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Traffic Stop Leads to Drugs
On June 4th, 2024 The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. JCSO K9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics. JCSO Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and located approximately 11.10 Grams of suspected Fentanyl and approximately 1.45 grams of suspected Methamphetamine. A firearm was also located during the search of the vehicle. The following subjects were charged: Trenton Franks: Trafficking, Opium or Heroin by Transportation Trafficking, Opium or Heroin by Possession Possession of Firearm by Felon Maintain Vehicle CS Possession of Methamphetamine Conspire to Traffic Opium/Heroin Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Chloe Bish: Conspire to Traffic Opium/Heroin Possession of Drug Paraphernalia David Loftis: Conspire to Traffic Opium/Heroin
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Reality TV Stars Fiancé Last Seen in Bryson City
Authorities are searching for the fiancé of a reality TV star who was reported missing from a small town in North Carolina. According to Bryson City police, Gary R. Wayt, 39, was last seen on Arlington Avenue on June 9, 2024. Wayt is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 205 pounds, bald, with brown eyes. He was driving a grey 2009 Nissan Rogue with an Indiana state registration plate. Wayt is in a relationship with Amber Portwood, a star of the reality TV series “Teen Mom.” On June 7, US Magazine reported that Portwood and her new boyfriend, identified only as “Gary,” were engaged, citing a source “close to Portwood.” Anyone with information on Wayt’s whereabouts is urged to call 828-488-2196 and ask for Chief Robinson or Assistant Chief Dover.
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Suspect Apprehended in Jackson
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has announced that deputies have apprehended a suspect who fled from them following an incident on Thursday. The situation began on June 6 when deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call in the Cashier’s area. After investigating the incident, they obtained warrants for the suspect, Rush Allen. Shortly thereafter, deputies spotted Allen in a vehicle nearby and attempted to stop him, but he refused to comply. According to deputies, Allen eventually crashed on Breedlove Road and fled on foot. However, on Friday night, deputies confirmed that they had successfully located Allen and taken him into custody.
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Waynesville Property Owners To See Tax Increase
Waynesville property owners may face a 3.8-cent tax increase if the proposed budget is approved. The budget, presented by Town Manager Rob Hites, aims to balance tax hikes and budget cuts, generating an additional $625,000 for four new firefighters, higher starting salaries for new police officers, and employee raises. A public hearing is set for June 11, with the budget needing adoption by July 1. Council members Anthony Sutton and Jon Feichter are considering raising police starting pay to $48,000. Council member Julia Freeman opposes the 3.8-cent hike, preferring a 2.5-cent increase, while Chuck Dickson has opposed any tax increase. The proposed tax rate is 47.7 cents per $100 in valuation, increasing the budget to $19.04 million, a 9% rise. It also includes a 7% increase in electric rates to fund $1 million in capital projects.
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Clampitt Sponsors House Bill 985 For Local Funding
Rep. Mike Clampitt has sponsored House Bill 985 which will allocate funding to a variety of entities in District 119. An allocation of $165,500 to the Town of Webster for capital improvements and the acquisition of accessible playground equipment for Webster Park. Allocation of $15,000 for the installation of a flood gauge on the Tuckasegee River in Webster. The Town of Bryson City will be allocated $540,000 towards the procurement of a new pumper truck. Additionally $450,550 for the repair and replacement of fire hydrants and $1,400,000 for the enhancement of pedestrian crosswalk safety on Main Street. Swain County Public Schools will see 10,000,000 in fund allocation to provide a grant to Swain County. This grant aims to facilitate the replacement of sewer lines serving Swain County High School. Smoky Mountain High School will receive $9,350,0000 for Installation of baseball and softball field lights, Construction of a regulation-size running track, Establishment of a concession stand, and restroom facilities on the visitor’s side of the athletic complex. Finally, the Installation of ramps to ensure accessibility to the bleachers for individuals with disabilities as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Town of Dillsbor has an appropriation of $550,000 for water and…
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SCC HS Equivalency Graduation
Like his fellow High School Equivalency classmates, Christian Rodriguez of Cherokee had to overcome some initial apprehension when starting Southwestern Community College’s program back in February. Along the way, he struggled with self-doubt and the guilt of spending time away from family and employment while working on his studies. Thanks to support from Southwestern’s College and Career Readiness team, he persevered and on Monday night found himself walking across the graduation stage to accept his diploma from Dr. DonTomas, SCC’s President. “I thought about giving up at many points,” Rodriguez said, clutching his new diploma after the commencement ceremony as Kool & the Gang’s Celebration played over the Burrell Conference Center’s speakers. “Here at SCC with everybody – Heather (Stephan), Sam (Oxendine of Hights, which partners with SCC and helps underserved youth in the community) and (SCC Instructor) Michelle (Law) – they are really compassionate and supportive in helping you take this step for your life. They kept encouraging me and pushing me to go through with it. SCC’s staff has been one of the best staffs I’ve ever worked with in my life.” For his next chapter, Rodriguez is hoping to pursue training – possibly at SCC – for…
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Harris EMS Pioneers Live-Saving Initiative
In a significant advancement for local emergency medical services, Harris EMS has received clearance to carry blood on their ambulances, making them the first EMS agency west of Henderson County in North Carolina to do so. This initiative, developed over an intense eight to nine-month period, allows Harris EMS to administer lifesaving transfusions at the point of need, drastically improving outcomes for victims of severe anemia whether medical or traumatic in nature. Under the oversight of two dedicated EMS supervisors, this innovative program operates during day shifts with the potential to expand to 24/7 coverage. EMS supervisors are actively coordinating and training their staff to ensure the safe and effective use of this critical resource. “The ability to administer blood immediately, rather than waiting until arrival at the hospital, is a significant advancement in emergency care, particularly for our rural community where travel times can be lengthy and impact patient survival,” said Harris EMS Supervisor and Training Officer Kyle Dowling, NRP, FP-C, CCEMT-P. Typically speaking, EMS agencies are bound to standard fluid resuscitation measures and must transport patients to the nearest hospital for blood transfusions. In many cases, this is an acceptable process given reduced travel time in urban areas…
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