Meeting in Special Session

05/24/2005

Yancey Commissioners met in special session Monday to consider a request from Altech. Dean Hicks, Commissioner said Altech officials told them they were having problems with the OMC Building meeting standards unique to their industry. They said they would like to build their own building and asked if the County to locate a new piece of property. The County, rather than take the chance of losing 300 jobs, offered Altech the property that was to be used for the comprehensive recreation grounds and the school grounds for the new Bald Creek Elementary School and possibly some surrounding property. Altech said, in the meantime, they’re going to try and start up production in the old Avondale Warehouse. They gave the County a timetable of possibly 8-12 weeks before they could get workers in that building. County officials said they’re not giving up on a recreation, but will begin as-soon-as possible, looking for another piece of property for a recreation complex.

Pedestrian Hit in Burnsville

05/25/2005

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle Monday at the entrance to the Yancey Commons Shopping Center, in Burnsville. The incident happened just before 6 pm. Burnsville Patrol Officer Gerald Barnett identified the victim as Donald Jones, age 59, of Mark Place Drive. He was airlifted to Mission Hospital; his injuries are not considered life threating. According to Barnett, a vehicle driven by Troy Ray, age 82, of Hwy 80 south, was attempting to turn left into the shopping center, when he hit a vehicle driven by Faye Williams of Newland. His vehicle went out control and hit the victim near the entrance to Reservoir Road. Mr. Ray was charged with failure to yield.

Recreation Gets a Boost

05/24/2005

Recreation gets a boost in Spruce Pine. Richard Canipe, the Town Manager, said they have received an $8,850.00 grant from the NC Parks & Recreation trust fund. Canipe said these funds will go toward improvements at Brad Ragan Park, including completion of the ball field, and to build a volleyball court and horseshoe pits.

Bringing Heritage Together

05/23/2005

Blue Ridge Heritage is a program administered by Advantage West, to establish a cultural area among the 26 counties of Western North Carolina. Shirley Hise, with the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce says Mitchell County and Yancey County mirror each other, they get along with each other and there is no reason the two can’t come up with regional plan to promote and profit the region and quote “bring some bucks back to Yancey County, as-well-as Mitchell County.” She says there is a meeting June 1st with Mitchell and Yancey EDC & Chamber of Commerce officials to talk about how they can come together.

Philosophy and Qualifications

05/23/2005

On Monday, May 16, four candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools for Yancey County participated in formal, public presentations. The candidates are Patricia Bennett, Thomas Little, Barbara Tipton and Rick Tipton, The boardroom was crowded with school system employees eager to learn more about the educational philosophy and qualifications of each candidate. The five members of the Yancey County Board of Education presented the candidates with questions covering such topics as technology in education, funding for capital improvements, the role of the superintendent, and their priorities for Yancey County Schools should they be selected as superintendent. A special called, closed session meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education will be held tonight at 7 PM at the Board of Education office, 100 School Circle, Burnsville, to discuss the candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools for Yancey County. The Board hopes to name a superintendent by June 6.

Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest

05/20/2005

A routine traffic stop in Burnsville results in drug charges. Shawn Duane Deyton, of Pilgrims Lane, in Burnsville, has been charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, and with possession of methadone and oxycontin, which are included in Schedule 2 of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. He was also charged with unlawful possession of xanax and drug paraphernalia. Deyton was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and placed under a $3500.00 secured bond. He has a June 10th court date. The arresting officer was Burnsville Patrolman Brandon Buchanan.

Taylor Togs is Shutting Down

05/19/2005

Taylor Togs in Micaville has announced they’re closing at the end of June, putting more than 300 people out of work. A spokesman for Taylor Togs said rising health care costs and foreign competition are forcing them to shutdown. The company closed its Bakersville plant in February of last year, but a big contract with Levi’s allowed the Micaville plant to remain open. Company officials say they will assist workers in finding other jobs.

Mining District Marker Dedication

05/19/2005

A bill naming the “Frasier Fir,” the official state Christmas tree was heard in committee in the State House of Representatives, in Raleigh, Wednesday morning. State Representative Frye, from the 84th district, was recently asked by an 8th grade North Carolina History class at Harris Middle School, in Spruce Pine, to introduce the bill. Class teacher, Chris Hollifield said the Frasier fir is a vital part of the economic interest Mitchell County and this region. Another project by the students in his class has already been approved. Several months ago, Hollifield’s students requested the NC Department of Cultural Resources place a historical highway marker, recognizing the historical importance of the Spruce Pine mining district. On January 12th, the request was approved. The marker dedication will be at 2pm Friday, May 27th, on Highway 226, near the NC Museum of Minerals. The community is invited to attend!!

School Relief Bill Passes

05/18/2005

Governor Easley has signed a bill into law that gives relief to school systems for days missed because of Hurricanes Frances and Ivan. The new law allows any local school board which missed more than 13 instructional days during the 2004-2005 school year due to all inclement weather, including flooding from Hurricanes Frances and Ivan, to not have to meet the 180 minimum instructional day requirements, as long as they meet the 1,000 hours of instructional time. This applies to the 2004-2005 school year only. The two counties hurting the worst are Avery, with 22 missed days and Watauga County with 17 days missed. Mitchell missed 14 days and Yancey missed 15 days. Representative Phillip Frye and Senator Keith Presnell introduced the legislation on behalf of 19 counties that were declared disaster areas following Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.

Yancey Man Arrested in Crossnore

05/17/2005

A fight at the Crossnore Trailer Park, in Avery County, has resulted in the arrest of man wanted for statutory rape in Yancey County. Deputies were called to the trailer park about a report of a fight. When they arrived, they found Francisco Gomez-Walle, age 28, of Burnsville. Deputies checked to see if he had a record, and found out he was wanted in Yancey County for statutory rape of a 15 year old and other violations that allegedly occurred in March, 2003. He was arrested and is now in the Yancey County jail under a $55 thousand bond. He has a June 10th court date.

05/17/2005

A workshop was recently held in Spruce Pine to help people who have lost their jobs, to get on track to finding employment. Topics discussed included: how to get started looking for a job, how to get your family ready for a change in economic status while in this transitional period of their lives. Mary Mallory, of “Connectinc,” a non-profit partner with NC “Joblink,” says displaced workers describe their lives as a rollercoaster, some days you think your making adjustments and getting on with your life and the next day you feel like you just been laid-off. Most said they just take it one day at a time. “Connectnic” representatives are in the “Joblink” office, in Spruce Pine, each Wednesday and Thursday.

Pro Business & Industry

05/16/2005

Yancey Commissioners are taking steps to hopefully bring more jobs to the County. They have made an offer to buy, for economic development purposes the Avondale Warehouse, also known as the Tomato Packing Warehouse. The property was originally listed at 450 thousand and later reduced to 395 thousand. The county has made an offer, but the amount has not been disclosed. Danny Hensley, Chairman of the Yancey Commission said he wants citizens to know Yancey County is pro business and industry, and they are doing everything they can to safeguard jobs in Yancey County.

It Takes Time

05/13/2005

Spruce Pine’s grant applications to assist businesses hit hard by last September’s storms are moving forward, but it takes time. Richard Canipe, Manager of the Town of Spruce Pine said officials from NC Emergency Management have told him the two grant applications the town has submitted to get mitigation money to help Landmark Lumber and JJ Gouge Oil are in the “process.” They have asked for more information and hopefully the results of the application will be known in a month or two.

Christie Tipton & Autumn Carroll honored

05/13/2005

At the annual Yancey County Schools bus drivers’ luncheon on May 10, Christie Tipton was recognized as the 2005 Bus Driver of the Year. Tipton has driven a bus for Yancey County Schools for the past seven years and transports 48 South Toe Elementary School students a total of 5,000 miles per year. She was selected for the recognition based on her exceptional qualities including a safe driving record, dependability, and cleanliness of her bus. In addition to driving a bus for Yancey County Schools, Christie is a member of the child nutrition staff at Micaville Elementary School. The bus drivers association has named Autumn Carroll the winner of the 2004 – 2005 Lisa Haney Bus Drivers’ Scholarship. The Association awards a $500 scholarship to a senior at Mountain Heritage High School. Autumn is the daughter of Karen Carroll, a bus driver with Yancey County Schools, and the late Tommy Carroll. Autumn plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall to study pharmacy.

Apply Today

05/12/2005

"Operation Brighter Day" is a campaign by the state to provide information to citizens on flood assistance for damages from Hurricanes Frances & Ivan. If you have received help from your insurance company or FEMA, but still have uninsured losses, contact the Agriculture Extension Center in your county to file an application. As of May 6th, 74 applications have been received in Avery, 70 in Madison, 12 applications have been made in Mitchell and Yancey County has received 86 applications (3rd most behind Haywood with 127 and Buncombe with 136.) Total applications for all 50 counties eligible for these funds, through May 6th, was 796. Area County Extension Office numbers are:

Avery:     733-8270
Madison: 649-2411
Mitchell:  688-2051
Yancey:  682-6187

Option to Buy

05/12/2005

In an effort to stimulate economic development and create jobs Yancey Commissioners voted Tuesday to notify the owners of Avondale, of the county intentions to buy the building and property as previously agreed upon through negotiations. Michele Lawhern, County Manager, says if the county is to bring jobs back to Yancey, they have to offer as many incentives as possible to attract industry & business to the County. She cited the “Altech’s” decision to come to the former “OMC” property, which is owned by the county as a good example of a community taking charge if its own future.

Another Rockslide

05/11/2006

Another rockslide on Oak Avenue, this one above Toe River Service Center. The slide damaged a utility pole, which affected several transformers, and then slammed into the side of the Service Center. The road from the bridge to Wachovia is closed until the pole can be repaired. The road is expected to be open by this afternoon. Progress Energy crews are at the site now working on repairs.

Arson and Bomb Threat Charges

05/11/2005

Yancey County Deputies have charged Jason Daniel Woody, age 22, of Woody Road, in Burnsville, with one count of second degree arson in connection with a fire at a vacant structure on Double Island Road on April 3rd and with one count of making a false bomb threat at the Hickory Springs Manufacturing plant, in Micaville, on February 28th. After being question, Woody admitted to both crimes. At the time of the bomb threat, he was an employee at Hickory Springs and at the time of the fire, he was firefighter with Double Island Fire Department. At his first court appearance, Woody was ordered to turn over all of his fire department equipment and to refrain from responding to any fire call or making any fraudulent 911 calls of any kind to any emergency services agency. Woody was also ordered to report every 36 hours to the Yancey Sheriff’s Department and report his location. He was released from custody after posting a $25 thousand bond. He is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on May 19th.

Rural Center Grants

05/10/2005

The N.C. Rural Economic Development Center has announced that grants have been awarded to 17 communities in Western North Carolina hit hard by the powerful remnants of hurricanes Frances and Ivan. The grants include $20,000 each for Newland and downtown Marshall, $10,000 for downtown Hot Springs, in Madison County and $5,000 each for, the Avery County Complex in Newland, Bakersville, the Town of Crossnore Business Center, for Madison County property in Marshall and Spruce Pine. Town Manager Richard Canipe said he hopes to get more funding to allow for a redevelopment plan for downtown Spruce Pine, with a goal to increase business in downtown. Restoration and repair plans will be submitted in July. Each of the 17 communities will be eligible for as much as $700,000 in grants to address their needs.

Search Continues With Follow-Up Interviews

05/10/2005

On April 22 and April 29, the Yancey County Board of Education interviewed ten candidates for the position of superintendent of schools for Yancey County. At their May 2 meeting, the Board selected four of the ten candidates for follow-up interviews. Yancey County principals Patricia Bennett (South Toe Elementary), Dr. Barbara Tipton (Cane River Middle), and Rick Tipton (East Yancey Middle), as well as Dr. Thomas Little, principal at Linden Elementary School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, will participate in formal public presentations beginning at 5 PM on Monday, May 16 at the Board of Education office, 100 School Circle. The Board hopes to name a superintendent by June 6th.

29 Rabies Cases in Yancey

05/10/2005

7 more positive cases of rabies in Yancey County have been confirmed in the USDA WNC regional report. This brings the total number confirmed cases of rabies in Yancey to 29. No human exposure has been reported. The USDA is surveying Western North Carolina for rabies numbers by picking up and testing wild animals-mostly road kill- that have not been in contact with humans. It’s important for every community member to understand; being a responsible pet owner can save the lives of humans and domestic animals.

Mitchell Considers Solid Waste Future

05/09/2005

Mitchell Commissioners met in special session last Thursday; on the agenda was the county’s solid waste program and how they were going to proceed for the next few years. Keith Masters, Commission Chairman, said the county has had some concerns about trash pick-up at county schools and at certain county buildings. He said the board has voted to buy 2 new trucks, some new dumpsters and to try to run the program themselves. He said the trucks & equipment should last ten years or better and he said the commissioners feel, over time, this will mean a huge savings for the citizens of Mitchell County.

Feasibility/Intent to Annex

05/09/2005

Burnsville Council, on Thursday, discussed the feasibility and intent to annex certain areas currently receiving town services. Mayor David Grindstaff says the town has citizens on one side of a street (inside city limits) paying for city services and on the side of the street (outside city limits) receiving the same services, but not paying for them. He said this does include industrial areas such as the former OMC property (owned by Yancey County) and Avondale and beyond. He said the town is not looking to put an industry out of business and if an opportunity to exempt a business, the town would look favorably on that. He said this is something every municipality goes through from time to time. He said job retention & creation remain the town’s number one goal.

Mitchell Students Active in Citizenship

05/06/2005

Chris Hollifield’s 8th grade North Carolina History class at Harris Middle School, in Spruce Pine, recently petitioned State Representative Phillip Frye to introduce a bill that would make the “Frasier fir,” the official state Christmas tree. Hollifield said the Frasier fir is a vital part of the economic interest Mitchell County and this region and this is a wonderful opportunity for students to see they can actually make a difference in their community and its government. Representative Frye has introduced and is committee for consideration. The students will be visiting the Legislature on May 19th!!

New Director Introduced

05/06/2005

Burnsville’s new director of the Town Center was introduced Thursday at the Council’s regular May meeting. Deanna Gouge says the center is here for the community. She said the facility has a tremendous potential for economic impact on Burnsville and Yancey County. She encourages citizens to call her to share their suggestions about operations and procedures of the center. To reach Deanna Gouge, call 682-2420.

Ray Howell Dies

05/05/2005

Well known Mitchell County Businessman Ray Howell has died. Along with success in business such as Ray Howell Hardware on Upper Street in Spruce Pine which he opened in 1949, he served on many banking boards and other commissions; he was active in civic groups. He was one of the founding members of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. Funeral Services for Mr. Howell will be Friday, at 11 am, at Central Baptist Church. He was 86.

Mitchell Jail Fire Anniversary

05/05/2005

It was three years ago this week that eight inmates died in a fire at the Mitchell County jail, in Bakersville. Family members of the victims say there are still too many unanswered questions surrounding the tragedy. The victims' families have a lawsuit pending against the state claiming that codes were not properly enforced and that the jail was not properly inspected.

French Broad EMC Meeting

05/05/2005

French Broad EMC’s annual meeting is this Saturday, May 7th, at Madison High School on Highway 25-70 Bypass, in Marshall. Registration of members and a health fair begins at 3 pm. The health fair will feature free screenings for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, hearing glaucoma, spinal and bone density. A mobile mammography unit will be on-site to provide mammograms for women age 50 and over who have not had a mammogram in the past year. The cost of mammogram will be filed with the member’s insurance. French Broad EMC will pay any uncovered balance. Other health professionals will provide information on skin caner, allergies and asthma. For the kids, a clown and a face painter will be on hand, food will be for sale in the school cafeteria. One of the southern gospel’s biggest names “The Inspirations” will perform a 6 pm. The business session and election of directors will follow the entertainment. Four directors will be elected from names chosen by the nominating committee. Those nominated are Joe Justice & Gordon Randolph of Madison County, Parnell Cooke of Mitchell County and Jimmy Ray of Yancey County.

Another Rabies Case in Yancey

05/04/2005

The 21st positive rabies case in Yancey County has been identified. The Yancey County Health Department investigated a raccoon killed on Daisy Field Drive, off of Price’s Creek because the raccoon came in contact with an individual’s dogs. Fortunately the pets were up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations so they simply received a vaccine booster. Incidents like this one bring up again, the importance of having pets vaccinated. Without vaccination, in some cases exposure by pets could lead to putting the pet down, and a human exposure may warrant that the person receive the expensive shots. Much work is being done locally between government, various agencies, and residents to keep rabies from spreading throughout the county. Remember that keeping your pets vaccinated is the number one way to protect your family and self from exposure to the rabies virus. If you have a possible human or domestic animal exposure to rabies, please call the Yancey County Health Department at 682-3003. If you need to report an animal control incident, please contact Henry Miller 284-4234.

Unimin Plant Reopens

05/03/2005

Unimin Corporation announced today (Tuesday) it’s planning the full reopening of the primary quartz processing portion of f its high-purity quartz processing facilities that are currently mothballed at its Quartz/Feldspar Plant in the Spruce Pine area. High-Purity Quartz processing equipment at this location was temporarily shutdown in December, 1998. The work of reactivating the plant is commencing immediately at full speed, and is expected to take two months to complete. This plant reopening will create approximately 10 jobs at the plant. Unimin’s Crystal Plant, in Spruce, the Schoolhouse Plant, in Avery County and the Red Hill Plant, in Red Hill, will continue to operate.

Body Found In Mitchell Creek

05/03/2005

A startling roadside discovery Monday in Mitchell County, a passer-by on Brushy Creek Road found a woman's body in the Estatoe Community. Authorities have identified the victim as Patricia Rowe, age 50. The investigation continues to find out how she died, they say an autopsy should show if any crime was involved!!

Attracting Industry in Mitchell

05/03/2005

Mitchell County has taken a step to attract new industry and support current industry in the county. Commissioners on Monday adopted an ordinance establishing an economic development incentive grant fund. Keith Masters, Commission Chairman, says the county has placed $500 thousand in the fund and can used as a match for state grants. The fund will also be available for existing industry that wishes to expand and create more jobs.

Authorities Make an Arrest in McDowell County

05/03/2005

McDowell authorities have arrested a Marion man for the murder of John Wilkerson, age 41, of West Marion, whose body was found at a campsite Sunday afternoon, he had been shot in the chest. Robert Johnson Ellis, Jr., age 37, of West Grayson Street, was arrested Monday evening. Two campers discovered Wilkerson's body on Rhomtown Road near 221 south Sunday afternoon. An autopsy is scheduled for today. Ellis is charged with first degree murder and is being held in the McDowell County Jail without bond. No other details have been released; the SBI is assisting McDowell investigators in the case.

Body Found In McDowell County

05/02/2005

McDowell County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered a body on Rhomtown Road near 221 South Sunday afternoon. The body was discovered between the road and the river. Officers say a red Pontiac was there when they arrived. Detectives are questioning the person who reported the body. The State Bureau of Investigation is helping to collect evidence..

New Project Manager Named

05/02/2005

Burnsville Council has named a Project Manager for the Burnsville Town Center, she’s Deanna Gouge, a graduate of Appalachian State University, with a degree in Political Science and a concentration in Public Policy Analysis and Rural Community Development. Ms. Gouge worked for four years at a local entertainment venue as an Assistant Entertainment Director, and before accepting the position with the Town gained valuable marketing experience as a Realtor in Yancey and Mitchell Counties and the Little Switzerland area. During college, she completed an internship with the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. Gouge is a lifelong resident of Bakersville and is the former Branch Manager of Carolina First Bank in Burnsville and in Bakersville. Her duties will officially begin today,  Monday, May 2, 2005. The Town Center is expected to be completed around June 15th. A grand opening featuring "IIIrd Tyme Out," is scheduled for July 22nd. A full range of activities can be accommodated, in the new facility, from family reunions to professional performances. Meeting space will be available for conferences, continuing education programs and presentations, Questions, comments, and future reservations may be directed to Deanna at the Town Office, by calling 682-2420, or via cell at 828/284-2895, or via email at towncenter@townofburnsville.org.

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