Yancey County News

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vTo be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.v Dec. 22, 2011 W Vol. 1, No. 50

Community mourns McIntosh’s death

By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News

Well over 1,000 people turned out to bid farewell to former Yancey County Sheriff Clyde McIntosh Sunday at Holcombe Bros. Funeral Home in Burnsville. According to longtime residents, they felt the need to say goodbye to a man they respected. “He was a very community-minded man,” said Bill Riddle of Burnsville. “He always wanted to do the right thing.” McIntosh, 79, was elected sheriff in 1986 and served for four years. A Navy veteran,

he was described as a successful entrepreneur and a charter and active member of the Yancey County Camp of the Gideon’s International. “He was certainly well respected in the c o m m u n i t y, ” s a i d County Commissioner Marvin Holland, from “a very strong-knit, loving family.” “He was a big

influence on me,” said County Commission Chairman Johnny Riddle. “He helped me a whole lot.” Bill Riddle said McIntosh took his time trying to make good decisions. “He was a very quiet guy; he wasn’t quick to make rash decisions. He’d think things over and ponder a lot” before acting. As sheriff, he was “very strict. He didn’t have any favorites. He wasn’t obligated to anybody. In fact, that’s what he would say. If you ever did anything for him, he wanted to pay for it. He didn’t want to be obligated to you.” See page 5

Yancey, Mitchell dogs poisoned

Burnsville Florist donated this beautiful Christmas tree that graces the main hall in the Yancey County Courthouse.

Merry Christmas from your neighbors at

By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News Several dogs have died of poisoning in recent days in Yancey and Mitchell counties, and a local vet and the Yancey Humane Society fear someone is poisoning them. Dr. Jennie Stewart, o w n e r o f S t e w a r t ’s Mountain View Animal Hospital, said she saw two dogs about 10 days ago that exhibited signs of poisoning and died. Then others were located suffering the symptoms of poisoning. “They had been missing, and were found out in the woods,” she said. Those dogs were suffering seizures when found. “We definitely suspect antifreeze poisoning,” she said. Then “this week, a golden retriever was brought in very sick,” she said. “I was in the process of drawing blood when it started seizing. That particular owner had her other dog die a week before

with the same symptoms.” Stewart said the dogs are from the N.C. 80 North – Newdale area. “At least five dogs” have died of poisoning in that neighborhood, plus another two closer to Spruce Pine. “At least seven have died in suspicious deaths.” What worries Stewart and others is that two of the dogs that died were in a fenced yard. “Other dogs are missing,” so they may not know the exact number poisoned, she said. Tim Tipton, the executive director of t h e Ya n c e y H u m a n e Society, said his agency is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any person who poisons dogs in Yancey County. He said anyone with information should call the society at 682-9510. Pet owners must be vigilant, Tipton said. See page 6


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