Trying to Get Drought Relief Funding

07/30/2007 

NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler visited Haywood, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties on July 19th and 20th to view the impact of the late spring cold and the drought in theses Counties. Last Tuesday, July 24th Commissioner Troxler held a meeting of his newly formed task force to deal with the conditions that have caused local farmers to lose about 30% of their first-cut hay. Troxler says the next step is to give Governor Easley the information that has been put together by his task force. The early estimate is that $250 thousand is needed to help the hay needs in the region and that more accurate data is being put together by his task force. Troxler comments. (click audio button above)

Meeting Goal

07/27/2007 

The focus recently on the “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” store not getting $129 thousand from Washington to renovate and expand their store to accommodate more product and space for more product makers has overshadowed the fact that the store has doubled sales every month over last year. Patti Jenson is the Director of the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Project which is designed to create jobs, stimulate economic development in the community and provide scholarships for Mitchell High school. Jenson says the project is meeting those goals. Jenson comments. (click audio button above)

More Charges for a Yancey County Man

07/26/2007 

A Yancey County man, who has been in the custody of the Yancey County Jail since January 2007 for Sexual Assault charges, now faces more charges and his bond has been raised. Gregory David Young 37, of Granny's Lane, Burnsville, N.C. was initially taken into custody for Sexual Assault and Molestation charges in January 2007 by Lt. Thomas L. Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department. Since that time Young has remained in custody under a $60,000.00 secured bond. On Friday July 13, 2007 Young was served with additional arrest warrants by Lt. Farmer charging him with 4 Felony counts of Statutory Rape/Sex Offenses and 4 counts of Felonious Indecent Liberties with a Minor Child. An additional bond of $ 90,000.00 was set for Young bringing his total bond to $ 150.000.00 secured. Young made a court appearance in Superior Court earlier this month. His next court date was continued until a future date.

Mayor and Manager

07/26/2007 

Newly appointed Mitchell County Manager Chuck Vines, who is scheduled to begin his duties on August first, will be allowed to stay on as Mayor of Bakersville through December. Vines said he wants to stay on as Mayor for a few more months to help the new mayor and council with several grants they’re working and to purchase an emergency vehicle. County Attorney Hal Harrison researched the issue and state statues indicate a person is allowed to hold one appointed position and one elected position. Mitchell Commission Chairman Phil Byrd said Commissioners know how important Vines has been, and is, to the town of Bakersville and the County wants to do whatever is necessary to help the town during this transition. As for Vines current fulltime job with Buck Stove, he will leave them when his duties as County Manager begin August 1st.

SP Discusses a Master Plan

07/25/2007 

Spruce Pine’s Town Council met this week and the subject of a “master plan” was discussed. Town Manager Richard Canipe explains. (click audio button above)

Former Yancey Teacher Sentenced

07/24/2007 

A former Yancey County School teacher, Phillip Deyton was found guilty on Monday of inappropriately touching some of his students at Clearmont Elementary school. A judge found Deyton guilty on 25 counts of assault on a female; he had previously been found guilty of 3 counts in the same investigation. Deyton received a suspended sentence, 30 days in jail, 3 years unsupervised probation and a 100 dollar fine. But his attorney immediately appealed, and because it is under appeal he doesn't serve any of the sentences now. Deyton will head to superior court on September 11th.

Explosives Stolen In Madison County

07/24/2007 

Authorities are trying to find out who stole a large amount of explosives from a French Broad Electric storage facility sometime between last Thursday and early Monday. Also taken were blasting caps and copper. Authorities are saying they're concerned if the thieves realize how dangerous the explosives are and there are concerned they stole the explosives with the purpose of using them. The Madison County Sheriff's Office, Federal investigators and ATF are working on the case.

New faces on the November ballot

07/24/2007 

The municipal elections in November will bring new faces….
 

In Bakersville Sue Ledford, Gregory Alan Morgan, and incumbent Charles Nash have filed for 2 council seats. The winners will serve 2-years.
 

In Burnsville 4 candidates are running for 2-seats which are 4-year terms and one candidate is running for an unexpired term. The candidates for the 4-year terms are Judy Buchanan, William Carter Fox, incumbent Doyce G McClure and Thomas W Surber. Incumbent Charles Gillespie is not seeking another term. And Frank McFadden has filed for the 2-year unexpired term of Heather Hockaday/ David Grindstaff.
 

In Spruce Pine candidates have filed for Mayor and 2 council seats: Incumbent Mayor Wes Foy will not run for another term and the only candidate to file for mayor is Ralph Edward Hise Jr. For Council, four candidates are running for 2 seats. The candidates are incumbents Rocky Buchanan & Phillip Hise, and John Pendley Jr. and Tommy K Westall. Winners of both elections will serve 2-years.
 

Voter registration deadline is October 12th and the election is November 6th.

State Ag Commissioner Visits Area Counties

07/23/2007

State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler was in Western North Carolina Friday to assess the drought conditions. He says farmers may not have enough hay to feed their herds this winter. Troxler also says trout farmers may be in trouble too. He says trout farms are dependent on cool water temperatures and with low water and heat this can cause disease in the trout. NC is one of the leading producers of trout in the nation. Commissioner Troxler comments. (click audio button above)

Yancey Drug Arrests

07/23/2007 

Yancey County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Dudley Donald Deyton 41, and Katrina Lavonne Silvers 28, both of 153 Moonshine Mountain Road, Burnsville, N.C. on drug charges. According to Lt. Thomas L. Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department the arrests were made after a search of the residence where Deyton and Silvers reside revealed the presence of Methamphetamine, Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

Both were charged with one count of Felonious Possession of Methamphetamine, one Count of Felonious Maintaining a Dwelling Place to Keep & Store Drugs, one count of Possessing Marijuana and one count of Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. After appearing before a Magistrate both subjects were released from custody after posting $ 4,800.00 secured bonds. Deyton and Silvers are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on July 24, 2007.

Close to Goal

07/20/2007 

Mitchell County’s “Relay for Life’s” goal this year is $65 thousand. Earlier this week Chairperson Robin Buchanan said they’re at about $58 thousand and are very close to reaching their goal. The Relay for Life Fundraising drive lasts until August 31st. Robin Buchanan, Chairperson for Mitchell County’s “Relay for Life,” talks about where the funds raised go. (click audio button above)

Yancey On Board

07/20/2007 

Yancey Commissioners have voted to be a part of the entrepreneurial Community program sponsored by Advantage West. John Renfro, Yancey County Commission Chairman comments.  (click audio button above)

Sentencing May Come Monday

07/19/2007 

According to the DA’s office a trial date has been set for Phillip Deyton, the former Yancey teacher accused of inappropriately touching some of the female students at Clearmont Elementary. His new court date is now set for Monday, July 23rd He was arrested and charged in January 2006. He was found guilty in January 2007 and informed sources say its possible Deyton will be sentenced at this time on 3 counts of assault; this will be followed by a new trial on additional assault charges.

Suspect in Court

07/19/2007 

A Buladean man accused of murdering a neighbor was in Court Friday. The purpose of the hearing was to determine if Kelly Shane Whitson, age 33, had legal  representation. Whitson is accused of shooting Gary Harrell, Jr. age 25, on July 2nd. Lt. Kip Aldridge of the Sheriff’s Department said the victim was shot & killed on his carport outside his home on Highway 226 North. According to Sheriff Ken Fox, the Harrells and Whitson’s had been friends age 25 were friends, but apparently the Harrell's were trying to break-up the friendship. Fox said the shooting was “just senseless. Whitson is being held in the Rutherford County Jail without bond. His next court date is scheduled for July 31st.

A Second High School in McDowell—Could Be

07/19/2007 

A second high School in McDowell—could be. The McDowell County Board of Education has voted to build another high school. Currently McDowell High has between 1,300 and 1,350 students…by adding another school, plus a few other changes, McDowell would have two smaller schools with enrollments between eight and nine hundred students. According to officials, the next move is to talk with the County and about the cost involved in building a new school.

Disappointed, But Will Move On

07/18/2007 

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives denied funding for WNC’s Christmas tree industry and Spruce Pine’s “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” program. Representative Jeff Flake, Republican from Arizona got enough votes to deny $129 thousand for an economic program tied to Mitchell County’s Christmas Tree Industry. Flake said “If this project is already successful, does it still need taxpayer assistance?" Patti Jenson, Project Director of the “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” says they’re disappointed and will keep looking to other funding sources. Last year, the some 50 product makers brought around $500 thousand to Mitchell County’s economy. Patti Jenson, Project Director comments. (click audio button above)

Dangerous Dogs

07/18/2007 

Yancey Commissioners talked about dangerous animals, specifically dogs attacking citizens at their July meeting. John Renfro, Chairman of the Yancey County Commission comments. (click audio button above)

Mitchell Hires New Manager

07/17/2007 

Mitchell County has hired Chuck Vines, the current Mayor of Bakersville, as their new Manager. Phil Byrd, Chairman of the Mitchell County Commission comments. (click audio button above)

2 Out-of- 3 Affected by Cancer

07/17/2007 

Mitchell County’s “Relay for Life” was held on Friday at Mitchell High School. The annual event is a fund raising effort for the American Cancer Society. Robin Buchanan, this year’s chairperson says a lot of people work very hard for this event. One of the walkers in this years “relay” was Tonya Neas, whose daughter Sejal was the honorary survivor for this year’s event, she says in one word the relay is "hope." The goal for this year’s relay is $65 thousand. Buchanan and Neas comment. (click audio button above)

Working to Help Newdale VFD

07/16/2007 

Yancey Commissioners got an update from members of the Newdale Fire Department during their July meeting; the future widening of highway 19E is forcing the group to find a new building. John Renfro, Chairman on the Yancey County Commission comments. (click audio button above)

Working to Keep Adult Daycare Open

07/13/2007 

WAMY Adult Daycare in Yancey County has announced plans to close in two months because of continued financial losses. Yancey Commissioners say they will do everything they to keep the program going. County Manager Michele Lawhern comments. (click audio button above)

Christmas tree Funding Denied

07/13/2007 

The U.S. House of Representatives has denied funding for WNC’s Christmas tree industry and Spruce Pine’s “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” program. Representative Jeff Flake, Republican from Arizona got enough votes to deny $129 thousand for an economic program tied to Mitchell County’s Christmas Tree Industry. Flake said “If this project is already successful, does it still need taxpayer assistance?" The request for the funding came from 10th district Republican Representative Patrick McHenry. The funding would have helped expand the Spruce Pine “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” store. The program was started 2 years ago to revive an economy hurt by manufacturing job losses.

Candidate Filing, So Far

07/12/2007 

Filing is underway for municipal elections scheduled for November 6th. In Bakersville, two council seats are available, one seat is currently held by Charlie Nash, the other is vacant and so far no one has qualified for either seat. In Burnsville, a total of three seats are available, two are now held by Charles Gillispie and Doyce McClure and one seat is vacant for the unexpired term of Heather Hockaday who resigned after being sworn in on December 5, 2005 and was replaced by David Grindstaff who resigned on July 5, 2007. So far, two people have filed for the Burnsville seats; they are incumbent Doyce McClure and newcomer Thomas Surber. In Spruce Pine, voters will be choosing a mayor and two council seats. So far, Ralph Hise has filed for Mayor. For council, three candidates have filed for 2 seats; they are Rocky Buchanan, an incumbent, Phillip Hise, an incumbent and Tommy Westall. Filing deadline is July 20th at noon, voter registration deadline is October 12th and the election is November 6th.

Arden Man Charged in Yancey

07/11/2007 

Yancey Deputies have arrested Joseph John Forrester, age 23, of Arden North Carolina and charged him with one count of felonious larceny of a motor vehicle. The arrest was made by Lt. Tom Farmer of Friday July 6th after it was revealed Forrester had stolen a 1996 Jeep Cherokee. According to Farmer, the accused was visiting friends in the Seven Mile Ridge Community when he allegedly stole the vehicle. The jeep was recovered but had been wrecked and was damaged. A background check on Forrester revealed he was wanted by Greensboro Police for robbery, larceny, trespassing and weapons offenses. He was taken to the Yancey County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on July 24th. Farmer said Forrester will likely be taken to Greensboro where warrants for his arrests can be served.

Another Arrest in the Harrell Murder Case

07/10/2007 

Mitchell County authorities have arrested the wife of the man accused of murdering 25 year old Gary Wayne Harrell Jr. on Monday July 3rd. Holly Gortney Whitson, age 29, of a Lower Spring Creek Road address in the Buladean Community was arrested Monday night. She has been charged with becoming an accessory after the fact to the felony of murder. Court documents state she did knowing assist her husband, Kelly Shane Whitson to escape, by giving money and telling him to run. She was placed in the Rutherford County Jail under a $25 thousand secured bond. The case is still under investigation and according to Lt. Kip Aldridge, more arrests cannot be ruled out. Kelly Shane Whitson remains in the Rutherford County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in Court this Friday, July 13th.

Deyton Sentencing Date Still Not Set

07/10/2007 

The sentencing date for former Yancey County teacher Phillip Deyton has been delayed and according to the DA’s office no date has been set. His sentencing was scheduled for earlier this month, but none of the defense lawyers or the judge was there. Deyton was found guilty in January of three counts of assault. He was accused of inappropriately touching some of the female students. We spoke with the DA’s office Monday and were told they are trying to find a date that all parties can agree on, but nothing has been set. Deyton was arrested and charged in January 2006
 

3-2 Vote to Hire Cooper

07/10/2007 

Mitchell Commissioners voted 3-2 last week to hire Dr. Gary Cooper, an expert in land-use management, to bring together the technical planning and to facilitate those services for the County’s proposed Sub-Division Ordinance and to conduct community meetings to find out what the citizens want or do not want in a land-use management plan. Voting to hire Dr. Cooper were Commissioners Byrd, Sparks and Phillips, voting not to hire Cooper were Commissioners Hensley and Saylor. Commissioner Saylor said hiring Cooper is a waste of money (Saylor audio ) Commission Chairman Phil Byrd said the County needs Cooper’s expertise (Byrd audio) (click audio button above)

Grindstaff resigns Council Seat

07/10/2007 

Burnsville Councilman David Grindstaff resigned last week saying his demands at work are becoming greater and he feels he cannot devote the time necessary to be a councilman. Grindstaff had missed several monthly and special called meetings and never gave Council any reason why, so Council finally ask Police Chief Gaylan McMahan to deliver a letter to Grindstaff asking him to resign. Grindstaff was defeated by the current Mayor Danny McIntosh in the 2005 Town election but was named by Council to fill the unexpired term of Heather Hockaday who resigned immediately after being sworn in on December 6, 2005. The Council seat held by Grindstaff will be up for election to fill out the unexpired term held by Hockaday and then Grindstaff. The election will be November 6th.

Linville Gorge Fires Contained

07/10/2007 

Those fires in Linville Gorge are now contained. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop-up any hot spots that may pose threat to public safety. “Mountain to the Sea” trail south of Table Rock Picnic area to include the Chimneys remain closed. Also, sections of the eastern side of the Linville River to Shortoff Mountain remain closed. Areas open include the western side including Wiseman’s View, as-well-as the North End of the Gorge. The threat of new fires continues and the public is reminded that fireworks are not allowed on the Pisgah National Forest. The public should be careful with campfires and make sure certain fire is never left unattended and is completely out when leaving the camp site.

Mitchell Commissioners vote 3-2 against Sub-Division Ordinance

07/09/2007 

Mitchell Commissioners discussed adopting a sub-division ordinance at their July meeting last week. Basically a sub-division ordinance would allow for the regulation of developments, including adequate roads for emergency equipment, water & sewer capabilities and the size of lots. Commissioners voted 3-2 against adopting the current document before the board. Commissioners Byrd, Sparks and Phillips opposed the motion and Commissioners Hensley and Saylor voted for the measure. Commissioner Saylor comments on why he voted for the ordinance, Commission Chairman comments on why he voted against the ordinance. (click audio button above)

Candidate Filing Ends July 20th

07/09/2007 

The Town of Burnsville will hold an election on November 6th to elect 3 council members. Candidate filing for this election is open now and will continue through July 20th. Two of the available seats are full 4-year terms and the other is an unexpired 2-year term. There will be two separate filings; one for the two 4-year terms and another for the 2-year unexpired term. For more information call the Yancey County Board of Elections at 682-3950

Mandated Programs

07/06/2007 

Mandated programs from the state continue to grip local government purse strings. John Renfro, Chairman of the Yancey County Commission explains. (click audio button above)

Update on Historic Courthouse Project

07/05/2007 

Mitchell Commissioners got an update on the Historic Mitchell Courthouse renovation project from at their July meeting on Monday. Jim Saylor, Mitchell County Commissioner comments. (click audio button above)

Deadly Shooting in Buladean

07/04/2007 

A Buladean man is dead and his neighbor is charged with his murder. On Monday night, Mitchell County 911 received a call of a shooting victim at 13847 Highway 226 North. When officers arrived on the scene they found 25-year old Gary Wayne Harrell Jr. with a gunshot wound to the head area. At about 10:20 pm, dispatchers alerted Area County’s to be on the lookout for a suspect who had fled the scene. At about 10:52 pm, Avery County deputies stopped and detained Kelly Shane Whitson, age 33, near Elk Park. He was returned to Mitchell County and as a result of the investigation at the scene and interviews with the suspect, he was charged with murder. According to Lt. Kip Aldridge, of the Mitchell Sheriff’s Office, Harrell & Whitson were neighbors and had been arguing for a week of more, he said Harrell was shot outside his home. No other details were released. Whitson is being held in the Rutherford County Jail without bond. A court appearance is scheduled for July 13th. Aldridge said evidence will be turned over to the District Attorney. This is first homicide in Mitchell County in 4-years.

Bizarre Accident in McDowell

07/04/2007 

A Florida man was killed Tuesday afternoon in McDowell County in a bizarre accident. Walter Lint, age 67 was traveling southbound on U.S. 221 toward Marion after he and his wife had visited Blowing Rock when a Toyota van, in the northbound lane was hit by a deer. The crash sent the 150 pound deer airborne into the windshield of Lint’s vehicle, a Chevrolet Tracker, killing him instantly. His wife was taken to a hospital; she was treated for minor injuries. According to State Trooper J.P. Contas, the deer hit Lint’s vehicle at the top of the car and caved everything in. No other details are available.

Restoring Funding

07/03/2007 

Yancey County’s budget for 2007-2008 restores funding to some non-profit agencies!! John Renfro, Yancey Commission Chairman explains. (click audio button above)

New Contract with SP Fire Dept & Rescue

07/03/2007 

Spruce Pine Council meet is special session last week to consider a new contract with the Spruce Pine Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Changes from the existing contract include a clause allowing for paid or contract members of the fire department as needed; an increase in fees to an amount equal to the amount generated from a levy of $0.08 per $100.00 of ad valorem taxes levied and collected by the Town of Spruce Pine on real and business personal property; a continuation of housing and utilities for the fire department until the contract expires or the fire department relocates; and an agreement that fire department personnel will test 20% of the town’s fire hydrants for a fee of $15.00 per hydrant. The new contract was approved by unanimous vote.

Getting Control

07/02/2007 

Yancey County adopted its budget for 2007-2008 last week. The total of $18, 250,344.51 is almost a million and a half lower that the 2006-2007 budget. And the tax rate remains at $.50 per $100 assessed valuation. County Chairman John Renfro says the budget reflects their efforts to get the county’s financial condition under control. (click audio button above)

Drought Statewide

07/02/2007 

Dry weather is now affecting every corner of the state; Governor Easley is calling all citizens in the state to do their part in conserving water until the state receives enough rainfall to replenish the ground water supply. Spruce Pine remains under phase one water shortage alert. Richard Canipe, Spruce Pine Town Manager comments. (click audio button above)