Short Fuel Supplies

08/31/2005

Fuel is becoming scarce because of Hurricane Katrina. Along with devastating flooding, much of the power has been has knocked out in the Gulf States and that's affecting the two major suppliers of fuel in the Southeast. Many mountain gas stations, including some in Mitchell & Yancey Counties are running out of fuel and others say they will soon. The problem is most stations in the area say they get their fuel from a terminal in Spartanburg and because of the devastation in the gulf region, that terminal has been compromised. Some stations say they'll get very little, if any, fuel over the next few days.

Katrina Causes Anxious Moments in Mountains

08/31/2005

The remnants of Hurricane Katrina caused a few anxious moments yesterday for area residents and emergency workers. More problems were experienced in Yancey County. Heavy downpours forced streams out of their banks; nine roads were flooded in Burnsville. French Broad Electric reported scattered power outage, flooding occurred in the south toe and Pensacola areas, reports of trees down, one reportedly fell on a house on John Henry Road, the water came very close to the bridge in Micaville and Yancey Schools decided not to take any chances, they opened, but then closed just before 8:00am.

Missing Teen Found Safe

08/30/2005

It’s a happy ending in the search for a teenager missing since Monday night. 15 year old Jerry Paul Ellis was found safe just after 2:00 pm Tuesday afternoon at Poplar Grove Store. The search for the teen started Monday evening after he left his Laurel Heights Drive home Monday night at 7:00 pm and never returned. Many volunteers from law enforcement, fire departments and emergency agencies helped in the search effort.
 

Drug Arrest in Mitchell

08/30/2005

On Tuesday August 23rd, the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office arrested several people as part of an active drug investigation. The sheriff’s office has been conducting a long-term investigation into drug activity occurring in and around the Mitchell County area over the past several months with some cases as occurring over the past year. Included in those arrested was Darrell Douglas Dulaney, WM, 38, 154 Harley Way, in Spruce Pine (he had recently been staying with his mother at 2168 Shoal Ck Rd in Burnsville.) He was charged with one count Conspire to traffic Methamphetamine and one count of Conspiring to Sell Methamphetamine. Also, while serving warrants for Dulaney, as we reported on Monday, Yancey County Deputies located a ‘large’ Clandestine Methamphetime Laboratory in operation at his mother’s residence on Shoal Creek Rd. Dulaney is now facing multiple felony charges from that incident. Dulaney is currently on Probation in Yancey County on prior drug violations. He received a $35,000 Bond on the Mitchell County Charges. Several agencies assisted in the Mitchell Sheriff’s Department including; Spruce Pine Police Department, NC State Bureau of Investigation, DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), NC Department of Revenue, Avery County Municipal Drug Task Force, NC State Highway Patrol, and Probation Officers with the North Carolina Department of Community Corrections. Lieutenant Chris Gillespie with the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office was the investigating officer.

Child Abuse Arrest in Burnsville

08/30/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged Leslie Walter “Snapper” Barnett, age 32, of a Bowditch Street address, in Burnsville, with misdemeanor child abuse and felony possession of firearm by a convicted felon. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation of the Sheriff’s Department, Burnsville Police and investigators with the Yancey County Department of Social Services. A search of Barnett’s residence resulted in the seizure of a firearm belonging to Barnett. He’s currently in the Yancey County Jail, under a $7, 500.00 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in district court on September 7th. Yancey Deputy L. Ryan Higgins and Burnsville officer Gerald Barnett were the investigating officers.

Meth Lab Found in Yancey Residence

08/29/2005

Yancey Deputies spent 18 hours at a Burnsville residence last week after a Methamphetamine Laboratory was found inside the residence on Shoal Creek Road where Wilma Dulaney lived with her son Darrell Douglas “Bull” Dulaney. So far, two arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing into the manufacturing, purchasing and distribution of Methamphetamine from the residence. The arrests were made around midnight on Wednesday August 24th & the early hours of Thursday August 25th when deputies found Darrell Dulaney, age 38, in possession of Methamphetamine after they arrived at the residence to serve a warrant on him. Also found and arrested at the residence was Jennifer Lee Black, age 29, of Bakersville. Both Dulaney and Black are in the Yancey County Jail and are scheduled to appear in District Court on September 7th. Yancey Deputies, agents with the NC SBI, the Mitchell Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency spent most of last Thursday searching the premises, dismantling the clandestine lab and seizing illegal drugs and contraband. Yancey Sheriff Kermit Banks said his department appreciates the help of these agencies.

The Fraser Fir is the NC State Christmas tree

08/26/2005

In early 2005, recognizing the importance of the Fraser Fir on the economy of Mitchell County & Western North Carolina, 8th grades at Harris Middle School, asked Representative Phillip Frye to introduce a bill in the North Carolina Legislature making the Fraser Fir the Official State Christmas Tree of North Carolina. On August 23rd, all of their efforts paid off when the General Assembly ratified house bill 1316 naming the Fraser Fir as the Official Christmas tree of North Carolina. As a part of the same legislation, the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout is now the Official Freshwater Fish of North Carolina. This effort by Harris 8th graders isn’t the first time they have taken on a project promoting Western North Carolina; it was back in May, through their efforts, a state historical marker recognizing the Spruce Pine Mining District was placed at the entrance to the Museum of Minerals, on Highway 226, in Grassy Creek, near the Blue Ridge Parkway!!

Earthquake near Hot Springs

08/25/2005

An earthquake measuring 3.7 hit sections of Western North Carolina Wednesday night. The shake was felt just after 11:00 pm. Officials with the U.S. Geological Survey, in Golden Colorado say this was a rare occurrence for this area and fortunately only minor damage may hare occurred. According to Geophysict Waverly Person, a minor earthquake ranges from 3.0 to 3.9. He said the quake only lasted a few seconds at most. He said this area is in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone. His agency registered as-many-as 50 to 60 quakes worldwide everyday. Residents in Celo, South Toe and Micaville say they felt something too. One said it was kind of like a washing machine that was out of balance.

Option to Buy OMC Property

08/24/2005

Yancey County has announced that a major company, through an agent, has signed an option to buy the former OMC property for $1.35 million. The 61 acre tract is currently owned by the county. According to County Manager Michele Lawhern, the company wants to keep their name confidential at this point, but the county has been in talks with them for more than a year. The agent representing the company has been identified as Manteo to Murphy Development Corporation, based in Murphy, NC. Commission Chairman Danny Hensley said: “We have to look at jobs and future growth.” No other details were made available!!

Yancey Opposes Supreme Court Ruling

08/24/2005

Yancey Commissioners have passed a resolution opposing the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that would allow local governments to force property owners to sell out and make way for private development when officials decide it would benefit the public. Yancey Commissioner, Dean Hicks says the commission plans to take the resolution to Charlotte for the Association of County Commissioners meeting this month and try to get statewide support to oppose the court ruling. Opponents of the high Court ruling argue the decision violates the 5th amendment which prohibits the taking of property by the government except for “public use.” Justice John Paul Stevens, writing for the majority, cited cases in which the court has interpreted "public use" to include not only such traditional projects as bridges or highways but also slum clearance and land redistribution. He concluded that a "public purpose" such as creating jobs in a depressed city can also satisfy the Fifth Amendment.

Mitchell Recreation League Coach Charged with Sex Crimes

08/23/2008

Spruce Pine Police have charged a Mitchell County Recreational League and YBOA coach with sex crimes. On Friday, August 19th, Spruce Pine Police along with the NC SBI arrested and charged Alan Richard Polechio, age 45, of Reservoir Road, in Spruce Pine with 3 counts of 1st degree Sexual Offense and attempted statutory sexual offense involving persons 13, 14 or 15 years old and 5 count of indecent liberties with a child. Alan Richard Polechio is currently in the Rutherford County Jail under a $150 thousand bond. According to Spruce Pine Police Detective Billy Summerlin, the investigation is continuing.

New Jobs Headed to Marion

08/23/2005

New jobs are coming to Marion. In a release yesterday NC Governor Mike Easley announced Florida based “Cobia Boats,” will create 292 jobs and invest $6.2 million in a plant at the McDowell Industrial Park. Work to complete the 106 thousand square foot building will begin in September. The boat maker will produce offshore, saltwater fishing boats and should begin production in early 2006. According to Chuck Abernathy, McDowell County Manager, the new jobs will be mainly manufacturing positions with an average salary of $31 thousand plus benefits which is higher that the average county wage of $24, 800.

Selling Percocet

08/23/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged a Burnsville man with 3 counts of selling and delivering Percocet, a schedule 2 drug. Deputies arrested Kermit Boings, age 57 of Tree House Lane. Yancey Lt. Tom Farmer said Boings was selling the prescribed pain medication from his residence just off Jacks Creek Road. The warrants filed against Boings allege he sold the narcotic Percocet from April 2005 to August 2005. He was released after posting an $18 thousand secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on September 7th.

Be Cautious About Allowing Strangers in Your Home

08/22/2005

Avery Sheriff Ed Gwyn is advising area residents to be cautious with strangers who come to your home to sell vinyl flooring or any product or service. An incident recently occurred in the Licklog Community ended with the theft of money from an 87 year old woman. A man and a woman went in the elderly woman’s residence saying they wanted to sell her flooring. One of them asked her for a drink of water. She got the water and then they wanted ice for the drink. While she was busy getting the drink, the other person took her wallet containing cash from social security checks and other money totaling close to $800. The couple left after the elderly woman said she was not interested in the flooring. The victim did not discover the theft for two days and she did not get a description of the vehicle. Gwyn cautions residents to not allow strangers in your home and to call 911 if they persist in trying to sell a product or a service.

Terror Drill at McDowell High

08/22/2005

It wasn’t real, but it could have been. Two terrorists took over McDowell High School Sunday—It was only a regional exercise, designed to get everyone working together to save lives in case of a real disaster. More than 400 people responded to the drill. Another exercise was held simultaneously in Transylvania County. Volunteers from 15 counties, the FBI and the state participated in the exercise. Federal funding through the Department of Homeland Security paid for the drill.

Avery Residents Charged

08/19/2005

Mitchell Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested two Avery County residents on drug offenses. Chad Julius Clark, 25 of Newland and Michael Shane Nelson, 16 of Elk Park where charged with possession of methamphetamine, Possession of hydrocodone, a schedule III controlled substance, plus charges of conspiring to sell methamphetamine and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substance. The arrest is the result of a vehicle stop conducted by Mitchell County Deputy Sheriff Josh Biddix . A search of the truck revealed a quantity of illicit drugs. Narcotics officers where called to the scene to investigate which led them to others involved with Clark in the sale and delivery of Methamphetamine. Further charges are pending. Clark remains in the Rutherford County Jail under a $40 thousand bond and Nelson was released after posting a $15,000 bond. Lieutenant Chris Gillespie with the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office was the investigating and charging officer.

Educating Educators in Yancey

08/19/2005

Members of the Burnsville Police Department, Yancey Social Services and the Yancey Board of Education recently gave a presentation on the effects of methamphetamine to Yancey County School principals, teachers and guidance counselors at the Burnsville Town Center. Burnsville Police Chief Galen McMahan said the presentation dealt with the psychological and physical effects of the drug and the environment using meth leads to. He said methamphetamine is one of the leading drug abuse problems in the United States and its growing everyday. Other presentations at schools in the Yancey School System were discussed.

Spruce Pine Couple Arrested

08/18/2005

Mitchell County Deputies have arrested a Spruce Pine couple for numerous drug offenses including possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell oxycontin and hydrocodone. They were identified as Janet Leigh Ollis, 36 of Spruce Pine and Jerry Hipp, 43 of Saluda. The arrests were the result of a long term investigation into illicit drug activity occurring at the Ollis residence on Bigg Lynn Rd., in Spruce Pine. A Search Warrant was issued for the residence, deputies found the narcotics named in the charges.

A Place of Honor

08/18/2005

Yancey Commissioners got a request on Tuesday to find a place of honor in the courthouse for pictures of area veterans, past and present. Blaine Whitson, representing the Yancey Community Medical Board, told commissioners of a project that was started about 4 years ago at the Yancey Medical Center on Pensacola Road to display pictures of veterans, but now, because of the number of pictures and because there isn’t enough room in their new location, in the Mission Family Medical Center, behind the Yancey Campus of Mayland Community College and they hope the County will be able to find an appropriate place. Commissioners said they liked the idea.

Asking for Funds for New Sidewalks and Public Rest Rooms

08/17/2005

Through the NC Rural Economic Development Center, the Town of Spruce Pine has applied for a business area redevelopment grant to help those affected by last September’s flooding. The amount of the request is $350 thousand for more new sidewalks in the Ingles, JJ Gouge Oil and the old Landmark Lumber area because this section was directly affected by the floods. Town Manager, Richard Canipe says because of the increased activities (such as car shows) and traffic in the downtown area they’re asking for funds to build public bathrooms somewhere on in the Lower Street area and the town is also asking for $100 thousand in the grant program to offer loans or facade grants to businesses in downtown who want make improvements to the business.

Green Mountain Woman Arrested

08/17/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged a Green Mountain woman with various drug offenses including intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine. Elizabeth Ivy Morphy, age 35, of a Logging Road address was arrested and released after posing a $10 thousand secured bond. Lt Tom Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department said the investigation also revealed that Morphy had allowed her 18 week old infant child in her residence and vehicle where meth had been used. Fearing possible methamphetamine in the infants system, Yancey DSS assisted in getting medical tests on the infant—which revealed no methamphetamine in the infants system. Morphy is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on September 7th.

One Killed in Mitchell

08/16/2005

A two car crash in Mitchell County Sunday night killed one person and sent two to Johnson City Medical Center. Killed was Jeter Burleson, age 75, of Green Cove Road, in Bakersville, injured were Dorothy Parker, age 38 and Tara Parker, age 16, both of Young Cove Road, in Bakersville. According to Trooper Bob Baur, Burleson was traveling west on Cane Creek Road, in excess of the posted 35 mph, when he went left of center, colliding head on with the Parker vehicle which was heading east. Hospital officials would not release specific information about injuries, but they did say Dorothy Parker was in serious condition Tara Parker is in fair condition.

Three Arrested in Mitchell on Drug Charges

08/16/2005

Mitchell Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested three Spruce Pine residents on drug charges. Kenny Lee Silvers and Kathy Silvers of a Fortner Drive address and Kevin Daniel Wyatt of Rock House Ck Rd, Spruce Pine where arrested after a vehicle stop in the Estatoe Community. Deputy Joey Ledford performed a Vehicle Stop of the Chevrolet Truck that Kathy Silvers was operating for erratic driving. After getting consent to search the vehicle a quantity of Methamphetamine was found and a search of the occupants revealed a large quantity of Methamphetamine. Drug investigators had been conducting a long term investigation on activity occurring at the Silvers residence in Spruce Pine. The evidence from the vehicle stop and other evidence from earlier investigations were used to secure a Search Warrant for the Silvers’ residence. The Search Warrant also yielded evidence of an assault incident that the Spruce Pine Police Department was investigating, a Spruce Pine man had been kidnapped and beaten then left beside the roadway in Spruce Pine on August 2, 2005. Kenny Silvers, Kathy Silvers and Kevin Wyatt were charged with various drug offenses including trafficking methamphetamine. Kenny Silvers and Wyatt were also charged with 1st Degree Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, and Assault by Pointing a Firearm. Kathy Silvers was charged with Aid and Abetting Armed Robbery for the assault case. Investigators seized $1705.00 cash and two Chevrolet Trucks as a result of the drug trafficking.
All three are in custody in the Rutherford County.  Lieutenant Chris Gillespie with the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Stacey Hughes of the Spruce Pine Police Department were the investigating and charging officers.

Sidewalk Improvement

08/15/2005

Burnsville Council is ready to implement Phase One & Phase Two of the town’s sidewalk improvement plan. Burnsville Mayor, David Grindstaff says phase I will include West Main Street, from Court Street to “Blue Ridge Hardware,” then from “Needle Me This,” back into the First Baptist Church area. Phase Two will include North Main from Cass to the Fire Department. All of theses areas will have handicap access (currently not available in town). Young and McQueen, of Burnsville, were awarded the contract at just over $107 thousand for Phase One and Phase Two at just over $65 thousand. Grindstaff said the Council hopes the projects can be completed by this fall!!

Fraudulent Prescriptions Being Distributed in Yancey

08/15/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged a Burnsville man with various drug offenses including intent to sell and deliver of a controlled substance and obtaining controlled substances by fraud and forgery. Alexander Mark Cantwell, age 20, of a Screech Owl Hollow Road address is currently in jail under a $27 thousand secured bond. He is scheduled to make his next district court appearance on September 7th. According to a news release from the Yancey Sheriff’s Department a search of Cantwell’s residence revealed an in-door marijuana growing operation and numerous stole prescription pads were seized as well-as other controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Yancey Lt Tom Farmer said large amounts of oxycodone have been fraudulently obtained by Cantwell by his forgery and uttering of stolen prescription pads. Deputies have also charged Emma Jane Gibbs, age 19, of a Pine Swamp Road address, in Burnsville, as an accomplice of Cantwell’s who allegedly dropped off forged prescriptions at pharmacy locations in Buncombe County. She was charged and released after posting an $8 thousand bond; she also has a September 7th court date. Lt Framer said other arrests may be made. Cantwell’s & Gibbs arrests stem from an investigation into fraudulent prescriptions being obtained at pharmacy locations in Yancey and Buncombe Counties in July, 2005.

Your Help is Needed to Control Rabies

08/12/2005

Yancey County government, the Humane Society, local veterinarians, local law enforcement, and the Yancey County Health Department need your help to reduce citizen’s risk of exposure to the rabies virus. How can you help?

• Get your pets vaccinated for rabies. If your pets haven’t been vaccinated or the vaccination has expired take advantage of the low-cost rabies clinic at the Humane Society on Saturday August 20th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rabies vaccines cost $5/pet (cat or dog).
• Talk with your neighbors. Find out if there are strays or wild animals that are continually in the area. Is there a food source that wild and stray animals are being attracted to that could be removed?
• Avoid stray or wild animals. It may seem humane to help an injured animal but not at the risk of being injured yourself. Use protection in treating your own pets if they have been injured and get them to the veterinarian for a rabies booster vaccine. For animal control emergencies call: 284-4234
• If you have been bitten or scratched by a stray or wild animal, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. If this happens after regular clinic hours go to the emergency room for treatment. The ER will notify the Health Department for investigation. To report a possible exposure to rabies, call the Yancey County Health Department at 682-3003.

The problem of rabies in Yancey County will continue to be a major health threat until everyone gets involved.

Kidney Dialysis Center Sought for Tri-County Area

08/12/2005

A petition asking for an End-Stage Re-nal Disease Dialysis Facility to serve Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties has been submitted to the N. C. Health Coordinating Council by Senator Keith Presnell, Representative Phillip Frye. Patients in the three counties now have to travel many miles three days a week to facilities in Boone, Johnson City, Marion, and Weaverville. "Neither of the three counties have enough patients to qualify for themselves, but all three together do, and that is the reason for our request," said Representative Phillip Frye. "We share a lot of things jointly, and this could be another one." Senator Keith Presnell said, "The patients in these three counties have to travel long trips over roads that can be difficult in good weather, but really dangerous in our snow and ice months. And they have no choice, they have to go." A large group of people from the government and private sectors accompanied Presnell and Frye to Asheville on July 29th, to speak before the NC State Coordinating Council. Included in the petition were many letters of support from individuals, private and governmental agencies.

Undesirable Activity at Ray-Cort Park

08/11/2005

Reports of undesirable activity at the Ray-Cort Skate Park in Burnsville have Commissioners concerned. Board members say they’re getting complaints about undesirable elements at the park, skaters not following safety rules, not wearing helmets etc.They’re getting reports about late night activity and that distributes them. Commissioner Hicks said the county doesn’t have the manpower to handle the situation and he hopes the county and the Town of Burnsville can get together and keep the facility safe for everyone to use. He said the facility was meant to be a good thing, something that a lot of kids wanted and they want to keep it open, but the county wants it to be it a wholesome place and a pleasure for the kids to use.

08/10/2005

Yancey Commissioners have announced they have reached agreement with property owners to purchase 30 acres in Whitt Bottoms for a Compressive Recreation site. The property is between Cane River and Whittington Road in West Yancey, and is just past the property where the mud sling is held. Commissioners hope to have the property ready for use possibly by this fall. The Cost of the property was $10 thousand per acre. All or part of the cost of the property is expected to be funded by grants. Commission Chairman Danny Hensley expressed gratitude to the owners of the property who said they wanted to see kids using the property for fun and recreation.

Dealing with Sex Offenders

08/10/2005

Spruce Pine’s Town Council is looking at banning sex offenders from public parks: Town Manager Richard Canipe says board members have ask him to get ordinances that deal with registered sex offenders from other towns in our region and give the Town Attorney Lloyd Hise for review. In Mitchell County there are 18 registered sex offenders. In the neighboring counties of Avery the number of registered sex offenders is 12, Madison has 17, McDowell has 56 and in Yancey County the number of registered sex offenders is 18.

November 8th Municipal Elections Are Set

08/09/2005

The candidates are set for the November 8, 2005, municipal elections;

In Bakersville; (Voters will choose a Mayor and 3 council members. Winners serve 2 year terms.)
Mayor, incumbent Chuck Vines is unopposed
Council; incumbents Charlie Nash, Lisa Yelton Sparks sand George Wilson will face no opposition.

In Burnsville; (Voters will select a mayor and 2 council members. Winners serve 4 year terms.)
Mayor; David Grindstaff will be challenged by Danny T. McIntosh
Council; Incumbent’s Ruth Banks and Heather Hockaday and non-board member William C. Fox, will run for 2 council seats.

In Spruce Pine; (Voters will select a mayor and 2 council members. Winners serve 2 year terms.)
Mayor, incumbent Wes Foy will be challenged by Rickey McKinney and Curtis Taylor.
Council, incumbents Greg Henline and John Boone and non-board member John Pendley will run for 2 council seats.

The municipal elections will be November 8th. The polls will open at 6:30 am and close at 6:30 pm. The polling place will be Town Hall in Bakersville, Burnsville and Spruce Pine.

Tragedy on a Backhoe

08/09/2005

A Yancey County man died tragically Saturday while he was operating a backhoe on his property on White Oak Creek Road, in the South Toe Community. According to sources, Jim Zwinger, age 47, was dead when emergency workers arrived on the scene late Saturday evening. No details of the accident are available. He will be returned to his home state of Michigan for burial.

Winner’s Circle

08/09/2005

This fall, area school systems, will participate in the Winner’s Circle program, a statewide program, that helps children identify great-tasting, healthy snack items at school. Winner’s Circle foods are healthy and tasty items that are identified by a logo with a purple star and gold fork. The logo can be found in school cafeterias and on the menus students bring home from school. A Registered Dietitian (RD) has done a nutritional analysis of all the identified items. The program emphasizes nutritional guidelines that offer disease prevention for the majority of chronic disease. The guidelines build on fruit, vegetables and grains; and the nutritional analysis ensures that the fat and sodium are within the recommended guidelines. So, look for the purple star and gold fork logo in the school cafeterias to make healthier snack choices.

Tragedy on a Backhoe

08/08/2005

It’s been confirmed that a man was killed Saturday evening while he was operating a backhoe on his property on White Oak Creek Road in Yancey County. No other details have been released. When a death like this occurs the Sheriff’s department is required to investigate the cause.

2 Yancey Deputies in Crash

08/08/2005

Two Yancey County Deputies, while en route to an emergency, were involved in a wreck early Sunday morning that sent both of them and 2 other people to the hospital. The accident happened near the Carving Board Deli on highway 19E. According to state troopers, with their cruiser's emergency lights and siren activated, Deputies Ronnie Whitehead and Jonathan Casteel were headed west on highway 19E when they were hit by a 1997 Pontiac driven by Elias Tapia who was attempting to make a left turn. Deputies were taken to Mission Hospital, Whitehead has a few broken bones, and Casteel was treated and released. Tapia has broken bones and possible internal injuries. A passenger in his car was identified as Ruth Melgar was taken to Spruce Pine Community Hospital, and no condition on her is available. Troopers charged Tapai with driving while impaired and failure to yield right-of-way.

North Carolina ABC’s

08/08/2005

The North Carolina State Board of Education has released the “ABC’s of Public Education for 2004-2005, which measures growth and performance.

Yancey County Schools:

Yancey results are very impressive Clearmont Elementary was named one of the 25 Most Improved Schools across the state; all nine schools achieved expected growth status. Five schools; Bee Log Elementary, Cane River Middle, Clearmont Elementary, East Yancey Middle, and South Toe Elementary attained Honor School of Excellence Status, the highest recognition a school can receive. School of Excellence means these schools achieved both ABC growth expectations and Adequate Yearly Progress goals. Yancey Superintendent Dr. Barbara Tipton attributes the success of Yancey County Schools to quality teaching, dedicated school personnel, as well as students, parents and administrators who work hard for positive outcomes.

Mitchell County Schools:

Robin Buchanan, Assistant Superintendent of Mitchell County Schools says they’re extremely pleased with the progress the county’s school’s have made. 2 schools, Tipton Hill elementary and Harris middle were named honor schools of excellence. Grades 3-8 grades were 82% at grade level. Mitchell High S was at 73%; the highest they’ve ever been—they've ,made steady progress over the last 5 years. Deyton, Gouge, Greenlee, Harris and the high school meet at least expected growth…Tipton Hill high growth school.

Brush Creek Elementary Closed Today

08/08/2005

Madison County’s Brush Creek Elementary School will be closed for students today after a fish tank apparently got too hot and caused heavy smoke to a classroom. The damage is limited to one classroom but is severe. Today will be an optional teacher work day, and students will not report to class. All other students in Madison County will report to class on a normal schedule today. . Madison was the first county to start the school year here in the mountains last Thursday. Speaking of the start of school, Avery and Mitchell opens tomorrow and Yancey Schools open Wednesday.

Yancey Secures Short-Term Bridge Loan

08/05/2005

Yancey Commissioners met is special session Thursday to address financial issues. Commissioners approved taking out a short term bridge loan for $400 thousand to cover county expenses and to pay local contractors: Michele Lawhern is the Yancey County Manager said the loan is expected to be paid before the 30 day period because August is the county’s biggest month for tax collections. County staff checked with the Institute of government who said they saw no problem with getting the loan and officials with the local government commission say because of tremendous expenses related to the September floods, many counties have had to do the same thing. Yancey is due $2 million from in federal and state funds for the Yancey medial center and flood related projects. The loan will cost the county about just over $1 thousand in interest or less if paid back before the 30 day period.

Filing Deadline for November Elections

08/05/2005

Today is the deadline for candidates seeking a municipal office to file their notices of candidacy with their county elections board for this year's November elections. In Bakersville, candidates can file for mayor and three council seats, each winner will serve a 2-year term. In Burnsville, candidates can file for mayor and 2 council seats, each winner will serve a 4-year term. And in Spruce Pine, candidates will be filing to run for Mayor and 2 council seats, with the winners serving 2-year terms. Filing will close at noon today. If you have any questions, call your county Board of Elections office. In Mitchell, call 688-3101, in Yancey, call 682-3950.

Masters of Economic Development/Raise

08/04/2005

This is the 3rd in our series of reports on the subject salary increases for Mitchell County employees, a subject that continuers to be a topic of discussion in every part of the county. Commissioner Chairman Keith Masters says there are a lot of people out of work right now and it’s the feeling of a majority of the board members that it’s difficult to give county employees a raise under these economic conditions. He said what the commission is trying to do is look at the employees and the salaries they’re making and see how they’re doing. He says the county has some employees on the lower end of the pay scale that probably could use some money, but he said they have to weigh a lot of things out. On the subject of economic development, he said the economic picture in Mitchell County is not real good right now, the Henredon Plant closing hurt the county, cutbacks at other plants have hurt, manufacturing throughout the state and especially in Mitchell have hurt the county. He said they’re to recruit some major industry into Mitchell; they’ve set up a $500 thousand incentive grant program which will be used to match other grants. He said the county is hoping to leverage $2 for every $1 the county puts up, or possibly $3 in some cases.

Tax Holiday

08/04/2005

With the start of the new school year just around the corner, parents are gearing up for back to school shopping. Many are waiting until this weekend to buy because Friday through Sunday, North Carolina holds it fourth annual sales tax holiday. That means people can buy clothes and school supplies tax-free. To find out what qualifies for the tax holiday, go to our home page and click on link that takes you the NC Dept of Revenue site!!

Spruce Pine Hospital Makes Top 100 List

08/03/2005

Spruce Pine Community Hospital was recently recognized as one of the top 100 ranked Community Value Hospitals in the US by Cleverley & Associates. Cleverley & Associates, a leading healthcare financial consulting firm specializing in operations benchmarking and performance enhancement strategies, released the findings as part of its new publication: The State of the Hospital Industry -- 2005 Edition. SPCH President and CEO Keith Holtsclaw said; "This honor reflects the commitment of our employees and physicians who continually strive to improve the quality of care our patients receive. It also recognizes our long-term strategy of maximizing existing resources while continually investing in new equipment which allows us to maintain both our low cost structure and our reasonable charges for services."  In 2004, Spruce Pine Community Hospital had operating revenues of almost $24 million. The hospital treated 47,830 patients on an outpatient basis, had 13,242 visits to the emergency department, provided 7,600 days of inpatient care and performed 1,512 surgical procedures. SPCH patient satisfaction scores calculated quarterly, consecutively rank top in the hospital's peer group. Spruce Pine Community Hospital will celebrate its 50th year of service to the community in the fall and will embark on a $15 million renovation and expansion project to be completed by 2008.

Hollifield on Raise

08/03/2005

This is the 2nd in our series of reports on the subject salary increases for Mitchell County employees, a subject that continues to be a topic of discussion in every part of the county. Commissioner Ken Hollifield says the public keeps coming to the Commissioners accusing them of saying employees would not get a raise. He said commissioners tried to make it clear they never said that, but somehow the message isn’t getting across. He repeated his July 11th statement that commissioners never said county employees would not get a raise, what they said was they will review salaries in December. He said Commissioners are trying to come up with a pay plan for employees, he hopes it will be “merit system.” He said there are many employees that deserve a raise and under the “merit” system, if an increase is earned, they would get it. He said a merit system gives the county a better chance to control spending. He said the funds that were removed from the 2005-2006 budgets will hopefully used for salaries and they are working on how best to use them. When the 2005-2006 budgets were approved on June 20th, a 2% pay raise for county employees was left in by mistake and was removed on June 27th, by a vote of 4-1. Commissioners Hensley, Hollifield, Masters and Saylor vote to remove the money from the budget saying they would review salaries in December. Commissioner Byrd voted to keep the raise in the budget, saying the money was in the budget, why not leave it there because county employees deserve a raise.

Yancey Relay for Life Update

08/03/2005

Yancey County’s Relay for Life, a fund raising effort for the American Cancer Society, has reached $69 thousand. The final total will be announced in September.

ALE Arrests 24 Clerks in Western Counties

08/03/2005

North Carolina Alcohol Law enforcement Agents arrested 24 clerks in July at retail stores in Avery, Cleveland, Henderson, McDowell and Yancey counties for selling tobacco to underage children. Agents say since these checks started 3 years ago, tobacco sales have dropped from 50% to 15%. Each clerk was issued a criminal citation.
 

Pay Raise Controversy Continues in Mitchell

08/02/2005

The controversy over pay raises for Mitchell County employees continues. At Monday’s Commissioners meeting an overflow crowd came to listen and ask commissioners to reconsider their majority decision to table any pay raise issue until December. Citizens were also there to support the Commissioners decision. When Commissioners voted on the 2005-2006 budgets on June 20th, a 2% pay raise for county employees was, by mistake, left in the budget. Commissioners met on June 27th to discuss removing the pay raise from the budget. The vote was 4-1 in favor of removing the pay increase. Commissioners Masters, Hollifield, Hensley and Saylor voted “yes,” Commissioner Phil Byrd voted “no,” saying the money was already in the budget and employees should get the increase. During last night's meeting, Commissioner Mike Hensley said "he had nothing to do with an ad in a recent edition of the Mitchell News Journal that listed all of the county employee’s names and their salaries plus benefits. Hensley said he has had people come to his business and stop him on the street saying they were unemployed or had to go outside the county for employment and they told him the county can’t afford to give employees a raise with unemployment rate at high as it is. Hensley read statistics from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission citing Mitchell and Rutherford Counties as rated the highest in unemployment in the state, at over 10%. Hensley said he could not justify a raise for county employees at this time. Hensley said the commission will be looking at implementing a “merit pay system.” in the near future. He said their goal is to get employees at the lower end of the pay scale up to employees at the higher end of the pay scale—to equal it out!!" Over the next several days, we will air opinions of other Commissioners on the subjects of pay raises and economic development.

1st Day of School Varies

08/01/2005

A new law in North Carolina requires school systems to begin the year no earlier than August 25th. But based on their history of closures because of bad weather, some districts have received waivers to start early. The first day for:
Avery is Tuesday, August 9th.
Madison is Thursday, August 4th.
McDowell is Thursday, August 25th.
Mitchell is Tuesday, August 9th
Yancey is Wednesday, August 10th.
Under the law, the school year can end no later than June 10th.

Hospice of Mitchell County Receives Award

08/01/2005

Hospice of Mitchell County is one of four North Carolina non-profits that received the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation’s Health Community Institute Award. The award recognizes non-profit agencies that demonstrate outstanding achievements and management excellence and includes a $10,000 unrestricted grant to assist Hospice in furthering its mission. The purpose of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation Health Community Institute for Non-Profit Excellence is to provide training to strengthen the organizational capacity of non-profit organizations in North Carolina. Jeanne Robinson, Hospice Board President; Clarice Turner, CEO; Marcheta Blackburn, Office Manager; and Lisa Boone, Patient Care Coordinator attended the Foundations 2-day intensive training course a year ago and Hospice was selected to receive the award following a 12-month post review of the agency’s growth that was conducted by the Foundation.