AUGUST 28, 2008

Woman Found Alive In River

Rescue crews searched all night on Tuesday for a missing woman who fell into the Pigeon River in Haywood County. 

Crew members refused to call the search off and on Wednesday, the woman was found, alive. 

“Approximately at 11:30 this morning we found a lady beside the river that we had been looking for since yesterday afternoon.  We found her alive, she was a little bang up and bruised, but the main thing is that she is alive.” 

That was rescuer Ray Inman, Kreshana Johnson, 28, went missing after leaving her boyfriends house around 5:30pm on Tuesday in Cruso. 

She was found 18 hours later, 5 miles from where she was last seen. 

Around 35 people searched for Johnson, members of a river rescue team, emergency management, the area fire department, and a rescue team from Cleveland County searched sections of the Pigeon River, moving downstream one bridge at a time. 

“When we found her, we walked up to the edge of the river to meet a boat crew on the river.  We heard someone talking, and when we checked it out we saw that it was her.” 

Crews Tuesday night had been shining lights on the same bridge were Johnson was discovered the next morning.

Road Construction Suspended For Holiday

If you are  traveling this labor day weekend, the roads should be a little less congested for you. 

The NC Department of Transportation will suspend most road construction over the Labor Day holiday to help ease traffic delays and make driving conditions safer. 

Most construction projects along interstates and U.S. routes across the state will be suspended from 4pm on Friday to 9am Tuesday September the 2^nd. 

The North Carolina DOT wants to remind motorists that even though workers may not be present in work zones, they may still encounter narrowed lanes and traffic shifts. 

The penalty for speeding through a work zone is also still in affect and is a 250 dollar fine. 

Also remember to obey the Move Over law. 

Under the law, motorists are required to change lanes or slow down when passing stopped law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles, and wreckers.

Tourism Revenue Up In Cherokee

Tourism revenues have dropped all over the nation. 

That statement isn’t true when it comes to Cherokee. 

According to new sales figures released by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, tourists are bringing a lot more money into the area. 

July sales at the Oconaluftee Indian Village were up 5.9 percent from July 2007. 

The outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” experienced a 6.9 percent increase from last year. 

Revenues are up across the board in Cherokee. 

The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-op saw a 16 percent increase for the first half of 2008. 

Triple A reports for the first time in a decade, that there was a decline in the number of people traveling during the July 4th holiday. 

Nationwide tourism spending has decreased 3.7 percent this year. 

Cherokee has avoided those trends, with increases in attendance at almost all of its events and attractions this season.

Indoor Batting Cage Coming To High School

Smoky Mountain High School Baseball and Softball players are going to have a warm place to practice during the winter months. 

Jimmy Cleaveland, Athletic Director at Smoky Mountain High, brought the idea of getting a 80 x 60 steel building erected at the school to be used as a pitching and batting cage for the inclement weather to the school board. 

It will cost around 50,000 dollars for the structure. 

The school board wouldn’t have to put up funds for the building, Cleaveland believes that parents would be able to cover the cost. 

“Right now our parents that are going through the programs are real eager and gung ho with what we are doing.  They're willing to help in anyway that they possibly can.” 

The building would be put to the right of the baseball field, blocking highway 107 off from the school. 

Cleaveland believes that there is a big need for the facility.

“It gives our student athletes a place to hit, pitch and catch, and things like that.  Basically in the middle of winter, they start their season on February the 15^th.” 

Sue Nations brought a question up that dealt with the future expansion of some facilities at the school. 

“When you say that you are going to build this building with a chat foundation, I’m assuming that you're saying when we get those fields you could move it.  Its not a permanent structure that we are putting in.” 

The athletic director assured the board that it would be able to be moved fairly easy when the expansion occurred. 

The board saw no issue’s with the facility, and gave Jimmy Cleaveland the go ahead to continue the project.

AUGUST 27, 2007

 Local Man Sentenced In Rape Case

A local resident was sentenced earlier this week in a rape case that occurred last year. 

Teddy Lee Wilson was convicted and sentenced on Monday in Jackson County Superior Court to a total prison sentence of a minimum of eight years and four months and a maximum of 10 years and nine months. 

Wilson was convicted after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting statutory rape of a minor child. 

According to a release from  the court, he allowed and permitted the child to have sex with another man who was previously convicted of the rape, and is now serving a prison sentence. 

Superior Court Judge Ronald Payne imposed the sentence. 

The crimes were committed by Wilson between December 14^th and January 15^th in Cherokee. 

The Cherokee Tribal Police Department handled the investigation of the case.

Woman Missing In Haywood County

Rescue Crews from Haywood County and surrounding areas were searching all night for a missing woman believed to have fallen into the Pigeon River. 

Reports began coming into emergency personnel around 5:30pm yesterday of the woman falling, or possibly jumping into the rushing water. 

The rain from tropical storm Fay has pushed the river about 7 feet above normal, and conditions were so bad last night that rescue crews had to look for the woman along the banks and bridge overpasses. 

Emergency officials wouldn’t release the name of the woman, but did say that she is 28 years old and from Cruso. 

Crews have recently started the search again this morning, after stopping around midnight last night due to safety concerns. 

Crews are still hopeful that they will find the victim alive. 

Local Student Recognized

A Smoky Mountain High School senior was recognized last night at the Jackson County Board of Education meeting. 

Dillon Dunford was recognized for his work this summer attending Boys State. 

Clyde Bumgardner from the American Legion discussed what Boys State involved. 

“The Tarheel Boys State is not a vacation, its not a summer camp, but it is a week long program of hard work, education, and practical application to state government.  The purpose really for the boys state is to become a better US citizen.”  

The candidates are first picked by the guidance office and principals of the school for Boys State. 

Those candidates are then narrowed down by a committee of American Legion members. 

This year 4 men were selected to attended, the other three that joined Dillon where Cody Wheatley, Keller Berry, and Chad Harper. 

Dillon Dunford also spoke to the crowd, and gave a big thank you to the American Legion. 

“I would like to say thank you to the American Legion for sponsoring me to go as well as the other three that got to go.  It was a privilege to be here and recognized by you guys it really means a lot.” 

Dillon was selected as Governor for the week at Boys State, and now understands how hard government can be, especially from the financial side of things. 

“We did a bi annual budget, and I had to oversee everything, I know what people have to go through now.” 

Sue Nations awarded Dillon with a certificate of recognition, and thanked him for representing the school and Jackson County so well.

Duke Power Taking Over Some Sylva Lights

Duke Power will be taking over 31 streetlights and poles from the town of Sylva fairly soon. 

This issue came up last week during the towns board meeting. 

Duke taking the lights over will bring a saving of around 3,000 dollars to the town. 

Town manager Jay Denton was also for the takeover, due to a liability issue getting resolved. “These are the poles were they have got primary electric lines running over top of them.” 

Mayor Brenda Oliver made a recommendation to the commissioners. 

“I would like to recommend that we go ahead and accept that proposal and put this behind us.  Its not rocket science as far as I’m concerned.” 

Sarah Graham agreed with the mayor. “I think we should save the money anywhere its there to be saved, and not spend anymore where it doesn’t need to be spent.” 

The commissioners voted 5-0 to allow Duke to take over the 31 wooden poles in town. 

The metal poles that are mainly downtown will still be under the care of the town employees.

AUGUST 26, 2006

WNC Under Flash Flood Watch

Western North Carolina is finally getting much needed rain. 

The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay should stay in the area today and tomorrow. 

The National Weather Service has put the region under a flash flood watch, and are forecasting up to 5 inches of rain in Parts of Western North Carolina through Wednesday. 

Highlands in Macon County recorded some of the heaviest rain yesterday, with over 2 inches falling during the day on Monday. 

Jackson County recorded over 1 and a half inches during the day. 

The rain comes amid periods of severe drought that has stretched over the last two years. 

Western North Carolina rainfall is around 11 inches below average this year. 

The flash flood watch today includes Jackson, Haywood, Macon, and Swain Counties. 

Sylva To Start ABC Committee

ABC funds have increased a great deal over the last few years. 

Jay Denton brought this up at last weeks Sylva board meeting, and mentioned that a percentage of those funds are supposed to go to educational and rehabilitation programs. 

“What I would like for you to do mayor, is to form an ABC rehabilitation and education committee to select projects worthy of the funding.” 

The funds can also be used for research, and that was another idea Jay Denton mentioned to the commissioners. 

Mayor Oliver wants to join forces with CHAN to see if some good could come from the funds. 

“Jackson County is about the 12^th highest area for accidents related to alcohol.  They have a committee formed, and they are looking for a vehicle to get their committee up and going, and use this grant money as well as try to find the rational of why these accidents are so prevalent.” 

The Mayor plans to get the alcohol committee off the ground, Commissioner Sarah Graham volunteered to help with the committee as well.

Smart Roads To Hold Seminar

The Smart Roads Alliance was appropriated $900 dollars last week to pay for consultant Walter Kulash to participate in a planned transportation needs seminar. 

Susan Leveille, member of the Transportation Taskforce discussed the presentations the group has listened to recently on studies on the southern loop that would connect Hwy 107 and 23/74. 

Mrs. Leveille believes the taskforce needs some help in understanding the studies. 

“It has become increasingly clear that the members of the taskforce need a lot more information and education about these processes, if we are to make responsible recommendations, and informed decisions about roads, and development in Jackson County.” 

The taskforce has been working closely with Ryan Sherby, the planner from the Southwestern Commission Regional Planning Office, in an effort to get the needed information to do the work they are charged with. 

In accordance with Mr. Sherby, the taskforce has formed an educational seminar for all members, the public, and county and town officials. 

The seminar will be held on September 25^th. Three presenters are planned for the event. 

Lee Lane and Drew Joyner, represent the best and most progressive perspectives in transportation offered in the state. 

Smart Roads also wants to bring Walter Kulash to present at the meeting. 

He spoke to taskforce members once before in January. 

“Having a person of such national stature, knowledge, and expertise as part of this seminar will be very beneficial to all in attendance.” 

The commissioners unanimously approved the $900 dollars needed to bring Kulash to the event. 

More details about the function should be available soon, but for now the date has been set for Thursday, September the 25^th.

WCU Professor Heading To Russia

One of Western Carolina’s professors will be teaching abroad this fall. 

Bradley Ulrich, professor of trumpet, will travel to Russia in October to teach a trumpet clinic and perform recitals. 

The first stop for Ulrich will be St. Petersburg, Russia, where he will perform at the International Romantic Trumpet Festival’s gala concert. 

The concert will also feature Paul Merkelo, principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. 

Following the performance, Ulrich will travel to the Moscow Conservatory, where he will hold a trumpet clinic and perform in a another recital. 

The trip will be Ulrich’s second time visiting Russia. 

He and other members of WCU’s Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet were invited to perform at the festival in St. Petersburg in 2005. 

AUGUST 25, 2008

Four Arrested In Waynesville Robberies

Four people were arrested on Friday in connection with a series of burglaries in the Lake Junaluska area, and are also persons of interest in the fire that destroyed parts of the Barberville Baptist Church on August 5^th.  

The ring leaders of the group, Steven Ray Yow, 18, of Sylva, and Phillip Shaw SzoStak, 17, of Waynesville, were each handed multiple felony counts of breaking and entering, larceny, possession of stolen property, and safecracking.

The other two suspects, Timothy Meadows and Karla Wheeler, both of Waynesville were each charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Meadows was also charged with felony possession of stolen goods and felony accessory after the fact. 

All of the charges are related to burglaries of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Woodland Baptist Church; Kelley’s Home Services; Chambers Dentistry and the golf course. 

One of the rarest and most valuable items stolen was a signed, first edition copy of “Gone With The Wind.” 

The book, which could have been worth anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 dollars, was destroyed when the thieves threw it into a creek. 

Police are still investigating the Barberville Church fire and they do not expect to press charges until later this week at the earliest. 

The four are also suspects in another church break-in at Covenant Presbyterian in Waynesville. 

Cashiers Daycare Looks For Funding

Non-profit group Southwestern Child Development spoke to the county commissioners last week to try to get some funding to help keep the Cashiers daycare center open. 

Sheila Boyle spoke to the board, and said that they are having a hard time in Cashiers.

“We are faced with a dilemma of no longer being able to offer services in the Cashiers community due to the cost of trying to make that program pay for itself.  We would like to come to this board to ask if you would help us in making a plan that could provide some sustainability for that program.” 

There isn’t another childcare center available in Cashiers that will take care of the underprivileged kids in the center. 

Right now the facility has 33 kids under its care. 

Commissioner Mark Jones wanted the board to know that the Cashiers Community was doing all that they could for the facility.

“For the last 6 months the Cashiers Valley Community Council has spent a good amount of money in bringing this building site up to the level of standards and safety for the children and staff to the tune of around $25,000 dollars.” 

The amount needed to keep the center a float for the year would be around 35 to 50,000 dollars. 

The commissioners wanted more time to think about the program more, so the issue will be brought back up again at their next meeting.

Poteet Park Still Without A New Roof

The re-roofing of Poteet Park came up yet again at Sylva’s Town Board Meeting last week. 

Once again the board couldn’t  come to a conclusion on what to do. 

Figures came in for the pricing of the roof.  The metal roof will be around 9,700 for everything including parts and labor. 

The shingles will be around 5,000 dollars cheaper. 

The difference in price is still the major problem in picking the replacement roof.

Sarah Graham and Stacy Knotts are both adamant about a metal roof, and mentioned possibly putting it off until the next fiscal year, to get it in the budget.

“I’m gonna hold my line on thinking that we should really put a standing seam metal roof on the pavilion, I really feel like it needs to be a metal roof too.  Dan does the roof need to be replaced this year?” 

Dan Schaeffer couldn’t give a definite answer to the commissioners, but will report to them at the next meeting. 

“I actually need to go climb that roof.  there are a number of shingles that have fallen off.  I plan on fixing them next week.  I need to get up and actually look at them.  I can report back to you at the next meeting.” 

The issue was tabled again, and will be brought back up at the next meeting.

AUGUST 22, 2008

Webster Senior Center Receives Approval

 Construction will be starting soon on the Senior Center in Webster.

County commissioners approved a bid of 4.1 million dollars for the construction at this weeks board meeting. 

A total of 10 bids were received for the project, David E. Lucker and company out of Hickory put in the lowest and will be performing the work. 

The original budget for the building construction was 3.8 million. 

Lucker’s bid was obviously higher then that, but as town manager Ken Westmoreland points out, the overall project is under budget by $371,000 dollars due to savings from the original site work. 

“Phillips and Jordan received that bid with a couple of change orders in the amount of 2,770,000.  The original budgeted amount was three and a half million.  So we had a underage there of 729,000.” 

Commissioner Tom Massie had some issues with the budgeting of the project, and wanted the architects ton start estimating the costs a little better.

“While we may have money to do it this time because of some cost savings on the grading components.  It bothers me that we can’t bring projects in under budget.  I would prefer that we ask the architect to remove some portions of this project and save a little money.” 

Chairman McMahan called for a vote, Massie went against the group. 

“Mr Massie, NO, Mr. Shelton, Yes, Mr. Jones, YES, Mr. Cowan, Yes, Chairman McMahan , Yes motion carry's 4-1.” 

Construction on the senior center should begin later this year, a new building for the rescue squad is also planned in the new Webster complex.

New Festival Starting In Sylva

A new festival is in the works, and Sylva will be its future home. 

Gary Cardin brought the festival idea up to the town board yesterday to see if the commissioners would get behind it with an endorsement. 

The plan is to hold a storytelling festival in the town as a fundraiser for the Friends Of The Library. 

Gary Cardin would like for the entire town to be a part of it, and plans are in the works to get all of the local talent to perform. 

“I’m thinking about Lloyd Arneich the Cherokee storyteller, Sheila Kay Adams the balladeer, Marvin Cole who does Mark Twain, I have a friend named Moby Floyd who is a puppeteer, Marilyn McCreedy who is a lady over in Asheville who is wonderful with children, and then if they will let me participate, I would like to tell stories to.” 

The plans are for a traveling sort of festival, with stories being told all over the town.

“We would have somebody telling stories at say City Lights, and maybe we would have someone at the pavilion, and maybe someone at the Senior Center.” 

The Friends Of The Library are hoping to have plans on the project completed over the next few months. 

The board is behind the project 100 percent, commissioner Maurice Moody summed up all of their feelings. 

“I think it would be a good addition and anything that attracts people to town is good for business.” 

Mr. Cardin is planning on visiting the board again after more details are available, Mayor Oliver offered the towns help in anyway needed.

Website Backed By Cherokee Foundation

The Cherokee Preservation Foundation announced yesterday that it is backing the launch of a new website. 

The site, www.wncteenspace.org, will enable youth ages 12 to 18 in the seven westernmost counties of Western North Carolina as well as the Qualla Boundary to learn about youth-oriented organizations in the region and how they can join. 

The web site will be produced in partnership with WNC EdNet and school systems in the region, will also provide opportunities for teens to develop technology skills and create blogs, pod casts, and other features for the site. 

Adult Leaders and organizations that are not associated with a school are encouraged to visit the site and request permission to be included on the sites directory. 

Organizations eligible for inclusion in the directory must serve youth between the ages of 12 and 18 and be aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. 

When the website goes live on October 1^st, students and leaders of youth organizations will be able to search on the site for organizations by county or keywords.  As the school year progresses, teachers will work with students on content that they will be created by the students and added to the site. 

To be included on the directory or for more information, the sites address is www.wncteenspace.org 

Third Case Of Rabies In Haywood County

 Another case of rabies has been reported in Haywood County. 

A rabid raccoon attacked a dog in the Ratcliffe Cove community on Saturday, making it the third confirmed case since May. 

The attack occurred when a man was walking his dogs and one went after the raccoon as it attempted to cross the road. 

The raccoon bit the dog on the neck, at that time, the other dog joined in the fight and latched onto the raccoon. 

Eventually, the owner of the dogs killed the raccoon with a shovel. 

Both dogs recently had rabies vaccinations and are doing fine. 

The raccoon was taken for testing and the results came back positive on Tuesday. 

A special rabies clinic will be held from 5-6:30pm on Monday at the Ratcliffe Baptist Church for any pet owners who’s pets may need a vaccination. 

Any pet over 4 months of age are required to have the vaccination, which under state law must be given by a licensed veterinarian. 

The cost of the vaccine is $6.50.

For more information on rabies in Haywood County, call Animal Control at 456-5338 or the health department at 452-6675.

Free Clothing In Waynesville 

If you’re a parent and getting a little stressed out with school starting up on Monday, here’s a way to get some new clothes for free, and relieve at least a little of that stress. 

WaynesvilleLive.com and the new community-driven WNC Visitors Center is holding their third annual Free Clothing Recycle this Saturday. 

To take part, all you have to do is clean out all the old clothes in you kids closet, and drop them of today from 4-8pm at the Old Armory on Boundary Avenue. 

Once at the Armory, your items of clothing will be exchanged for a clothing recycle coupon.  Each item gets you one coupon. 

Then, beginning on Saturday, bring your coupons back to buy items others have left.  Every item will cost one coupon. 

All sizes are accepted, as well as backpacks, books, and other school supplies. 

Just make sure everything is clean, and either folded or on hangers or it will not be accepted. 

Hundreds of dollars of school supplies have also been donated, and will be available for one coupon per item. 

Volunteers are needed for the event, if you want to take part a special volunteer shopping hour will take place before the sale opens to everyone. 

For more information or to volunteer call 828-452-3545.

AUGUST 21, 2008

 TWSA Truck Stolen For Short Joyride

Someone decided to take a joyride in a TWSA work truck last week. 

The incident occurred at the sewer plant on river road.   

Joe Cline explains some of the details.

“Fortunatly they didn’t get to far down the road before they wrecked.  I think it was last Thursday or Friday when the episode happened.  They ran off in a ditch and left the motor and the air conditioner running.” 

There was little damage to the truck, and the culprit was able to flee the scene before anyone noticed. 

Cline believes that they had an easy time getting into the plant to steal the vehicle. 

“We think because of the shooting range, the gate may have not got locked.  We didn’t follow procedure.”  

The issues with the gate and the shooting range were handled internally, so if a break in occurs again, the loses will hopefully be minimized.

Cashiers Rec. Center Discussed By Commissioners

The county commissioners got a glimpse at the designs for the proposed Recreational Center in Cashiers. 

The architect for the center, Dan Duckham, gave the presentation, and discussed what the 24,500 square foot building would hold. 

“Its all glass, All the way across that side.  Facing and looking down on the pond and the library.  The components of the building, there is a gymnasium.  Its got a basketball court and volleyball court, with two short basketball courts and two volleyball courts.  A walking/running track, it was the number one request in Cashiers around seven years ago.” 

There will also be three exercise rooms, as well as a weight room, showers, a warming kitchen, and office space. 

Commissioner Massie wanted to know what the yearly cost to run the facility would be. 

The answer given was around a quarter of a million annually. 

Massie has some issues about the total cost of the facility as well, since its approaching around 6.8 million. 

“I’m not against recreation, I’m not against this facility, but I do think we need to use that 240 days of construction time that we have available to us and try to find some savings.  That’s a pretty nice Cadillac.” 

Commissioner Mark Jones responded to Massie by mentioning that the facility was needed in Cashiers for one, because of weather, and also so families wouldn’t have to worry about the drive to Cullowhee. 

“It is a big expense, but its one that we be utilized heavily.  Especially with the growth that’s going on in the Cashiers area.  There is a development for those that do not know that is going to create somewhere between 200 and 300 homes.” 

No decision was made by the board on the new rec. center. 

Chairman McMahan plans on setting up a work session to go over the center and its cost a little more closer. 

New Charges In Swain County Murders

Charges have been upgraded against two women who were previously charged with accessory to murder in connection with a double slaying in Swain County. 

Jada McCutcheon, of Decatur Georgia, and Tiffany Marion, of Marion Georgia, have each been charged with two counts of first degree murder in the August 8^th murders of James Wiggins and Michael Compton. 

Jason Christopher Johnson, of Decatur, also faces two counts of first-degree murder.

The suspects also face three counts of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, and one count each of first-degree burglary and attempted murder. 

Johnson, McCutcheon, and Marion were picked up in Georgia on Wednesday by Swain County deputies. 

They were formally charged and remain in jail without bond. 

A fourth suspect, Jeffery Czechonna Miles had not waived extradition and remained in the Gwinnett County jail as of last night. 

The murders of Wiggins and Compton marked only the 5^th and 6^th homicides recorded in Swain County since 1980, according to statistics.

Cherokee Man Faces Charges

A 21-year old Cherokee resident was arrested on August 13^th as part of an investigation lead by the Jackson County Sheriffs department that netted several individuals for breaking and entering charges. 

Jon Tanoli George, of Sim Jessin Road in Cherokee, was arrested with the assistance of the Cherokee Police Department. 

During the arrest, Lieutenant Swayney of the Cherokee Police Department noticed that Mr. George fit the description of a suspect in a separate larceny that occurred at the Catamount Travel Center on Highway 441. 

During that robbery, a donation canister for slain Trooper David Shawn Blanton’s family was stolen from the counter. 

The suspect and vehicle was caught on surveillance camera. 

On August 14^th, Lieutenant Shannon Queen of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle in Qualla, and had a warrant issued on Jon Tanoli George. 

The warrant was served while George was in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center. 

He is being charged with felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, felony possession of stolen property, and 2 counts of misdemeanor larceny. 

He is currently being held under a 19,000 dollar bond.

AUGUST 20, 2008

TWSA May Be Reimbursing Some Residents

 Some residents of Jackson County may be receiving a refund check from TWSA. 

Up until recently, people who move in to a new home automatically get billed at least the minimum payment from TWSA. 

The software issue was brought up to Executive Director Joe Cline by board member Stacy Knotts. 

“This one individual got a full bill for one day of service.  He was trying to switch it over on the first day of the billing cycle, and I guess he was one day off.  He got a full month for one day.”  

Joe Cline had the issue looked at by their software people and found a solution. 

“Now we have the capability to prorate those bills by the number of days that they are actually there.  If they exceed the minimum then they would get charged.” 

He wants to go back and reimburse people that this glitch has affected, and is working on a solution for that as well. 

“I went and got a list back from at least a year, I’ll show the board, and let the board determine if they want to go back, that’s something that I would be in favor of.”  

The issue will be brought up again at the next TWSA board meeting, hopefully to be put into policy. 

The refunds will be addressed then as well.               

Local Tutor Finalist For Award

 A local community college’s volunteer tutor was a finalist for a major award. 

Haywood Community College’s own Leora Schermerhorn was recently selected as one of three finalists for the Angela Moore Trogdon Award. 

The award was established in memory of Angela Moore Trogdon, who was the former basic skill/human resources development director at Randolph Community College and Guilford Technical Community College.   Mrs. Trogdon passed away from breast cancer. 

Nominations are open to all colleges in the North Carolina Community College System. 

The award is given to those who provide exceptional service and commitment in tutoring. 

It is designed to honor deserving people for outstanding accomplishments and giving instruction in basic skills programs across the state. 

Schermerhorn, who is a retired college English professor, began tutoring at the HCC Teaching and Learning Center in 2001. 

As a finalist, she was interviewed and recognized at the 2008 Basic Skills Family Literacy Conference this month.

JCAA Asks For More Funding

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners heard from the Jackson County Airport Authority on Monday. 

The JCAA came to the board to ask for more funding to help the airport. 

Last year, the Board of Commissioners appropriated 45,000 dollars to the airport. 

That was a 10% match towards 450,000 dollars in federal funds given to the airport for repairs. 

The Airport Authority used that money for a slope stability study, as well as safety improvements, and infrastructure improvements. 

Greg Hall, Chairman of the JCAA, says another appropriation is needed to help finish the project. 

“In order to continue projects we need another appropriation from Jackson County.  We have a 68,000 dollar budget, that’s how much we have come in and that’s how much we have go out.  Basically every penny of that is spoken for.” 

554,263 dollars is available to the airport due to 4 years of back payments not being collected. 

The board would have to agree upon a 10% match of 61,585 for the funding to come in. 

Joe Cowan had some issues with giving the airport more funding, mainly due to the small percentage of residents that use the facility. 

John Glenn from the airport authority responded to Dr. Cowan, by bringing up the people that fly into the airport that own a second home here. 

“That is where your airport serves you on a tax basis, the revenue generated by the airport are direct and indirect.  The direct ones are the people that come up here and put a house down and they need to get there back and forth.” 

That answer didn’t please the commissioner. 

“Well they can always land in Franklin if they really wanted a home here bad enough, and the airport didn’t exist.  I just don’t believe that one percent of the people of the county that pay the taxes use the airport, and I don’t think they ever have and I don’t think they ever will.” 

The airport has a little time available before they need an answer. 

The commissioners wanted to continue discussing the issue, and it will be brought back to the table on September 8^th at their next meeting.

Jackson And Swain To Partnership In Program

District court judge Brad Letts made an appearance at the county commissioners meeting this week. 

He came by to discuss the reorganization of the Community Justice Partnership Program. 

The program deals with people that have intermediate sanctions.

“The things that it tries to focus on are things like substance abuse treatment so that they can get counseling and from that hopefully not re offend.  So that’s sort of taking that population that’s been to court a few times in the past and maybe doesn’t need to go to prison, and try to give them some tools to rehabilitate themselves.” 

The program has decided to partner with Swain County, and merge their funds together, to help hire a director, to make sure the program is run correctly, and that the people that need help receive it. 

A new county position will not be made out of the position. 

If the funding for the program ends, the new position will to. 

Judge Letts sees that as a big benefit in partnering with Swain County. 

“The benefit is that all of her salary will not be coming from Jackson County.  It will be coming partially from that grant but also from the Swain County grant.  We are sharing the expense of salary and of course benefits.” 

Commissioner Tom Massie spoke before the vote to allow the partnership with Swain County, to show his support. 

“No matter what this kind of program costs us, it saves us a whole lot more then it does to incarcerate people for long periods of time.  In my opinion we need more of these types of programs in this state, and we need more programs that can prevent incarcerating people for long periods of time.” 

The members of the board agreed with commissioner Massie, and passed the merging of the program unanimously.

AUGUST 19, 2008

Paper Plant Shuts Down Production Earlier Than Expected

Haywood County’s largest employer has shut down earlier than expected. 

Blue Ridge Paper Products, began a partial plant shutdown on Sunday, weeks before it normally takes place. 

The reason for the early shutdown is the drought that is beginning to effect all of western North Carolina. 

Lake Logan, the plant owned reservoir, is nearly depleted. 

The paper mill uses the lake to help with water flow from the Pigeon River, which is critical to the plants paper production. 

The shutdown which normally takes place in September will last for the rest of the week. 

Plant officials are hoping that rainfall will refill the lake, but they have not indicated what their long-range plans are to help curb the problem. 

The paper mill uses a minimum of 17 million gallons of water a day, to produce paperboard for drink containers. 

Blue Ridge Paper employees around 1300 people in Canton as well as a processing plant in Waynesville.

Public Wants Answers From The EDC

The public came out in force at last nights County Commissioners meeting. 

During the public comments portion of the agenda, the Jackson County Economic Development Commission came up for discussion. 

The public members that spoke out wanted to see the audits of the EDC to show what has happened with close to over $700,000 dollars in unaccounted funds. 

Marie Leatherwood spoke first, and wants the commissioners to look into the purchase of two properties that through her documenting, have a combined cost of 1.5 million dollars.

“That’s what they cost, Drexel at 750,000 dollars, and Tuckasegee Mills at 800,000.  The figures don’t match what we can document.” 

Carl Iobst continued the conversation, and demanded that the commissioners account for the missing funds in the EDC.

“Gentlemen, there is an easier, softer, right way though.  Shut down the EDC, order a full audit of the records involving the JDC/EDC financial mess, and return what money that can be salvaged to the public treasury now.” 

Chairman Brian McMahan responded to the claims from the public, and mentioned that the records he has seen, he would produce to the public.

“I don’t have anything to hide, I don’t think the rest of the board has anything to hide, and I don’t think the EDC is trying to hide anything.  If there has been some type of attempt or miscommunication or somebody thinks that somebody is trying to hide something, we will try to clear it all up.  I promise you that there is nothing to hide.” 

Commissioner Massie also wants to see the audits for the EDC, and wants the public to have access as well.

“We have three members that are completely new members to the EDC, including the chairman on there and I hope that they are running the EDC in the way that we want them to do it.” 

The EDC audit for the last year should be ready for viewing by the end of October. 

This issue should be on the commissioners agenda for their next meeting in September, that meeting will be held on the 8^th, at 6pm.

WCU Opens New Recreational Center

Students at Western Carolina University have a new place to hang out and stay in shape. 

The school opened its new $16.7 million dollar Campus Recreation Center on Sunday. 

The 73,000 square foot facility includes a 50-foot climbing wall, two multipurpose courts for basketball or volleyball, a weight lifting area, as well as cardiovascular equipment and a private fitness room for personnel training. 

Separate group studios will also be available for exercises in yoga, step, spinning and other fitness classes. 

The Center also has a one-eight of a mile indoor track around the work-out area. 

The opening of the center comes nearly three years after the ground breaking at the university. 

The Recreation Center is open from 6am-10pm Monday thru Friday, and from 9am-5pm on Saturday, as well as from 1-9pm on Sunday.

Public Hearing Set For Annexation

Dillsboro’s Annexation of land off of US74 is almost complete. 

Yesterday, the town board met to set a date for a public hearing on the matter. 

Mayor Hartbarger set the date. 

“I would like to do that September the 8^th, which is our original board meeting time, but at 5 o’clock.” 

Jimmy Cabe made a motion to for the September 8^th date, and it was seconded by the board. 

There was no discussion on the matter. 

If there is no issues during the public hearing on the annexation, the next hurdle for the future shopping center that will be built on the land is the beer and wine referendum. 

Beer and wine sales are needed to be allowed in Dillsboro, so that a grocery store can open in the shopping center and be an anchor store. 

Once again the public hearing on the annexation will be on September the 8^th, at 5 o’clock.

AUGUST 18, 2008

One Dead After Crash

A car crash in Macon County on Friday left one man dead. 

Dennis Lee Kile, of Hayesville, died when he was thrown from his vehicle in the crash that occurred about 11.5 miles west of Franklin according to reports. 

Kile was driving heading eastbound on US 64 when an oncoming vehicle crossed the centerline around 3:40pm.   

The cars had a head on collision, and Kile was thrown from the vehicle. 

Two other people were injured; the report mentioned that Kile was not wearing his seatbelt. 

There was no mention on possible charges in the accident.

TWSA To End Free Hook-Ups

TWSA will be ending the good will practice of giving free hook-ups to low-income organizations soon. 

At last weeks board meeting, the practice came up for discussion again, Joe Cline explained how the practice started.

For the last 8 years TWSA has been giving free hook-ups to one Habitat For Humanity House a year. 

This originally came up for discussion because other organizations like Reach were getting left out. 

The board members believe that opening it up to everyone to apply for would end up being too much to handle.

It was mentioned by some board members to make it policy that TWSA completely discontinue the practice. 

Board member Brian McMahan believes the less policies written the better.

The board ended up agreeing with McMahan and decided to simply end the practice, with no policy needing to be made. 

TWSA will have their last meeting of the month on Tuesday. 

It will take place at their office at 5:30pm; the public is welcome to attend.

WCU Names Madison Professor

Western Carolina named its first Madison Professor last week. 

Chancellor Bardo awarded David A. Shapiro, professor of communication sciences and disorders the title during the schools open assembly last Wednesday. 

The Madison Professorship, was approved last year by the Board Of trustees as a way to reward faculty members who have given many years to the institution. 

It was recommend last year by faculty leadership as a way to acknowledge contributions of distinguished longtime faculty members, and to help keep them from being hired by other schools. 

The honor was named after Western’s first president, Robert Lee Madison; the professorship carries a salary supplement, and support for scholarly work. 

The title is granted for five years, and can be renewed for an additional five-year period. 

Shapiro has been a faculty member at WCU since 1984, and has traveled the globe to conduct cross-cultural comparisons of stuttering intervention techniques. 

He was recognized last summer when he received an award from the International Fluency Association, and has more than 50 published works, and 100 professional presentations to his credit. 

HRMC Close To New CEO

Haywood Regional Medical Center may have a new employee starting soon. 

The hospitals Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted the recommendation of a search committee charged with finding a new leader for the hospital on Thursday. 

The board has recommended John Michael Poore be offered the CEO job at the hospital. 

The action came during a closed meeting.  The job offer is subject to further due diligence and contract preparations by the board. 

David Rice stepped down in February as president and CEO of Haywood Regional Medical Center after the hospital lost Medicare and Medicaid funding. 

Al Byers has served as interim CEO since the resignation of Rice. 

 AUGUST 15,2008

Paper Plant Feels Effect Of Drought

Haywood County largest employer may be facing some problems in the near future. 

Blue Ridge Paper, located in Canton, is starting to have issues related to the drought that Western North Carolina is in.   

The plant, which manufactures paperboard, uses at minimum 17 million gallons of water a day, which is drawn from the Pigeon River. 

The company owns Lake Logan, which feeds the river, and has been adjusting its water flow to help meet production needs. 

The lake is almost depleted of water as of today. 

Western North Carolina is about 11 inches below normal rainfall levels for the year, according to the national weather service. 

One possible option discussed to help remedy the problem is for the plant to conduct a weeklong maintenance shutdown, which is normally down during September, this month. 

Plant officials have yet to make a decision on the option. 

Blue Ridge Paper employees around 1300 people in Canton and a processing plant in Waynesville.

The company was bought in 2007 by a subsidiary of New Zealand-based Rank Group.

Annexation Passes Board

Dillsboro’s town board held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to take a vote on an annexation issue. 

The annexation issue dealt with a 7.5-acre plot of land behind the BP station off of US 74, which is owned by Buddy and Susan Owens. 

They would like the area annexed to help with a proposed shopping center they are planning to construct. 

A question came from the board concerning if the proposal would need to be for a satellite annexation. 

“I see the freeway is there but I’m not sure by looking at this or even that map there. Where does the town of Dillsboro’s line end.  If its separated by the highway then I could see that.  If that’s true, is that considered a satellite annexation. 

The land was deemed contiguous by the board. 

Herb Nolan backed it up by reading from the NC Statutes.

“In areas deemed contiguous, if at anytime the petition is submitted, the area either butts it directly to the municipal boundary or is separated by the boundary, a street right of way or a creek or river.” 

Ladies Love Football

A group of around 40 women gathered on the football field at Western Carolina yesterday, not to cheer, but to get down and dirty and play some football. 

They were taking part in the first annual Catamount 101, a class given by head coach Dennis Wagner and the rest of his coaching staff. 

The women started the day going over some basic formations in the film room.

After a quick trip to the locker room to get suited up, the ladies went out onto the field to run through some plays. 

Coach Wagner first became associated with the all female football clinic while at Nebraska. 

He believes it’s a great way to give back to the community, and a great way to let the ladies meet the players and coaches in a fun, one on one level. 

He also thinks it’s a great thing for his players.

“In the middle of camp it helps break things up so the players can relax a little bit.  The last day of two a days was yesterday so they were able to take advantage of that today.  We didn’t have them do anything football wise since 1 o'clock.”   

After the skills training, a football official went over penalties and hand signals with the group, and they were treated to an outdoor reception. 

The group all left the event with smiles on their faces, and took home valuable football lessons. 

Julie Spiro is planning on doing it again next year, and she had no idea how much was involved in playing the game.

“You really have to be able to memorize a lot of plays, and you have to be fast on your feet.  You got to think thought it, its really complex.  I’m definitely coming back next year and bringing some friends.” 

If you want to see the women in action on the field, you’ll have to wait until next year. 

Fortunately, you can see the real Catamounts start their season on Thursday the 28^th. 

The first game of the season is at home against Shorter, kickoff is scheduled for 7pm.

New Plate Available For Horsemen

A horse-riding group is now accepting applications for a specialized license plate. 

The Back Country Horsemen of North Carolina has had the tag created thanks to legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Sam Queen of Waynesville.

Two thirds of the money collected from the plate sales will go back to the organization, a rider-run group dedicated to keeping public lands open for recreational horseback riding. 

The license plate features a horseman silhouetted against a golden background. 

The plate will costs 30 dollars, in addition to regular license fees. 

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles has approved the plate, but production will not start until the first 300 applications have been received. 

Anyone interested in applying for the plate can download an application at www.backcountryhorsemenofnc.com, or contact Ray Hannah at 828-648-5774

AUGUST 14, 2008

Fugitive Turns Himself In

The search is over for the last suspect in the slaying of two Swain County residents. 

The Georgia man wanted in connection with the murder of Jason Scott Wiggins, and Michael Heath Compton turned himself in last night to Georgia Authorities. 

Jeffery Czechonna Miles turned himself in around 7:25pm at the Gwinnett County Jail. 

Miles arrived at the jail with his uncle. 

He will be held until he can be extradited to Swain County. 

Miles faces two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Jason Wiggins, and Michael Compton, which occurred last Friday. 

Miles family made contact with him by phone Wednesday afternoon and persuaded him to turn himself in. 

He was spotted Monday at a Wendy’s restaurant in Decatur, but was able to elude police by running through a nearby wooded area. 

Wiggins and Compton were both shot at Wiggins’ home in Bryson City, a third person was also shot, and remains in critical condition at Mission Hospital in Asheville. 

Jason Christopher Johnson of Decatur was arrested on Monday, and charged with two first-degree murder charges in the case. 

Jada McCutcheon, and Tiffany Marion were also charged in the case, both with accessory after the fact to murder. 

Report Released On Plane Crash

The lose of the tail and part of a wing brought down the plane that killed two people near highlands last month according to a report released on Monday. 

The preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board did not list a cause for the accident, although details were given in how the plane broke apart and fell to the ground. 

The report relied on witnesses, air traffic records, and a crash investigation. 

Witnesses to the crash reported debris falling from the sky, and seeing the plane spin to the ground. 

The fact that little damage was done to surrounding trees indicated that the plane fell straight down and broke apart before impact, investigators stated in the report. 

The tail and part of the left wing were found near the wreckage.  Thunderstorms were reported in the area, but investigators will not say whether strong winds tore the plane apart. 

Duane Moorer was flying the 33-year-old Piper PA-23 with his son from Louisville, Kentucky to their home in Florida. 

According to the report, Moorer encountered turbulence and tried to reverse direction. 

He made a 270-degree turn west and continued in that direction for three minutes until it disappeared from radar. 

Moorer was a very experienced pilot with over 11,920 hours of flight time.

   Catamounts Get a Face Lift

There’s a new cat on the prowl at Western Carolina University today. 

The school unveiled its new look for its athletic program yesterday at the Ramsey Center. 

Chancellor John Bardo spoke to the crowd, and mentioned that the new look reflects the strength and agility of the native mountain cats of Western North Carolina. 

“We created a brand image for the athletics program that really reflected the caliber of people we are bringing into the university.  The people who have the drive and desire to win, and win the right way.  By graduating, by being good citizens, and by bringing home championships.” 

The logo was designed by Rickabaugh Graphics out of Gahanna, Ohio, as part of an overall university branding project. 

The new logo will make its first official use today on the football field, athletic director Chip Smith challenges anyone to top it. 

“Its aggressive, its competitive, and I promise you that no one will call this one a huggy.” 

David Gift, President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee spoke on behalf of the student body. 

He gave a huge thank you to everyone involved in the new logo.

“We want to thank you guys so much for this awesome new logo.  We also appreciate the fact that you allowed us to be a part of the selection process, seeing as the symbol is so crucial in how we view ourselves and compete, our opponents view us, what our fans and friends think when they see us compete.  Its just great to have a new face to represent the changing of the guard at Western Carolina.”  

The catamount name is the result of a campus contest in 1932 to pick a mascot to replace the previous name of the teachers. 

The Catamounts beat out the other finalist the Mountain Boomers, named after a small ground squirrel that roamed the campus. 

The 1933 football team was the first to be called the Catamounts.

Booze It Or Loose It Strikes Again

Last Friday’s Booze It Or Loose It Campaign was just a warm-up to the big show starting tomorrow. 

Governor Mike Easley announced yesterday that state and local law enforcement officers would be out in force during the next two weeks as part of a Labor Day campaign. 

In an effort to remove drunk drivers from highways, checkpoints and patrols will be stepped up across the state from August 15^th through September 1^st. 

In 2007, during the two-week period of August 17th and September 3^rd, there were more than 500 alcohol related crashes resulting in 27 fatalities and 400 injuries on state roads. 

During last weeks booze it or loose it blitz, officer’s cited 454 motorists for DWI across the state.  

In Jackson County, 10 arrests were made for DWI, along with 9 arrests for drugs, with a total of 90 traffic and criminal violations handed out. 

Since 1994 the Governor’s Highway Safety Program has conducted Booze It Or Loose It Campaigns to help deter drinking and driving. 

The campaigns were an outgrowth of the Click It Or Ticket campaigns that began in 1993.

AUGUST 13, 2008

Deputies Shoot Cullowhee Resident

Sheriff deputies shot a local resident Monday night.

Johnny Watson of Cullowhee was treated for the gunshot wounds at Mission Hospital, the injuries were not life threatening. 

At 5:41pm on Monday, Deputies responded to a 911 call on Edgewater Road, the caller said that Watson was threatening people with a chainsaw. 

Watson was gone by the time deputies responded to the call, another call around 6:29pm, put Watson on Chiquita Lane in Cullowhee, this time with a gun. 

Deputies arrived on the scene and used a K-9 to locate Watson, who was now hiding in the woods. 

The search continued after 9pm for Watson, around 9:08pm, Watson fired on two deputies from a concealed position. 

Deputies returned fire, and one or more rounds hit Watson.  Neither deputy was injured. 

Sheriff Jimmy Ashe has asked the SBI to conduct an investigation into the shooting to ensure the deputies acted in accordance with the law. 

That is a normal procedure after an officer uses deadly force. 

Johnny Watson has been charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer.

Bear Attacks 8-Year-Old In Great Smoky Mountains

Park rangers shot and killed a black bear believed to have attacked an eight-year-old boy on Monday. 

The attack happened on a popular trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 

The child, Evan Pala of Boca Raton, Florida was playing along Lavonte Creek close to Rainbow Falls trail when the bear attacked him around 7:30pm. 

The 55–pound black bear attacked the child twice before his father drove the animal away with sticks and stones. 

Evan suffered cuts; some scratches and puncture wounds while his father had minor injuries. 

The injuries received by both were not life threatening. 

Rangers went to the scene and shot a bear they found that was acting aggressively. 

The bear was likely a yearling; it was taken to the University of Tennessee for a necropsy to see if it is the bear that attacked the child. 

Bear encounters have been on the rise in Western North Carolina, but attacks have been rare. 

That last attack was in 2006 when a 6-year-old girl was killed in the Cherokee National Forest.

 Envisioning Dillsboro Brings Up Great Ideas

The chamber of Commerce sponsored Envisioning Dillsboro meeting brought up some great ideas yesterday. 

A large group of merchants, citizens, and local politicians gathered to brainstorm ideas on how to make the town thrive since the Great Smoky Railroad has pulled out of town. 

Chris Cavanagh of Magellan Strategy’s in Asheville lead the discussion and started getting the crowds ideas flowing by having them write a postcard based on Dillsboro 10 years from now.

“I would like you to write and describe the experience of visiting here as if you where visiting anywhere in the world, if you where visiting New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, but I want you to put yourself in the role of a visitor.” 

The postcards were read allowed by members of the crowd; a lot of the same ideas were present.  People focused on the beauty of Dillsboro, the people, and the shops. 

Ideas of things the town needed to add also came up in the readings.

“There is great food, music, rafting, outdoor activities.  We came here to go skiing in the winter, things are open in the winter, winterfest is awesome.  It’s a little town that you could walk, a river that you can raft.  There is a park with a restored farmhouse that’s a women’s museum.  A theatre with first rate plays, and music every weekend with local musicians and real southern hospitality.” 

The majority of the crowd mentioned nighttime activities needed to be added in the town, most mentioned live music and some type of theatre. 

This came up in Chris’s next portion of the program when he asked for discussion on what visitors to the town say now about Dillsboro, hoping to find some issues that could be fixed. 

The largest negative issues mentioned dealt with stores not being open, or having odd hours of operation, and the lack of nightly activities. 

The lack of winter activities was also mentioned. 

A full report will be written by Mr. Cavanagh and given to the Chamber of Commerce in a few weeks. 

It will be available to the public by contacting the Chamber of Commerce. 

You can do that by phone by calling 1-800-962-1911.

Big Reveal Is Today

The big day is here for Western Carolina fans. 

The big reveal of the schools new look is finally getting unveiled. 

The university will unveil the new look today with a public show that starts at 4pm, and will be held in the main arena of the Ramsey Center. 

The event will include a fashion show of items with the new school logo, which is part of a multiyear branding initiative to help define the schools image and message. 

The new mascot isn’t the only change that fans will notice today, the colors are changing as well. 

Western will be reverting to throwback colors, replacing the bright purple and yellow used in recent years, with a deep purple and traditional gold. 

Western began fielding sports team in 1933 with the catamount name, the only other school in the nation that uses the name is the University of Vermont. 

The big reveal is again open to the public and takes place today at 4pm at the Ramsey Center.

Drugs Found At Bryson City Murder Scene

More information has come out in the double homicide case in Bryson City. 

In court papers released yesterday, it was revealed that investigators found drugs, guns, and shell casings at the home of the two murdered Swain County residents. 

The drugs were not identified in the court papers, but officers suspected they would find methamphetamine, and paraphernalia. 

Governor Mike Easley announced a 5,000-dollar reward for information in the killings yesterday as well. 

Police are still looking for Jeffery Czechonna Miles of Decatur. 

He is believed to be an accomplice to Jason Christopher Johnson, who was arrested on two counts of first-degree murder charges on Sunday. 

Jada Mccutcheon and Tiffany Marion were also arrested on Monday and charged with accessory after the fact. 

In search warrants released, officers seized clothing, drugs, a flammable liquid, a wireless recording device, multiple glass jars with clear liquids, a burned napkin, and an empty bottle of rubbing alcohol from the home of Jason Scott Wiggins, one of the slain men. 

The murders are the fifth and sixth in Swain County since 1980. 

Anyone with any information in the case is asked to contact the Swain County Sheriffs Department or the SBI.

 AUGUST 12, 2008

Three Arrests In Bryson City Murders

The manhunt is almost over for the murder of two people in Bryson City that happened last Friday. 

Investigators have arrested a Georgia man in the slayings of Jason Wiggins, and Michael Compton. 

Jason Christopher Johnson, of Decatur was arrested on two counts of first-degree murder. 

Officials have also issued warrants charging Jeffery Czechonna Miles, of Decatur, with first-degree murder charges. 

Miles was spotted last night at a Wendy’s restaurant in Decatur, which spawned a Monday night search by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, as of late last night he was still on the run. 

Two women are also in custody today, Jada McCutheon, of Decatur, and Tiffany Marion of Marietta have been charged with accessory after the fact. 

There has been no motive mentioned in the murders, Jason Johnson only has one arrest on his record. 

In 2004 he was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamines, although the state later dropped the charges.

Racking Cove Road’s Water Issues getting Resolved

Citizens of the Racking Cove Road community are getting their water issues resolved. 

Members of that community have had issues with their well water, gasoline has actually been found in it. 

A grant from the state is going to help some of the families on the road out with the water issue. 

“The states tested the water, and told them that it is unsafe to drink.  The grant funds that were approved for the water line extension from the Sylva area up to Racking Cove will pay for the hook-ups for certain families.” 

That was Board of Commissioner Chairman Brain McMahan, he requested that the board pay the hook up fees for a few houses on the road that the state did not add to the grant. 

County Manager Kenneth Westmoreland asked to look into the grant a little deeper before spending county funds, due to the grants purpose of tying all families with contaminated wells into the TWSA system. 

“I would first before we spend our money, at least attempt to see if we can’t get these two families back under the grant.  If they say no, then we don’t want to penalize them and not let them onto the system.” 

The board agreed to Mr. Westmoreland’s proposal, and if the issue can’t be funded within the grant, the county wi