More information released on Cullasaja drowning
6/30/2009
More details have been released in the tragic but heroic death of a Florida man who drowned in the Highlands Gorge while saving his son on Sunday afternoon.
Authorities released the name of the boy whose life was spared during the rescue as his father’s leg became trapped at the popular Bust Your Butt Falls swimming area while he was holding his son above water for what authorities say was at least 30 minutes.
12 year old Austin Grady of Maitland, Florida was flown to Mission Hospital after being rescued and later released.
Authorities say his father 52 year old Michael Grady went in after Austin after he had became trapped but had no strength when rescuers arrived.
Capt. Roger Lee Wilson with Highlands Fire and Rescue says that while areas like Bust Your Butt are beautiful and fun they must be respected.
Wilson says people returned to swimming in the same area some 30 minutes after the incident.
Grady is survived by wife Lisa, and another son Tyler who is 9.
Bennett concerned over School System's "status changes"
6/30/2009
Two Assistant principals in the Macon School System are receiving a change in status and this has one School Board member raising some concerns.
At this week’s School Board meeting it was announced that Shirley Parks at Cartoogechaye and Michelle Bell at East Franklin would no longer be considered Assistant Principals but rather “Lead Teachers”.
The move would allow the school system to retain the employees with Title I funding according to Personnel Director Dan Moore, “Obviously we don’t earn enough months of employment to pay for our Assistant Principals here in the Macon County School System. As a budget concern and being able to pay for them out of federal money, you can’t pay administrators out of Title I money, so we have changed their status to Lead Teacher. They’ll assume some tutoring duties as well and we’ll be able to pay for them out of that Title I fund.”
However, School Board member Freda Bennett questioned Moore as to why it was two females receiving the change in so-called status, citing it would drop the female administration to 14 percent in the school system.
Moore says they did not look at this as an equity issue, as it is not a demotion in any way, “We looked at it from the status of the number of children affected. Both of these people are outstanding administrators and will be principals in the Macon County School System. I’m certain, at some point.”
School Finance Officer Betty Waldroop told the board that both Bell and Parks would not receive a cut in pay, but could actually end up making more in these positions.
“The legislation says if the teacher pay is higher, they’ll get that,” said Waldroop.
Moore then reiterated that the change in status was due to cost savings and the use of the federal funding.
The status change passed with a final vote of 4-1 with Bennett being the lone opposed.
County leaders get tour of excavation site at Airport
6/30/2009
Members of the Macon County Commission got a look at the debated excavation site for the proposed Macon Airport runway extension as crews remain busy recovering Cherokee artifacts.
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Ronnie Beale told us other representatives from the EDC and Franklin Chamber toured the location to see what are being called unusual finds, “It’s really remarkable. What intrigued me was a fire pit. You can certainly see the details. These folks are doing a wonderful job with the recovery.”
Beale says the finds will be documented and put into a book; something he says will be “invaluable information for future generations.”
This has become one of the largest excavation sites in North Carolina and workers will continue recovery efforts through the summer, “They keep in very close contact with the Cherokee with what they’re finding. According to them, they’ve been surprised about the findings. They’ve found some fortified areas of where they lived which was very unique for that time in history.”
Crews have also discovered pottery remains that have never been spotted in this area of the state. Some reportedly dating back to 540 A.D.
The site of the runaway extension has drawn some heat in the past from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as they have argued the amount of data recovery is not sufficient.
Macon one of few to see dip in jobless rate
6/30/2009
The State’s ESC is reporting good news for Macon County as it was one of eighteen in the state who did not see a rise in the jobless rate.
Macon’s unemployment rate dipped slightly from April to May falling to 10.2 from 10.5 percent.
Dale West with Job Link in Franklin says the minor slip in the jobless rate is good, but openings are still slim in their office, “We do not have a lot of openings advertised. We do not have any construction positions advertised currently.”
Shaw Industries has hired on additional employees over the past few months, which West said is an “improvement”.
West adds it has also been good to see an increase in traffic across the county in the past month, “That means there are more folks in town, which I’m hoping will stimulate the economy locally,” West said.
According to the ESC there are nearly 1,800 Maconians out of work as of May.
Graham, Haywood and Swain Counties also saw slight decreases in the jobless rate for May.
Police Blotter
6/30/2009
Another report of larceny has come under the investigation of the Macon Sheriff’s Office. This time a residence on Olive Hill Road fell victim to both breaking and entering and theft.
According to investigation reports a subject gained access to the home and stole nearly $2,500 in various gold and diamond jewelry.
The incident was reported on Friday.
In an unrelated incident,
Franklin Police are investigating a report of larceny on Lyle Street after over $2,000 worth of various tools and construction equipment was lifted from the residence.
This incident was reported on Friday.
Troubles mount for Franklin woman arrested in Jackson Co (by Eric Moore)
6/30/2009
A local woman who was already jailed on an incest charge was arrested again while in jail awaiting trial.
The additional charges against 28-year old Jennifer Lynn Higdon of No Name Road in Franklin are statutory rape and indecent liberties with a minor. She was also charged with felony child abuse.
The felony child abuse charge stems from a late winter incident in which a child that she was caring for was viciously attacked by a dog. The child was left in the care of an 11 year old, which saved the child's life by calling 911.
Higdon had originally claimed that an adult was present at the time of the incident but the Jackson County Sheriff's office has said that was not the case.
The statutory rape and indecent liberties with a minor charges are from an unrelated matter.
She was already held on a $50,000 bond according to an arrest report obtained June 22, before the new charges were added. It is now believed that an additional $50,000 has been added to the bond amount as Higdon awaits trial.
Macon Co DMV to start new license system in July
6/29/2009
The days of getting your drivers license card the same day you renew it is soon going to be a thing of the past in North Carolina.
A new system of issuing license cards across the state is underway and in some counties the DMV is already issuing a temporary paper license until the actual card can be mailed.
Officials say the new method is aimed to prevent the theft of machines that make the licenses by putting them in one central location. Thieves have targeted these machines in the past in order to manufacture fake IDs.
The DMV says the license will be delivered in the mail within 20 days. The new system is tentatively planned to begin in Macon County on July 21st.
All 114 DMV offices will begin using this system by the end of the year.
Heroic father who drowned in the Cullasaja was from Florida
6/29/2009
A 52 year old Florida man tragically drowned Sunday afternoon while saving his son from drowning in the Highlands Gorge.
According to Highlands Fire and Rescue, Michael Grady of Mailtand, Florida jumped into the water a popular swimming hole known as “Bust Your Butt Falls” or “Sliding Rock” just east of Franklin off of Highway 64, after his young son had became trapped in a hole.
Captain Roger Lee Wilson of the Highlands Fire Department says it was then that Grady became stuck in the hydraulic current, “He went in and tried to save him and got stuck under that boulder that is down there next to Bust Your Butt. When he got stuck in that, well he was just about the worst trapped you’ve ever seen anybody,” said Wilson.
Swift Water Rescue Teams from both Highlands and Cullasaja Gorge arrived within minutes and were able to retrieve the boy but Captain Wilson says the man did not have enough strength left and succumbed to the cold water of the Cullasaja River.
This caller to 911 dispatch describes the father’s heroic efforts to save his son, “It looks like his father is with him, holding his head up out of water
The boy whose identity has not been released was flown to Mission Hospital as a precaution, but was released later that night.
Wilson says it is easy to underestimate the dangers of such areas such as “Sliding Rock”, “They just don’t understand how bad it is. There were people swimming back at Bust Your Butt within 25 minutes after it was all over.”
Rescuers hope this tragic accident will serve as a reminder for years to come of the inherent risks that come with the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.
Former HRMC Executive takes positon at Highlands-Cashiers
6/29/2009
For the last 20 years Robin Tindall-Taylor has been the director of Haywood Regional Medical Center’s Foundation and Corporate Communications Department and next month she’ll begin a new chapter in her life right here in Macon County.
HRMC announced Tindall-Taylor has resigned to become the executive director of the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Foundation.
While at Haywood Regional, Tindall-Taylor planned and directed capital campaigns for the health and fitness center and expansion of the emergency department. She also established a named endowment scholarship fund for current and prospective nurses and allied health care employees.
Since the mid 1990’s more than $10 million has been raised for the Foundation under her leadership, but she strongly maintains it is the profound generosity of the community that has made the Foundation successful.
Robin Tindall-Taylor will assume her duties at Highlands-Cashier Hospital July 13.
Goodwill store opening next month, seeking employees
6/26/2009
There is some encouraging news for the labor market in Macon County as Goodwill Industries has announced the opening of a store here in Franklin on July 30th.
Dale West with Job Link in Franklin says they are currently looking for employees, “We’re having interviews with Goodwill Industries. They’re going to staff their whole store locally; starting with the manager all the way down to retail sales clerks.”
The new opening is estimated to create at least 10 local jobs initially.
Goodwill Industries currently operates over 2,300 retail locations in the U.S. and Canada and in 2008 they helped place nearly 170,000 individuals into competitive jobs.
The store is set to open on July 30th in the Westgate Plaza.
'Error' cost Macon Co $12,000 in sales tax revenue
6/26/2009
The latest report from the Macon County Finance Office says that sales tax revenues are down, but due to what is being called an unknown mistake by the state DOR, the dip in returns is not entirely due to a sluggish economy.
At this week’s Macon Commission meeting Finance Officer Evelyn Southard informed the board that the Department of Revenue had made an error with the state sales tax payments and that was going to cost Macon County about $12,000.
She says with a tough budget year ahead, this may cause more problems with revenue projections.
Southard told the Commission that Macon wasn’t the only county affected by this mistake, “Some counties got hit really, really hard with this error. Don’t ask me what the error was or how they ironed that out.”
Before the $12,000 error, the sales tax revenue in Macon County was said to be down by 15 percent.
Local group hopes to spark health care reform with forum
6/26/2009
A local grassroots group hopes to get the wheels turning on what they’re calling some much needed health care reform in America.
Coming up tomorrow, a Healthy America Forum will be held at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus in downtown Franklin and organizer Dr. Ed Morris says this will be a chance for those who have been affected by health care issues to voice their concerns, “The idea is to have people share their health care stories. If they’ve had trouble getting insurance, paying for it, affording it or any types of stories that want to share with other people. A lot of times you feel isolated and you’re the only one that has this. When you get a group of people together you basically form a minim to institute real health care reform which a lot of us feel we really need in this country.”
Morris believes that if the group stays active and shows an interest in this they can make some noise with Congress, “Our politicians pay attention to local grassroot levels and they realize how important it is to us that we’re making an effort. They can translate that into their votes. It’s going to be very important with Heath Shuler and Kay Hagan. Hagan is on a very important health committee in the Senate.”
The forum will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and is open to the public. If you would like further information call 524-7794.
Police Blotter
6/26/2009
Investigators with the Macon Sheriff’s Office are looking into a report of larceny in the Nantahala Community.
According to investigation reports, a Trackhoe was stolen from the road side on Little Choga Road in Topton.
The report says that the Kamatsu 220 was valued at $20,000.
The incident was reported on Thursday.
In an unrelated incident,
A 38 year old Georgia man was taken into custody by Macon Sheriff’s Deputies.
Arrest reports say that Preston Jay Collett of Canton, GA was charged with a felony count of obtaining property by false pretenses. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of worthless check fraud.
Bond was set at $750.
Blue Ridge kicks off Gospel Music Weekend
6/26/2009
The 26th year of great gospel singing right here in Franklin got underway last night with the annual blue ridge gospel music weekend.
We caught up with one of the founding members of Blue Ridge Kevin Corbin and he talks about this year’s line-up, “Friday night we have Blue Ridge of course, and the Dixie Echoes and Christian Comedian Aaron Wilburn, who is hilarious. He’s always a big hit. Then on Saturday night we have Blue Ridge again with Archie Watkins, formerly with The Inspirations Quartet, and he is a Hall of Fame member. We have the Carolina Crossmen and also Aaron Wilburn returning Saturday night.”
The singings will start at 7 p.m. nightly at the Holly Springs Baptist Church.
Corbin says if you don’t know where they’re located, just turn at Smoky Mountain Chevy and follow the signs.
Blue Ridge just completed the recording of a song with a patriotic and gospel message called “One Nation” which was co-written by Franklin resident Barbara Roach.
For further information visit www.blueridgeproductions.com
New Senior Center in the works
6/26/2009
Renovations continue at the former Macon Co Library which will be the future home of Macon County’s Senior Services.
Currently the Senior Services Center on Hyatt Road is running into problems with space as the county continues to see growth.
The old library will provide about 15,000 square feet for staff and volunteers to work.
Senior Services takes in about 100 visitors each day and provides services such as adult daycare, home-delivered meals and care-giver support groups. Physical activities are also available in efforts to promote health and well-being for everyone.
According to Sheila Southard, Administrative Officer the new Senior Center should open by September.
Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to contact Senior Services, regardless of age at 349-2058.
New animal shelter slated to open July 1st
6/26/2009
The long-awaited Macon County Animal Control Ordinance has been in effect for almost a month now and next Wednesday, July 1st, the Animal Control Department will have a brand new shelter to house problematic animals.
We spoke with Animal Control Director John Hook and after responding to countless Animal problems as a Deputy he is glad to see the ordinance come to life, “The County has needed this for years and now the program is going real well. I’ve got two other officers that help go out and take care of problems.”
Since the ordinance took effect on June 1st, Hook says they have been dealing some stray calls and nuisance animals but it has got off to a good start.
The ordinance requires all dogs to have some form of identification and Hook says that is an advantage when it comes to the number of animals that come into the shelter, “I’d rather take a dog back home where it belongs or talk to the owner and let the owner cure that problem and relieve us of having to take it to the shelter.”
The ordinance will be based on complaints. Hook explains how the process will work, “If the dog ends up at the shelter, they can come pick it up and then we’ll explain to them why it was taken. First time, they can retrieve the animal. If we have to pick have to pick the dog up again, they’ll have to pay a fine to get the dog out. The third time would cost more.”
If an animal remains unclaimed Animal Control will do their best to find it a home, but they are placing a limit of 10 days on the time an animal can stay.
The shelter will be located on Lakeside Drive in Franklin. If you would like to contact the Animal Control Department, that number is 349-2106. For now, the shelter will be open Monday through Friday.
County Commission OK's increases in Health Dept. fees
6/26/2009
This week Macon County Commissioners OK’d increases and changes to the Public Health Center’s Fees and Polices for the next fiscal year.
Health Director Jim Bruckner says the Board of Health approved changes in some fees for services at their June meeting.
He told the Commission one of the changes would be to do away with the sliding fee scale for adult services, women’s health and miscellaneous services, “We want to charge these people for things like DOT physical exams. Services will be paid for prior to services being rendered. Any additional fees associated will be added to the client’s account and paid in full at checkout.”
Other fees will be imposed for Private Drinking Well Water including a repair visit and abandonment of a well, which will both cost $125.
The commission questioned as to why there would be a charge for the abandonment of a well.
Bruckner says it an involved process to properly seal a well no longer in use, “The concern is some other groundwater or contamination seeping into that well.”
Additionally fees will be increasing for about 25 other services, with the most significant increases coming for the IUD contraceptive devices.
The new fees will go into effect on July 1st.
Macon Co issues statement on cookie dough recall
6/25/2009
Macon County Health Officials are urging residents to take look into their refrigerators for a cookie product that is being recalled nationwide.
The FDA is recalling pre-packaged Nestle Toll House cookie dough products that are thought to be contaminated with E. coli.
The products involved in the voluntary recall include all varieties of Nestlé Toll House refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough.
According to Macon Co Health Director Jim Bruckner, if you do have any of these products it is best to throw them away.
He says E.coli is a serious and sometimes fatal disease and there have been two cases of the illness believed to be in connection with the recall in North Carolina.
The warning is based on an ongoing outbreak investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other federal partners and state health departments. Since March 2009 there have been 70 reports of related or associated illness across 30 states.
A complete list of recalled product varieties can be found at www.verybestbaking.com.
Local Census Committee begans program on improving participation
6/25/2009
Making sure everyone is counted. That was the focus of Wednesday’s meeting of the Complete Count Committee in Macon County.
Members of various organizations, governments and media were on hand to learn about the importance of an accurate count for the 2010 Census during a training and work session.
Andrea Robel, specialist with the U.S. Census says even a small undercount of residents can have big long-term impacts on a local community; “If one percent of the population in Macon County is undercounted that’s 340 people. If you look at just sales tax being undercounted by 340; that’s $340,000 for one year or $3.4 million dollars over the next ten years. That’s just one aspect. Your schools will be undercounted and won’t have enough money for schools and teachers. Your roads, health and medical facilities; everything that touches are lives all are impacted by the numbers count. It’s extremely important that everybody be counted once, in the right place on April 1st, 2010.”
The committee began discussing ways to effectively get the word out in the coming months concerning what the Census actually does and the importance of participating.
They also discussed ways to get past language and geographical boundaries.
The committee hopes this will increase both accuracy and response from citizens in 2010.
More information is available at www.2010census.gov
Macon Housing Authority to receive funds for weatherization, jobs
6/25/2009
The Macon County Housing Authority expects to help more residents next year weatherize their homes.
Rick Norton with the Housing Department presented an update to the County Commission on Tuesday. He says the program has helped 18 low-income homes in Macon County become more efficient through the weatherization process, “The houses that we have weatherized this year; next winter those families will see approximately a 30 percent reduction in their heating bill.”
Norton describes the process of weatherizing a home, “The County has its own blowing machine and blower door that sets a negative vacuum in the house. We use that to use to determine where you’re getting air infiltration and based on that, we can go in and seal up those air leaks.”
According to the authority there are about 50 applications for weatherization on file, and Norton is saying that about $580,000 in stimulus money will help them do a lot more next year and may create a job or two, “When this stimulus money finally comes through, we’re going to have to have a couple of additional staff to be able to do the work. We’re going from 19 units a year and now we’re looking at doing 50 units with the stimulus money next year.”
The Macon Housing Authority plans to wrap up their Urgent Repair Program this October. The county received $75,000 to make emergency repairs for income eligible homeowners such as septic repair, roofs, wells and handicap accessibility.
The Housing Department plans to file for additional funds for that program again this fall.
Operation 'Dry Water' this weekend
6/24/2009
Recent warm temp’s have drawn residents and visitors alike to lakes across western North Carolina and this weekend the State Wildlife Resource Commission and other law enforcement agencies will be making sure no one is boating-under-the-influence.
Operation Dry Water will be going on June 26-28 and will include vessel safety inspections, and random checkpoints in hopes of cutting down on the number of alcohol related accidents and fatalities on the water.
State Officials says that operating a recreational vessel under the influence can constitute fines of up to $1,000 and jail time.
Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, working with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies, such as the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
For more information visit www.ncwildlife.org
Despite opposition, County budget is passed
6/24/2009
The Macon County Commission adopted the budget for the coming fiscal year at their monthly meeting held Tuesday but it was not a unanimous decision.
After some minor adjustments there was a net change in the budget of about $3,000 but that’s not why Commissioner Bob Simpson voted in opposition.
He says the county could have found more ways to cut back on spending, “Things might get real tough. We could wind up like these other counties. I’m not singling out any departments, but we could have cut quite a bit more on the budget—or at least saved it until we see what we’ve done.”
“We’re about the only county in North Carolina that is continuing to spend rather than cut like everybody else and just scares me to death,” Simpson told the board.
Chairman Beale reacted to Simpson’s calling for Macon to make more cuts like other counties, “Thank goodness we don’t have to.”
The final vote was 4-1 with Simpson being the lone opposed.
The bottom line for the budget came in near $46 million dollars.
Native Plant class offered by Extension
6/24/2009
Those who want to learn more on incorporating Native Plants into landscapes will have the opportunity as the Cooperative Extension Service in Macon County is holding a “Native Plants for the Landscape” class on Tuesday June 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The class will teach information on the culture, planting and care of native plants. Additionally Extension Agents will discuss specific native plants that are useful.
The class will be held at the Cooperative Extension Center. For more information or to register call 349-2046.
DOT announces bridge closure
6/24/2009
The State DOT has announced that a bridge on Leatherman Gap Road will be closed for structural improvements beginning July 6th.
The bridge is located five tenths of a mile north of SR 1343 and according to the Bridge Maintenance Unit will be closed for three weeks.
A detour will be available for motorists by going south 1.2 miles to Snow Hill Road from the Ruby Mine Road Junction, then North on Snow Hill for 2.2 miles to Leatherman Gap, finally traveling south to the closing.
Town Official: Annexation reform valid, reasonable
6/23/2009
A state House committee began discussing some changes to North Carolina’s 50-year old land annexation laws, which could push property owners into new jurisdictions and ultimately new taxes.
We had a chance to speak with the Town of Franklin’s Land Use Administrator Mike Grubberman who says the discussions are being held after lawmakers got some heat from lobbyists.
Many of those who want reform feel that municipalities are using annexation unfairly but Grubberman says that’s something Franklin hasn’t done, “We’ve got areas that have been offered services and either chose to accept or not accept them in years past. In our last annexation, we made sure it was commercial properties and we weren’t taking houses and that kind of thing.”
Grubberman called some of the changes reasonable and valid.
One of the biggest changes to the law would not allow impacted residents to vote on whether or not they want annexation.
Supporters of involuntary annexation say it has prevented towns from losing revenues as businesses try to avoid their boundaries.
The measure could possibly be approved this summer.
'World Changers' ready to go to work in Franklin
6/23/2009
About 250 dedicated young volunteers from across the country will give some of their time this summer in Franklin to help those in need.
This year marks the 19th summer that “World Changers” will go to work in the U.S. and Canada to help improve living conditions.
Jonathan Wilson with the North American Mission Board says both high school and college students will spend the week of July 18th-25th here in Franklin to work on about 20 different projects, “They’ll be from the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida of course. We’ve also got some from other states. They are coming in representing youth groups and churches from across the nation.”
According to Wilson the main focus of the Franklin projects will be roof repairs, “We work with the Macon County Housing Authority. That agency has a process for homeowners to go through. They apply for assistance, and then the authority helps select the homes our volunteers will work on. Our half of the partnership comes in the form of free labor to do the manual work on the homes and much of the work our students will do will be roofing.”
Volunteers will also be painting and installing wheelchair access ramps.
He says nationwide, World Changers will donate about $16 million worth of free labor this summer, “They want to make a difference. They want to do something big. So through the efforts of coming to cities like Franklin, God’s love will be communicated to folks there and in the end they will make a difference and be part of something big.”
98 World Changers projects will be going on in over 85 cities from Alaska to Florida.
If you would like more information on World Changers visit www.world-changers.net
Free Tdap vaccine offered to Macon youth
6/23/2009
The Macon County Public Health Center is reminding parents who have a child entering 6th grade this year that they are required to receive a booster of Tdap vaccine.
Lead School Nurse Jennifer Garrett says today from 2-6 p.m. the Health Department will be offering a free Tdap Vaccine Clinic. Other vaccines will be offered as well, “We’ll also be offering Menactra and Gardasil and any other vaccine that kids may need. You will need to bring an insurance card or money if you get anything besides the Tdap,” said Garrett.
Garrett says last year the Tdap vaccine became a requirement due to rises in various illnesses, “The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus and Acellular pertussis. We’ve had a rise in whooping cough and so the CDC has recommended that children entering the sixth grade get a booster of tetanus because they will be about due, and they’ll also get the Acellular pertussis to protect against that,” she says.
Again, the clinic will be from 2-6 p.m. at the Health Center on Lakeside Drive. For further information call the Macon County Public Health Center or contact your health care provider.
Macon Co Schools facing $160,000 cut in transportation funds
6/23/2009
The latest news out of Raleigh may impact the way school buses run across the state. A proposed seven and a half percent cut from the state’s school transportation budget was announced by the House, which would save the state $29 million dollars next year.
In Macon County about $160,000 is slated to be cut from their transportation budget.
We spoke to Macon Superintendent Dr. Dan Brigman and he tells us school officials will have no choice but to become more efficient, “It is definitely going to impact the operation of the yellow school buses,” said Brigman, “What we’re doing is auditing bus routes to make sure that the routes are occurring at the most efficient level that they possibly can, in terms of distance and driver time sheets accordingly.”
Last year the Macon County School Transportation Budget was just over $1.2 million dollars.
Severe T-Storm Watch issued
6/22/2009
Residents in western North Carolina may want to keep their eye on another possible round of severe weather as the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Macon and surrounding counties until 8:00 p.m. this evening.
Forecasters say this line of storms is expected to move through the area during the mid-afternoon to late evening hours today and is capable of producing heavy rain, damaging winds, and large hail.
Jackson, Swain, Clay, Graham and Cherokee Counties are also under this watch.
High winds to blame for downed trees on Sunday
6/22/2009
High winds and heavy rain that swept through Macon County on Sunday afternoon are believed to have caused several trees to come down.
According to 911 dispatch, a caller reported at 5:30 p.m. that two trees toppled onto the roof of his house on 70 Dolly Cowart Lane.
The Otto Fire Department says that the man was able to get out of the house without harm but the downed trees did puncture the roof of the home.
Power crews and Franklin Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a fallen tree on Moore Street. The caller to 911 said that it had hit a power line causing it to spark and smoke.
Just minutes later authorities responded to another report of a downed tree in the Cowee community as a tree struck a house on Johanna Drive.
No one was harmed in that incident.
Planning Board begins community meetings on plan for growth
6/22/2009
Where Macon County will be in the next 20 years is the topic on the minds of the Macon County Planning Board members as they began talks on a comprehensive growth plan last week.
County Planner Derek Roland says residents in the Pine Grove community voiced their concerns on this plan as they were under the impression it was going to be another regulation, “The whole process and the comprehensive plan itself is not regulatory. It’s merely a vision of where the community wants to be down the road.”
Could it be the basis for some regulation? Roland says maybe, someday.
According to Roland, the Planning Board is eager to work with Maconians on developing this long-range plan for growth as they will be holding several community meetings in the future, “We’re going to work together with them and see the areas of the county we want to preserve, the areas of the county that we feel are best suited to sustain growth. That way future growth doesn’t come in here and spoil the whole county and doesn’t go into areas that it doesn’t need to be that we don’t have the infrastructure to support, and the areas that we love and represents Macon County’s heritage are preserved.”
The Planning Board will head to the Nantahala Community for their next meeting on the comprehensive plan this Thursday at 5 p.m.
Taste of Scotland comes to Franklin (by Sara Hayes)
6/22/2009
The 13th annual Taste of Scotland Festival turned out to be another big success.
This event, sponsored by the Friends of the Scottish tartan’s Museum was put together by both adults and local 4 –hers that chipped in to help.
If you missed this year’s event coordinator Kathy Akins says they are just about ready to start planning next years Taste of Scotland festival, “We meet every month for a whole year. We will start meeting next month to start planning for 2010. We never stop,” said Akins.
Hal Chapman MC adds the Taste of Scotland is geared for the whole family, “We try to do it for kids that are 3 or 4 to kids that are 80,” Chapman jovially said.
Hundreds of people came to Franklin on a hot Saturday as the streets were transformed with Scottish culture, heritage, music, and fun for everyone.
MSCO investigating two reports of larceny
6/22/2009
Investigators with the Macon Sheriff’s Office are looking into two reports of larceny and property damage over the weekend.
According to incident reports, a residence on Rose Creek Road suffered over $600 in structural damage in addition to having some items stolen including a refrigerator. That incident was reported on Sunday.
Also on Sunday, about $4,000 worth of various diamond and emerald jewelry was lifted from a residence on Lois Lane. Reports say that a subject broke in through the home’s window and removed the items while the home owner was away on a trip.
Again both incidents remain under investigation at this time.
N.C. unemployment rises slightly in May
6/22/2009
Recent figures from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission say the state’s jobless rate climbed slightly in May up from 10.8 to 11.1 percent.
Andy James with the ESC says they are taking this as both good and bad news, “Yes it did go up and we’re not happy about that but when you look at it over a 3 month period, if you drew a line it would look fairly flat. The bad news is if you drew a line from a year ago to right now it’s basically straight up.”
James says the ESC feels the economy is starting to pick up but it will take time for that rate to fall, “If you go into places where people are eating, you will see more than you saw three or months ago. Here in the last few weeks, it been kind of like it used to be and that means people have more confidence and that’s what its going to take to generate the need for jobs and make the unemployment rate go down,” adds James.
The increase over the past month is slightly under the national trend which is at 9.4 percent.
Macon Co on heightened alert after nearby outbreaks of H1N1 Virus
6/19/2009
Macon County Health Officials say they are keeping a close eye on the swine flu situation after the news of 70 confirmed cases at a summer camp in Rabun County.
Jimmy Villiard, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Macon Public Health Center says as for now there have been no confirmed cases in Macon County, “We continue to monitor the situation closely. We maintain communication with State Officials on the developments and the precautions that are out there. We are still on heightened vigilance.”
He adds they are being proactive by sending out information to local day camps on the H1N1 virus, “In light of the recent outbreaks in Rabun and Henderson County, we’ve prepared an information paper that was handed out to all the day camps on the precaution measures they can put into place and also what symptoms to look out for."
Villiard says education is the vital in preventing the spread of this virus, “People are aware of the H1N1 virus and what to be on the lookout for and what they should do if they suspect it. So far with the cooperation of the community we’re doing a good job of staying on top of it. Hopefully this outbreak will bypass us," he said.
Rabun County is now dealing with more possible cases of swine flu as seven individuals showed up at Mountain Lakes Medical Center on Thursday for testing.
Local man charged with two DWI's in one day
6/19/2009
A Franklin man was taken into custody, not once but twice this past Sunday on DWI charges. According to arrest reports at the Franklin Police Department 23 year old Patrick Tyler McDowell was arrested and charged with DWI by SGT Devon Holland at 8:43 p.m. He was then taken to the Detention Center where he posted bond and was released around 10:25 p.m.
The report goes on to say that just 30 minutes later McDowell was spotted by SGT Holland once again behind the wheel of his car. He was then arrested and booked on a second DWI.
He was also charged with speeding and possession of drug paraphernalia.
McDowell’s bonds were set at $750 and $2,000 respectively. He is expected to appear in court on July 1st.
Firework sales to benefit local programs for children
6/19/2009
As Independence Day approaches, there may be another reason to enjoy the holiday with some fireworks—safely, of course. Sales at this year’s big firework tent in the Holly Springs Plaza will go to benefit the Kiwanis Club of Franklin. The club will in turn use the funds to help support local programs for children.
Recently, the club contributed to The Kids Backpack Program provided by CareNet.
The tent will be open from June 25th until July 5th.
For more information about this fund-raising project or the Franklin Kiwanis Club, contact Patty or Skip Howells at 349-2492.
Town formally rejects Duke's counter-offer
6/18/2009
The Town of Franklin says they are not going to accept a counter-offer from Duke Energy that would require them to stop intervening or challenging any further re-licensing proceedings for the next five years.
Town Alderman Verlin Curtis says as part of the counter-offer to the town and Jackson County, Franklin would have received $10,000 and control over a boat access area that would be constructed on the Little Tennessee River.
He talks about why the town is saying no to Duke, “That was just an unacceptable term. That could have very well prohibited us from doing anything on this proposed power rate increase.”
Curtis says the town is not after money, they just want dredging and improvements to Lake Emory to come out of relicensing negotiations, “That’s what we were after, some stream bank control. I even proposed one time putting in a couple of handicap fishing piers on the Little Tennessee River,” said Curtis.
The town board voted unanimously this week to formally reject the offer from Duke.
Jackson County also rejected their part of the counter-offer and is now trying to take control of the Dillsboro Dam by ways of eminent domain citing the dam would become part of a proposed park but Duke does maintain the right to challenge whether or not the dam would be relative to the park.
Macon Transit Director to serve on State Board
6/18/2009
Macon Transit Director Kim Angel has been re-elected to the State Public Transportation Association’s Board of Directors.
Angel says times have changed since she first served on the board back in 2000, but she is looking forward to addressing today’s issues in public transportation, “I am looking forward to serving again. Economically, people are in a different place than they were, so more people are looking toward public transportation. Hopefully, as a part of this board I will be able to work with other transit systems across the state to promote public transportation and what it can do economically for communities.”
Angel will be filling one of eight seats on the Board of Directors.
The Macon Transit system has become a model across the state for small towns, “We are proud of our system. There are other systems and leaders across the state that recognize that we have worked hard. We have come a long way in the last twelve years and have worked hard to truly integrate ourselves into the community to become that leader and be a model for other small systems,” Angel said.
Macon County Transit provides community transportation services to human service agencies and to the general public through subscription, deviated fixed routes and dial-a-ride services. The system operates with 12 vehicles, eight of which are lift-equipped.
For more information about Macon County Transit, call (828) 349-2222 or log on to www.maconnc.org and click on Macon County Transit.
Trooper Blanton remembered one year after his death
6/18/2009
It’s hard to believe that one year has passed since a man who is a hero to many now, died in the line of duty. 24 year old State Trooper Shawn Blanton made headlines and won the hearts of many after he was tragically shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Haywood County.
No one will forget the fight the Blanton’s newborn son put up as he also fought for his life, that also tragically ended just months later.
Blanton’s memory will live on as The Trooper Shawn Blanton Memorial Park ride is scheduled for this Saturday.
The cost will be $25 with all proceeds going to benefit “The Shawn Blanton Scholarship Fund”. The ride will begin in three different locations eventually ending up in Cherokee.
For further information call 828-293-9394 or visit www.troopershawnblantonscholarship.com
70 cases of 'Swine Flu' confirmed in Rabun (by Scott Kimbler)
6/18/2009
It has been talked about for days and now it is confirmed, the children sickened at Camp Ramah Darom in Rabun County are sickened with H1N1 or ‘Swine Flu’. Mountain Lakes Hospital CEO Kim Ingrim confirmed the tests early this morning to the Sky-104 newsroom.
“We have issued tamiflu to 70 kids. We have the confirmation from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) that we are dealing with the H1N1 virus or Swine Flu.” Ingrim said.
As she has said many times this week, the ‘Swine Flu’ is like any other flu and there is little to no reason to panic, even with the confirmation.
“If you are a healthy person and we get you the tamiflu, usually about 48-hours after taking the tamiflu, you are fine,” Ingrim said.
Early on there had been one of the campers hospitalized, that youngster has recovered and been released. 323 other campers and staffers have been treated as a preventative measure.
Alderman OK 'Longevity Policy'
6/18/2009
After a somewhat lengthy discussion, the town board has approved a policy that would reward town employees for their tenure.
Longevity pay would bonus town of Franklin employees on their anniversary annually after a certain amount of years of service to the town.
The questions that had to be answered were when should the bonuses start, and should they count time spent working for other entities under the NC Retirement System.
Alderman Bob Scott told the board the policy should only count for years spent working for the town of Franklin, “It’s not fair to our employees if someone who may have been away from here but is enrolled in the Local Government Retirement System can jump right over loyal employees that have been here for years and get a bigger longevity payment.”
The general consensus among the board was to begin longevity pay at the 10 year threshold instead of 15 as originally proposed. That mark would add an extra $3,795 to next year’s budget based on an initial 1 percent of salary bonus, according to the Town Manager Sam Greenwood.
The board 4-2 to adopt the policy at 10 years and to only honor years spent working with the town. Alderman Mashburn and Patillo were opposed due to the fact it did not include former county employees who are with the town.
County Department heads remain in the dark as revenue package looms
6/16/2009
After spending several days at the Capitol last week, the Macon County Department of Social Services says there is some possible good news on the deep cuts that they were facing, but it is still not clear how much the budget shortfall will impact the Health and Human Services Department.
Social Services Director Jane Kimsey tells us that the proposed 23 percent budget cuts from the Health and Human Services budget won’t be as rash as first proposed if the House revenue package passes through the General Assembly.
That package would raise taxes in several areas including sales tax and alcohol but would spare several budget cuts across the board; however Kimsey and the rest of the department heads throughout counties in the state are still anxiously awaiting the news from Raleigh that will let them know exactly where they will be hit.
The plan would raise about $800 million dollars in state revenue.
Police Blotter
6/16/2009
Macon County Sheriff’s Deputies have detained 46 year old Elizabeth Helen Crippen of Otto on a felony count of assault by strangulation. Crippen was booked on Monday and is held on a $1,000 unsecured bond. She is expected in court on July 9th.
The DOT has reportedly become a victim of larceny. According to investigation reports with the Sheriff’s Office, two chainsaws were stolen from a state department truck that was parked on Junaluska Road in the Nantahala community. The saws were valued at $600 each.
The incident was reported on Thursday.
In a separate incident,
A 2007 Yamaha ATV and various power tools and equipment were allegedly stolen from a residence on Judds Trail in Franklin. This incident was reported on Sunday and both remain under investigation by the Macon Sheriff’s Office.
Swine flu 'probable' in Rabun County, GA (by Scott Kimbler)
6/16/2009
According to the director of the Mountain Lakes Medical Center there are at least 18 probable cases and another 40 possible of swine flu in Rabun County. Kim Ingrim says the cases come out of a summer camp, but she would not name the camp. She says all patients are being treated with tamiflu and the hospital has the outbreak under control. She adds the camp has been 100% cooperative with the hospital.
The hospital will have more information later this morning.
Class of 2009 says goodbye to Franklin High School
6/16/2009
It was a journey that started in 1996, when the Franklin High Class of 2009 entered public schools, now that journey has come to an end as Franklin seniors walked the aisle during Graduation Ceremonies held Friday at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center.
This year’s special guest speaker was Chairman of the Board of the Commissioners in Macon County Ronnie Beale who offered encouraging remarks to the 229 Grads on their big day, “Today is the day that divides your childhood from your adult life. As you cross that line into a brave new world, take a minute to remember your days at Franklin High School. The memorable things you did, the memorable times you had and the lifelong friends that made it worthwhile. I truly believe that because of your attending Franklin High, you have been given the tools to be whatever you need to be.”
Beale went on to offer a top ten list of things to do after graduation and here was number one, “Have a personal relationship with God. If you have this, you’ll see that your life’s endeavors and challenges will become much easier no matter how the world changes or what evolves. This is one partnership that you find consistent and never-changing.”
In closing, Macon County School Superintendent Dan Brigman also offered some life lessons for the Class of ’09.
Congratulations and best wishes for the future to the FHS Class of 2009!
Nantahala burglary suspect faced with more charges
6/15/2009
One of the seven suspects charged in the recent string of break-ins and burglaries in the Nantahala community has now been tagged with more charges.
Arrest reports at the Macon Sheriff’s Office say that 26 year old Thomas Robert Raxter of Marble was transported from Cherokee County to the Macon Detention Center where he was charged with nine additional felony counts of larceny of a firearm.
Raxter was booked on Sunday and bond has been set at $15,000.
He is expected in court on July 6th.
Macon native appointed to District Court bench
6/15/2009
Macon County native Danya Ledford Vanhook will be sworn-in later this week as Governor Perdue has appointed her to the District Court bench for the 30th Judicial District, which includes, Macon, Jackson and Swain Counties.
She will be taking the place of Judge Brad Letts who was appointed to the Superior Court bench.
Vanhook, a former staff attorney for Buncombe County Social Services is currently practicing law in all counties in the 30th District in addition to Cherokee Tribal court. Vanhook provides representation for a wide variety of clients including civil, family, juvenile, criminal and DSS.
Vanhook and her husband Duane live with their son in Waynesville.
The swearing-in ceremony is set for Friday, June 19th at 3 p.m. at the Macon County Courthouse. All members of the community are invited.
Franklin Pizza Hut reopens after Health Dept. closes doors
6/15/2009
Customers may have been surprised to see the Franklin Pizza Hut closed for business last week.
Jane Morgan with Macon County Environmental Health says the store was forced to close in order to needed to make repairs “At my request the management closed due to some much need structural improvements. I would like to stress we had really good cooperation with our local management.”
According to Morgan, the store shutdown around 2 p.m. on Saturday June 6th and she gave them the OK to open up this past Saturday, but she believes they waited until Sunday evening to re-open the establishment.
Local Cenus board aims to improve accuracy, response
6/15/2009
Census workers are out continuing to canvass Macon County in preparations to try and accurately get an update on the population of the United States.
Clearly this task can be quite an undertaking and according to County Planner Derek Roland, a Complete Count Committee is in the works to try and help with this effort, “The committee will be made up of a cross section of representatives throughout the community such as large businesses, media, education, faith-based organizations, community groups and local government. Through a combination of efforts this will give us a better chance to make sure everyone is counted in 2010.”
Both response rate and awareness are expected to increase with the addition of this committee.
A specialist from the U.S. Census Bureau will be in Macon County on June 24th to meet with selected members. A training and work session is planned to be held to let this committee know what is expected. It will also give them an in depth look at the Census itself.
Day Care Committee learns more on issues facing Macon Co
6/15/2009
The Day Care Committee of Macon County says now they have a better understanding of the current child care situation locally, and as suspected there are some issues that need solutions.
We spoke to Ronnie Beale who is the liaison to the County Commissioners on this committee and he says they learned a lot after meeting this week with licensed home day care providers and the Child Development Commission of Region A, “Our fears are true that certainly when it comes to infant care, it is at a critical shortage," Beale said.
Beale says a Comprehensive Study was conducted by the Child Development Commission for Macon County and it revealed that the county’s day care capacity for children five and under was just 2,061, while the number of children in that age group that need day care is almost 2,800.
Beale has more information regarding this report, “It has everything from income ranges to age groups to what’s available to the shortages and they are substantial. We are still trying to assemble the information to make a decision on what we can do to help with this problem.”
He says for now the mission of the committee will be to continue to seek a solution to the high cost and limited availability of day care in the county, “Any kind of child care is expensive, so at least we’re having discussions. They did report that we were one of the only counties that was doing an in-depth study of the child care situation."
The Day Care group is planning a forum to listen to feedback from both businesses and parents on what their experience with child care has been like in Macon County.
New employer slated for Rabun County, GA (by Scott Kimbler)
6/15/2009
As the region continues to deal with high un-employment numbers, there is news of a new employer coming. The Rabun County, GA Development Authority says Ecoshel, a manufacturer of environmentally friendly shingles is opening a production facility there.
Authority Director Sean Brady says the company will start with 10 positions this year and plans to expand to add 200 to 300 people in the next three years. Ecoshel makes shingles that can be used for siding or roofing. The company is based in Atlanta.
Over 200 cited during second week of "Click It or Ticket"
6/15/2009
State and local law enforcement officers netted a total of 221 traffic and criminal violations in Macon County during week 2 of “Click It or Ticket”.
Overall in Macon County, 20 checkpoints and patrols were held during the week of May 26th-31st resulting in 17 DWI arrests, 26 seatbelt violations, 4 drug arrests, 76 speeding tickets as well as the recovery of one stolen vehicle and one fugitive being apprehended.
Statewide officers handed out over 40,000 criminal and traffic citations which included 1,140 DWI charges.
Strong storms knock out power in WNC
6/15/2009
Duke Energy Crews stayed busy tackling power outages after a quick but powerful storm system swept across Macon County on Thursday afternoon. According to the power company the storms left about 1,250 customers in western North Carolina without power.
Duke had to enlist the help of power crews from Georgia and other parts of North Carolina to finally get power back on for all residents in the area. Some here in Macon County experienced outages as late as 10 p.m. on Friday night.
The company’s website says all power has been restored to customers in the region.
Text while driving? Could soon be illegal
6/11/2009
A bill that would make it illegal to text message while driving has made its way to the Governor’s desk and is expected to be signed into law.
The legislation which got final approval from the state Senate by a 30-18 margin this week bans drivers, regardless of age from texting or emailing from their cell phones.
The House approved the measure in April.
Some members of the Senate voted against it stating it would be difficult to enforce, but others say just having a law in place would help cut down on the number of accidents caused by motorists who are not focused.
It would go into effect on December 1st of this year and would impose a $100 fine for those who violate the law.
North Carolina would be the 14th state to bar texting while driving if the bill indeed is signed into law.
Health Dept could lose $200,000 in revenue next year
6/11/2009
On Tuesday, the Macon County Board of Health discussed the latest House budget proposal that would reduce revenue generated by the Health Department in Macon County by about $200,000 in the coming year.
Macon County Health Director Jim Bruckner says the state is looking at Medicaid rate reductions across the board for all providers, “They’re proposing a 5.5 percent cut this year and a 6 percent cut in the next fiscal year. For us, it would be about a $35,000 reduction in our revenues. They’re looking at reducing Adult Dental Care Medicaid coverage by 50 percent statewide, which means that there’s probably going to be a 50 percent reduction in the return in revenue here in Macon County and that’s a big concern to the department.”
Bruckner says the House budget would also call for the consolidation of Case Management Services and that would eliminate both Maternal Child Coordination and Child Service Coordination here in Macon County.
This proposal, without surprise, is drawing some opposition from Health Directors across the state, “The North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors is opposing all three of these projected budget cuts because of what it will do to public health infrastructure in the local communities,” adds Bruckner.
The proposed 5 percent slash would be added with a 10 percent cut in the county operating budget already sustained by the Macon County Health Department.
Help Line: Power assistance a common need
6/11/2009
According to figures from the Macon County Department of Social Services, the Macon County Help Line is continuing to serve residents as they fielded nearly 170 calls for the month of May.
Help Line Operator Virginia Casada says many have called in looking for help with disconnection notices on their power bills, “Over 40 percent of our calls for the month of May were for disconnection notices and getting help from Duke Energy.”
Casada added that another common need continues to be rent or mortgage assistance.
She says they also get other types of calls, “We get calls that pertain to people seeking information from out of state about different agencies or what the job situation is like up here.”
The 168 calls taken by the navigational care line in May is slightly down from 182 in April and 188 in March.
The Macon County Help Line number is 349-2128.
State OKs grant for Swiss Colony water project
6/11/2009
Some much needed improvements have got the green light from Raleigh for residents of the Swiss Colony Community in the north end of Macon County.
County Manager Jack Horton told the Commission this week that a grant was approved that would extend water to that area from the town of Franklin, “I received a letter this week from the state outlining that we would be receiving a grant for just over $2 million dollars that would include the installation of a water tank and an extension of a water line to serve that area.”
The county will now get the specifications for the project so it can be put out for bid, and Horton is saying the earlier the better, “There’s a lot of competitive bids out there so what we might be able to do is if the bids do come in lower than the anticipated revenue we may ask them to consider extending the line further out.”
The grant would be 100 percent funded by the state and doesn’t require a local match.
Horton told Commissioners the project could be ready for construction as soon as late summer or early fall.
Highlands man accused of rape faces more charges
6/11/2009
More charges have been handed down to a Highlands man who was charged with statutory rape earlier this week.
25 year old Scott Huston Conard now faces additional charges of first degree kidnapping, and abduction of children.
According to a statement from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation got underway on June 8th after a missing persons report was filed on the 13 year old victim. Authorities discovered both Conard and the victim on June 9th and the victim was taken to Angel Medical where criminal allegations were reported by the victim.
Officers then contacted Conard and he voluntarily agreed to an interview with investigators regarding the allegations. Shortly after, he was taken into custody.
The investigation did continue with additional interviews and a search at Franklin Memorial Park. Investigators also executed a search warrant in Highlands to seize additional evidence. Also assisting was the Franklin P.D.
An additional $50,000 secured bond was set and Conard is scheduled for a probable cause hearing in Macon County District Court on June 18, 2009.
WCU's Cherokee language program gets boost
6/10/2009
The Cherokee Language Program at Western Carolina University is getting a boost as the Cherokee Preservation Foundation is awarding a $199,000 grant to help develop and revise the course work.
The program was first offered online in the fall of 2008 and currently a second-level Cherokee language course is being developed.
According to Hartwell Francis, the Program’s Director, the online courses and high school courses are able to reach people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to study the Cherokee language at the university level.
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help preserve the Cherokee Culture.
For more information about WCU’s Cherokee language program, call (828) 227-2303.
Last day for Macon students
6/10/2009
Another school year is coming to a close and students in Macon County are looking ahead to summer vacation.
Today is the last day of school for about 4,400 Macon students.
Franklin High School will say goodbye to the class of 2009 with their graduation which is scheduled for this Friday at 7 p.m. at the Ramsey Center.
Highlands School Graduation will be held on Saturday June 13th at 7 p.m. and seniors at Nantahala received their diplomas last Saturday.
Students will head back to class on Tuesday, August 25th.
'Relay' raises $80,000; more expected
6/10/2009
Franklin’s 2009 Relay for Life carried on the tradition of remembering those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
Patti Morgan with the local Relay Chapter says the 25th annual fundraiser can be called a success as it has already collected over $80,000 and more continues to come in.
Morgan says there were a record number of teams that participated in this past weekend’s activities.
She says all the work that goes into the yearly event is worth every second, “When you can sit back and look it when you’re actually there or think about it at 2 o’clock in the morning when things start to slow down, it’s definitely worth it.”
Donations for Relay for Life will continue to come in until August according to Morgan.
Simpson on education cuts: Ball fields or teachers?
6/10/2009
The proposed soccer field at Highlands School has one Macon County Commissioner asking the board to wait due the possibility of teacher cuts here in Macon County.
As part of their consent agenda, a budget amendment was presented that would appropriate an additional $513,000 to renovation projects at Highlands School. That money does include $275,000 that would be allocated to the new soccer field that is planned for construction soon.
Commissioner Bob Simpson says with Macon County looking at the possibility of losing over 20 teachers, the soccer field should be put on hold—at least for now, “They’re going to possibly lose 26 teacher positions. We’re going to have to step to the plate. That $275,000 might go a long way. Our classrooms are more important than a ball field, at this juncture, and if they cut 26 teachers in this county, it’s going to hurt.”
Chairman Beale responded to Simpson saying the project should go on, “This is community effort just as much as it is a taxpayer effort. At this point, with the state budget not know where they’re at, I would say that’s always a consideration, but personally I would say we proceed on with the plan because there is so much in limbo as far as all budgets.”
Beale adds that the time frame for construction is another reason to continue with the field as it would have to be constructed while students are on summer vacation.
Commissioner Kuppers, who is a teacher him self, says he is worried putting the field on hold would set the wrong precedent, “I understand the reality of it. I could be one of those 26. We have got to be careful putting the burden of the state on the taxpayers of Macon County. There’s no way we can possibly fulfill their requirement, if they decide to cut. They can always cut more than we can fix,” said Kuppers.
The final vote on the fund appropriations did pass by a 4-1 vote with Simpson being opposed.
Public mum on budget
6/09/2009
Monday night’s public hearing on the county’s proposed budget went fairly quietly and smooth.
Perhaps Maconians were hush because of the fact there will be no tax increase.
However, Macon resident Charlie Cowie made the lone comments to the Commission on the budget commending them for their efforts but Cowie says the Board should take another look at the Landfill Fee for store owners, “Right now, it’s very hard with the big box stores that you would get the more fair rate from, there still moving right along. Their parking lots are filled. Us fellows, with these strips of stores are hurt by vacancies. When you have vacancies and you are being charged by the store for that fee, there’s nothing coming in to support that fee, except for I the owner. It’s really unfair. It’s unfair to you,” Cowie informed Commissioners.
He ended by commending the Commissioners again for their hard work on the budget.
The Board of Commissioners did not vote to adopt the budget, which does not propose a tax increase, but will rather look to do that at their meeting on June 23rd.
They have not scheduled any further budget work sessions between now and then.
Highlands man charged with rape
6/09/2009
A Highlands man has been taken into custody after being charged with statutory rape. Arrest Reports at the Macon County Sheriff’s Department say that 25 year old Scott Huston Conard was charged with a felony count of statutory rape of a person 13, 14 or 15 years old. He was also charged with felony statutory sex offense.
Conard was booked on Tuesday and is held on a $50,000 bond. He is expected to make his first appearance in court on June 18th.
According to the Sheriff’s Office the arrest is part of an ongoing investigation.
No further details are available at this time.
TRU wants Macon Rec. Park smoke-free
6/09/2009
Franklin High’s Tobacco Reality Unfiltered group says they will ask the Macon Co Rec. Commission to ban smoking at the Recreation Park in Franklin.
TRU Club Coordinator Liz Crawford says the group collected almost 800 cigarette butts from the grounds last week and they will use that to plead their case for a smoke-free Rec. Facility, “We were investigating how much smoking was actually going on at the Rec. Park and we will be using these cigarette butts as evidence to support proposing a smoke-free policy. If we have this visual evidence of the cigarette butts, we think it will help us out.”
She adds the teens were surprised to find 760 cigarette butts in just a short time, “They were kind of grossed out. They couldn’t believe after thirty minutes you have a bucket of cigarette butts from one area.”
The TRU club plans to ask the Rec. Commission to go smoke-free at their July meeting.
The anti-tobacco group has been raising awareness about the dangers of second-hand smoke and advocates for tobacco-free policies in areas where the public is exposed to second-hand smoke.
Two local men handed felony indictments
6/09/2009
A 31 year old man from Andrews was handed an official indictment on several counts of larceny. Arrest reports at the Macon Sheriff’s Office say that Travis Edward Brown was formally indicted with nine felony counts of larceny of a firearm.
Brown was charged on Friday and his bond was set at $15,000.
Also arrested was 38 year old Michael Vernon was also indicted on felony counts of larceny of a firearm, breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods. Vernon was charged on Friday and is held on a $50,000 bond.
Brown and Vernon are expected in court on July 6th.
Macon Co to meet with State on DHHS cuts
6/09/2009
The Macon County Department of Social Services will learn their fate this week, as they travel to Raleigh for informational meetings on how the proposed 23 percent budget cuts from the Health and Human Services Department will affect them.
The proposed reduction amounts to $2.4 billion dollars from Health and Human Services, which is nearly half of North Carolina’s total budget shortfall.
If the General Assembly passes the proposal over 700 state jobs would be nixed as well as certain programs such as N.C. Health Choice.
Two injured in SCC training accident
6/08/2009
Two local residents sustained injuries following a single-vehicle accident at the Southwestern Community College Public Safety Training Complex on Industrial Park Road in Franklin.
According to accident reports from the State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred Wednesday night around 10 p.m. when 25 year old Timothy Frady of Sylva was driving a 2004 Ford training vehicle on the driver training track along with three passengers. Frady reportedly traveled off of the right shoulder of the roadway colliding with an embankment.
The report goes on to say the vehicle then overturned and proceeded to slide down the embankment before coming to a stop.
Frady and 37 year old Aaron Auvil of Marble were both injured in the accident. Frady was taken to Angel Medical Center, while Auvil was transported to Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Two other occupants were inside the vehicle at the time of the accident, they however were not injured.
Bears just looking for food, NCWRC says
6/08/2009
Reported bear sightings are continuing here in Macon County, not just in the wilderness, but in neighborhoods and town limits. Over the past month Macon 911 Dispatch has received at least seven different reports of bears being spotted in civilized areas.
Mike Carraway with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission explains why the black bears are wandering into public, “In recent years we have seen both increases in the bear and human population in western North Carolina. Those two things are on a collision course and its becoming more common for people to see bears. Unfortunately bears will take advantage of any type of food sources available."
Bears are also awaiting berry crops to come in and that has them searching other areas for food according to Carraway, “Last year there was a big cicada hatch in western North Carolina and the bears were eating cicadas. This year those are not available, so bears are more apt to wonder in search of other food sources that they often find in bird feeders."
Carraway adds that if a bear happens to find food, they can remember where they found it.
It is a good idea to remove your bird feeders if you suspect bear activity said Carraway.
He goes on to say that recently bears in Jackson County were smart enough to open up all 4 doors of a car in search of food.
Wildlife Officials remind you never to approach or feed a bear if you spot one, but to alert authorities as soon as possible.
Resident voices concern on Green Street
6/08/2009
As DOT crews continue work on Riverview Street, one Franklin resident says the construction is causing an influx of traffic on Green Street and without a yellow line is posing a potentially dangerous situation. Narwell Kirkland addressed the town board this week concerning Green Street, “The Street has two blind curves and one hill that you can with great difficulty see another car coming. It really is a dangerous street. I urge that the yellow line be painted as soon as possible,” Kirkland told the board.
Kirkland added that some residents have even started parking on the street making it an even more hazardous condition.
At this time the town says they are going to take it unto consideration, but have not made any official action involving the yellow line at this point.
House proposal would cut 23 teachers in Macon County
6/08/2009
The Macon County Board of Education is continuing to work on ways to help offset what has been a challenging budget year. The news from Raleigh doesn’t seem to be getting better for educators as a House committee has now proposed further reductions in the state’s education budget.
The proposal sets its sights on eliminating over 6,000 teaching positions statewide in addition to over 4,600 teacher assistants.
Macon County Schools Superintendent Dan Brigman says the House cuts would be felt here, “The number of state paid certified teaching positions allocated to Macon County would be reduced by approximately 23. Included in the initial House proposal is to reduce funding for teacher assistants by approximately $432,000; this dollar reduction would result in the loss of approximately 15 teacher assistant positions.”
He says they have been tapping into the local school’s fund balance to keep their budget balanced, but it is approaching what he calls an uncomfortable level, “It’s there to be used, but I feel very uncomfortable level dropping below $500,000 in our fund balance. About $1.2 million dollars would give us seven days of operation in Macon County. So that gives you an idea. $500,000 would give you maybe four days of operation and we don’t know what would happen.” We have to be prepared for any emergency situation, and that’s just good fiscal management.”
Brigman says they will do all that’s in their power in order to retain as many positions as possible, “We have a local funding body that is committed to saving positions in this district and we have a Board of Education that’s going to do everything, including depleting our fund balance, to make sure we can maintain the current level of services and positions in our school system.”
Brigman and the School Board say they will keep looking at ways to become more efficient.
A 2.5 percent cut from educator's salaries is also included in the proposal and five instructional days would be eliminated at the end of the school year.
State Superintendent June Atkinson released a statement saying the 11 percent budget cuts are severe and would have a significant negative impact on our classrooms and our schools.
In less than one year, the Macon County School System has reverted nearly $300,000 back to the state.
County Manager to speak on Macon's financial condition
6/05/2009
County Manager Jack Horton will be addressing the state of the county’s financial conditions at the next League of Women Voter’s Luncheon set for Thursday, June 11th.
Horton plans to discuss the unemployment situation, construction and development, impacts on business, how the economy has effected county spending, budget issues and infrastructure projects. He will also answer any questions from the audience.
The program is scheduled to begin at 12 noon at the Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.
Tribe approves alcohol at Harrah's by Eric Moore
6/05/2009
Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians voted yesterday to approve alcohol sales in the Cherokee Casino. 3,148 people cast ballots-- that's a voter turnout of just under 50%. The results are 59% voting for the measure and 41% against the measure.
The vote itself coincided with the twice yearly per-capita checks that all registered members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians receive as profit-sharing from casino operations. The checks were received Monday with voting on the alcohol referendum taking place yesterday.
The amont of the per-capita checks may be affected in the future by yesterday's vote. Amounts of those checks are expected to double in five years with the additional proceeds that alcohol will generate at the casino, according to the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Board.
25th Annual Relay for Life kicks off tonight
6/05/2009
An annual fundraiser that has drawn an outpouring of support from those in Macon County to honor cancer victims and survivors will going today and Saturday as the 25th annual Relay for Life event comes to Franklin High School.
Patti Morgan with Relay says this year’s event will be the biggest one they’ve ever done, “We have some new entertainers coming in. We have lots of singers, country and western dancing; Danny Antoine’s Karate Team will be coming out to perform. We also have more teams that will be providing food, games and things of that nature, than we’ve ever had.”
Morgan says last year’s event alone raised an overwhelming $164,000 and it has been that type of community support that has put Macon County on the national map, “For around 8 years running we were a nationally ranked team as far as donations go per capita. That’s something we strive for every year.”
This year’s goal is set for $164,000 as well.
The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. this afternoon with the closing ceremonies scheduled for 7 a.m. on Saturday morning.
More information is available online at www.relayforlife.org
Proposed ABC mergers draw opposition from Town
6/05/2009
Legislation introduced into the General Assembly would make some major changes to the local ABC board and the town of Franklin Board of Alderman have agreed they want to show their dissent for the bill.
On Monday the board unanimously sponsored a resolution opposing a bill that would require mergers of local ABC boards into regional boards and give the state more control of them.
Alderman Bob Scott says that if the bill passes it would lead to corruption due to the loss of control at the local level, “We’ve got a wonderful operation here, one of the best that I’ve ever seen anywhere. You can go down to my old home state of South Carolina and they don’t call them liquor stores, they call them the local stop and rob. You’ve got all kind of corruption, places that are filthy. Apparently the lobbyists are trying to get this. Somebody is making money on this deal,” said Scott.
Franklin ABC board members said the bill would lead to privatization of ABC stores and would create so called “agency stores” in locations such as grocery stores, pharmacies or convenience stores.
Senate Bill 839 has currently been referred to the Commerce Committee.
EBCI to vote on alcohol sales at casino
6/04/2009
Its been a controversial topic over the past 29 years and it will be up for vote once again as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will vote today on whether alcohol sales would be permitted inside Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
The last time the referendum came up for vote in failed 2-1 back in 1980.
Those in support of the measure think alcohol sales will boost revenues at Harrah’s which have been on the decline.
At least 30 percent of the tribe’s voters must vote in approval in order for it to pass.
If the referendum passes, the sale of alcohol will only be allowed at the casino, not in other areas of Cherokee
Identifying a Census worker
6/04/2009
U.S. Census workers have started their canvassing across Macon County and the rest of North Carolina. About 5,000 workers are out compiling confidential address lists in the state that will be used to send out 2010 Census Questionnaires.
Macon County Planner Derek Roland talks about how you can properly identify a Census employee, “If someone is at your door, they can be identified by an official Census Enumerator Identification Badge. This badge is issued from the Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census and there should be a seal on that badge. It should also contain the worker’s printed name. They will be carrying a handheld computer device used for the address canvassing process. The workers might also be carrying black work bags but these bags will have the words U.S. Census Bureau on them.”
Roland says you can also further ID the worker by asking for their name and the phone number of the local Census Office.
Roland adds that the information collected will remain confidential, “The workers are required to take an oath of confidentiality prior to accepting this job. They can face a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison for violating that oath.”
More information can be found at the Census booth that will be on hand at Franklin’s Fourth of July Celebration or by visiting www.census.gov
Duke files for rate increase
6/04/2009
By next year Duke Energy customers may be paying more for their electricity.
Duke Energy recently filed for a rate increase with the Utilities Commission and Paige Sheehan with Duke says the increase is necessary to help the company make some needed improvements, “It will help make the system cleaner and more reliable. We have added emissions equipment on our power plants. We’ve also enhanced our system to make sure it’s more reliable for our customers.”
Sheehan says the rate increase would affect customers in different ways, “Residential customers will see around a 13.5 rate increase in their power bills and that translates to about $11 a month. General Service customers will see increases of about 9.8 percent and Industrial customers would see their bills go up about 15.25 percent.”
Overall that adds up to a 12.6 general increase in rates.
The change in rates would be no sooner than 2010, “Interveners will weigh in over several months and we expect a decision from the Utilities Commission late this year, with any changes to rates taking place no sooner than January 1st, 2010,” said Sheehan.
If the rate increase is approved, annual revenues from North Carolina retail operations would increase by approximately $496 million.
The last time Duke implemented a general rate increase was 1991.
Comments prompt public hearing on Rabun's wastewater permit
6/04/2009
The Little Tennessee Watershed Association says a public hearing is now in the works for July, concerning the wastewater permit that Rabun County has applied for to use at the former Fruit of the Loom Plant as a wastewater treatment facility.
LTWA Director Jenny Sanders says the open comment period is now closed and thanks to the many comments that were sent in to the Georgia EPD, they have granted a public meeting as well as a public hearing.
Sanders says if you have concern on the issue that could impact the Little Tennessee it would be a good idea to attend the meeting/hearing, “We want to encourage anyone who has a concern about that facility to attend that meeting because that’s where they’re going to get answers and the opportunity to comment.”
The permit, which would allow 2 million gallons of treated sewage to be dumped into the Little Tennessee daily, has raised discontentment with the LTWA, Macon County and the town of Franklin citing concerns on the chlorine treatment system and interbasin transfers.
The public meeting and hearing is scheduled for July 7th at 7 p.m. at the Rabun County, Georgia Courthouse in Clayton.
Town board mulls longevity pay
6/04/2009
The Town Board wants to begin recognizing long-term service of their employees with an automatic, annual bonus considered longevity pay.
The policy would bonus employees one and a half percent with at least 15 years of service to the town. The employee would receive a higher bonus following 20 and 25 years of employment.
Alderwoman Sissy Patillo proposed the idea of reworking the longevity policy to include those with 10 years of service, “Usually it is that time when people start to reach burnout and would like to see something coming down the road and that incentive at 10 years helps to keep them.”
Currently beginning at the 15 year threshold, longevity pay would add about $3,000 to next year’s budget and even more if the board decides to begin at 10 years.
Alderman have tabled the issue until their continuation meeting on the 15th to allow the Town Manager to compare costs of starting at 10 years instead of 15.
The employees would receive the payments yearly during the pay period in which their anniversary falls.
Facilities committee continues talks on K-4 school
6/04/2009
The facilities review committee of Macon County met on Tuesday to discuss planning of the forthcoming North Macon K-4 School.
Superintendent Dan Brigman says the team of county and school officials met with soil scientists who have been studying the area to discuss further options of an on-site sewer system.
Brigman says they are also continuing to seek funding resources from stimulus money, specifically through the USDA and qualified Academy Bonds and that will ultimately drive the timeline for the start of construction.
He is hopeful that the economic conditions will turn around in the coming months so the project can be put out for bid. The school that would consolidate Cowee and Iotla Schools is projected cost an estimated $15 million to construct.
A piece of county owned property will have to be utilized to accommodate the on-site system.
No motions on decisions were forwarded to the full boards to make during the meeting.
NC Summer Jobs Program putting youth to work
6/03/2009
A new program funded by stimulus dollars aims to put young residents of North Carolina to work.
Beth Lucas with the Department of Commerce says the NC Summer Jobs Program will provide around 4,000 young folks with employment across the state, “The program is designed to give summer work experience who need that the most; youth that have income issues or perhaps academic challenges and need a little support.”
The program targets youth ages 14 up to age 24 said Lucas.
Jobs will be available to young North Carolinians in both the public and private sector as well as with non-profits according to Lucas, “The types of jobs could be in an office for the summer, working with an adult. Perhaps some job shadowing opportunities, helping them get some hands on experience and hopefully they’ll get to explore careers they have an interest in.”
The jobs would pay from $7.25 to $8.50 hourly.
More information on the summer job program can be found at the local job link center, by going to NCcommerce.com or by calling 1-800-562-6333.
Macon's jobless rate dips in April
6/03/2009
The latest figures on unemployment in North Carolina counties are in and Macon joined 82 other counties who saw a decrease in their jobless rate for the month of April.
According to the report released by the state’s ESC, Macon’s unemployment fell by nearly 2 percent from March to April at 10.5 percent. That translates to over 15,000 people employed out of the county’s labor force of 17,000.
Larry Parker with the Commission talks about the driving factor behind the drop in unemployment, “What we’re seeing in a lot of counties over the last couple of months is just some very small gains in employment. There has also been some loss and evening out in the number of people unemployed. Macon County dropped by 1.7 percent, that’s a huge drop but it is a smaller labor force compared to some counties.”
Parker is hopeful the improving trend will continue, but he expects an increase in the labor force to play a big role in rates over the summer, “Especially in a smaller labor force like Macon County, a couple hundred students could enter the labor force and if a good portion of those don’t find work, that could certainly drive the unemployment rate back up the other way,” says Parker.
In April of 2008 the unemployment rate in the county was 4.9 percent.
Alderman address further parking issues
6/03/2009
Alderman are hopeful that a new parking plan will make Pickin' on the Square a more enjoyable event for those who are handicapped.
On Monday, the board heard complaints from a resident who says he has had trouble getting out of his van due to parking issues, “There is no place up there to park that somebody won’t park against me. It takes 8 feet on that left side of that van for me to get in and out. I can go anywhere I want to once I get out, but if I’m not able to get out, I can’t.”
The board agreed to only allow parking in every other space on Main Street during Pickin on the Square to allow adequate space for those with special needs to exit their vehicles.
New signs will be put into place during the event.
Fire claims home in Highlands
6/03/2009
A residence in Highlands is in shambles today after a fire destroyed it late Monday Night.
According to James Manley with the Highlands Fire Department, crews responded to the blaze on Raoul Road just after 11 p.m. on Monday.
“It was a little cabin with a back screen in porch. It was made back in the 50’s so it was all pine and didn’t have insulation or sheet rock,” Manley said.
He says the house was consumed before firefighters arrived on scene at 11:16 p.m.
Officials are not sure what started the fire, but the house was unoccupied at the time.
The cabin was being remodeled and according to Manley was 97 percent complete.
Gas prices up, but expected to remain lower than 2008
6/02/2009
Maconians are paying a lot more at the pump than they were just a few months ago. AAA reports the average price of regular gas in North Carolina is $2.45 a gallon with many stations in the area hovering at that mark.
A few factors are said to be behind this rise on gas prices. One of those is the price of oil reaching a 7 month high at nearly $70 a barrel. Then you have the typical spike in price that occurs each as summer approaches.
Earlier this year gas dropped to its lowest price in several years due to the decrease in demand, but over the past month it has shot up nearly 50 cents a gallon statewide.
Despite the increase over the past month, AAA says they don’t expect prices at the pump to be as bad as they were last summer, when the average was almost $4 a gallon.
North Carolina has the 19th lowest gas prices in the country according to AAA.
Town holds off on adopting budget
6/02/2009
The Town Board is not ready to adopt the budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year just yet.
At their meeting on Monday, a short public hearing was held on the adoption of the budget with no comments made. Alderman also started discussions on purchasing a new dance floor for Pickin' on the Square and also talked about implementing longevity pay. With these items having an impact on the final budget numbers, the town board agreed to continue their meeting and look to adopt the budget in two weeks on June 15th.
“I would really hope we could pick a day about a week or so out before we actually come to vote on the budget; with the idea that we can let everything digest for a few more cycles. If we’re going to have a continuation meeting, by that meeting, we might have some of these questions answered,” said Mayor Joe Collins.
The Town would have until July 1st to adopt the new budget.
Alderman have set a continuation meeting for June 15th at 5:15 p.m. in which they plan to finalize and approve the budget.
Police Blotter
6/02/2009
Investigators with the Franklin Police Department are looking for information regarding a stolen vehicle. Reports say that a Plymouth Sundance valued at $3,000 was taken from a residence on Wilkie Street.
The incident was reported on Monday.
In an unrelated incident, Franklin Police have detained a Clayton, Georgia man on a felony fugitive warrant charge. 20 year old James Luther Bryson was wanted in Georgia on for motor vehicle theft.
He was arrested in Franklin on Saturday and bond was set at $20,000.
Macon County Sheriff’s Investigators are looking into a report of recreational vehicle theft after a 2005 Polaris ATV valued at $5,000 was stolen from 28 Misty Lane.
Bear spotted roaming Porter Street
6/02/2009
Residents in the downtown Franklin area may want to keep their eyes open for a black bear.
According to Macon County 911 Dispatch, two calls came in late Friday night reporting a medium-sized black bear. The first came in around 11:30 p.m. reporting the bear crossing Porter Street.
About an hour later another caller alleged he saw the bear roaming near the Franklin Chamber of Commerce.
Franklin Police were immediately notified of the sighting. But this is not so unusual news anymore, as bears are reportedly wandering into cities on a more common basis. Just a few weeks ago another bear was spotted near Palmer Street.
Wildlife Officials say it is best to not approach a bear if you see one but to alert authorities.
Grants aim to make Macon Co a safer place
6/01/2009
Macon County will be receiving around $140,000 in grants to help make the community safer and assist victims of Crime.
The Governor’s Crime Commission announced 86 counties five universities and six state agencies would be receiving at total of $62 million dollars in grant money to fund 315 programs.
In Macon County, $75,000 was awarded to REACH, over $5,000 was awarded to Highlands for Crime Scene equipment and about $60,000 will go to the Macon Sheriffs Office for the Narcotics Unit.
Included in this year’s funding is $31 million from the federal Justice Assistance Grant Program.
Another $8 million is from the N.C. General Assembly’s 2008 appropriation to fight gang violence.
Other federal funding sources include the Victims of Crime Act, Violence Against Women Act and Children’s Justice Act.
Home buying 101: Seminar to answer questions for Maconians
6/01/2009
If you are one of many Americans who feels a little overwhelmed about purchasing a home in today’s market, a free seminar scheduled on Tuesday at the Macon Community Building sponsored by Four Seasons Realty may dispel any questions or concerns you may have.
Susan Birdsall with Four Seasons says a mortgage loan officer will be on hand to discuss the ins and outs acquiring a loan today.
A representative from Liberty Tax will also be speaking on obtaining the $8,000 tax credit for new home buyers, “What they’re considering a first-time home buyer now is someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. That opens the door for a lot of other people who many think they are left out,” Birdsall said. “That $8,000 does not have to be paid back. That is a Government credit.”
She adds that other Realtors will also be available to answer questions on what’s out there and what prices are looking like now in addition to other topics.
The program is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Franklin man stable after veering off 40 foot bank
6/01/2009
A 64 year old Franklin man is in reportedly stable condition after his car traveled over an embankment on U.S. 64 on Sunday afternoon around 12:20 p.m.
Trooper Hawkins with the State Highway Patrol investigated the accident involving Mr. Brownlow Green, “He lost control of the vehicle, went across the four lane and ran off the left shoulder of the roadway. Then he went over a guardrail and over an embankment about 40 feet. He was entrapped in the vehicle for 15 to 20 minutes. The fire department extricated him from the vehicle and he was flown to Mission Hospital,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins says Green remains in the hospital after sustaining head injuries. No charges have been filed.
Police Blotter
6/01/2009
The owner of a residence on Conley Street is trying to put the pieces back together after a house sustained serious damage following a breaking and entering incident. According to Police Investigation reports the subject broke into the residence and then destroyed the home’s sheet rock with a pipe, inflicting $20,000 in damages.
The incident does remain under investigation and was reported on Wednesday.
Another local business has become a target for larceny. Police investigation reports say this time Zickgraf Enterprises fell victim to hardwood flooring theft. According to the report $4,300 worth of flooring was stolen from their location in Franklin
Kids Fishing Day to be held at Cliffside
6/01/2009
The annual Kids Fishing Day is coming up at Cliffside Lake Saturday, June 6th from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is held by the Nantahala Ranger District in cooperation with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and Trout Unlimited.
Crystal Powell with the U.S. Forest Service has more information on this free event, “It will get the kids back into the woods and get them back into learning about fishing; a sport that we don’t see a lot of younger folks enjoying. It will teach them how to cast and bait their hook. It will get them out there to enjoy the outdoors and the experience of fishing.”
Children 15 are invited to the event and must be accompanied by an adult. Prizes will also be awarded at Kid’s Fish Day.
For further information call 524-6441.
FHS Seniors honored at Class Day
6/01/2009
About 250 students are getting ready to attend their last class at Franklin High School as the 2009 approaches. On Friday, the school took time to honor their seniors during annual Class Day Ceremonies.
Students were recognized for all their hard work during the school year in many different facets.
This year’s FHS Teacher of the Year Kathy Eldredge offered some encouraging words, quoting the Bible verse that has guided her through many years of teaching,
Eldredge will retire at the end of this year after being at Franklin High since 1984.
Valerie Parks and John Mark Magee were honored with the Citizenship Award, the highest honor a student can receive. Additionally, this year’s class will be receiving about $800,000 in various scholarship funds.
This year’s graduation is set for June 12th at the Ramsey Center.
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