Developing a Water Shortage Plan

10/31/2005

The Environmental Protection Agency is now requiring Towns to development a water shortage plan in the event of another drought like this region experienced several years ago. Spruce Pine Town Manager Richard Canipe says Spruce Pine is fortunate to have several sources of water to treat and it won’t be as complicated for Spruce pine to create this plan as it will be for some towns. He said the plan is due by December 31st. The plan will address how Spruce Pine would handle a shortage in the event of another drought situation.

Tracking down Meth Dealers

10/31/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged a Burnsville man with various drug offenses including trafficking in methamphetamine. Jarvis Marlin Beaver, age 48, of a Saw Mill Hollow Road address remains in Jail under a $17,500 secured bond. A search of Beaver’s residence revealed more than 200 grams of methamphetamine. He is scheduled to appear in District Court on Wednesday.

Time Change & Check Smoke Detectors Weekend

10/28/2005

It’s time change weekend, we return to standard time at 2 Am Sunday morning. Before you go to bed Saturday night set your clocks “back” one hour. And its check your smoke detectors weekend too. Firefighters say you should replace the batteries twice a year when the clocks change and check the battery every month. They also say if your detector is more than 10 years old, you should replace it. Many of the newer models also detect deadly carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless and colorless.

Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Store

10/28/2005

In November, 2003 Gloria Houston, author of the children’s book “The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree,” gave the Town of Spruce Pine the rights of her book to be used to license local and regional product makers to make products inspired from the book. After many months of planning, what started as an innovative idea and dream is now coming true. The Mitchell County Development Foundation will unveil the 2005 collection of licensed products inspired by the book at the grand opening of the “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” store at 262 Oak Avenue, in Spruce Pine, this Thursday, November 3rd, from 6-9 PM. Shirley Hise with the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce says licensed products include pottery, weavings, furniture, note cards, clocks and more. She says the first year for product sales will be local, next year they plan to go statewide and the following year nationwide. A portion of the royalties from each licensed product with go to the Development Foundation to offer college scholarships for local high school students. Start up funding for the project includes grants from the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation and the Rural Center through a grant submitted by HandMade in America. On the very same date and hour, of the grand opening, nearly four hours away in a large ballroom filled with leaders from across the state of North Carolina, the Rural Center will feature Spruce Pine as one North Carolina town with an innovative idea.

Glen Raven Celebrates

10/28/2005

It’s a big weekend at the Glen Raven Plant in Burnsville. The Company is celebrating its 125 anniversary this year with a series of special events for its employees. On October 30th; the Burnsville Plant will celebrate with special events, food and games. In addition, Glen Raven CEO Allen Gant, will make a few brief remarks. Glen Raven opened a weaving operation in Burnsville in 1948 focusing on nylon and polyester used in a wide array of products, from luggage to sails. Today, a vital part of this regions economy, Glen Raven Technical Fabrics in Burnsville serves protective apparel, automotive, marine and military markets.

B & E and Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon

10/27/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged Stephen Terry Carroll, age 40, of a Joe Young Road, Burnsville address with breaking and entering and larceny. Carroll is charged with entering a utility building off Shoal Creek Road, sometime between October 1st & October 20th, and stealing 2 weed eaters and 3 chain saws owned by Bill Young. Some of the stolen items have been recovered. Carroll remains in jail under a $6 thousand secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in District Court on November 2nd. And, deputies have charged Steven Joseph Hughes, age 51, of a Silver Springs Road address with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The weapons were a rifle and a shotgun. NC State law prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony, from possessing any type of firearm at any place whatsoever. Hughes was released after posting a $14 thousand secured bond; he is scheduled to appear in District Court on November 15th.

Saving Fuel is Expensive

10/26/2005

Saving fuel is a costly proposition these days as Spruce Pine officials have found out: Richard Canipe, Town manager, says due to the high price of fuel, they have ask all departments to cut back as-much-as possible on gas usage. He said from July 1st to September 30th, 2005, they were able to reduce their fuel consumption by 500 gallons over the same period last year. However, the Town spent $3,150.00 more on fuel. Canipe said the Police Department has done the best job in cutting back by parking a car in Town and each officer walking an hour per shift, this has reduced gas use, plus its given better coverage to the downtown area.

Bakersville Man Remains Jailed in Tennessee

10/26/2005

A Bakersville man, Thomas Joseph Johnston, age 43 remains in jail in Johnson City Tennessee, under a $50 thousand bond, charged with aggravated kidnapping. According to authorities, Johnston lured a 6-yeasr old child out of a Laundromat, on South Roan Street, then grabbed her and put her in his vehicle. After a police chase that went into Unicoi County, he crashed his car. The girl received minor injuries; Johnston was treated and released then, arrested. He will have a preliminary hearing tomorrow!!

Yancey Man Charged with Assaulting His 11-year old Son

10/25/2005

A Yancey County man has been charged with felonious assault inflicting serious injury. He is alleged to have assaulted his 11-year old son last a week ago by striking the child numerous times about his legs and upper torso with a belt and a stick, leaving marks and bruises about the child’s body. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, of the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department, the minor child has been examined by a doctor and a bruise in the area of the child’s kidney is being monitored. Farmer said the child is in a safe and appropriate home with his grandparents who are assisting his mother in caring for him. Farmer said the father has been prohibited from having any contact with his son and he remains in the Yancey County Jail under a $25 thousand bond. He is scheduled to appear in District Court November 2nd. Because of the sensitive nature of this incident we are not using the name of the father or the child.

McDowell Named as One of 23 New ‘Learn and Earn’ High School Sites in NC

10/25/2005

Gov. Mike Easley has announced that school districts, community colleges and universities in 22 North Carolina counties will receive $1.035 million in state funds for planning grants to create 23 new Learn and Earn high schools across the state. McDowell is one of the counties named to receive funding for a Learn and Earn school which will enable students to attend high school for one additional year to earn a diploma and an associate’s degree or two years of college credit. Governor Easley said “Students at the 14 Learn and Earn pilot high schools now open across the state are achieving success in the classroom and becoming better prepared for the 21st century workplace, these additional planning grants will help us expand the program statewide and provide more students with the opportunity to graduate high school with an advanced degree and practical job skills that prepare them for a career in the new economy.”

Bakersville Man Charged in Johnson City

10/24/2005

A Bakersville man is in Jail in Johnson City Tennessee on charges of aggravated kidnapping. 43 year old Thomas Joseph Johnston allegedly forced a 6 year old girl into his car outside a Laundromat on South Roan Street. He then led police on a high speed chase into Unicoi County before crashing his car on an interstate exit ramp. Police say both the girl and Johnston were taken to the hospital. She had minor injuries; he was treated and released, then taken into custody. Authorities believe Johnston did not now the girl and this appears to be a random kidnapping.

Annexation Not Reasonable

10/24/2005

The need for annexation study that’s been underway for the Town of Burnsville has been completed and its been determined that the feasibility and the costs associated with any type of annexation by the Town is not reasonable and Burnsville is no longer looking at any annexation issues at this time. Mayor David Grindstaff said what came from the study is that the Town’s outside rates are not in line with approximately 15 surrounding communities and the study showed Burnsville’s outside town limits tap fees are not in line with these communities. In a special meeting, Tuesday, October 18th, the Town Council voted to increase these fees effective November 1st. Grindstaff said these fee increases will not affect anyone inside the city limits or anyone who is currently on the system outside the city. The fee, called a “capacity depletion impact fee” will be in addition to any tap fees to the system. He said this impact fee will generate a revenue fund to be put into capitol improvements for water and sewer.

Candidates Forum in Spruce Pine

10/24/2005

A meet the candidate’s forum was held Saturday in Spruce Pine. Candidates for Spruce Pine Mayor and Council were invited. Only 2 candidates came, Curtis Taylor, who is running for Mayor and John Pendley a candidate for council. Questions were supplied to each candidate in advance. Mayor Wes Foy could not attend because of sickness in his family; he had State Senator Keith Presnell read prepared answers to the questions. Candidates Taylor and Pendley answered the same questions plus took questions from the audience. The event was sponsored by the Spruce Pine Business Association, the Mitchell news Journal and WTOE.

The municipal election is November 8th with incumbent Wes Foy being changed by Curtis Taylor and Rickey McKinney. Three candidates are running for 2 council seats, incumbents Greg Henline, John Boone and non-board member John Pendley. Winners will serve 2 year terms.

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.

Bakersville Man Suspect in a Kidnapping

10/21/2005

A Bakersville man is a suspect in a Johnson City Tennessee kidnapping. According to Johnson City Police, a witness reported that a white male forced a female child into a car at the Homestyle Laundry on South Roan Street. Moments later, the car was spotted near an exit on Interstate 26. Police say the officer tried to stop the car, but the suspect didn’t pull over. After almost a five mile pursuit, police say the driver lost control of the car and crashed on the exit ramp. The suspect is identified as 43 year old Thomas Joseph Johnston of Bakersville, North Carolina. Both the suspect and the child, who sources say is 6 years old, were taken to the Johnson City Medical Center. Police say the girl suffered only minor injuries and Johnston is listed in fair condition.

Break-ins in Spruce Pine

10/21/2005

Three break-ins in the last week in Spruce Pine and a two in the county may have been related. Spruce Pine Police Detective Billy Summerlin says Saturday evening thieves broke into a car dealership off Roan Road taking some items that are very important to the owner and then early Sunday morning thieves went through a window into the Employment Security Commission building on Kim Thickets Road. The ESC building also houses the Job Link Center and the offices of the Mayland Community College’s Workforce Development Program. Summerlin said several pieces of electronic equipment were taken from both ESC and Mayland offices. The investigation is continuing.

Altec Informational Job Fair—Today

10/20/2005

Altec Industries, off Cane River School Road, in West Yancey, is holding a day long informational job fair until 8 pm tonight at the Burnsville Town Center. Anna McQueen, Altec Human Resources Director says the purpose of the fair is to give you a chance to “meet & greet,” the Altec management team. If you are interested in working for Altec, representatives of the Employment Security will be there to assist you with your application. McQueen adds Altec has government contracts and they require anytime there is a job opening, Altec must take applications again. So even if you have previously applied for employment with Altec, you must apply again.

Skeletal Remains Identified

10/20/2005

Blue Ridge Parkway Rangers have identified skeletal remains that were found Monday near Linville Falls on the Parkway. The remains have been identified as those of Phillip A. Duane, Jr., age 68, whose last known address was Ocala, Florida. Parkway officials said Duane’s car was found parked at the Linville Falls Campground in May 2004. A note left in t6he vehicle indicated Duane would be hiking for several days. When he did not return, Rangers searched the area but were unable to locate him. His remains were found off the Plunge Basin Trail, near Linville Falls. The cause of death has not been determined; Parkway Rangers and Burke County Sheriff’s Deputies are continuing the investigation.

Sentencing for Gouge Brothers

10/19/2005

Two Burnsville brothers, Patrick Scott Gouge, age 37 and Joseph James Gouge, age 28, were sentenced Tuesday for the 2nd degree murder and robbery of 76 year old Zack McCurry in September 2003. Superior Court Judge Richard Doughton sentenced Joseph James Gouge, age 28, to serve 221 to 284 months in prison and Patrick Scott Gouge, age 37, to serve 157 to 198 months. Both me had agreed to a plea bargain on Monday. Prosecutors presented evidence to the Judge detailing the brutal beating and shooting of the victim that occurred inside his home in the Double Island Community. Patrick Gouge remained outside as a lookout while Joseph Gouge went inside the home where he beat McCurry repeatedly and then he removed a gun from the victims pocket and shot him in the left side of his head, killing him. Joseph then called for Patrick Gouge to come in the residence, and then both men robbed McCurry of a firearm, prescription drugs and money. Following the sentencing, the Judge ordered both men to be taken immediately to Central Prison in Raleigh.

Fuel Savings and Conservation at Mitchell Schools

10/19/2005

At Monday’s Mitchell County Board Education meeting most of the conservation centered on fuel savings and conservation. The following recommendations were adopted; review all bus routes to eliminate travel on unnecessary roads, limiting the number of buses on athletic trips, limiting the number of out-of-county trips to two trips per class per year-if this is exceeded, there will be a $1 per mile usage fee. These policies will be reviewed periodically to determine savings realized. Some good news was reported, the state has increased the allotment appreciably and the county will probably be able to run buses for the remainder of the year-if there are no more increases in fuel costs. Another topic of discussion was coaching supplements at the high school level. The board feels realignment is necessary to remain in line with competing schools. A committee was appointed to review supplements in surrounding counties.

Train Death Victim Identified

10/18/2005

Authorities have identified the teenager killed in a train accident in Marion on Saturday. Investigators say 17 year-old Michael Dillon Goodson and two friends were walking on a trestle in the Hankins Road area, when they heard a train coming. Two of the boys got off in time, but Goodson was hit by the train and killed. The teenagers were on a camping trip as part of a group of students from Crossnore School. Deputies with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department said no charges will be filed.

Rape Charges

10/18/2005

Avery Deputies have charged Bryan Alexander Crowder, age 22, of a Bent Road, Spruce Pine address with first degree rape of a child. Crowder was arrested Friday October 15th and is being held in jail on a $50 thousand bond. He has a November 21st court date.

Murder and Robbery Plea Bargain

10/18/2005

On the day jury selection was to begin in Yancey County Superior Court, Joseph James Gouge, age 28, and his brother Patrick Wayne Gouge, age 37, both agreed to a plea-bargain arrangement on Monday pre-empting their trial for the first degree murder of Zechariah McCurry that occurred on September 23rd, in his Double Island Community home. Both men pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder and one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Sentencing is scheduled today.

Deadly Train Accident

10/17/2005

A 17 year old boy is killed after being hit by a train in McDowell County. Authorities say he was camping with a group home for boy’s that's based out of Avery County. A captain with the McDowell County Sheriff's Department says three of the boys were on the train trestle in the Hankins Road area of Marion when the train approached. Two of the boys managed to get off in time. The victim was struck and killed.

Back in Custody

10/13/2005

An escapee from the Western Youth Institution in Morganton was recaptured early Wednesday morning after he had sought help at a home in Avery County. Christopher D. Laws, age 19, was serving an 11-month sentence for forging checks and other crimes when he fled Tuesday afternoon while picking up plants as a part of a program that puts prisoners to work in forestry. Earlier it had been reported incorrectly that Laws was a prisoner at the Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution.

Wanting a Senior Center

10/12/2005

Members of the senior community came before Yancey Commissioners Tuesday night asking for help in building a senior center: Commissioner Dean Hicks said for the past 3 years and before he leaves office he wants to see that seniors are in a nice place. He said a lot of things get in the way and Commissioners have had some big projects that had to be taken care of, like the floods of 2004, but they’ve always kept a focus and they will make every effort to see that seniors get into a nice facility.

Sexual Exploitation Case Continued

10/11/2005

The case against two Burnsville men charged with 2 counts of second degree sexual exploitation and 2 counts of third degree sexual exploitation has been continued to November 29th. Patrick Ray Bradford, age 42 of a Dale Earnhart Drive address and Jerry Van Hatfield, age 41, of a Roland Branch Road address were charged in mid September after Yancey Deputies investigated allegations the two men unlawfully possessed and disseminated obscene material. Yancey Lt. Tom Farmer said both men possessed visual depictions of what appeared to be a minor between the ages of 14 to 16 years old engaged in sexually explicit behavior. Both men worked in education in Yancey County. Bradford is a computer technician at Clearmont Elementary, as for his status with Yancey Schools; Superintendent Barbara Tipton said it’s a personnel issue they’re still dealing with. Hatfield resigned his post as Dean of the Yancey Campus of Mayland Community College on September 19th.

Newdale Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine

10/11/2005

A Newdale man has been charged with distributing Methamphetamine. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation by Mitchell and Yancey County Sheriff’s Deputies. Charged is Steven Joseph Hughes, age 51, of a Silver Springs Road address. While serving warrants on Hughes for selling Meth in Yancey County, deputies searched his residence and revealed 7 grams of Methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with various drug offenses including possession with intent to sell Methamphetamine. He remains in the Yancey County Jail under a $20 thousand secured bond. Yancey Lt. Tom Farmer said both agencies had received a lot of evidence indicating that Hughes was selling Methamphetamine to numerous residents in Mitchell and Yancey Counties.

McDowell County Shooting

10/10/2005

A shooting in McDowell County leaves the suspect in custody and another man in Mission Hospitals with gunshot wounds. The McDowell County Sheriff's Department says the shooting happened Sunday off of Smith Hill Road just outside of Marion. They say it appears to have stemmed from an assault earlier in the day involving the shooting victim's brother and the shooter's son. No other details have been released. The gunman has also been detained in Asheville and will be brought back to the McDowell County where they expect an arrest will be made. 

Zero Tolerance Drug Policy in Mitchell

10/07/2005

Mitchell County has adopted a controlled substance free work place and work force policy. Mitchell Commission Chairman Keith Masters said the county has a “zero tolerance” drug policy. He described the policy as basically a safety issue and the county wants to make sure workers who are in high risk jobs are ok as-well-as the workers around them. He said drugs are a problem in the county and across the United States and the Commissioners are doing their part to make sure Mitchell County has a drug-free work place.This policy does not apply to employees of the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department, the Mitchell County Social Services Department and the Mitchell County Transportation Department. These agencies hire their own workers. Commissioners urge the Sheriff and the Director of social Services to adopt a controlled substance policy for their departments. The Mitchell Transportation Depart already has a controlled substance policy in place.

Karen Fox 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year

10/07/2005

Karen Fox has been named the Yancey County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2005-2006. She began her teaching career with Yancey County Schools following graduation from Mars Hill College in 1989. Fox taught for 12 years at Bald Creek Elementary, including 11 years as a special education teacher, before transferring to South Toe Elementary where she currently teaches a combination first/second grade class. She recently graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master of Arts in Special Education. Fox also achieved National Board Certification in 2003. “Early in my life I realized my purpose and passion was to help children who were different … becoming a teacher was my lifelong dream,” says Karen Fox. “Enthusiasm is Karen Fox,” says Patricia Bennett, Principal at South Toe Elementary School. “She is so enthused about her teaching that she makes learning fun and exciting for her students.”

Students at South Toe Elementary said this about Mrs. Fox:
“Mrs. Fox is a good teacher. She does special things with us.”
“She has a good personality. She’s always happy.”
“She makes our days nice.”
She loves us and she is funny.”
“She’s good to us. She lets us do shaving cream spelling!”
“She makes learning fun!”

Clearmont & Tipton Hill Receives National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards

10/06/2005

Clearmont Elementary in Yancey County and Tipton Hill Elementary in Mitchell County have been named a “No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools,” for 2005. The national program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels. Clearmont and Tipton Hill are two of nine schools in NC to receive this award. Only 295 schools nationwide were named blue ribbon winners. U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said “The achievement gap is closing and that is great news for every student. These Blue Ribbon Schools are an example of what teachers and students can achieve. In the three-plus years since No Child Left Behind was signed into law, we've learned a new equation: Accountability plus high expectations plus resources equals results.”

Improving Mitchell’s Pay Plan

10/06/2005

Mitchell Commissioners are looking at ways of improving what they feel are inequities in the way the County’s pay plan is implemented. Keith Masters, Commission Chairman said there are people on the lower end of the financial scale right now and they hope to address that. He said a lot of this is driven by their commitment to look at salaries by December and by the cost of fuel and heating oil, because some people are hurting right now. He said the County has been somewhat successful in securing jobs and this puts them in a little better shape to help take care of Mitchell citizens.

Frye Named to Leadership Post

10/05/2005

NC State Representative Phillip Frye has been named Vice-Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Economic Development, Trade & Cultural Affairs Committee, known as NCSL. This committee is one of fifteen standing committees that are responsible for developing policies that guide NCSL’s activities on Capitol Hill and within the administration. The policies stress three themes: opposition to unfunded federal mandates, prevention of unnecessary preemption of state laws and protection of state revenue sources. Some of the issues the NCSL addressed this past year included transportation funding, education reform, Medicaid reform, homeland security and electronic commerce. Frye is a Republican from the 84th district which serves Avery, Caldwell, Mitchell and Yancey Counties

Energy Conservation in Mitchell

10/04/2005

The high cost of fuel has Mitchell Commissioners looking at an energy conservation plan. Keith Masters, Chairman of the Commission says the County will begin looking at ways to conserve, such as thermostat settings, hours of operation for facilities, and county vehicle use. He said within the next month or so, he hopes the Commission Board will put in place some kind of plan for energy conservation. Masters said the question has been ask if gas prices fall what happens to the plan, his feeling is that if you can save a few thousand dollars at $3 per gallon, you can save a like amount if it’s $2 per gallon. He said the time has come that the board needs to address the fact that fuel shortages and fuel prices, of all types, are going to increase every time it clouds up.

Grant for Trades Collaborative

10/04/2005

Yancey County Schools have been selected to receive a federal grant of $49.600.00 for their Construction Trades Job Training Collaborative. The project calls for Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for Humanity homes to be built by students from Mayland Community College, Mitchell & Mountain Heritage High Schools, inside an 80 X 120 foot steel building on the campus of Mountain Heritage High School. The homes will then be transported to home sites with foundations constructed by Mayland students for final finishing. High school students will receive college credit through Mayland for hours logged in this program. Students continuing their education at Mayland will be able to receive either a certificate or diploma in Building Trades Management.

Yancey Receives Grant

10/03/2005

A grant of over $982 thousand has been awarded to Yancey County for their multi-phase Health, Medical and Human Services construction project underway adjacent to the Yancey Campus of Mayland Community College. Yancey County Manager Michele Lawhern said when the project is complete, the complex will provide  “one stop” service delivery for all Yancey citizens and even those from neighboring counties. She said the opportunities are endless and are enhanced even more by the adjacency to Yancey Campus of Mayland Community College, and soon to be constructed, housing units for the elderly and for people with development disabilities. In August, 2004, 11th District Congressman Charles Taylor came to Burnsville and announced he had ask the appropriations committee for $1 million for the construction project, but because of budget cuts at the federal level, the money was not available until now. According to a spokesman from the Congressman’s office in Asheville, the difference in the original request and the actual grant is due to administrative fees, which according to the spokesperson is normal procedure.