Parkway Announces Detour Routes

02/29/2008 

In January it was announced the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed at Craggy Gardens indefinitely after a geological problem was discovered during tunnel repairs. Parkway Superintendent Francis has decided that the designated detour for travelers coming off the Parkway will be NC 226 to NC 221 to I-40. According to Francis, this detour is "the most direct, least confusing and safest route for the visiting public." The Parkway also agreed to put up signs that will let the public and visitors know of the openings of Crab Tree Meadows, Little Switzerland and Mt. Mitchell. These signs will also indicate how many miles ahead the Parkway will be closed. According to Shirley Hise, the Director of the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, while they are pleased with Francis’ decision to leave open access to communities who depend on the Parkway but believes that the detour of NC 226 to NC221 to I-40, may not be the safest bet. According to Hise, NCDOT indicates that NC 226 is one of the most dangerous roads in the state and will be under construction this summer for safety improvements and upgrades; this means traffic will be down to one lane and/or halted for extended periods of time. Old Fort Mountain is also one of the most hazardous routes in the state. Hise says the Chamber believes Hwy 80 is a more desirable scenic route for Parkway travelers and will lessen the economic impact on our Parkway communities. In addition, Hwy 80 N offers three campgrounds that are frequently visited by RV travelers. The Chamber is asking citizens to make their thoughts know to Parkway officials.

Brooks to Harris

02/28/2008 

The Mitchell School System has begun advertising for the position of Principal at Mitchell High School.  (Dr. Brock Womble, Superintendent of Mitchell County Schools comments.) Jack Brooks will replace Chad Calhoun who is taking another position in the school system; he will become the Director of Federal Programs and Accountability. Brooks said the move will be a good opportunity for him to be involved with a collaborative project between 5-school systems in the state affecting kindergarten-8th grade. And with his experience as a principal he can make a difference in the transition from middle school to high school and he’s excited about the move to Harris.  (click audio button above)

A Wintry Blast

02/27/2008 

The National Weather Service says we could get 4 inches of snow and possibly more before this winter storm leaves Thursday morning. Meteorologist Blair Holloway has the wintry details. Stay with us through out the day for the latest on road conditions and weather announcements. And you can complete weather information at anytime on our web sites: wkyk.com & wtoe.com. (click audio button above)

Damage between $3 Thousand and $4 Thousand

02/26/2008 

Police continue to investigate a weekend break-in at Bowman Middle School in Bakersville. Police Chief Gene Buchanan said damage estimates are being put at $3 thousand to $4 thousand. They believe the vandals broke-in sometime between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. When authorities arrived they found a smashed computer and monitor, the trophy case was smashed, the case can be fixed but the trophies cannot, and almost every locker had been opened with book bags and papers scattered everywhere. Chief Buchanan said they even desecrated the American Flag, “It’s a shame" he said, “and it breaks my heart to see our flag treated that way.” The clean-up forced school officials to delay the start of School at Bowman for 2-hours on Monday. If you have any information about the break-in, call the Bakersville Police Department at 688-2113 or 688-2171.

Mitchell County School Bus in Accident

02/26/2008 

A Mitchell County School bus collided with a vehicle near “Dick’s Carpets” on Highway 226 Monday afternoon. Rick Spurling with Mitchell County Schools explains. No details have been released about how the accident happened. (click audio button above)

Yancey Special Session

02/25/2008 

Yancey Commissioners met in special session last week, they heard from representatives from Carolina Group Partners LLC who currently have an option to buy the former Avondale Mills property. They were there on a fact finding mission to see if the County would look favorably on a proposal they are considering. They’re looking into the process of a petition to abandon, or close off, that portion of West Main, between Cherry Street & Love Fox Road, this section separates the main part of the property from their parking lot, their intent is create one contiguous piece of property. They said their project would involve tearing down the existing building and build a facility to house a retail type business, general merchandise, home improvement or something such as that. They said they are in the very preliminary phase of this project and they want input from the county to see if they should continue with the plan. The Commissioners said until NCDOT conducts a traffic study and signs off on the project they do not have enough information to offer any opinion. They did say if the project gets that far, a public hearing would probably be required.

Banks Named in Lawsuit

02/25/2008 

Three banks have been added to a multimillion-dollar lawsuit stemming from a state investigation into a failed real estate venture, the Village of Penland, in Mitchell County. According to published reports, BB&T of Winston-Salem, United Community Bank of Georgia and Carolina First of South Carolina are now defendants in the suit. According to state prosecutors, the project involved properties that were used as loan collateral, but appraisals far exceeded the actual value of the land. They said the setup led consumers to borrow $100 million to buy properties now worth far less. Attorneys for the investors said the financing scheme would have been impossible had the banks not been involved.

4 – Year High

02/22/2008 

The number of flu cases in North Carolina has reached a four-year high. The state released a surveillance report Thursday that showed 5.66 percent of patients treated at health care centers statewide had influenza-like illnesses. That's the highest rate since mid-December 2003, when 7.7 percent of patients were reported as having the flu. Closer to home, Mitchell Schools closed last Friday because of absentees related to flu like symptoms and Yancey Schools closed today because of flu related absentees and the weather forecast for the possibility of bad weather. School officials in Yancey say they hope today and the weekend will help everyone with the flu to get well.

Son in Trouble in McDowell

02/22/2008 

The son of a man accused of a triple-murder in McDowell County is facing his own troubles. Police say Stephen Buckner the second tried to poison his step-mother's dogs. Buckner claims the dogs were desecrating his murdered sister's grave. Buckner's father, Stephen Buckner, age 50, is accused of killing his daughter, along with two other women on January 18th. The son, Stephen Buckner, reportedly planned to use hamburger mixed with broken light bulbs to kill the dogs. He's charged with one misdemeanor count of leaving poisonous food in a public area. Animal Control officers don't believe the dogs actually ate any of the meat.

Parkway Detours

02/21/2008 

During mid January, the Blue Ridge Parkway announced the Parkway would be closed at Craggy Gardens following the discovery of a geological problem during tunnel repairs. This section of the Parkway is expected to be closed indefinitely. The Mitchell Chamber of Commerce staff has worked with both Parkway Superintendent Francis as well as Congressman McHenry's office to find the best possible alternatives for detour routes to have the least amount of negative impact on Mitchell County and Little Switzerland. (Shirley Hise, Director of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce comments) It appears that the primary route for detours will be at Milepost 331 where the Museum of NC Minerals is located. Visitors will be directed South on Hwy 226. However, the Parkway will remain open to Mt. Mitchell, leaving the exits to Little Switzerland available as well as Hwy 80 as another alternate route for travelers. The Mitchell Chamber will be developing a map for travelers to help them with other routes as well, including Hwy 226 N to Hwy 19E. (click audio button above)

Garbage Compactors at Bee Log & Pensacola

02/19/2008 

Yancey Commissioners have signed a contract for new garbage compactors to be placed at the Bee Log and Pensacola Convenience Centers to replace open dumpsters. Yancey Commission Chairman John Renfro explains. (click audio button above)

Animal Cruelty in McDowell

02/19/2008 

Authorities in McDowell County are asking for your help in finding the owner of a boxer puppy found last week wondering around with a string that was tied tightly around her tail. Animal Control officers say the puppy’s owner was apparently trying to amputate the tail; they say this is the 3rd case of what officials call "at-home" doctoring in McDowell County within six months. The veterinarian, where the puppy was taken to said it’s not uncommon, especially in rural areas for people to try and dock a puppy’s tail. But if it’s not done by a proper agency within a few days after birth, it’s considered an amputation. In this case the puppy is 12 weeks old and apparently the owner, instead of taking her to a vet, tried to get the tail to fall off by tying a string around its tail, this caused the animal to suffer. The veterinarian had to finish the amputation and the puppy, who has been named Jasmine, is recovering. Authorities say when the owner is caught they will be charged with felony animal cruelty and practicing veterinarian medicine without a license and they could go to prison for up to 18 months.

Slight Drop in Absentees

02/18/2008 

Because of flu-like absentees approaching 25% for students and teachers system-wide, Mitchell schools shut down Friday. Maintenance crews spent the weekend disinfecting school buildings and as of this morning (Monday, February 18th) school officials say there has been a slight drop, between 5%-8%, in the number of absentees. Associate Superintendent Rick Spurling says the numbers are still high, but not as-bad-as last Wednesday. Mitchell County Health Officials say there has been an increase of reported cases of flu at area hospitals and doctors offices. If you have the flu, stay home, you’re contagious even before you show symptoms and for 3-5 days after the symptoms appear. To avoid the flu, keep your distance from people who have the flu, use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands often. Toe River Health District officials urge you to get a flu shot now. The number of people getting a flu shot is down about 50% compared to last year. In an attempt to get more people vaccinated, the Avery, Mitchell and Yancey County Health Departments have reduced the price of a flu shot from $27.00 to $15.00 for persons over the age of 18. For those 6 months to age eighteen, the flu vaccinations are free. (click audio button above)

Fire Destroys Blue Rock Home

02/18/2008 

Fire destroyed a home at 1056 Blue Rock Road Thursday Afternoon. When Newdale fire units arrived the home was fully engulfed. Newdale Fire Chief Tony Hoover explains. (click audio button above)

Mitchell Schools Close after High Absentees

02/15/2008 

High absenteeism, both for students and teachers, has prompted Mitchell County School officials to close schools today. Rick Spurling, an Associate Superintendent said with a snow day on Thursday they hope the extended break will help everyone get well.

New Flood Plain Maps Available

02/15/2008 

The new Flood Plain Maps from FEMA are available for review next Monday, February 18th thru Friday, February 22nd, from 2 pm to 5 pm each day at the Mitchell County Administration Building in Bakersville. Chuck Vines, Mitchell County Manager explains. FEMA officials will hold a public hearing at the Mitchell Senior Center in Ledger on Thursday February 28th, citizens can review the maps at 6 pm and there will be an informational meeting at 7 pm. (click audio button above)

Rep. Philip Frye Files for Re-Election

02/14/2008 

Republican State Representative Philip Frye, who represents the 84th District in Raleigh, has filed for re-election. On December 24th, 2007, Frye was charged with driving while impaired. He has previously stated his intentions to plead guilty to the charge and will appear in Mitchell County District Court in March. The 84th District is comprised of Avery, Caldwell, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Filing for local and state offices began Monday and will continue through February 29 at noon.

Firefighting Assistance Agreement with FEMA & Burning Ban Reinstated

02/14/2008 

Gov. Mike Easley has signed an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency that enables North Carolina to seek federal assistance to help pay costs incurred while fighting major fires. FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant Program provides federal money to cover 75 percent of the eligible costs incurred while fighting fires once a spending threshold has been met. Easley said the agreement with FEMA is a pro-active step to get federal assistance in the event the state has an active fire season this spring. And because of the ongoing drought and increased potential for wildfires, the governor also reinstated the statewide burning ban, effective today in advance of the spring fire season. “I know the burn ban is an imposition and creates hardship but we have no choice until conditions improve,” Easley said. “It is just not safe to burn because of the drought conditions and strong winds that will cause fire to spread quickly.”

Yancey Books in the Black

02/13/2008   

At their February meeting on Monday, Yancey Commissioners received their yearly audit report from the accounting firm of Dixon & Hughes and Yancey’s financial future is getting brighter. Commission Chairman John Renfro explains. He says some projects had to be put on hold but hopefully that will change this year. (click audio button above)

Estimated 1,000 Acres Lost to Brush Fires

02/12/2008 

Brush fires, fueled by high wind that topped 60 mph, destroyed an estimated 1,000 acres in western counties on Sunday and Monday. The biggest fire was on Yellow Top Mountain in Rutherford County, where one home was destroyed and three others were damaged. Residents were evacuated Sunday and remained out of their homes as of Monday night because power lines were burned to the homes. The Yellow Top fire burned between 300-500 acres. Brush fires also burned some 85 acres in the Armstrong Creek area of northern McDowell County. State Fire officials said 14 brush fires occurred from Sunday to Monday in the western mountains.

Working Together

02/12/2008 

Burnsville and Mountain Air continue to work on clearing up an outstanding bill, concerning past connections into the town’s sewer system. Mayor Danny McIntosh explains. (click audio button above)

Brush Fires across the Mountains

02/11/2008 

Several Western North Carolina counties experienced large brush fires this weekend. The fires fueled by high wind and the regions dry conditions, reports of wind topping 60 mph, the most severe blazes in Rutherford, McDowell, and Buncombe counties. The fires began Sunday morning and at one point, fire officials declared a mandatory evacuation of residents within a 5-mile radius in the Yellow Top Mountain community in Rutherford County, a 75-acre brush fire claimed two homes and damaged three others there. Meanwhile some 200 acres on private land were torched in McDowell County near highways 221 and 226 north of Marion close to Little Switzerland. Rangers say wind knocked down power lines and that may have sparked the fire.

New Mitchell Jail Update

02/11/2008 

Plans and cost of the new proposed Mitchell County Jail could be in this week. Chuck Vines, Mitchell County Manager explains. (click audio button above)

Ignore Attendance Policy, Go to Court

02/08/2008 

NC law requires parents to send their children to school, but some parents are not doing it. Yancey School Superintendent Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of Yancey County Schools says: (explains) He says it’s very important that every student get as much education as possible, because today’s workplace employer demands it. He warns parents, who continue to ignore the attendance policies, don’t be surprised if you wind up in court. (click audio button above)

Car Wash Robbery

02/08/2008 

Police in Marion are looking for thieves who robbed the money machines at two car washes. Authorities say they used a hook attached to a truck and ripped out the machines at the North Main Street Car Wash and Soapy Suds Wash. No only did they get thousands of dollars, they caused thousands more in damages. The incident took place between 8 & 9 pm on Sunday, January 27th. The thieves were caught on tape, the truck was a white Chevrolet, one suspect was a white male, 25-35 years old, about 5’10’’ and 200 pounds, and he had dark hair and a goatee. A white female in the video appeared to be about 25-30, 5’6” and 140 pounds. She also had butterfly tattoo on her lower back. Total cash taken was around $2 thousand. If you have any information about the incident, call the Marion Police at 652-3231

Guilty Plea in Village of Penland Fraud Case

02/07/2008 

A man involved in what prosecutors called a $100 million scheme to sell overpriced mountain property has pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Forty-year-old Neil O'Rourke of Apex pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to commit securities, mail, wire and bank fraud. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors said O'Rourke helped coax investors and lenders to contribute more than $100 million to the Village of Penland, a 1,300-acre housing development in Mitchell County. Investigators said developers promised buyers they could make a profit without investing any of their own money. Attorney General Roy Cooper won a court order to halt the project in June. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte said the investigation is ongoing.

Leadership Academy Working

02/07/2008 

An initiative by the North Carolina General Assembly to help improve high school graduation rates in North Carolina has resulted in the awarding to sixty groups some $7 million in state grants. Mitchell High School is one of those recipients; they were awarded a $95,032 grant, which will help students address social issues that can affect school success, including poverty, drug and domestic abuse, and pregnancy. The program will also focus on students already identified in their Freshmen Leadership Academy. Mitchell Principal Jack Brooks says the Leadership Academy is helping. (hear comment) The new Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention will evaluate the programs that receive grants and decide whether expanding or replicating them will improve graduation rates in the state. (click audio button above)

Highway Improvement Projects

02/07/2008 

The N.C. Board of Transportation will consider awarding contracts totaling nearly $106 million for highway improvement projects in 32 counties at its meeting today in Raleigh.  Included in the proposed projects: resurfacing 11 miles of highway in Madison County, including sections of U.S. 25 and U.S. 70 and four sections of secondary roads; in Mitchell and Yancey Counties widening and resurfacing 17.5 miles of highway including a section each of U.S. 19 East, U.S. 19 West and N.C. 197, and nine sections of secondary roads!!

Green Mountain Man Killed in Wreck

02/07/2008 

A Green Mountain man died last Friday evening after running off the right side of the road, striking the barrier to a bridge and overturning his vehicle into a creek. The accident occurred around 6 pm, Friday, February 1st at Jacks Creek near the Toe River intersection toward the Relief Community. The 78 year old man, identified as Dale Graham, a resident of Green Mountain, was pronounced dead at the scene. Suspicion of heart failure may be the cause of the wreck, but that has yet to be determined. State Trooper Carver is the investigating officer.

Getting Close

02/06/2008 

As a part of the cable television contract with Charter Communications and Country Cablevision agreed to in 2005 by Mitchell County and the Towns of Bakersville and Spruce Pine, the cable companies would provide an access channel. At Monday’s Mitchell Commissioners meeting County Manager Chuck Vines reported that the public access channel, to be named the “Mitchell Community Network,” is very close to beginning operations. (Mitchell Manager Chuck Vines comments) He says at first the channel will appear with a background picture and a scrolling message line that will include announcements of events, activities, school closings and more. (Vines comments) Other examples of programming would include (but not limited to) public, education and government programs and meetings, special interest stories or documentaries on the county’s living treasuries and festivals. (click audio button above)

An Historic Day

02/05/2008 

Yancey County has passed most other counties in the state in terms of what they can do electronically. Monday morning at 10 am, a “mortgage satisfaction” filing submitted to the Register of Deeds Office was completed showing a loan for real estate had been repaid in full, then it was entered as a registered county document; it was all done electronically in a matter of minutes. The Yancey County Register of Deeds Office joins its counterparts in only Johnston, New Hanover, and Wake counties in having such an electronic filing process available for public use at this time. Elaine Marshall, NC Secretary of State comments. (click audio button above)

Dedication to Students

02/04/2008 

Yancey County Schools continue to get grants and Dr. Tom Little, System Superintendent says its dedication to the students that’s making the difference. (click audio button above)

Mitchell School Board Approves Building Plans

02/04/2008 

Mitchell County’s School Board has approved building projects including exceptional and pre-k classroom construction at Gouge Elementary.  Rick Spurling, Associate Superintendent of Schools explains. (click audio button above)

Still Without

02/02/2008 

As of 8:30 this morning, Progress Energy is reporting 340 customers in Mitchell County are still without power. Officials say they are working as-fast-as possible. They estimate everyone will be back on line by early evening.

Getting Iced

02/01/2208   

Last night's ice storm left as-many-as 2400 Progress Energy customers in the greater Spruce Pine area without power early this morning. The outages began just after 2 am and affected Spruce Pine, Grassy Creek, portions of Little Switzerland and the Parkway. The number of outages has been reduced but Progress Energy has released a time for all areas affected to be restored.

Makeover at SP Town Hall

02/01/2008 

Spruce Pine Council is looking at possible renovations for Town Hall. Richard Canipe, the Spruce Pine Manager comments. (click audio button above)