Inmate Found Dead

11/30/2005

An inmate at the Mountain View Correctional Institution in Spruce Pine was found dead in a cell Tuesday afternoon. According to officials at the NC Department of Corrections the death of Thomas C. Camp is being look into by the North Carolina SBI as a “suspicious death.” Camp was found at about 4 pm. He was serving a life sentence for a first degree sexual offense convection in Gaston County. Mountain View Correctional Institution houses about 800 inmates.

Upgrading Infrastructure

11/29/2005

The Town of Spruce Pine continues to upgrade its infrastructure. Richard Canipe, Town Manager says following completion of installing the main sewer interceptor from the waste water plant into town, they had $200 thousand of revenues that wasn’t used. The U.S. Economic Administration was contacted and they approved using these leftover funds to continue the project and add 11 hundred more feet of sewer line. The project will cost just over $194 thousand and  is expected to begin within the next month and will lay a sewer line from Greenwood Road into English Woods in the area of the English Inn. The project will replace an existing 8 inch line sewer line with a 12 inch sewer line which will give capacity to carry all the flow coming from the south and west sides of the town for several years to come.

Spruce Pine Main Street Winners

11/28/2005

Spruce Pine will be well represented at the NC Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Salisbury in January. Kay Goins, Main Street Director says the Wylie Building has won an “Award of Merit” in the category of Best Adaptive Use Project. She said they submitted slides and pictures for the work that Dave Wylie and Cynthia Nash did on remodeling the building and she said Spruce Pine Manager¸ Richard Canipe has received a “champion Award,” given to an outstanding member of the community who has worked hard for the Main Street Program and volunteers for events.

Fire Destroys Madison County Home

11/28/2005

A Madison County home was destroyed by fire Saturday afternoon. The Marshall and Jupiter Fire Departments responded to the house on North Long Ridge Road around 4:30 pm. The fire Marshall says an electric heater mounted on the wall may be to blame. He says no one was home at the time and no one was hurt. The house was a complete loss.

Recycling/Convenience Center Plans Halted

11/25/2005

When 19E is four-laned through Yancey County, a portion of the County’s Convenience Center on Burnsville School Road will be taken to complete the widening through this section of the roadway. The County agreed to a buyout of over $500 thousand from NCDOT. Commissioners began looking at securing a section of railroad right-of-way for a new center near the current Convenience Center. They sent letters to property owners in the area that this property was going to be condemned. But after getting objections from the affected property owners and learning their properties would not be taken by DOT as a part of the 19E widening project, commissioners immediately dropped plans to condemn these properties. Commission chairman Danny Hensley said not having to buy this property would have allowed the county to pay off the debt on the current center, around $200 thousand, and then build a new center with the remaining DOT money. He said the county was only trying to use taxpayer’s money wisely. Now, he said the County will pursue other options.

Foundation Awards Grants

11/23/2005

New Grants have been announced from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The grants totaling money total of $155, 428 will go to non-profits across the region and will range from providing shelter to those in crisis to helping arts organizations expand cultural programs. Recipients in our region include Madison County who received a $7 thousand to evaluate senior activities in the County, Toe River Arts Council received a grant of $7 thousand to offer art therapy to troubled students in Mitchell County, Greenlee Primary School will receive a grant of $7 thousand to support an innovative music education program at the school and Toe River Health District will receive a $7 thousand grant for office furnishings for two Yancey County agencies that help people in need of medical care with their daily living activities. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina was established in 1978 to manage charitable funds created by individuals, families or businesses. Currently, the Foundation manages $125 million in charitable assets and over the past 27 years and has distributed more than $70 million.

Heating Assistance-Is it Enough??

11/22/2005

Gov. Mike Easley today announced a plan to provide public and private resources to help low-income North Carolinians with the high heating costs expected this winter. But is it enough?? Larry Deyton with Mitchell DSS says these funds must first be approved by a local commission and will probably be available by the first of January. He said Mitchell currently has about 70 applicants for heating assistance and when these funds are available; these applicants will be served in the order of their registration until the funds are gone. He said there may be some federal money available in the future and he encourages those who need heating assistance to stop by their county DSS office and register. The funds from the state (through public and private resources) will be used to provide needy residents with home weatherization and crisis assistance to help pay utility bills. The combined resources are anticipated to serve about 70,000 North Carolina families. For information about assistance call DSS. In Avery call 733-8230, in Madison call 649-2711, in Mitchell call 688-2175 and in Yancey, call 682-6148.

November Busy for Drug Arrests in Yancey

11/21/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged Robert Neal Ingle, age 29, of Grant Metcalf Road, in Marshall, with various drug offenses including selling and delivering marijuana. He was arrested in the Prices Creek area after selling 2 ounces on the illegal weed to an undercover deputy. According to Sheriff’s Lt. Tom Farmer, Ingle had been selling marijuana in Yancey County over the past few months. And Deputies have charged Bo Dean Elgin, of Jump Cove Road, in Weaverville, with selling and delivering methamphetamine. He was arrested following a weekend of surveillance in a location off Cane Creek Road. Both Ingle and Elgin are scheduled to appear in District Court on November 29th. Lt Farmer stated taking illegal drugs off the streets and arresting tose who possess, manufacture and distribute them is a high priority of Yancey County Sheriff Kermit Banks and the entire Sheriff’s Department.

Boost for Fire on the Mountain

11/18/2005

Spruce Pine’s “Fire on the Mountain” Project has received a boost from the NC Chamber of Commerce, Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. Spruce Pine’s Fire on the Mountain Project is one of 29 projects statewide that will be receiving from the NC Department of Commerce.

Booze It and lose It

11/18/2005

The Governor’s highway safety program and law enforcement officers from across the state have launch the winter 2005 “Booze It and Lose It” campaign. Check points from one end of the state to the other will run through January 1st. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s of last year, 47 people died on Tar Heel highways in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Check points in 2004 led to the arrests of more than 11 thousand individuals for DWI violations.

Plea Agreement for Polechio

11/17/2005

Alan Polechio, a former coach and referee for the Mitchell County Recreation Department who was arrested in August for various sex offenses involving minor children, has entered into a plea agreement and will spend from 21.3 to 26.4 years in prison. Under the agreement, Polechio pled guilty to 1-count of felony statutory rape sex offense (240 – 297 months) and to 7 counts of indecent liberties with a child (16-20 months). According to court records, the offenses happened from 2000 to 2004. Bill Summerlin, a Detective with the Spruce Pine Police, said their investigation revealed Polechio began his violation of children in 1979 and continued until his arrest in August and involved at least 10 children ranging in age from 11-14. At his sentencing on Tuesday in Superior Court, Polechio apologized for hurting the victims, their families and his family.

SmokeOut

11/17/2005

Today is the American Cancer Society’s “Great American Smokeout,” a day for smokers who want to quit, to say “no thanks” to cigarettes for 24 hours. A new service in North Carolina can help you quit. It’s called Quit Now NC, and it’s free too. The number to call is 1-800- QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) Quit Now NC is a partnership of NC Prevention Partners, the North Carolina Division of Public Health, Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control Branch, and the North Carolina Medical Society. Today is also a special day at Spruce Pine Community Hospital in Spruce Pine. The Hospital and grounds are now completely smoke free.

Citations in Spruce Pine are going Up

11/16/2005

Spruce Pine’s Town Council voted Monday to increase city citations. The increase is from the current $25 to $50 and includes fire lane violations. The cost of parking violations will remain the same at $25. These changes are effective immediately. And, the Town of Spruce Pine is in good financial shape, that word from Cody McKinney, CPA, who presented the Council with the latest Town audit.

Two State Employees from the Marion Correction Institution Receive Awards

11/16/2005

Gov. Mike Easley has announced the recipients of the 2005 State Employees’ Awards for Excellence. The award is one of the highest honors a state employee may receive. Two workers from the Marion Correctional Institution were recognized.

Rodney Burton, for Safety & Heroism:
Officer Rodney Burton of Marion was working at his secondary job in a local convenience store when a man armed with a shotgun entered the store. Pointing his weapon at Burton, the man demanded money and items from the store. Burton initially complied but then grabbed the shotgun. A shot was fired, but Burton successfully disarmed the robber and called law enforcement. The assailant was later charged with armed robbery.
 

Perry Franklin, for Public Service:
Under the leadership of Perry Franklin of Marion, the Community Work Program, which provides inmate labor for state or county agencies located near correctional facilities, has become a widely recognized success. Inmate work squads are known for providing quality labor and craftsmanship, such as building picnic shelters and tables. There is a three-month wait for their services, which have saved the state millions of dollars.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

11/15/2005

Some senior citizens could save hundreds of dollars on prescription drugs with a new Medicare program that begins enrollment today. Medicare recipients may choose from 38 new benefit plans, but many say the plan is difficult to understand. My Meds Medication Ministry will host an informational meeting in Burnsville this Saturday at Higgins Methodist Church from 9 to 10 am and from 10 am to 2 pm, trained staff will be available for one-on-one counseling for people who have questions. These counselors will not suggest or pick a plan for you. Their purpose is to use the tools and information available so you can pick the plan that best suits your needs. There is no charge. Meetings are also planned in December 3rd at Middle District Freewill Baptist Church, in Buladean from 10-2 and December 10th from 10-2 at First Presbyterian Church in Spruce Pine. Medicare recipients have through May 15th to choose a plan and join the program without penalty. Seniors are encouraged to enroll before the end of the year to receive the benefits beginning January 1st. For more information, call MY Meds at 766-6337 or call the Senior Centers in Mitchell or Yancey County’s.

Tighten up or Lose Highway funds

11/15/2005

11th District Republican Congressman Charles Taylor says getting a driver's license in North Carolina is too easy, so he and four other Tar Heel House members are pushing Federal legislation, requiring the state to tighten license requirements or lose highway money in excess of $800-million a year. But State Representative Ray Rapp, a Democrat from House District 118, says, "Its penalizing citizens who are paying their taxes trying to get ahead and communities that are trying to get ahead. Congressman Taylor points out, "It was a driver's license forgery that allowed the 9/11 perpetrators to get the tickets and get on the plane and create the problem." Currently in North Carolina, immigrants do not need a Social Security number to get a driver's license; only a tax identification number. Representative Rapp says the General Assembly may address that issue when it reconvenes next May.

Water & Sewer Are a Go To Altech

11/15/2005

It looks like the funding for the $1.9 million project to bring water and sewer to Altec Industries in West Yancey is in place. Burnsville Mayor, David Grindstaff says the project will cost the town nothing. Funding for the $1.9 million project has come from the NC Rural Center, the Golden Leaf Foundation, a community development block grant from the state and from NC Governor Mike Easley.

Grant Agreement for Woody Lumber

11/14/2005

Mitchell Commissioners, at their November 7th meeting discussed a grant agreement through the Hurricane Recovery Act of 2005 for the county’s acquisition and demolition of Woody Lumber Company, on Cane Creek Road, in Bakersville. The amount of the grant is $227, 400. and is from the NC Dept of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, As a part of the grant agreement, the property will be maintained by Mitchell County as an open space.

Yancey BOE Meets

11/14/2005

The Yancey County Board of Education has named Angie Anglin assistant principal at Burnsville Elementary School. She replaces Doris Deyton who will begin serving as principal at South Toe Elementary School beginning in January 2006. Anglin began her career as a seventh and eighth grade English/Language Arts teacher at East Yancey Middle School in 1990. She has served as assistant principal at East Yancey since July 2004. In other news from their November meeting, the Yancey School Board approved a bus Idling policy which prohibits all unnecessary school bus idling on school grounds and prohibits warming up of buses no longer than 5 minutes. In order to receive any mid-year transportation allotments resulting from increased fuel prices, an idling policy had to be in place no later than January 10th. And the calendar for the 2006-2007 school year has been set. The first day of class for students will be August 11, 2006, which will be a half school day, and because sever weather can change things; a tentative date of May 17, 2007 will be the end of the school year. The next regular meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education will be held on December 5, at 5:00 PM at the Board of Education office, 100 School Circle, Burnsville.

Thank You

11/11/2005

At the November meeting on Thursday, of the Burnsville Town Board, outgoing Mayor David Grindstaff, thanked the community for their support and he wished Mayor Elect Danny McIntosh the very best as he becomes the new Mayor on December 5th. Grindstaff said the important thing is the future of Burnsville and he will do what he can to help the town and be available if Mayor Elect Danny McIntosh asks for his assistance. He said the current Town Board has worked hard for Burnsville and will continue to be ready to meet challenges in the future. Mayor Elect McIntosh beat Grindstaff in Tuesday’s Election.

3 Charged in ASU Students Death

11/11/2005

Authorities have arrested 3 people in connection with the death of Appalachian State University student Stephen William Harrington, who burned body, was found earlier this week in the trunk of a car after Watauga Deputies responded to a car fire on Sleepy Hollow Road. Charged are Matthew Dalrymple, Kyle Tripplett and Neil Sargeant. None of the suspects were students at ASU, but Sargeant did work in the convocation center. Authorities say their investigation is continuing.

2006 Wachovia Principal of the Year-Mitchell

11/11/2005

Angela Burleson, principal of Bowman Middle School, has been selected as the 2006 Wachovia Principal of the Year for Mitchell County Schools in a program co-sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Wachovia Bank Corporation. Burleson, who is in her second year at Bowman, has worked as an English teacher, a teacher of academically gifted and as Assistant Principal before coming to Bowman as principal. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill College and a Master’s degree from East Tennessee State University. A twenty year veteran of public education, Burleson was selected by her peers for her endeavor to achieve excellence and her dedication to the education profession. This is the 22nd year Wachovia Corporation has sponsored the financial awards. As a local winner, Burleson will receive $200. The regional winner will receive $1500 for their school and $1500 for personal use. The stat winner will receive $3000 for their school and $3000 for their personal use. Regional award recipients will be selected by February 2006 and the state Wachovia Principal of the Year will be announced in April 2006. The 2005 Wachovia Principal of the Year is Margaret Hyatt, principal of Avery’s Creek Elementary School in Buncombe County.

2006 Wachovia Principal of the Year-Yancey

11/11/2005

Pete Peterson, principal of Clearmont Elementary School, has been selected as the 2006 Wachovia Principal of the Year for Yancey County Schools in a program co-sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Wachovia Bank Corporation. Peterson began his career in education as a teacher in 1981. Prior to being named principal of Clearmont Elementary School in 2002, Peterson served as assistant principal and athletic director both at Cane River Middle and Mountain Heritage High Schools. Under Peterson’s leadership, Clearmont was awarded the IMPACT Technology Grant in 2003. The grant total is $1.35 million over three years and is designed to enhance the instruction of students through technology. In September of this year, Clearmont received the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools Award. This program recognizes schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap or whose students achieve at very high levels. Clearmont was one of only 295 schools in the nation and one of only two in the western region of North Carolina to receive this award. Additionally, Clearmont Elementary is being considered for the National Title I School Award. Wachovia Principals of the Year receive financial awards which have been sponsored by Wachovia Corporation for the past 22 years. AS a local winner, Peterson will receive $200. Regional winners receive $1,500 for their school and $1,500 for personal use. The 2006 state Principal of the Year will receive $3,000 for their school and $3,000 for their personal use. Regional award recipients will be selected by February 2006 and the state Wachovia Principal of the Year will be announced in April 2006.
 

Call For Special Session

11/10/2005

Republicans in the NC House of Representatives have ask Governor Easley to call a special session to consider legislation to suspend the sales tax on home heating fuel until April 2006 and to cap the per gallon excise tax on motor fuel at its current rate of 24.2 cents. Representative Phillip Frye, (R,) who represents the 84th district which serves Avery, Caldwell, Mitchell and Yancey Counties says the excise tax on gasoline is automatically adjusted every six months and without a cap on the tax, the increase could be as-much-as seven cents to 31.2 cents by January. And Frye says no state around us has a sales tax on home heating fuel, he wants that stopped completely, which will be addressed next session, but for now he says our elderly desperately need all the help they can get and they are asking for the tax to be suspended for this heating season.

McDowell Inmate Found Dead

11/10/2005

McDowell jailers found a dead inmate Wednesday morning. The Sheriff’s Department reports the man, who has not been identified, was found around 6 am, while jailers were checking cells. Sheriff Turner said there were no visible signs of injuries but he appeared to have died in his sleep. An autopsy will be performed. Turner said the inmate had requested and probably received medical treatment earlier in the week. Authorities say the inmate was in jail after failing to return a car to a dealership after a test drive. No other details have been released.

Body Found

11/10/2005

A burned body was found on Tuesday in Watauga County after a report of a car fire. Authorities say the car was registered to an unaccounted for Appalachian State University student. The SBI has been called in to help with the investigation.

New Mayor in Burnsville / Incumbents Win in Spruce Pine

11/09/2005

Burnsville:

Burnsville voters chose a new Mayor Tuesday as Danny McIntosh defeated David Grindstaff. McIntosh had 241 votes, Grindstaff 214. (McIntosh says there is work to be done) For Council, the incumbents will return, Ruth Banks was the top vote getter with 300 votes, Heather Hockaday had 291 and William C. Fox received 174. The winners will serve 4 year terms. Mayor Elect McIntosh said there is a lot of work to be done, there's a lot of things been done that the council will have to contend with, but he is looking forward to working with the council. He said he was happy to win, but he whished more people would come out and vote. He said he is looking forward to serving the people of Burnsville.

Spruce Pine:

It was a clean sweep for the incumbents in Spruce Pine. Mayor Wes Foy returns for another term, his total was 292, Curtis Taylor received 191 and Rickey McKinney received 110. The Mayor will serve a 2 year term. For council, incumbent John Boone was the top vote getter with 389, longtime councilman Greg Henline had 373 and John Pendley, Jr. had 202. 608 registered voters cast a ballot, that’s about 37.7% of the registered voters. Boone and Henline will serve winners will serve 4year terms. Top vote getter Councilman John Boone, said he was excited and happy to be able to continue to serve the people of Spruce Pine and he was especially happy to see the high number of citizens who came out to vote.

Incumbents Win in Spruce Pine

11/08/2005

It was a clean sweep for the incumbents in today's Spruce Pine Election. Mayor Wes Foy returns for another term, his total was 292, Curtis Taylor received 191 and Rickey McKinney received 110. For council, incumbent John Boone was the top vote getter with 389, longtime councilman Greg Henline had 373 and John Pendley, Jr. had 202 . 608 registered voters cast ballots, that's about 37.7% of the registered voters.

 

Today is Election Day is Burnsville & Spruce Pine

11/08/2005

Voters in Burnsville and Spruce Pine are selecting a Mayor and 2 council members today.

In Burnsville; Mayor David Grindstaff is being challenged by Danny T. McIntosh
For Council; Incumbent’s Ruth Banks and Heather Hockaday and non-board member William C. Fox, are running for 2 council seats. The winners will serve 4 year terms.

In Spruce Pine; Mayor Wes Foy is being challenged by Rickey McKinney and Curtis Taylor.
Council, incumbents Greg Henline and John Boone and non-board member John Pendley are running for 2 council seats. Winners serve 2 year terms

In Bakersville; Mayor Chuck Vines and Council members Charlie Nash, Lisa Yelton Sparks and George Wilson are unopposed and will return for another 2 years.


The polls are open and will close at 7:30 pm. The polling place for each election is Town Hall.

Construction Trades Ground Breaking

11/07/2005

Ground breaking for the Construction Trades Collaborative Project was held Friday at Mountain Heritage High School. Jim Swain with Mitchell Yancey Habitat for Humanity says plans are to build a 80x124 foot steel building to build modular homes to train students from the Construction and Technology programs at Heritage and Mitchell High Schools, as-well-as students from Mayland Community, in the skills that will offer them an opportunity for their future. He says they will use industrial level tools, so that when students go to the site, the contractor will know when he gets a student who has graduated from this program, he has a quality employee. Classes in constructing the exterior and interior of the building should begin in March, and by next September they will begin construction of homes. He says there is a need for 600 homes to eliminate substandard housing in Mitchell and Yancey Counties. He says although this seems to be an impossible task, every little bit helps and hopefully the project will produce 4 homes per year.

Ground Breaking Today

11/04/2005

This morning at 11:30 AM, a ceremony is scheduled to break ground for a new facility at Mountain Heritage High School. The 80 ft. X 120 ft. facility will be home to the Construction Trades Job Training Collaborative project. Mayland Community College, Mitchell County Schools, Yancey  County Schools, and Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for Humanity will join forces to provide students in the Construction Technology program at Heritage and Mitchell High School’s practical experience in the home construction trade as they construct modular homes that will be used to provide Habitat homes.

Perfect Christmas Tree Store Opens

11/04/2005

The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Store, on Oak Avenue, in Spruce Pine opened last night. 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 create products inspired from the book. At the opening Houston said she was thrilled beyond words and hoping it grows into a national promotion, so we can bring some investors and factories in here to give everybody a job and discover new talents because this area is so rich with talented people.

Tuesday is Election Day   

11/04/2005

Voters in Burnsville and Spruce Pine will select a Mayor and 2 council members Tuesday.

In Burnsville; Mayor David Grindstaff will be challenged by Danny T. McIntosh
For Council; Incumbent’s Ruth Banks and Heather Hockaday and non-board member William C. Fox, will run for 2 council seats. The winners will serve 4 year terms.

In Spruce Pine; Mayor 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. Winners serve 2 year terms

In Bakersville; Mayor Chuck Vines and Council members Charlie Nash, Lisa Yelton Sparks and George Wilson are unopposed and will return for another 2 years.


The polls will open on Tuesday at 6:30 am and close at 6:30 pm. The polling place for each election will be will be Town Hall.

Wreck Sends 3 to Hospitals

11/03/2005 (correction of story reported on 11/02)

A Tuesday morning wreck on 19E in Micaville sent 3 people to the hospital. Emergency crews responded to a call at 10:15 am, in front of Pine Hill Auto Parts. According to Trooper Ron Silver’s report, Tammy Byrd Harmon of Burnsville was traveling west on 19E, in her 88 Chevrolet when she swerved into the eastbound lane to avoid a vehicle driven by Jody Lee Atkins, of Burnsville, who had stopped and was attempting to turn into the parking lot of the auto parts store. When she swerved into the eastbound lane, Harmon hit a vehicle driven by Michael Charles Andrade, of Burnsville, head on. Two people were taken to the emergency room at Spruce Pine Community Hospital; one person was airlifted by MAMA to Mission ST Joseph’s in Asheville. Charges are pending and the condition of the injured is not available.

Perfect Christmas Tree Store Opens Today

11/03/2005

After many months of planning, what started as an idea, a dream in is coming true. The dream started in November, 2003, when 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. Tonight, 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, The festivities will run from 6-9 pm. licensed products include pottery, weavings, furniture, note cards, clocks and more. 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. Project planners say the first year for product sales will be local, next year they plan to go statewide and the following year nationwide.

GOV. EASLEY URGES HOMEOWNERS TO APPLY FOR
OPERATION BRIGHTER DAY AID

11/03/2005

Gov. Mike Easley is urging homeowners with damage from the 2004 hurricane season to apply for Operation Brighter Day grants before the December 1 deadline. These grants may be used to help repay Small Business Administration (SBA) loans that were secured following the storms. In additions, these funds may be used to repair uninsured damage to homes. The N.C. Redevelopment Center, which is coordinating the programs to help homeowners rebuild, is administering $2.4 million in Operation Brighter Day grant funds provided by the General Assembly as part of the Hurricane Recovery Act. Eligible applicants must have received notice from the SBA that their loan was approved. An applicant did not have to take the loan to be considered for the grant. The 50 counties included in the 2004 disaster declaration include Avery, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey. Homeowners who meet these criteria are urged to contact Belinda Jones of the N.C. Redevelopment Center for additional information at 919/733-1566. Jones also can be contacted by email at bejones@nccrimecontrol.org or by mail at 102 N. Salisbury Street, 20325 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0325. All applications must be received by December 1.

Good News for Leaf-Lookers

11/03/2005

Leaf-lookers will have another weekend to enjoy an 11-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, because repair to one of the twin tunnels near NC 80 has been delayed. This section, from the tunnels to the entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park will remain open this weekend. Most years, fall color is largely gone by November, which is why our rehabilitation work is traditionally scheduled to begin then. This year is an exception, and we still have significant color at middle and lower elevations? The tunnel repair work is authorized to continue through April 28. Once work has begun, the motor road in this section is likely to remain closed until spring. Access to Mt. Mitchell State Park will be available via the Parkway from Asheville, weather permitting. The only closure currently in effect for the 469-mile scenic road is the eight-mile stretch between US 221 near Linville Falls (mile 317) to just north of NC 226 near Spruce Pine (mile 325). Repair of this storm-damaged section is underway and should be completed by spring. A detour has been posted.

Create and Sustain

11/02/2005

Yancey Commissioners met in special session Tuesday to discuss creating new jobs and sustaining current jobs. The Commissioners authorized a “Letter of Intent” to an industrial prospect the county is working with to bring news jobs to the former OMC/Bombardier property. The Commissioners also approved the signing of some authorizations to guarantee performance obligations for grants being applied for, a collaborative effort of the County, Town and Economic Development Commission to be used for extension of physical infrastructure for the new Altec plant in West Yancey.

Ground Breaking

11/01/2005

On Friday, November 4, 2005, at 11:30 AM, a ceremony is scheduled to break ground for a new facility at Mountain Heritage High School. The 80 ft. X 120 ft. facility will be home to the Construction Trades Job Training Collaborative project. Mayland Community College, Mitchell County Schools, Yancey County Schools, and Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for Humanity will join forces to provide students in the Construction Technology program at Heritage and Mitchell High School’s practical experience in the home construction trade as they construct modular homes that will be used to provide Habitat homes.

Using Arts to Build Communities

11/01/2005

The NC Arts Council has awarded grants totaling $198 thousand for Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties for arts programs and projects. Avery County received over $42 thousand including $16, 500 for Cranberry Middle School. Madison County received over $47 thousand including $20 thousand for the Southern Appalachian Theatre at Mars Hill. Mitchell County received over $94 thousand including $79 thousand for Penland School of Crafts, and Yancey County received almost $12 thousand for Toe River Arts Council projects. The NC Arts Council assists non-profit arts groups & other organizations in both rural and urban areas of the state that are using the arts to build their communities. Arts Council programs help underscore important public values.

Parkway Open Except

11/01/2005

All sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway that were closed last week by snow and ice last week are now open. The only closure currently in effect is for repair of the eight-mile storm damaged section from US 221 near Linville Falls (mile 317) to just north of NC 226 near Spruce Pine (mile 325).