Senator Richard Burr Visits Mountain Heritage High School

09/30/2005

NC Senator Richard Burr visited Mountain Heritage High School earlier this week and spoke with members of the Mountain Heritage Student Senate. He talked to students about the recovery efforts following the two hurricanes that recently battered the Gulf of Mexico and their overall impact on the nation. Senator Burr posed several questions to students in an effort to receive their input on issues that will surely be debated in Washington during the upcoming weeks: In the event of a disaster of this magnitude should local, state or federal government be in control? How long should the federal government be responsible for providing food, clothing and shelter for the thousands of displaced victims?  Where should the funding come from to pay for these types of disasters? Also during his visit to western North Carolina, Senator Burr spoke to the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce and to Political Science students at Mars Hill College.

New Jobs for Mitchell

09/29/2005

Mitchell County’s economic future got a shot in the arm today with the announcement that “Genesis Furniture Industries,” has bought the Henredon Furniture property in the Altapass Community and they hope to start shipping product by the end of the year. When asked why he picked Mitchell County, owner Bob Balekian said “upholstered furniture is not an exact science, it cannot be readily mechanized, what's required is skilled people, who pay attention to what they are doing and take pride in their work. This is the primary reason we picked Spruce Pine and Mitchell County, we think that’s what we’ll find here, people who know what it takes to build furniture. And, it’s our intention to retrain these workers to build upholstered furniture that can compete in the global market place". The announcement was made after Mitchell Commissioners approved allocation of $206 thousand in matching funds through the “One North Carolina Fund,” an economic incentive program designed to recruit industry to NC. To get the state funding “Genesis” had to create 206 full time jobs, and while individual wages will vary, the average weekly wage for the new jobs will be $520 plus benefits, which is higher than the Mitchell County average weekly wage of $456, not including benefits. Genesis will invest $900 thousand in the Mitchell County area during the next three years.

Man Found in River, Death Suspicious

09/29/2005

Although no one has been charged in the death of Ernest Regan Plemmons, age 59, of 176 Comet Street, in Burnsville, Yancey Deputies have charged Timothy Norton, age 48, of Dam Road, in Burnsville, with assaulting Plemmons with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. According to warrants Norton assaulted Plemmons with a fan; a radio and a microwave. Norton is being held in jail under a $13 secured bond. Yancey Lt. Tom Farmer said in a news release on Monday, he could not comment on details of the case except that it is being investigated as an unattended death with suspicious circumstances. Plemmons body was found Sunday morning in the river off Bakers Creek Road, near the NC Department of Transportation facility. He had been missing since September 10th. No other details have been released and no findings from an autopsy have been reported from the medical examiners office in Chapel Hill. Farmer said results from the autopsy and information gathered in the case will be turned over to the District Attorney for further review.

Work Begins on New Playground at Riverside Park

09/29/2005

Spruce Pine Rotary members and volunteers have begun work on a new playground at Riverside Park. Richard Canipe, Town Manager says the equipment should arrive in about 6 weeks from Playworld Systems and with luck, before it gets too cold, residents might be able to use the equipment. Funds from the project are from the donations raised by rotary members and a grant to the Town from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. Canipe says when its finished the cost of project will run close to $50 thousand. He said the playground will be a nice addition to the Riverside Park and he hopes everyone will get to use it.

Looking at Jail Possibilities

09/28/2005

Mitchell Commissioners heard a presentation on a possible jail facility Tuesday. Mitchell commission Chairman Keith Masters said the county has secured a USDA loan for just over $4.5 million with a 4.125% interest rate. (this money has been set aside by USDA for Mitchell to use for a jail facility. Not all of the money has to be used) He said commissioners will have to look hard look at options available to the county, involving issues like the cost to build a jail and the cost of maintaining a jail. He said it was his opinion that a majority of Mitchell citizens feel the county should have a jail. He said three months ago, the entire board wasn’t sure whether to build or renovate, but several things have surfaced such as fuel prices and liability of transporting prisoners that may be pushing Commissioners to favor building a jail facility. The site being looked at as possible jail and Sheriff’s complex is on the property of the new Mitchell County Courthouse. The presentation was made by the architectural and engineering firm of Pease & Associates of Charlotte. They have designed several jails in Western North Carolina, the closest one being the Yancey County jail expansion.

Good News for Area Campers

09/28/2005

Yancey Commissioners announced Tuesday they have received word they can go forward with putting the Toe River Campground back in the shape it was prior to the September 2004 floods. Yancey Commissioner Dean Hicks said the county has some federal funds available from EWP and as-soon-as possible will bid the contract for the project. He added; “Lord willing, we’ll have a place for folks to camp, come next spring.”

Altec Industries & Convenience Center Share Space

09/27/2005

In an attempt to make the situation the best for everyone for the long term, Yancey County has agreed to allow Altec Industries to share a portion of the interior of the County’s East Yancey Recycling/Convenience Center. The Center has been acquired by NCDOT for their highway 19/19E widening project and this will require the county to relocate to another location as soon as the buyout becomes complete. Altec will use their part of the building as a training facility. Stu Green, Operations manager of Altec’s soon to be erected plant in West Yancey, said due to the state of the art equipment and additional investments being made by the company it’s very important that the company have enough trained and qualified personnel ready for employment after the first of the year. He said they hope to have at least 100 to 130 people complete the pre-employment training process by that time. Altec encourages everyone interested in working for Altec to register with the Employment Security Commission. Danny Hensley, Yancey Commission Chairman said citizens should not experience any change in the operations of the Center. All household waste, recyclables and white goods will still be accepted. Yancey Commissioners will meet in Emergency Session this afternoon to discuss timely developments relating to economic recruitment projects. The meeting will be at 5:30 pm, in the Commissioners meeting room in the Yancey County Courthouse.

Mitchell Commissioners Meet

09/27/2005

Mitchell Commissioners will meet in special session today at 12:00 pm at Sallie’s Mountain View Restaurant. The purpose of the meeting is a planning session on a proposed jail facility and any business the Board needs to discuss!!

Missing Man’s Body Found

09/26/2005

Yancey Deputies have found the body of a Burnsville man missing since September 10th. According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Department, the body of Ernest Regan Plemmons, age 59, of a Comet Drive address, was found in the river approximately 125 feet off of Bakers Creek Road, in an area across from the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Sunday morning at 10:00 am. Lt Tom Farmer said a search for Plemmons had been underway for several days and an investigation had been ongoing since Plemmons was first reported missing. His body will be examined today at the Medical Examiner’s Office in Chapel Hill to determine the exact cause of death. Farmer refused comment on any particulars of the case, or any suspects in custody, he did say the case is being investigated as an unattended death with suspicious circumstances and the results of the autopsy will be given to the District Attorney for review. The investigation is continuing.

Yancey Accepts DOT Offer

09/22/2005

The Highway 19E widening project through Yancey County is underway. Survey crews are out in force and property needed for the project is being purchased by NCDOT. One of these properties is the County owned Convenience Center near East Yancey Middle School. DOT has made an offer and the county has accepted. DOT will pay the County just over $500 thousand; the deal also has a buy back opportunity on a portion of the property and building at a cost of about $35 thousand. If Yancey uses the buy back option, this opens the door for a possible resale of this property by the County.

Schools and Rising Fuel Costs

09/21/2005

At Monday’s Mitchell County Board of Education meeting, the rise in fuel costs was a major topic of discussion. Scott Jenkins, Director of Transportation for Mitchell County Schools, says the basic problem is that the price of fuel has gone up, but the budget allocated for fuel has gone down. He said their transportation budget was cut $66 thousand from last year’s total. Last year they averaged paying an average of $1.35 per gallon of diesel fuel and when they purchased diesel fuel last week, they paid $2.08 per gallon. He said based on their figures, they will have a substantial shortfall in their ability to purchase fuel before the year ends. To save as-much-as they can, the board approved a state recommended “no idling” policy and they talked about declaring a moratorium on field trips and limiting some certain athletic trips. Jenkins was directed to go back and meet with principals and discuss other cut and savings they could make. Jenkins said the Mitchell Board of Education wants to do whatever they can to avoid parking buses.

Charges of Sexual Exploitation

09/20/2005

Yancey Deputies have arrested two Burnsville men on charges of sexual exploitation. Patrick Ray Bradford, age 42, of 121 Dale Earnhart Drive and Jerry Van Hatfield, 41, of 280 Roland Branch Road were taken into custody after deputies spent most of the weekend investigating allegations the two men unlawfully possessed and disseminated obscene material. In a news release from the Yancey Sheriff’s Department, Lt. Tom Farmer confirmed the two men worked in the education field in Yancey County and that their employers are aware of the allegations. He said many items of computer evidence will be submitted to the North Carolina SBI for analysis. Farmer said the obscene material each suspect possessed was visual depictions of what appeared to be a minor female between the ages of 14-16 engaged in sexually explicit behavior. Farmer went on to say, at this time, there has been no evidence that Bradford or Hatfield produced or possessed any pictures of Yancey County minor children, but he cautioned the investigation is still in its earliest stages. Bradford was arrested Sunday, September 18th and was released Monday afternoon after posting a $24 thousand secured bond, Hatfield was arrested Monday morning, September 19th and was released Monday evening after posting a $24 thousand secured bond. The Tuesday edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times is reporting Hatfield is a continuing education Dean at Mayland Community College and that he said the photos were of someone who was of legal age and he intends to contest the charges. And, Yancey County Schools Superintendent Barbara Tipton said Bradford is a computer technician at Clearmont Elementary and an investigation is ongoing. The Asheville-Citizen said Bradford could not be reached Monday night.Both men are scheduled to appear in Yancey District court on October 7th.

Indoor Marijuana Growing Operation Found in Jacks Creek

09/19/2005

Yancey Deputies have uncovered a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation in the Jacks Creek Township. At 12:30 am, Sunday morning, September 11th, Yancey Sheriff Kermit Banks, Yancey Deputies, and NC SBI agents, served a search warrant at the residence of Paul M. Farese, age 39, his wife Heather Stevens, age 28 and Joshua King, age 28 at 325 Wildflower Lane. Sheriff Banks said the search was the result of an extensive investigation into alleged manufacturing of marijuana taking place inside the wood frame residence owned by Farese and Stevens. The search revealed 160 marijuana plants growing in a large room on the main floor of the residence and dozens of plants growing inside the attic area. Officers also found dozens of heavily budded marijuana plants hanging from clothes hangers inside a hallway of the home. Also found in areas where marijuana was growing were numerous “grow Lights,” dehumidifiers, irrigation sources and ventilation systems. Lt. Tom Farmer said a total of 95 pounds of marijuana were seized and could have been sold for anywhere from $28 hundred to $35 hundred per pound. The charges against Farese included trafficking in marijuana; he was released after posting a $22 thousand secured bond. The charges against Stevens and King included manufacturing marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling place to keep marijuana. They were released after posting $6 thousand secured bonds each. All three are scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on October 7th.

Woman Bitten by a Raccoon While Sunbathing

09/16/2005

A woman on Long Branch Rd, off 197N, in the Green Mountain area of Yancey County, was bitten on the foot by a raccoon while sunbathing. Her dog was also bitten. Unfortunately, the raccoon wasn't captured or killed so no test could be performed to indeed prove the animal was rabid. The Yancey County Health Department has recommended that the woman see her personal physician to determine a need for the prophylaxis shots.

Special Meeting Canceled

09/16/2005

The special joint meeting of the Yancey County Commissioners, the Burnsville Town Council and the Yancey County Planning and Economic Development Commission, scheduled for this afternoon—has been canceled, due to a lack of a quorum. A future meeting has not been scheduled. The meeting was in response to a resolution of intent to annex by the Burnsville Town Council. Yancey Commissioners have said they are very concerned about this decision as the county tries to attract new industry to the County.

Applying for Grant to Extend Sewer Service

09/16/2005

If the Town of Burnsville gets approved for a “community development block grant,” funds will available to extend sewer service to the Altech property: Burnsville Mayor David Grindstaff says its been requested the Town extend sewer to the Altech site in West Yancey. He said there is water to Cane River Middle School, but the sewer stops in the Mayland Community College area. He said if the grant is received, it is a no-match grant, which means no out-of-pocket expense to the Town. The funds will apply to the sewer system and will allow improvements to the water system to allow them with plenty of fire suppression to that area. Grindstaff said this is a no competitive grant, if the money is there and your need is great enough, and then the town will get the grant.

Burnsville and Yancey Meet in Special Meeting

09/15/2005

Yancey Commissioners have called a special joint meeting with the Burnsville Town Council and the Yancey County Planning and Economic Development Commission. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 3:00 pm, in the Courtroom of the Yancey County Courthouse. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss pending matters relative to economic development and recruitment projects. The meeting was prompted by Burnsville’s recent Resolution of Intent to Annex. A portion of a statement from the County’s manager’s office reads “As annexation is without a doubt an issue which will have broad economic impact for both the town and county, and their citizens, and as the county is concerned about the impact of annexation on economic development matters, the commissioners have respectively requested a joint meeting. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 3:00 pm, in the courtroom of the Yancey County Courthouse.

What Happened to “Mountain Time??”

09/15/2005

Back in March of last year, Burnsville was buzzing about a movie titled “Mountain Time,” and possibly a weekly TV show to be made in Burnsville & Yancey County. Meetings were held, funds were raised, and lots of talk about tourism and jobs---time passed but nothing happened. David Huff, executive producer of “Mountain Time” said funding from their end was not materializing and so the project faded to black. Now, the project is back in front of the cameras, but not in Burnsville, but rather in Brevard with shooting taking place over the next few weeks. What happened?? According to Huff, they had planned to make their movie through Blue Ridge Motion Pictures, based in Asheville, shooting was scheduled to begin in Burnsville this summer, but plans abruptly changed in August, when Huff and Blue Ridge Productions had a “creative difference” and they parted ways. Huff said there were no issues with Burnsville or Yancey County, but they had to act fast to save the project, and the Huff family has a long history with a summer camp in Brevard which can provide 95% of the locations. It came down to money and time he said and his family is sorry they could not pull it off in Burnsville.

Yancey Commissioners React

09/14/2005

Yancey Commissioners have reacted to the news that the Town of Burnsville has passed a resolution of intent to annex. Yancey Commissioner, Dean Hicks say the commission is baffled by the turn of events. He said if there was gain to be made he might understand the Town’s decision, but the county is working as hard as they can to recruit industry and this is like a red flag for anyone who wants come to Yancey County. He said if the NC Department of Commerce has serious concerns about it, then the County should feel the same way. He said the Commission would like some questions answered like: why? What economic gain is there from this? What properties is the Town talking about? He said Mayor Grindstaff has said anywhere from Ivy Gap to Newdale--and that’s not very specific. Does this include existing business such as Glen Raven? Just how encompassing is it? Hicks said maybe the Commissioners do not have all of the information, but they do not understand the Town’s position and are confused by the whole thing.

B&E and Embezzlement

09/14/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged Ricky Eugene Forman, age 37, of a Tooties Creek Road address in Burnsville, with manufacturing marijuana plus breaking and entering and larceny. He was arrested at a house in Barnardsville, in Buncombe County where according to Yancey Lt. Tom Farmer, he was hiding after learning warrants had been issued for his arrest in Yancey County. Farmer said Forman is alleged to have broken into a residence of Bakers Creek Road in August and stole household items and stereo equipment. He also is alleged to have been found in possession of marijuana he was growing. Forman remains in jail and is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court tomorrow.

Deputies have charged Kenneth Clay Cook, age 67, of an Asheville address, with 5 counts of embezzlement. According to Sgt John D. Robinson, of the Yancey Sheriff’s Department, Cook is alleged to have received his elderly father’s monthly social security check for 5 months and rather than depositing the checks in the proper account, Cook converted them to his own use. Approximately $6 thousand was misused and embezzled. Cook remains in jail and is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court tomorrow.

Drug Card Scam Warning

09/14/2005

People are being warned about a possible scam involving Buncombe County's new discount drug card. Someone is calling people, claiming to be from the Buncombe County Health Center. The caller wants to come to their house to explain the drug card. County officials say they think this person is just trying to get inside people's homes. This should be a red flag for residents in our area too. If you receive a suspicious call or visit, call the Sheriff's Department.

Spruce Pine Receives Grant

09/13/2005

Spruce Pine has received a $150 thousand grant from the NC Rural Economic Development Center. This is money that was appropriated by the NC Legislature for redevelopment following the floods of September 2004. Richard Canipe, Spruce Pine Town Manager said the funds will go to help existence downtown businesses plus more sidewalks, more landscaping and possibly build public restrooms in downtown. He said part of the plan will be to create a sidewalk from the south end of the bridge near Town Hall, down to the Ingles area. Currently there is no sidewalk here and there are several citizens who walk to and from Ingles daily. State Representative Phillip Frye and State Senator Keith Presnell were on hand for the grant presentation on Friday, September, 9th. Western North Carolina towns and counties received a total of $5 million in grants as a part of the hurricane recovery act of 2005, business area redevelopment fund.

Spruce Pine Trucker Cleared After Crash Kills 2

09/13/2005

A Spruce Pine trucker has been cleared of any fault in a Saturday crash that killed 2 people near Johnson City Tennessee. According to state troopers, Ronnie Ledford, of Spruce Pine was traveling on highway 19E on Roan Mountain when he was hit by a motorcycle killing the driver Art Morton Junior and his 12 year old nephew Michael Morton. Troopers said a motorist traveling behind the motorcycle said the cycle’s rear tire began to wobble just before it crossed the center line striking the truck. Morton & his nephew were killed instantly when the cycle was dragged underneath the truck. Troopers said Ledford and a passenger were not injured.

Whooping Cough Returns to Mitchell County

09/12/2005

Toe River Health District has reported 3 confirmed positive cases of “Pertussis,” commonly know as whooping cough, in Mitchell County. Symptoms of whooping cough are:

1. The development of sudden uncontrollable coughing spasms.
2. While attempting to breathe in after the cough the person will have a high pitched whooping noise.
3. Vomiting may occur after the coughing episode.

Whooping cough can be a very serious disease, particularly for infants less than one year of age. Since it is quite contagious, the disease can easily spread through the air from a sick person during talking, sneezing or coughing. The illness starts with symptoms similar to a common cold. When possible, young infants should be kept away from people with a cough. North Carolina has reported 2 deaths in infants this year from pertussis. Anyone who thinks they may have symptoms of whooping cough or who has been exposed to a person with the disease should contact your local health department. The Health Department will help determine if medicines to prevent further spread of the disease should be given. For more information call the Mitchell County Health Department at 688-2371 or your health care provider.

Resolution of Intent to Annex

09/12/2005

Burnsville’s Town Council, at their September meeting on Thursday, September 8th, passed a resolution of intent to annex. A part of the resolution includes informational meetings which are required to be held between 45 and 55 days from September 8th (the date of the passage) and a public hearing is required to occur between 60 and 90 days from the resolution passage date of September 8th. Mayor David Grindstaff says water and sewer services must be self-supporting (required by the state for towns and municipalities) and this study will determine if the fees, charges and services provided by the town to customers (industry & retail) outside the town limits would be a savings if the customers were part of the city limits. He said if it is determined that annexation is not a good financial avenue for the town to take, he hopes the council can look at their water and sewer ordinances and determine if it can be incorporated into the ordinances that industry and retail, would be annexed (if town requests) in order to receive water and sewer services from the town.

Marijuana Found Growing in Truck

09/09/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged a Burnsville man with growing Marijuana in his truck. Jacob Brian Crain, age 27, of a Pate Road address was arrested after a search of his truck revealed a plastic flower tray with several marijuana plants growing inside. They also found containers of potting soil, fertilizer and items to assist in growing the illegal weed. Crain remains in jail under a $45 hundred bond, he’s scheduled top appear in Yancey District Court on September 15th. Deputies L.R. Higgins and J.P. Grindstaff were the arresting officers.

New Supervisor at Mitchell BOE

09/08/2005

Longtime Mitchell Board of Elections Supervisor Nora Nell Jarrett retired August 31st, the new Supervisor is Jennifer Sparks. Her salary will be $30 thousand. Sparks said she has been fortunate to work under Mrs. Jarrett for 6 years and she feels she not only brings her skills to the job, she brings Jarrett’s experience to the job as well. She said she is looking forward to working with the citizens of Mitchell County.

Mother Involved in Meth Production Too

09/08/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged the mother of a Burnsville man currently in jail for manufacturing Methamphetamine in her home. Wilma Jean Dulaney, age 57, of a Shoal Creek Road address is charged with providing aid and assistance to her son, Darrell Douglas “Bull” Delaney while he cooked the meth in her residence. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, Wilma Dulaney knew her son was cooking Methamphetamine in her home and often purchased the chemicals he needed to make the illegal drug. Farmer said it was clear and convincing that Wilma Dulaney was involved in her son’s Methamphetamine production. She’s currently in jail under a $27 thousand bond and is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on September 15th.

Hoping Things Get Better

09/07/2006

Area school systems are ok for now, but they are hoping the high cost of gas and heating fuels will ease soon. Rick Spurling, assistant Superintendent of Mitchell schools, says they have about 3 weeks supply of gas and their heating fuel is in good shape with enough to last until around the first of the year, he says they’ve probably spent twice as much for fuel as compared to this time last year. He said on a statewide level all in- service training has been canceled until the end of September. Dr Barbara Tipton, Superintendent of Yancey County Schools, says they’re looking at suspending or canceling field trips, they are asking teachers (to save them money) to car pool to workshops and to work where ever possible. Tipton said they have enough diesel fuel for about 22 to 24 days if the pump around 300 gallons per day and they currently have a 30 day supply of gas. She said they have instituted a no idling policy for buses and they are mowing grass in only essential areas.

Mitchell Concerns over Fuel Costs

09/06/2005

The high cost of fuel has Mitchell Commissioners concerned about the possible impact on county operations. Commission Chairman, Keith Masters says when the cost went above $3 per gallon, that was more than the county allocated in the 2005-2006 budget and this is forcing them to become very conservative and watch every dime, every dollar. He also said commissioners are concerned about heating county buildings during the coming winter months.

SAT Scores Released for 2005

09/05/2005

The SAT Reasoning Test, administered by the College Board, is a measure of critical thinking skills. It is designed to assess how well students analyze and solve problems. The results of the 2005 SAT Scores have been released. The total of math and verbal was 1026, up slightly from 2004, Madison was slightly higher too at 1026, McDowell improved over their 2004 score of 1009 to 1030 in 2005, Mitchell went from 1009 in 2004 to 1048 in 2005 and Yancey was down a bit, the 2004 math and verbal total was 1054, the 2005 total was 1022. Statewide the total went from 1006 in 2004 to 1010 in 2005 which is lower than the national total of 1028. High school juniors and seniors typically take the SAT. Many colleges require SAT or other critical-thinking tests as a requirement for admissions. More than two million students take the test yearly.

Gas Concerns over Holiday Travel

09/02/2005

Gas prices and gas availability has area citizens concerned about travel plans over the Labor Day weekend. Triple A Carolinas has been flooded with calls from people wanting to know if they should take their trips and where they can find gas. The agency says it agrees with North Carolina Governor Mike Easley that people should restrict travel this weekend unless it is necessary. The good news, gas flow from the “colonial” pipeline (this is the line that brings fuel to Spartanburg S.C. and then to our region) is beginning to flow again and faster than expected. Officials with the American Petroleum Institute hope motorists refrain from “hording” fuel and don’t panic. Mitchell Chamber of Commerce officials say a check of Mitchell chamber gas companies indicates there is gas available with deliveries scheduled daily and they do not expect a shortage of gas in the county during the holiday weekend. Chamber officials encourage you to be conservative with gasoline and don’t panic.

Repeat Offenders

09/02/2005

They arrest them, they go to jail, they get out and the do it again!! The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office has arrested several people as part of a long-term investigation into drug activity, namely Methamphetamine, in and around the Mitchell County area over the past several months with some cases occurring over the past year. Charges range from possession, selling, and trafficking Methamphetamine. Spruce Pine residents charged are Dwayne Ray Huskins, age 42, Lonnie Mack Davis Jr., age 32, Samantha Faye Burleson, age 27, Michael Scott Wyatt , age 28, David Charlie Lowery, age 52, Daryl Lynn Sparks , age 32, Darrell Douglas Dulaney , age 38 and Wendy Wise Ledford , age 30, in her case, a small infant child was in her home at the time of the alleged offense, Mitchell DSS now has care of the child. All of these defendants are on probation for other charges-mostly drug related. Terry Grindstaff, of Bakersville is also charged with drug offenses and he too is repeat offender. Other arrests in this investigation include Spruce Pine residents Misty Dawn Jones, age 30 and Harold Wiley Boston age 22. The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department has outstanding warrants for other individuals that are charged with selling and delivering Methamphetamine. This investigation continues.

Panic at the Pumps

09/01/2005

The disaster on the Gulf Coast and the uncertainty of gas supplies in the mountains has led to long lines at area gas stations. As we reported Wednesday, the hurricane affected two major suppliers of fuel in the Southeast and it’s having a ripple effect. Some stations in the mountains ran out of gas last night but many of those got new shipments this morning. Some stations did not and their tanks are empty. Along with some concerns about supply there have been some price increases. At some stations the cost of a gallon of regular went up 20 cents overnight. Some stations have regular gasoline priced at, or over $3 a gallon. Some stations are putting up signs restricting how much gas you can buy. If you can find gas today, it may cost more and you may have to wait awhile to get it. Fuel industry officials say high prices and gas shortages will continue until the flow of fuel is back to normal capacities—about 100 million gallons a day in western North Carolina. Owners who operate multiple stations in the mountains say even if they get half of their normal supplies, the problem remains--how to ration it. Needless to say, it’s recommended that citizens cutback on unnecessary trips and to conserve gasoline as-much-as possible. The shortage is having an impact on County Transportation Authorities; they’ve suspended pleasure outings and will only handle medical trips. If the gas problem continues for several days, cities, towns and counties may ask police and firefighters to stay overnight to be sure they can get to work.

35th Positive Case

09/01/2005

Test results came back Wednesday confirming the 35th positive case of rabies in Yancey County. The animal was a red fox found on Boone Haven Drive just off of Love Fox Road. Luckily there was no human exposure, but the information is alarming considering the closeness of this case to Burnsville Town limits. The message remains the same; people should be vigilant in protecting their families, themselves and their pets. 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 call 284-4234.