Father Charged with Felony Child Abuse
03/31/2008
What McDowell authorities say started out as a night swim for a father and his two year old girl turned into a very scary situation. At around 5:30 pm on Wednesday night, McDowell Deputies responded to a call about a loud party on Spooky Hollow Road. When they arrived a man came out of the woods saying he's fought a drunk man. As Deputies began to look into the situation they discovered a child, floating in the creek, she was shivering and felt extremely cold. She was quickly rescued from the water and taken to McDowell Hospital where she was treated for hyperthermia. The child’s father Brian Foster, according to the arrest report had been drinking alcohol and possibly using drugs. He was charged with Felony Child Abuse. (McDowell Sheriff's Captain Dudley Greene comments) He said this was a very serious situation that could have ended tragically and the Deputies say the water temperature there couldn’t have been more than 50 degrees. As for the girl, she’s doing fine and her grandmother took custody of her Wednesday night. (click audio button above)
Yancey Gets Ready Schools Grant
03/31/2008
Yancey County Schools has received a $7,500 Ready Schools grant, an initiative of the North Carolina Partnership for Children and the Department of Instruction to ease children’s transition into school by encouraging continuity between child care and elementary school, ensuring high-quality learning and developing strong partnerships between parents and the community. The Partnership for Children and the Department of Education awards these grants to teams of Smart Start partnerships and school systems working together to create schools that are prepared for all children and their families and are ready to ensure the success of their students. Yancey is one of eight county’s in the state to receive this grant.
Burning Ban Remains in Effect
03/28/2008
The statewide burning ban imposed Thursday by the NC Division of Forest Resources will remain in place until conditions improve. The agency imposed a statewide ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits due to a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service. A red flag warning is imposed when the relative humidity’s are less than 25 percent, sustained wind reach’s at least 20 mph and forest fuels are dry. Across the state there were 81 wildfires on Wednesday affecting more than 1,386 acres across the state, including a nearly 1,300-acre wildfire in New Hanover County and a 100-acre fire in Stokes County that threatened 15 homes. There have been 1,842 fires this year that have burned more than 18,248 acres statewide. The issuance of any new permits has been suspended until the ban is lifted. In addition to a $100 fine, people in violation of the open burning ban will pay court costs.
Deal Would Bring Over 100 Jobs to Mitchell
03/28/2008
After several attempts to put a company in the vacant Lexington building on Altapass Road, in Mitchell County, it looks like PRC Industries, a New York based company that recycles and remanufactures household appliances might be that company. Mitchell Commissioners have agreed to grant $450 thousand from the county’s general fund to Mitchell County Development Foundation who plans to loan the money to PRC Industries, they plan to use the money to buy the Lexington building. PRC has put up a $100 thousand non-refundable deposit on the building. As Mitchell Commissioner Jim Saylor said the $450 thousand is not a grant or a gift to PRC, but a loan from the Foundation. According to PRC CEO Arthur Krantz, the company hopes to begin operations as-early-as next month. Meanwhile, PRC, through a grant from the state of North Carolina, is working on opening a facility in McDowell County that would hire 288 workers over the next five years. (click audio button above)
Watch Out for Scammer’s
03/27/2008
Where there is money, there are scam artists trying to take advantage of someone. A warning about scammer’s has come from the IRS about the stimulus payment from the federal government: Mark Hanson with the IRS explains. One other note concerning stimulus payments, Military personnel serving in combat zones have the option of including their nontaxable combat pay on their 2007 or 2008 income tax returns if it helps their eligibility for the 2008 economic stimulus payments. This could impact not only active-duty personnel, but also reserve and National Guard members serving in combat zones. Also, remember, this Saturday, March 29th is SUPER SATURDAY. IRS offices throughout the country will have Saturday hours to assist some individuals with filing returns in order to get a stimulus payment. (click audio button above)
Not a Good Time to Burn
03/27/2008
Dry, breezy conditions fueled a number of brush fires across the mountains Wednesday. The North Carolina Forest Service says there were at least seven-fires; several in Henderson County, two in Madison County, that burned 85 acres, one in Mitchell that burned 2 acres and two in Yancey that burned 3 acres. Although the burning ban has been lifted, Forest Service Officials say with conditions that were in at the present time, it’s just not a good time to burn.
McDowell Plant to add 38 Jobs
03/26/2008
A Marion plant, Superior Machine Company of South Carolina, with plants in Florence Sc and in Marion will create 38 jobs over the next three years and an investment of $350 thousand to Marion. The expansion at Superior Machine was made possible in part by a $70 thousand “One North Carolina Fund Grant.” The Marion plant, which currently employs 54 workers, is a large-capacity machining and heavy steel manufacturing facility that also specializes in repairing and manufacturing rock-crushing equipment. Woody Cunningham, Vice President & General Manager of the Company’s Marion Division said “Superior Machine is extremely happy and eager to expand in North Carolina and McDowell County. We have had a presence here for over 70 years and obviously feel welcomed.” The 38 new jobs will help meet an increased demand for scrap-melting equipment in the steel mill business. Pay for these positions will vary by job function, but the average annual wage will be about $32,400 not including benefits, which is more than the McDowell County average annual wage of $27,820. Other partners that helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce and McDowell County. The “One North Carolina Fund” assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent upon local matching funds.
SP Teens Arrested in Yancey
03/25/2008
Two Spruce Pine teens have been arrested by Yancey County Deputies. Steven Chance Rainey, age18, and Michael Joseph Comeau, age 16, each has been charged with one count of felony breaking & entering and one count of felony larceny after breaking & entering. The arrests were made by Lt. Tom Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department following an investigation into a breaking and entering that occurred at Kid's Auto Sales in the Crabtree section of Yancey County. Lt. Farmer stated that an additional arrest will be made in the case when the third and final suspect is located. Comeau and Rainey remain in the Yancey County Jail with bond set at $ 6,000.00 secured in both cases. Comeau and Rainey are scheduled to appear tomorrow (March 26th) in Yancey District Court.
NC 197 Closing Friday at 6 PM
03/25/2008
A traffic advisory from NCDOT; in order for contractors to perform work to continue construction of the new bridge at Red Hill, NC 197 will be closed beginning 6 PM, this Friday, March 28th, and should reopen no later than Monday March 31st at 6 AM. The detour route will be clearly marked and should be easy to follow. NCDOT apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause to your daily commute. If you have any questions or concerns, call the resident engineer’s office, on Old Mars Hill Road, Weaverville, the number 828-658-9439.
Getting it Right
03/24/2008
Yancey Commissioners apologize, but they want to get it right. Commission Chairman John Renfro explains. (click audio button above)
$11-Thousand Kawasaki Mule Recovered Additional Arrest Made
03/24/2008
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have recovered a 2007 Kawasaki Mule reported stolen last week from a South Toe resident and they’ve made an additional arrest in the case. Deputies arrested Landon Leeray Boone, age 32, of Creek Watch Drive in Burnsville last week, he’s charged with felony larceny and is scheduled to appear in district court on April 14. He remains in jail under a $2 thousand secured bond. According to Lt. Tom Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department, the second person charged in the larceny is Timothy Mark Hughes 38, of Galley Street in Burnsville, he’s been charged with one count of Felony Larceny and one count of Felony Possession of Stolen Property. Hughes remains in the Yancey County Jail under a $ 6,000.00 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in District Court on April 4th.
Yancey makes it Convenient
03/21/2008
Yancey County’s tax information will soon be on line: John Renfro, the Chairman of the Yancey County Commission explains. (click audio button above)
SP Woman Charged in Yancey
03/20/2008
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Angela Bunton Buchanan 30, of Spruce Pine, NC and charged her with one count of Felonious Possession of Methamphetamine. Lt. Tom Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department stated that Buchanan was arrested in the Crabtree Community of Yancey County near the Mitchell County Line. He said the arrest was a result of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity occurring in the Crabtree Road, Wolf Pen Branch sections of Yancey County. Buchanan was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and released fro the Yancey County Jail after posting a $ 3,000.00 secured bond. Buchanan is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on March 26, 2008.
Making Easter Travel Safer
03/20/2008
The N.C. Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction activities that could affect travel over the Easter holiday to help ease traffic delays and make driving conditions safer. Most construction projects along interstate and U.S. routes across the state will be suspended beginning today (at 4 p.m.,) Thursday, March 20, until 9 a.m., Monday, March 24. Motorists should also remember to move over when passing stopped emergency vehicles or if involved in a minor accident. Under the "Move Over" law, motorists are required to change lanes or slow down when passing stopped law enforcement, emergency vehicles, wreckers and NCDOT's Incident Management Assistance Patrol Vehicles with flashing lights. Similarly, the "Fender Bender" law requires motorists to clear the roadway of non-injury accidents to help keep traffic moving and reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes.
Vandalizing Mailboxes
03/19/2008
Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested two local men and charged them with vandalizing numerous mailboxes in the Blue Rock, Celo and South Toe areas of the County. Matthew Nunes 20, and Dallas Street 20, both of Burnsville, were taken into custody on Tuesday March 18, 2008 and charged with 58 counts each of Injuring Personal Property. Sgt. John D. Robinson of the Sheriff's Department was the investigating officer. The arrest was made after evidence was gathered that confirmed that the two men destroyed mailboxes located off of state roads and driveways in the Southern section of Yancey County during the week of March 10-15, 2008. Nunes and Street were taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and placed in the Yancey County Jail. Bond for each was set at $ 30,000.00 secured and they are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on April 15, 2008. If convicted, each defendant will be ordered to pay victims restitution for the damage caused.
Autopsy Results in Welch Case
03/19/2008
A Mitchell County woman found in her trailer last December died of injuries to her head. Results of an autopsy were released this week. Her live-in boyfriend, Fred Willard, is charged with first degree murder. The body of 49 year old Marsha Welch was found in her trailer at Crabtree Acres Mobile Home Park; Deputies used a search warrant to enter her home where they found her body inside trash bags wrapped with rope and tape. She was reported missing in late November by her son. Neighbors say the couple had a history of fighting and the law had responded to their home in the past. Willard is being held in the Rutherford County Jail.
Troopers Increase Patrols over Easter Weekend
03/19/2008
During the Easter holiday weekend the N.C. Highway Patrol will increase patrols on interstates and other heavily traveled corridors targeting aggressive drivers. Aggressive drivers are those motorists who flagrantly violate the motor vehicle laws by speeding excessively, following too closely, making erratic lane changes or exhibiting other such forms of reckless endangerment. Last year in North Carolina, eight people died in 1,153 collisions during the Easter holiday period. The 2008 Easter weekend begins at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20th and ends at midnight, Sunday, March 23rd. In addition, Troopers will increase their efforts to enforce the state's litter laws. Under tougher littering laws passed by the N.C. General Assembly, first-time offenders can be fined as much as $1,000 and be ordered to perform up to 24 hours of community service. Repeat offenders can get a $2,000 fine and 50 hours community service. Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll free call that connects the caller with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.
It’s Costing More
03/18/2008
The cost in areas such as fuel and utilities has driven Mayland Community College’s operating costs up: Chuck Vines, Mitchell County Manager comments. (click audio button above)
Expanding Public Water Supplies
03/18/2008
Gov. Mike Easley has announced that six western North Carolina communities are eligible for a total of $1.58 million in grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help expand their public water supplies. The six towns; Lenoir, Valdese, Tryon, Marshall, Mars Hill and Blowing Rock, were chosen because they are among those in the state that are facing the most severe water shortages.
$300,000 for Marshall to build two new wells, a new reservoir and update existing water lines. Users are exceeding the allowed 80 percent capacity, and the system has experienced an extraordinary number of line breaks and failures during the past year leading to the depletion of the town’s reservoir reserves.
$300,000 for Mars Hill to stabilize and enhance its water system by building an interconnection with the City of Weaverville. This project will create a regional system that efficiently utilizes and manages potable water from both the Laurel Fork and Ivy watersheds.
Tragic Death
03/17/2008
A tragic death occurred last Thursday in the parking area of Blue Ridge Medical Center, Mayland Campus, near Spruce Pine. Elisa Gragg Stafford, age 36, of Maple Hill Drive in Spruce Pine was driving a motorcycle in the parking area of the business when it collided with a fence & post. The impact ejected her from the motorcycle throwing her into a corner of the building. She died at the scene. The accident happened around 5:30 pm. State Trooper RC Bower said she was an inexperienced driver and was not wearing a helmet. Her speed at the point of impact was about 30 mph.
You’ve Got to File
03/17/2008
Recently the Federal Government authorized Stimulus Payments to individual’s and tax payers to spend the money and hopefully stimulate the economy, Mark Hanson, with the Internal Revenue Service comments. Get more information on the Stimulus Payment on our web sites, wkyk.com or wtoe.com, on the home page, scroll down and click on the audio button next to the headline confused over tax stimulus tax rebates?? Or click on the link and go directly to the IRS web-site.
It’s Not TV, its Real Life
03/14/2008
It sounds like a story on TV, but its real life. During the interview process with the two suspects, Jonathan Parker & Dillon Phillips, both age 16, now charged with vandalizing Bowman Middle School in Bakersville, Detectives with the Mitchell Sheriff’s Department got information that led them to reopen as-many-as 10 to 12 cold cases of breaking and entering in the County. One of the cases has resulted in the arrest of Michael Comeau, age 16, of a Hickey Street Address in Spruce Pine. During the interview with Comeau, he gave them the name of Michael Potter, age 16, also of Hickey Street as one of the people who took part in knocking over some 40 headstones at Berry Chapel Baptist Church in Spruce Pine in late October of last year. Potter then gave investigators another name Charles Headings 3rd age 17, of Crabtree Road. According to Spruce Pine Detective Bill Summerlin, these three individuals became persons of interest shortly after the incident, when they received a tip, but the evidence trail ran cold and so did the case, until Comeau began to talk. All three confessed and at last word they were in the Rutherford County Jail. Detective Summerlin gave special thanks to Mitchell County Detective Josh Sparks for his help in the Berry Chapel case.
Prosecutors Will Seek Death Penalty
03/14/2008
The Nebo man accused of killing three people earlier this year will face the death penalty. Steven Buckner, age 50, made an appearance in McDowell County Superior Court on Thursday. Investigators say Buckner shot his 25 year old daughter Rebecca, his live-in girlfriend, Vicki Lowry, age 42, and her daughter, 14 year old Chelsea Gregory. Another person, 21 year old Gina Edwards was also shot; she survived and was able to run to the home of a neighbor who called 911. When police arrived, they say Buckner fired at them, and officers fired back, wounding Buckner. Extra security was in the courtroom, this was the first time Family members of the victims have seen Buckner since the tragic incident happened on January 18th. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty, a trial date could be set on May 19th, that’s Buckner’s next scheduled court appearance, until then Buckner will be held in a jail facility in Raleigh
Trash Fire out of Control
03/14/2008
A trash fire got out of control in Madison County Thursday and burned about 35 acres near Little Forest Creek Road, in the Ebbs Chapel area. Authorities say the fire started in a 55-gallon drum used to burn trash, flamers spread quickly aided with wind and dry underbrush. The smoke from the fire could bee seen for miles.
Water off Monday
03/14/2008
A message from the Town of Burnsville….on Monday, the public works department will be installing a fire hydrant and beginning at 9 AM the water will be turned off from the theatre on West Main Street to Roberson Street. The outage should last a couple of hours.
Teens Charged with Trashing Bowman
03/13/2008
Two teenagers from Bakersville have been charged with the recent vandalism at Bowman Middle School. Jonathan Parker, age 16, of Redwood Drive and Dillon Phillips, age 16, of Burnt Drive are charged with breaking and entering, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, larceny after breaking and entering and damage to property. Bakersville Police Chief Gene Buchanan said their investigation revealed the two teenagers started their crime spree on the weekend of February 24th, first they went into two school buses at Gouge School and pried loose two security cameras and stole them, that made the act a felony. At about 3 am Sunday morning, February 24th, the two got into Bowman Middle school through an open bathroom window and vandalized the school, smashing a computer and monitor, the school trophy case and almost every locker had been opened with book bags and papers scattered everywhere, damage estimates are put at around $3- thousand. During his interview with Dillon Phillips, Chief Buchanan ask him why he went into the school and Phillips said he was feeling down and depressed and he went with the intent to trash Bowman. They are both out of custody on bail.
Using Funds Wisely
03/11/2008
Mitchell County Commissioners passed a resolution last week to allow the Mitchell County Board of Education to re-allocate $800 thousand from their Heating & cooling project to construction of two exceptional children’s classrooms at Gouge School. Rick Spurling is an associate superintendent of Mitchell County System comments. The School System has been approved for a QZAB or Qualified Zone Academy Bond, but this only allows for “improvements” not increasing footage and by re-allocating the $800 thousand from the HVAC project they can construct the two classrooms at Gouge. The resolution states the re-allocation is made with the understanding that all the HVAC needs of the school system will be provided for out of the QZAB monies to be received by the school system in the future. In 2007, Mitchell County earmarked $2.1 million to replace heating and cooling systems in the county’s school system. (Click audio button above)
Details of Fatal Crash
03/11/2008
We have details of the wreck last Thursday that killed a Deep Gap man. The wreck occurred near Heritage Tire on Highway 19E in the Windom area of Yancey County. Troopers say Betty McKinney Getz, age 65, of Blue Branch Road, Burnsville was traveling east on 19E, her 2002 Chevy S-10 Pickup went left of center colliding with a 1997 Ford, driven by Jacob Lenoard Miller, age 64, of Deep Gap. The force of the crash sent the pickup back into the eastbound lane, then, the pickup was hit in the rear by a 1999 Jeep, driven by Stephanie Danielle Lowmiller, age 19, of Maney Branch Road in Burnsville, the impact of this collision caused the pickup to overturn. Jacob Miller was killed; a passenger in his vehicle and the drivers of other two vehicles were taken to area hospitals. The extent of their injuries is not known. Charges are pending.
"Authorities Warn Against Risky Choking Game"
03/10/2008
Area law enforcement & school officials are warning citizens and parents about a deadly teenage game; its call “the choking game.” The premise is simple - find a way to get high without drugs or alcohol. Teens choke themselves until just before they pass out and enjoy the "high" created by the lack of blood to the brain. The deadly practice also known as self-strangulation or auto asphyxiation is no game, but is practiced largely by 9-16 year-olds, worldwide. Many of the children playing this deadly game are high-achieving students who, via peer pressure, want to get” high," but don't want to try alcohol or drugs.
The "game" can go wrong when the children fail to release whatever is choking them before they pass out. Once they loose consciousness, they can quickly choke to death.
It is important that parents talk to their children about the choking game. Most children think the game is harmless, but it is extremely dangerous.
Here are several warning signs to watch out for:
1. Any suspicious mark on the side of the neck.
2. Any kind of strap, rope or belt lying about the child without any reason.
3. Bloodshot eyes or any other noticeable signs of stress on the eyes.
4. Any questions about the effects, sensations or dangers of strangulation.
If you think your child is doing this, talk to them - they may not know this practice can kill them. Remove items that can be used for strangulation. Seek professional counseling. For more information, return to our homepage, scroll down to the link "games adolescents shouldn't play."
Man Rescued From the Cane River
03/10/2008
Here’s a feel-good story, of a water rescue in Yancey County. Last Wednesday, two brothers Russell and Stanley Wilson, saw a convertible run off Highway 197 into the Cane River. An elderly man, Clyde Painter was trapped inside and it was the Wilson brothers to the rescue, they managed to pull the man to safety. Painter was not injured. Meanwhile Russell & Stanley Wilson says they’re not heroes and someday they may need someone to come to their rescue.
Fatal Wreck on 19E
03/07/2008
A car wreck on Highway 19E east of Burnsville on Thursday killed one person and sent 3 others to area hospitals. Troopers say a car crossed the median and hit a Ford Escort, the driver of that vehicle, Jacob Miller, of Deep Gap was killed, the driver of the other car was flown to Johnson Center Medical Center, a third car was also involved in the wreck. Reports from the scene indicate that two people were taken to Mission Hospitals in Asheville. Troopers haven’t released any further information; the incident is still under investigation. The wreck happened at about 1 PM near Heritage Tire. 19E was blocked in both directions with traffic re-routed on Bear Wallow Road. 19E was reopened around 3 PM.
Deadline Approaching
03/07/2008
The US Small Business Administration reminds businesses that March 31st is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans that are available to small businesses in Avery, Madison, Mitchell and Yancey Counties as a result of damages and losses to crops caused by extreme drought conditions and high heat beginning May 1, 2007. Eligible small businesses may qualify for loans up to $1.5 million, at a 4% interest rate with loan terms up to 30 years. Under this disaster declaration, the SBA cannot provide loans to agricultural producers. Interested businesses should call the SBA’s Customer Service Center, the toll-free number is 1-800-659-2955. Completed loan applications must be returned to the SBA no later than March 31, 2008.
P.O. Box 744
