MCC, an Economic Impact

01/28/2005

A recent study indicates Mayland Community College not only has an economic impact in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties, but the college scores high in other areas as well. The study focused on four types of benefits: regional economic payback, higher earnings captured by exiting students, a collection of social benefits such as improved health, lower crime rates, less welfare needs and low unemployment, and the return to taxpayers for supporting their community colleges. For more on this story click here.

Has WNC Been Shortchanged on Flood Relief Funds???

01/28/2005

Has Western North Carolina been shortchanged on flood relief money?? 11th District Congressman Charles Taylor wants to find out---he has asked asks for a meeting with FEMA officials in Washington D.C. Half of the 20 million dollars that's come to the state to pay for damage from Hurricane Frances, has gone to counties down east. That area saw a lot less impact from the storm. Taylor says he has sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency undersecretary Michael Brown seeking answers. He is also asking that FEMA workers be sent back to the mountains to reassess the damage here.

A Step Closer

01/27/2005

Spruce Pine’s Fire Department is a step closer to building a new Fire Station Complex on East Valley Road and Willis Street. Fire Chief David Hughes told Spruce Pine Town Council after many fundraisers, they have made a $100 thousand payment toward the purchase of the property. He said thanks to the strong efforts of the volunteer firemen, what started as a 5 year project, has been cut by 3 years and hopefully, by the end of the year, they will be ready to build the complex. Hughes said the complex will include a 16 bay fire station and a community building which will seat 300 people, and can be used for community meetings and if necessary a shelter.

Illegal Drug Possession Arrests

01/27/2005

Yancey Deputies have made several arrests in their ongoing investigation into illegal drug possession and distribution in the county. Charged with possession are Robert Wayne Shilling, age 43, of Ewing Lane, in Burnsville, he was arrested in the Prices Creek Community, Ryan Boyd Wheeler, age 20, of Red Maple Lane, he was arrested on Pine Swamp Road, Gregory George Vincent, age 22, of Mulberry Lane, he was arrested in the Bald Creek section of Yancey County, Teresa Bedore Duckett, age 39, of Charlie Brown Road, she was arrested during a search of her residence and Joseph Williard Riddle, age 29 of Little Cove Road, he was arrested after a search of his residence. Each of the accused made bail and are scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court in February.

Asheville Named Safe City

01/27/2005

Asheville is the safest metro area in North Carolina. FBI crime statistics from 2003 compared 11 major cities in the state. The property crime rate in Asheville is 3,133 per 100-thousand people, that's 27-percent lower than the state average. Violent crimes are at 292 per hundred thousand people, 36 percent lower than average. The worst city in the state for property crime is Wilmington. When it comes to violent crimes, Greenville had the highest rate.

Barlowe Murder Retrial

01/26/2005

At the Barlowe murder retrial in Henderson County, family members wept and turned away as prosecutors showed a shocking video. The 21 year old Barlowe is being retried for the murder of her mother, Cindy Barlowe. The video shows the burning body of Cindy Barlowe, where it lay in a field in McDowell County after she was killed. Defense attorneys tried to keep the video out of the trial, but the judge disagreed. Prosecutors plan to bring Barlowe's former boyfriend, Jeremy Dunlap, to the stand. He is already serving a life sentence for the murder. Barlowe was also serving a life term, but she is being retried on a technical mistake. The trial is being held in Henderson County after a change of venue was approved.

Spruce Pine Approves Cable Franchise Agreement

01/26/2005

Spruce Pine Council has approved a new cable franchise agreement with Charter Communications. Town Manager, Richard Canipe says the agreement includes a reduction in density a requirement, meaning the company is required to offer service to every 25 homes per mile. Customers’ standards have been set dealing with service in a timely manner. And, a public education and governmental channel was added to the contract. The Town of Bakersville and Mitchell County will consider the same agreement. Times for the required public hearings have not been announced.

Greenville SC Hotel Fire Lawsuit

01/26/2005

It's been exactly one year since an arson fire ripped through a Greenville, South Carolina, hotel killing six people. Several people from Western North Carolina survived the blaze, including a mother and daughter from Burnsville. They're seeking five million dollars each from Comfort Inn and Suites to cover their medical expenses and mental anguish. They say more importantly, they want the person responsible for the fire captured. Investigators say they continue to check all leads in the case but so far no charges have been filed.

Florida Man Charged

01/25/2005

Yancey Deputies have arrested Eric Carl Cole, age 42, of Palm City Florida, on drug possession charges and for carrying a concealed weapon. The arrest was made near Prices Creek Store after Cole was found to be parked just off the highway by Deputy Mark Letterman who was on routine patrol. He was jailed under a $500 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on February 11th.

Murder Retrial Begins

01/25/2005

A McDowell County jury convicted Eva Barlowe three and a half years ago of first degree murder in the beating death of her mother Cindy Barlowe. The state court of appeals ordered a retrial due to mistake in the first one. Jury selection for the new trial got underway in Henderson County Monday after a change of venue. Eva Barlowe's former boyfriend, Jeremy Dunlap pleaded guilty to first degree murder in the case and is serving a life sentence. He's expected to testify against her during the trial.

Harding-Raines Resigns

01/25/2005

Shannon Harding-Raines has resigned as Executive Director of the Yancey County/Burnsville Chamber of Commerce. She recently had a baby girl, Shaylea, and she wants to devote more time to her and her son Skylar. So, a search is underway for new executive director. In the meantime, the Chamber Board of Directors has named Miki Pontorno as acting director, effective February 1st. She is currently the Chamber’s Administrative Assistant, a position she has held for about a year.

Yancey Arrest

01/24/2005

Yancey County Deputies have arrested Wesley Scott Robinson, age 38, of a Silver Springs Road address, in Burnsville on several drug charges. According to Lt Tom Farmer, of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department, the illegal drugs were discovered at the Robinson residence while deputies were there to serve a warrant for his arrest that had been issued in Mitchell County. Farmer said Robinson, a convicted “sexual offender,” who pled guilty to inappropriate sexual relations with a minor child in Yancey County in 2001, was wanted in Mitchell after he failed to comply with sexual offender registration requirements while living in Mitchell County. When Yancey Deputies located him in connection with the Mitchell warrant, they found him to be in possession of marijuana, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting $500 bond. After his release, Robinson was taken to Mitchell County where he we as served with outstanding warrants.

Flood Damage May Delay Recreation Grounds Opening

01/21/2005

It looks like flood damage from the September storms will delay the completion and opening of Yancey County’s Comprehensive Recreation Grounds along Cane River School Road. Michele Lawhern, the manager in Yancey County says the storms may cause a delay in opening until next year. Some of the work will have to be re-done and it also depends on how strong the stand of grass comes in.

FEMA Funds to Spruce Pine

01/21/2005

FEMA reimburses the Town of Spruce Pine. Richard Canipe, the Manager in Spruce Pine says the Town has received a check for $205 thousand for 14 projects completed following the storms in September, 2004. He says he expects a check from FEMA for 2 more projects which have also been completed. He says the Town is lucky and grateful FEMA covered the cost to complete these projects.

365 Out of Work in McDowell

01/21/2005

Coats North America, in Marion, has announced plans to let 365 workers go by the end of this year. Company officials say the layoffs are the results of increasing global pressures and the need to be closer to the company’s international clients. They say the apparel industry has moved to Asia, Mexico and Central America. It’s estimated that more than 39% of McDowell’s work force draws it paychecks from manufacturing. McDowell has a population of more than 42 thousand.

Watauga Kids Found Safe

01/20/2005

Those two children abducted from Watauga County have been found safe just across the state line in Virginia. Authorities say the children's parents, who are accused of taking them from a foster home at gunpoint, are behind bars in Grayson County, Virginia. Jerry Wilson, the sheriff of Grayson County, Virginia, says the couple and their children were found in a mobile home in the rural, mountainous area near Galax. A tip from family members led authorities to the children. Wilson says two-year-old James Paul Chambers and his 11-month-old sister Breanna, are back with their foster family in Watauga County. The county social services agency took custody of the children in March after a raid on the couple's home, where authorities said they discovered a methamphetamine lab. The children's parents are James Lee Canter and Alisha Chambers are charged with two counts each of child abduction, felonious restraint and assault with a gun pending in North Carolina.

Stream Restoration in Mitchell

01/20/2005

Mitchell Commissioners met Tuesday to discuss stream restoration: Commission Chairman Keith Masters says 22 sites have been identified in the county for restoration. Altamont Environmental Inc. of Asheville, has been contracted to provide assessment of sites and determine permits needed. The County has a grant of $1.4 million for the project, 75% will come from federal funds and 25% local. Masters says everything they’re hearing is the state will cover the 25% local contribution. He says without the state paying the local portion of the grant, the county will be unable to fund the $300 to $400 thousand for the stream clean up.

Unqualified Rating

01/19/2005

Burnsville has received an “unqualified” rating, which is the highest rating a municipality can receive, from its 2004 audit. David Grindstaff, Mayor of Burnsville, had high praise for Town Clerk Jeanne Martin and how she manages the town's finances. Grindstaff says Martin will soon be completing her classes to become a certified Town Clerk with the state of NC. He says Martin will become the first certified clerk Burnsville has ever had.

Burnsville Man Charged with Rape

01/19/2005

A Burnsville man has been charged with rape of a minor female. Rickey Lee Barnes, age 37, was arrested at the residence of his brother in Gaston County by Yancey County Deputies and brought back to Yancey County where he is being held under a $50 thousand secured bond. The arrest is a result of a joint investigation of the Sheriff’s Department and the Yancey County Department of Social Services. Barnes is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on January 25th.

Spotted in Ashe County

01/19/2005

According to the Watauga County Sheriff's Office, James Canter and Alisha Ann Chambers, the alleged abductors of Breanna and James Paul Chambers, have been spotted in Ashe County. They were driving a 2000 black, two-door Ford vehicle with a spoiler. The vehicle has Tennessee plates. The abductors are accompanied by their two children and another Caucasian couple. They are believed headed into Tennessee or Grayson County, Virginia. If you have any information about this abduction, call the Watauga County Sheriff's Office at 828-264-3761.

Spruce Pine Seeks Un-Met Needs Funds

01/18/2005

Spruce Pine Officials are hoping the state will approve an un-met needs request. Richard Canipe is the Spruce Pine Manager; he says they’re seeking $2.2 million from the state to move the Town’s public works building (off the river near Webb Funeral Home) out of flood plain and put it on a piece of property that would be more accessible. They also want to do stream bank restoration in Riverside Park and Creed Pitman Road which were severely damaged by flooding in September.

Burnsville Mother and Daughter Arrested on Drug Charges.

01/18/2005

Yancey Deputies have charged a Burnsville woman with selling and delivering marijuana and her mother with maintaining a dwelling for the sale of controlled substances and with contributing to the delinquency of minors. Following an undercover investigation which confirmed the residence of Linda Lane Boone was being used for the illegal sale distribution of marijuana, On January 3rd, Deputies executed a search warrant at the home, at 50 Pepper Hill Drive, when they entered, they found Boone, her daughter Crystal Leigh Boone and three male minors, who were in possession of marijuana,. Deputies seized marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Arrested were Crystal Leigh Boone, age 21, and Linda Lane Boone, age 47. They were released after each posted $12 thousand bonds. They have district January 25th court dates. The minors were issued citations for possession and released to their parents.

Amber Alert: Search Continues in WNC

01/17/2005

Two days after a pair of toddlers were snatched from their Watauga County foster home an Amber Alert remains in effect. Brianna and Paul Canter's biological parents entered their foster home Saturday morning displayed a weapon and took off with the kids.  11 month old Brianna Canter has strawberry blond hair and blue/green eyes. She is 27 inches tall and weighs 18 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white flowered long sleeve t-shirt and green pants. Her brother Paul Canter is 2 years old. He also has blond hair and blue/green eyes. He is 33 inches tall and weighs 28 pounds. Paul was last seen wearing a white long sleeved t-shirt and blue overalls with an orange lining. Watauga County Deputies say the children were taken from their parent’s custody by the courts because they were neglected. They say both parents are facing criminal charges for manufacturing Methamphetamine in their home. James Canter has been on the run for several months, investigators say he's wanted for multiple felony charges. James Canter is a 28 year old white male, 5'6" and 165 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. The toddler’s mother, Alisha Chambers is a 18 year old white female, 5'2" and 113 pounds with blond hair and green eyes. Their abandoned car was found in Johnson City, Tennessee late Saturday afternoon. Deputies say there were several weapons inside, but no sign of the children or their parents. Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads them to the children or their parents. Just call the Watauga County Sheriff's Department at 828-264-3761.

No Camping At Popular Recreation Area

01/17/2005

Yancey County is being forced to close a popular recreation area. Extensive flood damage from the September storms has forced the county to close the Toe River Camp Ground to campers for the coming season. County Manager Michele Lawhern says the swimming pool, Hootin’ Owl Hall and the store will be open. She says letters detailing the camping problems will be going out to season campers over the next few days.

Economic Development Top Priority

01/17/2005

Mitchell Commissioners want to become more active in Economic Development in the County. Commission Chairman Keith Masters says they want to promote the widening and improvements of highways 19E and 226. Commissioners also want to focus on tourism, increased attention to vocational training at Mitchell High School and Mayland Community College. Masters said the County wants to make sure existing industries knows Mitchell is ready to help, in anyway they can, to keep them in the County.

A Bit of Snow

01/17/2005

Mountain residents a waking to a bit of snow this morning. DOT salt & sand trucks have been out in most sections; mains roads are in good shape, you’re urged to caution watching for black ice, secondary roads could be slippery. Stay tuned for the latest weather announcements throughout the day right here!!

Un-Met Needs

01/14/2004

If you suffered damage from the September storms and did not get assistance from FEMA or other agencies, you might qualify for assistance from the state through a category called un-met needs. Michele Lawhern, Manager in Yancey County, says there is no guarantee, but if you have had damage please send information (more detailed-the better) to: Yancey County Manager, Yancey County Courthouse, Room 11, Burnsville, NC, 28714.She said she will happy to get the information to the right people. The “un-met” assistance legislation is headed for consideration by the General Assembly. It’s estimated there is $400 million in un-met needs in the 19 Western County’s which were declared disaster areas following the September storms.

Sex Offender and Bad Checks Arrests in Mitchell

01/14/2005

Mitchell Deputies have charged Wesley S. Robinson, age 38, of Spring Hollow Road, in Spruce Pine with failure to register as a sex offender. He was released on $10 thousand bond. He is scheduled to appear in court January 20th. And, Deputies have charged Nicholas Chad McKinney, age 24, of Clearwater Lane, in Spruce Pine with 4 counts of forgery and uttering 4 counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and with misdemeanor larceny. His bond was set at $20 thousand unsecured. He is scheduled to appear in court today. He is in custody on an unrelated charge.

Spruce Pine 2004 Tax Collection

01/13/2005

Spruce Pine’s 2004 tax collection rate is at 83%, which is a bit ahead of last year. Collected so far is $543 thousand, with an outstanding balance of $107 thousand. Richard Canipe, the Town Manager, says 2nd notices will be sent out by the end of this month to anyone who has not paid their 2004 taxes. He said the Town will work with you to help you pay your taxes on time (partial payments etc). Interest did go on last week at the rate of 2%. At the end of each month, the Town will add ¾ of a percent interest until the taxes are paid. For more information, call 765-3000.

Trades Collaborative Update

01/13/2004

Yancey Commissioners got an update Tuesday on the “Constructions Trades Collaborative,” a Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for Humanity, Mayland Community College and Mountain Heritage High School program designed to build homes for Habitat Families and train students in the construction trades industry. Jim Swain, with Habitat for Humanity, says they have received funds from the Golden Leaf Foundation & from Congressman Charles Taylor for the construction of a building on the Mountain Heritage High School Campus to be used by High School and Mayland Community College students to build homes. These homes will be bought by Habitat, put on foundations and sold to habitat partner families. Habitat hopes to build 2 homes per year. Swain says if all goes according to plan this program will be in place, hopefully when school starts next year.

Seeking Help for Uncovered Losses

01/12/2004

FEMA has paid out more than $62.5 million to individuals and families following the September storms that ripped through the western mountains. But, according to the Joint Legislative Committee on Hurricane Relief, as much as $400 million in losses were not covered by federal assistance. Mitch Gillespie, a member of the Committee on Hurricane Relief, says they will meet with Governor Easley Thursday to ask for a special session of the General Assembly to address this problem. The General Assembly will meet in regular session beginning January 26th. Gillespie represents the 85th district in the State House, serving all of McDowell and the southern and eastern part of Burke County.

More Details on Body Found in Mitchell

01/11/2004

More details are being released about the death of a Carter County Tennessee man whose body was found on National Forest land in Mitchell County NC. The body of 58 year old William Edward Nidiffer was discovered Saturday. He had been released January 5th from the Unicoi County Jail after serving time for driving under the influence and drug related charges. Deputies believe he was killed sometime after seven o'clock Friday night when he was last seen in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Authorities say Nidiffer was shot at close range with a shotgun. No weapon was found at the scene, the victim’s wallet was found nearby. Aside from personal identification, the wallet was empty. Several people with criminal ties to the victim have been questioned, but no arrests have been made. Authorities think the victim was killed in Tennessee and his body was dumped in Mitchell County.

Mitchell Arrests

01/11/2005

Mitchell Deputies have arrested David Michael Ledford, age 44 and Sherry Sesco Ledford, age 40, both of the same Fork Mountain Road address, in Bakersville, on various drug offenses including intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a schedule 2 substance. He was released on $87, 500 bond, she was released on a $37, 500 bond. They both have March 11th court dates. Deputies have also charged Lorrie Anne Hughes, age 40, of Mollies Branch Road, in Newland with drug possession and larceny. She was released on a $25 hundred bond, her court date id January 20th.

Murder in National Forest

01/10/2005

Deputies in Unicoi County Tennessee have identified the man whose body was found in a North Carolina National Forest. They say 58 year-old William Nidifer was probably shot to death in Tennessee, then dumped in Mitchell County. Nidifer had just been released from the Unicoi County jail on January 5. He served time for driving under the influence and drug related charges. Deputies believe he was killed sometime after seven o'clock Friday night when he was last seen in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Investigators say they have interviewed several people about Nidifer's death, but haven't filed any charges yet.

Community Center Taking Shape

01/10/2005

Burnsville’s Community Center is taking shape. Burnsville Mayor David Grindstaff says the project is scheduled to be completed by June 1st. A July 22nd grand opening concert will feature the popular bluegrass/gospel group “Third Tyme Out.” The cost of the Community Center project will be about $500 thousand, with most of that covered through grants and donations. Grindstaff says the cost to the Town will be around $120 to $125 thousand, but will be worth every penny if it can improve the quality of life for the citizens who live here.

Pushing Economic Development.

01/07/2004

Mitchell Commissioners want to become more active in Economic Development in the County. Commission Chairman Keith Masters says they want to make sure existing industries are safe and make sure they know Mitchell is ready to help, as much as they can, to keep them in the county. Other areas Commissioners want to push are the widening and improvements of highways 19E and 226, Tourism and increased attention to vocational training at Mitchell High School and Mayland Community College. EDC Director Van Phillips said he welcomes the Commissioners efforts, saying he needs more help in promoting the County.

House Fire in Cane River Area

01/07/2005

West Yancey Volunteers Fire Fighters were call out at 1:40 am this morning to a structure fire off Whittington Road in Cane River area off 19W. When they arrived the house was fully engulfed. West Yancey received mutual aid from Burnsville. No other details are available.

A Positive Case of Rabies in Yancey

01/06/2005

A positive case of rabies was confirmed this week off Black Walnut Lane in central Yancey. The rabies case occurred in a raccoon that displayed unusual behavior and engaged in a fight with a few dogs. The Yancey County Heath is investigating the incident to determine possible human exposure. Health Department officials say it is reasonable to believe more positive cases will appear in wild animals around the area. Vaccinating your pets is still the number one way to protect yourself and your family from exposure to the rabies virus and to decrease the spread of rabies between wild and domestic animals. For more information about rabies, call the Yancey County Health Department at 682-6118.

Partnership Gets Grant

01/06/2005

Mitchell-Yancey Partnership for Children has received a private grant for their “kids Check-Health Screening” initiative. Partnership Director Jennifer Simpson says the funds, $32,450, will be used for a coordinator who will provide screenings at events where children gather, such as “Child Fest.” It’s hoped the screenings, such as vision, hearing and developmental, will catch any problems early so parents can get the children assessed or seek early intervention services.

New Vistas Wants to Buy Mental Health Facility

01/05/2004

"New Vistas" provides mental health, substance abuse and development disability services to Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. The agency currently leases the mental health facility behind Spruce Pine Community Hospital, which is now owned by Mitchell County. Officials with New Vistas came before Mitchell Commissioners this week to talk about New Vistas purchasing the building. Keith Masters, Chairman of the Mitchell County Commission said New Vistas has provided a good service for Mitchell County and the County will be putting the building up for bid in the near future.

Convenience Centers Update

01/04/2005

At last night’s Commissioners meeting, Mitchell County Manager Ryan Whitson gave Commissioners an update of the county’s convenience centers. He said trash is one of the biggest problems in any county and affects almost every citizen. He said the mobile unit for trash pick up is old and it would cost about $100 thousand to replace it. He says over time, he would prefer to see 3 or 4 convenience centers be built. The cost would be about $75 thousand each without paving or fencing.

Meth Lab Seized in Spruce Pine

01/03/2005 

A meth lab has been seized in Spruce Pine. Avery Sheriff’s Deputies, SBI agents and the municipal drug task force seized the lab at 170 Ollis Lane. Victoria Taylor, age 45 and Robert Van Taylor, age 35, both of the Ollis Lane address and Melissa Virginia Schreck, age 25, of Marion, were charged with various drug offenses including manufacturing with intent to sell and deliver a scheduled 2 controlled substance. All three are being held in the Avery County Jail under $15 thousand bond each.

Spruce Pine Man Arrested On Felony Drug Charges

01/03/2005

Mitchell Deputies have charged a Spruce Pine man on felony drug charges. Jermy Rhyne Burleson, age 24, of 187 Almalene Court was charged with possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. The arrest is the result of drug activity involving Burleson. Chris Gillespie was the charging officer.

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This page was last updated on Wednesday, 26 September 2007 11:12 AM