Macon officer investigated on rape allegations

On the evening of Monday, Nov. 15, the Special Victims Unit of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint of a sexual assault involving a Macon County employee.

Sheriff Robbie Holland was notified of the allegation and immediately contacted Capt. Dani Burrows of the Criminal Investigations Unit and requested that she and one of her detectives from SVU to initiate an investigation into the incident.

Holland also contacted District Attorney Ashley Welch and the supervisor for the State Bureau of Investigations who agreed to assist in the investigation.

On Nov. 19, Holland met with the detention officer who was the involved suspect in the investigation — Kevin Sanchez. Following a brief conversation, Holland terminated the person’s employment effective immediately. He then advised Sanchez that he was being charged with second degree forcible rape.

An SBI agent served the arrest warrants, and Holland made arrangements with another detention center to house Sanchez while he attempted to make the $400,000 bond that was set.

“While this was an employee of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office in good standings at the time the alleged crime was committed, he was not on duty,” Holland said. “We recognize that we cannot control what our employees do when they are not working but anytime an allegation is made against one of our employees, we take it serious and will investigate any and all allegations. Wherever the facts lead us we will do the right thing in the end, even if it means arresting one of our own.” Holland added that investigators are aware of comments being made on social media pertaining to this case but as of this moment had not been contacted by any witnesses or any other potential victims as speculated on social media. “As with any case we would encourage anyone with information to contact us and we would follow up with that information. Mr. Sanchez is now a former employee and Kevin Sanchez unfortunately there are laws that prohibit me from sharing any information we might have related to any complaints about him while employed,” Holland said. “However, in fairness to him and the staff at the MCSO as well as our citizens, I will say I have not had any complaints made against Mr. Sanchez that accuses him of any illegal behavior or it would have been addressed.” The investigations will remain ongoing and no further information will be provided until it is deemed appropriate.

Drake Software hires interim CEO

With strong financial results, underpinned by industry leading client satisfaction, Drake Software based in Franklin is moving forward with plans to increase investment across all areas of the business, including product development, sales and marketing, and customer support. This is the first of many planned investments that will be overseen by interim Chief Executive Officer Euan Menzies.

“I am enthusiastic about the strong foundation, the passionate and dedicated team, and the many opportunities to grow and strengthen the company,” said Menzies. “By investing in our people and in product development, we will ensure Drake continues to delight customers while also providing future innovation. We currently expect to add at least 100 full-time positions over the next six months.”

Previously the chairman of the board, Menzies takes over the CEO role most recently held by Jamie Stiles, who, after many years of dedicated service, is stepping down as Drake’s CEO. To ensure a smooth transition, Stiles will remain as a member of the board.

Menzies has more than 20 years of executive experience with other successful business-tobusiness software and information companies. Most notably, Menzies served for more than 10 years as the CEO of Vertafore, a leading provider of software solutions to insurance agents and brokers. Earlier in his career, he was also the CEO of Thomson Tax/Accounting Group.

HCC Foundation 2022 Calendar available

The Haywood Community College Foundation 2022 calendar is available for purchase. Showcasing photos from community members and HCC faculty and staff, proceeds from sales will support the HCC Cares/Lavender Fund for student emergencies. Typical emergency funding may include transportation needs, childcare, heating and utility assistance, housing and food assistance.

The calendar highlights the campus in its full glory during each season and would make perfect holiday gifts. Calendars may be purchased by stopping by the Buckeye Building on the college campus. The cost of the calendar to purchase in person is $10 plus tax. Campus is closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3 but is otherwise open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Calendars can also be purchased online by visiting haywood.edu/foundation/donate-to-thefoundation. The cost to purchase online is $13 per calendar, which includes tax and shipping.

For more information, visit haywood.edu/foundation/hcc-calendar or call 828.627.4679.

Ingles Nutrition Notes

written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath

DONATING TO FOOD BANKS

If you’re considering donating food items to your local food pantry, food bank or a shelter that provides emergency food supplies; start with a call to that organization or a check of their website or Facebook page for what food or other items they most need and can accept. Generally, shelf-stable items are the easiest for them to accept, store and distribute. Please check before donating fresh or frozen products to make sure the facility is able to receive and store these items.

While canned and packaged shelf-stable food items should work for most; think about how you can donate foods that will help families make a meal. Some items you might not have thought about donating: • Shelf stable (UHT milk in tetra paks), canned or dried milk can be used with dried cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat or to make macaroni and cheese or soups • Dried spices, herbs and seasoning blends to give more flavor to meats, proteins, beans and grains • Instant coffee and tea bags • Boxed cake, biscuit, roll or bread mixes that can be made with just adding oil or water • Oil, sugar and flour for cooking and recipe use • Dish detergent and cleaning supplies • Can opener, storage bags, utensils

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian @InglesDietitian Leah McGrath - Dietitian 800.334.4936

Retailers rejoice over bustling holiday season

Customers line up at the counter of Sassafras, a new store in Downtown Waynesville (left), on Black Friday. Jessi Stone photo Betty W. Gates (right), owner of B & B Gifts in Sylva. Donated photo

BY JESSI STONE NEWS EDITOR

The holiday shopping season tends to be a stressful time for shoppers as well as retailers with large crowds, long lines, mounting tension and explosive tempers as everyone is in a rush to get everything on their list.

But the energy that settled in around the small town shopping areas in Western North Carolina last weekend felt different. It was calmer, less crowded, more joyful and filled with more gratitude for the important things.

“Everyone was just so friendly when they came through the doors, but we do work in a happy place,” said Joyce Massie with Green Hill Gallery on Main Street in Waynesville. “We’re looking forward to the ‘Night Before Christmas’ when we all stay open later and the rest of the holiday season.”

In its Holiday Outlook report released in September, KPMG predicted strong seasonal sales despite supply chain disruptions, rising costs and the continuing spread of COVID variants. Retailers also reported they expect to see sales grow by 7% compared to historical growth (which tends to be 3-4%).

The National Retail Federation predicts that 2021 holiday sales will grow between 8.5 and 10.5 percent from 2020, with overall sales between $843.4 billion and $859 billion. Online shopping is also expected to increase between 11 and 15 percent for a total of $218.3 billion to $226.2 billion. Local businesses throughout the region back up those predictions by reporting record sales years.

Despite the exhaustive shopping weekend, Patricia Miller and her sister Roseann were found in good spirits Monday morning behind the counter at Affairs of the Heart in downtown Waynesville. They were chatting with a regular customer who visits from Florida every year.

“Oh man, I laugh so hard every time I come in here,” the man said, referencing all the humorous gift items available from socks, greeting cards, T-shirts and so much more.

Miller said her business had a great weekend with Friday and Saturday being equally busy when typically Small Business Saturday is usually the busiest day.

“We had the most awesome weekend. Friday and Saturday were both busy and we were definitely up from last year’s sales,” Miller said.

Massie agreed that last year’s holiday shopping season went surprisingly well considering the pandemic, but already this year’s numbers are surpassing 2020.

“We had a couple of banner days this weekend that together probably equaled the Church Street Festival crowds,” she said. “We did good during 2020 and we’ve done well this year too.”

Jim Davis, co-owner of The Jeweler’s Workbench, said he is also seeing record numbers and expects to have another record sales year.

“I’ve been here for eight years and this has been our best year ever,” he said.

Susanne Blumer, proprietor of Sassafras on Main, is celebrating her first holiday shopping season in Waynesville. She’s owned a similar store in Black Mountain for four years and decided this year to expand when the former Cedar Hill Gallery building became available. The Waynesville location is now twice the size of the Black Mountain store with two levels of great gift ideas from kids toys, puzzles, books, games, art supplies and more.

“We’ve had a fantastic season since we first opened in October,” she said. “I was expecting big things and it has exceeded all my expectations.” holiday shopping days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.

With the pandemic at its height last year, a majority of retailers decided to close on Thanksgiving Day and extended their Black Friday deals for several days to give customers more space and time to shop safely. For the first time, many small businesses had to quickly pivot to offer online commerce and curbside/pick up services to stay in business.

This year, COVID cases have stabilized, vaccines are widely available and restrictions on businesses have lifted. Business owners are still mindful of safety precautions like masks and hand sanitizer, but now are faced with other challenges as the pandemic drags on — mostly with supply chain issues and shipping delays. The shortages have caused delays for vendors, retailers and consumers.

While the cost of silver and gold had been higher before the pandemic, Davis said that was something they’d already gotten used to, but this year the Jeweler’s Workbench has found it difficult to get small parts, like watch batteries.

“We’ve had some trouble getting things and it’s taking longer to get and send items, but I think it’s starting to get better,” he said.