First Lady Makes White House a
“Home...of the Perfect Christmas Tree"
11/30/2006
Congressman Patrick
McHenry has announced First Lady of the United States Laura Bush today
invited representatives from the Spruce Pine-based Home of the Perfect
Christmas Tree project to visit the White House for the unveiling of
this year's White House Christmas trees - two of which are adorned with
ornaments crafted by Western North Carolina artisans. Congressman
McHenry said Mrs. Bush's invitation to the White House and public
recognition of this project shows - on an unprecedented scale - that
Western North Carolina is blessed with innovative and dedicated people
who are fighting to improve our region." Shirley Hise, Executive
Director of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, said. "Our county
and town have experienced devastating losses over the past several
years, having lost one-third of our manufacturing jobs in furniture and
in textiles. The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree project is a story
of hope and courage in the life of a community that is trying to rebuild
for the future, and being featured in the White House Christmas for 2006
has brought excitement to our community. This is only something one
dreams, and for us, it is a dream come true." Home of the Perfect
Christmas Tree representatives attended a decorators' reception at the
White House today hosted by Mrs. Bush. Two White House Christmas trees
are presently garnished with 135 hand-blown red glass balls and 115
Carolina Snowflakes, courtesy of the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree
collection. The project has created 30 individual small businesses that
have produced quality, handmade products as part of the Home of the
Perfect Christmas Tree collection. The venture also serves as a
scholarship tool, with a portion of the royalties received from product
sales used to fund a scholarship program for Mitchell County high school
students. Congressman McHenry and Ms. Hise will be featured on Fox and
Friends on Friday, December 1st to talk about the project and its
positive effects in Western North Carolina. The Home of the Perfect
Christmas Tree collection now features over 300 high quality products by
30 product makers from the mountain counties of Mitchell, Yancey,
McDowell, Avery and Buncombe.
CDC Flu Report
11/30/2006
The Centers for Disease Control has issued a report on the flu outbreak
that forced Yancey and Mitchell Counties to close schools earlier this
month. The report says the strain that hit the northern Mountains is not
one of those in this year's flu vaccine, so those who got their shots
early, were not protected. Hundreds of students and teachers were out
sick at the first of the month, prompting the closure of schools for
more than a week in Yancey County. Lynda Kinnane of the Yancey Health
Department says predicting strains of flu takes place months in advance
and experts don't always get their "forecast" right. "They take their
best guess given all the information they have at what they think will
be here this season.” Kinnane still encourages people to get flu shots.
She says the vaccine probably will protect people from future outbreaks
this winter.
Sister and Brother Charged with
Forgery & Uttering
11/29/2006
Yancey County Deputies
have charged a sister and brother with uttering stolen checks at several
business locations throughout Yancey County. Tina Marie Gortney, age 31,
of a Burnsville School Road address and her brother Joseph Michael
McCurry, age 28, of Little Creek Road, Burnsville both remain in jail,
their court date is December 4th. According to Lt. Tom Farmer of the
Sheriff’s Department, the two were apprehended in the parking lot of
Hills Riverside BP after they had entered the store and presented a
stolen check drawn on the personal account of a Micaville man, Arthur
Richardson Jr. who had reported at 100 personal checks stolen from his
residence in October. After the two were arrested, a search of the
vehicle they were using revealed the stolen checkbooks and evidence that
led officers to some 10 different businesses in Yancey County. So far,
Gortney has been charged with 15 counts of felony forgery, uttering and
obtaining property by false pretense, McCurry has been charged with 3
felony forgery and uttering offenses. Lt. Farmer said more charges are
expected against Gortney & McCurry and other arrests are likely of those
involved in the actual larceny of the checks and illegal collection of
money. Farmer said Mr. Richardson is the victim and is not involved in
any way with the forgery and uttering of checks. Farmer said any person
or business who has received a check on the Arthur Richardson Jr.
account that has been returned is ask to contact the sheriff’s
department.
Honoring the Wellborn’s
11/29/2006
John and Scottie
Wellborn were honored last night at the Mitchell County Chamber of
Commerce holiday membership dinner. The dinner was held in the Harris
Auditorium of Pinebridge Inn and Executive Center. The Wellborn’s are
longtime owners and operators of Wellborn’s and McCall’s in Spruce Pine,
and they’re retiring. They have long been active in business, community
and church affairs with many years of service to Mitchell County. Also a
part of the dinner event was a Christmas tree display and auction as a
part of the 5th annual Festival of Trees, with proceeds benefiting the
United Way of Mitchell County.
The latest on 19/19E widening
11/28/2006
At a recent NCDOT
Transportation Improvement Plan meeting in Morganton, the latest
timeline on the 19/19E widening project was released. Richard Canipe,
the Spruce Pine Town Manager comments. (click audio button above)
Fire at Buck Stoves
11/24/2006
Spruce Pine
Firefighters were called out around 2 am this morning to a fire at Buck
Stoves on South 226 in Mitchell County. Buck Stoves Plant Manager David
Honeycutt said it’s too early to know how, and if the fire will affect
plant operations. David Hughes is the Spruce Pine Fire Chief comments.
(click audio button above)
Yancey Drug Arrests
11/24/2006
Yancey Deputies have
arrested three men in unrelated cases on various drug charges. Robert
Allen Craig, age 22, of Holland Creek Road, in Mars Hill, with
possession marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was released after
posting bond. John Thomas Cooper, age 32, of Ray Farm Road in
Burnsville, has been charged with possession of marijuana, possessing
schedule 4 controlled substances, driving a 4-wheeler on a public road,
driving while his license is revoked and operating a vehicle with no
insurance. He was released after posting bond. And, Bradley Darrell
Gurley, age 29, of Highway 19E, in Burnsville has been charged with
possessing methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling place to keep drugs
and with possessing drug paraphernalia. He remains in jail under a $7
thousand secured bond. All three men are scheduled to appear in Yancey
District Court on December 5th.
State Supreme Court Hears
Mitchell Jail Fire Case
11/22/2006
North Carolina’s
Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday on whether a suit filed by the
families of the 8 inmates killed in the Mitchell County Jail fire in
2002 can go forward. A lawyer for the Justice Department told the High
Court the state is not responsible for the 2002 Mitchell County Jail
because it’s a county jail. A lawyer for the families said the lawsuit
should be aloud to move forward because the state has a duty to inspect
the jail for safety. The families of the victims want to force the
release of a 6 month SBI investigation and they’re also seeking the
right to question witnesses and subpoena documents to learn details of
what happened the night of the worst jail fire in NC history.
SP Fire & Rescue Gets Grant
11/20/2006
The U.S. Department of
Homeland Security’s “Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program” has
announced direct assistance grants to 360 fire departments and first
responder organizations across the county. In this latest round of
grants, Spruce Pine Fire and Rescue has been awarded $104 thousand for
operations and safety. According to Under Secretary for Preparedness
George Foresman, “By building emergency response capability through
training and first responder equipment the program is helping to
strengthen readiness throughout the country. These are smart investments
that protect our firefighters and help save lives in our communities.”
Since 2001, the assistance to firefighters grant program has provided
resources for training, first responder health and safety programs,
response equipment and vehicles.
NC Supreme Court to Hear Jail
Fire Lawsuit
11/17/2006
NC’s Supreme Court is
set to hear arguments on Tuesday why a lawsuit seeking the results of
the investigation into the deadly jail fire at the Mitchell County Jail
fire in 2002 should be allowed to go forward. Eight men were killed in
the fire. The state will argue the case should be dismissed. The
families of the victims want to force the release of a 6 month SBI
investigation and they’re also seeking the right to question witnesses
and subpoena documents to learn details of what happened the night of
the worst jail fire in NC history.
Mail/Identity Theft in McDowell
11/17/2006
A McDowell County man
has been charged with stealing mail from his neighbors' mailboxes.
Investigators say 22-year-old Terrence Pagan used stolen bank statements
and credit card bills to bilk at least two people who live on Gowan Loop
out of more than $4,000. The alleged victims had to open new checking
accounts and get new credit cards, but have since restored their
accounts back to normal.
2004 Sex Assault Arrest
11/17/2006
Deputies in McDowell
County have charged a man with sexually assaulting a young girl at a
church function. 20-year-old Bracey Absher is charged with one count of
first-degree rape. Detectives say the alleged incident happened in
December 2004 when the victim was 12 and Absher was 17. Authorities say
the two belonged to the same local church and were attending a church
social event when the rape allegedly occurred.
3 Charged with Burglary and
Assault
11/16/2006
Yancey Deputies have
arrested three Burnsville men and charged each of them with one count of
first degree burglary, one count of felonious assault with a deadly
weapon and one count of felonious assault inflicting serious bodily
injury in connection with an assault on Richard Van Hoyle at his
residence off Sleepy Hollow Road. Charged are; Brandon Matthew Silvers,
age 19, of Bailey Branch Road, McKenzie Blake Ray, age 17, of Lower
Brown Creek Road and Nicholas McKinney, age 26, of Real Tree Lane,
According to Lt. Tom Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department, at about 3:30
am, on Friday October 23rd, the three men arrived at the Hoyle
residence, and knocked repeatedly on the front door. When Hoyle opened
the door, the suspects entered and assaulted him on his face and head.
He was taken to SPCH and treated for injuries to his eye, head and upper
body. At the time of the assault, Ray & McKinney were visiting Silvers
who was living on the lower level of the apartment building where victim
lives. Farmer said there was no motive for the assault and the victim
did not know the suspects. Evidence obtained during the investigation
suggested the three suspects had consumed alcohol and illegal drugs
prior to the assault. McKinney & Silvers remain in the Yancey County
Jail under a $35 thousand secured bond while Ray is out of jail after
making bond. All are scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on
December 5th.
Small Amount of Ether Removed
from Yancey School
11/15/2006
A canister containing a
small amount of ether was removed from a storage room in a science lab
at Cane River Middle School on Monday and was properly disposed of by
SBI personnel. The ether was discovered during a routine inventory.
Officials say the canister was sitting inside a storage cabinet behind a
cinderblock wall and had probably been there for more than 20 years.
Someone informed the state division of Waste Management of the canister
and a team from the SBI came after school was dismissed and safely
removed the canister. Niles Howell, the Yancey School System Facilities
Director said “being a small container, evidently it was overlooked the
last time we went through and cleaned things out. He said state
officials did not want anyone messing with it, with more than 20 years
of age in it, a shock from static electricity could cause the ether to
explode if it has crystallized, but there is little danger if it is left
alone. He said school officials felt no one at Cane River Middle was in
danger.
Manager Out in Madison, Attorney
Quits
11/15/2006
Controversy at the
Madison County Commissioner's meeting this week; the contract of County
Manager Ricky McDevitt was not renewed by a 3-2 vote, his last day will
be December 31st, and then County Attorney Larry Leake resigned. All
this was followed by a charge by County resident Cindie Harman who says
she was assaulted after the meeting because she runs a website that is a
controversial opinion blog about Madison County. The Marshall Police
Department says the assault is under investigation.
Charged with Assault
11/14/2006
Yancey Sheriff’s
Deputies have charged a Burnsville man with one count of felonious
assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, one count of
assault by strangulation and one count of assault on a female. Arrested
was Adrian Oliver Blackwell, age 35 of a Ridge Way address. According to
Lt. Tom Farmer, of the Yancey Sheriff’s Department, the arrest was made
after deputies’ arrived at the residence where Blackwell & his wife
Kelli reside; they visually observed evidence of assault. Kelli
Blackwell was taken to Spruce Pine Community Hospital where she was
treated for cuts and bruises to her eye and neck. It’s also alleged that
she suffered a ruptured eardrum in the assault. Blackwell was charged
and released after posting a $15 thousand secured bond. He is scheduled
to appear in Yancey District Court on December 5th.
Looking at Solutions
11/13/2006
Travelers of West Main
in Burnsville know it can get congested; Town Council is looking for
solutions.Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments. (click audio button
above)
Mitchell and Yancey Schools
Re-Open
11/13/2006
After a flu outbreak that closed schools for days, students in Yancey
and Mitchell County will head back to class today. Earlier this month,
Yancey County shut its school system down after more than 200 kids and
nearly 50 staff members came down with the flu. Health officials believe
just days later the virus made its way to neighboring Mitchell County
forcing them to shut down as well.
Bus Driver Will Faces Charges
11/10/2006
The driver of a
McDowell County School bus that flipped over injuring dozens of children
on Wednesday afternoon will face charges. 39 year old Sandra Bess faces
a charge of failure to maintain lane control. School administrators in
McDowell County say Bess has been with the system for three years. They
say she had a clean driving record. The activity bus veered off the
road, and overturned on Highway 226 in the Dysartsville Community. 54
students were hurt, along with several adults. One child remains in the
hospital. He is being treated for injuries to his fingers.
Getting Nowhere
11/10/2006
The Tri-Counties are
still getting nowhere on an acceptable “septic fees” plan from the Toe
River Health District. Ryan Whitson, the Mitchell County Manager
comments.
Flu Closes Mitchell Schools
11/09/2006
The flu bug has made
its way into Mitchell County. Last week Yancey Schools shut down, and
they remain closed as flu has spread across the County. Now Mitchell
Schools are closed. Rick Spurling, an assistant Superintendent for the
Mitchell County School System comments. (click audio button above)
McDowell School Bus Overturns
11/09/2006
A McDowell School Bus
accident Wednesday afternoon sent dozens of people to the hospital. The
activity bus, carrying second graders, overturned on 226 South in Nebo
around 2 p.m. McDowell School Officials say the bus was carrying 54
second graders, six adults, and one bus driver from Nebo Elementary who
were on their way back from a field trip when the activity bus lost
control. A total of 22 were transported to hospitals and 36 others were
taken on a second bus to the McDowell Hospital as a precautionary
measure. According to State Trooper McCoy, the most severe injuries
included broken bones.
Spruce Pine Man Killed in Coxes
Creek Wreck
11/09/2006
A Spruce Pine man was
killed on NC 226 South (Coxes Creek) Tuesday morning when his 1988 Mack
Dump Truck was hit by a truck that had lost its breaks. According to NC
State Trooper Ruppe, Randy Hollifield, age 47, of Humpback Road, was
killed when run-away Kenworth truck, driven by a Texas man, Baldemar
Morales, age 48, went left of center and hit the victims truck flipping
it over, the truck then continued down the highway, still left of
center, striking two other vehicles head-on. No other information is
available.
The Vote 2006 is now complete
11/08/2006
In Yancey County, for
County Commission, for Chairman, Republican John Renfro defeated
incumbent Democrat Danny Hensley 3939 to 3650, for commissioners, Dean
Hicks, a democrat, and an incumbent, will return for another term, he
received 3970 and newcomer Freddie Penland, a Republican, he will serve
as a Commissioner he received 3702, beating incumbent Nathan Bennett, a
Democrat, he received 3841 votes and Republican Mickey Swann had 3462.
For the State Senate, 47th District, Republican Keith Presnell beat
Democrat Joe Sam Queen in Yancey County but lost district wide Queen
received 51% of the vote, Presnell 49%. Longtime 11th District
Congressman Charles Taylor was defeated by Democrat and political
newcomer Heath Shuler, the former NFL Quarterback. Taylor had served in
Washington for 8 terms. Shuler got 54%, Taylor received 46%. Kermit
Banks had no opposition for Sheriff and Warren Hughes had no opposition
for Clerk of Superior Court. For State Representative, 84th district,
Phillip Frye had no opposition & Ray Rapp had no opposition in the 118th
District. For District Attorney 24th District Jerry Wilson had no
opposition.
In Mitchell County, for County Commissioner there were 3 candidates who
faced no opposition, voters were casting ballots for candidate terms,
the top two in votes will serve 4-year terms, the third place candidate
will serve a 2-year term. The vote totals Patrick Phillips had 3360,
Lisa Yelton Sparks had 3127, they will serve 4-year terms and Phil Byrd
received 3055 and will serve a 2-year term. For Board of Education, 3
seats available, Roger Burleson was the top vote getter with 2999, Dean
Myers had 2683 and Tommy Ledford had 2532…incumbent Jeff Harding will
not return finishing 4th with 2149. For the State Senate, 47th District,
Republican Keith Presnell beat Democrat Joe Sam Queen 3781-1599, but
lost in the District 51% to 49%. For the state House, Phillip Frye had
no opposition in the 84th district. For Congress, 10th District, Patrick
McHenry, a Republican beat Democrat challenger Richard Carsner 3541-1357
in Mitchell County and he won in the district 62% to 38%. Ken Fox had no
opposition for Sheriff, Janet Cook had no opposition for Clerk of
Superior Court. For District Attorney, 84th District, Jerry Wilson had
no opposition.
Yancey Schools Remain Closed
11/08/2006
Yancey County Schools
will remain closed for the remainder of this week as the County tries to
get the upper hand on the flu which hit the County last week. Today &
tomorrow will be annual leave day for teacher and Friday will be
Veterans Day observance. As of late yesterday, according to the Yancey
County Health Department, cases of the virus in children had eased a
bit, but adult cases had increased especially in the South Toe area. A
team from the “Centers for Disease Control” is in Yancey to help local
officials determine how the flu spread throughout the county and if
closing the school system was effective in helping to control the spread
of the virus.
Flu Brings CDC to Yancey
11/07/2006
A research team from
the “Centers for Disease Control,” will arrive in Yancey County this
week to help local officials determine how the flu spread throughout the
county and if closing the school system was effective in helping to
control the spread of the virus. Meanwhile a decision will be made today
on whether schools will re-open on Wednesday as planned. The 9-school
system was shut late last week and has remained closed after some 250
children and as-many-as 45 teachers became ill will flu-like symptoms.
It’s Election Day
11/07/2006
It’s Election Day and
voters are choosing a congressman, a state senator, county commissioners
and Board of Education members plus state & local judges. Advertising
for some of the races got into the “mud-slinging” category, but voters
will have the final say today. The polls are open until 7:30 pm tonight.
Get results through the night on WTOE/WKYK and our web sites; wkyk.com &
wtoe.com.
Flu Keeps Yancey County Schools
Closed
11/06/2006
Yancey Schools are
closed again today as a precaution to keep the flu virus from spreading
even further. Schools shut down last Thursday because of flu and flu
symptoms that has hit the county. Last week, at least 250 students and
as-many-as 45 teachers were hit by the flu like symptoms. Many parents
agree with the school closing to keep their kids, and themselves, away
from the virus. Physicians at Mission Family Medical Center in
Burnsville say they've had a slew of flu patients, including some
parents who got the flu from their kids. Many more people are requesting
the flu shot as well. The Yancey County Health Department was
administering flu shots Friday & Saturday, but doctors warn the shot has
no guarantees, it's just a precaution. Students in Yancey County are
scheduled return to classes on Wednesday after a scheduled teacher
workday on Tuesday.
Embezzlement Charges
11/06/2006
A former Marion mailman
heads to Federal Court today to face four counts of embezzling from the
Post Office. Indictments allege Richard Swanson stole thousands of
dollars not only from the Post Office itself, but from customers too.
One of his alleged victims says Swanson stole the Wal-Mart gift cards
that were supposed to be a birthday gift from her grandmother. According
to the Postal Service, Swanson resigned from the Post Office.
Election Day Draws Near
11/03/2006
As the general election
draws closer, voter interest appears to be high in Yancey County with
one-stop voting doing a brisk business, the early voting will end
tomorrow. Board of Election officials say they expect around 15-17
hundred one-stop votes and they have mailed out 881 absentee ballots.
Highlighting local races is the Commissioners race with incumbents
Hensley, Hicks & Bennett-all democrats, being challenged by Republicans
Renfro, Penland & Swann. The 11th District Congressional race and the
state senate race in the 47th district have gotten into attack ads.
Incumbent Congressman Republican Charles Taylor, a Republican, is being
challenged by Democrat Heath Shuler. The state senate seat from the 47th
district features Incumbent Keith Presnell, a Republican, being
challenged by Democrat Joe Sam Queen. In Mitchell County it’s a
different story with most of the races being decided back in the May
primary. Election officials expect around 13 hundred; one-stop votes and
they have mailed out 301 absentees ballots. They are projecting a
40%-45% voter turnout. The non-partisan Board of Education race features
Roger Burleson, Jeff Harding, Tommy Ledford and Dean Myers running for
3-seats. 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry, a Republican is
being challenged by Democrat Richard Carsner. And the state senate race
for the 47th district features Incumbent Keith Presnell, a Republican
and his challenger Joe Sam Queen, a Democrat. The polls will open on
Tuesday, November 7th at 6:30 am & close at 7:30 pm.
Bakersville Man Charged
11/03/2006
Mitchell County
Deputies have arrested Travis Lee Blevins, 29, of Rebels Creek Rd.,
Bakerville and charged him with manufacturing marijuana and felony
possession of marijuana. Deputies received information that Blevins was
“growing” Marijuana at his residence. As a result of that investigation,
deputies located marijuana plants growing on the property and marijuana
plants inside the residence along with a small quantity of Marijuana. In
total investigators found almost one pound of marijuana. Blevins is
currently on probation for similar offenses that occurred in late
December 2004. The sheriff’s office was assisted by officers from the
Mitchell County Probation Office. Blevins has a December 8th court date.
Flu-like Illnesses Force Yancey
Schools to Close
11/02/2006
No one is calling it a
flu outbreak, but because a large number of students have been absent
from school suffering with upper respiratory infections, some which have
tested positive for flu, Yancey Schools will be closed today, through
Tuesday. About 250 students have gone home sick with flu-like symptoms
at two schools and several child-care centers this week. Lynda Kinnane,
of the Yancey County Health Department, says there are some simple ways
to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the flu. She
says the Flu vaccine is available in NC, but because of a mix-up in
shipping, Yancey does not have any at the present time. When the vaccine
arrives, the Health Department will notify the radio station and
announcements will be made. Right now, the Yancey County Health
Department is waiting for tests results to come back from state labs to
determine if it the flu. If that happens, Yancey will be the first
county in North Carolina to have confirmed flu cases this season. Lynda
Kinnane comments. (click audio button above)
Vandalism Arrest in Mitchell
11/02/2006
The Mitchell County
Sheriff’s Office and the Spruce Pine Police Department have arrested
three Mitchell County teens and charged them with a paintball spree that
occurred in the Spruce Pine area on Sunday, October 22, 2006. Officers
have charged Dustin McKinney, 17, of Creekside Ct, Spruce Pine, Jacob
Atkins, 17, Hwy 226N, and Bradley Duncan, 17, of Flat Rock Circle,
Spruce Pine with 53 counts of Damage to Real Property. The incident
occurred during the late night hours of Sunday and into the early
morning hours of Monday. Mitchell County 911 received over 27 emergency
calls from victims reporting the damage. Officers began to search for
the suspects after ascertaining a description and subsequently located
them in Duncan’s truck. They found a paintball gun and two spent
paintballs that had been accidentally discharged inside the cab of the
truck by the teens. The teens admit that they made plans to meet in
Spruce Pine and each took turns driving and shooting the paintball guns
from their vehicle. The teens damaged cars, businesses and houses. Some
of the locations that they damaged were Don Smith Ford, Mountain
Chevrolet, the Spruce Pine Shopping center and multiple private
residences in the city limits and the Tempie Mtn Rd area in the county.
The total amount of damages is not known at release time, but Don Smith
Ford reports $4,800 in damages alone at their location. Evidence shows
that the teens purchased a case containing 3000 paintballs from a local
store in preparation of their fiasco. Officers have every reason to
believe that all 3000 rounds were fired. Investigators with the
sheriff’s office and the Spruce Pine Police Department worked together
during the investigation. Each of the teens received $5,000 secured and
$20,000 unsecured bonds. Detective Stacey Hughes of the Spruce Pine
Police and Lieutenant Chris Gillespie of the sheriff’s Department were
the charging officers.
Yancey Students Test Positive for
Flu
11/01/2006
The Toe River Health
District and the Yancey County Schools is informing parents there is an
increase in the number students with upper respiratory infections some
that have tested positive for flu. Cultures have been sent to state lab
for confirmation. Superintendent Barbara Tipton is asking parents to
keep sick students home from school and public places. The symptoms to
look for are high fever, headache, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body
aches, diarrhea and vomiting. Many people have different reactions to
flu. Most healthy people recover without any complications. Older
people, young children, people with certain health conditions, are at
risk for serious complications.
The flu usually spreads from person to person through coughing or
sneezing. Most people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day
before actual symptoms occur and up to five days after becoming sick. It
is important that individuals with symptoms or questions see their
health care provider. The common medicine, tamiflu, is only effective if
taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms. This medicine is not a cure
for the flu. It may decrease the severity of the symptoms.
There are steps to take to help prevent the spread of respiratory
illnesses such as flu.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze – throw tissue away.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands often especially before eating.
Avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils.
Currently there is plenty of flu vaccine in the state, but varying
health care providers have not received their complete order. We suggest
that Yancey County Citizens listen to the radio or call their regular
doctors office to find out if and when the flu vaccine will be
available.
Yancey Hosts State’s 4-H Leader
11/01/2006
Yancey County Extension
hosted the state’s 4-H leader on Tuesday. Marshall Stewart is the head
of the Department of 4-H & Youth Development and Family Consumer Science
at NC State, said the focus has to be on three areas.!! He spoke to a
group at First Baptist Church in Burnsville. 4H was founded in NC almost
100 years ago it was primarily for farm boys and farm girls, today 4-H
serves 199 thousand young people in NC & now features after school and
enrichment programs. Stewart comments. (click audio button above)
P.O. Box 744
