The Jackson County Department of Public Health is reporting an isolated case of Hepatitis A at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers. As a precaution, people who may have been exposed by eating at their restaurant between April 26 and May1, 2013 are being asked to contact the Department of Public Health for information on where to obtain vaccines or shots to help prevent them from getting sick. The possible exposure is due to an infection in an employee who was diagnosed on May 6, 2013. Symptoms, which include fever, a feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, and more, appear 2–7 weeks after exposure. This means that anyone potentially exposed could experience symptoms as early as May 10, 2013 and as late as June 20, 2013.    The Department of Health says High Hampton Inn has been extremely proactive and cooperative with local and state health officials.  They have been fully cooperative in contacting their guests and members once the situation became apparent. Anyone with exposure concerns or questions is asked to call the Jackson County Department of Public Health at 586-8994.

05/09/13-This weekend thousands of visitors will flock to catamount country for commencement. Western Carolina University has announced the schedule and tips to help visitors and locals with the influx of traffic this weekend. Ernie Hudson, Chief of Police for WCU recommends avoiding the main entrance to WCU’s campus if at all possible. Arriving early if attending the commencement ceromonies and using the Old Cullowhee Road to bypass the majority of the traffic.

On Friday the 2013 Spring Graduate Commencement will be held at the Ramsey Center at 7pm and doors will open at 5pm. Saturday their will be two ceromonies at the Ramsey Center to accomodate the largest graduating class in WCU history. Commencement for Arts and Sciences will begin at 10am and at 3:30pm commencement will be held for the College of Business, etc.

For more driving and parking information check out http://wcu.edu/24593.asp.

05/08/13-The teary-eyed goodbyes early Wednesday morning were of mixed emotions. The families and friends of the 210th Military Police Battalion were up early to send off the group from the Franklin National Gaurd Amory. Hugs, kisses and handshakes for a safe return as parents, husbands, and wives said farewell to their service members. The 210th Military Police Battalion will be stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas for several weeks for training before being deployed to Afghanistan . The 210th will be in Afghanistan  for one year to help with Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tasha Black described how proud she is of her husband who is being deployed, “Very proud…this is why he joined not for the glory but to serve.” Tasha and the rest of the families who were their for the sendoff are praying for a safe return of the brave men and women they Rolled out early wednesday morning from the Franklin National Guard Armory for a one year deployment. From the 540 WRGC team we would like to thank all service men and women and their families for their sacrifices for freedom.

Terrence Mann on stage with WCU students

Last week the nominees for the 2013 Tony Awards were announced and one nomination in particular has people at Western Carolina University excited. Terrence Mann, WCUs Carolyn Plemmons Phillips and Ben R. Phillips Distinguished Professorship in Musical Theatre, was nominated for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical” for his role as King Charlemagne in the Broadway revival of “Pippin”.

Even more impressive is the fact that this is not Professor Mann’s only Tony Nomination. His first came from his performance as the Beast in musical adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast, and his portrayal of Javert in the Broadway classic “Les Miserables” earned him his second nomination. Nathan Thomas, director of WCU’s Musical Theatre Program, said, “Congratulations to Terrence Mann on his third Tony nomination, proof that nice guys can succeed. Our students are extremely fortunate to be able to work with artists of Terry’s caliber.”

 WRGC had the opportunity to speak to Mann, and ask him about the challenge of maintaining a teaching career as well as an acting career in New York City. Mann said, “Well I have a really amazing group of folks, from the Chancellor on down to those who run the theater department. I am able to travel down to North Carolina and direct the major musicals, and when I am in New York students come up and I try to mentor them around here, show them performances, behind the scenes, and give them a feeling of what it will be like once they are in the profession. I have had a little bit of my cake and eaten it too, by being able to be in New York and work, but also come back to North Carolina and remember why I love what I do.”

The 2013 Tony Awards will be held in New York City on June 9^th, and Terrence Mann will not only be in attendance, but will also be preforming with the cast of “Pippin”. There are many at WCU that are hoping that after the night’s festivities Professor Mann will be able to swap “Tony Award Nominee” for a newer “Tony Award Winner”.

The Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department has achieved many goals on the master plan created several years ago. While that plan has been updated a few times, its time to wrap that one up and start a new one.

“About 8 years ago we were one of the first counties west of Asheville to do that… We’re in the process of finishing up that plan,” Director Jeff Carpenter.

As the old plan finishes up, the Department wanted community feedback and direction for the new master plan. To get this feedback, they conducted an online survey of local residents.

“We got close to 800 responses to our survey. Indoor pool was the #1 answer in the community. Walking areas was another big answer, and picnic areas and playgrounds were very high too.”

People are wanting areas to play, workout, and see their tax dollars at work.

“Everybody can use parks,” Director Jeff Carpenter.

Western Carolina University is accepting nominations for the Mountain Heritage Award, an honor bestowed annually on one individual and one organization that has played a prominent role in the preservation or interpretation of Southern Appalachian history and culture. Nominations for the award will be accepted through Monday, June 24.

“Beginning with the award’s inception in 1976 and continuing through 2006, WCU gave out one Mountain Heritage Award each year,” said Scott Philyaw, director of the university’s Mountain Heritage Center and chairman of the awards committee. “Because the contributions of individuals are often different from that of groups and organizations, making direct comparisons difficult, the university’s awards committee decided to begin giving out two awards in 2007 – one to an individual and one to an organization.”

Letters of nomination should not exceed five pages and should include the full name of the individual or organization being nominated, with a website address if applicable; the mailing address of nominee; nominee’s birth or founding date; a list of the nominee’s accomplishments; a list of the awards and other recognitions received by nominee; information about the nominee’s influence in the relevant field of expertise such as crafts, music or organizational cause; and information about the nominee’s role as a teacher, advocate, leader or preserver of mountain culture.

Nomination letters may be hand delivered to the Mountain Heritage Center, located on the ground floor of WCU’s H. F. Robinson Administration Building or mailed to Scott Philyaw, 151 H. F. Robinson Administration Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, or emailed to philyaw@wcu.edu.

David Starnes, director of Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, displays a commemorative drum head while students celebrate an invitation to participate in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The famous group from Western Carolina University has been honored time and again with invitationals, awards and accolades. The latest in the long list? An invitation to 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“We are honored as well as excited to represent Western Carolina University, the School of Music and the entire Catamount Nation on national television in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Starnes. “It is undoubtedly one of the greatest events a band student of any age can experience and we feel privileged to offer our members this opportunity. Our band program has received numerous national honors that carry great prestige. However, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has not been a part of our resume – until now.”

The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band is one of only ten marching bands selected from across the country to perform.

“When you are the best band in the land, you might as well share it with the rest of the world,” Chancellor David O. Belcher said.

The new bills reflect vehicle property tax information and vehicle inspection and registration information. The new program will require one payment for both bills. Both tag renewals and tax payments must be paid in full to renew registration. Those with a July tag will be among the first to receive the notices by mail. By this time next year, the program should include all NC vehicle owners. Upon receiving your payment, the Department of Motor Vehicles will renew your registration and forward your tax revenues to your local county office. This new program doesn’t affect your mortgage or home property tax. Your vehicle tax is due at the same time your registration is due. The increase in your bill is your property tax, because the registration fee has not changed. For more information, visit the NC DMV website.

Jr. Ranger being sworn in.

As part of National Parks Week (April 20-28), the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is participating in National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 27.

For young children, there will be lots to do and learn with guided Ranger tours, demonstrations and workshops, and real wild firefighters to talk to. For children who complete special programming that day, there is a award ceremony where they will be presented with a Junior Ranger badge.

For middle and high school students, there is also the career day opportunity for them to learn what the park does, how it functions, and what employment opportunities exist within the park from computer work to trees and flower care.

For more information on Career Day, contact Emily at 865-736-1713.

For more information on Junior Ranger activities, contact Lloyd at 865-436-1292.

Better Business Bureau Western North Carolina President Norma Messer warns taxpayers to be extra cautious of a tax scam. “They may receive an email that appears to be from the IRS. The IRS never sends emails. The message claims there was a problem with your taxes and its impossible to refund your check to be mailed out unless you click that link and if you do, they access your computer and you never get any money.” The point of the scam is to retrieve private information such as bank statements and social security numbers to commit identity theft. If you think this has already happened to you, visit ncdoj.gov or call 877-5NO- SCAM

Saturday, April 27 starting with the 5K run at 9 AM, festival hours 10 AM-5PM, held on Main and Mill Streets. Including children’s performances, heritage dancers, youth talent show, and three musical stages featuring local music acts: Freight Hoppers, Buchannon Boys, John Luke Carter, Positive Mental Attitude, Porch Forty, Noonday Sun, Secondhand String Band, Matt Williams, and Pearly Peach, just to name a few. Storytelling, face-painting, and an inflatable slide plus food vendors. WRGC will be broadcasting live all day long hosting competitions and giveaways. The festival is one of the largest local events, drawing 10,000 visitors annually to Jackson County.

A gift card website claiming to sell certificates and represent local businesses may not be legitimate. Giftly.com is selling gift certificates to the who’s who of Jackson County; places like Bogarts and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Tim Hall, the owner of Bogarts in Sylva told WRGC, “A customer came to me with a gift certificate for $50 from giftly.com for Bogarts Restaurant and I had no idea what it was about, didn’t know anything about it.” The company is based out of San Francisco. The Better Business Bureau reports they have a rating of A- with two complaints resolved satisfactorily and they’ve only been listed with the BBB since 2010. As always, consumers are reminded that the best way to know you are getting a legitimate gift card to local businesses is by purchasing directly through the business itself.

If you are interested in signing the online petition supporting Santa’s Land, the link we told you about in our news cast is http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/i-support-santas-land/

Authorities say Jeremy Shipman, a 27 year old resident of Haywood County, took his own life after he fired shots at a Deputy resulting in an extended standoff with law enforcement. The entire scenario began on the morning of Thursday, April 4. A concerned co-worker called police when Shipman failed to show up for work. Deputy Doug Carver of the Haywood County Sherriff’s Office responded to Shipman’s residence to verify his wellbeing. Reports say when the deputy made contact with Shipman, Shipman fired several shots at him with a rifle. Deputy Carver was not struck, and did not return fire. After calling for backup, a standoff ensued during which officers tried to communicate with Shipman but received no response. After tear gassing the house and deploying a flash bang grenade, SWAT team members entered the home where they found Jeremy Shipman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to officials. The State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate the case since an officer was involved in a fatal shooting, even though the responding deputy reported firing no shots. Investigators have yet to determine any motive on Jeremy Shipman’s part in this case.

Bethel Christian Academy – CLOSED

Cherokee Central (Reservation) – CLOSED

Cherokee County Schools -2 hour delay

Haywood Christian Academy – CLOSED

Haywood County Meals on Wheels – CLOSED

Haywood County Schools-CLOSED

Heritage Christian Academy – Both Campuses – CLOSING AT NOON

Jackson County Schools – CLOSING IMMEDIATELY

Graham County Schools-CLOSED

Swain County Schools CLOSED/ANNUAL LEAVE DAY

Swain Public Transit – 2 hour delay

Back in January 2007, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Tribal Council approved a massive $650 million expansion for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel. The project has taken six years to complete, and today the resort proudly held its Grand Re-Opening Celebration in honor of the completion of the monumental upgrade. At today’s press conference, that showcased the new capabilities of the facility, General Manager Brooks Robinson said, “The six hundred and fifty-million dollar expansion brought many things. Of course the big thing is the one hundred fifty-thousand square feet of gaming space, followed by ten outstanding restaurants we have including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse,  Paula Deen’s Kitchen, Johnny Rockets, and many more, along with eleven hundred hotel rooms, and an event center that seats over thirty five-hundred guests.” WRGC also had the opportunity to speak with Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian, Michell Hicks, and ask him how the casino’s new facilities, having now been completed, effect the tribe. “Well I think we can now consider ourselves a resort,” he replied. “We now have all of the assets you would find, pretty much, anywhere in the United States, with golf, and the spa, and the entertainment, and from a revenue perspective that gives us more opportunity than we have ever had. The last five years have been fairly tough. We have managed through some tough times, but we are starting to see a bit of an up trend. We are just hoping that continues, so we can take these resources and push them out and put them back into our community.” Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel is kicking of its celebration tonight with a performance by Darius Rucker, followed by Blake Shelton tomorrow night, and, Super Bowl performer, Alicia Keys headlines on Wednesday evening.

Jackson County Schools (Smoky Mtn.)-2 Hour Delay

Jackson County Schools (Blue Ridge)-Schedule B opening at 10:30

Haywood County Schools-3 Hour Delay

Haywood Christian Academy-2 Hour Delay

Graham County Schools-2 Hour Delay

Highlands School-2 Hour Delay

Tri-County Community College (Graham)-Opening at 10am

Tri-County Christian School-Opening at 10am

Trooper Hal S. Robertson

Today, at approximately 7:55 a.m., authorities say Trooper Hal S. Robertson responded a call of a suspicious person sitting in a parked vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 64 approximately five miles east of the Tennessee state line in Cherokee County. When he arrived at the scene, the Trooper attempted to speak with the suspect and says the suspect was very combative. For unknown reasons he charged toward the officer in an aggressive manner, and a physical confrontation ensued which resulted in the Trooper discharging his firearm at the suspect. The suspect was struck thus ending the altercation and was taken into custody. The suspect, who’s identity has not yet been released, was taken to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN, where his condition is unknown at this time. The Trooper sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention. Trooper Robertson is a 12-year veteran of the Highway Patrol and is assigned to the Cherokee County patrol office. In keeping with standard operation procedures for all Trooper related shootings, Trooper Robertson has been placed on Administrative Duty pending an investigation that will be led by the State Bureau of Investigation.