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Highway Patrol Trooper Fatally Shot

06/18/2008 

Two McDowell County Men Arrested for Child Abduction

06/13/2008   

Two McDowell men have been charged with child abduction, a felony. Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Manuel Tehandon Juarez age 23 and Ramiro Ambrosio Juarez age 20, both Marion and charged them each with one count of Felonious Abduction of a Minor Child. According to Lt. Tom Farmer a 13 year old female child was placed in the custody of her uncle who lives in Yancey County on June 1st by McDowell County Social Services. The placement was made in an effort to keep the child safe and with proper family members after offenses against the child had been made in McDowell County. At approximately 10:30 p.m. on June 5th Manuel and Ramiro Juarez drove to Yancey County, located the female and removed her from the custody of her uncle without legal consent. The incident was immediately reported to the Sheriff's Department and efforts to locate the female were initiated. At about 9:00 a.m. on June 6th the child was located in Burke County. She was taken into protective custody and the two Juarez men were located and taken into custody and transported back to Yancey County where they were served with arrest warrants. Both men are in jail under $10 thousand secured bond. Lt. Farmer stated that the two men are not related to the child victim and were prohibited from having any contact with her at the time of the offense. The Marion men are scheduled to appear in Yancey District Court on June 30th.

Caught, on the Run from the Law

06/13/2008 

A Greenville S.C. man, Bryan Keith Jennings, age 42, on the run from the law was arrested on June 6th by Mitchell County Chief Deputy Donald Street and Deputy Richard Hoilman at a residence in the Buladean community. Mr. Jennings waived extradition and was transported back to Greenville. In S.C. he was wanted on a probation violation for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine near a school and grand larceny.

Sex Offender Sentenced

06/12/2008 

On November 18, 2007 Edward Paul Gurley, age 39, of Burnsville was arrested by Yancey County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with (3) counts of Taking Indecent Liberties with a Minor Female Child. On Monday June 2, 2008 Gurley appeared in Yancey County Superior Court with his attorney and pled guilty to the offenses. Judge Ronald K. Payne of Asheville, NC sentenced Gurley to an active sentence of no less than 19 months and no more than 23 months in the North Carolina Department of Corrections. The Judge ordered that upon his release from prison Gurley register as a sex offender and be monitored for a period of three years by a satellite based monitoring system. In addition Gurley will be on Intensive Probation for a period of 6 months upon his release from prison and an additional 4 1/2 years of Supervised Probation to follow. He was ordered to attend and complete the Sex Offender Treatment Program. Finally Gurley was ordered to have no unsupervised contact with any minor child under the age of 18 years.  Judge Payne advised Gurley that after his release from prison that if he were to violate any part of his sentence he would be returned to the North Carolina Department of Corrections and serve an active term of no less than 38 months. No other criminal charges are pending against Gurley. 

Storms Bring Rough Weather

06/11/2008 

Storms on Tuesday brought some relief after nearly a week of record-breaking temperatures, but many areas of the mountains received heavy rain, thunder & lighting, hail and high wind. The rain came down quick and caused motorists to have problems & some areas lost power, but there were no reports of any major damage.

Growing Pot

06/11/2008 

Mitchell Deputies have arrested Daniel Ray Lemons, age 20, and Janet L. Ramsey, age 33, both from the same address in Bakersville on charges of manufacturing marijuana. A total of 5 marijuana plants were discovered growing near the edge of the yard approximately 30 yards from the residence. This is the first marijuana plants seized this year by the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office. The marijuana had not been planted very long and was only a few inches high. There was a worn path leading from the house to the plants. Deputies Richard Hoilman and Chad Thomas were at the residence on June 8th, searching for a wanted individual when they located the marijuana plants. Lemons and Ramsey were each released on a $ 3,000.00 secured bond and are scheduled to appear in court on June 13th.

Working on Budget

06/11/2008

Burnsville’s Town Council continues to work on next year’s budget, Mayor Danny McIntosh comments. (click on audio button above)

Not the Choking Game

06/10/2008 

A tragic end to a 12 year old Mitchell County boy’s life on Saturday when he was found hanging from a noose — the Sheriff’s Department doesn’t think his death was from the “choking game.” According to the Sheriff Department the boy was apparently playing a joke he often played, pretending to be dead hanging from a noose, but this time he lost his footing. Sheriff Ken Fox explains (hear audio). The Sheriff said its not clear if the boys parents knew the boy had played this game before. The boy’s name is not being released, he attended Tipton Hill Elementary and the tragedy of his death has touched many in the Pigeon Roost area of Green Mountain where the family lived. (click audio button above)

Stay Alert

06/10/2008 

Over the weekend the Toe River Health District issued a heath advisory prohibiting swimming or wading in the Cane River downstream from the Burnsville Waste Water Treatment. The states Division of Water Quality has found elevated fecal levels in the water. The plant has been trying to find the source of the contaminate that’s been getting into the system since April and now Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh has put the Police Department and town employees on alert to be looking for anything suspicious. (click on audio button above)

Health Advisory

06/09/2008 

The Toe River Health District has issued a health advisory. Because of the continuing problems at the Burnsville Waste Water Treatment Plant, swimming or wading in the Cane River downstream from the Treatment Plant will not be permitted until further notice. Some type of toxic waste continues to come into the plant system and because of potential for pollution of the river; authorities with the Yancey County Department and the Toe River Health District have issued this health advisory.

Bomb hoax

06/09/2008 

On Friday June 6th at approximately 1:00 p.m. employees of Alpha-Omega Mental Health located off of Pensacola Road received notification by U.S. Mail that there was a bomb on the property. Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Personnel were advised immediately and an immediate evacuation of the premises occurred. Lt. Thomas L. Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department, Burnsville Police Chief Galen McMahan and officers with the Police Department arrived on scene and conducted a search of the premises. The Sheriff's Department of Emergency Services K-9 Unit trained in the detection of explosives assisted in the search and no items were located. An investigation into the incident revealed that Scott Brentin Stansberry, age27, formerly of Ivy Street, in Burnsville, was responsible for generating the threat. Stansberry is being detained in Buncombe County Jail and that Federal authorities are assisting local law enforcement in criminal charges since the United States Mail service was used in the offense. Lt. Farmer stated that the incident was handled very well by Alpha -Omega personnel and employees were able to return to work by 4:00 p.m. Assisting local law enforcement in this incident were Yancey Co. Ambulance Personnel and Burnsville Fire Department Members.

Making Tough Decisions

06/09/2008 

Operating a business means making tough decisions. Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of Yancey Schools says the school system has to be run like a business and that means making tough decisions too (hear Dr. Little's comment)Ten teaching contracts and the contract of the principal at Micaville Elementary were not renewed. (click audio button above)

Honeymooners Jailed

06/06/2008 

Newlyweds from Marion are spending their honeymoon in jail. On Tuesday, Officers from the McDowell Sheriff’s Department arrested 20 year old James and Lindsay Hobbs, both age 20, along with 25 year old David Jones also of Marion. All three face charges of breaking into another guest’s hotel room at the Sportsman Inn where they were staying, then attacking and stealing from a guest. Investigators say David Jones held down Ronnie Haney while James Hobbs cut him with a knife and strangled him. McDowell Detective David Shook says they accused Haney of stealing prescription medication from Jones, the victim denied having their medication. Detectives found some of the victim’s stolen property in the suspect’s possession including a knife that was believed to be used during the assault. Haney is okay. He did not require medical attention. All three suspects remain in jail in McDowell County.

More Charges

06/06/2008 

More charges have been filed against Chad Draper, age 29, of Fairview. Draper is the former Madison High School teacher and coach who was charged in December with showing pornographic material to a high school student. The new charges are decimating harmful materials to minors. He was released from jail after posting a $12 thousand secured bond. In December Draper was accused of showing a pornographic video on his cell phone to a student. Reportedly at the time that he arrested Draper’s cell phone had a pornographic video clip still on it. According to Madison County Detectives these new charges are similar to the December accusations. Draper has a June 24th court date.

Problems Continue

06/05/2008 

Problems continue at Burnsville’s Waste Water Treatment Plant: (Roy Davis, with the NC Division of Water Quality comments. Meanwhile Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh is asking for help, he comments. (click audio button above)

One Stop Voting Begins Today in Yancey

06/05/2008 

One Stop voting starts today in Yancey County for the Board of Education runoff election. The voting place is the Board of Elections office on the first floor of the Yancey County Courthouse. One Stop hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Weekdays (Monday-Friday) the last day for one-stop voting will be Saturday June 21st and the hours will be 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. On the ballot there will be four candidates running for two seats on the Yancey County Board of Education. The candidates are, in alphabetical order: Randy Banks, Elaine Boone, Shelia Pate Ramsey and Bill Whiteside!! The runoff election will be June 24th, and all polling places in the county will be open from 6:30 am – 7:30 pm.

06/04/2008 

It was announced recently that repairs to a collapsed retaining wall on a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway are taking longer than expected. A section between Milepost 355 at Mount Mitchell State Park to Milepost 367 near Craggy Picnic Area will remain closed until repairs are finished in spring of 2009. Shirley Hise, with the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce said: “The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce remains concerned about the closure of the Parkway and about the potential impact on Parkway communities and businesses, especially those that have already been hard hit in these challenging economic times. We recognize that the decision made by the Park Service was a difficult one, and we look forward to the reopening and return to normality.” The Parkway announcement stated the state park will remain accessible from the northeast.

06/04/2008 

WTZQ Now Part of Mark Media

06/03/2008 

WKYK and WTOE have a new radio station “Sister” in Western North Carolina with the purchase of WTZQ in Hendersonville, according to Michael Sink, Chief Operating Officer of the Mark Media Group. Mark Warwick, who has been with the company since joining the staff in 1995 at WISE in Asheville, has been named General Manager of WTZQ. The station, like WKYK and WTOE, will focus on service to the community….Also; the FCC gave final approval in early May to the purchase of Houston Broadcasting Corp. By J. Ardell and Remelle K. Sink. Mark Media and affiliated companies are headquartered in Burnsville, North Carolina.

It’s Tick Season

06/03/2008 

With warm weather here, we remind you to be alert for ticks. April – October is generally regarded at “tick season.” Ticks can carry dangerous diseases. The dog tick is the most common tick that transmits Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which should be treated early to prevent getting sick. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the most common tick-borne disease seen in North Carolina. Officials with the Mitchell County Health Department suggest when outdoors in the woods, wear one piece clothing. Cover your feet and ankle area; regularly check your body for ticks. Ticks usually linger around taller grass. It’s suggested you wear long sleeves; long pants and insect repellant are good ways to keep them off. And never use dog collars on humans or give dog medicine humans. If you are bitten, wash the area with alcohol and see a doctor.

Available for Public Inspection

05/30/2008 

The budget & budget message for Yancey County for fiscal year 2008-2009 was submitted to the Yancey County Board of Commissioners on May 26th and is available for public inspection in the county offices at room 11 in the Yancey County Courthouse during normal business hours, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. According to County Manager Michele Lawhern, extensive revisions to the budget are expected before it will be in final form for approval. A public hearing to present the budget and receive public comment has been scheduled for Thursday, June 26th at 4:00 pm in the Commissioners meeting room in the Yancey County Courthouse and a special meeting of the Board of Commissioners to adopt the Yancey County budget for fiscal year 2008-2009is scheduled immediately following the conclusion of the public hearing. The public is invited to attend and comment.

Bicentennial Coins Stolen

05/30/2008      

The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public to be on the lookout for “collector” coins. A few days ago a larceny occurred in the Spruce Pine area and the thief took what’s described as “collector quarters” valued around $1 thousand. Mitchell Chief Deputy Donald Street thinks the thief may try to spend these quarters in area businesses. The quarters are wrapped in $100 rolls of “drummer boy” bicentennial quarters; state quarters are wrapped individually by state and Indian Princess Sacagawea gold dollars also wrapped individually. All the wrapped quarters would have on the side of the package “bicentennial;” the state quarter’s package would have the state abbreviation and the gold dollars wrapped as well. If you have any information about the theft of the collector quarters, call the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department at 688-3982

Deadly Snake Bite

05/29/2008   

A McDowell County woman 47 year old Pam Summers, has died after complications from a Timber rattlesnake bite. Summers was working in her yard on Reel Hollow Road last week, when a rattlesnake bit her in the leg. She was treated with an anti-venom at the hospital, and released. But began feeling sick again on Sunday and went back to the hospital. She checked out a few hours later. Then on Memorial Day, a neighbor came to check on her, and discovered Pam dead on the couch. Experts say deaths from rattlesnake bites are extremely rare, but not impossible. The medical examiner believes complications from the snake bite, caused her death.

A Second Guilty Plea in Village of Penland Case

05/29/2008 

A second person has pleaded guilty in federal court in connection with the “Village of Penland” a Mitchell County land development regulators say was fraudulent. In a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Michael Yeomans, 56, of University Park, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of mortgage fraud in U.S. District Court in Charlotte May 9 as part of a plea agreement. The charge against Yeomans says Peerless Real Estate Services and other companies fraudulently persuaded investors to put money into the Village of Penland project. It says Yeomans was hired to serve “as the equivalent of a ‘white knight’ to purportedly rescue the project” and that he gave false information on mortgage applications connected with the project. Neil O’Rourke, of Apex, who had been a Peerless official, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit fraud charge in February. State Attorney General Roy Cooper shut down the upscale, 1,200-acre development last June, saying developers misrepresented the project and took in more than $100 million.

Tip Leads to Drug Arrest

05/28/2008 

Acting on a tip that someone was bringing a controlled substance from McDowell County into Mitchell County for the purpose of selling it, Mitchell Deputies stopped a vehicle on 226 South in Grassy Creek Monday night, driven Nathan Lee Holden, 27, of Marion. A check of his drivers license revealed it was suspended, When Deputy Daron Holmes asked if he had anything illegal in the vehicle, the accused said no and then consented to a search of his vehicle. K-9 Deputy Jessie English had responded as a back-up. The dog walked around the car and found the odor of a narcotic. Holden was asked to step out of his vehicle, he had one pound of 15.8 ounces of marijuana stuck under his shirt, in a ziplock bag. He was placed under arrest. He was charged with possession with intent to manufacture and sale of marijuana, felony possession of a scheduled 4 controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle for the sale of a controlled substance and for possession of drug paraphernalia. Nathan Lee Holden is in jail under a $25 thousand bond.

An Overdose, Now Murder Charges

05/28/2008 

Last month, 28 year old Andrew Shelton of Mars Hill, died of an overdose of the prescription drug Fentanyl. Now, two people are charged with second degree murder in the death of the man. Sheriff John Ledford says Shelton got the prescription painkiller from Larry "Rusty" Roberts and Joanne Bowens, both from Mars Hill. Ledford said A check of court records reveals Roberts has a lengthy criminal record including charges for dealing prescription drugs. Sheriff Ledford said an autopsy showed Shelton died of acute Fentanyl poisoning. Fentanyl is sold in time release patches, but Ledford said the victim chewed on the patch that had enough medication that would last several hours and he ingested all at once.

Break-in at Buladean School

05/27/2008 

The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a break-in at Buladean School. The break-in was sometime overnight or early this morning. Someone broke out a window to a classroom, an office window was broken out, and someone reached in and unlocked the office door, went in and stole a small office safe which contained checks and deposit slips, a small amount of money, around $40, was taken. Chief Deputy Donald Street said the investigation is continuing. If anyone has any information about this incident, you are asked to call the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office at 688-2023.

Theft of Cooper & Aluminum on the Rise

05/27/2008 

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Dale Eric O'Kelly, Sr. age 48, of Micaville in Yancey County and charged him with one count of Larceny of Aluminum and Copper items.
On May 13 th, Deputy Floyd D. Braswell was on routine patrol in the Micaville community when at approximately 10:08 p.m. he observed O'Kelley operating a green Ford truck pulling out of a private lot. Deputy Braswell observed several items of property including chrome vehicle bumpers, aluminum wheels, and copper items on the back of the truck. Braswell stopped O'Kelley and it was soon revealed that the contents on the rear of the truck were stolen. O'Kelley was taken into custody and released after posting a $ 1,000.00 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on June 30th. Lt. Tom Farmer of the Yancey County Sheriff's Department said they have seen an increase in theft cases where aluminum and copper are concerned. He said copper is bringing close to $ 4.00 a pound up from $ 2.75 a pound in December 2007. Aluminum is bringing $ 1.30 a pound compared to $1.00 a pound in December 2007; as the demand for metal commodities grows so will the thefts. Farmer said law enforcement agencies in neighboring McDowell and Buncombe Counties where metal purchasing companies exist are assisting local law enforcement agencies in identifying who is selling the metals.

Budget Work Begins

05/26/2008 

Yancey Commissioners will begin working of their 2008-2009 budgets this week, Commission Chairman John Renfro explains: (click audio button above)

Accused of Having Meth on the Job

05/23/2008 

McDowell County deputies have arrested a worker at the School Systems Head Start, Sugar Hill Center in Marion. They say she is accused of having methamphetamine on the job. Deputies arrested Toni Stevens, an 18 year employee there, school officials say she has resigned. McDowell Sheriff Dudley Greene said workers at the center found the meth in a staff bathroom. A day after the drugs were found, deputies arrested Stevens and found she had even more meth on her. Stevens has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, she was released after paying a $20,000 bond. School officials say this was a random incident and does not compromise Head Start Security.

E & R Appeals

05/23/2008 

The Yancey County Board of Equalization and Review is ready to hear your property revaluation appeals. Yancey Commission Chairman John Renfro explains. (click audio button above)

Mitchell Commissioners Receive Proposed Budget

05/22/2008 

Mitchell County Commissioners received the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2008-2009 on Monday. The proposed budget totals $16,694,070 for all county operations, capital improvements, and debt service requirements. This reflects a 5% decrease from the current 2007-08 amended budget as of May 19, 2008. Property Tax Rate remains at $.52 per $100 Valuation. The proposed budget is balanced. Expenditure Highlights include: a 5% increase for the Mitchell School System, a 4% increase to Mayland Community College. According to the contract between Mayland and Avery, Mitchell & Yancey County’s, each County is required to pay the same amount, at this time the three counties have agreed on the 4% increase. The public hearing, on the proposed budget will be June 2nd at 5 pm and the final Budget will be adopted on June 26th at 8:30 am.

Haywood County man arrested after a 14 hour search

05/21/2008 

Local law enforcement officers arrest a Haywood County man after a 14 hour search. Shad Jennings Ferguson 22, of Clyde, fled from a traffic stop off of Cane Branch Road, late Wednesday night, May 14th, beginning a 14 hour search, than ended with his arrest on Thursday, May 15th. Several Sheriff Deputies and officers from the Burnsville and Spruce Pine Police Departments searched the area during the night. He was finally located off of Slick Hill Road and taken into custody around 1:00 pm Thursday Afternoon. When Ferguson's identity was confirmed authorities learned that he was wanted by Haywood County Deputies on a host of charges including Felony Probation Violations, Assault and Felony Firearms Violations. At the time of his arrest in Yancey County, Ferguson was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine and other illegal drugs. Ferguson is facing numerous charges in Yancey including the taking of a four wheeler, injuring property and numerous driving violations. Yancey Sheriff Kermit Banks expressed his appreciation for the help his department received from the Burnsville and Spruce Pine Police Departments and the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Working for Improvements at Gouge Elementary

05/21/2008 

The Mitchell County School System continues working toward improvements at Gouge Elementary School. Dr. Brock Womble, Superintendent of the Mitchell School System explains. (click audio button above)

Four Injured in Wreck

05/21/2008 

A wreck Saturday night, on Highway 80 South in Yancey County, sent four people to area hospitals. According to Trooper J.D. Carver, there was one car involved, a Ford Mustang, he said the vehicle came into a curve way too fast, jumped a bank and hit a tree. Carver said alcohol and speed were factors; all four people in the car were taken to area hospitals, three by helicopter and one by ground. Trooper Carver said two of the victims may have been ejected from the vehicle. All apparently suffered multiple broken bones and some had internal injuries. The driver of the car, McKenzie “Kenny” Ray, age 19, is in fair condition with multiple broken bones. Passengers Josh Nanney, in his early 20’s, a passenger in the back seat was ejected, a hospital spokesperson reported his condition as serious. Natasha Mosley, in her early 20’s, is listed in fair condition, she was probably ejected from back seat and her sister Michele Mosley, age unknown, was listed in fair condition. No other details are available.

SP Man Back in Custody

05/20/2008 

A Spruce Pine man, who failed to show for a court appearance on charges of breaking and entering and larceny charges in 2007, has been found in South Carolina. Joe Ray Grindstaff, age 50, was charged by the Mitchell County Sheriff's Office with the breaking and entering and larceny of the Zemax Corporation that occurred on April 6, 2007. The Copper plates that were stolen have value of $ 27,000.00. Grindstaff was arrested and later released on a $ 25,000.00 secured bond. He is also charged by the Avery County Sheriff's Office with the burglary of a Mica Company April 13, 2007 in which copper wire was stolen having a value of $ 1,000.00. When Grindstaff failed to appear in court, he was charged with felony failure to appear and being a habitual felon. He was recently arrested for D.W.I. and hit and run by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Grindstaff would not voluntarily return to North Carolina to face these charges. As a result a governor's warrant was obtained and he was returned to North Carolina on April 14. He is being held in Rutherford County under a $ 110,000.00 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on May 28.

Mars Hill Nurses Charged with Taking Prescription Medications

05/20/2008 

Two nurses hired to take care of elderly patients, are accused of taking their prescription medications. Lauri Fraser and Kathleen Poplos both face felony charges. Mars Hill Police say the two stole prescription pain killers oxocodone & hydrocodone from elderly patients at the Mars Hill Retirement Center. Mars Hill Police say judging by the falsified records the women took at least 200 pills since January. They add Fraser and Poplos gave patients Tylenol instead. Fraser worked at the retirement home for 5 and a half years - Popalos for 2. Police say Popalos was stealing the pills for Fraser.

It Takes Time

05/19/2008 

Burnsville’s waste-water treatment plant problems are being addressed, but it takes time. (Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh comments) Burnsville Mayor, Danny McIntosh. But is problem at the waste-water treatment plant related to the findings of biologists from U.S. Fish and Wildlife on Thursday April 24th? They looked at the Cane River at the Langford Road Bridge, they did not find any living mussels there, they found 8 shells of the endangered Appalachian Elktoe Mussel and the air did smell of sewage. On April 25th, they took a closer look at the Cane River at the Whittington Rd Bridge. They found 2 relatively fresh dead Appalachian Elkltoe shells and also recovered 20 dead fish at this site. Now, Fish & Wildlife is keeping their biologists out of the Cane River (Gary Peeples with U.S. Game & Fish comments) Gary Peeples with U.S. Fish & Wildlife. Roy Davis with NC Division of Water Quality says the Town is making  a decent effort to correct the problems. And, because of the upset condition at the treatment plant and public concern,  says he’s thinking about asking that the town to expand it’s self-monitoring program. Roy Davis, with NC Division of Water Quality comments) (click audio button above)

Runoff for Yancey Board of Education

05/15/2008 

The non-partisan Yancey County Board of Education Race on May 6th was very close and according to the Yancey County Board of Elections, since no one received the majority of votes, the number 4, 5 and 6 place finishers were eligible to call for a runoff and two did, Bill Whiteside and Elaine Boone. This means there will be a runoff election. Rhonda Boone received the most votes and she is in. There will be four candidates running for two-seats on the board. The candidates are in alphabetical order; Randy Banks, Elaine Boone, Shelia Pate Ramsey and Bill Whiteside. The runoff election will be June 24th, and all polling places in the county will be open from 6:30 am – 7:30 pm.

New Senior Center-First Step

05/15/2008 

It was back in February that Yancey Commissioners said as-soon-as their financial situation was under control; a new senior center would be a top priority. On May 8th, Commissioners conveyed a 1 & 1/2 acre tract of land next to the Mission Family Medical Center and Mayland Community College, Yancey Campus to the Yancey County Committee on Aging, a non-profit agency that operates the Senior Center, currently located in a condemned building on Swiss Avenue. Yancey Commission Chairman John Renfro said without land and a building design, you can’t apply for grants and by conveying the property to a non-profit, and as-soon-as they get a design completed, they can apply for grants from foundations and government agencies.

Losing Teachers

05/15/2008 

It’s something all school systems have to deal with; a drop in student enrollment, which means, in most cases, losing teachers: Danny Young, finance Officer for the Mitchell County School System comments. (click audio button above)

Getting Grants

05/14/2008 

Money is hard to come by at area school systems, that’s why when grants come through, it’s very good news. Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of the Yancey County System comments. (click audio button above)

New Sheriff in McDowell

05/14/2008 

Dudley Greene has been appointed to be the new sheriff in McDowell County. He replaces Jackie Turner, who resigned in April after 14 years on the job. Greene was a Captain in the Sheriff’s department will serve out the remaining two years of Turner’s term. His appointment was made by a unanimous vote by the McDowell County Board of Commissioners at their meeting on Monday. The Executive Committee of the McDowell Republican Party made the nomination to the Commissioners. North Carolina law says when a sheriff resigns; he is replaced by the executive committee of the political party to which the Sheriff belongs.

Power Outages Update

05/12/2008 

High wind has downed trees and power lines across WNC. This morning, Progress Energy reported some 9500 of its customers without power. In the Spruce Pine area around 250 customers have reported outages. Progress Energy crews are currently assessing damages and will get your power back on as-soon-as possible. A high wind warning issued Sunday by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 6 PM this afternoon.

State Board of Elections to Decide

05/12/2008 

Since no candidate received a majority of the votes in the May 6th non-partisan Board of Education race in Yancey County, there could be another race and there could be as-many-as six candidates on the ballot. A majority would have been 2,380 votes. Officials at the Yancey County Board of Elections tell us the State Board of Elections will decide what will happen.

MCC Wants a Large Funding Increase

05/09/2008 

Mayland Community College has asked the three counties Avery, Mitchell and Yancey for an increase in funding of $330 thousand in capital outlay from each County for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. This an increase from last years request of $245 thousand. The increase in funds is to help cover the college’s operational costs. These costs include heating, water, and electricity bills as well as maintenance personnel salaries, maintenance equipment for the college’s grounds and buildings, renovations to existing buildings, campus security, and gas and upkeep of the college’s vehicles. Mayland’s VP of Administrative Services Gerald Hyde said this funding is crucial in the sustainability and potential growth for each of our three campuses.”  Since 1997, the college’s fulltime headcount rose from a total of 879 to a total of 1,963 in 2007.  According to their contract with Mayland, local funding is to be equal from each county. Mayland’s President Suzanne Owens said all courses are rigorous, college level academic work, with the bulk of them being structured for transfer to four-year institutions,” many others are structured for work skills in the areas of carpentry, welding, auto body repair, manicuring, landscape design, greenhouse production, horticulture, early childhood education and esthetics.” According to Owens, in order to provide these programs, additional space must be acquired, either through new facilities, remodeled facilities or leased facilities.  At this point the college is limited by funding and lack of facilities. 

Funding Requests

05/09/2008 

The Mitchell School system is asking for $335 thousand from Mitchell County for the fiscal year 2008-2009. Danny Young, Mitchell School System Finance Officer comments. (click audio button above)

Larceny at MHS Results in Drug Charges

05/08/2008 

An investigation into a larceny at Mitchell High School has resulted in arrests of two individuals on drug charges. Austin Alan Moore, age 18, of Newland and Martin Ray Robinson, age 16, of Green Mountain have been charged with 2 counts of possession with intent to sale or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance and 2 counts of the sale or delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance. In addition, Mr. Moore has been charged with maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of storing or selling a controlled substance and larceny. Mr. Robinson has been charged with possession of marijuana. The initial complaint was from a student who had several hundred dollars stolen from his locker. Investigators learned Martin Robinson would steal prescription pain medications. Since he didn't have access to a vehicle, Austin Moore would drive him around to sell these medications. There is no evidence Mr. Moore sold any of these pills, but he was aware Mr. Robinson was and received compensation in the way of gas and food. Deputies discovered two such sales occurred at the Ingles parking lot in Spruce Pine. The individuals who bought the drugs confirmed these sales. Mr. Robinson admitted to having about seventy Percocets on that day. Mitchell Sheriff Ken Fox said the sale and abuse of prescription pain medications is now our most serious drug problem.Often teen-agers will steal these medications from family members and they end up being sold to other teen-agers. All too often they end up in our schools. Family members who are lawfully obtaining these prescriptions should take every precaution to prevent the unlawful sale and abuse of these drugs. Moore and Robinson were arrested Friday May 2 and incarcerated in the Rutherford County Detention Center. Bond was set on Mr. Moore at $ 65,000.00 and $ 55,000.00 on Mr. Robinson. Their first appearance was held May 5. Mr. Moore made bond and was released.

Large Funding Request from Yancey Schools

05/08/2008 

Yancey County’s Board of Education has approved their budget to take to County Commissioners and they’re requesting a large increase, Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent of Yancey County Schools explains. (click audio button above)

Primary 2008 in the Books

05/07/2008 

Primary 2008 is now in the books. North Carolina Democrats said they want Obama, Mitchell and Yancey Democrats said they wanted Clinton. Republicans choose John McCain. For Governor, statewide it will be Republican Pat McCrory meeting Democrat Bev Perdue in November. Republicans in Mitchell & Yancey voted for Fred Smith. Democrats in Mitchell voted for Perdue while Yancey voters choose Robert Orr, whose is from Yancey County. In local races, for the Mitchell Board of Commissioner voters picked Marvin Miller with 27%, (1,873) LeeRoy Ledford with 21%, (1,429) and Kevin Street with 19% (1,343) The rest of the field: Jim Garofalo with 14% (953) Coy Hollifield with 14% (985) and Jerry Prosser with 5% (327). Republicans Miller, Ledford and Street and Democrat Ron McKinney will meet in November to run for three seats on the County Commission. In the Non-Partisan Board of Education race in Yancey County, the winners were newcomers Rhonda Boone with 15% (2,073), Sheila Pate Ramsey 13% (1,915), and incumbent Randy Banks with 13% (1,807). Other candidates Bill Whiteside with 13% (1,799), Randy Hall 11% (1,555), current board member Elaine Boone with 10% (1,463),  Paul Kardulis 9% (1,302), Phillip M. Hughes 9% (1,264),  and Joel Deyton with 8% (1,107)

It’s Primary Day

05/06/2008 

It primary day 2008, polls are open until 7:30. Voters are choosing candidates to run in the general election in November. Voters will be choosing candidates, for president, the U.S. Senate, Congress and state offices including governor. Local interest is focused on the Republican Primary in Mitchell County with candidates running for 3 seats on the County Commission. And in Yancey County in non-patrician voting, nine candidates are running for three seats on board of education. Listen here for results tonight right here. Results will also be posted on our web sites wkyk.com and wtoe.com. You can get a look at a sample ballot on our web sites too.

Church Scams

05/06/2008 

The Yancey County Sheriff's Office has received several calls from people in the county with concerns about individuals who go from one church to another asking for money for gas, food, medicine or to help pay some outstanding bill. The Sheriffs Office, while not wanting to discourage helping someone in need would like to offer a few simple suggestions to the faith community.
First, don’t be afraid to ask questions, after all it is your or your church’s money.
Second, take your time there are very few things that must be paid for immediately, the need will still be there tomorrow.
Third, call and ask other churches, charitable organizations and the Sheriffs Office if they are familiar with this person or family and if they have helped or been asked to help this family or person. These organizations meet a lot of people and keep records of their involvement with them.
Fourth, always have another person with you as a witness and for support when speaking with or assisting someone about a need.
Fifth, if you decide to help the family or person take care of a specific need, don’t give them cash.
Sixth, determine if there is a long term need, if this is the case there are other avenues thru government assistance programs.
The Yancey Sheriff’s Office says charitable giving when done wisely and cautiously can give you great satisfaction.

A Tragic Accident

05/05/2008 

A tragic accident Saturday killed a Burnsville man. According to State Trooper Jeremy Carver, Wayne Joseph Carroll, age 35, was driving his 1998 Isuzu North West on Bald Mountain Road when a large tree fell from the side of the roadway striking the top of the vehicle. After impact the vehicle ran off the right side of the road striking a guardrail. The vehicle continued traveling North West riding on the guardrail until it crossed the centerline, then ran off the roadway straight ahead and struck a ditch. Mr. Carroll was killed and a passenger in the vehicle, his daughter Caitlin, age 8, was not injured. The accident occurred at about 2:30 pm. Yancey EMS, Yancey Rescue and Egypt-Ramseytown Fire responded to the scene.

Primary Day Tomorrow

05/05/2008 

Its Primary Election Day tomorrow with Democrat and Republican voters picking candidates to move on to the General Election in November. The ballot features a Presidential Primary plus other federal, state and local offices. Locally, Mitchell voters will be choosing three Republicans to run in November against Democrat Ron McKinney for three seats on the Mitchell County Commission. In Yancey County, it’s a non-partisan School Board election with nine candidates running for three seats. The polls will open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30 pm. Get a look at sample ballots on our web sites: wkyk.com and wtoe.com.

Busy Time in Yancey

05/05/2008 

Budgets and property tax appeals in Yancey County, it’s a busy time. Commission Chairman John Renfro explains. (click audio button above)

Marion Man Charged with Murder

05/02/2008 

A Marion man, Dwayne Hoyte Dockery, age 41, has been arrested in Buncombe County charged with first-degree murder in the death of Daniel Mosteller. The 20 year old Mosteller had been reported missing since April 21st by family members in McDowell County. His body had been discovered Thursday in Madison County. According to Madison Sheriff, John Ledford, Mosteller’s body was found underneath the porch of an abandoned house in the Paint Fork section of the County. McDowell authorities say they had suspected Dockery of killing Mosteller and turned him over to Buncombe authorities when it was determined the murder took place near Asheville. Buncombe Deputies believe Dockery killed Mosteller on April 21st while the two were in a car on I-40 near Asheville, they argued and Dockery stabbed Mosteller, then they believe Dockery took the victim to Madison County to dispose of the body. Captain Dudley Green, with the McDowell Sheriff’s Department said he thought the murder was drug-related.

A Mystery Odor Solved, Dead Fish Still a Mystery

05/02/2008 

A mystery odor was discovered coming from the Burnsville’s waste-water treatment plant last week: Tom Storie, Public Works Director for the Town of Burnsville said he disagrees with Davis’s statement that Glen Raven was the cause, he said they may have contributed to the problem, but he also believes that someone dumped what he call a “slug” or a mixture of chemicals into the system. It’s not clear if this problem is connected in any way with findings by Biologist from U.S. Fish & Wildlife on Thursday of last week. They looked at the Cane River at the Langford Road Bridge, they did not find any living mussels there, they found 8 shells of the endangered Appalachian Elktoe Mussel and the air did smell of sewage. On Friday biologists from the Fish & Wildlife Service and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission returned to take a closer look at the Cane River at the Whittington Rd Bridge. They found 2 relatively fresh dead Appalachian Elkltoe shells and also recovered 20 dead fish at this site. U.S. Fish & Wildlife officials say they now have major concerns as to what caused the problem and the extent of the damage and how long this problem has been going on. Spokesman Gary Peeples with U.S. Fish & Wildlife said they thought the Cane River was a good place for the Appalachian Eltoe Mussel, but this may be a significant setback. Roy Davis with the NC Division of Water Quality comments. (click audio button above)

McDowell Man’s Body Found in Madison

05/02/2008 

The body of a man who disappeared from McDowell County ten days ago has been found at an abandoned house in Madison County. Now a murder investigation is underway. 20 year old Daniel Mosteller's body was found off Hamburg Road Thursday afternoon. Detectives say evidence developed in McDowell County led them to believe Mostellers body was here but they did not know where. Deputies and SBI agents investigated the crime scene at a dilapidated house where they say a suspect tried to conceal the body. Deputies have not identified the suspect or person of interest in the case. Investigators think illegal drugs may have played a role in Mosteller's death. Captain Dudley Greene with the McDowell Sheriff's Department comments. (click audio button above)

School Configuration to Stay in Place

05/01/2008 

At their April 29th meeting, the Mitchell County Board of Education voted to keep the current school configuration in place for next year. Dr. Brock Womble, the Superintendent of Mitchell County Schools explains. (click audio button above)

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