Water Shortage Alert
05/31/2007
The Spruce Pine Town
Council has issued a Phase 1 Water Shortage Alert. Due to drought
conditions, this alert calls for voluntary community water conservation
measures. Recommended conservation measures include:
Take shorter showers.
Do not leave the water running while rinsing dishes, shaving or brushing
teeth.
Limit car washing. Use a bucket and a hose with a spray attachment.
Add compost and other organic matter to your soil to improve its
water-holding capacity.
Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge, instead of running tap water
until it is cold.
Use a bucket to water your plants, not a hose.
Water lawns in the morning or evening, not in the heat of the day, to
prevent evaporation.
Additionally, please repair any water leaks, such as hoses and faucets
wherever possible. Notify town officials if you notice possible leaks on
Town lines. These voluntary measures are requested until significant
rainfall alleviates drought conditions in our area. This message from
the Town of Spruce Pine.
Western Counties Declared
Disaster Areas
05/31/2007
The Federal Farm
Service Agency has officially declared 13 counties in Western North
Carolina as disaster areas because of the Easter weekend’s freeze that
crippled much of the region’s farm production. North Carolina’s latest
estimates put crop losses statewide at $100 million. The disaster
designation means farmers and growers in the affected counties would be
eligible for low-interest emergency loans. The disaster list includes
Avery, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Jim Saylor,
Mitchell County Commissioner comments. (click audio button above)
Deputy Indicted
05/30/2007
A McDowell County
Deputy’s first appearance in Superior Court will be June 25th to face
charges in the death of 2-year old Kennedy Frye who was killed on
February 6th when the deputy slammed his cruiser into the rear of a
vehicle in which the girl was a passenger. Brandon Watson is charged
with misdemeanor death by vehicle and misdemeanor reckless driving.
These charges were recommended last week by a McDowell County grand jury
after hearing a full accident report from the Highway Patrol. Troopers
said Watson was traveling 120 miles per hour on I-40 while answering a
domestic violence call when he collided with the back of the vehicle.
Troopers said he was not using the patrol car’s flashing blue lights and
siren. The collision killed 2-year old Kennedy Frye of Bakersville, and
seriously injured 3 others in her family.
Burnsville Council Cuts Expenses
05/30/2005
Burnsville council met
last week in a special meeting to discuss next year’s budget. By a vote
of 3-1 the council voted to cut a service to town businesses that will
reduce expenses. Danny McIntosh, Burnsville Mayor, voted against the
motion saying the service has been something the businesses have become
accustomed to since the mid 60’s and he said this is not a remedy to the
town’s budget problems and to him is was just a reduction in services.
Councilman David Grindstaff did not attend the meeting. Danny McIntosh
comments. (click audio button above)
Not Much Financial Help
05/29/2007
Recently the
Commissions from Avery, Mitchell & Yancey Counties met with officials of
the Toe River Health District to talk about funding. As one commissioner
says the state mandates many of the programs for the district but
doesn’t provide much financial help. John Renfro, Chairman of the Yancey
County Commission comments. (click audio button above)
3 Killed in Plane Crash at
Mountain Air
05/28/2007
A plane crash on
Saturday at Mountain Air Country Club & Airport in Burnsville killed
three people from Florida. Two of the three victims of the crash were
doctors. The victims have been identified as Dr. Charles R. Freeble, age
59, his wife Kathleen, age 59, from St. Petersburg and Dr. Freddy A.
Camuzzi, age 60, of Largo Florida, he was the pilot of the plane. In a
news release from the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department and Yancey
County Emergency Management, at about 11:15 am, the 2006 Columbia fixed
wing single engine aircraft bounced on landing and struck other planes
parked along the airstrip causing the plane to burst into flames after
colliding with other aircraft. Three airplanes were destroyed by fire
and two others were damaged by heat and debris from the crash. No one on
the ground was injured. Emergency Fire & Rescue Personnel from Yancey
County worked throughout the day Saturday removing victims from the
plane while the Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management officials
secured the scene & notified families of the victims. Dr. Camuzzi often
arrived at Mountain Air where he had a summer residence. The Federal
Aviation Administration is investigation the crash.
Victims Identified in Mitchell
Crash
05/28/2007
All of the victims of
the deadly crash Thursday on Highway 226 in Mitchell County have been
identified. Five people were killed in an early morning head-on
collision. The victims were Jimmy Dotts, age 57, a teacher at Enka High
School, who lived in Mitchell County. His funeral service was Saturday
in Spruce Pine. The other victims, all from Marion were Roberto Sixtos,
age 21, Isidro Ruiz, age 24, Melchor Macias, age 45 and Rolelio Magana
age 20, their funeral services were held Sunday in Marion. State
Troopers said a pickup, driven by Sixtos was north on 226, crossed the
center line and collided with a land rover driven by Dotts. All of the
men died at the scene.
Probable Cause Found
05/25/2007
A McDowell County grand
jury has found probable cause to indict a McDowell County Deputy in the
death of a little girl killed when he crashed his cruiser into her
family's car. Highway Patrol reports indicate Deputy Brandon Watson was
traveling around 120-miles-per-hour on Interstate 40 last February when
he hit the Frye family vehicle, seriously injuring three and killing
2-year-old Kennedy Frye. The District Attorney says the grand jury found
probable cause to indict Watson on misdemeanor counts of death by
vehicle and reckless driving. Meanwhile, Kennedy's father, David Frye,
says he's not happy with the grand jury's decision. He says there is
still no closure for him because he feels misdemeanor charges in the
death of his little girl are not right.
5 Killed in Mitchell Crash
05/25/2007
A tragic accident in
Mitchell County this morning killed 5 people including a teacher from
Enka High School. It happened on Highway 226 near Penland Road. The
head-on crash happened at about 6:15. The head-on crash occurred in a
sharp curve. A pickup truck from Marion was headed north when it
collided head-on with a sport utility vehicle going south. According to
Trooper Tony Gunter, the truck, a Chevy S10, carrying 4 men, crossed the
center line, then the driver of the SUV tried to avoid the collision by
going to the left, but the S-10 returned to its lane and the two
vehicles collided head-on. Two people have been identified so far,
Jimmie Dotts, the driver of the SUV; he was a teacher at Enka High
School, he lived in Mitchell County and was on his way to work He leaves
behind his wife and two children. His wife, Carolyn Dotts, is an
Exceptional Children’s teacher at Greenlee Primary in Spruce Pine. The
driver of the truck has been identified as Roberto Sixtos, of Lytle
Mountain Road, in Marion. The three passengers in the truck, who were
also killed in the crash, have not been identified pending notification
of next of kin.
Financing Jail Improvements
05/24/2007
Yancey Commissioners
held a public hearing on Tuesday: Michele Lawhern, the Yancey County
Manager, comments. (click audio button above)
Computers in the Classroom
05/24/2007
Mitchell Commissioners
have approved a request by the County School System to purchase
computers for classrooms. Dr. Brock Womble, the Superintendent of
Mitchell County Schools, comments. (click audio button above)
Fire Contained
05/23/2007
Fire Volunteers were
called out Tuesday to battle a forest fire off of Penland Road in
Mitchell County. The fire produced billows of smoke; with the help of
aircraft pouring water over the affected acreage and bulldozes setting
up fire lines; workers were able to get command of the fire rather
quickly. At last word the fire was 100% contained with 75 – 100 acres
destroyed. No structures were in ever in danger. An estimated 60 fire
volunteers from Mitchell and Yancey Fire Departments and NC Forest
service personnel were on the scene. Today (Wednesday) they are doing
what they call “moping up & extra work.” The numbers of volunteers and
workers has been reduced about 10. Residents in the area can expect to
see & smell the smoke as the fire burns out. Officials have said the
cause of the fire was caused when workers on the railroad were welding
etc and some of the material got in the grass.
An Offer is Made
05/23/2007
The Yancey School Board
met in special session on Monday to discuss personnel issues, namely a
contract offer for Dr. Tom Little to become the School Systems new
Superintendent. After the meeting it was announced that Dr. little was
offered a 4-year contract with a base salary of $94,668 and includes no
supplement, the vote was unanimous; he said he would have to think about
it. Dr. Little is currently an Associate Superintendent and has been
working for the school system for about 9 months, his contract will
expire June 30th. Back On May 14th the board, by unanimous vote, decided
not to renew the contract of Dr. Barbara Tipton as Superintendent, but
offer her a contract as an administrator. Tipton has not said anything
to the board about their offer, her contract also expires June 30th.
Drug Arrests in Crabtree Township
05/22/2007
An ongoing criminal investigation
into illegal drug activity in the Crabtree Township of Yancey County has
resulted in two arrests. On Friday, May 18th, at 8:50 am, Yancey Sheriff
Kermit Banks & Lt. Tom Farmer arrested Cesar Carmen “Mexican Fred”
Macias, age 31 and Nicole Lynn Fox, age 25, both of Hemlock Road in
Burnsville. Macias was charged with selling and delivering Cocaine and
maintaining a vehicle to transport, keep and sell illegal drugs; he was
jailed under a $25 thousand secured bond. Fox was charged with felonious
aiding and abetting Macias in the illegal distribution of cocaine; she
was released after posting a $5 thousand secured bond. According to Lt.
Tom Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department, the two were arrested at a
residence off of Hemlock Road where they were visiting. Both Macias and
Fox are scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on June 5th. Farmer
said the arrests of Macias and Fox were the result of a continuing
regional investigation into the illegal possession and distribution of
drugs in Yancey and surrounding counties.
Growing & Growing
05/21/2007
“The Home of the
Perfect Christmas Tree” is growing & growing. Patti Jenson, Projector
Director of “The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” comments. (click
audio button above)
Taking a Hard Look
05/21/2007
It’s Budget time and
the Town of Burnsville is looking at ways to stop the recent trend of
dipping into their fund balance. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh
comments. (click audio button above)
A Shooting off NC 197 North
05/18/2007
One man was shot and
another man was jailed after a dispute between two local men on Tuesday
evening off of NC 197 North near Green Mountain Drive. After arriving on
the scene, Sheriff Banks learned that Glenn Dale McCurry, age 51, of Old
Mine Fork Road had been shot in the upper leg area by William Jerry
Laws, age 47 of a Highway 197 North Green Mountain address. Information
revealed the two men had previous disputes. On Tuesday Evening McCurry
had stopped Laws along Highway 197 and approached his vehicle and
reached inside and physically assaulted and threatened him. McCurry then
returned to his vehicle when Laws reportedly shot at McCurry with a 22
caliber pistol, striking him in the upper leg. Laws then left the scene.
McCurry was taken to Mission Hospitals in Asheville where he was treated
and released. At about 9:30 pm, Laws was located and taken into custody
by Sgt. John D. Robinson. A search of his Ford truck revealed the pistol
used in the shooting. Laws was taken into custody and charged with
felonious assault with a deadly weapon inflicting bodily injury, he was
jailed under a $12,500 secured bond. Laws is scheduled to appear in
Yancey District Court on May 30th. For his actions during the dispute,
criminal charges were issued against McCurry for assault and
communicating threats.
Septic Fee Refund Policy
Challenged
05/18/2007
Commissioners from
Avery, Mitchell and Yancey met with Department Heads of the Toe River
Health District Thursday to discuss funding by the County’s to the
health agency. Betty McKinney, the agency’s finance officer said TRHD
has a tough time staying close to the fund balance 8% mark as required
by the state, but because of the number of citizens not requesting a fee
refund during the recent septic fee rate reduction, about 40%, she feels
the agency will be very close. That bothered one of the Commissioner’s
and Mitchell Commissioners Hensley and Saylor said they too were unaware
of the condition that citizens would have to apply to get their money
back. Avery Commissioner Dan South comments. (click audio button above)
Dedication of Construction Trades
Jobs Training Facility
05/17/2007
After more than 4 years
of work and planning the dedication of the Construction Trades Job
Training Collaborative Facility will be held at Mountain Heritage High
School this Friday at 1:30 pm. The project is a collaborative effort of
Mitchell and Yancey Schools, Mayland Community College and Habitat for
Humanity. We ask Tim Hensley, the Director of Career-Technical
Education in the Yancey School System what students will be building at
the facility. The dedication is tomorrow at 1:30 pm at Mountain Heritage
High School. Tim Hensley Comments. (click audio button above)
Tipton’s Superintendent Contract
Not Renewed
05/16/2007
The Yancey County
School Board on Monday voted not renew the contract of Dr. Barbara
Tipton as Superintendent; and they offered her the position of
administrator, her contract as Superintendent will expire June 30th. The
board voted to offer a contract for the position of Superintendent to
Dr. Tom Little; he is currently an Associate Superintendent. Little has
been working for the school system as an associate Superintendent for
about 9 months, his contract will also expire June 30th. According to
School Board Attorney Donny Laws, the board has been in the process of
reviewing these positions for about two months. He said the board was
looking for new leadership, a new direction with new ideas. Laws said no
contracts have been signed and the board will probably go into immediate
negotiations. The vote by the Board was unanimous on motions made
concerning both Tipton & Little.
McDowell Deputy Case Will Go
Before Grand Jury
05/15/2007
A grand jury will
decide whether a deputy, who slammed into a car, killing a two year old,
will face charges. The accident happened February 6, 2007, on I-40 near
Old Fort. Preliminary Highway Patrol reports say McDowell County Deputy
Brandon Watson was going 120 miles per hour without lights and siren,
while responding to an emergency call. 2-year-old Kennedy Frye died and
three others in her family were seriously injured. District Attorney
Brad Greenway says a grand jury will see the final accident
reconstruction report later this month when it decides whether to indict
the deputy.
SBI Probe in Avery
05/15/2007
The SBI probe is
underway in Avery County concerning an incident Friday night May 11th
that involved a Banner Elk Police Officer who shot two men who were
trying to escape a road block in a stolen car. According to Banner Elk
Police Chief Bill Burleson, Officer Fred Sharder was forced to shoot to
protect himself and Avery Deputies as they were trying to stop the car.
The suspects, Nathaniel Rainbolt and Chystal Arnold from Tennessee were
treated and released from a Tennessee hospital and arrested on Monday.
Authorities said they could not talk about how many times the suspects
were shot but their injuries were not life threatening. Officer Sharder
is on paid administrative leave.
The Public Speaks
05/11/2007
The Mitchell County
Historic Courthouse Committee recently held a series of meetings
throughout the County to find out what the public wants to see in the
historic building in Bakersville. They said they want to keep the
courthouse a public building and it should be used the serve the county.
Daniel Barron, the Chairman of the Historic Courthouse Committee
comments on the project and cost. (click audio button above)
An Important Ingredient
05/10/2007
As the economy changes
North Carolina’s Community Colleges are becoming an important ingredient
for our future. NC Senator Elizabeth Dole comments. (click audio button
above)
Bear Killed in Madison
05/10/2007
A black bear was shot
and killed in the Little Pine Community of Madison County Tuesday
evening after the bear had flipped over several trash cans and a bird
feeder and then crashed through a screened in porch at the home of Susan
Eldridge. After several attempts at scaring the bear failed and after
waiting an hour for officials to arrive a neighbor shot and killed the
animal. Officials say the bear’s behavior indicates the bear was used to
humans and had probably been fed by someone in the past.
Resolution Requesting a
Presidential Disaster Declaration
05/09/2007
Mitchell Commissioners
have passed a resolution requesting a presidential disaster declaration
for the agriculture and agri-business industries in Mitchell County. The
number of acres affected and the estimated dollar loss in: Avery County;
595 acres and a loss of $2,362,700; McDowell County; 3,850 acres and a
loss of $7,600,570; Mitchell County; 596 acres and a loss of $196,751
and Yancey County 715 acres affected and a loss of $207 thousand. Jim
Saylor, Mitchell County Commissioner comments. (click audio button
above)
Madison County Death
Investigation
05/09/2007
Madison County deputies
are investigating the death of a woman in the Laurel Community; Captain
James Harwood said Detectives were called to the woman’s home shortly
after noon on Tuesday. At this point it is not a murder investigation,
but persons of interest have been questioned and the woman's body has
been sent to Chapel Hill for an autopsy, the SBI is assisting in the
case. The woman’s identity has not been released.
Three Men Charged with B & E
05/08/2007
Three Burnsville men
have been charged with breaking into a storage building. Billy Lee
Mitchell, age 43, Darrell Junior Mitchell, age 39 and Timothy Scott
Edwards, age 39 were taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies after they
were found removing personal property from Kidd’s Storage Building at
1862 Cane River School Road. Deputy L.R. Higgins was on routine patrol
Sunday April 22nd when he observed the three men at the storage
building. After questioning the three men it was determined they had no
authorization to be on the premises, the property they had removed was
returned to the owner and the three men were arrested and charged with
breaking and entering. They are scheduled to appear in Yancey District
Court on May 16th.
Dole’s Visit Spotlights “Home of
the Perfect Christmas Tree”
05/07/2007
Spruce Pine & Mitchell
County’s “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” project received a shot in
the arm Saturday. USDA Rural Development awarded the project a Rural
Business Enterprise Grant totaling $99 thousand. Also at the grant award
presentation was NC’s Senior Senator Elizabeth Dole.The grant award was
also a part of the unveiling of the new products crafted by 19 new
product makers, ranging from wooden puzzles and ornaments to children’s
clothing. The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree is an economic
development project based in Mitchell County. The project has operated a
retail store since November 2005 and launched its product catalog and
official website during the 2006 holiday season. The project received
national recognition when First Lady Laura Bush selected ornaments from
the project to be featured in the White House Christmas exhibition.
Patti Jenson, project director of "The Home of the Perfect Christmas
Tree," and NC Senator Elizabeth Dole comment. (click audio button above)
Man Killed in Lumber Yard
Accident
State Cuts Funds for Mitchell
Schools
05/04/2007
The State has decreased
funding for Mitchell county schools a little over $350 thousand for next
year. (Danny Young, Finance officer for Mitchell Schools explains why)
Meanwhile County Commission Chairman Phil Byrd said their funds are all
but gone thanks to a post-election spending spree of more than $5
million by the previous board for an early payoff of the County
Courthouse, pay raises for county employees and public school funding.
He said he’s glad the schools got the funding, but he didn’t like they
way it was done, he said he voted against last years budget because of
the way it was structured it would leave the county’s cash-flow at
almost nothing and that’s exactly what has happened. Commissioners will
address the schools funding woes during special budget meetings witch
will begin this month. Danny Young, the Finance Officer for the Mitchell
School System comments. (click audio button above)
Senator Dole to Visit SP
05/04/2007
The Home of the Perfect
Christmas Tree invites the public to an Open House on Saturday, May 5th
from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. The project will unveil new products
crafted by 19 new product makers, ranging from wooden puzzles and
ornaments to children’s clothing. Senator Elizabeth Dole will attend the
event to present a grant award from the United States Department of
Agriculture Rural Development. The presentation will begin at 11:00 A.M.
Other local, state and federal officials are scheduled to attend. The
Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree is an economic development project
based in Mitchell County, North Carolina. The project has operated a
retail store since November 2005 and launched its product catalog and
official website during the 2006 holiday season. The project received
national recognition when First Lady Laura Bush selected ornaments from
the project to be featured in the White House Christmas exhibition.
Smoke Coming from Fire in
Linville Gorge
05/03/2007
We’re getting calls
about smoke in our area; they’re saying it smells like something
burning. The smoke is coming from a fire in the Linville Gorge.
Firefighters continue to work at getting an upper hand on the fire that
has burned 700 acres since it started a week ago. The fire is burning in
rugged terrain in Pisgah National Forest just outside the Linville Gorge
Wilderness about five miles north of Lake James in Burke County.
Although the cause of the fire is still being investigated, the Forest
Service said it appears to have started from a campfire next to Pinnacle
Rock, just outside the wilderness. To repeat, the smoke in our area is
coming from a fire in the Linville Gorge.
Five Year Anniversary
05/03/2007
One of the most tragic
days in Mitchell County's history occurred five years ago today. On May
3rd, 2002, eight inmates died when fire broke out at the Jail in
Bakersville. Family members of the victims say they still have
questions. Investigators say a heater started the fire, but the official
SBI report on the fire remains sealed. The victim's families say
evidence from an independent investigator shows the fire may have been
intentionally set. They also believe that negligence may have played a
part in the inmates not being able to get out. The families are waiting
to hear whether they can move forward with a lawsuit against the state.
What was left of the old jail has since been torn down, and a new one
has never been built.
WCU Project 2020 Includes Yancey
Schools
05/02/2007
Western Carolina
University, in Cullowhee, is the recipient of a $267,477 grant from the
University Of North Carolina Division Of University-School Programs for
its project designed to integrate literacy, mathematics and technology
in elementary and middle school science education. The project, titled
"Project 2020: Preparing Future Ready Students for a Global Society," is
designed to strengthen scientific knowledge for teachers of students in
grades three through eight in the Asheville City and Yancey County
school districts. A combined total of 30 teachers, administrators and
instructional coaches from the two school districts will participate in
professional development activities to enhance the quality of science
education. Yancey County Officials said they hope to gain an additional
staff science-literacy coach, and science equipment and materials that
are much needed." The actual implementation of the project will begin
during the fall of 2007.
Annual Meeting Set for May 5th
05/02/2007
French Broad EMC’s
annual meeting is coming up this Saturday, at Madison High School, in
Marshall. An energy fair will highlight the afternoon activities, and at
3:30 pm, a great gospel music show featuring the Primitive Quartet
followed by the Kingsmen. The energy fair will feature area businesses
and organizations promoting energy conservation, efficiency and
alternatives to fossil fuel energy sources. The all-electric car, the
GEM, and other hybrid vehicles will be on display. The Madison County
Sheriff’s Department will hold their kickoff to a safe summer designed
for pre-school age through 5th grade children as a learning experience
as-well-as a lot of fun and entertainment. The brief business session
will follow the entertainment, French Broad General Manager Jeff Loven
will speak and members will elect four directors; nominated are Earle
Wise of Madison County, Gary Wilde of Buncombe County and Warren
Buchanan and Bill Riddle of Yancey County. Registration and the free
energy fair will open at 3 pm.
Eliminating Current Pay Plan
05/01/2007
At their April meeting,
Mitchell Commissioners, approved by a vote of 3-2, to contract with the
Management & Professional Services group to provide a comprehensive,
classification and pay study for Mitchell County. That contract has been
signed and they will begin their work as-soon-as possible. On Wednesday,
April 25th, Commissioners, in a special session, voted to eliminate the
current pay plan. The vote to eliminate the current pay plan was 3-1
with Commissioner Hensley casting the “no” vote. Commissioner Saylor did
not attend the meeting. The study look at the job description for each
of the county employees and make sure they are in the proper pay grade
and that their job description fits the job they are currently doing.
They will also update the County’s personnel policy with current federal
and state regulations. County Attorney Hal Harrison said, considering
the recent lawsuit the County settled with employees from the Department
of Social Services, he would recommend the contract because he felt the
wording of the current personnel policy could lead to more litigation.
Commission Chairman Phil Byrd comments. (click audio button above)
P.O. Box 744
