A Green Mountain man has been charged with attempting to deliver illegal drugs to a family member who was the Yancey County Jail. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, Terry Neal Gortney, age 39, of a Letterman Road address, arrived at the jail with clothing for a family member who was in jail. When officers searched the clothing, they found controlled substances in pill form hidden in the seams of the clothing. He was charged and released after posting a $3 thousand secured bond. His court date is February 20th.

Fire units were called out Monday afternoon to a house fire at 6428 Highway 19E at the intersection with Biggerstaff Road in Spruce Pine. 19E was closed for almost an hour as volunteers fought the fire. David Hughes, Spruce Pine Fire Chief, comments. ( click audio button above)

Slick Roads

01/29/2007 

Snow started falling late yesterday afternoon and continued throughout the evening hours in Western North Carolina creating a winter weather mess. The highway patrol says many roads in Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties are snow and ice covered. In McDowell County, Old Fort Mountain is snow and ice covered. For the latest on road conditions and a complete list of weather announcements keep listening here or go to our web sites: wkyk.com or wtoe.com.

Yancey Arrests

01/29/2007 

Yancey Deputies have charged an Erwin Tennessee man with breaking & entering and larceny. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, of the Sheriff’s Department, Jonathon Hugh Whitson, age 29, is charged with entering a barn on private property and stealing a 2001 Honda 4-wheeler. In a separate case, Whitson, while employed at a local small engine repair shop, stole a piece of lawn equipment and then sold it. He was released after posting a $6 thousand secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 20th. And, Deputies have arrested Kenneth Dwayne Bradford, age 50, of Bakers Creek Road, in Burnsville for attempting to shoot into an occupied vehicle and assault by pointing a gun. According to a press release from the Sheriff’s department, the incident occurred along Highway 80, near Mt. Mitchell Golf Course, An adult male and his son were traveling south on Highway 80 when the suspect, who was operating a vehicle in front of them intentionally slowed down. The victim proceeded to pass the suspect’s car when the suspect fired a gun at his moving vehicle. The victim continued on Highway 80 to Ballew’s Store to call law enforcement. The suspect pulled in behind him and entered the store with a handgun in his belt. Deputies JP Grindstaff and JR Higgins arrived and took Bradford into custody. A .22 caliber handgun was seized from Bradford. He was released after posting a $13 thousand secured bond. His court date is February 20th.

Day Care Owners Charged

01/29/2007 

The owners of Day Star Christian Day Care in Madison County have been arrested on charges of misdemeanor child abuse. Marlene Young Metcalf, age 44 and Roland Dean Metcalf, age 46, both of Brook Lane in Mars Hill, turned themselves in Friday after receiving an arrest warrant from sheriff deputies. They're accused of mishandling two young children which left them bruised. Madison Sheriff John Ledford said the arrests are for 2 separate abuse cases with one child allegedly being abused by Roland Metcalf and another child allegedly abused by Marlene Metcalf. The investigation began January 19th after a request from Madison’s Department of Social Services to investigate allegations that children were being abused at the day care center.

One Down, Two to Go

01/26/2007 

It’s one down and two to go. On Thursday, January 18th, the Toe River Health District Board approved a revised schedule of septic fees. Yesterday, Yancey Commissioners, meeting in a special session approved those fees. Yancey Commission Chairman John Renfro comments. (click audio button above)

Public Health Key in Getting Funding

01/25/2007 

As we reported last week, it looks like the East Yancey Water & Sewer District project is back on track. A concern for public health was the key factor in getting the grant money for the project.  When the project is complete, the Town of Burnsville will operate and maintain the district sewer service. Harry Buckner, with McGill & Associates, the engineering firm working on the project comments. (click audio button above)

Sex Offense Charges

01/24/2007 

Yancey Deputies have charged Gregory David Young, age 36, of Arbuckle Road, with one count of felonious sex offense and one count of indecent liberties with a minor child. He remains in jail under a $60 thousand secured bond. Young is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on February 20th. According to Lt. Tom Farmer, of the Yancey Sheriff’s Department, Young may face additional charges after the Grand Jury convenes to hear about the case on January 29th.

Looking to Washington

01/24/2007 

Spruce Pine officials met recently with Congressman Patrick McHenry’s staff about water & sewer needs of the town. Spruce Pine Manager Richard Canipe comments. (click audio button above)

Septic Fees Reduction Getting Closer

01/23/2007 

Yancey Commission Chairman John Renfro says Toe River Health District “septic fees” are ready to come down. The District Board met last week, and he says refunds may be available too. Chairman Renfro comments. (click audio button above)

Saylor Walks Out

01/23/2007 

Mitchell Commissioner Jim Saylor walked out of a special Commissioner's meeting on Tuesday, January 16th saying this wasn’t democracy it was communism. We asked Commissioner Saylor to comment on his early departure from the meeting and how he would fix the obvious conflict on the board. Mitchell Commissioner Jim Saylor comments. (click audio button above)

Tension at Meetings

01/22/2007 

Tension continues to be evident at Mitchell Commissioner’s meetings. At a special meeting on January 16th a citizen was escorted from the meeting after being told by commission chairman Byrd she was being disruptive and to leave the room, she refused to leave, and Chairman Byrd had her removed by a deputy. The charge of disrupting a public meeting against the citizen was dropped. Commissioner Byrd comments on citizens attending meetings. (click audio button above)

Phillip Deyton Trial

(Story from wlos.com)

01/19/2007

 A former teacher in Yancey County is found guilty of inappropriately touching several of his young female students. A judge Friday found Phillip Deyton guilty on 3 counts of assault on a child under 12. Deyton taught science at Clearmont Elementary School. Several of the young girls involved in the case testified at the trial. Deyton did have many family members and supporters in the courtroom with him today. Deyton will head to court again next month to be sentenced on these verdicts, and face more charges related to the case

Back on Track

01/18/2007 

It looks like the East Yancey Water & Sewer District project is back on track. The first phase of the project is being funded by a Rural Center grant of just over $3 million with a total of $340 thousand local match, $170 from the Yancey County and $170 from the Town of Burnsville, $170. When the project is complete, the Town of Burnsville will operate and maintain the district sewer service. Engineers say they are hopeful the construction project will begin this summer. John Renfro, Yancey Commission Chairman, comments. (click audio button above)

Property Revaluation in Mitchell

01/17/2007 

Mitchell Commissioners have begun the County’s property revaluation process. Mitchell Commission Chairman Phil Byrd comments. ( click audio button above)

Child's Death Investigated

01/16/2007 

The investigation continues into the death of 6 year old Sarah Carpenter who died following an incident in the swimming pool at the Pinebridge Center in Spruce Pine. Sarah was found unresponsive in the pool Friday night around 9 pm during an overnight “Lock -in.” She was flown to Johnson City Medical Center where she died Sunday at 1:30 pm. Sarah's guardians say they didn't pack a swim suit for the girl and did not give permission to allow her to swim. Pinebridge officials say Sarah was in the pool with other kids when one child noticed she wasn't coming up for air. That's when they say a caretaker, who is also a registered nurse, picked her up and tried to resuscitate her. Sarah was kindergartner at Greenlee Primary School. The SBI and Spruce Pine Police are investigating; an autopsy is also being performed.

Madison Fight sends Two to Hospital

01/16/2007 

A fight in Madison County sent two men in the hospital, Monday night, one with stab wounds, the other with a head injury. According to witnesses, the two men had a long-standing grudge against one another. They say one of them, Brian Thomas Wilson, violated a restraining order. That apparently led to a fight with Charles Surrett on property just off highway 19, near the Yancey County line. When the fight was over, Wilson had stab wounds and was flown to Mission Hospitals in Asheville. Surrett was hit in the head with a shovel and taken by ambulance to the hospital. Madison County authorities say booze contributed to the fight. The Sheriff plans to have the District Attorney look at the case before deciding on charges against either man.

More Walker Friendly

01/16/2007 

Burnsville Council has received a copy of the pedestrian plan for the city; the NCDOT plan outlines a plan to make Burnsville a more walker friendly community. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments. (click audio button above)

Six Year Old Dies

01/15/2007 

A six year old girl has died as the result of an incident at the swimming pool at Pinebridge Center in Spruce Pine. Spruce Pine Police have identified the girl as Sararh Carpenter, the incident happened around 9 pm on Friday night, she was flown to Johnson City Medical Center and died Sunday at 1:30 pm. Sarah was at Pinebridge participating in a organized sleepover also called a lock-in. No other information has been released by the Spruce Pine Police Department. They have asked the SBI to assist in the investigation.

High Profile Cases

01/15/2007 

The case against Phillip Deyton, a former Clearmont Elementary School teacher, which has been continued many times, is now scheduled for this Friday in Yancey District Court. Deyton, of Green Mountain, was investigated in January 2006 for allegedly inappropriately touching several students. Following the investigation, authorities charged Deyton with 21 counts of assault on a child under the age of 12 and four counts of an assault on a female. The DA’s office says the delays have been because of scheduling conflicts. Mr. Deyton’s lawyer is from out-of-town. And the case against two Burnsville men charged with 2 counts of second degree sexual exploitation and 2 counts of third degree sexual exploitation is scheduled for District Court on March 9th. Patrick Ray Bradford, of a Dale Earnhart Drive address and Jerry Van Hatfield, of a Roland Branch Road address were charged in mid September 2005 after Yancey Deputies investigated allegations the two men unlawfully possessed and disseminated obscene material.

01/15/2007 

The former Assistant Register of Deeds in Madison County has been arrested and charged with forgery. Elizabeth Slagle faces five felonies for altering a property deed and then using it to take out a big loan and open credit cards. All together, Sheriff Ledford says Slagle took out two loans and opened two credit cards; the banks' total loss is more than a $150,000. The sheriff says Slagle took a property deed of her ex-husband and added her name. That's what she allegedly used as collateral to take out a loan from Wachovia Bank. The sheriff says when confronted, Slagle made another false deed putting the property back in her ex-husband's name. The sheriff says he doesn't believe Slagle's ex-husband had any knowledge of the crimes. According to the Register of Deeds, Susan Rector, Slagle did resign. Rector also believes it was a personal matter and isn't concerned it will effect other residents. Investigators say Slagle could face more charges.

House Fire in South Toe

01/12/2007 

Fire and rescue units responded to a fire call at a residence on Apple Blossom Lane off Lower Brown’s Creek in South Toe Community Thursday afternoon. The call came in at 5:40, the caller said it was a chimney fire but when volunteers arrived they discovered it was structure fire. Units from South Toe, Newdale, and Burnsville fire departments as-well-as Yancey EMS responded to the scene. Damage estimates to the home and other information about the fire is not available. Units left the scene at 8:30.

Mitchell Holds Contribution from TRHD

01/12/2007 

Mitchell Commissioners voted at their January meeting to table a motion on making any monetary contribution to the Toe River Health District until information is brought forward proving the agency is a legal board; this move comes from the failure of the TRHD to reduce their septic fees which have described as illegal. The decision to withhold money from the TRHD came after discussion to pay the County’s 2nd quarter payment of $50,578.50. The vote to withhold funds until the “legal” issue is settled was 4-1, with Commission Chairman Phil Byrd voting against the motion, he said they are still providing services and the money is due. Mitchell Commissioner Jim Saylor comments. (click audio button above)

Yancey Commissioners and School Board Meet

01/11/2007 

Yancey Commissioners met with the County Board of Education earlier this week to talk about future planning, facility needs and funding. Yancey County Manager Michelle Lawhern comments. (click audio button above)

01/11/2007 

Avery Sheriff Kevin Frye has put three of his deputies on administrative leave who were involved in a fatal shooting on Monday. The deputies have been identified as Lt. Keith Laws, and officers Chris Workman and Lee Buchanan. According to a news release from Sheriff Frye; Monday afternoon at around 4:30 pm, Avery Communications received a call of an unruly person at 336 Pilot Ridge Road, the caller said Harry Lowman was the person involved and he had not been taking his medication for mental health problems and that a gunshot was heard coming from the residence. Deputies and emergency personnel responded to the scene near the Lowman residence driveway. At around at 5:25 pm, Lowman’s father was evacuated from the residence. Between 5:50 pm and 9 pm, officers made many attempts, with a megaphone, to make contact with Mr. Lowman, but the only response was profanities by Lowman from inside the residence. The house did not have a phone. At around 9:30 pm Lt. Keith Laws and officers Chris Workman and Lee Buchanan knocked on the front and back doors, making entry through the back door attempting to serve the involuntary commitment order. The Officers found Lowman in the bedroom, he was pointing a firearm directly at them, they attempted, unsuccessfully, to get him to lay his weapon down and with Lowman showing an immediate threat of deadly force, officers responded by firing three shots, all three hitting Lowman, one shot being fatal. Medics came in and pronounced him dead. The scene was secured as was the officer’s weapons, initial observations at the scene were that Lowman had at least four long guns and several hundred rounds of ammunition laid out within arms reach of where Lowman was encountered. Sheriff Frye has asked the SBI to investigate the incident. He expressed his deepest sympathy to the Lowman family.

Madison Woman Killed in Crash

01/10/2007 

Slick roads led to a Marshall woman being killed in a head-on collision Tuesday afternoon in Madison County. Troopers say Geneva Griffin was driving on highway 213 about two miles west of Mars Hill, when her car skidded on the snowy road and hit an oncoming pickup truck. Griffin's son was riding in the passenger seat, but was not seriously hurt. The driver of the pickup was Kenneth Burrell, of Mars Hill. He is in stable condition at Mission Hospitals. Troopers say there were more than 200 accidents that happened because of the wintry conditions that hit the Mountains Tuesday. Get the latest on roads and weather announcements on WKYK and WTOE and on our web sites; wkyk.com or wtoe.com

Whitson Controversy Continues

01/09/2007   

The controversial firing of former Mitchell County Manager Ryan Whitson continues to dominate county news. A crowded Mitchell Courtroom at last night’s commissioners meeting kept the heat on Commissioners Byrd, Sparks & Phillips following their vote to dismiss Whitson in December. Commissioners Hensley & Saylor who voted against Whitson removal are leading the vocal challenge opposing Whitson’s dismissal. ( Commissioner Saylor comments). Commission Chairman Phil Byrd said on advise of County Attorney Hal Harrison he should make no comment on Whitson’s dismissal. (Commissioner Byrd comments) Following a closed session, Commissioner Hensley made a motion to pay Whitson’s salary, Saylor seconded the motion, but the motion failed by a 3-2 vote. (click audio button above)

3 Year Old Injured in Wreck

01/08/2006 

A weekend wreck in Burnsville sent a 3 year old to Mission Hospitals in Asheville. According to State Trooper RW Silvers, the wreck occurred Saturday morning, the 3 year old has been identified as Caden Wheeler, and no condition report is available. Trooper Silvers report indicated, a 1994 Ford driven by Welma Cooper, age 59, of a Hilltop Drive, Burnsville address was making a left turn into Riverside Grocery and turned into the path and collided with a 1997 Toyota. The Toyota was driven by Kathy Wheeler, age 31, of a Hawkview Drive, Burnsville address. According to Trooper Silvers, the Wheeler infant was in a car seat, but was thrown from the vehicle. One other passenger in the Wheeler vehicle was Sabrina Wheeler, age 8, she was also injured but no condition report is available. After colliding with the Cooper vehicle, the Wheeler vehicle went left of center striking a 1999 Ford Truck driven by Michael Webb, age 61, of Rabbit Hop Drive, in Burnsville. As this was happening, the Cooper vehicle went out of control and struck a parked vehicle in the parking lot of Riverside Grocery. This vehicle was driven by Willard Jobe, age 55, of a Riverbend Road. According to Trooper Silvers , no other injuries were reported. The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

2007’s First

01/05/2007 

Tamara Hoyle and Jimmy McGinnis of Spruce Pine are the proud parents of Spruce Pine Community Hospital's 2007 New Year's baby. Vagan James Robert McGinnis was born on January 1 at 1:43 am. Vagan weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and measured 21 inches long at birth. His proud grandparents are B.J. and Karen McKinney of Spruce Pine and Doris McGinnis of Kings Mountain. He has one big sister named Olivia.

Tax Collection Low

01/05/2007 

Burnsville's tax collection rate, at this point in the year, is lower than past years. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments. (click audio button above)

Health Care-a Booming Business

01/04/2007 

Health care and health occupations have been identified as growing industries in our region, that’s one of the reasons Mayland Community College, received a federal grant in December: The grant total was $899 thousand from the Economic Development Administration, a division of the US Department of Commerce. The investment is expected to attract $29.95 million in private investment to our community and create 133 jobs. The funds will be added to the $1.8 million dollars that Mayland received from the State during the last Community College construction bond referendum. The $2.7 million will be used to construct a new Applied Health Sciences Building. This two-story, 13,000 square foot facility will be built on the college’s Main Campus in Spruce Pine, just behind the Gwaltney Administration Building. Robert Branch, Dean of Mayland's Small Business Center comments. (click audio button above)

State Can Run County Operations

01/03/2007 

If Yancey County can’t get its financial budgets in shape, the State has the authority to take over County operations and run the local government, and that has Commissioners worried. At the December Commissioners meeting, the County’s auditor told them if budget cuts aren’t made soon, the County could be out of money in March and by the end of June, which is the end of the fiscal year, the County will be as-munch-as $977 thousand in the red. Commission Chairman Renfro says the county has identified around $700 thousand in budget cuts that should be in place by the end of January. Renfro comments. (click audio button above)