Lumps of Coal

10/31/2006 

The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree project in Spruce Pine will soon celebrate its first anniversary. Over thirty product makers are a part of the project, selling products including pottery, weavings, glass, iron, food products, textiles, cards and even lumps of coal. The producers of the lumps of coal are a very special group of young people, the Exceptional Children's Class at Mitchell High School. The group will visit the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Store tomorrow, Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 11 a.m. to receive their first check for their sales to Mast General Store. The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Store is at 262 Oak Avenue in Spruce Pine. Patti Jenson, director for the "Home of the Prefect Christmas Tree" project comments. (click audio button above)

 

Human Remains Found

10/27/2006 

The McDowell County Sheriff's Department says the remains of a body found Thursday are likely to be that of Charles Hollifield, who was reported missing about a month ago, after a fight with his girlfriend. Authorities say Duke Power workers made the gruesome discovery in a wooded area near Reid Street. The body was sent to Chapel Hill to determine the identity and cause of death.

Call for Boycott

10/27/2006 

The Mitchell County Baptist Association has started a petition to boycott a local business that's trying to get a referendum on alcohol sales .Store owner Luther Stamey has his own petition drive going. He's hoping to get enough signatures to bring the issue of alcohol sales to a vote. Now many churches are joining forces to stop a possible referendum and hurt Stamey where it counts - in sales at his businesses, they say Stamey has the right to start his petition, but they have a right to shop where they want, Association leaders say they hope to get between 2 thousand and 3 thousand signatures. Stamey’s petition would place beer sales, wine sales, ABC liquor sales and liquor by the drink on the ballot. Stamey says it’s not about drinking; it’s about getting the taxes that would come from sales. He has until December 21st to get the 500 signatures required for a referendum.

Elderly Woman Scammed

10/26/2006 

Yancey County Deputies are searching for a white male who scammed an elderly woman out of money. According to Lt. Tom Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department, on the morning of Tuesday, October 24th, a man entered the home of a 76 year old woman in the Pensacola Community. He told her he was in the neighborhood checking homes for energy efficiency and he wanted to measure the interior living space of her home and place her on the list to receive free insulation and heating assistance for the upcoming winter. She let him in thinking he was acting in good faith. While inside, he measured the interior rooms and even ask the woman to assist him. When he finished, he told her she would be getting a phone call soon to verify her free heating assistance. The next day, October 25th, the woman discovered that money had been stolen from her purse located inside her home. An investigation by Deputies led them to believe at least 2 white males possibly “Irish Travelers” were involved. They surmised while one suspect entered the home and distracted the woman, the other suspect entered the home without her knowledge and robbed her purse of her money. The only suspect description is a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, 185 pounds, ruddy complexion, clean-shave and wearing dark colored clothing and a dark hat. The vehicle may be a light green newer model truck believed to have out-of-state license plates on the rear. If you have any information about this crime, call The Yancey Sheriff’s Department at 682-2124.

Scammers are working overtime

10/25/2006 

As the holiday season approaches it seems the scam artists are working overtime to get your money. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, of the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department, the most recent scam that has cost citizens the most money is E-Bay fraud. Citizens will surf the internet and see an advertised item for sale. They will advance large sums of money to a post office box and never receive the product they thought they had purchased in good faith. Another internet scam goes like this; the victim is selling an item on the internet, a buyer sends an e-mail that he wants to buy the item. The buyer says he will pay with a cashiers check from a bank. At the last minute, the buyer has some plausible story about why the cashier’s check will be much more that the asking price-even thousands more. The buyer then suggests “just wire the difference back to me, after the cashier’s check clears, of course. The victim thinks the cashier’s check must be good when it’s accepted by their bank and the funds are provided, but in a week or so the check turns out to be counterfeit. Unfortunately, often the victim has already wired thousands of dollars to the buyer, never to be seen again. And because it’s a forgery, the financial institution will require the victim to pay back all the funds provided for the phony check. Lt. Farmer says always make sure the check is valid, look the financial institution up in the book or on-line, then call to verify funds. Don’t rely on the phone number printed on the check. Don’t be in a hurry to spend the cash you receive. Avoid immediate shipping of the item. And if someone sends you more money than you ask for—that should be a red flag. Scams that have been reported include: counterfeit money-gram orders, Nigerian Lottery award checks, Canadian lottery award tickets & Counterfeit Western Union Money Orders.

Closure to Imminent Domain Issue

10/24/2006 

Spruce Pine Council has acted to bring closure to the imminent domain issue with Mitchell Lumber Company. Lloyd Hise, Spruce Pine Town Attorney comments. (click audio button above)

Concerns Eased

10/23/2006 

Parkway Volunteers Recognized

A New Wall on Upper Street

10/20/2006 

Lusk is Yancey Principal of the Year

10/20/2006 

Alan Lusk has been named the 2007 Wachovia Principal of the Year for Yancey County. Lusk is the Principal at Micaville Elementary. Under his leadership, Micaville Elementary was named a School of Distinction in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005. They were also named a School of Excellence in 2003 and 2004. In 2002, Micaville was recognized as one of the 25 Most Improved K-8 Schools in NC. Lusk began his career in education as a teacher in 1973. During his long career, Lusk has served in all but two Yancey County Schools. This is the fourth time Lusk has been honored as Principal of the Year. He said “Our staffs, faculties and student bodies are all bright shining examples of what’s right in NC public schools.” Lusk is described by his fellow principals as: “articulate, compassionate, hardworking and knowledgeable.” As the Yancey Principal of the Year, Lusk will receive $200, the regional award will be announced by March 2007 and the state Wachovia Principal of the Year will be announced in April 2007.

Vote Buying Allegations in Yancey

10/19/2006 

The State Board of Elections is investigating vote buying allegations in Yancey County. To report any election irregularities call 1-919-733-7173. Your name will not be released. Gary Bartlett, the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections comments. (click audio button above)

Election Dates You Should Know

10/19/2006 

With the General Election coming up on November 7th, there are some dates you should know:

Thursday, October 19th (today): One-stop voting begins at County Board of Elections office.
Avery County: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday-Friday & Saturday, November 4th from 8:00 am-1:00 pm.
Madison County: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm Monday –Friday & Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Mitchell County: 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday & Saturday Nov 4th from 8:30 am -1 pm.
Yancey County: 9:00 am -5:00 pm Monday-Friday & Saturday, November 4th from 8:30 am-1 pm.

Tuesday, October 31st: The last day to request absentee ballots in writing (exception due to sickness or disability)
Saturday, November 4th: One-stop absentee voting ends.
Monday November 6th: Mailed absentee ballots must be received in the Board of Elections office by 5 pm. And, the deadline to request absentee ballots for sickness/disability is also 5 pm.
Tuesday, November 7th: General Election Day, with polls opening at 6:30 am and closing at 7:30 pm.

McDowell Woman Killed

10/19/2006 

A 45-year-old McDowell County woman was killed late Tuesday afternoon after her van overturned about six miles west of Morganton in Burke County. The victim was Wanda Sisk, whose 1996 Ford van flipped after losing control on Dysartsville Road about 4:20 p.m. The wreck happened during a period of heavy rain. According to State Trooper Jeff Baker, Sisk apparently over-corrected after going off the left side of the road, then ran off the right side and hit an embankment. Baker said three people stopped when they saw the wreckage and pulled Sisk from the van. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but died.

THRD Still Charging

10/18/2006 

Toe River Health District officials imposed new higher septic fees July 1st. The County’s served by the health agency have ask them to return to the old rates and refund money’s collected under the new rate structure, but so far the new rates remain in place and two of the county’s, Mitchell & Yancey, are on record opposing the new rate structure. Danny Hensley, Yancey Commission Chairman & Keith Masters, Mitchell Commission Chairman comment. (click audio button above)

A Fix at Tipton Hill Elementary

10/17/2006 

A safety issue at Tipton Hill Elementary School has been fixed at least temporarily. Rick Spurling with Mitchell County Schools comments. (click audio button above)

Two Yancey Schools Receive Grant

10/13/2006 

Two Yancey County Schools have received a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the federal government. Burnsville Elementary & East Yancey Middle Schools will receive $360 thousand grant to implement an after school program for students at risk of not succeeding academically or socially. A project Director is being hired to help coordinate the activities between East Yancey Middle and Burnsville Elementary. Rick Tipton, Principal at East Yancey comments. (click audio button above)

Revenue Bonds Issued

10/12/2006 

Yancey County has approved the issuance of revenue bonds by Yancey County Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority to Altec Industries for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction and equipping their facility on Cane River School Road in West Yancey. The issuance of these revenue bonds, not to exceed $10 million, will be at not cost to the citizens of Burnsville and Yancey County. Kevin Willsie, Operations Manager at Altec comments. (click audio button here)

SP Kiwanis Donates $20K to SPCH

10/12/2006 

The new nursery included in the $20 million expansion/renovation project taking place at Spruce Pine Community Hospital will be named in honor of the Spruce Pine Kiwanis Club, and is being supported by a donation of $20,000 to the hospital expansion fund, in keeping with the Kiwanis objective of "Serving the Children of the World." This generous gift will result from Kiwanis fund raising activities, the cooperation of Kiwanis International and Carolinas district Kiwanis Foundation, as well as personal donations from the local Kiwanis members.  

Lineman Wins Rodeo Award

10/12/2006   

In what is often hailed as the Super Bowel for power lineman, a Progress Energy employee from Spruce Pine placed fifth among more than two hundred competitors in the apprentice division at the 23rd annual International Lineman’s Rodeo, Saturday, October 7, in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Russell Duncan, a lineman second-class, placed second in the written test, third in the investor-owned utility competition and fifth overall. Nearly forty Progress Energy linemen from the Carolinas and Florida joined hundreds of their peers from the United States and around the world to compete. Duncan has worked with Progress Energy for seventeen years, but has been a Lineman for just under three years.

Assault Charges in Yancey

10/11/2006 

Yancey County Deputies have arrested and charged Ricky Lee Laws, age 38, of a Cabbage Patch Road Address, in Burnsville, with one count of assault on a female, one count of assault by strangulation, one count of habitual aggravated assault and one count of felony restraint. He is currently in jail under a $23, 500.00 secured bond. According to a news release from the Yancey Sheriff’s Office, LT. Tom Farmer obtained a warrant for Laws arrest after an adult female reported she had been physically assaulted and restrained by Laws during an altercation in late September 2006. Farmer stated the female victim had visible bruises and marks on her throat and body which were allegedly caused by Laws striking and choking her. Laws is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on November 3rd. According to Lt. Farmer, Laws has other assault on a female charges pending in court which is scheduled for Superior Court on October 23rd. Farmer said all assault charges pending against Laws involve two separate female victims and circumstances

Repairs to Courthouse

10/11/2006 

Following the tragic fire that killed 8 inmates in the Mitchell County jail in 2002, the jail, which was attached to the old courthouse building, was torn down, leaving the back wall of the historic building in need of repair. Nothing was done until this week when Mitchell Commissioners approved allocating $11-thousad for the project. Repairs could begin this week. On another repair subject, the Great White Wall in Spruce Pine. Floods from Hurricanes Frances & Ivan in September 2004 caused a slide on Oak Avenue. Over $800 thousand in funding was secured to fix the problem and the project was completed by mid June of this year, but just a few weeks later concerns surfaced after cracks began to appear in the boards in the barricade. The problem worsened as tests indicated stress on the wall was much higher than anticipated and concrete barriers were placed between the wall and buildings on Oak Avenue. Ryan Whitson, the Mitchell County Manager comments. (click audio button above)

Former McDowell Band Director Indicted

10/11/2006 

A former junior high band director has been indicted on charges he molested a 15-year-old student. 28-year-old Jonathan Ward is charged with five counts of statutory rape and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. Ward was the band director at West McDowell Junior High School. He resigned after being charged back in May of this year. Investigators say the charges involve one of his former female students.

Repairing Historic Courthouse

10/10/2006 

Mitchell Commissioners heard some good news last night concerning repairs to the County’s Historic Courthouse in Bakersville. Bob Mickles with the Mitchell County Historical Society told Commissioners they will pay for the repairs to the buildings roof. The Cost of the repairs will be $32,350.00 and work is expected to begin in two weeks. Bob Mickles comments. (click audio button above)

Making Plans

10/10/2006 

Its been announced the highways 19/19E widening project has been delayed one year and is now scheduled to start at Jacks Creek road in 2009. The Town Burnsville Council has concerns about the amount of traffic that will be traveling Main Street and around the square during widening project. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments. (click audio button above)

Rapp Unopposed

10/10/2006 

Incumbent Democrat Ray Rapp of Mars Hill will run unopposed for his third term as Representative of the 118th NC House District. That's because Republicans decided not to name a replacement for former candidate Chris Gowan. Gowan abruptly pulled out of the race last week, announcing he had moved to Tennessee. Republicans had until five o'clock Monday afternoon to get another candidate in the race. They did not. The 118th House District covers parts of Haywood, Yancey and Madison Counties.

Madison EMT Files Lawsuit

10/09/2006 

Tami Stephen, the Madison EMT, who lives in Burnsville, has filed a lawsuit against the man charged with shooting her in July as she was attempting to help him into his house in Wolf Laurel. He was reportedly drunk at the time. She was shot once in the chest. According to the lawsuit, Stephen is asking the court to award her at least $15 thousand for the July shooting that hospitalized her for two weeks. Joseph Boyer Candler, age 68, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. His insurance company in their own court filing denied any responsibility, saying Candler’s policy doesn’t cover the shooting because it wan not an accident. Stephen, after surgeries to remove fluid that had build up on her lung and to remove the bullet that had worked its way toward her back, is on the road to recovery. She has been cleared by her doctor to return to work with Madison County EMS October 16th.

More Rabies in Yancey

10/06/2006 

More rabies in Yancey County…..two rabid raccoons in Green Mountain and one in Micaville have been confirmed. In one case, a pet dog came into contact with one of raccoons and because it had not been vaccinated it had to be put down and the dog’s owner had to get shots because of possible exposure. The rabid raccoons were picked up by Yancey County Animal Control. The Health Department urges Pet owners to get their animals vaccinated. There will be a rabies clinic this Saturday at the Yancey County Animal Shelter from 9-3. Shots will be $6 per pet. The Shelter is off Cane River School Road. Mitchell Veterinary Clinic will have a rabies clinic at their office Wednesday, October 11th, from 2-5 pm, rabies and distemper shots will be available for $6 per shot. If you have questions or need more information, call the Yancey Health Department at 682-6118. To report a suspicious animal, call Yancey County Animal Control at 678-9463.

Life Without Parole

10/06/2006 

A McDowell County man has been found guilty of killing one of his co-workers. 18-year-old Eric Valdez was convicted Thursday on charges of first degree murder and robbery. Valdez stabbed and killed 21-year-old Sherri Nelson in March of 2005 after the two left the Pizza Hut restaurant where they worked together. He was sentenced to life without parole. Valdez was not eligible for the death penalty because he was only 17 when the murder was committed.

Going Out of Business

10/05/2006 

Wellborn’s, & McCall’s in downtown Spruce & J182 Radio Shack in the Spruce Pine Shopping Center, in Grassy Creek have announced they are closing. Wellborn’s, established in 1917 and McCall’s, established in 1911 have been landmark businesses in the heart of Spruce Pine, John Wellborn said it’s time. John Wellborn has been very involved in the development of Spruce Pine. He says he’ll miss coming to work. And Lisa Byrd of J182 Radio Shack, in the Spruce Pine Shopping Center, has announced their store will close as soon as all of the stores merchandise is sold. The Spruce Pine Radio Shack, with about 10 thousand square feet is the largest Radio Shack in the U.S. She said their U.S. Cellular cell phone business will remain open. John Wellborn comments. (click audio button above)

Rape Charge

10/05/2006 

Yancey Deputies have charged Jose Ines Bolanos, age 31, of a Highway 19E address with felony first degree rape of a child. He remains in the Yancey County Jail under a $100 thousand secured bond. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, the alleged victim is an 8 year old female. Farmer said the Sheriff’s department received assistance from the child protective services division of the Yancey County Department of Social Services and the SBI during the investigation. Bolanos is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on October 31st.

Unlicensed Tattooing

10/04/2006 

Toe River Health District has issued a health warning to anyone who has received a tattoo from an unlicensed tattoo facility such as an individual’s home. This alert follows the arrest of a Pensacola man on several public health violations. The investigation began after a citizen called the Yancey sheriff’s office to complain about someone giving a tattoo to a minor. An investigation by Sgt. John Robinson found that Joshua Anthony Bernard, of a Ewart Wilson Road address, had gone into a home and applied a tattoo without proper license from the state or the county and he allegedly improperly disposed of the needles and syringes he had used, all public health violations. He was released after posting bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 3rd. If you have received a tattoo from an unlicensed tattoo facility such as an individual’s home, call your local health department for information about tests. In Yancey call 682-6118 & in Mitchell call 688-2371, Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Lynda Kinnane, with the Yancey County Health Department comments. (click audio button above)

Making Shelters Safer

10/03/2006 

Authorities continue to search for the man accused of killing his estranged wife at a domestic violence shelter in Sylvia in Jackson County on September 18th. We spoke with David Pike at Mitchell County Safe Place and ask him about safety at the Mitchell County shelter. Pike comments. (click audio button above)

Getting W & S to MHS

10/02/2006 

In 2004 Mitchell Commissioners gave Spruce Pine & Bakersville money to conduct an infrastructure master plan to determine the best way to get water and sewer services in areas most needed. Spruce Pine Town Manager, Richard Canipe comments. (click audio button above)

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