Firefighters Injured

12/31/2007 

Fire destroyed a single story home on Mashburn Branch Road in McDowell County early Friday morning. Two Firefighters were injured when bricks fell from a wall hitting them. Travis Piercy of Old Fort and Craig Walker of Sugar Hill are okay. Fire crews did not find anyone at the home when they arrived. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Charged with Selling Drugs 

12/28/2007   

Yancey County Deputies have arrested Dorothy Ann Myers, age 45, of Blue Ridge Motel, in Burnsville and charged her with numerous drug offenses including selling and delivering Cocaine, selling and delivering Methamphetamine and maintaining a dwelling place to keep and sell drugs. Myers is in the Yancey County Jail under a $ 29,000.00 secured bond. And Yancey County Deputies have arrested Tammy Mae Ayers, age 30, of Blue Ridge Motel, in Burnsville and charged her with drug possession and maintaining a dwelling place to keep illegal drugs. She was released from Jail after posting a $ 6,000.00 secured bond. Both Myers and Ayers are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on January 25, 2008.

Mountain Lawmaker Charged with DWI 

12/27/2007   

State Representative Phillip Frye is facing a charge of DWI. Spruce Pine officers found Frye intoxicated after he wrecked his vehicle on Christmas Eve. According to the DWI citation he blew a point-18. That is more than twice the legal limit. Frye was released on a 500 dollar unsecured bond. Frye’s Office released this statement Thursday afternoon: I hit a parked vehicle on Reservoir Road in Spruce Pine, close to my home, on Monday evening, Dec. 24th, 2007. I received a DWI ticket for this incident. I am extremely sorry this event happened. It was the first in my life, and I assure you it will be the last. I am doing an assessment with High County Counseling, and will do whatever their evaluation determines. I take complete responsibility for this incident, and will plead guilty, and abide by the ruling of the court. I apologize to the people of the 84th District, ask your forgiveness, and ask for your prayers for me and my family. A statement from Phillip Frye.Spruce Pine Police Chief Coy Hollifield said Frye's car struck an unoccupied car and no one was injured Frye is currently serving his third term in the General Assembly. The republican represents Avery, Caldwell, Mitchell and Yancey Counties.

Mitchell-Yancey Reach Agreement

12/27/2007 

Mitchell & Yancey Counties have reached agreement on joint operation of the Landfill. John Renfro, Chairman of the Yancey County Commission comments. The landfill is on Landfill Road off hwy 80 in Micaville near the Mitchell/Yancey line.(click audio button above)

Recognizing Gillespie

12/27/2007 

Burnsville’s Town Council has recognized long time council member Charles Gillespie who chose not to seek another term during the recent municipal election. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments.(click audio button above)

FEMA Provides Nearly $900,000 to NC Fire Departments

12/26/2007 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $860,403 in Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) funds to local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations in the state of North Carolina. In our region “South Toe Fire & Rescue Inc.” has been awarded $60,325 for Operations and Safety. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles. Tony Laws, the Chief of the South Toe Fire Department, says the grant will be used to buy breathing devices needed by the firefighters. This latest round of grants will push the total to over 3,000 fire departments across the country who has received funding thus far through the 2007 fire grants. Laws comments. (click audio button above)

Burnsville Woman Charged with Selling Drugs 

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Thelma Hensley Massey 61, of Simms Fork Road in Burnsville, and charged her with numerous felony offenses including the sell and delivery of illegal drugs, receiving of stolen property and weapons violations. Warrants for the arrest of Massey were obtained by Lt. Thomas L. Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department after a lengthy investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs from her residence located at the end of Simms Fork Road. Massey was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and served with warrants charging her with one count of Receiving Stolen Property, one count of Selling and Delivering Oxycodone and eight counts of Possessing Firearms Being a Convicted Felon. Massey was placed in the Buncombe County Jail at the request of Yancey County authorities and is being held there under a $66,000.00 secured bond. Massey is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on January 25, 2008.

Mitchell Murder Investigation

12/18/2007 

A Mitchell County man has been charged with killing his live-in girlfriend, at their mobile home just outside Spruce Pine. 53-year-old Fred Willard is accused of murder, in the death of 49-year-old Marsha Welsch. She was reported missing in late November by her son. Deputies used a search warrant to enter her home at the Crabtree Acres Mobile Home Park on Monday afternoon, where they found her body. Neighbors say the couple had a history of fighting and that the law had responded to their home in the past, but he is still shocked that Welsch had been murdered. Willard is being held in the Rutherford County Jail. The body has been sent to Chapel Hill for a autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Burnsville Man Faces Kidnapping Charges

12/18/2007 

Yancey County Deputies have arrested Alberto Vazquez-Ramos 23, of Oak Hill Drive, in Burnsville, and charged him with Second Degree Kidnapping, Going Armed to the Terror of the People, Assault by Pointing a Gun and Assault with a Deadly Weapon. According to Lt. Thomas L. Farmer the arrest was made after authorities with the Sheriff's Department and District Attorneys office obtained statements and gathered evidence in an incident where it is alleged that Ramos held an adult female at gunpoint and instructed her to drive him from one location off of Pine Swamp Road to another residence located off of Jacks Creek Road on the evening of December 12, 2007. Ramos is also alleged to have fired the weapon in his possession in the presence of the female as he physically assaulted and threatened her. Ramos was taken into custody after being located at the victim’s residence after she escaped and sought help from friends who took her to the Sheriff's Department to notify authorities about the incident. Lt. Farmer said the female victim and Ramos had previously been in a dating relationship. Ramos is now in the Yancey County Jail where he remains under a $ 15,000.00 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on January 25, 2008.

McDowell School Administrator Killed

12/18/2007 

McDowell County Assistant School Superintendent Bill Sugg, died after a car accident in Murphy Friday evening. His wife, Judy was also in the car and suffered minor injuries. School administrators say Sugg's dedication to the students of the county will be missed. He leaves behind a wife, daughter and son. A funeral service for Sugg is scheduled today at 4PM at the Westmoreland Funeral home.

MHHS Student Dies after Wreck

Spruce Pine Man Killed in Head-On Crash

12/14/2007 

A head-on crash on Highway 19E in front of B & W Motors claimed a life last night. Trooper Vaughan tells us the incident is still under investigation, but he did release the names of those involved in the crash. Brian Lee Singleton, age 35 of Pine Run Ridge Road in SP died, he was driving a 1995 Ford Aspire. The other driver is identified as Alan Dale Murdock, age 53, of Staggerweed Road in Bakersville, he was taken to Mission Hospital, and his condition is not known. He was driving a 1992 Ford Escort. Mitchell Communications tells us emergency crews from Mitchell EMS, Spruce Pine & Parkway Fire Departments responded to the scene. The deadly crash occurred around 5:45 PM.

Dipping into the Fund Balance

12/14/2007 

Burnsville Council received the Town’s audit for 2006-2007 at their December meeting, and their auditor Cody McKinney cautioned the board about using fund balance money to balance the budget. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments. (click audio button above)

More Jobs for Old Fort

12/13/2007 

McDowell County has received another economic shot in the arm. In late November, through NC grant programs, PRC Industries of New York announced they will locate in Old Fort and will invest $3 million and create 288 jobs over the next 5 years. And on Tuesday December 11th, through NC grant programs, Janesville Acoustics, a fiber insulation company, announced it will expand its Old Fort facility creating 29 jobs and invest $250 thousand. We spoke with McDowell County Manager Chuck Abernathy about why a company chooses a location. (click audio button above)

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

12/12/2007 

In February, 2 year Kennedy Frye of Bakersville was killed when a McDowell County Deputy crashed his cruiser into the rear of a vehicle in which the little girl was a passenger, also in the vehicle was her mother Kimberly Frye and her sister Katherine Frye, they were severely injured in the crash. The collision occurred on Interstate 40 near Old Fort. The deputy, Brandon Watson resigned after the incident, in August he pleaded no contest in McDowell County Superior Court to misdemeanor death by vehicle and reckless driving. He was sentenced to a suspended jail term and probation; he lost his drivers license for a year and was ordered to perform one hundred hours of community service. On November 25th, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the family against Watson and McDowell Sheriff Jackie Turner. The lawsuit claims Watson’s gross negligence caused Kennedy Frye’s death. The girl’s mother Kimerley Frye suffered traumatic brain injury, collapsed lungs and fractures to her face, jaw and ribs. Later this month she is scheduled to undergo facial reconstruction that could cost $230 thousand. She has been unable to return to work. And according to the lawsuit, Katherine Frye has suffered permanent scarring on her legs and head and has experienced physical pain and mental suffering. The suit seeks a jury trial and money to cover funeral expenses for Kennedy Frye and medical bills for her mother and sister. A specific amount of money is not being sought. David Frye said medical bills have reached $1.5 million and it’s still unclear how much of that will be covered by insurance.

New Mayor in Spruce Pine

12/12/2007 

Spruce Pine has a new Mayor, Ralph Hise, Jr., was sworn in Monday evening along with incumbent council members Phillip Hise and Rocky Buchanan. The three were elected to serve on council in November. Spruce Pine’s Council meets the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month at 5:30 pm, at Town Hall. Mayor Hise comments. (click audio button above)

Disseminating Harmful Material to Minor 

12/11/2007   

A Madison High School teacher has been suspended with pay after deputies say he showed a student a pornographic video clip on Friday. On Sunday, investigators with the Madison County Sheriff's Office arrested 29-year-old Chad Draper, a PE teacher and varsity football coach at the school. He is charged with one count of disseminating harmful material to a minor after they say he showed a 17-year old female student athlete a cell phone video clip of two people having sex. Madison Sheriff’s officials say based on their investigation it simply was a case of poor judgment and his realizes that his actions were inappropriate and he really offered no explanation of why he did it. Draper was released on an unsecured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 31st. Investigators took possession of the cell phone. Deputies say Draper has a prior record including traffic offenses and domestic violence.

Funding Request Approved

12/11/2007 

Mitchell Commissioners have approved a funding request from the Toe River Health District. James Buckner, Chairman of the TRHD Board of Health, says the most recent population estimates indicate Avery and Yancey Counties each have a population of approximately 18-thousand and Mitchell County has approximately 16-thousand residents. He says the cost of providing health services in the three counties are essentially the same as each health department is small and operates with a minimal staff. Avery and Yancey have committed a minimum of $250 thousand to support the health district while Mitchell has committed just over $208-thousand. He said in order for the Mitchell County Health Department to adequately protect the public health of the citizens of the county it is essential that Mitchell County fully fund their health department. Chuck Vines, Mitchell County Manager comments. (click audio button above)

A Landmark Destroyed by Fire-More Info

12/10/2007   

A landmark in the area since the early 1950’s, Joe Howell’s Store on Highway 19E at Ingalls, in Avery County, was destroyed by fire Friday morning. The call came in around 4:00 AM. As-many-as 60 firefighters from Crossnore, Elk Park, Frank, Green Valley, Linville, Mitchell County and Newland fire departments all came to assist the scene and help with traffic. The fire had already burned most of the store by the time firefighters had arrived. They had to deal with getting water from the river to the fire scene, a distance of about a mile and they had to deal with icy roads. Highway 19E was blocked for at least four hours. Although no official cause of the fire has been released, investigators have indicated a wood stove may have been the cause. The landmark business had been in the Howell family since 1953 and had become a gathering place for residents in Avery-Mitchell area. The business was sold in 2003 a few years after Joe died. Things didn't work out and the building had been empty until about six month ago when Randall, Joe's son and his mother Nell Howell re-opened the business with an indoor flea market and a woodworking shop. Randall Howell said both businesses were doing well and people were excited once again to come by and "hang-out." He said folks in the community had said they had missed the activity there and were glad to have the business open again.

New Council, More Responsibilities

12/10/2007   

The three Burnsville Council members elected by voters in November to serve on the Town Board were sworn in Thursday. Doyce McClure was sworn in for a four year term, Judy Buchanan was sworn in for a four year term and Frank McFadden was sworn in to serve a two year. Following the swearing in ceremony, the new Council held their December meeting. Judy Buchanan, a political newcomer was elected to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem. And a resolution was approved giving council members more responsibilities than in the past. Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments. (click audio button above)

Taylor Will Not Run

12/10/2007   

In an exclusive interview with News 13 in Asheville, former Republican Congressman Charles Taylor says he will not run for Congress. He made this announcement at his 16th Annual Holiday Dinner at the Grove Park Inn. Key note speaker at the event was Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Taylor says his annual dinner continues to grow each year, and this year was no exception. Saturday's event hosted 1200 at the Grove Park Inn, a record in Taylor's 16 years. The current Congressman from the 11th District is Democrat Heath Shuller.

Local Landmark Destroyed in Fire

Back on Front Burner

12/07/2007 

Recreation is a top priority with Yancey County Commissioners and with the citizens of the county too. At their November meeting, Commissioners renewed their option on property in the Whitt Bottoms area of West Yancey. This property, just over 27 acres, is being looked at by the County as a site for a recreation complex: John Renfro, the Chairman of the Yancey County Commission comments. (click audio button above)

Asphalt Plant Permit Approved

12/06/2007 

Saying he is required to base permitting decisions on whether applicants have shown they can meet state and federal air quality regulations, Keith Overcash, the Director of the North Carolina Division of Air Quality has approved the permit for an asphalt plant on Chalk Mountain in Spruce Pine. The permit was approved November 30th. But as Mitchell County Manager Chuck Vines says there are specific steps that need to taken before the plant can operate. The DAQ held a meeting on October 23rd to get public comment and speaker after speaker voiced opposition to the location of the plant, most thought the plant was too close to schools and a nursing home. According to officials with Young & McQueen there is no date set yet for the plant to begin operations. Mitchell County Manager Chuck Vines comments. (click audio button above)

Burnsville Swears in Council Members

12/06/2007 

Burnsville’s newly elected council members will be sworn in tonight at 6 pm. Serving four year terms will be Judy Buchanan and Doyce McClure, Frank McFadden will serve a two year term. Following the swearing in, the Council will hold their December business meeting.

Searching for Additional Funding

12/05/2007 

School systems are always looking for additional funding: Dr Tom Little, the Superintendent of the Yancey County School System comments. (click audio button above)

Yancey Needs New Senior Center

12/04/2007 

Seniors and citizens interested in helping seniors met with Yancey Commissioners last month to talk about the possibility of a new Senior Center: Yancey Commission Chairman John Renfro comments. (click audio button above)

Mailing Deadlines

12/04/2007 

There are deadlines you need to know about if you want Christmas presents delivered by the 25th. Military items bound for Iraq and Afghanistan need to ship out by today-December 4th to get there by Christmas. If they're headed anywhere else overseas they should go out by December 11th. As for all other holiday mail, the regular parcel post deadline is December 15. First class and priority mail needs to be postmarked by the 20th, and you can put off express mail until the 22nd. On average the Postal Service processes 703 million pieces of mail a day, but from now until Christmas it will sort through one billion pieces of mail a day. The busiest mailing day is expected to be December 17th.

Watch Out for Scams

12/03/2007 

With the holiday season here, area Law enforcement is warning all citizens to be aware of scams. Some of the scams making the rounds theses days:

Medicare Representative Scams- Individuals posing as Medicare representatives arrive at elderly citizen homes wanting to review financial and insurance information. This is a scam!! Medicare does not send representatives to people's homes to review coverage, changes, or publications. Citizens should be cautious of any visitor claiming they represent Medicare. Medicare does not telemarket or sell benefits door to door. This should be an immediate tip-off, this is a scam!!

Delinquent Account Scams- Criminals pretend to be collecting overdue accounts. Recently citizens have received telephone calls from a telephone number traced back to the State of California with a caller who is posing as an account representative from a financial institution, telephone service provider or auto insurance company and telling citizens that they must pay an arrearage immediately or face termination of services. The individual pressures consumers for their credit card numbers so their supposedly past-due bills can be paid. This is nothing but a scam to obtain personal financial and credit card information so the scammer can illegally obtain money.

This is a time of year when thieves take advantage of people whose attention is diverted by holiday shopping, gift giving, stress and other factors, Mitchell Sheriff Ken Fox and Yancey Sheriff Kermit Banks hope that each citizen will pay careful attention to avoid falling victims to scams and identity theft.

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This page was last updated on Wednesday, 02 January 2008 02:52 PM