Decision reached to name permanent Macon Middle School Principal

Mark Sutton will continue in his role as principal of Macon County Middle School after taking the position late last school year when previous principal, Dr. Kevin Bailey, resigned from the post.

Bailey was suspended with pay from his role as principal at Macon County Middle School in April. The school system has not released any information regarding the reason for the principal’s suspension. An email to staff at Macon County Middle School did confirm that Sutton, previously principal at Macon Early College, began serving the students and staff as interim Macon Middle principal on Monday, April 18.

Bailey was hired at Macon Middle in July of 2021. He’d previously worked in Jackson County Schools as executive director of human resources. Prior to that he spent several years as a classroom teacher and an assistant principal.

Bailey’s letter of resignation is dated April 29 and indicated his resignation would become official June 30.

“Please be advised that this letter serves as my official notification of my resignation effective June 30, 2022. I have enjoyed working for Macon County Schools and I appreciate the opportunity. Best wishes in the future,” said Bailey in his letter of resignation.

Sutton’s appointment was made official at the June 30 Macon County Schools Board of Education meeting. Sutton previously worked as assistant principal at Macon Middle School, principal at Mountain View Intermediate School and principal at Macon Early College. — Hannah McLeod, Staff Writer

Five convicted in Haywood drug trafficking case

State assistant district attorneys in Haywood County Superior Court last week successfully prosecuted five residents for trafficking illegal drugs. Collectively, the defendants will spend a total minimum of 350 months in prison.

“I believe putting these five drug dealers behind bars serves as a make-no-mistakeabout-it warning to traffickers that we are committed to ensuring the safety of our communities,” District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said.

“In addition to rooting out drug traffickers, we also know there is an equally pressing need for resources and support for those battling substance-abuse issues.”

The five defendants prosecuted last week were: • Jason Keith Ashe, 34, of Waynesville, pleaded guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine. He received a minimum prison sentence of 70 months up to a maximum sentence of 93 months. • Crystalyn Newberry Jackson, 43, of Waynesville, pleaded guilty to trafficking in opiates/heroin. She received a minimum prison sentence of 70 months up to a maximum sentence of 93 months. • Julie Ledford, 40, of Canton, pleaded guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine. She received a minimum prison sentence of 70 months up to a maximum sentence of 93 months. • Brian Keith Leming, 39, of Waynesville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to trafficking in methamphetamine. He received a minimum prison sentence of 70 months up to a maximum sentence of 93 months. • Timothy Alfred Sweat, 34, of Canton, pleaded guilty to trafficking in opiates. He received a minimum prison sentence of 70 months up to a maximum sentence of 93 months.

Assistant district attorneys Jeff Jones and Kate Robinette prosecuted the cases. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Bradley B. Letts presided in court. Haywood County Sheriff’s Office made the arrests and handled the investigations.

Applicants sought for Maggie Valley Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustments

The Haywood County Board of County Commissioners continues to seek applicants for the Maggie Valley Planning Board and the Maggie Valley zoning board of adjustments. The Maggie Valley planning board has two vacancies, and the Maggie Valley zoning board of adjustments has one vacancy. All three vacancies are for representatives from the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the Town of Maggie Valley.

For more information about these two boards, visit haywoodcountync.gov/266/Maggie-ValleyPlanning-Board and www.haywoodcountync.gov/289/Maggie-Valley-Zoning-Board.

Application forms may be downloaded from the “How Do I…Submit Volunteer Board or Committee Application” section of the county website haywoodcountync.gov/9/How-Do-I or picked up from the County Manager’s office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Haywood County Courthouse, third floor, 215 North Main St., Waynesville.

Completed applications may be returned to the county manager’s office or attached to an email to Amy Stevens, deputy clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, at amy.stevens@haywoodcountync.gov.

The positions are open until filled. For more information, contact the county manager’s office at 828.452.6625.