1 vaccine to people in the target groups from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, with no appointment necessary. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to begin arriving at doctors’ offices, pharmacies in the area in the next few two weeks. For a complete list of the target groups and more information on what you need to know, return to our homepage and scroll down to the H1N1 headline.

Methamphetamine Arrests

10/14/2009

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have made three arrests on Methamphetamine charges. The cases are unrelated. Rodney Adam Forbes, age 20, of Burnsville has been with charged with one count of selling and delivering  of Methamphetamine, one count of Possessing with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine, both felonies and one count of Felony Possession of Methamphetamine. Forbes remains in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $ 2,500.00 secured bond. Holly Leigh Bowers, age 28, of Asheville, has been charged with one count of Aid & abet the Sell and Delivery of Methamphetamine, a felony. She was released after posting a  $7,500.00 secured bond. And Steven Joseph Hughes, age 51, of Burnsville, has been charged with one count of Felonious Possession of Methamphetamine and one count of Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. He was released after posting $3,000.00 secured bond. Hughes, Forbes and Bowers are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on November 10^th.

Renovated Track at MHHS

10/13/2009 

This time last year the track at Mountain Heritage High School was in awful shape; cracks, oxidation had caused a hardening of the surface and not too many folks were using it. In fact there hasn’t been a track meet there in over three years. But now, that’s all changed thanks to several grants including funds from the North Carolina Health & Wellness Trust Fund, Mountain Air Residents Community Fund of Western North Carolina and the Yancey Foundation of Western North Carolina is sporting a new track Colby Martin, the grant writer and administrator for Yancey County Schools says the renovation of the track and a new surface makes it feel almost like walking on clouds. (To hear the story and comment from Colby Martin click audio button above)

Green Jobs Report

10/13/2009 

According to state’s 2009 Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Industries Census green energy economy continues to grow rapidly, unlike other industries during the on-going economic slow-down. The report identified 10,250 green energy jobs in all 100 counties of North Carolina. Manufacturers support the greatest percentage of employees - 23% of the reported jobs were with firms that identified manufacturing as most important to their business. The NC Sustainable Energy Association estimates that renewable energy and energy efficiency industries generate more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue from North Carolina activities.  Founded in 1978, The NC Sustainable Energy Association is a 501(c) 3 non-profit membership organization of individuals and businesses working to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development.

Embezzlement Scheme in Marion

10/12/2009

Police say 29-year-old Samuel White stole tens of thousands of dollars from the Radio Shack where he worked. White managed the Radio Shack in Marion. His boss, owner Scott Davis, says White stole close to $100,000 over four years. Davis says his accountant noticed the discrepancy and alerted him. Davis says White was more like a brother to him and managed two of his stores over the last eight years. Police charged White with one count of embezzlement and he signed a written promise to appear in court.

South Toe Man Charged

10/12/2009

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Stephen Thomas Lenz 50, of South Toe and charged him with multiple Felony violations of North Carolina Law. Information from the Sheriff’s Department indicates Lenz was taken into custody at his residence after a search warrant was executed and 1 ½ pounds of packaged marijuana and a firearm was seized. In addition, Deputies seized marijuana they found growing on the Lenz property. Lenz, a convicted felon is prohibited by state and federal law from owning or possessing a firearm. Felony charges include Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Dwelling Place to keep and Sell Controlled substances and Manufacturing Marijuana. And because he is a convicted felon, he was also charged of Possessing a Firearm. Authorities confirmed that Lenz is wanted in Georgia for Felony Probation Violations. Bond was set a $ 25, 000.00 secured bond on the drug and weapon offenses and he’s be held without bond on the Fugitive charges issued in Georgia. Lenz will make his appearance in Yancey County District Court on October 13, 2009 in regard to all of the charges filed against him.

Mitchell-Principal of the Year

10/12/2009

The 2009-2010 Mitchell County Schools “Principal of the Year” is Jack Brooks, Principal at Harris Middle School. He began his career in education as a math and science teacher at West Alexander Junior High, from 1983-1992 he taught math and physics at Mitchell High School. Over the years Brooks has adopted a simple rule: “when you work-work hard…when you play-play hard! Enjoy Both!” He and his wife, Becky, have two children, Sarah, a junior at Virginia Tech and Nate, a senior at Mitchell High School.

Madison School Receives Award

10/12/2009

Madison County's  Brush Creek Elementary has been named a 2009 No Child Left behind Blue Ribbon School. Brush Creek Elementary is among 264 public and 50 private schools nationwide being recognized for helping all students achieve at high levels and making significant progress in closing the achievement gap. School representatives will receive a plaque and a flag during a recognition ceremony scheduled for Nov. 3 in Washington, D.C.

TODAY-Last Day to Register for November Elections

10/09/2009

If you are not registered to vote in the municipal elections on November 3rd, the deadline is today at 5 pm. In Burnsville, you can register at the Board of Elections office in their new location 225 West Main Street in the former Lighthouse Christian Bookstore location. The registration location for the elections in Bakersville & Spruce Pine is at the Board of Elections office in the Mitchell County Courthouse. There are no absentee ballots for these elections. If you haven’t registered to vote in the upcoming municipal elections, today is the last day; the registration books close at 5 pm.

Ask an Expert

10/09/2009 

North Carolina residents now have the expertise of all of the nation’s land-grant universities at their fingertips, thanks to a new web tool offered by the Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension. With this new Extension resource, called the “Ask an Expert Widget,” county residents can submit questions, via the county Extension web site, at any time of the day or night. (Audio-Jeremy Delisle an agriculture agent in Mitchell County.) Using the widget, residents can submit questions about agriculture and food, health and nutrition, home and family, lawn and garden, youth development and 4-H, forestry and environmental stewardship, money management and resource conservation, and a host of other topics. (to hear story with comment from Jeremy Delisle, an agriculture extension agent in Mitchell County, click audio button above)

Dangers of Texting While Driving

10/09/2009

The North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety is urging students to drive safely and recognize the dangers of texting while driving as part of Operation Drive to Live 2009. Last year, 140 teenage drivers were killed on North Carolina highways. Many collisions involving teenage drivers occur during their commute to and from high school. Since Jan 1, 2005, just over 600 teenagers have died as a result of crashes on North Carolina highways. The Highway Patrol has created a program to educate teenage drivers of the dangers of texting while driving. Troopers arrange a traffic cone course and ride with students on a golf cart as they navigate the course while attempting to send text messages on their cell phones. Students experience hands-on the consequences of being distracted while driving. A teen can create and send a text message in 10 to 15 seconds. Driving 60 miles per hour covers more than 80 feet per second, one text could equal a tenth of a mile that a driver is not paying attention to their driving. Effective Dec 1, 2009, it will be violation of North Carolina law to text while operating a motor vehicle on the highway. A conviction could result in a $100 fine and court costs. Motorists may report dangerous driving to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP on their cellular phones from anywhere in the state.

Friday-Last Day to Register for November Elections

10/08/2009

A reminder, if you are not registered to vote in the municipal elections on November 3rd, the deadline is tomorrow, October 9, 2009. In Burnsville, register at the Board of Elections office in their new location 225 West Main Street in the former Lighthouse Christian Bookstore location. The registration location for the elections in Bakersville & Spruce Pine is at the Board of Elections office in the Mitchell County Courthouse. Registration hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

“Shred Day/Secure Your ID” Day

10/08/2009 

Identity thefts, just how careful are you with your personal information?? Do you shred documents to stop thieves from getting your bank account and credit card numbers from your trash or by a practice called dumpster diving. As Norma Messer with the Better Business Bureau serving Western North Carolina tells us research has indicated that more people are shredding and are becoming more cautious on-line, but a big problem is the telephone, there seems to a trust with people you are talking to. (Audio) BBB will be having a “Shred Day/Secure Your ID” Day Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 112 Executive Park, College Street, in Asheville from 9am-1pm. And Messer adds “This is largely a crime of access, our goal is to make the information less accessible and empower people to be their own first line of defense against identity theft. Residents and small businesses can bring up to three boxes or bags or fifty pounds of documents to be shredded and take home the tips and resources you need to help protect you. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders. To obtain reports on companies and charities, get consumer tips or to file a complaint, call 800-452-2882. (to hear the story and comments from Norma Messer, with the BBB of WNC, click audio button above)
 

The Latest Flu Numbers-Yancey Schools

10/07/2009

The number of absentees due to the flu dropped on Tuesday in Yancey Schools. There were 332 students absent or 13.67% of students in system. Monday, Oct 5th, there was 422 absentees or 17.37% of total number of students in system. The total student enrollment in the County is 2,429. Absenteeism in Mitchell Schools was not available.

McDowell News Briefs

10/07/2009

McDowell authorities say an inmate hanged himself on Monday afternoon in his jail cell. 26-year old Gerardo Carlos Gonzalez was arrested Saturday on charges of sex offenses with a child. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, his body has been sent to Winston-Salem for an autopsy. The SBI is investigating the incident.

And authorities have arrested a Marion on statutory rape charge. They say 22-year old Juan Alvarez Figueroa was living with a 14-year old girl and that the teen had been living with Figueroa since late August and had admitted having a sexual relationship with him. Figueroa’s bond was set at $100-thousand.

Grants Available for Innovative Projects

10/07/2009

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) in Raleigh has announced its next grant cycle and is accepting applications until December 4, 2009. “Grant ideas that target tobacco-dependent regions, assist current and former tobacco farmers, or have the potential to generate additional income for farming sectors will be given top priority.” Previous grants include farmer’s market renovations, new crop research, agricultural marketing campaigns and assistance for unemployed workers to improve job skills. The commission’s funding comes from monies paid by cigarette manufacturers as a result of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement. The Commission was established in 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly to help members of the tobacco community – including farmers, tobacco workers and related businesses to lessen the impact of declining tobacco production. Applications and guidelines can be found at www.tobaccotrustfund.org and potential applicants may contact the NCTTFC attobaccotrustfund@ncagr.gov or by calling 919-733-2160.

Absentees Remain High in Schools

10/06/2009

The absentee numbers continue to run high in area school systems. As of Friday afternoon the total number was 408 in Yancey County. Mitchell County Schools reported 338 absentees on Monday or 15.79% of total enrollment of 2,141. That’s down from 410 absentees on Friday. Scott Jenkins with the Mitchell System says you track the movement of the flu. The flu started in the south end of the county in the Spruce Pine schools, now the absentees are dropping a bit, but from the High School in Ledger to the schools in the northern end of the County the numbers are increasing. He said this is the largest percentage of sustained absentees he has seen in the 24-years he’s been with Mitchell Schools. And a reminder, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine is asking that visitation be limited to immediate family or the patient’s primary caregiver. This move is to protect the patient’s and your health. And teens and children should not visit at all, since the flu in very prevalent in this age group. Doctors say if you’re sick with the flu or H1N1, stay home because a visit to the doctor will only increase the chances of spreading any virus. Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing and sneezing of infected people. Take actions to stay healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread easily this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If you have the flu or H1N1 you should stay home and be isolated as-much-as possible until 24-hours past any fever without taking fever reducing medications. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a toll-free information line (1-800-232-4636) for questions about the H1N1 virus and also offers guidance on how to care for people who may have the H1N1 virus. For web-based information, go to: CDC.GOV/H1N1flu.

Health Assessment Meeting This Thursday

10/06/2009 

Since January the Yancey County Health Department has held listening sessions throughout the County to hear about the health issues that residents feel are the most pressing the County is facing. (Audio-Jana Bartleson, Yancey County Health Promotion Director) The next step in the assessment process is getting that list down to the three issues the community feels health officials should focus on for the next four years. (Audio-Bartleson) The meeting is this Thursday, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Higgins United Methodist Church and you are urged to attend!! (to hear the story with Jana Bartleson’s comments click audio button above)

Cultural Resources Vital to Economy

10/05/2009

Support for cultural resources is critical to the 21st century economy of this region. The NC General Assembly has invested in libraries and arts in Haywood, Madison and Yancey Counties this year: Madison County’s Library will receive $85,301, its Arts Council $10,214 and the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theater (SART) $25,000. In Yancey County, the Regional Avery, Mitchell and Yancey (AMY) Library System will receive $312,803, Yancey’s Carolina Literary Festival will receive $5,000, the Toe River Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program will receive $9,789, and the Parkway Playhouse will receive $10,450 for its Heritage Music Project and New Realities Program. These funds are allocated by the General Assembly and distributed through the NC Arts Council. The creative economy is worth $206.5 billion annually to Western North Carolina, according to the Department of Cultural Resources.

Disease Management Center at BRRH Receives Accreditation

10/05/2009

The Disease Management Center at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital has announced its Diabetes Self Management Education Program has achieved accreditation from the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Successful accreditation required meeting national standards for diabetes education and many hours of continuing education training for the staff. John F. Cook, program director for the hospital’s Disease Management Center said “Diabetes is a serious illness that affects a growing portion of our population,” This program is a collaborative process through which people with or at risk for diabetes work with a specially trained diabetes educator to gain the knowledge and the skills they need to modify behavior and successfully self-manage their disease and its related conditions. The program consists of both individual and class room instruction along with periodic follow-up appointments. The intervention aims to achieve optimal health status and reduce the need for costly health care. Admission to the program is by physician referral only and most types of insurance are accepted. For more information please contact John Cook, RN at 828 766-1590.

“Teen Health Connection” Receives Grant

10/02/2009 

The “Teen Health Connection” has received a two-year grant of $124,000 from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to increase health service opportunities to Yancey County teens. The program, a joint effort between Yancey County Schools and the Toe River Health District makes available behavioral health counseling during school hours at Mountain Heritage High School and health care and nutrition services during special evening hours at Yancey County Health Department. The Teen Health Connection has been established to link the quality health care and behavioral health services students have received in the East Yancey and Cane River Middle School Student Health Centers for the past 15 years to students at the high school. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide access to care for students who would not be getting health care otherwise.  Teens who already receive regular medical care will be encouraged to continue to see their established health care provider.  As in the Middle School Student Health Centers, services will be billed for those with insurance. Students uninsured or underinsured are eligible to receive services regardless of ability to pay through this grant award.

NCDOT distributes $132 Million in State Street Aid

10/02/2009

The N.C. Department of Transportation has distributed nearly $132 million in State Street Aid, also known as the Powell Bill Fund, to 507 municipalities across the state.“ This program provides cities and towns with money to help pay for repairs, maintenance and construction, including widening and adding sidewalks on the streets they maintain.” The funding comes from revenues generated by the state gas tax and other highway user fees. This year’s figure represents a $14 million decrease from 2008, primarily because of the downturn in economic conditions across the state. Each community determines how to spend its money, as long as it is on qualified projects. Also included in these totals are funds from the Highway Trust Fund:

Avery:       Newland…$24,830.70, Crossnore…$9,147.59
Madison:   Mars Hill…$52,968.68, Marshall…$21,205.10
McDowell: Marion…$192,802.63, Old Fort…$30,975.64.
Mitchell:    Bakersville…$11,743.03, Spruce Pine…$76,657.41
Yancey:     Burnsville…$50,083.65.

Additional Charges Filed in Upper Doe Bag Road Incident

10/02/2009

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have served additional arrest warrants on Brian Thomas Wilson related to the shots fired incident that occurred on Sunday night September 27, 2009 at a location off of Upper Doe Bag Road, Green Mountain, NC. Wilson was charged with one count of Misdemeanor Breaking & Entering, one count of Communicating Threats and two counts of Second Degree Trespassing. He had been earlier charged with Driving while Impaired. Wilson was released from the Yancey County Detention Center after posting a $ 2,000.00 secured bond. On Sunday, Deputies responded to the scene after being told of shots being fired toward an occupied vehicle. At that time the investigation revealed that Marvin Randall Taylor had allegedly fired rifle shots into a vehicle owned by Wilson. Taylor was charged with one count of injury to property and one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

H1N1 Affecting School Attendance Policy

10/01/2009

Due to increased influenza type symptoms in the community Mitchell County Schools have adjusted their attendance policy. Based on CDC recommendations, health care providers in the area are advising symptomatic treatment at home for healthy individuals and they are asking the school system to waive the attendance policy during the current flu season. Mitchell County attendance policy states that a doctor’s note is required after 3 days absence. The new temporary policy—a parent’s note is ok. As for absenteeism the number for Wednesday remained about the same as was reported on Monday. Meanwhile absenteeism in Yancey Schools has increased from 121 on September 14th to over 400 as of yesterday. Yancey County Schools attendance policy states: After 5 unexcused or 10 accumulated absences, excused or unexcused, a doctor’s excuse for additional absences MAY be required.
During this time we understand and recognize that the students and their families are sick with the flu and influenza type symptoms. We are definitely taking parents notes and calls from home to excuse absences.  If parents have notes from doctors that definitely works too but is not required unless the principal deems it necessary.  The may in the sentence above protects us from parents abusing the policy under normal circumstances. Parents who keeping their children out of school because they don’t want them to get sick, these students will have unexcused absences.  We want to make sure our Yancey County School parents do not get the wrong information. This information is from Kristin Buchanan, Yancey School Attendance Counselor. CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degree F (37.8 C), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses, mass gatherings, and other community settings where the majority of people are not at increased risk for influenza complications.

Yancey Deputies Respond To Call of Shots Fired In Double Island Community 

10/01/2009

At approximately 8:15 p.m. on Sunday night, September 27^th, Yancey County Sheriff Deputies responded to Upper Doe Bag Road to investigate a call that originally alleged an intoxicated person was present on private property. As Deputies responded they were advised that shots were being fired from a rifle toward an occupied vehicle parked along Upper Doe Bag Road. After arriving on scene Chief Deputy Gary Banks, Sgt. John Robinson and Deputy John Grindstaff discovered that several separate incidents had occurred. The investigation revealed that Brian Thomas Wilson 41, of Burnsville, had operated a motor vehicle on a state highway while he was drinking. Wilson however, had been the victim of a crime as well. While standing outside his parked vehicle on private property he was assaulted by Marvin Randall Taylor, age 40, of Green Mountain. Taylor allegedly shot rounds from a rifle into the vehicle owned by Wilson while Wilson was standing beside the vehicle. Both men were arrested; Wilson for Driving while Impaired, he was released from the Yancey County Jail Detention Center after posting a $ 1000.00 secured bond, and is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on November 9^th. Taylor was charged with one count of injury to property and one count  Assault with a Deadly Weapon., he was released after posting a $1000.00 bond and he is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on November 10^th.

Flu or H1N1 Numbers Increase at Schools

09/30/2009

Seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu are continuing to be widespread in the area, with children & teens the hardest hit. Mitchell schools as of Monday reported over 100 students absent at Mitchell High and 61 at Harris Middle School, the numbers for the Yancey System were not available but with limitation on visitation at many mountain hospitals including Blue Ridge Regional Hospital the numbers in the Yancey system are probably high as well. Doctors say if you’re sick with the flu or H1N1, stay home because a visit to the doctor will only increase the chances of spreading any virus. Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing and sneezing of infected people. Take actions to stay healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread easily this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If you have the flu or H1N1 you should stay home and be isolated as-much-as possible until 24-hours past any fever without taking fever reducing medications.

Slow Down in Posted Deer Crossing Areas

09/30/2009 

The North Carolina Transportation is urging motorists to slow down in posted deer crossing and wooded areas especially during this time of the year (insert-Katie Jones with the UNC Highway Safety Research Center.) In North Carolina more than 15-thousand animal car crashes occur especially during the fall months. Jones says you should not swerve to avoid contact with a deer that could cause a more crash. (to listen to story and comment from Katie Jones, UNC Highway Safety Research Center, click audio button above)

DA Gets DWI & Domestic Violence Grants

09/29/2009

The 24th Prosecutorial District which serves Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga & Yancey Counties has received a grant from the NC’s Governor’s Highway Safety Program for the purpose of establishing a DWI court in Watauga County. The grant amount is $73,150.00 and will be used for administrative costs involved in running the court. Watauga continues to see high numbers of DWI’s and the grant will help to handle the high volume of work there. And the 24th District has received a grant of $248,325 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to combat domestic violence throughout the district. This grant will help establish a domestic violence Court in each of the five counties once a month. The funds will be used to hire a new prosecutor and victim-witness assistant plus administrative costs.

Frank Announces Run for 47th State Senate

09/29/2009

Tamera Frank announced Monday her decision to run in 2010, for the 47th District State Senate seat currently held by Democrat Joe Sam Queen. The 47th is made-up of six counties, Avery, Haywood, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey. Frank, a Republican, says she is proud to uphold the values of WNC with a strong belief in the Constitutional limitations of governmental authority and power. Frank has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and Communications. Frank is the second candidate to announce for Queen’s seat. In August McDowell County Commissioner Andy Webb, a Republican, announced he was making a run for the 47th District. Webb, a three-term commissioner, served as chairman six of those years.

Slight Dip in State State’s Unemployment Rate

09/28/2009

North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased slightly in August to 10.8 %. Employment Security Commission officials say a small loss in the labor force led to the decrease in the rate, but the state did not experience a lot of change in the labor force one way or the other as the state continues to deal with tough economic times. Employment rates for August in our region: Avery at 8.0, down 0.2, Madison’s rate stayed at 9.5, McDowell at 14.5, down 0.3, Mitchell was down 1.5 at 11.2 and Yancey in August was at 11.2 down 0.7

Safety Grants Awarded

09/28/2009

The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program has approved more than $9 million in highway safety grants for the 2010 grant year. A total of 139 grants were awarded to police departments, sheriff’s offices and other state and local agencies across the state. In our region grants were awarded to Avery and Yancey Counties. In Avery, the Sheriff's office received a three year grant totaling $98,441.00. These funds will be used to hire someone for a traffic position plus to purchase a vehicle that will be equipped with items like a computer and radar to help in various traffic situations. The Yancey County Sheriff’s Department received a grant totaling $14,100.00. The s funds will be used to purchase specialized equipment such as portable lights, traffic cones, safety vests, signs and other equipment that can be used to assist their department in taking a more active part in campaigns sponsored by the GHSP. The Sheriff’s Office along with the Highway Patrol, Burnsville Police Department and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will be conducting daytime and night time checking stations.

Wildlife Commission Dispels Mountain Lion Hoax

09/28/2009

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is warning the public that a photograph of a mountain lion purported to be taken in western North Carolina is actually from Texas. A photograph that has been circulating, mainly via e-mail in the western counties of the state, shows a mountain lion dragging a deer. Some report that the photo was taken in the Marion area, while others say it was taken in Old Fort or Burnsville. In reality, the photo was taken by a trail camera on a ranch in south Texas, where mountain lions are common. There is no physical evidence to support the existence of a wild mountain lion population in North Carolina. The only mountain lions that have been recovered in the state over the past 50 years were two adults that were shot and killed at a dumpster in eastern North Carolina in the 1980s. Examination of the two animals revealed that they had identification tattoos, indicating that they were illegally held captive animals that either escaped or were released.

Yancey County Murder-Suicide

09/25/2009 

Yancey County Deputies say Richard lee Buchanan, age 61, of the Bear Wallow Community in east Yancey found his estranged wife Mona Lisa Phillips, age 37, with Thomas Griffith, age 52, at Griffith’s house also in the Bear Wallow Community, and what followed has Burnsville area residents in shock. Buchanan shot and killed Griffith, wounded Phillips and later turned the gun on himself. Deputies arrived at the scene Wednesday night after Phillips had called saying she had been wounded after Buchanan was firing gunshot into the house. (audio) Lt. Tom Farmer said Griffith was dead from gunshot wounds to his head and upper torso. While at the scene, Sheriff Deputies encountered, Richard Lee Buchanan, age 61, he was in possession of firearms and refused to drop weapons in his possession after repeatedly being asked to do so by Sheriff Deputies. (audio) Rather than dropping the firearm, Buchanan shot himself in the head in the presence of Sheriff Deputies. Buchanan later died at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Deputies then moved toward the Griffith house where they found Phillips and her seven years old son hiding inside. Phillips was taken to Johnson City Medical Center, with multiple gunshots to her chest area. Deputies say she is recovering following surgery and her injuries do not appear to be life threatening. The boy was not injured in the incident. This was not the first violence between Buchanan & Phillips, Farmer said they had been married for 18 months, but had recently separated, Phillips had moved out of the house. She had taken out a restraining order on Buchanan on Aug. 31st. Farmer said the two men knew each other and had been friends. Buchanan was the owner of the Heavenly Cool Ice Cream Shop and he and Griffith restored cars together and sold them in a lot in front of the Ice Cream shop on Highway 19E, just east of Burnsville. As SBI officials continued their investigation they found several firearms inside Buchanan’s truck. Lt. Farmer said autopsies on both Buchanan & Griffith are scheduled today to see if drugs or alcohol were involved. Farmer said the investigation is still underway. (to hear Lt. Tom Farmer comments click audio button above)

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital Extends Visitation Restrictions Due to H1N1 Flu

09/24/2009

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital announces that it is extending its restrictions on visitation through at least Wednesday, September 30th since the H1N1 flu is still widespread in the community. “For our patients’ health—and yours—please do not visit patients if you are sick,” said Mary Ann Johnson, infection control nurse at the hospital. “We are also asking the community to limit visitation to only immediate family or primary care givers at this time. Teens and children should not visit at all, since the flu is very prevalent in this age group. We want to remind the community that best way to prevent the spread of flu is to cough into your sleeve and to wash your hands frequently. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the health of our patients.” The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a toll-free information line (1-800-232-4636) for questions about the H1N1 virus and also offers guidance on how to care for people who may have the H1N1 virus. For web-based information, go to: CDC.GOV/H1N1flu.

Yancey Detention Officer Assaulted

09/24/2009

A 17 year old Burnsville man is charged with assaulting a Yancey County Sheriff Detention Officer after he tried to escape his custody Wednesday afternoon in Burnsville. According to information from the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department, 17 year old Robert David Brown was escorted in shackles from the Yancey County Detention Center to the Yancey County Medical Center for a medical appointment by Detention Officer David B. Banks. After the medical appointment was completed Officer Banks escorted Brown back to the Sheriff’s transport van. When Officer Banks prepared to load Brown in the secure cage area of the van Brown struck Officer Banks in the face and head numerous times and a physical altercation occurred. During the altercation Brown made several attempts to take the handcuff/ shackle keys and transport keys away from Officer Banks but was not successful. A citizen in the parking area of the medical center and a paramedic with Yancey County EMS, who were close by, rushed to the aid of Officer Banks and assisted him in getting Brown subdued and secure in the transport van. When additional help arrived Brown was taken back to the Yancey County Jail where he was charged with one count of Felonious Assault on Law Enforcement Personnel, one count of Felonious Assault By Strangulation and one count of Attempting To Escape From Custody. Officer Banks was taken by Yancey County EMS to Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, where he is undergoing treatment for bruises, lacerations and other injuries to his head, face and neck. Brown had been in jail for nine days on Felony Breaking & Entering offenses and Drug Violations when he began to complain with some medical problems. He is currently being housed in the McDowell County Jail at the request of Yancey County Sheriff Kermit Banks. Bond in the amount of $ 30,000.00 was set and Brown is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on October 13, 2009.

Flu Shots Available Tomorrow

09/23/2009

Avery, Mitchell and Yancey County Health Departments will offer seasonal flu shots beginning tomorrow, Thursday, September 24th. Seasonal flu shots are available during the hours of 8:30a.m. To 4:00p.m. The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $35. The health department accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, or payment by cash or check. For all other insurance, they provide receipts for reimbursement. Children between the ages of 6 months old and 18 years old receive the vaccine for FREE. Seasonal flu is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). Each year about 36,000 people in the United States die because of the seasonal flu. Please take this opportunity to get vaccinated, and immunize yourself against the seasonal flu! For more information about the influenza vaccine call the health department in your county; in Avery call 733-6031, in Mitchell call 688-2371 and in Yancey call 682-6118.

Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter

09/23/2009

A McDowell County has been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the stabbing death of his roommate in 2007. Jurors rejected a second degree murder charge against James Effler in the death of Dan Brown. Prosecutors had said they were fighting about living arraignments when Effler stabbed Brown twice. Effler was sentenced to between seven and ten years in prison.

Yancey County Man Faces Extortion Charges and Federal Parole Violations

09/22/2009

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies took Michael Allen Cheatham 46, of Burnsville, into custody after a criminal investigation conducted by Lt. Thomas Farmer and Detective John D. Thomas revealed that Cheatham, on three separate occasions in August 2009, telephoned a court appointed attorney working on his behalf concerning an estate issue pending in Yancey County and left messages on the attorney’s voice mail threatening to harm the attorney and members of his family. Cheatham is also alleged to have threatened to kill any and all pets owned by his attorney. Cheatham was not in agreement with the amount of time and money charged to the court and he wanted the fee application adjusted to reflect a lower rate. Lt. Farmer, in a information supplied by the Sheriff’s Department said the content of the messages was extremely threatening, disturbing and illegal. Cheatham, who was on parole at the time of this offense, was taken to the Buncombe County Jail where he was processed for Extortion offenses. He remains in Jail under a $ 250.000.00 secured bond and will appear in Buncombe County District Court on October 23, 2009.

Yancey Board of Elections Office Has Moved

09/22/2009

The Yancey County Board of Elections Office has moved out of the Yancey County Courthouse. It's new location is 225 West Main Street in Burnsville, the former location of Lighthouse Christian Bookstore.

Madison Sheriff to Head A.L.E.

09/22/2009

Madison County Sheriff John Ledford has been chosen as the new director of the state Alcohol Law Enforcement agency. In an email to employees at the Crime Control and Public Safety division, Secretary Reuben Young announced current director Bill Chandler was retiring, and that Sheriff Ledford had been chosen as his replacement. Sheriff Ledford will join A.L.E. in November.

Flu & Flu-like Symptoms Increase Across State

09/21/2009 

Due to how widespread the H1N1 virus has become in our community, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is Spruce Pine is asking people to limit visitation to the hospital. This move is for the patient’s health and your health; they’re asking you to please visit only if you are immediate family or the patient’s caregiver. Teens and children should not visit as the illness is prevalent in this group. Mary Ann Johnson with Blue Ridge Regional talks about how widespread how the flu or H1N1 virus is: (audio) If you have questions about the H1N1 virus, and what you should do if you feel sick, call the CDC Information Line, open 24-7 and it offers an option to speak to a live person. They can answer questions and give guidance for the care of people who may have the H1N1 virus. Call 1-800-232-4636. For web based information go to: CDC.Gov/H1N1flu. (To hear Mary Ann Johnson, Infection Control Nurse at BRRH comment click audio button above)

Riding the School Bus is Important

09/21/2009

This is bus ridership count week in North Carolina. Every student is encouraged to ride the bus at least for this week. The transportation division at the Department of Public Instruction utilizes these numbers to determine the budget for the next year; when the number of students riding buses decline, so does your school systems transportation budget. Given the increase in fuel costs as well as other materials, it is imperative that each system make the most of this ridership count. Every student is encouraged to ride the bus at least for this week. This will increase the efficiency rating, which will, in turn, increase the budget for next year.

Limit Visitation To Hospital Due to Flu

09/18/2009

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine is asking people to limit their visitation to the Hospital due to how widespread the H1N1 virus has become in our community. For both the patient's health and your health please visit only if you are immediate family or the patient's caregiver. Teens and children should not visit as the illness is prevalent in this group. Do not visit the hospital if you are sick and wash your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of the virus.If you have questions about the H1N1 virus, and what you should do if you feel sick, call the CDC Information Line, open 24-7 and it offers an option to speak to a live person. They can answer questions and give guidance for the care of people who may have the H1N1 virus.Call 1-800-232-4636. For web based information go to: CDC.Gov/H1N1flu.

Flu & H1N1 in Area School Systems-Update

09/18/2009

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), 100.5 or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. We checked with area school systems for flu activity, as of Thursday…..

Avery: Normal flu like systems for this time of year and no confirmed H1N1 cases.

Madison: A partial report indicates 7-10 students sent home with flu-like symptoms, three of those confirmed, and one case of H1N1.

Mitchell: Over the past week, there has been and 1.7% to 4.9% increase in absenteeism from 1.7% to 4.9%. Officials say this is not a significant jump but one they notice. Only 3 confirmed cases of flu have been documented from our student body but they feel anywhere from 10 to 20 students system wide have shown flu like symptoms over the past week. The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 is one in Spruce Pine & two in Bakersville.

Yancey: There are five confirmed cases of regular flu and four confirmed cases of H1N1.
 

Influenza is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing and sneezing of infected people. Take actions to stay healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread easily this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. It is always a good idea to practice good health habits. Eat a balanced diet consuming a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar alcohol, and saturated fat. Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of sleep.

Paving Scam in Mitchell

09/17/2009

The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department has received calls from citizens complaining about a possible “paving scam” in the County. Men, claiming to be pavers have been showing up at homes or businesses saying that had extra asphalt left over from a job and asked the unsuspecting victim if they them wanted to fill-in spots at the victim’s home or business. The owner would say ok and before it was over with, they were attempting to pave the entire driveway or parking lot. Authorities say if you’re approached by individuals doing this, you need to get a written contract on what is to be paved and the cost, if you don’t you could be scammed for a lot of money. If this has happened to you, contact Chief Deputy Donald Street at the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office at 688-3982.

Pleads Guilty to Sex Offenses with child

09/17/2009

A Burnsville man will spend the next 19 years in the North Carolina Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to engaging in sex offenses with an eight year old girl. Jason Dale Hunsicker age 35, of Burnsville, a former resident of Black Mountain, North Carolina appeared in Yancey County Superior Court on Tuesday September 15, 2009 and entered a guilty plea admitting that between June 1, 2006 and July 1, 2007 he did unlawfully, willfully and feloniously engage in a sex offense with the young child. In addition to his prison time, Superior Court Judge James L. Baker ordered that upon his release from prison he would be required to be registered as a Sex Offender wherever he may choose to live for the remainder of his natural life. He was also ordered to complete a sex offender treatment program while incarcerated and to have no unsupervised contact with any minor child nor be on any public property where convicted sex offenders are prohibited from being. A condition of Satellite Based Monitoring was ordered to be placed on Hunsicker immediately upon his release from the North Carolina Department of Corrections. Hunsicker was taken to Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina to begin his sentence.

Madison Man Found

09/17/2009

Madison County Deputies say that a man missing for several weeks has been found—alive and well. 23-year old Cager Metcalf was with is girlfriend in the maternity ward at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Family members had thought he may have been in danger.

Learning Academy to Open

09/16/2009   

If all goes according to plan, the Learning Academy, an alternative school for kindergarten through 8th grade at-risk students in Yancey County is scheduled to open today. (to hear comments from Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of Yancey Schools click on audio button above)

Madison County Man Missing

09/16/2009

The search is on in Madison County for a man who's been missing for more than three weeks. The Madison County Sheriff and family members believe 23-year-old Cager Metcalf could be in danger. He was living with his grandmother on Culven Creek Road. Family members say a cousin dropped Metcalf off at Mars Hill College. That's the last place he was seen. Sheriff John Ledford says Metcalf's family believes he may have an undiagnosed medical condition. He adds there was an unconfirmed sighting of Metcalf in Greene County, Tennessee where he has friends. Metcalf is described as between 5'8" and 5'10”, sandy blonde hair and distinct tattoos; a paw print on his neck, a teardrop below his eye and the numbers six and zero on his forearms. If anyone has information, call the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (828) 649-2721.

Flu Shots Available Soon

09/15/2009

Avery, Mitchell and Yancey County Health Departments will offer seasonal flu shots beginning Thursday, September 24th. Seasonal flu shots are available during the hours of 8:30a.m. To 4:00p.m. The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $35. The health department accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, or payment by cash or check. For all other insurance, they provide receipts for reimbursement. Children between the ages of 6 months old and 18 years old receive the vaccine for FREE. Seasonal flu is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). Each year about 36,000 people in the United States die because of the seasonal flu. Please take this opportunity to get vaccinated, and immunize yourself against the seasonal flu! For more information about the influenza vaccine call the health department in your county; in Avery call 733-6031, in Mitchell call 688-2371and in Yancey call 682-6118.

May Face Prison Time

09/15/2009

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Randall Dale Chandler 43, of Green Mountain and charged him with two counts of Possessing Schedule II Controlled Substances, two counts of Possessing Controlled Substances inside Improper Concealed Containers. He was released after posting a $ 1,500.00 secured bond. Chandler is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on October 13th. According to information supplied by the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department, at the time of the arrest Chandler was found to be in possession of several drug paraphernalia in addition to other items he was charged with possessing. The additional seized items will submitted to the S.B.I. Western Laboratory in Asheville for analysis. Lt Tom Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department Farmer additional charges against Chandler are likely as it is suspected that illegal controlled substances are present inside many of the submitted items of paraphernalia. The arrest was made after Deputies and Probation Officers conducted a search of the Chandler residence as he was suspected to be in possession of illegal controlled substances Farmer said on August 17th Chandler was convicted in Superior Court for Possessing Methamphetamine and placed on Intensive Probation. If convicted of this latest offense Chandler is likely to face a prison sentence.

Helping Others

09/14/2009 

At the Phillips-Gwaltney Child Development Center, on the Mayland Community College Campus in Spruce Pine, they’re teaching kids to enjoy helping others through their “give-back” program. This year the students in the school age program, ages 5-12, held a bake sale and cook-out and they raised $880 in just 4-hours for Hospice of Mitchell County. The kids did everything with help from their parents who supplied everything. They also made a tie dye wall hanging for the Hospice office. We spoke with some of the kids about the project, Brianna Greene is 11 and she said (audio) Taylor Silvers, also 11 said (audio) and 9-year old Erica Mitchell, she’s 9, told us about the quilt they made (audio). All of the kids did a super job. Sue Ann Rose, the Lead Teacher for the school age program says the “give back” project teaches the children the importance of helping and making a difference (audio). (to hear story with audio click audio button above)

Toe River Project Access Surpasses $3 million in Donated Services

09/14/2009

Toe River Project Access (TRPA), an initiative of the Blue Ridge Regional Hospital Foundation which helps low income, uninsured residents of Mitchell and Yancey counties get access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription assistance, has now surpassed $3 million in donated care. Launched in November of 2003, this program has helped over 700 clients whose household income is 150% or less of the federal poverty guidelines, who do not qualify for government assistance programs and who cannot afford private insurance. The idea for the program began in late 2002 after the closing of some large manufacturing plants in Mitchell and Yancey counties. As a result, local doctors and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital began to experience unprecedented increases in uninsured people needing medical and dental attention. “I’m pleased to report that 90% of our clients say that their health has stabilized or improved as a direct result of Toe River Project Access and that emergency room visits by clients enrolled in this program have dropped 451%, so we know the project is working” said Aubrey Stewart, project coordinator.

One Dead in Head-On Crash

09/11/2009

One person is dead and another person is in critical condition following a wreck this morning on Hwy 19E east of Burnsville. The three vehicle crash happened between Shoal Creek & Bear Wallow Roads. Killed in the wreck was Charles Hensley, age 56 of Fox Creek Road, in Yancey County near the Madison County line. In critical condition at Johnson City Medical Center is Morris Dale Murphy, age 62, of Hwy 80S, Burnsville. According to NCHP Trooper Ron Silvers, a Chevy Impala driven by Hensley, was traveling east toward Spruce Pine and went completely left of center and hit a Ford pickup truck, driven by Murphy, head-on. A Volkswagen passenger car driven by Melissa Allen, age 36 of Burnsville, was traveling behind the pickup and could not avoid the crash and hit the truck in the right passenger door. She received minor injuries. The crash resulted in a major traffic jam; some reports said traffic was backed up almost to Spruce Pine. The traffic problem was complicated because of a bridge closure on Bear Wallow Road which normally is used as a detour to keep traffic flowing. Troopers had to shutdown 19E for about 1& ½ hours.

Vandalism on Burnsville’s Town Square

09/11/2009 

Burnsville’s Town Council wants the vandalism on the Town Square to stop and they’ve asked the Police Department to increase their patrol of the area: (audio-to hear comments from Mayor Danny McIntosh click audio button above)

Mitchell County Teacher of the Year

09/11/2009

The 2009-2010 Mitchell County Teacher of the year is Chris Hollifield, an 8th grade social studies teacher at Harris Middle School. He has taught 7th & 8th grade social studies at Harris for 21-years. The thing he enjoys most about his job is teaching kids about their home. His love for North Carolina history began while he was in the 4th grade. Mr. Hollifield has co-authored a book titled: Images of Spruce Pine,” which will be released for sale later this month. He is married to Dana Hollifield, a 4th grade teacher at Deyton Elementary; they have two children, Ethan, a junior at Mitchell High and Rebekah, a 7th grader at Harris. . He received his B.A. in history at Mars Hill College; it was while at Mars Hill, he knew he wanted to be a teacher.

Charged with Murder

09/10/2009

A Yancey County man has been charged with murdering LeRoy Riddle who’s family had reported him missing since August 31st. Charged with murder is David Lester Phillips, age 35, who was Riddle’s roommate, he was arrested on Tuesday night and placed in the Yancey County Detention Center under no bond. Riddle’s body was found Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm in a rocky area several feet down an embankment off of Dam Road in the Bakers Creek section of Yancey County. Family members say Riddle knew Phillips and trusted him and welcomed him as a roommate. As investigators began their search for Riddle, Phillips was nowhere to be found either and nothing was out of order in the home they shared, Riddle’s truck was found locked in an area where vehicles are usually parked—nothing was out of place. According to Lt. Tom Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department, a warrant for the arrest of Phillips was issued after evidence obtained in the investigation confirmed that Phillips was responsible for the death of LeRoy Riddle. Deputies say Phillips assaulted Riddle with a hammer and possibly a firearm, in their home and then dumped his body. David Lester Phillips is currently on probation for other crimes in Yancey County and he remains in jail under no bond. Phillips will make his first court appearance October 6th.Authorities have not released a motive for Riddle’s murder.

Not Affiliated with Mitchell Chamber

09/10/2009

The Mitchell Chamber of Commerce has received several phone calls from members who indicate they have been contacted by someone selling “memberships” and/or “verifying listing information” for an upcoming publication. This individual or company is in no way affiliated with the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce or any of its publications. If you are contacted by this business/person, you are encouraged to get their contact information and send the information to the Chamber. The Chamber plans to produce a new membership directory this year and you will be contacted by phone or email or with a letter on Chamber letterhead to explain the details of this publication. If you need more information call 765-9033.

Yancey Man Charged with Murdering LeRoy Riddle

09/09/2009

A Yancey County man has been charged with murdering LeRoy Riddle who’s family had reported him missing since August 31st. Charged with murder is David Lester Phillips, age 35, of Burnsville, he was arrested on Tuesday night and placed in the Yancey County Detention Center under no bond. In information supplied by the Yancey County’s Sheriff’s Department, Riddle’s body was found Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm lying in a rocky area several feet down an embankment off of Dam Road in the Bakers Creek section of Yancey County. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, information gathered from interviews and other evidence compiled during the 8 day investigation and search for Riddle led authorities to the area where his body was found. Riddle’s body has been sent to the state medical examiners office in Chapel Hill. The post mortem examination of the body will be conducted to determine the cause of death and to retrieve any forensic evidence that may be present on the body. David Lester Phillips made his required first appearance hearing Wednesday, and then returned to jail. Phillips will make his first court appearance October 6th. Farmer said a warrant for the arrest of Phillips was issued after evidence obtained in the investigation confirmed that Phillips was responsible for the death of LeRoy Riddle. As for a motive for the murder, Lt. Farmer declined to comment saying the investigation and evidence collection process is still ongoing.

Wreck on Parkway Kills One

09/09/2009

A wreck on the Blue Ridge Parkway Saturday night killed a juvenile. Parkway police say they can’t release any further information because the investigation is not complete. They did say the wreck occurred near mile post 333 near Little Switzerland.

Obtaining Property by False Pretense

09/09/2009

A Bakersville husband and wife have been charged with obtaining property by false pretense. On August 27th, Mitchell County Chief Deputy Donald Street arrested Holly and Frank Ryan Honeycutt, the charges were placed on each for writing worthless checks on 2 different closed accounts at several businesses in the County, Holly Honeycutt was charged with 42 counts and Frank Honeycutt was charged with 7 counts and he was charged with one count of possession of a concealed weapon-brass knuckles. Both are being held in the Rutherfordton county jail under a $15,000 bond, they have a court date scheduled for September 11th. This case is still under investigation both parties are alleged to have written several checks in Yancey County and in Weaverville, in Buncombe County.

Wanted Fugitive Captured

09/09/2009

A Burnsville man, 21 year old Marvin Jack Taylor, a wanted fugitive, was taken into custody on September 1st, in Hildebran, North Carolina near the Burke-Catawba County Line. He was found hiding under a bed in a stolen camper in a wooded area behind the residence of a relative. Among the charges Taylor faces in Yancey County, Felony Speed to Elude Arrest, Safecracking, Breaking & Entering, and passing stolen checks. In addition to the Yancey offenses Taylor faces Felony charges issued in Unicoi County, one of which was attempting To Run over a Law Enforcement Officer. Lt. Tom Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department said Taylor is also responsible for committing theft offenses along local and surrounding railroad properties and may face Federal Indictments as a result of those offenses. Lt. Farmer and Detective John D. Thomas were the arresting officers and they thanked the Burke County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.

Sex Offense in Yancey Plus Riddle Update

09/08/2009

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Delfino Camacho Martinez 31, of Burnsville and charged him with one count of First Degree Sex Offense with a Child. Martinez was released from the Yancey County Detention Center after posting a $ 50,000.00 secured bond. Martinez is alleged to have engaged in a sex offense with as female child under the age of thirteen on August 15th or August 16th. The Child Protection Unit of the Yancey County Department of Social Services and the District Attorney's Office is assisting with the investigation. Lt. Thomas L. Farmer and Deputy L. Ryan Higgins of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department are the investigating officers. Martinez is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on October 13th.

Yancey Deputies are continuing their search for a Burnsville man after he went missing more than a week ago. 64-year-old LeRoy Riddle was last seen on August 30th. Riddle's family worries foul play is at work because several of Riddle's brothers got suspicious phone calls after he disappeared. Deputies told the family they weren't able to trace the calls and have no leads as to Riddle's whereabouts. If you have any information, you are asked to call the Yancey Co. Sheriff's Office at 828-682-2124.

BRRH Adds Full-HD Imagine Technology

09/08/2009

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital recently added the latest high-definition (HD) video imaging technology to its state-of-the-art operating rooms. Dr. Russell Flint, chief of surgery at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital said: “The availability of full HD offers a number of clinical benefits to surgeons, including optimum clarity, color contrast and depth perception during endoscopy. This enhances identification of tissues,” The most common procedures performed at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital using this equipment is knee and shoulder arthroscopies, gallbladders and appendectomies. Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, a nationally recognized Five Star Community Value hospital, has served the people of Mitchell, Yancey and surrounding counties for over 50 years. In fiscal year 2008 Blue Ridge Regional Hospital performed 1,840 surgeries, up 9.8% from the previous year.

Authorities Continue To Investigate Missing Person Case in Yancey County

09/07/2009

On Monday August 31st Yancey County Sheriff Kermit Banks and Deputies with his department opened a missing person case in the apparent disappearance of 64-year old LeRoy Riddle who lives at 2900 West US 19E, Burnsville. Family members say they haven’t seen him since mid day Friday August 28th. Authorities were able to confirm that Riddle was alive and well on Saturday August 29th at approximately 1:00 p.m. as he was observed by witnesses operating his white 1994 Dodge 4X4 pick up truck near a mobile home park just outside the western city limits of Burnsville. Other interviews suggested that Mr. Riddle was possibly present at his residence on Sunday morning August 30th as well. Riddles' 1994 white Dodge 4X4 truck was found parked in the gravel parking area commonly used by local residents located at the intersection of Jacks Creek Road and U.S. 19E. Riddle’s truck has been seized and stored as evidence and that the truck and residence where Riddle lived has been inspected by Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Lt. Farmer, of the Sheriff’s office said nothing has been found to indicate Riddle had planned on leaving his home for any length of time, his personal communications and financial accounts are currently being monitored. Mr. Riddle has worked as a security guard at Mountain Air Country Club for years and is known by co-workers and family as someone who keeps in touch with family and arrives at work as scheduled. Authorities say they are becoming extremely concerned in fear and suspicion each day Riddle is missing, LeRoy Riddle is approximately 5’9,” 200 lbs, blue eyes brown/grey mix thinning hair. Riddle has been entered as a Missing Person in the National Crime Information Center Network (NCIC). Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Riddle is asked to call the Yancey County Sheriff's Department at 682-2124.

Traffic Changes

09/07/2009 

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is planning some traffic flow changes around Burnsville Town Square. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh explains: If the weather is not cooperative on the 15th, the changes will be made the next available day but not on a Friday. (to hear comments from Mayor McIntosh click audio button above)

Search for Missing Man

09/03/2009

Authorities in Yancey County are asking for your help; they’re looking for a missing man. Sixty-four year old Leroy Riddle was seen Saturday at a trailer park in Burnsville. The search effort to find Mr. Riddle began Monday; deputies say he may be with a man also considered missing. No other details are available. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Yancey County Sheriff’s Depart at 682-2124.

Pleads Guilty to Accessory to in Murder

09/03/2009

Back in 2007, twenty-five year old Garry Wayne Harrell Jr. was shot and killed at his home in Buladean. Charged with second degree murder was Kelly Shane Whitson, his wife Holly Gortney Whitson was charged with accessory after the fact of second degree murder. Two months ago Shane Whitson, age 35, was sentenced to serve 19-24 years in prison. Last week in Mitchell Superior Court, Holly Whitson, age 31, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve 29-44 months in prison. Investigators at the time of the murder said both couples had apparently been arguing and then on July 3rd, 2007, Shane Whitson and Holly Whitson came to the Harrell home, there was some pushing and shoving and when Junior Harrell came out of the house Shane Whitson shot Harrell in the head. A few days after the shooting, Whitson’s wife Holly Whitson was arrested. Court documents indicated she help her husband escape by giving him money and telling him to run. Whitson was captured less than an hour later in Avery County at Elk Park by the Avery Sheriffs Department.

Up on the Roof

09/03/2009

A McDowell County man is in jail under a $100-thousand bond, charged with growing marijuana. Deputies with the aid on National Guard helicopters discovered the pot on the roof of the home of 52-year old Jack Silver. Authorities found 74 plants between 4 to 6 feet tall. Silver was charged with manufacturing and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance. During the eradication operation Deputies also say they found about forty plans in a field near Old Fort, that investigation is still ongoing and no arrests have been made.

Merchant Alert Issued

09/02/2009

The Yancey Chamber of commerce has issued an alert to area merchants. On Monday afternoon August 11, a woman approached a Burnsville business and asked for access to their credit card machine. The woman claimed she represented a credit card company and needed to make an adjustment to the credit card machine. When she was told she would need to talk to the Burnsville business’ credit card representative the woman immediately left. Please beware of anyone requesting access to your credit card machine or your merchant ID. Please be aware and report any suspicious persons to the police.

Green Mountain Man sentenced to Prison for Sexually Offending Disabled Woman

09/02/2009

A Green Mountain man pleaded guilty in Superior Court last week to one count of attempted second degree sexual offense. Superior Court Judge Phillip Ginn sentenced Arnold Leon Thomas age 53, to no less than 4-years in the NC Department of Corrections, at his release he must register as a sex offender, he must undergo a sex offender evaluation and must attend a sex offender treatment program and that Thomas be supervised by a probation officer upon his release from prison. Testimony from Lt Tom Farmer testified the investigation revealed that Thomas had on at least six occasions during the week of June 9-June 13, 2008 placed his hands on or about the private sexual areas of a 35-year old female without her consent. Farmer testified that the woman suffered from a medical condition that had caused her to be mentally disabled and she was legally blind in her left eye.

Lottery Money Returned to Counties

09/01/2009

North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue has announced she is fully restoring the school construction funds to the lottery capital fund for public schools. In February, Perdue withheld $37.6 million during the 2008-09 fiscal year from the Public School Building Capital Fund to ensure the state had sufficient resources to manage cash flow and payroll obligations. That money is being restored using funds left over from the 2008-09 fiscal year. In our region:
Avery--$49,233
Madison--$58,043
McDowell--$145,415
Mitchell--$48,311
Yancey--$55,209
All Counties in Western North Carolina to receive a total of $2,130,543

Craggy Gardens Temporarily Closed-Bear Activity

09/01/2009

Blue Ridge Parkway officials are temporary closing the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area at Milepost 367.6 until at least Labor Day weekend, September 4th; the reason--bear activity in the area. The problem began in mid-July, when park maintenance staff found food pulled out of a dumpster, then bears were cited during the day and it wasn’t long until they were completely unafraid of people. Parkway officials advise people to be really careful with the food in their campgrounds and while picnicking, making sure they store food in their vehicles. One reason for the area's black bears coming unusually close to humans is their food supplies are low right now, and people are leaving food out. And the bear population is also on the rise.

Mitchell Man says County Needs Leash Law

08/31/2009

In a recent news story on WLOS-TV in Asheville, they reported a Mitchell County man said wild dogs were eating his goats and he’s had to shoot and kill three of the dogs in an attempt to save his animals. Red Bays says he had nine goats, but after the dog attacks, now he has just one. He says he would not have needed to shoot the dogs if owners had kept them on their property and he blames the shootings on the lack of a leash law. Bays say the dog attacks have cost him thousands of dollars and he plans to take his complaints to the September Commissioners meeting. According to an e-mail to us from Patricia Beam, the Executive Director of Mitchell County Animal Rescue, the story failed to mention the goat owner does not have a fence or shelter for his goats, they run loose around the neighborhood, and he hasn't seen what killed his goats on several occasions. It could have been coyotes, and she says the goat owner is killing dogs off his property and not in the act. She said one was an eight pound puppy. As for a leash law, Mitchell Commission Chairman Marvin Miller says such a law would require an animal control officer to enforce the law and the incidents would be so few, the County would have a hard time justifying the salary and expense required to fill the position. In her e-mail Beam says she’s not sure how Miller would know the number of such calls for an animal control officer. Miller says the Commission will take another look at an animal ordinance in November.

Jail Loan to Bring Better Fiscal Health to Yancey

08/31/2009

Moving to restore state mandated “Fund Balance” reserves in Yancey County’s General Fund for operating expenses, the Board of Commissioners, acting on the recommendation of the North Carolina Local Government Commission, held a special meeting August 10 to approve a bid by the BB&T to restructure the county’s current loan for construction of the Yancey County Detention Facility (YCDF) and to extend an additional loan to pay for the cost overruns on the project. Originally authorized in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, and financed with a $2.2 million installment loan, actual audited expenditures for the YCDF were almost $3.25 million on June 30, 2008. This exceeded the original financing by over one million dollars. The audit indicated to pay these unanticipated cost overruns, the County dipped into operating funds, leaving the Fund Balance below North Carolina’s legally mandated minimum of 8% of annual operating budget and the audit indicated Yancey was the only county in North Carolina at that time to have actually spent down to a negative Fund Balance. Lynne Hensley, County Finance Director since December 2008, said this problem has developed over the past 6-8 years and sharply declining income from the state sales tax has also contributed to the problem. Commission Chairman Water Savage said “By refinancing the original loan, and financing the Capital Project cost overruns to pay back the General Fund, we have taken a big step toward re-establishing Yancey County’s fiscal solvency.”

Cruelty to Animals-Guilty Plea

08/28/2009

A Spruce Pine woman has pleaded guilty in Mitchell Superior Court to starving to death her four dogs. Michelle Potter was charged earlier this year and on Tuesday she was sentenced to six to eight months in prison, suspended, twenty four months supervised probation with warrant less searches, drug testing and DNA sample submission. If she has any animals while on probation her probation officer will determine if they are cared for, if they’re not, this is a violation of probation. Her six cats involved will be the property of Mitchell County Animal Rescue. Potter must pay restitution of $1274.18. Officials with Mitchell Animal Rescue say the agency has cared for the six cats since January and they are available for adoption. The Rescue is asking for donations to help replace the items and funds used to care for the cats; needed is clay cat litter, bleach, detergent, etc and cash donations for their spay/neuter surgeries.

BRRH Surgical Team Recognized

08/28/2009 

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital's surgical team is one of three in the state recently recognized by the NC Quality Center for improvement in its already successful Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP). Blue Ridge Regional has been involved with this project since 1993. Cheryl Craigie with Blue Ridge Regional Hospital and Foundation explains what the project is all about. (audio) Craigie adds the hospital is very proud of the team on being recognized for consistently reaching excellent performance. (to hear comments from Cheryl Craigie click audio button above)
 

Detours Will End Soon

08/27/2009

For travelers on Highway 19E through Spruce Pine, there is good news. All the hassle of detours is just about over. We spoke with Gary Moore with NCDOT and he said work on the bridge is almost complete and if no problems arise they will open the highway this Monday, August 31st or Tuesday, September 1st at the very latest!! This means the pot-hole troubled bridge will now be a smooth ride which will be great news to everyone!!

Mitchell Chamber Annual Awards Winners Named

08/28/2009

The Mitchell Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards dinner on Tuesday night at the Chalet Restaurant. 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry was the guest speaker.

Named Member of the Year: Highland Craftsmen
Amazing Customer Service: DT’s Blue Ridge Java
Rookie of the Year: River’s Edge Outfitters
Excellence in Community Support: United Community Bank
Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Chamber: Harper Wilson
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Toe River Valley Watch
Large Business of the Year: Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
Small Business of the Year: WTOE Radio

Also honored were North Carolina’s Living Treasures living in Mitchell County, there are seven Living Treasures who live in Mitchell, that’s more than any other County in the State. Honored this year are Norm Schulman and Cynthia Bringle. Special recognition was given to Rosetta Thompson who voluntarily painted all of the “Welcome to Mitchell County Signs.” The painting supplies were supplied by the Chamber. Shirley Hise, Chamber Director, said she was thrilled to see someone with such Community Service. The Chamber thanks all of its members and citizens of Mitchell County for their continued support.

A Bump in the Road

Muted Colors Predicted

Booze It & Lose It

Public Support is Vital

“Clunkers" Program Ends Monday

Historic Mitchell Courthouse Renovation

Burr in WNC on Listening Tour

McDowell Commissioner announces Run for NC 47th District Senate Seat

A Mother and Son Charged in Marshall

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital hires OB/GYN

08/18/2009

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital welcomes Dr. Ryckman Caplan, a Board Certified OB/GYN, to its hospital-owned clinics. Dr. Caplan will be dividing his time between Blue Ridge Medical Centers—Spruce Pine and Yancey Campuses. Dr. Caplan has over 36 years of experience and has delivered over 5,000 babies. He received his undergraduate degree from Tulane University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Louisiana State University. He is a Certified Menopause Clinician, trained to provide advice and counsel on the wide variety of strategies and therapies available that can improve health and quality of life for women entering premenopause and menopause. Dr. Caplan will begin seeing patients on September 8, 2009, but patients are encouraged to call now to schedule their appointments. For Blue Ridge Medical--Yancey Campus, call 682-0200, to schedule an appointment at the Spruce Pine Campus, please call 765-0170.

NC Seeks Grant Funds for Discounts on Energy-Efficient Appliances

It’s Time to Pay Up

Visitor Spending Rises in 62 N.C. Counties in 2008

CDC Changes “flu-like illness” Recommendations

Yancey’s Recreation Grounds Project Waiting for Level of Funding

Burnsville Filing Period Ends