On August 24th, 2010 Officers with the Burnsville Police Department arrested Karl Henderson Quinn, 62 of Orchard Street, Burnsville NC. Quinn was served with arrest warrants for 1st Degree Kidnapping and Felony Assault on a Handicapped Person. According to Lt. Detective Randall Shuford an investigation revealed that Quinn had held his mother Jean Quinn who is in her 80’s against her will and would not allow law enforcement or medical personnel to check on her well being after reports had been made by neighbors that they had seen Karl Quinn striking his mother numerous times with his fist and hands. Quinn barricaded himself with his mother in his apartment and after hours of attempted negotiations law enforcement had to make forced entry into the apartment and took Karl Quinn into custody without further incident. Jean Quinn was then transported to the hospital where she was evaluated and treated for her injuries. Karl Quinn was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and was given a $35000.00 secured bond where he remains in the Yancey County Jail and has a August 31st, 2010 court date in Yancey County District Court.
According to statistics released by the state’s Employment Security commission unemployment rates decreased in 86 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in July. The rates increased in six counties and remained the same in 8. North Carolina had 46 counties that were at or below the state’s unadjusted unemployment rate of 9.9 percent. Rates decreased in all 14 of the state’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The unemployment rate for Avery County was 8.0, down 1 tenth of 1 percent from June. Madison County was 8.7%, down 1.3% from June. The Mitchell County rate for July was 10.1%, slightly better than the 10.5% in June. Yancey County Unemployment rate for July was 10.7%, a 2 tenths of 1 percent decrease from June. Click here for the complete report.
Photo ID required at Hospital
08/31/2010
Visitors between the hours of 9pm and 5am will need photo ID at at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Mission will now add photos to ID badges given to visitors. Visitors are already required to check in, provide their name and where they are going, and obtain an identification badge at night. The latest measure asks late-night visitors to show a photo ID that can be scanned or have their photo taken for the badge, which is good for 24 hours. No other personal information is recorded, and the badges are not necessary for people in the emergency department waiting area. Mission Hospital spokeswoman Merrell Gregory said there was nothing that triggered the change, but the photo IDs are intended to prevent any serious incident from occurring in the future. More than 200 people visit the hospital's two campuses each night. Hospitals around the country and the state already have similar systems in place.
Two Arrested for theft
08/30/2010 
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Tamra Rena Moore 37, of 32 Herron Cove Road, Weaverville, North Carolina and Franklin O’Neil Rice 60, of 243 Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville, North Carolina and charged them with theft offenses the pair worked together to commit on multiple occasions throughout 2010 at Prices Creek Store located in the Cane River Community of Yancey County. Yancey County Chief Deputy Sheriff Thomas Farmer stated that on several occasions in 2010 alone Prices Creek Store personnel had discovered numerous pairs of boots, and clothing stolen from the clothing and shoe section of the store. Farmer stated that extra law enforcement presence at the business and surveillance cameras were put in place in an attempt to located the offenders. In addition the store owner, Max Ballew stressed to his employees to be on the lookout for any suspect shoplifters. On Thursday August 26, 2010 at approximately 4:30 p.m. cashier Barbara Austin observed Moore enter and exit the store carrying a large size purse. Suspicious of her behavior Austin went to the area of the store where boots are shelved and discovered a pair had been stolen. Austin immediately contacted the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department and reported a description of Moore and the vehicle she was operating. Deputy M.A.Letterman and Deputy B.L. Austin responded to the area in an attempt to locate the suspect vehicle. Yancey Sheriff Deputies also requested Madison County Deputies to be on the look out as well. At approximately 4:50 p.m. Madison County Deputy T.M. Boone located the suspect vehicle near the Madison –Yancey County Line and conducted a
traffic stop. Yancey County Deputies backed Deputy Boone up on the stop inside Madison County and the officers observed numerous items of stolen property that had been taken from numerous businesses in Yancey and Buncombe County. Moore was taken into custody and transported to Yancey County after being charged with offenses in Madison County for Possessing Stolen Property. When Moore arrived in Yancey County she was charged with one count of Felonious Larceny and one count of Misdemeanor Larceny. Video surveillance compiled throughout the 2010 revealed that Moore and Rice had entered Prices Creek Store on numerous occasions and removed dozens of boots and clothing items. Rice was charged with one count of Felonious Larceny. Bond in the amount of $ 3,500.00 was set for Moore and a $ 3,000.00 secured bond was set for Rice. Chief Deputy Farmer stated that Moore
and Rice each have extensive criminal history and were placed in the Yancey County Jail and are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on September 24, 2010. Farmer commended Barbara Austin who reported the offense and expressed his appreciation to Madison County Deputy T.M. Boone who stopped the suspect vehicle
No Violations by Mountain Air
08/30/2010
The state Supreme Court has ruled that Mountain Air Country Club in Yancey County didn't violate state buffer requirements for trout streams. The 6-1 decision by the N.C. Supreme Court reverses an earlier N.C. Appeals Court decision that said clearing trees and buffer vegetation alongside a creek, and putting pipes in part of the creek, violated state law requiring a 25-foot buffer along trout streams. In its decision, the court said Mountain Air applied for the necessary variances required for construction.
Kayaker over Linville Falls
08/30/2010
This past Tuesday an Asheville kayaker took a plunge over the 90-foot-high Linville Falls. According to National Park Service officials Pat Keller's less-than-minute-long trip is possibly the first descent of the triple-tiered falls in a kayak and it was also illegal. 24 year old Keller, a professional kayaker and a 2009 UNC Asheville graduate now in training as a financial adviser, said he had been planning the feat for most of his life. Tim Francis, the Blue Ridge Parkway Pisgah District ranger in charge of law enforcement in the Linville Falls area, said the Tuesday morning kayak ride was against park regulations, an infraction that carries a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and six months in jail.
Out of Drought but still Abnormally Dry
08/27/2010
All 13 Western North Carolina Counties have been dropped from the drought list. Recent rains have turned things around from dry and brown to green. This is the first time since June 29th that no Western North Carolina Counties have been on the moderate drought list. Widespread rains have raised stream levels and provided much needed relief for mountain farmers. The Western Counties are not completely out of the woods yet; all Western Counties continue to be listed as abnormally dry.
Positions Now Available: 2010-2011 AdvantageGreen Energy Internship Program
08/27/2010
AdvantageWest announces the application process for positions with the 2010-2011 AdvantageGreen Energy Internships Program is now open. Nine internships and three fellowships are available under the program. Certain educational requirements are needed. Applicants must be either a graduate within the preceding three years of an accredited institution of higher education in the State of North Carolina, or be a permanent resident of North Carolina who has graduated from an accredited, out-of-state institution of higher education within the preceding three years. AdvantageWest is the regional economic development partnership serving the 23 western counties of North Carolina. Chartered by the state General Assembly, AdvantageWest, established in 1994, is a nonprofit, public-private partnership.
For more about the AdvantageGreen program, visit www.advantagegreennetwork.org. To learn more about AdvantageWest, visit www.advantagewest.com or call (828) 687-7234.
Public Input Needed
8/27/2010
Great Smokey Mountains National Park Officials are asking for public input on their plan to scale back radio collaring and tracking devices for elk. Address comments to: Superintendent, Great Smokey Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738. The deadline for comment is Sept 27, 2010. (Website: parkplanning.nps.gov/grsm) Since 2001 the elk population has grown from 52 animals to a herd of 125, with twenty-five calves born this year. Currently the elk wear radio collars which are expensive and requires a high concentration of labor. The state has in the past given though to removing elk from it’s protected species list, but dropped the idea after a public meeting held this year, when most in attendance urged officials the keep the elk protected.
Mitchell/Yancey Drug Arrests
08/26/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested David Jay Henson 31, of Burnsville, and charged him with Possession of Cocaine. He was released from the Yancey County Detention Center after posting a $ 2,000.00 secured bond. Henson is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 31, 2010. Chief Deputy Tom Farmer said Henson was taken into custody immediately after posting bond and turned over to Mitchell County authorities who served outstanding warrants on him for drug related offenses. And Yancey Deputies have arrested Raymond Higgins, Jr. 25 and charged him with selling and delivering oxcodone, a schedule II controlled substance. Higgins was charged and released from custody after posting a $ 9,000.00 secured bond. Higgins is scheduled to appear in Yancey county District Court on August 31, 2010.
Marion Man Charged in Yancey
08/25/2010
A Marion man has been charged with numerous drug violations in the Busick Community of Yancey County. John Wayne Bailey 28, was arrested after he arrived in Yancey County just before midnight on Monday, August 23, 2010 and sold and delivered prescription medications. Charges against Bailey include selling and delivering Schedule II & Schedule IV prescription drugs. Bailey was released from the Yancey County Detention Center after posting a $ 23,500.00 secured bond. Bailey is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 31, 2010. Chief Deputy Tom Farmer and Deputies L. R. Higgins and R.R. Bailey were the arresting officers.
Celebration of Burnsville
08/25/2010
It was recently announced Burnsville has been selected to participate in STEP, the North Carolina Rural Center’s Small Town Economic Prosperity Program. And a big part of the program is citizen input about what you think about the future of Burnsville & Yancey County. Over the next year the input provided by citizens will help develop an Economic Prosperity Plan. This Friday, at 5:30 pm, there will be celebration of Burnsville and the Kick-Off of a year long process. The Celebration will be in the Town Center. “This process and the resulting Economic Prosperity Plan will also help when the Golden Leaf Foundation comes to Yancey County with $2-million for its Community Assistance Initiative,” said Jake Blood, director of the Yancey County Economic Development Commission. “Other plans we have done in the past, such as the 2005 Yancey County Strategic Economic Development Plan, had no money behind them to carry out the recommendations. With the STEP Program the Rural Center has committed $100,000 and Golden Leaf has said they will definitely take into consideration all that will be going into the Burnsville/Yancey Economic Prosperity Plan.”
Charged with Statutory Rape
08/24/2010
Yancey Deputies have arrested 21-year old Allen Michael Penland, charging him with statutory rape. Chief Deputy Tom Farmer says their investigation indicated Penland allegedly had sex with a minor from September 2009 to February 2010 and he began having sexual relations with her when she was 14 years old. He was placed under a $50 thousand bond and is scheduled to appear in court August 31, 2010.
Indecent Liberties with a Minor
08/23/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Keith Allen Wyatt 52, and charged him with three counts of Felonious Indecent Liberties with a Minor. Wyatt remains in the Yancey County Detention Center where he remains under a $ 30,000.00 secured bond. Chief Deputy Tom Farmer said the Wyatt arrest was a result of a lengthy investigation and the alleged offenses are believed to have occurred from 2001-2004. Wyatt is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 31, 2010.
Charged with Stealing Prescription Meds
08/23/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Monica Quinn Sherlin 41, she allegedly breaking into a home in the Seven Mile Ridge Community and made off prescription medications. Her charges are Breaking & Entering, Larceny and Possession of Stolen Property—all felonies. Sherlin remains in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $ 6,500.00 secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 24, 2010.
Mars Hill College—One of the Best in the South
08/20/2010
According to the “U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” rankings for 2011, Mars Hill College is now at number 29 among the best baccalaureate colleges in the South. The 2011 position is a substantial jump from last year’s position of 36th in the same category and it’s the seventh time that Mars Hill has ranked in the “America’s Best Colleges.” Dr. Dan Lunsford, President of Mars Hill College said he was pleased to see the rankings and it proves what he sees every day--that student’s at Mars Hill College receive an excellent and well-rounded educational experience.” Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings are peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.
Parkway Travel Advisory
08/20/2010
Removal of storm debris will force a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway to close next week, Monday, August 23rd through Thursday, August 26, 2010. The scenic highway will close from Wagon Road Gap at Milepost 412 to Graveyard Fields Parking Overlook at Milepost 418 next week. The hours for the closure will be 8:30 am to 3:30 pm each day.
Mount Pisgah will be accessible from the South via U.S. Route 276. And Parkway visitors should expect minor delays near Deep Gap at Milepost 275 to Yadkin Valley Parking Overlook at Milepost 290.
Community Comes Together
08/19/2010 
Following the traffic accident last Friday on Mine Creek Road that injured six Mitchell High School players, the community is coming together to show their support. Two players remain in serious condition after the truck they and four other teammates were in flipped over. If you would like to help the boys with their hospital bills, call the school at 688-2101.(to hear audio and story from News 13's Frank Fraboni, click on audio button above. The information is a courtesy of News 13 in Asheville. Thanks!)
Work on I-40 near Tennessee Border Will Take Longer
08/19/2010
Rock stabilization efforts near the site of the Interstate 40 rockslide will take longer than originally planned because of unexpected geological conditions and intense heat. Initial plans had called for the work to be complete by Aug. 27. Now crews expect to complete work on Oct. 7. Crews are currently working to stabilize eight separate areas near the site of the Oct. 25, 2009 rockslide. Both eastbound lanes are open. One westbound lane is closed in the seven-mile stretch between Harmon Den (Exit 7) and the Tennessee border for safety reasons while work is ongoing. There is some good news; NCDOT will open four lanes to traffic for the Labor Day weekend. The westbound lane that is now closed will be opened at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. It will remain open through the evening of Monday, Sept. 6.
Storms Bring Flooding
08/18/2010
Storms produced some flooding in our region on Tuesday, Yancey Emergency teams shut down portions of Bald Mountain Road because of flooding from the creek and a Yancey school bus was reportedly stopped from getting to the area for a period of time. That’s the only report of flooding. Nation Weather Service Meteorologist Patrick Moore says this could happen again today and he urges motorists to say away from water covered roads. Patrick Moore is with the National Weather Service. (to hear the story with comment from Patrick Moore, click on audio button above)
Pensacola Man Charged with Growing Marijuana
08/18/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested a Pensacola man charging him with growing marijuana and maintaining a dwelling place to keep controlled substances. According to Yancey Chief Deputy Tom Farmer, Ricky Eugene Foreman 42, was found to be growing Marijuana inside his residence in Southern Yancey County. Foreman remains in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $ 5,000.00 secured bond; he is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 24, 2010.
Small Business Roundtable
08/17/2010
On Monday North Carolina Lt. Governor Walter Dalton was in Spruce Pine to meet with area small business owners in a roundtable discussion at the Pinebridge Executive Complex. We asked him about the importance of the small business community and given the current economic climate how are small businesses going to survive. The event was sponsored by the National Federation of Independent Business. (to hear the story with comment from Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, click on audio button above)
Jewelry Taken from Indian Creek Home
08/17/2010
Yancey Deputies have charged 26 year old Adam Mathis with stealing over $43 hundred worth of jewelry from a home in Indian Creek Community; deputies say some of the jewelry has been recovered. Mathis is in the Yancey County Detention Center charged with felony larceny, possession of stolen property and obtaining property by false pretense.
Attempting to Steal Money
08/16/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Matthew Tom Errickson 18, charging him with unlawfully entering into an unoccupied residence in the Seven Mile Ridge Community in an attempt to steal money. Errickson remains in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $ 5,000.00 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on September 24, 2010.
Trucker Killed in I-40 Crash
08/16/2010
A trucker was killed early Sunday morning on I-40 West of Marion when his tractor-trailer ran off the highway and slammed into a guard rail. According to State Troopers, Max Anderson, 30 of Salisbury died at the scene and no other vehicles were involved. It wasn’t known why the big rig left the highway. The crash blocked the westbound lane of I-40 for several hours while the area was cleared. The accident happened around 3:30 am Sunday morning.
MHS Football Players in Traffic Accident
08/14/2010
Six members of the Mitchell High School Varsity Football team were involved in a traffic accident Friday afternoon on Mine Creek Road. Information given to us indicated that three of the boys were in the back of a pick-up and three were in the cab, when another vehicle forced them to swerve off the road and the truck flipped over, three of the boys were ejected from the truck. Injuries to the six are not life threatening. Three were airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center, one was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville and two were treated and released. Officials with Johnson City Medical Center have asked that visitation be limited to immediate family only at least thru the weekend. No other details are available.
Rabid Raccoon in Mitchell County
08/13/2010
A rabid raccoon has been confirmed in Mitchell County. Three dogs in the Estatoe area got into a fight with a raccoon. The raccoon tested positive for rabies and the three dogs that were exposed had to be destroyed. North Carolina law requires all dogs and cats over 4-months old to be current on rabies vaccinations. There will be a rabies and microchip clinic on Labor Day, September 6th at Parkway Fire and Rescue on Grassy Creek from noon-4pm. Rabies shots will be $10 and microchip ID’s will be $20. The clinic is sponsored by Mitchell County Animal Rescue. For more information, call 765-6952. For the safety of your family and pets, have your dogs and cats vaccinated!!
Cruelty to Animals Case Continued
08/13/2010
After reviewing information concerning cruelty to animal charges against Jeremiah Johnson, a Yancey County Grand Jury has agreed that the original charge of two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals was the appropriate charge and found no probable cause to raise the charge to a felony. Johnson was charged in connection with an incident that occurred on April 7, 2010. He was arrested and charged June 28, 2010 with two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals after he had allegedly shot two donkeys. At that time it was determined the animals were dying from internal injuries and they were euthanized. As a result of the Grand Juries findings, the case against Johnson was continued to August 24, 2010.
McDowell Man Gets Life
08/13/2010
A McDowell County man has received a life sentence for killing his wife. David Eugene Hunt, 62 pleaded guilty to first degree murder the death of his estranged wife Sherry Hunt in March. Prosecutors agreed to drop the death penalty in return for Hunt’s guilty plea. Authorities had described David Hunt’s relationship with Sherry Hunt as abusive. She had tried to get away from her husband many times.
Yancey Man Sentenced for 2009 Shooting
08/12/2010
A Yancey County man, accused of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, was in the Yancey Courtroom on Monday. Following a plea deal Carl Alvin Blankenship, 63, pled guilty to one count of felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. In July 2009 he shot his nephew Jamie Whitehead, age 38, in the chest with a .38 caliber handgun while Whitehead was operating an ATV on an area of land near the Blankenship residence in Southern Yancey County. He also was alleged to have pointed a gun at Ronnie Whitehead. Superior Court Judge Phillip Ginn sentenced Blankenship to no less 25 months and no more than 39 months in prison, that sentence was suspended for 4 years. He was placed on intensive probation and is to be confined at home with electronic monitoring for 6 months. The sentencing also included serving two days in jail for the next 4 years on the anniversary date of the offense of July 14, 2009. He is to submit to warrant-less searches and have no contact with Jamie Whitehead or Ronnie Whitehead or any of their family members and to pay fines and court costs of over $43 hundred dollars.
Parkway Closures
8/12/2010
Officials with the Blue Ridge Parkway have announced a couple of temporary closures for paving. The Linville Falls Picnic Area (Milepost 367.6) will be closed beginning Monday, August 16, 2010, at 8:00 am and will remain closed until Wednesday August 18, 2010, at 4:30 pm, and the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area (Milepost 367.6) from 6:00 a.m. on Monday, August 16, 2010, until noon on Friday, August 20, 2010. Full access to the picnic area will be restored on Friday.
Yancey Woman Found Dead in McDowell Jail
08/11/2010
A Yancey County woman, an inmate at the McDowell County Jail is found dead. Jail employees reported that Christina Ledford was suffering seizure-like symptoms late Saturday night; she was taken to the hospital, treated and released back to the jail. The Sheriff said when jailers were making their rounds on Sunday Ledford was found dead. Investigators are waiting for autopsy reports. Ledford had been arrested for failure to appear in court, Ledford, 24 was from the Clearmont Community.
NC’s Seat Belt Usage - Slight Increase
08/11/2010
North Carolina’s seat belt usage rate increased slightly from 89.5 percent to 89.7 percent according to an annual survey. This is a 4 percent increase since 2005 and above the national rate of 83 percent. David Weinstein, Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program said “Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers, so buckle up and remember it’s ‘Click It or Ticket.” Last year in North Carolina alone, there were 1,012 traffic-related fatalities and 431 of those were unrestrained drivers.
Mount Mitchell Scenic Drive Designated as State’s Newest Scenic Byway
08/10/2010
A 52-mile section of road near Mount Mitchell in Yancey County has been named the state’s newest Scenic Byway. Recognized for its outstanding beauty and unique cultural features, the route begins on N.C. 128 in Yancey County atop Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern United States with an altitude of 6,684 feet and one of 16 peaks over 6,000 feet tall which make up the Black Mountain Range. From the park, the scenic drive follows the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers expanding vistas of the Black Mountains. The drive then descends into the South Toe River Valley, continuing into Burnsville and dropping some 4,500 feet in elevation. Homesteads, farms, pastures, churches and small communities dot the landscape in this rural area of Yancey and Madison counties. Visitors may also notice colorful squares hanging on the sides of barns and businesses along the route; part of the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina project, these blocks represents different quilting patterns that reflect the heritage of the place where they are located. The byway ends at the intersection of U.S. 19/23 and Interstate 26 north of Mars Hill. The Mount Mitchell Scenic Drive will be marked by official NCDOT Scenic Byway signs and included in NCDOT’s Scenic Byways Guide, which provides information on all 54 scenic byways in North Carolina and is distributed throughout the United States and as far away as Australia. For more information on the N.C. Scenic Byways program, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel/scenic.
SP Woman Charged with B&E and Larceny
08/10/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies charge a Spruce Pine woman with breaking into a Burnsville home on Beverly Lane, and stealing property on or about June 25, 2010. Brandi Doyle 24 was charged and released from the Yancey County Detention Center after posting a $9-thousand secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on August 24, 2010.
Assault on a Child
08/09/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested McKenzie B. Ray 21, charging him with one count of Assault on a Child under 12. Ray was released from custody in lieu of posting a $ 500.00 bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim. Ray is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on September 24, 2010.
Buses on Roads-Use Extra Caution
08/09/2010
School’s in session. In Mitchell, students had a half-day on Friday, and today is a full day; in Yancey this is their first day and they’re operating on a half-day schedule. Please use caution while driving and remember to be prepared to stop as buses make frequent stops to pick-up students. Around the region, Avery will start this Wednesday, Madison’s year has begun and McDowell doesn’t start until August 25th.
Jailed After Communicating Threats
08/09/2010
A Burnsville man was released from the NC Dept of Corrections on Monday August 2, 2010 after serving a year for violating the terms of a probationary sentence he received for Possessing A Firearm while Being A Convicted Felon. Darren Gene Cheatham 42 was arrested by Yancey County Sheriff Deputies on August 17, 2008 after he shot into an occupied dwelling. But Cheatham is back in the Yancey County Detention under no bond. According to Yancey Chief Deputy Tom Farmer, Cheatham, while in jail, is alleged to have mailed letters to his estranged wife making threats to harm her upon his release from prison. He is scheduled to appear in Yancey County Court on August 20, 2010.
Country Cablevision Receives $25.3 million Broadband Grant
08/06/2010
North Carolina has received $83 million in five federal recovery grants to extend broadband connectivity in rural parts of North Carolina. These funds will create jobs upfront, and help spur economic development in these areas through expanded access to high-speed Internet. One of the grants was awarded to Country Cablevision; they have received a $25.3 million grant for their Yancey-Mitchell Rural Broadband (YMRB) Project. The grant will promote social and economic development in two Western North Carolina counties by delivering critically needed digital services (Video, Data and Voice over Internet Protocol). More than 33,000 people, approximately 1900 local businesses and 120 community institutions stand to benefit from this improved service. Not only will this 3-year project create jobs upfront, it will help drive economic development in the communities, as well as create jobs for the future. Country Cablevision is proud to have this opportunity to assist the economic development and over all growth of our community.
School Bells are Ringing
08/06/2010
School bells are ringing today across the mountains, but everybody isn’t on the same schedule. In the tri-counties; Avery will start next Wednesday, Mitchell stats today for a half day, Yancey starts on Monday with a half day schedule. Other area schools; Madison started Thursday and McDowell doesn’t start until August 25th. Thanks to a waver from the state those county’s that had more snow days that they allotted for last are starting a little earlier in hopes of getting the school year over before June.
Sales Tax Holiday-This Weekend
08/06/2010
It’s a sales tax holiday this weekend in North Carolina. During this time, there will be no sales tax charged on clothing (clothing accessories will be taxed), footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item; computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item will be exempt. Items that are not sale tax exempt: Clothing accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, protective equipment, wallets, furniture, items used in a trade or business, and rentals will be subject to the applicable tax. The tax free days are today, August 6th-Sunday, August 8th.
BPD Arrests
08/06/2010
Burnsville Police are reporting the arrest of Jonah David Teal, 25, on July 28, 2010. Sergeant Gerald Barnett made the arrest after Teal tried to pass a forged check for $250 at a local business. The check was on another person’s closed checking account and he allegedly made the check payable to him. He was released after posting bond. On August 5, 2010, Daniel Joseph Hinds, 29, of the Green Mountain Community was arrested; he is alleged to have met a woman in a local business parking lot and provided her with a dose of liquid methadone was arrested by Officer Michael Capellupo. Both men are scheduled to appear in court on August 24, 2010.
Homeowner Shoots Intruder
08/06/2010
A homeowner shoots and injures a man detectives say had broken into his house. It happened off Garden Creek Road just outside Marion early Thursday morning. They say 21year old Michael Austin and 17-year old Jesse Dellinger broke into the home and tried to rob it. The couple who lives at the home says they were startled when they found 2 strangers in their house. The home owner was holing the intruders at gun point when deputies say Austin started toward him and he fired a shot, then Austin ran off. Austin was not seriously injured; he and Dellinger are in the McDowell County Jail charged with first degree burglary and damage to property; both have lengthy criminal records. The Sheriff’s Department turned the evidence over to the District Attorney and he says there will not be any charges against the homeowner.
Plant Expansion will Bring 90 Jobs to McDowell County
08/05/2010
A plant expansion in McDowell County is expected to create 90 jobs. Ethan Allen Operations Inc., a manufacturer of Ethan Allen Interiors, will expand its Old Fort plant. The company plans to create 90 jobs and invest $250,000 to expand its production capacity. The project was made possible in part by a $270,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. Although individual wages will vary by job type, the jobs will pay an average wage of $26,645 not including benefits. The McDowell County average annual wage is $27,768. State Senator Joe Sam Queen said “During these tough economic times, it’s critical to make the right investments that will create jobs and economic opportunities in McDowell County.” Officials at Ethan Allen say the expansion will start immediately.
Northern Yancey Homes Broken Into
08/05/2010
Yancey County authorities say a Green Mountain man stole about $10 thousand worth of jewelry, firearms and money from at least three different homes in the Letterman Road, Lovely Lane and Upper Pig Pen sections in the part of the county. Gary Joe Cooper 39 is in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $44-thousand secured bond. According to Sheriff Gary Banks, Sgt. John Robinson and Deputy Mark Letterman have recovered most of the stolen property and it has been returned to the owners. Cooper is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 24, 2010.
Marshall Police Officer Arrested
08/05/2010
A Marshall police officer, who is the police chief's son, is charged with assault. According to warrants 24 year old Joshua Edwards assaulted his ex - live in girlfriend last month. The incident is also bringing up allegations of nepotism. Edwards's father, Craig Edwards, is the town's police chief. Residents of Marshall say the allegation needs to be looked into. Joshua Edwards has been suspended pending the deposition of the case. Marshall Town Attorney Larry Leake said Edward’s suspension should not be taken to mean the town is saying anything about his guilt or innocence.
Drought Conditions Increase
08/04/2010
The lack of rain is now affecting all of state’s western counties. Fifteen counties are now in the moderate drought range; including Madison, Mitchell and Yancey. Some counties are described as abnormally dry; those counties are Avery, Henderson, McDowell and Transylvania. Drought hampers agricultural production and reduces stream flow which leads to water conservation measures, but so far water supplies have not been significantly affected. Area farmers say the drought has drastically hit their operations and they will be lucky to make profit on products such as hay and potatoes.
Selling Stolen Jewelry
08/04/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Jason Kimball Cooper 33, charging him with one count of Possession of Stolen Property and one count of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses. According to Yancey Chief Deputy Tom Farmer, Cooper was charged after he arrived at a local business in Yancey County and sold numerous jewelry items. The jewelry items had been stolen form a residence in the Green Mountain Community in late July 2010. The jewelry items were recovered and returned to their owner. Cooper was released from the Yancey County Detention Center after posting a $ 6,000.00 secured bond; he is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 24, 2010.
Undercover Drug Buy in Mitchell
08/04/2010
Mitchell and Spruce Pine authorities recently conducted an undercover operation that resulted in the arrests of Audra Biddix Masters, age 46, of Yancey County and Jackie Myrle Ledford Jr., age 35, of Mitchell County. According to Detective R.V. Wiseman, Masters went to a doctor and received a prescription for Hydrocodene. After getting the prescription filled, she made arrangements to sell the controlled 11 substance to the undercover agent. The buy was made in the parking lot of Walmart on Monday July 26, 2010. The agent bought fifteen 10/650 milligram Hydrocodone pills from Masters, once the buy was made law enforcement moved in to make the arrests. Masters was charged with placed under a $200,000.00 secured bond and remains in the Rutherford County Jail. Ledford was released after posting a $5,000.00 bond. Both Masters and Ledford are scheduled to appear in Mitchell County Court on August 18, 2010. Mitchell Detective R.V. Wiseman and Spruce Pine Detective S.B. Hughes were the investigating officers. Assisting in the operation was the State Highway Patrol, N.C Probation officers, Mitchell Deputy S.E. Davis and Spruce Pine Police Officer Steve Turbyfill.
Certified Nursing Assistant Faces Criminal Charges for Elder Abuse
08/03/2010
A certified nursing assistant is facing charges of elder abuse. Melissa McKinney Ramsey 41, of Spruce Pine, has been arrested by Yancey County Sheriff Deputies and charged with two counts of Misdemeanor Assault on a Handicapped Person. The arrest was made and charges were filed against McKinney at the direction of District Attorney Gerald W. Wilson after the results of a criminal investigation into allegations of patient abuse against two males, ages 82 & 84, who suffer from dementia. The incident happened at Brookside Rehabilitation. Yancey Sheriff Gary Banks said an investigation revealed that both men were physically assaulted by Ramsey while she was providing care for them in their separate rooms on an early morning in July 2010. Banks said both men sustained injuries to their face and eye area after it is alleged that Ramsey struck them in the eye and face with her fist. Banks said that so far it appears that this was an isolated incident and no other employee was involved in the abuse. Ramsey was released from the Yancey County Detention Center in lieu of posting a $ 2,000.00 bond. Ramsey is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 24, 2010.
McDowell Charges Four with Vehicle Break-ins
08/03/2010
A string of vehicle break-ins in McDowell County has resulted in four Marion men being arrested and charged with several offenses including breaking and entering and larceny. Detectives say the suspects were stealing cash and electronic accessories, and in many cases the victims left there vehicles unlocked. Charged are Casey Hughes, Lyman Brown, John Wrenn and Juan Jaspard
Helicopter Spots Pot Plants in Madison
08/03/2010
More than 140 marijuana plants were found recently by a National Guard flyover of the Beech Glen community in Madison County. According to Madison Sheriff Buddy Harwood, the plants have a street value of nearly $200 thousand. Some of the plants were as-tall-as six feet high The Sheriff said the good news is these plants will not get into the school system or on the streets, but he says there are many more pot plant operations that that can't be spotted from the air.
Charges of Sexual Battery and Disseminating Obscene Photos to a Minor under 16
08/02/2010
Yancey County Deputies have charged a Green Mountain man, Henry Blaine Rogers 20, with one count of Sexual Battery, one count of Preparing an Obscene Photograph and one count of Felonious Disseminating Obscene Material to a Minor Under the age of 16 years. Rogers remains in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $ 4,000.00 secured bond. Rogers is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 24, 2010. Investigators confirmed the minor female is under the age of 15.
Animal Cruelty Case continued to Sept 24th
08/02/2010
Back on June 28, 2010, Jeremiah A. Johnson of Yancey County was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals. Investigators say he allegedly shot two donkeys on the morning of April 7, 2010. A Veterinarian was called to the scene and after an examination it was determined that the donkeys were dying from internal injuries and they were euthanized by the attending Veterinarian. Johnson was in Yancey District Court on Friday, July 30,2010; his case was continued until September 24, 2010. The DA said his office needed more time to review evidence in the case.
Yancey AYP Perfect
07/30/2010
Student testing scores from last year are being released. On AYP or Annual Yearly Progress testing Yancey Schools were perfect with 100%. AYP scores from other Western School Systems; Mitchell 50%, Madison 71.1%, Asheville 33.3%, Avery 100% and McDowell 83.3% (to hear the story with comment from Pete Peterson, Director of Testing for the School System click audio button above)
Census Effect
07/30/2010
The influx of jobs from the 2010 Census could not have come at a better time for the struggling economy, but now that the Census is wrapping up, many of those same people are back in the unemployment line. (to hear the story with News Center reporter Stephanie Carson click on audio button above)
Guilty Plea in McDowell
07/29/2010
A retired priest pleaded guilty in a McDowell Courtroom on Wednesday for molesting a boy more than thirty years ago, at a Mountain Lodge in the Little Switzerland community Bill Casey now seventy-seven years old pled guilty to one count of a crime against nature and received a suspended sentence. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised probation, required to comply with a sex offender control program and was ordered to not be around children without a responsible adult present and permission from his probation officer. He was also ordered to pay a $5 hundred fine. The victim, Warren Tucker, 44 who now lives in Indiana said he was pleased Casey plead guilty, but disappointed he will not serve any jail time.
Two Charged in Yancey
07/29/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Bobby David Sparks 22, and Amber Lynn King 35, on misdemeanor and felony charges involving a stolen check. The investigation revealed Sparks and King allegedly acted together in the theft of personal checks from a victim and after having the checks in their custody they acted together to obtain money and did in fact obtain money by forging and passing the stolen checks. Both Sparks and King remain in the Yancey County Detention Center Jail. Sparks bond was set at $6,000.00 secured and King’s bond was set at $ 3,500.00 secured. They are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on Friday July 30, 2010.
Perdue Visits Mitchell & Yancey
07/28/2010
North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue was in Mitchell and Yancey Counties on Tuesday, she talked about the STEP program, that’s a Main Street Program, established to revitalize small communities’ downtown areas. (to hear the story and comment from Governor Perdue, click audio button above)
Pedestrian Struck & Killed near Estatoe
07/28/2010
A Spruce Pine woman was struck and killed by a vehicle late Sunday night. The accident occurred on Highway 19E near Veed Garland Road just before the Estatoe community. State Trooper First Sgt Amos identified the victim as China Autrey, age 47, of an Arthur Autrey address. (to hear the story and comment of First Sgt Amos, click audio button above)
Governor to Visit Western Counties
07/26/2010
North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue will make a four-day swing through the western counties this week. She will attend a series of events in Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties. Today the Governor will be in Marshall, on Tuesday, at 9:15AM, Gov. Perdue will take a walking tour of downtown Burnsville and then visit the Energy Xchange in Yancey County at 11AM; then she will be in Bakersville at 1:45PM at the renovated Historic Mitchell County Courthouse.
YCTA Receives New Van
07/26/2010
The Yancey County Transportation Authority (YCTA) recently took delivery of a new van funded by federal stimulus funds. The van, the first green “flex fuel” vehicle in the YCTA fleet, is a Ford E 350 14 passenger van that is handicapped accessible. The North Carolina Department of Transportation, which oversees the fund distribution and use of the funds, has awarded more than $33 million in grants to local transportation authorities from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds. The goal is to preserve and create jobs, promote economic recovery, and invest in transportation infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits. Yancey County has received more than $150,000 to further fund the needs of the YCTA. The Yancey County Transportation Authority provides many valuable services to the county, including transportation of the elderly and disabled, transportation for children, medical transportation, as well as transportation for the general public, and special trips to Asheville and surrounding areas. In addition, YCTA provides transportation to many people going to and from work each day.
Mitchell Schools Shine on End of Grade Testing
07/23/2010
Mitchell Schools come up big on end-of-year testing. (to hear story and details from Chad Calhoun, Director of Accountability, Federal Programs for the Mitchell School System click audio button above)
Scams Targeting the Elderly Prompt Warning from Sheriff
07/22/2010
A scam artist will use any and every measure possible to get your personal financial information. If the scammer can do that, your money will soon be gone. Recent scams targeting the elderly have surfaced in Yancey County and according to Sheriff Gary Banks several residents have reported receiving telephone calls from people identifying themselves as FBI Agents assigned to the international terrorist task force soliciting money to assist in the international investigation and apprehension of know terrorists. The caller requests that a donation be made to a bank account and the scammer provides an account number for the money to be sent. The scammer then obtains the account number of the sender and drains the innocent persons account. Sheriff Banks said everyone should be careful when they receive calls to donate to any organization when they are asked to provide personal or financial information.
Hope for NC Food Banks
07/22/2010
North Carolina food banks say tough economic times are making support for local food pantries that much more important, and Congress is considering legislation that would boost their funding. (to hear the story with reporter Stephanie Carson click on audio button above)
NC Small Businesses Eligible for Health Care Tax Credits
07/21/2010
A new report has been released on the number of North Carolina small businesses eligible to receive tax credits in 2010 under the new health care reform law. Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees in the state and across the nation are eligible for tax credits to help pay the cost of employee health coverage. The report “A Helping Hand for Small Businesses,” lists the number of businesses in North Carolina that qualify for the maximum tax credit of 35 percent. These are the smallest businesses that have the most difficult time affording health insurance. The report comes from Families USA, a national organization for health care consumers. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
Recovery Act Funds Creates Energy Economy Jobs and Internships for College Students in NC
07/21/2010
The North Carolina Energy Office has announced Twenty-three private businesses, public agencies, and public and private universities will receive $5.6 million to create 400 jobs and internships to give students hands-on experience and training. The federal funds will be combined with other private and public dollars to create an internship program worth nearly $8.7 million. The N.C. Energy Office created the program with money from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide green-energy-related internship and fellowship programs for talented North Carolina undergraduate and graduate students. In WNC, Appalachian State will receive a grant amount: $485,857. The N.C. Arboretum in Asheville receives a grant of $89,600. And AdvantageWest Economic Development Group, in Fletcher, in Henderson County will receive a grant amount: $479,259.
Charged with Forgery & Passing Stolen Checks
07/20/2010
A Yancey County man has been charged with forgery, passing stolen checks, obtaining property by false pretense and larceny. Jason Todd Laws, age 32, is in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $7 thousand secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on July 30th. According to Sheriff Banks, Laws is alleged to have forged and passed personal checks, that he stole from a relative, at local businesses to obtain money and is also suspected of being responsible for other unrelated thefts that have been reported to the Sheriff’s Department.
NC Case Illustrates Immigration Power Abuse
07/20/2010
It's a story that seems like it was ripped from the script of a T-V movie, but for a North Carolina immigrant this tale of abuse sheds light on the many challenges immigrants face when the system breaks down. (to hear story from News Center Reporter Stephanie Carson click on audio button above).
Spruce Pine Couple Charged with Selling Drugs
07/19/2010
A Spruce Pine couple, identified as Lyndsay Rhea Rainey, age 23 and David Mathew Cantrell, age 21 have been charged with numerous drug violations including selling drugs after they sold a quarter of an ounce of marijuana to an undercover officer. But it didn’t stop there, the suspects then asked the undercover agent if he wanted to buy some Hydrocodone, he said yes, they told him to wait there, they left and returned about 15 minutes later and sold him several Hydrocodone pills. Rainey and Cantrell had their newborn baby with them when these transactions occurred. Both Rainey and Cantrell are in the Rutherford County Jail under $35 thousand secured bonds each. They’re scheduled to appear in Mitchell County tomorrow. Mitchell Sheriff’s Detective R.V. Wiseman and Spruce Pine Police Detective S.B. Hughes were the investigating officers.
Jobs to Rutherford County
07/19/2010
Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that C.M.I. Enterprises Inc., a national supplier of automotive soft-trim materials, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Rutherford County. The company plans to move its Florida manufacturing plant to Rutherfordton, creating 53 jobs and investing $697,000 including lease payments. The project was made possible in part by a $33,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. Salaries will vary by job function, but the annual average wage for the new jobs will be $22,528, not including benefits. The Rutherford County average annual wage is $26,624.
Blue Ridge Parkway Travel Advisory
07/19/2010
Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, from the French Broad River access at State Road 191, milepost 393 to the US Highway 70 access, -Milepost 383 will be closed daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. this week, today through Friday, July 23rd. These closures are necessary for tree trimming operations. Blue Ridge Parkway management regrets any inconvenience or delay this closure causes Parkway visitors and commuters.
Fire Destroys Mitchell Commissioner’s Home
07/16/2010
The home of Lisa Sparks, Mitchell County Commission Chairwoman, was destroyed by fire Tuesday night, she says the SBI have accused her of arson, but she says she’s not to blame and she has not been arrested: News 13’s Sherrill Barber has more on the story: (barber) Sherrill Barber from News 13 in Asheville. SBI officials will only say the fire is being investigated at the request of Mitchell County Sheriff Ken Fox. (to hear story and report from Sherrill Barber from News 13 in Asheville, click audio button above)
Health Problem May Have Caused Accident
07/16/2010
Thursday afternoon at around 2:30 pm, Burnsville police officer Gene Higgins attempted to stop a 2007 Chevrolet truck, at the intersection of 197 south and 19E, the driver appeared to be having some difficulty. Then the man drove the vehicle around Dellingers Convenience store and entered 19E causing a wreck which involved a total of 6 vehicles, two people in these vehicles were taken to Blue Ridge Regional in Spruce Pine with non-life threatening injures, police say it appeared they were taken to the hospital basically as a precautionary measure. The driver of the truck identified as Clarkston Hollifield Jr. was also injured. EMS on the scene said he had extremely low blood sugar which may have contributed to the accident; he was taken to Mission Hospital in Asheville. No condition report is available on Mr. Hollifield.
NC Appeals Court Rules Yancey Violated Open Meetings law
07/15/2010
In November 2008, Yancey Commissioners Renfro, Penland and Hicks, in their last month in office, named Tamera Frank & Peter Franklin to be Board Members of the Yancey County Department of Social Services. In December of 2008, a new board of Commissioners Walter Savage, Johnny Riddle and Jeri Storie were sworn in. That same day the new board held their first meeting and they declared the appointments of Frank & Franklin invalid and named Elaine Boone and Judy Buchanan to the Board. Frank and Franklin cried foul saying the appointments of Boone and Buchanan were illegal because the appointments were made at a meeting that violated the states open meetings law. After several court hearings and rulings, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled, last week, ruled there was enough evidence the meeting was not properly advertised or announced and that violated the state’s open meetings law and the case should go to court. Yancey County Manager Nathan Bennett said the County has not been given official notice of the Court’s decision, when that happens, the County Attorney will review the ruling and make a recommendation whether to appeal the ruling before the North Carolina Supreme Court or to argue the ruling in Yancey County Superior Court, he did say he felt certain here will be no settlement prior to a definite judicial determination; meanwhile we spoke with Peter Franklin and Tamara Frank yesterday, they said talked with their attorneys and they will try one last time to settle the matter out of court, they will offer the County a compromise plan in hopes of settling the dispute.
Six Candidates Seek Three Seats on Mitchell Board of Education
07/15/2010
Six candidates have registered to seek a seat on the Mitchell County Board of Education, there are three seats to fill. The candidates are:
Roger Burleson
David Johnson
Tommy Ledford
Dean Myers
Donny Seatz
Kevin Street
Burleson, Ledford are Myers current board members and are seeking a another term. The election is November 2nd.
Stress Increases Domestic Violence
07/14/2010
In a time of stress, domestic violence increases. David Pike with Mitchell County Safe Place says stress from being unemployed, even the stress of holidays can increase domestic violence. IF you are in a domestic violence situation and need help, in Mitchell County call Safe Place at 765-4044 and in Yancey County, call the Family Violence Coalition at 682-0056. (to hear the story and comment from David Pike, click audio button above)
Teachers encouraged to apply for WCU’s Invest in Teachers Scholarship
07/13/2010
Western North Carolina schoolteachers are encouraged to apply for scholarships to cover the cost of a graduate-level education course through a Western Carolina University Invest in Teachers Scholarship. The scholarships cover tuition and fees for one course, on campus or via distance education, taught in fall 2010. Scholarship winners are required to pay a $45 application fee and for required texts and any other course-related materials.
To be considered for a scholarship, teachers must be eligible for in-state tuition and be a new student in a graduate-level licensure program or degree program at WCU in the summer or fall of 2010. Recipients also must apply for and gain admission into the Graduate School in the education field and submit a scholarship application.
For more information, contact Patsy Miller in the WCU Programs in Asheville office at 828-251-6642 or by e-mail at miller@wcu.edu.
Energy Savings-More Cash for Education in NC
07/13/2010
North Carolina public universities could have additional incentive to become more energy efficient, if a bill sitting on the governor's desk is signed into law. (to hear story with News Center Reporter Stephanie Carson, click on audio button above)
We Could Use Rain
07/09/2010
The lack of rain has sent eight Western North Carolina into a moderate drought, while the rest of WNC is considered abnormally dry. The counties in the moderate range are Avery, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Swain and Watauga. The state went through a record drought in 2007-2008 bringing the driest conditions since record keeping began in 1895. This dry weather is causing more and more people to water their crops and gardens. The area may get some relief as rain is in the forecast over the couple of days as a weather system approaches the western mountains. The rain is expected to be of the scattered variety-not a rain event, but when you’re dry any rain is welcome.
Golden Leaf Meeting
07/09/2010
The next Community Assistance Initiative forum hosted by the Golden LEAF Foundation and Mitchell County will be Tuesday, July 20th at 4:00 p.m. at the Historic Mitchell County Courthouse in Bakersville. The agenda will include continued work to prioritize desired results/impacts. The Community Assistance Initiative is a grants-making process targeting economically distressed counties across North Carolina and is currently being implemented in Mitchell County.
Heat + Kids Left in Cars = Danger
07/09/2010
It's an unseasonably hot summer across North Carolina, putting even more children at risk for heat stroke when left in a hot car. News Center Reporter Stephanie Carson has details. (to hear story from reporter Stephanie Carson, click audio button above)
Innocent Man Freed From Prison
07/08/2010
A Hot Springs man has been released from prison after a judge declares he was wrongfully convicted in 1992. Scott Pierpoint, now 46, had served 17 years for sexually abusing his stepson; but on Tuesday Judge Phillip Ginn said the stepson’s statements and new medical evidence made it clear that Pierpoint should never have been imprisoned and its clear that he would have been found not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Duke Law School’s Wrongful Convictions Clinic spent more that 2 years working on the case. Pierpoint had served his 17 years at the Avery-Mitchell Correctional Facility near Spruce Pine.
Paying on Line
07/08/2010
A new system for paying most waivable traffic tickets and related costs online is now statewide. The system was launched as a pilot in March 2010 and is now processing an average of about $24,000 per day, which has kept nearly 4,700 people from standing in line at county courthouses. The web-based system was custom-built and implemented in each county by the judicial branch’s N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) in collaboration with a third-party receipt processing company. Overall, N.C. courts handle the payment of more than half a million waivable offense citations (including traffic) per year. In fiscal year 2008-2009, more than 644,000 of these waivable offense citations were paid in the state. Payments may be made on a secure website at www.payNCticket.org and are processed by an independent third-party vendor.
Affordable Healthcare
07/08/2010
Quality, affordable health care is easy to take for granted if you have access to it, but it's an enviable commodity for North Carolinians with pre-existing conditions, News Center reporter Stephanie Carson has the story. (to hear story, click on audio button above)
Fire on Old Highway 19E
07/07/2010
Fire units were called to a fire at the old Stewart Insulation building, on Old Highway 19E in the Estatoe area of Mitchell County early this morning; the call came in at around 1:30 AM. Spruce Pine Fire Chief David Hughes said when the first units arrived at the scene, the structure was fully engulfed with fire coming from the roof. They were able to get pews and other equipment out of a church next door, but the church did sustain water damage. Hughes said because of perhaps a tractor-trailer load of insulation that has to be moved before the fire can be completely extinguished, there will be units on the scene most of the day and urges travelers to use caution in this area. Chief Hughes had special thanks to all of the fire and emergency personnel who came to help, it is greatly appreciated. Fire and emergency units from Spruce Pine, Parkway, Newdale, Burnsville, South Toe and Green Valley responded to the scene. (to hear the story in more detail with comment from Spruce Pine Fire Chief David Hughes, click audio button above)
Frank Named to Run for Yancey Commission
07/07/2010
On April 27, 2010, Shane Cassida withdrew his name as a Republican candidate for Yancey County Commissioner. To replace him, the Yancey County Republican Party has unanimously selected Tamera Frank to run for the office in the November Election. Effective with this election, Yancey County’s Commission will become a 5-member board rather than the current 3-member board. The top two candidates receiving the most votes will serve four year terms and the next three candidates will serve two year terms. A Chairman will be chosen by members of the commission. The candidates for Yancey County Commission are:
Jill McIntosh Austin - Democrat
Dale England - Democrat
Tamera Frank - Republican
Peter Franklin, Republican
Marvin Holland, Republican
Brent Ledford, Republican
Michele Presnell, Republican
Johnny Riddle, Democrat
Walter Savage, Democrat
Jerri Storie, Democrat
The general election is November 2, 2010.
Yancey Deputies Arrest SP Man
07/06/2010
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested a Spruce Pine man, James David Hall, age 22. Sheriff Gary Banks said Hall was charged with stealing a 1996 Ford F-150 pick up truck in the early morning hours of June 28, 2010 from the parking lot of Austin Automotive in the East Yancey Community of Yancey County. The truck was recovered from a location near Halls residence in Mitchell County. Sheriff Banks stated that his officers were assisted in the recovery of the stolen truck by Mitchell County Sheriff Deputies. Hall was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and remains in the Yancey County Jail under a $ 6,000.00 secured bond. Hall is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court tomorrow, on July 7, 2010.
Burnsville Man Faces Several Felony Charges
07/06/2010
On July 1st, Brandon Joseph Williams, age 28, of Burnsville was arrested and served with arrest warrants by Sergeant Gerald Barnett of the Burnsville Police Department. He was charged with intent to sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance (oxycodone), possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance (oxycodone) and possession of a schedule II controlled substance (oxycodone). Records also indicate Williams was served with warrants for his arrest for Breaking and Entering, Larceny, and Possession of Stolen Property. Williams remains in the Yancey County Detention Center Jail without Bond, he is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on Wednesday. July 7th, 2010.
Mitchell Brush Fires
07/05/2010
Firefighters were busy this past weekend with brush fires in Kona and also near Unimin in Mitchell County. There have been no reports on any injuries or damage. Fire officials say because of dry conditions, it would not take much for fire to get out of control. You are urged to caution when burning.
Yancey County Receives Recycling Grant
07/05/2010
Yancey County has received a grant from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the amount of $30,000 to expand recycling operations within the county. The County is required to match the grant that will provide much needed improvements at the county’s recycling centers. By utilizing the money from this grant and expanding the County’s recycling program the County could also save money by not having to pay to ship solid waste to a landfill in Lenoir.
This grant will help the County to expand services at their Convenience Centers. Currently the East Yancey facility is the only location that accepts motor oil and oil filters, this grant allows the program to be expanded to the Riverside and the South Toe sites. The grant will also help expand the collection of recyclables at the Bee Log and Pensacola sites. Currently these sites do not accept any recyclable goods, this grant will allow for the purchase of equipment for both centers to accept recyclables such as plastics, aluminum, and glass. And the County will be able to purchase a new baler to be placed at the central recycling facility at the East Yancey Convenience Center for faster and more efficient processing of recycled materials that is less labor intensive than the current system.
Mars Hill Student Charged
07/05/2010
A Mars Hill College student is in the Madison County Jail accused of crimes against children. 22 yr. old Jeffrey Thomas Silverman was arrested Thursday night and charged with 2nd and 3rd degree child exploitation. He was already on probation for possession of child pornography. Madison Sheriff Buddy Harwood said the arrest came after probation officers conducted a random check of his on campus residence when they found child porn on his cell phone. Madison Detective Mike Boone said he saw what appeared to be young males performing sexual acts with each other. Silverman is being held on a $22,000 bond.
Booze It & Lose It-Operation Firecracker
07/02/2010
State and local law enforcement officers will be out in force over the Fourth of July holiday as part of the 2010 “Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker” campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be in place across North Carolina through Sunday, July 4, in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the roads. Over last year’s Independence Day weekend, there were 120 alcohol-related crashes resulting in six fatalities and 105 injuries. And remember to watch your speed and make sure all passengers are buckled up!
BRRH Ranked Nationally Within Top Health Systems
07/02//2010
Mission Health System, of which Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is a member, has been named one of the 51 best-performing health systems in the nation. The ranking was given in the annual quantitative study called The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals: Health System Benchmarks. Mission Health System was the only health system in North or South Carolina to receive the designation. In all, 255 health systems were studied. According to the study, Mission Health System is among the top 20 percent in the nation for performance. Top performers in the studied health systems outperformed their peers – they provided better care, followed standards of care more closely, saved more lives, had fewer patient complications, made fewer patient errors, and had better overall patient satisfaction scores. Keith Holtsclaw, president and CEO of BRRH said “Blue Ridge Regional Hospital’s staff is committed to providing the high quality of care that our patients expect and the compassionate care that our patients deserve,” In addition to Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, members of Mission Health System are Mission Hospital and Mission Children's Hospital in Asheville, and McDowell Hospital in Marion.
NC Driver Licenses to Undergo Change
07/02/2010
North Carolina driver licenses will undergo changes by 2012 which will allow the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles to produce more secure and tamper-resistant licenses and identification cards. The licenses and ID cards will carry a black-and-white photograph taken by a camera with multiple lenses. The resulting photo will be laser engraved into the card, providing a clearly identifiable image. The cards also will be made of a more durable polycarbonate material than is currently used. Multiple layers will be fused together and cannot be removed without leaving evidence of tampering. The new cards will meet state and federal mandates, as well as national security requirements.
Tips for a Safe July 4th weekend
07/012010
Let the celebration begin, the 4th of July weekend is here, area law enforcement urge to make it a safe one, especially around fireworks which should be handled by professionals. According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:
Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays. Leave any area immediately where untrained people are using fireworks.
Area law enforcement urges you to follow these precautions and make this holiday weekend safe and healthy as-well-as throughout the summer.”
Likely Facing Poverty
07/01/2010
Children growing up in North Carolina and other southern states have a higher likelihood of facing poverty, than those living in other parts of the country. Stephanie Carson reports a study at the University of New Hampshire reveals that 17% of children living below the Mason-Dixon Line compared to 13% in the North East.(to hear story click on audio button above)
NCDOT AIMS TO HELP TRAVELERS
07/01/2010
NCDOT is taking steps to help motorists save both time and money this holiday weekend by suspending most road construction activities on major routes across the state today until 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 6, with three exceptions:
Both directions of I-40 in Greensboro (Guilford County), U.S. 17 in Windsor (Bertie County) Glenwood Ave./U.S. 70 in Raleigh (Wake County)
In addition to these projects, westbound I-40 in Haywood County to expect delays over the holiday weekend; one westbound lane has been closed in the seven-mile stretch from Exit 7 to the Tennessee state line for rock stabilization efforts . This work is expected to continue through Labor Day.
P.O. Box 744 