More Concerns over Wall Barrier
07/28/2006
During
the floods from Hurricanes Frances and Ivan in September 2004, a slide
hit Oak Avenue causing many to wonder if this area was safe and if
another slide would happen the next time there was a storm. 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 in a few of the boards in the barricade appeared.
The problem appears to be getting worse as engineers with SM&E, the
designers of the wall, are now testing the load baring capabilities of
the wall. Recent tests indicated the stress on the wall is much higher
than anticipated and Wednesday, concrete barriers were placed between
the wall and Kathy’s Biggerstaff’s Hair salon to take some of the stress
off the wall. While this was being done, Biggerstaff was told to close
her shop for safety reasons. A very upset Biggerstaff said quote: “the
wall should have been built correct in the first place and I wouldn’t
have to worry about the rock sliding in on my building.” She called the
whole thing nonsense, saying “the engineers have made the wall unsafe
and if they affect my business again, somebody was going to owe me a pay
check.” “If there is one scratch on my building legal steps will be
taken.” Meanwhile Spruce Pine Mayor Wes Foy says he’s concerned about
the affect on Biggerstaff’s business and he says the concrete barrier
looks like a fire hazard. (click audio button above)
Too Many Needs, Not Enough Money
07/27/2006
Spruce Pine has many
roads and streets that need resurfacing, but the problem is not enough
money to get all of them resurfaced this year or even next year. Richard
Canipe, Spruce Pine Town Manager comments. (click audio button above)
Courthouse Security in Madison
07/27/2006
The Madison County
Courthouse has a new security system. Six panic alarm units are hidden
throughout the building. Court employees can now easily set off an alarm
with the touch of a button. The alarm system cost about $6,300 and was
paid for with grant money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Problems with Grease
07/25/2006
The Town of Spruce Pine
is experiencing serious difficulties maintaining clear sewer lines due
to accumulations of grease in the sewer lines. Spruce Pine Town Manager
Richard Canipe says the town has sent a letter to sewer system customers
stating they will be visiting problem areas to inspect grease traps and
maintenance logs. The Town’s “Fats, Oil and Grease Control Ordinance”
requires that grease traps be emptied as needed at least every 30 days.
Violations to the ordinance can carry fines of $1-thousand per day, plus
costs incurred for spill situations due to grease blockages. Canipe
comments. (click audio button above)
Surprising Finds
07/25/2006
Madison County Deputies
answered to a call Monday afternoon, about firecrackers at a home on
Mountain Haven drive, near Mars Hill. When they looked in the windows,
they saw marijuana on a dining room table. Once inside, they found
$175,000 in cash along with hundreds of glass sex toys. Owner Noak
Ketzenberger told the deputies he manufactures and sells the high-end
toys worldwide. Sheriff John Ledford says Ketzenberger also confessed to
being the middle man between a drug supplier and smaller drug dealers.
He is charged with trafficking ecstasy and possession of marijuana with
intent to sell and deliver.
Dynamite Investigation Continues
07/24/2006
The investigation is
continuing to determine who put dynamite on a deck of one of the
apartments at Deer Park Apartments, on Biggerstaff Road, in Spruce Pine.
The explosive was found on the deck of one of the apartments last
Thursday afternoon. Explosive experts from the Henderson County
Sheriff’s Department and the SBI were called and the dynamite was safely
disposed of. Spruce Pine Detective Bill Summerlin says the explosive was
very dangerous and they will work the case until they make an arrest.
Detective Summerlin comments (click audio button above)
Small Business Seminar
07/24/2006
There will be a “doing
business with the government” seminar at 10 am this morning in the
Phillips Building, on the Spruce Pine Campus of Mayland Community
College. The event is sponsored by Congressman Patrick McHenry, Mayland
and Appalachian State. Congressman McHenry said small businesses provide
the economic backbone and we should do all we can to ensure their
success, this seminar is a useful enterprise to help our small
businesses grow through business-to-government marketing. The United
States Government spends more than $350 billion annually on various
products and services, yet each year, thousands of contracts totaling
billions of dollars bypass small firms that do not know about or
understand the government procurement process. For more information,
contact Robert Branch, Mayland’s small business director at 765-7351,
ext 249.
The Launch of “Village of Penland”
07/24/2006
The official launch of
the “Village of Penland” development was held Friday. The ground
breaking ceremony included brief remarks by Tony Porter of the Pearless
Group, they’re the developers. Porter recognized Van Phillips and other
community leaders who have worked to make this a positive project for
the Penland Community and Mitchell County. According to Porter, the
development, which has been 4-years in the planning, has been endorsed
by various regulatory agencies and involves some 2-thousand acres. He
says the “Village of Penland” is a quality development fully compatible
with the beauty and nature of the community.
Apartments Evacuated
07/21/2006
Some anxious moments
Thursday as an undisclosed amount of dynamite was found on the deck of
an apartment at Deer Park Apartments, on Biggerstaff Road in Spruce
Pine. Spruce Pine Police and Mitchell County Emergency officials
evacuated the apartments and secured the scene. Unites from the
Henderson County Sheriff’s Department and SBI agents, trained in
removing explosive materials, were called. The dynamite was safely
removed and disposed of. According to Spruce Pine Detective Bill
Summerlin, so far, no arrests have been made and the investigation in
continuing. A shelter was opened at First Baptist Church in Spruce Pine
for apartment residents. After the danger had passed, residents were
allowed back in their homes just after 5 o'clock.
Looking
at Drug Screening Policy
07/20/2006
The Town of Burnsville is looking at its drug screening
policy. Mayor Danny McIntosh comments (click audio button above)
Looking
at Vehicle Use
07/17/2006
The Town of Burnsville is looking at formulating a
clearer policy on vehicle use by town employees. Mayor Danny McIntosh
comments. ( click audio button above )
Heat
Precautions
07/17/2006
Temperatures will be pushing 90 degrees in the mountains
this week, causing concern about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Sunny
skies draw a lot of people outside for work or fun, but warm weather can
be extremely dangerous without staying hydrated and taking breaks in the
shade. Heat stroke occurs when the body runs out of fluid and you stop
perspiring causing your body temperature to go up and you'll get very
sick. Those most vulnerable on hot days are seniors. Check on elderly
family members and neighbors who may not have air conditioning, even if
they're inside not being active, they are still at risk.
Restoration Committee Re-Forming
07/14/2006
Last month the Avery-Mitchell-Yancey Library System
backed of the Old Bakersville Courthouse Restoration Project citing
rising construction costs and the economic conditions in the
tri-counties it would be better for the library to focus their limited
resources on their current buildings. AMY’s decision left Mayland
Community College alone in the project. And during the July meeting of
the Mitchell Board of Commissioners it was learned that Penland School
had also said no to the project. Commissioners then decided to re-form
the Courthouse Restoration Committee and find a partner for Mayland who
is still very much interested in taking over the bottom floor of the
historic building. Mitchell County Manager Ryan Whitson says he still
has hopes of getting the library back in the project. The historic
Courthouse renovation project was to have begun next year; with a
completion date of 2010. (click audio button above)
Bakersville Man Killed in Wreck
07/13/2006
A Bakersville man was killed Wednesday on Highway 226,
just north of Wing Road, in a one vehicle accident. The victim is
identified as Sigmond Anthony Lucci, age 80, of 798 Big Ridge Road.
State Trooper Woody said the victim was traveling south, in a 1997 Ford
Explorer, when the vehicle crossed the center line, traveled up the
roadway to the left, collided with a guard rail, then overturned across
the guard rail, hitting several trees before coming to rest down the
embankment. The Wings Helicopter from Johnson City was called, but the
victim died at the scene. Trooper Woody said at this time there is no
way of knowing why the vehicle went left of center. Mr. Lucci was not
wearing a seat belt. The incident tied up traffic in the area for about
2 hours.
Man
Charged with Sexual Assault on Minor
07/13/2006
Deputies have arrested a Yancey County man on charges of
sexually assaulting a minor. According to a news release from the
Sheriff’s Department, on Thursday, July 6th, Sammy Lewis Hensley who
lives off of Rice Road in the Newdale Community was arrested on three
counts of felonious first degree sexual offense, three counts of
indecent liberties with a minor child and one count of felonious second
degree sexual offense. Lt. Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department stated the
incidents are alleged to have occurred between Hensley and a 15 year old
female on occasions beginning in January 2006 and as late as June 26th,
2006. Sammy Lewis Hensley remains in jail under $212,500.00 secured
bond.
Answering Questions
07/12/2006
An overflow crowd
forced Yancey Commissioners to move their monthly meeting to the
Courtroom of the County Courthouse on Tuesday. The citizens were there
to ask Commissioners why non-profits were not funded in the County’s
2006-2007 budget. Commissioner Dean Hicks, comments (click audio button
above)
He
Didn’t Say That
07/12/2006
Mitchell Commissioners on Monday voted 3-2 to give Ryan
Whitson a 4 year contract to continue to serve as County Manager. During
the discussion phase of the motion to give Whitson the contract
Commissioners Hensley & Masters indicated that Commissioner Elect
Patrick Phillips told them he would keep Whitson on as Manager. We spoke
with Phillips and he said he did not say that. Phillips said he was
elected by the citizens for a change in Mitchell County. He said he will
make no decision until he takes office in December. Phillips said he
didn’t blame Whitson for trying to get the best deal possible, but he
was not in favor of a contract for the manager’s position.
Mitchell Gives Contract to County Manager
07/11/2006
Mitchell Commissioners have entered into a 4-year
contract with Ryan Whitson to continue serving as County Manager. The
vote to approve the contract was 3-2, with Commissioners Hollifield and
Byrd casting the no votes. Commissioner Jim Saylor said Whitson has been
an excellent Manager and if the Commissioners didn’t act to keep
Whitson, he could be lost to other counties who have offered him jobs.
Casting a no vote was Commissioner Phil Byrd who said the contract puts
the county at a disadvantage and almost $190 thousand in taxpayer’s
money would be in question if a future board decides to let Whitson go.
His annual salary will be $47 thousand. (click audio button above).
Looking
at Health Insurance
07/10/2006
The Town of Burnsville is taking a hard look at ways of
handling employee health insurance which has become the biggest one
single item in the Town’s budget. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh
comments. (click audio button above)
Drug
Arrest in Mobile Home Park
07/07/2006
Yancey Sheriff’s Deputies and Burnsville Police Officers
arrested Jessie James Crain, age 23, of Boyd Wheeler Mobile Home Park on
Tuesday, July 4th, on charges of having a felony amount of marijuana.
The arrest was made after Crain was located inside the mobile home park,
off Pine Swamp Road. Burnsville Police had received information that
Crain was outside his neighbor’s residence with a large amount of
marijuana in his possession. When Crain saw the officers he attempted to
hide the marijuana under the trailer and fled on foot before being
apprehended. A total of 264 grams of marijuana was seized. Crain remains
in jail under a $55-hundred secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in
Yancey District Court on July 21st. The arrest is the result of a joint
investigation into illegal drug offenses by the Yancey Sheriff’s
Department and the Burnsville Police Department.
Mental
Health Funds and the Budget
07/06/2006
When the Blue Ridge Area Authority dissolved, funds on
hand was split up by the 4 counties in the authority, Mitchell’s share
was around $400 thousand. The county put the $400 thousand in the
general fund. As a result that money is gone. Now, the state has
indicated they will need at least $53 thousand of the $400 thousand and
maybe all of it for mental health services in this area. In order to
prepare for funds the state may want the County has adjusted the amount
of funding to the County’s School System will receive in the coming
fiscal year. Ryan Whitson, Mitchell County Manager, comments. ( click
audio button above )
4
Burnsville residents Charged with Drug Violations
07/06/2006
Burnsville Police Officers and Yancey Sheriff’s Deputies
have arrested and charged four Burnsville residents on various drug
charges including marijuana possession, selling and delivering marijuana
and maintaining a residence to keep and sell illegal drugs. Charged are
Daniel Paige Boone, Tamarah Gail Boone, Harley Boone and Heather Curtis
all of the same Pepper Hill address. The accused are scheduled to appear
in Yancey District Court on August 11th. Detective Randall Shuford, Sgt.
Gerald Barnett and Brian Buchanan of the Burnsville Police Department
were assisted by Chief Deputy Gary Banks, Lt. Tom Farmer, Sgt. John
Robinson, Deputy J.P. Grindstaff and Deputy L.R. Higgins from the Yancey
Sheriff’s Department. The arrests were made as a result of a Burnsville
Police investigation into illegal possession and distribution of
marijuana.
Waterfall Accident
07/05/2006
A 15 year old Camp Celo Junior Counselor went over
Roaring Fork Falls Tuesday afternoon near the Mount Mitchell Golf Course
in Busick, in Yancey County. Forest Rangers say the teen, Austin
Jacobson, may have slipped as he walked around the top of the falls. He
landed face down in a pool at the bottom of the waterfall, a drop of 35
feet. A hiker in the area was able to get the teen's head above water
before going for help. The hiker and other camp counselors helped rescue
workers get him to an ambulance. He was later flown to Mission Hospitals
for treatment. Jacobson is listed in critical condition, and his
injuries are not expected to be life threatening.
Soldier
Charged
07/05/2006
FBI agents have arrested a former Army soldier on rape
and murder charges. Federal prosecutors charged 21 year old Steven
Green, of Marion, with raping and murdering Iraqi civilians in March
2006. Green was discharged from the 101st Airborne Division, due to a
personality disorder. He was let go before the incident was discovered.
Green appeared before a federal magistrate in Charlotte on Monday. A
preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 10th.
Fireworks Stolen
07/05/2006
Thieves broke into a
storage facility in Old Fort and stole about half of the fireworks the
town was scheduled to use for their Fourth of July celebration. So many
fireworks were stolen, the town had to cancel their fireworks display.
Old Fort Police officials say it's a dangerous situation because the
items should only be handled by experienced professionals. If you have
any information about the theft, or if you know where the fireworks are,
call the Old Fort Police Department at (828)668-7474.
P.O. Box 744
