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Last Day to Register until “One-Stop”

10/10/2008 

Today (Friday, Oct 10th) is the last day to register to vote in the November general election until “One-Stop” voting begins on Oct 16th and runs through Nov1st. After today, you can still register, but it will have to be at one of the “One-Stop” voting places, and you must vote at that time, at that polling location. Listed below are dates and times and locations for “One-Stop.”

In Mitchell County, you can One-Stop vote at the Board of Elections office on the first floor of the Mitchell Co. Courthouse, Monday-Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday November 1st (last Day for One-Stop voting) from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. A second One Stop Poling place in Mitchell County is the Cross Street Commerce Center (the former Hampshire Building-above Pinebridge) in Spruce Pine. The times to vote at this location are Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, and Saturday, November 1st from 8 am -1 pm.
 

In Yancey County there is one voting place—at the Board of Elections office on the 1st floor of the Yancey Co. Courthouse. The hours are Monday-Thursday from, 9:00 am-5:00, Fridays from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm and each Saturday through November 1st from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
 

There are two other dates you should remember. Tuesday, Oct. 28th is the last day to request mail-in absentee ballots in writing. And Monday, Nov 3rd, mailed absentee ballots must be received in BOE office by Monday, Nov 3rd at 5pm. Election officials remind you to allow for “mailing time” when returning completed ballots.

Quickly Approaching

10/10/2008 

The Oct. 15 deadline is quickly approaching for retirees and disabled veterans to file a 2007 return so they can get a stimulus payment. Normally, these individuals are not required to file because their income is below the required level, but they must file this year if they want a stimulus payment. Also, those taxpayers who filed for an automatic 6-month extension must file by Oct. 15 in order to 1) be on time and 2) get a stimulus payment this year.

Fight Caught on Tape

10/10/2008 

A fight between two football players at West McDowell Junior High School results in one being taken to the hospital and the other facing criminal charges, and the fight was recorded by another student on a cell phone camera. McDowell Deputies say Chaven Lytle and two other students were walking on a trail to football practice when one of the teens instigated a fight. They believe Lytle didn't want to fight, but was pushed into it by the third student. It was at this point one of the students allegedly pushed Lytle down and choked him until he lost consciousness. He was taken to the hospital and is ok. Deputies say the suspect was given three days suspension, kicked off the football team and is facing assault and larceny charges stemming from the alleged theft of Lytle's MP3 player and coat during the fight.

YCHS Receives Grant

10/09/2008       

The Yancey County Humane Society recently received a $7,500 grant from PetSmart Charities to increase its number of pet spay/neuter operations for people who would otherwise not be able to provide this operation for their pets. The Yancey County Humane Society's pet sterilization program successfully alters more than 700 animals per year on average to proactively fight the area's dire pet overpopulation problem. The program offers free spay/neuter services for dogs and cats residing in the Yancey County area. The goal of this program is to continue to reduce pet overpopulation in Yancey County. For more information on getting your pet spayed or neutered and to see if you qualify for this grant, call the Yancey County Humane Society at 682-9510. PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.

Historic Mitchell Courthouse Update

10/09/2008 

Mitchell Commissioners got an update on Monday on the progress to renovate the historic Courthouse in Bakersville. County Manager Chuck Vines says the committee has received some $500-thousand in grant opportunities for the project.  (click audio button above)

NEWS REPORT CORRECTION

10/08/2008 

In a news story about a 3-county theft being busted that aired Tuesday on WKYK/WTOE and posted on our web sites wkyk.com & wtoe.com . The information we used came from a news release from the Yancey Country Sheriff’s Department. The information we used was incomplete and not any fault of the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department. The person who reported a theft to the Sheriff’s Department was Alan McKinney, who was at his father’s home off of N. Bee Branch Road and not, we repeat was not, the Alan McKinney of McKinney Grading, in Green Mountain or the Alan McKinney of the Wayne McKinney family of Green Mountain. It was completely my error and I regret any embarrassment or problems this error may have caused.

ESC Extended Benefits to Unemployed across N.C.

10/08/2008 

A three-month average of North Carolina’s most current statewide unemployment rates has reached 6.5 percent and caused a program designated by state law to be activated which will provide additional “extended benefits” to some of the state’s unemployed workers. Larry Parker with ESC explains: (audio) Area ESC phone numbers are: Madison 649-9479, Mitchell 765-7376, Yancey 682-6618. (For Parker's comments, click audio button above)

New Vertical License

10/08/2008 

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles is introducing a new vertical license for drivers under the age of 21 today. As added protection, the license includes color-coded bars that highlight the driver's 18th and 21st birthdays. "By helping retailers more easily identify the age of customers purchasing alcohol and tobacco, we can help protect our young people," DMV Commissioner William C. Gore Jr. said. Drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 will receive licenses with two color bars, red and yellow, next to their photos listing the dates they turn 18 and 21. Drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 will receive licenses with one red color bar listing the date they turn 21.

State to Buy Grandfather Mountain

09/29/2008 

Gov. Mike Easley will make an environmental announcement at 11:30 a.m. on September 29 (Monday) at MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain (U.S. 221) in Linville. Sources indicate the announcement will be the state plans to buy Grandfather Mountain and about 26-hundred acres in the Linville area. It’s a $12-million deal that will ensure preservation of the tourist attraction and nature park. To find out more, click here.

Governor: “Gas Shortage Should End Today or Tomorrow”

09/26/2008 

Governor Mike Easley says he believes the gas shortage that’s plagued the western mountains for several days, will be over today or tomorrow. Spartanburg, which is the terminal for the west has been filled with gas. Easley says hundreds of thousands of gallons will be in the western mountain today and tomorrow.

Deadline Fast Approaching

09/26/2008 

The Oct. 15th deadline to file a 2007 income tax return and to receive an economic stimulus payment this year is fast approaching. This is the deadline for the estimated 4.3 million retirees and disabled veterans who may be eligible to receive a stimulus payment but who normally don’t file a tax return.Mark Hansen is with the Internal Revenue Service in Greensboro. Remember you must file a tax return in order to receive an economic stimulus payment even if you normally are not required to file a return. (click audio button above to hear Hanson's comments)

Woman Dies in Madison County Wreck

09/26/2008 

State Troopers say a woman was killed Thursday morning, in Madison County, when she was driving too fast and lost control of her Land Rover on Rector Branch Road. Her identity was not immediately available. The vehicle flipped on its side and the driver was partially ejected through the passenger window. The wreck site was off Doe Road in the Big Pine Community.

Governor Says Gas is on the Way

09/25/2008 

Gov. Mike Easley announced Wednesday that substantial additional gasoline supplies have been released to North Carolina. “The major oil companies have agreed to make additional gas supplies available to hard hits areas of our state, particularly western North Carolina,” said Easley. “We are getting tankers from Wilmington, Tennessee and South Carolina terminals to bring hundreds of thousands of gallons of gas to those most in need.” The governor said the additional gallons of gas will be available over the next two days. “I am grateful to the oil companies for trying to get gas to our people. He has arranged a deal with Pilot stores to ship at least 8,000 gallons of fuel from Tennessee on Thursday, to get the pumps flowing again. He says he is also looking at ways to make sure the severe shortages we are experiencing do not happen again. They do not have to make these changes in their delivery routine and I have no power to make them. They have agreed to do this voluntarily,” Easley said.

You’re invited to Kick-Off Meeting

09/25/2008 

As we reported earlier this month, Burnsville has been selected by the NC Department of Commerce to participate in the Small Town Main Street program. Yancey County Economic Development Executive Director, Jake Blood, said Burnsville’s selection comes at a fortunate time, with a new 4-lane highway becoming a reality, the face of the county, and in particular, Burnsville will be changing. He said, “How we incorporate the changes brought on by the widening of US-19E in the context of our historical town square and main streets will set the economic conditions of Burnsville for decades to come.” A special invitation is extended to everyone to attend a Kick-Off Meeting this Monday, September 29th at 6:30 pm at the Town Center. Representatives from the Department of Commerce will discuss the Small Town Main Street Program and solicit community feedback on how the program can best benefit Burnsville and its citizens.

Watch Out for Deer

09/25/2008 

To help decrease the number of wildlife and automobile crashes, the N.C. Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be aware of the increased presence of deer on North Carolina's roads this fall. More than 15,500 animal-related crashes are reported each year — 90 percent involving deer. Since 2005, the incidents have resulted in 3,028 human injuries, of which 17 were fatal, and nearly $116 million in property damage. While a crash involving a deer can happen at any time, the majority of deer-vehicle collisions occur between the months of October and December, when deer activity increases due to the mating and hunting seasons. Incidents are most common during the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., when deer movement increases and limited lighting makes it more difficult for motorists to see them on or near roadways. For more information on how to avoid a deer-vehicle collision, click here.

Long Lines for Gas

09/24/2008 

As areas gas stations run out of gas, the lines at those stations that may be lucky to have fuel, are getting longer and longer. AAA says this region is one of the hardest hit areas the nation and they say fuel supplies should improve in a week or so and possibly by this weekend. Most of those stations that have gas are limiting customers to 10-gallons. Until things improve it’s suggested to conserve by consolidating trips and cancel unnecessary driving.

Leaf-Lookers have great color in store

09/24/2008 

Experts are saying the drought could actually be good news when it comes to fall color. According to Dr. Kathy Matthews a biology professor at Western Carolina University, the persistent dry conditions have the plants working overtime. She says "the trees are actually producing more pigments as a backup mechanism, so they can harvest more sunlight and make more sugars for themselves. It's a stress response." She says another ingredient for a burst of fall color is a sudden cool down, with temperatures dropping close to freezing. There is a downside; Dr. Matthews says areas of the mountains that got heavy rainfall last spring may see muted colors. Either way, tourism officials say the fall color is good news for the industry. Patti Jensen, with Mitchell County says they’ve got their fingers crossed. Ashley Grindstaff, with the Yancey-Burnsville Chamber says a good leaf season will extend their visitors season well into the fall. The colors are expected to be at their peek during the middle of October, but if Mother Nature is really shinning, the season could stretch to early November and could mean more income for area businesses. (click audio button above)

A Tragic Weekend Death

09/23/2008 

We have more details about a tragic weekend accident that claimed the life of a former Marion law enforcement officer. Tim Duncan died Saturday after being pinned underneath his SUV driven by his father. Duncan was behind the vehicle outside his parents' home, they were hooking up a camper trailer. Family members say the vehicle hit him after the accelerator got hung up. Duncan was pronounced dead on arrival at McDowell County Hospital. He is survived by his parents, wife and two daughters. His funeral is set for this morning at New Horizon Baptist Church in Marion. The flag was lowered to half staff at the Marion Police Department where Tim Duncan once worked. For more information, click here

Aging Project Underway

09/23/2008 

A project is getting started in Mitchell County to make sure the elderly in the county are being looked after. Mitchell County Manager Chuck Vines explains: (audio: Vines describes the county’s effort to make sure information is gathered from the county’s aging population. The purpose of this project is to ensure the elderly are being looked after, being talked to, to see if they have any issues, problems or times when they need help) To hear audio click audio button above.
 

Reserve Yancey Deputy / Criminal Justice Educator dies in accident

09/22/2008 

Local law enforcement officers, criminal justice educators and cadets attending basic law enforcement training are all in mourning with the news of the death of Timothy J. "Tim" Duncan. On Saturday September 20, 2008 Duncan was at the residence of his father in Marion, when he was accidentally killed after being struck by a mobile camper causing fatal internal injuries. A native of McDowell County, Duncan, age 41, he attended school in McDowell County, after high school Duncan attended Western Piedmont Community College where he received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. Duncan went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Lees-McRae College and received his Master Degree from East Carolina University. In addition to his parents Duncan is survived by his wife Jamie Burleson Duncan and two daughters Paige Elizabeth and Brianna Jo Duncan of the home. Yancey Sheriff Kermit Banks stated that Duncan who had served the Yancey County Sheriff's Department as a Reserve Deputy for the past 4 years was a wonderful man who loved his family and those in his profession and was always eager to help his fellow man and officer. To read more, click here.

Stay Away from Jimson Weed

09/22/2008 

A warning to stay away from Jimson Weed. The warning comes after several Madison High School teens went to the hospital after eating the seeds of the Jimson Weed, a common but poisonous plant. Doctors say young people often get in trouble because they try it without realizing its reputation and are not prepared for its serious side effects and Doctors say the potential for accidental poisoning increases with higher doses. Symptoms include rapid heart beat, dry, flushed or hot skin and incoherent speech. Most effects begin within 2 hours and can last for up to 48 hours.

Swimming & Wading Ban Lifted

09/19/2008 

The Toe River Health District has lifted its ban on recreational use of the Cane River, downstream from Burnsville’s Waste Water Treatment Plant. Over the past month, weekly water testing results for fecal coliform bacteria in the Cane River have shown levels acceptable for recreational water use. Jesse Greene, Director of the Toe River Health District, cautions: "As with most wild rivers, some health risks exists and persons entering the water should not ingest the water and should use good hygiene after swimming or wading in the river." For more information on healthy swimming and prevention of recreational water illnesses click here.

State Trooper Cleared

09/19/2008 

A State Trooper has been cleared in an incident that occurred back on March 14th when Trooper Andy Waycaster shot and killed a man after the man slashed the Troopers throat with a box cutter. According to a news release, District Attorney Brad Greenway said the Trooper acted appropriately in his use of force. Trooper Waycaster had stopped Daniel Boyd Cole Jr., age 22, of Marion, for a seat belt violation, he smelled alcohol on Cole’s breath and placed him in the front seat of the patrol car and was taking him in for a breathalyzer test. According to the news release, as the cruiser approached Interstate 40, Cole produced a folding razor knife, which he used to cut Waycastter. The trooper stopped the vehicle and shot Cole one time, then both men exited the vehicle, Waycaster fired two additional shots, none striking Cole, who then fell or jumped from an overpass. He died at the scene. Waycaster suffered extensive injuries to his face and arms. He has since returned to duty. An autopsy found Cole died of a single gunshot wound to his left chest. The autopsy also revealed Cole’s blood alcohol level was 0.11, above North Carolina’s legal limit of .08.

Dispute over Burial Plots in Marshall

09/19/2008 

Two families are claiming the same plot in the Cemetery run by the Town of Marshall in Madison County. The confusion began about three weeks ago when Christina Rice went to visit her mother's grave and saw the grave of another woman buried just a few feet away from her mom. The problem is Rice has no paper proof that that area of the cemetery belongs to her family and neither does the family of the deceased woman, the Lunsford’s. Rice says town leaders knew her family's plot took up that corner of the cemetery. She says she spoke with an alderman when the town asked people with claims to plots to come forward. Rice says her family is not upset with the Lunsford’s; they are upset with town leaders and think they should rectify the problem right away. Marshall’s town council is considering forming a cemetery commission to evaluate future burials.

Gouging Investigation is on Going

09/18/2008 

North Carolina's Attorney General, Roy Cooper, continues to investigate gas stations that may be guilty of price gouging. The Citgo station in Old Fort has received subpoenas for allegedly charging unreasonably excessive prices in a time of crisis. The owner of the Old Fort Citgo, Shakil Ahmad, says without credit card fees, he paid $5.29 a gallon. He believes the state should go after the oil companies instead of the service stations. The Old Fort business joins gas stations in Buncombe, Cherokee & Transylvania that are also being investigated, stations that are charging more than $5.35 a gallon. 23 stations across the state have until September 26th to give the attorney general price and cost information that affected their retail pricing decisions.

A Most Wanted Captured

09/18/2008 

Ryan Jefferies, age 32, of Old Fort, wanted for fleeing to avoid arrest in McDowell County and for failing to register as a sex offender in Buncombe County has been arrested. When authorities entered his home, in Old Fort, they say Jefferies tried to get rid of 20-grams of crack cocaine by flushing the drugs down the toilet, but that didn’t work as authorities were able to retrieve the illegal substance from a septic line. Jefferies, one of the mountains “most wanted,” is now facing obstruction of justice and other felony drug charges.

Electronic Vehicle Inspections Delayed

09/18/2008 

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles' new electronic vehicle inspection program will go online Nov. 1, one month after the original Oct. 1 launch date, to allow additional time to receive and install computers throughout the state. The computers will electronically connect more than 2,300 safety-only inspection stations that were not previously linked to DMV. Electronic vehicle inspections will mean vehicles that undergo an emissions or safety inspection on or after Nov. 1, 2008, will no longer receive a windshield sticker. After that date, the vehicle's inspection will be synchronized to be due the same month as the vehicle's registration renewal each year. Synchronizing each vehicle's inspection and registration dates is expected to increase compliance with the state's inspection program and help benefit North Carolina's air quality and highway safety. Over the synchronization period, no vehicle will have to be inspected more than once in a twelve-month period. The cost of safety-only inspections is still scheduled to increase from $9.10 to $13.60 on October 1st. Get more information on this story. Click here

Biologists make discovery

09/17/2008 

Aquatic biologists with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service made a surprising discovery recently in the Cane River in Yancey County. The biologists found two live Appalachian elktoe mussels upstream above the town of Burnsville’s wastewater treatment plant which has been beset with problems. John Fridell, a biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said" this marks the first time the endangered mussel has been documented upstream of where the plant discharges into the river “The discovery is good news; it highlights a trend we’ve seen in recent years of the elktoe expanding its range upstream. It also stands in stark contrast to the depressing situation downstream and the tremendous setbacks the elktoe has suffered there. Since August 7th, biologists have examined eight stretches of the Cane River for signs of mussel life. In addition to finding live mussels upstream from the wastewater treatment plant, they also found live mussels at the two sites furthest downstream from the plant; however, at the five downstream sites nearest the plant, where mussels were known to exist prior to the discharge problems, biologists failed to find any live mussels. Meanwhile, the health advisory from the Toe River Health District remains in place. No swimming or wading in the Cane River from the Burnsville Waste Water Treatment Plant downstream until further notice.

Investigating Gouging Complaints

09/16/2008 

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper has received more than 15-hundred gas gouging complaints over the past few days. Of that number his office is investigating six of them. One investigation is against Jarrett's in Rosman. Gas there is $5.59 a gallon, while it's just $4.19 at a station just down the road. Some customers say that's proof that Jarrett's is gouging customers. But clerks who works there says that's not the case. They say Jarrett's has the paperwork to prove they're charging just six cents above what they are paying their distributor. Jarrett's has until September 26th to turn their records over to the attorney general's office. Staff members in the AG’s office say that more subpoenas for gas records are likely to be sent out later this week.

Young Men Face Numerous Felony Charges

09/16/2008 

In the early morning hours of Friday September 5th Burnsville Police Officer M. Brian Buchanan was conducting security checks behind business locations in the Burnsville Shopping Plaza when he visually observed two male subjects hiding behind a stack of wooden pallets. Officer Buchanan exited his patrol car to inquire as to why the two were hiding; after their explanation made no sense Officer Buchanan, with the assistance of additional Burnsville Police Officers and Yancey Sheriff Deputies, located a vehicle operated by one of the subjects—it was full of stolen property; this lead authorities to business locations in the Burnsville City Limits and County jurisdiction where they discovered buildings and vehicles that had been broken into and property stolen. The two men arrested are Zachary James Hensley age 18; of Green Mountain and Robert David Brown age 16, of Burnsville. Both men were charged with (4) counts of Felonious Breaking & Entering into a Motor Vehicle, (4) counts of Felonious Breaking & Entering, (4) counts of Felonious Larceny and (4) counts of Felonious Possessing Stolen Property. Both men were taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and placed in the Yancey County Jail. Bond for Hensley and Brown was set at $ 24,000 secured each. On Friday September 12th, Brown was released in lieu of posting bond while Hensley remains in custody at the Yancey County Jail. Both men are scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on September 23rd. Warrants on file at the Yancey County Clerk of Courts Office reflect that both men are alleged to have committed the offenses between 10:00 pm, on September 4, 2008 and 2:00 am. on September 5, 2008.

Injury to Personal Property

09/16/2008 

Mitchell County authorities have charged a Bakersville man with two counts of injury to personal property, he allegedly set fire to two dumpsters, one owned by Mitchell County and the other owned by GDS. Charged is Robert Shane Hughes, age 20, of Bakersville. Damage to each dumpster is in excess of $200. According to court records the alleged incidents took place from September 3rd – September 12th. He was released after posting a $6-thousand cash bond. His court date is scheduled for September 30th. Andy Ward is the arresting officer and the investigation is continuing.

Enforcing NC Price Gouging Statute

09/15/2008 

Governor Mike Easley, on Friday, declared a state of "abnormal market disruption", and charged the Attorney General with enforcing the state's price gouging statute. The statute prohibits the charging of prices that are unreasonably excessive under the circumstances. "As a result of hurricanes Gustav and Ike," Easley said, "oil refineries in Texas and Louisiana have temporarily disrupted some gasoline supplies to the pipelines that serve North Carolina. Therefore, there may be temporary limitations on our gas supply." Easley continued, "However, wholesale gas prices are up less than 20 cents a gallon over the last few days. Therefore, consumers should not see prices rise substantially more than this rise in the wholesale price." Rumors of a dramatic rise in gas prices sent many drivers rushing to their nearest station. Triple-A says some North Carolina stations have placed restrictions on the number of gallons people can buy, but cautions the worst thing drivers can do is flock to filling stations to top off their tanks.

Statewide Fall Roadside Cleanup Sept. 20-Oct. 4

09/15/2008 

The N.C. Department of Transportation is preparing for its 2008 Fall Litter Sweep, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Oct. 4. During the statewide litter sweep, NCDOT maintenance crews will work with Adopt-A-Highway groups, N.C. Department of Correction inmate squads, community service workers and other volunteers to remove roadside litter. The N.C. State Highway Patrol will also be on alert and policing the roadways for those who litter during the sweep or have unsecured loads. Littering is illegal and, upon conviction, offenders can be fined up to $2,000 plus 24 hours of community service work and one point on their driver license.

Storie Receives Award

09/15/2008

In recognition of his long and dedicated career as inspector with the Town of Burnsville, Tom Storie recently received a "Distinguished Service Award" from the NC Building Inspectors’ Association. It is rare for a building inspector from a small jurisdiction such as Burnsville to receive this award.

Yancey-Regular Schedule

09/15/2008 
Yancey County Board of Education has received calls from people asking if they were going to be closing schools for a few days due to the fuel situation. A tanker truck full of fuel came this morning and they have plenty for schools to operate on a regular schedule. There are no plans to close schools due to the fuel situation.

Avoid Common Errors that Delay Stimulus Payments

09/12/2008   

People who are awaiting an economic stimulus payment or who have yet to file can avoid common errors that may delay their payment. They also can use the IRS Web site to answer most common questions. People must file a 2007 tax return by Oct. 15 in order to receive the economic stimulus payment this year, even if they normally do not have a filing requirement because their income is too low or not taxable. The IRS already has issued 90 percent of the economic stimulus payments but will continue to issue payments through December. The biggest mistake of all would be failing to file a 2007 return in order to receive the stimulus payment, especially for people who are eligible but who do not normally file a tax return because their income is low or nontaxable. People in this category can use a Form 1040A, provide a little information to complete the return and send it to the IRS by Oct. 15. People also are urged to help friends, family or neighbors who may be in this category and unaware of their eligibility. To get more “stimulus” information, click here!

Burnsville-Now a Main Street Town

09/12/2008 

The Town of Burnsville has been selected to participate in the NC Department of Commerce “Small Town Main Street Program.” The program was established to provide technical assistance in downtown revitalization, with promotions, organization, design and economic structuring. Commerce Secretary Jim Fain said communities in the program have experienced a renewed sense of pride and improved economic activity.

Green Mountain Man Jailed

09/12/2008 

Yancey Deputies have charged Timothy James Kirkman II, age 37, of Green Mountain, with one count of Felonious Maintaining a Dwelling Place to Keep & Sell Illegal Drugs, one count of Felonious Possession with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, one count of Aggravated Possession of Marijuana and one count of Possessing Drug Paraphernalia. Kirkman was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and remains in the Yancey County Jail under a $ 5,000.00 secured bond. Kirkman is no stranger to authorities having been arrested on prior occasion for illegal drug violations in Yancey County. Court records reflect that Kirkman was arrested on August 17, 2008 after he sold prescription medication to an undercover officer. Now Kirkman will appear in Yancey County District Court on September 23, 2008 for additional drug charges.

Seeking Approval of LGC

0911/2008 

Mitchell Commissioners passed a resolution Monday to send to the “Local Government Commission” requesting the authority to raise capitol funding through private placement financing for the purpose of building a new jail for the County. The projected cost of building the jail is $6 million, and Manager Chuck Vines says this may require a tax increase. In September, 2007, Mitchell Commissioners met in special and to accept a rural development from USDA has agreed to finance the project, but only when the project is completed. That means USDA will payoff money owed to those lending institutions the county borrowed from to construct the jail and then finance the loan with the County. Chuck Vines, Mitchell County Manager explains why LGC approval is necessary. (click audio button above)

Madison Deputies Discover Illegal Liquor Still

09/11/2008 

Acting on a tip to find James Cutshaw who escaped from the Madison County Jail, Madison County sheriff’s deputies did not find him, but they did find a fully functional moonshine still, gallons of illegal alcohol, dozens of marijuana plants, and more than 60 weapons. Authorities made the discovery on a wooded mountainside in the Shelton Laurel Community near the Tennessee state line. They found eight barrels of moonshine and 36 gallons on Mill Creek Road. The items were found in two different locations Tuesday and Wednesday. Madison Sheriff John Ledford says it appears the suspects were buying and selling the guns, but they aren't sure yet if they were selling the alcohol or the marijuana. State Alcohol Law Enforcement Agents have arrested James Dale Cutshall, age 65, Vernon Tipton, age 78 and Sharon Seay, age 35. All three lived on Joe Shelton Road. Cutshall & Tipton were charged with possessing and manufacturing non tax-paid alcoholic beverages. Cutshall & Seay were charged with the manufacture of marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for the distribution of marijuana.

Yancey Schools Takes Option on Property in Micaville Area

09/10/2008 

Yancey County School Officials have been looking for property to construct a new school for some time. Superintendent Dr. Tom Little says they’ve searched on the east & west side but it’s been very difficult to find someone who is willing to sell, until now. Dr. Little responded will the following:  "We have taken an option on 50 acres of property in the Micaville area. We are in the process of surveying it and we will be doing the core drilling. If everything works out, we should be able to purchase that property. The school board has saved money for a number of years for land  purchase and we are very happy that we have finally been able to find land. We haven’t been able to find land in the Bald Creek Area, we have had a lead this week of someone who might be willing to sell but we are just very happy that the Micaville area is going to have property purchase that will allow us to build a school at some point. Of course, we need the county to fund a bond issue and we don’t know when that will happen but the school board has made a huge step in taking the option in purchasing this 50 acres of property that hopefully someday we will have another school on."

SP Man Charged with Sex Offenses

09/10/2008 

An investigation into allegations of sexual offenses against a minor has led to the arrest of a Spruce Pine man. According to a press release from Mitchell Sheriff Ken Fox, Donny Joe Burleson, age 32, was charged September 8th with 7 counts of first degree sex offense with a child under the age of 13 years. The sexual assaults occurred between April and July 2004 when the female victim was 6 years old. Mr. Burleson was dating the victim's mother during this time. The victim's mother notified law enforcement the following morning after learning of the allegations. After being interviewed by Detective Andy Ward and Deputy Richard Hoilman Mr. Burleson admitted to the crimes. Donny Joe Burleson remains in custody under a $ 350,000.00 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 30th. Each count of a first-degree sex offense with a child under the age of 13 is a B1 felony and carries a sentence in the range of 192-240 months.

Burnsville Fined

09/09/2008 

The Town of Burnsville has been fined $7,820.00 by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. The fine is based upon a review of the discharge monitoring report submitted by the town for the month of May 2008. The review indicated the town violated the discharge limitations and/or monitoring requirements as stated in the Town’s permit. The Town Attorney Jackie Wilson & Public Works Director Tom Storie are meeting to determine how best to address this issue. The Town has 30 days to respond to the notice!!

Vandalism in Marion

09/09/2008 

A rash of senseless vandalism hit Marion early Sunday morning. Someone threw rocks through a plate glass window at Killough’s Music and Loan Jim Cook's Chevrolet was also hit. Rocks damaged two cars. Damage estimates at $2,000 at both locations. Police do not have any suspects. Marion Police Chief Mika Elliott They're hopes someone saw something that will help lead them to an arrest. (click audio button above)

Cell Phones in Yancey Schools

09/09/2008 

At the Yancey County School Board meeting last night, a Yancey County Schools Code of Conduct Handbook was presented to the Board for approval. The statement about clothing with symbols that might be disrespectful will be eliminated from the Code of Conduct Handbook and the cell phone discipline levels will be changed to 1st offense / cell phone will taken for the day and will be picked up by the student at the end of the day; for a 2nd offense / cell phone will be taken and parent will pick up; for the 3rd offense / cell phone privileges will be lost for the year; and for the 4th offense / ISS.

A 2003 Study Never Acted On

09/08/2008 

An official with the NC Division of Water Quality presented to Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh a copy of the 2003 Infiltration & Inflow Study by McGill Associates for the Town of Burnsville. In a letter to McIntosh dated August 20, 2008, Roy Davis with Division of Water Quality stated the study found the Town’s Collection System to be in terrible condition and Davis asked the Town to inform his agency, in writing, which of the problems described in the 2003 report had been corrected. The study identified eight major projects recommend to be corrected. We spoke with Burnsville Mayor McIntosh and he said he knew nothing about the study and he gave us this statement: In the letter to Mayor McIntosh, Roy Davis with Division of Water Quality also said he was in Burnsville on August 1st, 2008, when the Town received a hard rainfall for possibly a half hour. While he was at the Burnsville Wastewater Treatment plant, a short time later, Davis said he observed a dramatic increase in the volume of wastewater entering the plant, which has a capacity of 0.8 million gallons per day, but now was receiving wastewater at a rate of 1.6 million gallons per day. Then on August 14th, 2008 Division of Water Quality found very high fecal coliform counts in samples from Pine Swamp Branch. That's when Roy Davis reviewed the 2003 study, then he sent a letter asking the Town to inform Division of Water Quality, in writing, which of the problems identified in the 2003 study had been  corrected. (click on audio button above)

Some North Carolina license plates are getting a facelift

09/05/2008 

The Department of Motor Vehicles announced Thursday that the first batches of new, digitally printed custom license plates have been produced. Now, new custom-ordered plates bearing names or special messages will be digitally printed on thinner aluminum plates. This will save production time and reduce overall costs. Unlike current North Carolina plates, the specialty plates won't be embossed with numbers and letters. Specialty plate designs for groups and schools will be switched over to the new system in the coming months. DMV Commissioner Bill Gore said the new design doesn't tweak the state's existing "First in Flight" design. The number of personalized plates issued in North Carolina has steadily grown, increasing from 58,480 in 2005 to 66,655 in 2007. North Carolina joins 13 other states in going to the flat plate design. The new plate designs will continue to be manufactured by the N.C. Department of Correction.

Hanna Increases Calls for Local Accommodations

09/04/2008 

Several local accommodations are already receiving phone calls for reservations in anticipation of the evacuation of the coastal areas. In anticipation of Tropical Storm Hanna’s impact on North Carolina, the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce is compiling a list of our accommodations members and their accommodation availability for potential evacuees and emergency responders. If you are a member of the Chamber and have a hotel, motel, vacation rental, campground or b&b please call the Visitor Center at 765-9483 with your vacancies for the coming days through the weekend and then keep us updated regularly of your vacancies. Please let us know of your pet policies, rates, and any other important information you feel would be helpful.

Hopes of Bringing New Businesses

09/04/2008 

Work on renovating buildings on Lower Street in Spruce Pine is bringing hopes of new retail businesses to Downtown. Spruce Pine Town Manager Richard Canipe says two of the buildings that were damaged by the fires last year are being renovated, CSX appears to be doing some renovation of the Depot and with the work on the Wellborn’s it’s hoped that between the next 6-8 months new retail space will be available for new businesses. (click audio button above)

Being Prepared

09/03/2008 

Gov. Mike Easley is warning North Carolina citizens, to pay close attention to tropical storm Hanna as it churns in the Atlantic Ocean toward the southeast U.S. coast. State emergency officials are closely monitoring the storm and are making certain the state is equipped and prepared. Gov. Easley also reminded citizens they should check to be sure they are prepared for the storm season. Easley said “Emergencies disrupt the systems we depend on, electricity, clean water, grocery stores, gas stations, transportation, commerce and education,” if people can be prepared for those disruptions, then emergency responders can focus on helping those who are in life-threatening situations.” An emergency preparedness kit should include items that will last a family for at least 3-5 days. For a complete list of items that should be in your “emergency” preparedness kit, return to our homepage.

No More Sticker

09/03/2008 

Starting October 1st, North Carolina vehicle Safety & Emission inspections will go electronic. This means that windshield inspection stickers will no longer be issued at your next inspection on or after October 1st. Marge Howell with NCDMV explains. (After that date, the vehicle’s inspection will become due the same month as the vehicle’s registration renewal as shown on your license tag sticker. Beginning October 1st, vehicles will be required to pass a vehicle inspection prior to registration renewal by the North Carolina Division of motor vehicles.) The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation requiring the move to electronic inspection authorization to increase inspection compliance statewide and to further benefit the state’s air quality and highway safety. To get more information, call 1-888-999-3044, or return to our homepage. (click on audio button above)

Hwy 19 Construction Alerts for Motorists

09/02/2008 

The long process of the Highway 19 roadway construction project is scheduled to begin today, Sept. 2nd. Work will be from the top of Madison Mountain to the Jack’s Creek intersection. Motorists should be alert through this area. Most of the time two lanes will remain open from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm. Expect lane narrowing or lane closures from 9am to 4pm. You can review alerts and safe driving tips on our web sites wkyk.com and wtoe.com. Return to the homepage, click on the headline “Highway 19 construction alerts for motorists.”

Update from Western Highlands Network

09/02/2008 

Mitchell County Commissioners recently received an update from Arthur Carder, CEO of Western Highlands Network on the number of age disabilities and the number of people that have been treated by providers in our area. Also discussed was the funding the network had provided to these providers. Mitchell County Manager Chuck Vines explains. Alpha Omega Health, Inc. is the provider for Madison, Mitchell & Yancey Counties. (click audio button above)

Charged with Selling Prescription Drugs

09/01/2008 

Yancey County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested Donna Frances Hudgins 48, of Burnsville, charging her with one count of Selling Oxycodone, one count of Maintaining a Dwelling for the purpose of selling prescription drugs, one count of Possessing Prescription Drugs with the Intent to Sell & Deliver. Hudgins was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and released from custody in lieu of posting a $ 19,000.00 secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on September 9, 2008. According to a news release from the Yancey County Sheriff's Department, Hudgins arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into those individuals who chose to obtain prescription drugs and then sale them. More arrests are to be made and the Sheriff's Department is working with state agents who govern medical practitioner’s and pharmacists in an attempt to prevent prescription drugs from being dispensed to those who choose to sell them for profit rather than take them for a medical need. The news release states if a person is charged with selling prescribed medications, the physician writing the prescription and the pharmacy dispensing the medication will be notified.

Roofing Contract for MHHS

08/29/2008 

The Yancey County Board of Education met on August 28th in a called session. The purpose of the meeting was to accept the bid for the roofing project at Mountain Heritage High School. There were ten bids submitted. The low bid and the accepted bid was from Carolina Mountain Roofing and Construction Inc. Their base bid proposal was $403,390. The combination of the base bid and their proposals for relevant alternates also represents the low bid for the project. The total project award was for $572,547.00. This bid represents a better than expected project cost. The project will replace the entire roof at MHHS except for the Science wing and the Special Education wing which are relatively new and do not need to be replaced. Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent said “I am very happy that we are able to fund this entire project and not be in the position that we have been in the past of just replacing the worst parts of the roof and always having leaks. This project will result in a new roof over the entire building.” In personnel action, the Board accepted the resignations of Marie Anglin an EC Assistant and Debbie Phillips the Director of the 21st Century after School Project. A leave of absence was granted to Ramona Mendes who is an ESL teacher at the Middle Schools.

A leaky Situation

08/29/2008 

The heavy rains over the past few days have been hard on the roof’s of several of Mitchell County schools; especially at Bowman, Harris and MHS. Assistant Superintendent Rick Spurling explains. (Barger-Ashe Roofing, Inc. will be in our counties schools over the next couple of weeks to address these concerns.) He said these problems were difficult to foresee as our weather has been so dry this year. (click audio button above)

Active Time for Church Robbery

08/28/2008 

Back in April, three men robbed the Ridgeview Presbyterian Church in the Red Hill Community of Mitchell County. What made this robbery more upsetting; they robbed the church during the 11 am service. On Monday, August 25th, Superior Court Judge James Baker handed down sentences for all three men. The defendants, Jonathan Neil Koniak, age 22, and brothers Alexander Ryan Deyton, age 19 and Joshia Jacob Deyton, age 18 each received 10 active sentences of a minimum of 64 months to a maximum of 86 months for robbery with a dangerous weapon and each judgment is to be served consecutively. In addition an 11th judgment for each defendant of conspiring to rob with a dangerous weapon, Judge Baker handed down a probationary sentence of 25 months to 39 months to run after each defendant completes their active jail time. Each defendant has to pay restitution and be on supervised probation for 36 months, six of the months on intensive supervised probation after serving their active time.

Grant from PetSmart Charities

08/28/2008 

The Yancey County Humane Society has received a $7,500 grant from PetSmart Charities to increase its number of spay/neuter operations for people who would otherwise not be able to provide this operation for their pets. The Yancey County Humane Society's pet sterilization program successfully alters more than 700 animals per year on average to proactively fight the area's dire pet overpopulation problem. The program offers free spay/neuter services for dogs and cats residing in the Yancey County area. The goal of this program is to continue to reduce pet overpopulation in Yancey County. PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. For more information on getting your pet spayed or neutered, and to see if you qualify for this grant, call the Yancey County Humane Society at 682-9510.

A Good Soaking

08/27/2008 

Heavy rainfall has been giving western NC a good soaking. Several counties report rain amounts of 3-7 inches and some as-much-as eight inches. Power outages and downed trees were reported throughout the mountains. The Heavy rainfall has produced flooding in several western counties including Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, Macon & McDowell. Yancey Communications reports flooding on Wyatt Town Road which was closed last night, Cattail and South Toe areas also had some flooding. Mitchell Communications reports they have received no reports of flooding. No injuries have been reported.

SAT Scores Up

08/27/2008 

SAT results were released Tuesday, statewide scores increased by three points, to 1,007 while the national score was 1.017. Six mountain counties--Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Mitchell, Polk and Yancey beat the national average. SAT scores on the combined math and reading portions for Mitchell were 1,031; Yancey had a score of 1,035, Avery 992 and Madison 991. Teachers say preparing students for success on the SAT comes from students taking honors and advanced placement classes.

May Get Parole

08/27/2008 

In 1977, Phillip Turpin of California and Lonzo Crews Jr., of Tennessee were found guilty of first degree murder after they robbed Tommy Norton & Benny Hudgins, then shot and killed them in a remote campsite in Madison County. Both men were sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison. Turpin was released last year and now the NC Parole Commission is reviewing Lonzo Crews for possible release. This has family members of Norton & Hudgins upset. According to the Parole Commission under changes in the state sentencing structure since the killings in 1977, a person is sentenced to a minimum length and a maximum length of incarceration.

Pounds of Marijuana, LSD, and other drugs seized at Yancey Residence 

08/26/2008 

On August 21st, Deputies with the Yancey County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant at the residence of Derek Robert-Benjamin Porritt, age 23, on Windy Gap Road located near the Madison County line just inside Yancey County The search warrant was secured after receiving information that illegal drugs were being manufactured at the residence. Over 350 marijuana plants were seized from the exterior of the residence as well as 10 pounds of marijuana, 114 grams of Psilocybin (mushrooms), LSD and DMT (Dimethltryptamine) from inside the residence. Porritt was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and released from the Yancey County Jail after posting a $ 23,000.00 secured bond. Madison County Sheriff C. John Ledford and Captain Buddy Harwood provided assistance with the case. In an unrelated case, Yancey Deputies have arrested Timothy James Kirkman, age 37, of Burnsville, charging him with selling and delivering various controlled substances, According to deputies at about 7:30 pm on Sunday, August 17^th Kirkman sold Hydrocodone and valium to an undercover officer. Lt. Farmer of the Sheriff’s Department said that Kirkman had been suspected of selling illegal prescription drugs from several locations including a local mobile home park. His arrest is just one of many to be made by the Sheriff’s Department as they continue to stop illegal drug activity around the county.

Help for Drought Stricken Marshall

08/22/2008 

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state officials are expediting permits needed by the town of Marshall, in Madison County, which is facing a water shortage emergency due to the drought. The 1,300 residents of Marshall get their water from three wells, one of which has gone dry. Since one of Marshall’s three wells ran dry last week, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources has fast-tracked water quality and public water supply permits the town needs to construct emergency wells and lay pipe to its existing water supply. The state is also assisting the town in obtaining funds to acquire a permanent water supply from new wells and construct a new elevated water supply tank. And state officials are also helping Marshall complete its water shortage response plan, and will provide assistance with a water audit and leak detection survey. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, Marshall is one of many communities suffering from exceptional drought, the worst of four drought categories.

Frye Pleads Guilty

08/22/2008 

State Representative Phillip Frye has pleaded guilty to drunk driving charges. He was arrested last Christmas Eve after hitting a parked car near his home in Spruce Pine. According to the DWI citation he blew a .18, twice the legal limit. Frye pled guilty Thursday and received a 30-day suspended sentence, one year probation and he cannot drive until he finishes community service. At the time of the incident, Frye apologized to the people of the 84th District and asked for forgiveness. The Republican represents Avery, Caldwell, Mitchell and Yancey County’s in Raleigh.

Yancey Drug Arrest

08/22/2008 

Yancey County Sheriff Deputies have arrested Robert Channing Fox, age 22 charging him with one count of felonious possession of marijuana, one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to sell & deliver, one count of maintaining a vehicle to keep & transport illegal drugs and one count of possessing drug paraphernalia. According to Lt. Thomas L. Farmer of the Sheriff's Department, the arrest was made at a location off of Pine Swamp Road in the early morning hours of Saturday August 16, by Deputy L.R. Higgins and Deputy B.J. Casteel after Fox was found to possess in excess of 3 ounces of marijuana in his vehicle and Fox had several separate containers of marijuana packaged to sell and numerous paraphernalia items. Fox was taken before a Yancey County Magistrate and remains in the Yancey County Jail under a $ 6,500.00 secured bond. Fox is scheduled to appear in Yancey County District Court on August 27, 2008.

Isolated Schools Get Help

08/22/2008

The NC legislature has agreed to supply funding for two additional teaching positions for two Mitchell County Schools, identified as geographically isolated schools. The two schools, Buladean Elementary and Tipton Hill Elementary, will each get two new teaching positions. Dr. Brock Womble, the Superintendent of Mitchell County Schools says these two positions in each school will help maintain these schools in their communities and provide additional resources in Mitchell County Schools that wasn't there previously. Support for this legislation came from Mitchell County’s legislative representatives in Raleigh, Representative Phillip Frye & Senator Joe Sam Queen.
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Young & McQueen Land Big Contract

08/21/2008 

The State Board of Transportation recently announced the awarding of a joint four-year contract of $107.9 million to Young & McQueen of Burnsville and Taylor & Murphy Construction of Asheville for the 13.5 mile road project on Highway 19. Sam Young of Young & McQueen said the bid was a joint venture and that the work will take place simultaneously along the road. Young said the contract came along at the right time as he expected work would off by 25% or more because of the economy and that would have meant layoffs, but now he says we will begin hiring. Work is scheduled to begin September 2nd with a competition date of 2012.

Dealing with Fuel Costs

08/21/2008 

In an effort to look at ways of reducing fuel cost to deal with limited funding for transportation from the state, Greenlee, Deyton & Harris schools have taking a pro-active approach. Harris Principal Jack Brooks says by merging bus routes this will produce a savings of $35 thousand to $45 thousand dollars.
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Shop at Home

08/20/2008 

A project by Spruce Pine Main Street is underway to get people to shop at home. The organization has put together a brochure promoting downtown and they have mailed the brochure to most homes in the county. Kay Goins, the director of Spruce Pine’s Main Street explains how the project is designed to get people to come downtown. (click audio button above)

YMCA Gets Grant

08/20/2008 

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund has awarded a grant of $10,200 to the YMCA of Western North Carolina to help more children participate in safe, life-enriching after school programs. The YMCA of Western North Carolina is the largest child care provider in the region serving 18 after school sites in Buncombe County; 2 after school sites in McDowell County; and 3 Community Outreach sites serving at-risk youth in Buncombe County. The after school program includes elements that promote health and well-being, social skill development, emotional development, artistry, character development, sports and service. Currently, there are 750 children enrolled for the start of the 2008-2009 school year.

Wind Energy Farms

08/19/2008 

An Appalachian State University study names Mitchell County one of the best locations for a “wind energy farm” on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. County Manager Chuck Vines explains. (click audio button above)