One-Stop Voting

04/30/2008 

“One-stop” voting was established to give citizens a more convenient time to vote and to make it easier to fit into they’re schedules. We checked with area Boards of Election offices to get the numbers. As of Tuesday morning,

Avery: 252 early voters, officials say this a moderate turnout. (One location: Avery Courthouse)

Madison: Around 400 early voters, officials say this is an average turnout.  (Three locations: Hot Springs, Beech Glen and the Madison County Administrative offices.)

McDowell: 1,055 early voters, officials say this is an average turnout. (Two locations: Old Fort and Marion)

Mitchell: Around 300 early voters, officials say this is a low turnout. (Two locations: Bakersville and Spruce Pine)

Yancey: 356 early voters, officials say this is an average turnout. (One location: Yancey Courthouse)

This is the last week for “one-stop.” Check with the Board of Elections Office in your County for voting times.

Overnight break in at Harris Middle

04/29/2008 

Spruce Pine Police are investigating a break-in at Harris Middle School. It looks like the suspect or suspects gained access to the school through an unlocked door late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Police investigation indicates nothing was destroyed or vandalized and authorities believe the suspect or suspects were looking for money as it appears they went from room to room, going through desk drawers and some lockers. A small amount of cash was taken. When students arrived on campus this morning they were directed to the auditorium until the investigation could be completed.

New “Well” Rules

04/29/2008 

A couple of years ago, the NC General Assembly passed legislation that required any new well drilled after July 1, 2008 would have to be inspected. The Toe River Health District has adopted rules to allow them to inspect new wells. John Renfro, chairman of the Yancey County Commission comments. (click audio button above)

Pleading Guilty

04/28/2008 

Adam Burleson, age 18, of Bakersville has pleaded guilty in Mitchell County Superior Court to attempting to traffick in opiates and possession with intent to sell, deliver, or manufacture a Schedule II controlled substance. He received an active sentence of 15-18 months in the N.C. Department of Corrections, and upon his release placed on 36 months supervised probation of which the first 6 months are to be intensive, he was given a 12-15 month suspended sentence, he is to perform 50 hours of community service, and pay restitution in the amount of $ 800.00 to the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office, Spruce Pine Police Department, and S.B.I.

And a Spruce Pine Woman, Sherry Ann Ledford, age 41, has pleaded guilty in Mitchell County Superior Court to 8-counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and 2-counts of selling and delivering a Schedule IV controlled substance. She was placed on supervised probation for 36 months, she was given a suspended sentence of 60-80 months in the N.C. Department of Corrections, ordered to perform 75 hours of community service, obtain and comply with TASC assessment, and pay restitution in the amount of $ 1,270.00.

Annual FBEMC Meeting is May 3rd

04/28/2008 

French Broad Electric Membership Corporation’s annual meeting is coming up on May 3rd. The event will be at Madison HS, in Marshall. Highlighting the afternoon is their free “Health Fair” at 3 PM. Get free medical screenings and information from area health care providers. Entertainment begins at 4:30 PM with award winning Asheville native Bill Grimsley and his fast-pace, high-energy comedy illusion show. At 5:30 PM, The Whisnants, a southern gospel group from Morganton will perform. The Mars Hill Shrine Club will be selling a chicken stripe meal as a fundraiser for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. A brief business meeting will follow the entertainment. Members will elect four directors. Nominees are Joe Justice and Gordon Randolph of Madison County, Parnell Cooke of Mitchell County and Jimmy Ray of Yancey County. Members should register for cash prizes and to count toward a quorum necessary to hold the meeting!! Registration will begin at 3 PM.

To State Lab for Tests

04/25/2008 

A small child may have been exposed to a raccoon earlier this week at Brad Reagan Park in Spruce Pine. The child’s mother isn’t sure the child touched the raccoon, but there were 2 small scratches on the child and authorities did capture the raccoon in question. The child was not bitten; there were no puncture wounds, only 2 small scratches. The animal has been sent to the state lab for testing and the child has begun post-exposure treatment until authorities determine if the raccoon test positive for rabies. Health authorities say it is not unusual for a raccoon to come around places where they can get food and raccoons in past years have been domesticated and kept as pets, but this is no longer the rule, raccoons are wild animals and are at risk for rabies. The general public needs to know if they see a raccoon they should not go toward the animal, but should go away from it, and if the animal comes toward them, this is considered inappropriate behavior. If the animal is staggering or appears to be falling down while walking, you should call 688-9110. Officials say it’s important to protect your family and pets and they urge you to get your pets immunized.

Controlled Burn

04/24/2008 

Firefighters are still trying to get control of the “Sunrise Wildfire” north of Marion that has been burning since last Friday. The fire is about 50% contained. Today, they plan to begin a controlled burn of 12-hundred acres of land they say is “unburned fuel,” they hope this will prevent the spread of the fire and prevent future flare-ups. The wildfire, about 15 miles north of Marion off U.S. 221 has destroyed some 700-plus acres. National Park Service officials say an electrical fire that destroyed a house Friday morning caused the Sunrise Wildfire.

Train Derailment

04/23/2008 

A CSX train derailed Tuesday morning in Mitchell County. According to a CSX spokesman, about six cars loaded with grain jumped the tracks in the Toecane area. Only a few of the cars overturned and no one was hurt. The derailment happened around 5:15 AM. CSX crews responded and cleared the tracks. The train was headed south from Erwin, Tennessee.

Schools feeling the Pinch

04/23/2008 

One of the problems facing school systems as they prepare next years budget is fuel costs. Dr. Tom Little the Superintendent of Yancey County Schools explains. (click audio button above)

About 50% Contained

04/22/2008 

It was last summer that wildfire burned 54-hundred acres in the Linville Gorge Wilderness, now a wildfire has burned some 800 acres in the Pisgah National Forest in the North Cove area of McDowell, County. This area runs along the gorge wilderness. U.S. Forest Service Officials say the fire is about 50% contained and before containment is reached as-many-as 2-thousand acres could be burned. The Sunrise fire is around 15 miles north of Marion of U.S. 221. The fire was sparked by an electrical fire that destroyed a home on Friday morning.

School Bus Accident

04/21/2008 

A Mitchell County School bus collided with a car this morning. Dr. Rick Spurling, an Associate Superintendent of the Mitchell County School System explains. (click audio button above)

Weekend Wildfires

04/21/2008 

Fire crews spent the weekend trying to contain several wildfires that burned in several parts of the mountains, including McDowell County. So far, some 700 acres have burned and the fire is about 60% contained. The wildfire was sparked by a house fire in Oconee Falls Subdivision and affected residents in the Deerwoods & Fox Run Subdivisions near Linville Falls. Residents in these areas were told to leave, but have now been allowed to return to their homes. No homes were threatened. Some 180 firefighters are on the scene, fire crews say they will be fighting the fire over the next several days and they are planning a back burn near N.C. 105. The number of acres burn could be near 1- thousand before things are wrapped up. Meanwhile wildfires were reported in Madison County in the in a new development called The French Broad Crossing. No one lives there yet, but a couple of houses are under construction. This fire is close to being contained. And fires in Haywood County have forced sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Balsam Gap to Beech Gap to be closed until further notice. Fires have burned hundreds of acres in the mountains since Friday.

Midwest Quake Felt Here

04/18/2008 

An earthquake that hit the Midwest this morning was felt here in the mountains. The earthquake was centered near Evansville Indiana; it measured 5.4. The quake happened at about 5:30 AM eastern time and it was felt by residents in the Western NC Mountains. Reports have come from Burnsville, Asheville, Brevard and Flat Rock . No reports of any injury or damage from residents here.

One-Stop Voting is Under Way

04/17/2008 

One-Stop voting is under way for the May 6th primary in North Carolina.

Registered voters in Yancey County can “one-stop” at the Board of Elections Office, on the first floor of the Yancey County Courthouse in Burnsville. Their hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. On Saturday May 3rd, the voting hours will be 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM. The Primary is May 6th.

In Mitchell County there are two locations to “one-stop,” the Board of Elections office on the ground floor of the Mitchell County Courthouse in Bakersville, their hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM & on May 3rd, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. And you can “one stop” at the Cross Street Commerce Center, 31 Cross Street, in Spruce Pine, located in the old Ellen’s Knitting Mill building. Their hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and on Saturday May 3rd from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM!!

Jail Costs Going Up

04/17/2008 

Mitchell Commissioners have approved a request by County Manager Chuck Vines to seek additional funds from U.S.D.A. for construction of the new County Jail. The vote to approve seeking additional funds was 3-2 with Commissioners Hensley & Saylor voting against the request. Manager Vines comments. (click audio button above)

Embezzlement at Madison Middle School

04/16/2008 

A Madison County woman is facing of embezzlement charges. Nanette Norton, age 37, a worker in the Madison Middle School lunch room is charged with taking $20 thousand or more over the past two years. Madison authorities said she worked the cash register and all the money from meal purchases would go through her.Madison Sheriff John Ledford said Norton is charged with four counts of embezzlement and is out jail on bond. (click audio button above)

A Freeze Worries Apple Farmers

04/15/2008 

Apple growers are hoping temperatures will stay above freezing as another cold night is forecast. Farmers want to avoid two big losses in a row. Last year, a spring freeze wiped out most of the apple crop. Jim Saylor in Bakersville says a freeze could cost him more than $50 thousand on his 12-acre apple farm. (click audio button above)

Buy from Local Farmers

04/15/2007 

State agricultural officials are trying to push schools to buy more produce from local farmers. Until a year ago, local schools could use federal dollars to buy produce from local farmers but that policy was changed in favor of a national distributor. State Representative Ray Rapp says the general assembly should urge Congress to restore the local program. Rapp is a democrat from District 118 represents Haywood, Madison and Yancey Counties in Raleigh. Officials with the Appalachian Sustainable Project says the new farm bill in Congress would restore the local program. (click audio button above)

Members Robbed During Church Service

04/14/2008 

Three men stormed into Ridgeview Presbyterian Church, on Whitson’s Branch in the Red Hill Community of Mitchell County, during their 11:00 Am service on Sunday. They demanded money, cell phones and keys from church members; the church offering was also taken. All three men had their faces concealed by masks and two of the men had handguns. One of the church members was restrained with duct tape, they told the congregation if they tried to leave the church within a certain time they would return and kill them. When the suspects left the church, members saw the vehicle they were driving and called 911. Prior to leaving the church, one of the handguns discharged as one of the suspects picked up items he had dropped on the floor. No one was injured. Deputies responding to the scene met a vehicle with three males matching the description. The Vehicle was stopped at Boyd’s Seafood on N.C. 226. The two handguns were found in the vehicle and a total of $1,643.60 was seized. Other evidence was also seized from the vehicle and the three men. The suspects were identified as Jonathan Neil Koniak, age 20, of Tennessee, and Brothers Josiah Jacob Deyton, age 18 and Andrew Ryan Deyton, age 19, of Green Mountain. According to information from the Mitchell Sheriff’s Department, the three men had decided to rob a church a few days prior to Sunday. They first went to Union Hill Church with intent to rob them, but they went elsewhere. Bond was set at $150 thousand each. Their first court appearance was conducted by the Mitchell Clerk of Court and attorney’s appointed. They will be indicted on April 21st. SBI Agent Chuck Vines assisted the Sheriff’s Department in the investigation. The District Attorney may submit charges on additional crimes. All three men are in custody in the Rutherford County Jail.

Not Guilty on 9 of the 15 charges

04/11/2008 

The jury in the case of Phillip Deyton, the Burnsville man accused of inappropriately touching some students when he a was science teacher at Clearmont Elementary was back in session at the Yancey County Courthouse this morning to continue deliberating his innocence or guilt. Last year a judge found Deyton guilty on 25 counts of assault on a female, Deyton appealed and got a new trial, this time a jury trial. During the trial, Deyton took the stand and denied he ever touched any of his students in an inappropriate way. The Verdict from the Jury today was “Not Guilty on 9 of the charges”. 10 of the original 25 charges were dismissed and it was a hung jury on the other 6 charges. It is possible that Deyton could be a re-tried on those 6 charges. No other announcements on the future of case were made at this time.

Jury Deliberations Continue

04/11/2008 

The jury in the case of Phillip Deyton, the Burnsville man accused of inappropriately touching some students when he a was science teacher at Clearmont Elementary will be back at the Yancey County Courthouse this morning to continue deliberating his innocence or guilt. Last year a judge found Deyton guilty on 25 counts of assault on a female, Deyton appealed and got a new trial, this time, a jury trial. During the trial, Deyton took the stand and denied he ever touched any of his students in an inappropriate way.

McDowell Sheriff Stepping Down

04/11/2008 

Minor health problems are being cited for the announcement by McDowell Sheriff Jackie Turner that he will resign at the end of this month. County Government & Republican Party officials said job related tragedies that occurred within the Sheriff’s Department also contributed to his decision to step down. The 63 year old Turner was serving his fourth term as McDowell Sheriff.

Could Go to Jury

04/10/2008 

The re-trial of a Burnsville man charged with inappropriately touching some of his students while he was a science teacher at Clearmont Elementary School could go to the jury today. Phillip Deyton was found guilty last year of 25 counts of assault on a female; he appealed and got another trial. The students who accused Deyton took the stand Tuesday and told jurors he had fondled them, yesterday Deyton took the stand and said that was not true. He was originally charged in January 2006.

Decrepit Dams to be Removed from Toe River Valley

04/10/2008 

Two dams, one in Mitchell County, the other in Yancey County, are slated to be removed in an effort spearheaded by Toe River Valley Watch and Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council. One dam sits on the Toe River, outside of Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, while the other sits on the Cane River, upstream from Yancey County's Mountain Heritage High School. The Cane and Toe Rivers join to form the Nolichucky River, which flows west into Tennessee. Cliff Vinson, coordinator of the Blue Ridge RC&D Council, a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture said: " These dams serve no purpose. Both dams were constructed for power generation, though it has been decades since either produced electricity. Today, they've been breached by their respective rivers and all that remain are massive slabs of concrete, impeding natural water flow. It was at the Toe River dam, outside Spruce Pine, that a local resident died in a paddling accident when he was caught in a hydraulic immediately downstream of the dam. This dam's removal will help clear the way for the Toe River Trail – a proposed paddling trail spearheaded by Toe River Valley Watch. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently provided habitat improvement grants to both Toe River Valley Watch and the Blue Ridge RC&D, which will use portions of the funds on the projects.

Deyton Sentencing Trial

04/09/2008 

The sentencing trial began this week for Phillip Deyton. In July 2007, he was found guilty of inappropriately touching some of his students while he was a science teacher at Clearmont Elementary School. The judge found Deyton guilty of 25 counts of assault on a female. Deyton had previously been found guilty of 3 counts in the same investigation. He received a suspended sentence, 30 days in jail, 3 years unsupervised probation and a $100 fine. His attorney immediately appealed, and because the sentence is under appeal he doesn't serve any of the sentences now. Mr. Deyton was originally charged in January 2006.

McHenry’s Comment Criticized

04/09/2008 

10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry has come under fire for a comment he made to a group of Republican supporters in Lincoln County. He said while he was on a trip recent to Baghdad he was stopped from working out in a gym in the Green Zone by a, "two-bit security guard." McHenry has been criticized in the national media for the remark and has since said it was a poor choice of words. McHenry also accused his Democratic opponent, Lance Sigmon, of making too much of the remark for political gain in the upcoming election.

Rabid Raccoon in Yancey

04/08/2008 

Yancey County authorities have received the results of a possible rabid raccoon at the head of Toodies Creek. The results indicate the raccoon was rabid, there was no human contact, and one dog was exposed but is ok as the dog’s rabies shots are up to date. Public health officials urge citizens to be wary of wild or strange animals. Precautions include:
* Vaccinate pets.
* Don't try to rescue, pet or touch wild animals.
* Avoid physical contact with unfamiliar dogs and cats.
* Do not sleep in a cabin, tent or shelter if bats are present.
Any mammal can get rabies, but raccoons are the most common carriers in North Carolina. The disease can occur at any time of year, although humans are most likely to be exposed in the warm months when they are outside more often. For more information, call your local health department.

Missing Boys Found After 14 Hour Search

04/07/2008 

Some terrifying moments for a South Toe family had a happy ending Sunday morning. It was Saturday afternoon, two brothers, ages 6 & 8, from Georgia were visiting their grandparents and went outside to play, they were told to be back in 30 minutes. When the boys did not return at around 5 o’clock, their parents began searching around the house area by 6 PM they called the authorities. Yancey County Manager, Michele Lawhern comments. South Toe Fire Department became a command post as over the next 14 hours, over 120 people from more than 20 agencies searched the wooded area on foot, ATV and horseback. The boys were wearing only T-shirts and pants and it was raining. Finally after 14 hours searching for the boys they were found Sunday morning about a mile from their grandparents home. The boys were taken Mission Hospitals in Asheville; they were treated for cuts and scratches and released. The boys are doing fine and their family so happy to get them back safe and sound. (click audio button above)

Prison Break in Marion

04/07/2008 

A Spruce Pine man, Floyd Ramsey, age 42, housed at the Marion Correctional Institute in McDowell County escaped Friday morning, assaulted a man, and then took the man’s van to aid in his escape. A short time later, authorities found the van at Ramsey’s home in Spruce Pine. Apparently he left the van there and headed to Avery County. Authorities say it was a tip from Ramsey’s wife that helped them to find him. They captured him after finding in a vehicle near Grandfather Mountain, he was unconscious after overdosing on prescription medication; he was taken to a hospital where he was listed in stable condition. Ramsey was serving an 18-month sentence for a possession of a firearm by a felon. The man Ramsey assaulted was treated and released from the hospital. Authorities say Ramsey now faces additional charges of escape and assault with a deadly weapon.

Fish & Wildlife Gives OK

04/04/2008 

The U.S Fish & Wildlife Service has concluded its review of the proposed widening of Highways 19 & 19E between the future Interstate 26 & Spruce Pine, determining that the project would not jeopardize the existence of any threatened or endangered species. The Service’s primary concern is the endangered Appalachian elktoe mussel, found in the Cane, North and South Toe and Nolichucky Rivers of the Nolichucky River basin which covers all of Mitchell & Yancey Counties. The elktoe and its habitat are protected under the Endangered Species Act that resulted from a lawsuit against the Service in 2002. Gary Peoples is with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says DOT and his agency worked together to reach a common goal, protecting the streams and widening the road. (Peoples comments) As for the widening project, construction is set to begin in August on the first section from 19-23 to just inside Yancey County.  (click audio button above)

Selling Prescription Meds is Big Money

04/04/2008 

We have new information about a Madison county man who apparently overdosed on the painkiller Fentanyl. The victim has been identified; we choose not to release his name out of respect for his family. Charged with selling him the Fentanyl is 27 year old Larry Roberts, he’s in jail under a $25 thousand cash only bond. Madison Sheriff John Ledford says Roberts has a past record of selling and delivering prescriptions medicines and he says there is a lot of profit in selling prescription drugs. Ledford says if an autopsy reveals the victim died of an overdose of Fentanyl, Roberts could face murder charges. Authorities say the victim used Fentanyl patches which are 80 times stronger than Morphine and they say he chewed on the patches and swallowed them. Sheriff Ledford comments. (click audio button above)

Madison Man Overdoses on Fentanyl

04/03/2008 

A Madison County man is in jail after selling potent painkiller patches to a victim who overdosed on them. Larry Roberts is charged with selling the drug, Fentanyl,  illegally and could face murder charges. Madison County Authorities say the victim used Fentanyl patches which are 80 times stronger than Morphine. The name of the victim is not being released, Madison officials say he chewed on the patches and swallowed them.

Answering Concerns about Revaluation

04/01/2008 

Yancey Commission Chairman John Renfro addresses concerns about revaluation. (click audio button above)