Yancey County News

Look inside for...

Local deer showing 106 honored for earning Municipal their GED at Mayland election results signs of disease

50 cents

Yancey County News Brush Creek - Burnsville - Cane River

Crabtree - Egypt - Green Mountain - Jacks Creek

Pensacola - Price’s Creek - Ramseytown - South Toe

www.yanceycountynews.com vTo be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.v Nov. 10, 2011 W Vol. 1, No. 44

FFA club members from Mountain Heritage High School traveled with 110 other FFA members from eight chapters across Western North Carolina to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. See complete story inside.

County debates collecting taxes Board of Equalization & Review struggles to pin down how much Mountain Air owes in back taxes

By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News The Yancey County Board of Equalization and Review is still debating a solution to collect three years of unpaid back taxes owed

by Mountain Air and its subsidiary corporations.

The issue is unresolved even though the assessed value of the land - and the methods used to determine that value - were ratified in a ruling by the North Carolina Property Tax Commission.

According to documents filed with the county Board of Equalization and Review which is made up of all five members of the county board of commissioners - Mountain Air representatives believe the 2008 valuation of its property was

inflated and inaccurate. Mountain Air appealed the $482 million valuation, claiming there was no valid method used for arriving at the rate, that some properties at the development were double taxed, that the county improperly considered a parcel as subdivided rather than as one individual tract, and that the county did not have the authority to increase 2011 values from 2010 for parcels deeded from Mountain Air Development Corp. to Mountain Air Country Club.

The appeals went before the county Board of Equalization and Review (BOER), and then to the state Property Tax Commission, which ruled 3-2 in the county’s favor in February.

See page 5

Photos by Jonathan Austin/Yancey County News

Presnell aims to take on Ray Rapp Michele D. Presnell, a first-term member of the Yancey County Board of Commissioners, has filed campaign organization papers as the first step to seeking the N.C. House District 118 seat.

Presnell filed her paperwork with the Yancey County Board of Elections on Friday.

“I’m very excited,” Presnell said Wednesday. “I want to make a difference.”

Presnell, who owns a framing shop in Burnsville, is the wife of former county commissioner and state Senator Keith Presnell.

She is stepping into state politics as the state legislature just got federal approval for redistricting that puts all of Yancey County into the 118th district, which is currently represented by Democrat Ray Rapp of Mars Hill.

See page 16

LOG CABIN IN THE WOODS 2BR/2BA, Full basement, fully furnished, 2.61 acres, private

728 W. Main St. - 682-9994 • Dale’s cell - 208-1881 • Jonathan’s cell - 779-1980

$99,000 Make offer!

2

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

Your Neighborhood

Forest Service waiving fees for Veterans’ Day weekend The U.S. Forest Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over Veterans Day weekend.

The fee waivers – the third this year -- are offered in cooperation with other federal agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the Forest Service. Concessionaire operated day-use sites may be included in the waiver if the permit holder wishes to participate.

“We’re honoring our country’s brave men and women veterans by waiving fees over the long weekend,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We encourage people who might not normally enjoy our beautiful public lands to get out of the house and enjoy a forest or grassland near you. Our lands offer a wide

Berea College rep to be at Heritage Greg Stearns, an admissions representative from Berea College will be in the area on Wednesday, Nov. 16, and he has agreed to give a presentation at Mountain Heritage High School during Smart Lunch to interested juniors and seniors. The presentation will be in the Science Wing Computer lab.

He will also be available afterward to speak one-on-one to students who have applied already or who are strongly considering applying.

Berea College gives every student a free laptop, a paid oncampus job, and a full tuition scholarship. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks Berea number one in the nation for liberal arts, The Princeton Review ranks it in the Southeast, and Forbes lists it as one of the best college buys in America.

Berea only accepts 13 percent of applicants, making it one of the most selective colleges in the nation. Berea’s students come from limited financial means but show strong academic promise, and one and three is an ethnic minority.

range of recreation and educational benefits such as improved physical and mental health, emotional well being, a concern for nature, and a conservation ethic.”

The Forest Service will waive fees four times in 2012: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend – Jan. 14-16; National Get Outdoors Day – June 9; National Public Lands Day – Sept. 29; and Veterans Day Weekend – Nov. 10-12. The fee waiver days support the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Outside.”

Traditionally, fees are not charged on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands and over two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. Many recreation opportunities such

as camping, sightseeing and hiking can be enjoyed throughout the year at no cost.

The Forest Service operates approximately 17,000 recreation sites nationwide. Of those, approximately 6,000 require recreation fees, which are used to provide visitor services, repairs and replacements, and facilities maintenance.

The mission of the US Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Recreational activities on our lands contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

UNCA community events scheduled

ART/CRAFT

November 18 – Symphony Talk with Daniel Meyer – discussion of the next concert by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, with Daniel Meyer, music director. Free and open to the public. 3 p.m. in the Manheimer Room at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center.

November 21 – Humanities Lecture – “Ancient Science and Technology,” Rob Berls, associate professor of Drama, 11:25 a.m., UNC Asheville’s Humanities Lecture Hall. Free and open to the public. Info: humanities.unca. edu or 828/251-6808.

November 17 – “Studying Figured Weaving at the Lisio Foundation” – Lecture by Julie Holyoke, instructor at the Lisio Foundation near Florence, Italy, describes programs in jacquard design and weaving, 3 p.m. at the UNC Asheville Kellogg Center, 1181 Broyles Rd., Hendersonville. Free and open to the public. Sponsored

by UNC Asheville’s Center for Craft, Creativity & Design.

Info: craftcreativitydesign.org.

Through November 22 – “A Chat over Coffee” – BFA Painting Senior Exhibition by Katherine Knutsen MUSIC examines the impact of wifi on coffee house interactions.

Reception 6-8 p.m. in UNC Asheville’s S. Tucker Cooke November 16 – Blue Ridge Orchestra open rehearsal – Gallery, Owen Hall, first floor. Exhibit on view weekdays Community orchestra, under direction of Milton Crotts, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Info: 828/251-6559. in rehearsal, free and open to the public, 7 p.m. at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center, in the Manheimer Room. Info: LECTURES/WORKSHOPS unca.edu/ncccr or 828/251-6140.

November 17 – Chamber Music Concert – Students November 17 – “Studying Figured Weaving at the ensembles performing include String Quartet and Brass Lisio Foundation” – Lecture by Julie Holyoke, instructor Quintet. 4 p.m., UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium, at the Lisio Foundation near Florence, Italy, describes $5 at the door, students and children free. Info: 828/251programs in jacquard design and weaving, 3 p.m. at 6423 or http://music.unca.edu/calendar-events. the UNC Asheville Kellogg Center, 1181 Broyles Rd., November 17 – Asheville Chamber Music Series PreHendersonville. Free and open to the public. Sponsored Concert Lecture – discussion will focus on the Nov. 18

by UNC Asheville’s Center for Craft, Creativity & Design. performance by the Calder Quartet. 4:15 p.m. Reuter Info: craftcreativitydesign.org.

Center, free & open to the public. No promotion – November 17 – Asheville Chamber Music Series Pre- conflicts with student concert.

Concert Lecture – discussion will focus on the Nov. 18 November 20 – Mozart Mosaic – UNC Asheville performance by the Calder Quartet. 4:15 p.m. Reuter Symphony, under direction of Milton Crotts, and Center, free & open to the public. No promotion – University Singers, under direction of Melodie Galloway. conflicts with student concert.

4 p.m., UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium, $5 at the November 18 – Humanities Lecture – “World War Two door. and the Holocaust” John McClain, lecturer in Humanities , students and children free. Info: 828/251-6432 or and Tracy Rizzo, associate professor of History, 11:25 http://music.unca.edu/calendar-events. a.m., UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium. Free and open to the public. Info: humanities.unca.edu or 828/251N.C. CENTER FOR CREATIVE RETIREMENT 6808.

November 18 – Humanities Lecture – “Representation November 16 – Blue Ridge Orchestra open rehearsal – and Cultural Intersection” Seamus McNerney, lecturer Community orchestra, under direction of Milton Crotts, in Humanities, 11:25 a.m., UNC Asheville’s Humanities in rehearsal, free and open to the public, 7 p.m. at UNC Lecture Hall. Free and open to the public. Info: humanities. Asheville’s Reuter Center, in the Manheimer Room. Info: unca.edu or 828/251-6808. unca.edu/ncccr or 828/251-6140.

EVERY DAY, your neighbors are calling, writing or dropping in our office to plop down $25 to subscribe to the Yancey County News! Why? Because they say they’ve never had a newspaper like this in Yancey County, and they appreciate it! (And we appreciate them!)

So if you want to subscribe, just fill out this form and mail it in!

YES, begin my subscription to the Yancey County News! (Out-of-county subscription submit $35.) Mail this coupon and your check to: The Yancey County News, 132 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714 NAME: _________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ TOWN: __________________________________ STATE: _________ PHONE NUMBER: ___________________________________

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 3

Opinion/Outlooks

Children, parents enjoy movie night

More than 150 people filled Yancey Theatre on Tuesday, Nov. 8, to enjoy a free showing of Forever Strong. This movie was a great opportunity for a free, fun family night. This movie also provided many opportunities to start conversations with kids about making good choices in life. “Family support, involvement, and positive attention are key to children being drug-free and successful in setting goals and accomplishing their dreams” said Dan Graham, Retired School Counselor and Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force Member.

Attendees at the movie received some free resources on how parents can start the conversation with their kids about drug and alcohol abuse prevention. Some helpful tips from Navigating The Teen Years published by “Parents – The Anti Drug” are listed below. A full resource guide is available by calling Graham Children’s Health Services at 682-7899.

Teens are inexperienced. Expectations and rules provide support and structure for young people dealing with new situations and challenges.

Expectations and rules are different, but both are essential and they work hand-in-hand. Expectations help you define the broad standards of behavior you expect from your teen. For example, you expect your teen to make responsible decisions. Rules bring your expectations to life, such as requiring your teen to be home at a certain hour. Rules and their consequences provide a concrete way to help your kids understand your expectations and learn self-control. Communicating your expectations is an important first step. Your teen may have a good sense of your attitudes about alcohol and illicit drug use and other risk-taking, but if you haven’t clearly spelled out your expectations, you are missing an opportunity. You may feel like you’re stating the obvious, but teens don’t deal so well with “gray” areas. They need to know exactly where you stand. There are many upsides to making your expectations clear. Sitting down with your teen opens the door to an important conversation about risky behaviors. Clear, firm expectations about risk-taking define limits for your teen and help prepare him or her for responding to temptation or a risky choice. And by discussing your expectations, you are sending a clear message that your teen is accountable for his or her behavior. A discussion about expectations also gives you a chance to hear from your teen.

Many teens have a sense of “it can’t happen to me” and need help fully understanding how a risky decision could affect them. You can use the conversation to probe your teens’ thinking about

WHO WE ARE

The Yancey County News is the only independent newspaper in Yancey County. It is owned, operated and published by

Susan Austin ........ Advertising/Publisher Jonathan Austin ........... Editor/Publisher who are the sole participants and members of

Yancey County News LLC 132 W. Main Street Burnsville, NC 28714 828-678-3900 jonathan@yanceycountynews.com susan@yanceycountynews.com The Yancey County News (USPS publication No. 3528) is published weekly - every Thursday - for $25 per year in Yancey County, $35 per year out of county. Published

by Yancey County News LLC, Periodicals postage paid at Burnsville, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Yancey County News, 132 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714 Printed in Boone by the Watauga Democrat on recycled paper.

To be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.

risky choices and to encourage them to think more realistically about the likely consequences of their actions. While expectations are important, they may leave some room for interpretation. This is why rules about specific behaviors, actions and responsibilities help ensure there’s no confusion.

What kinds of rules do you need? In addition to substance use and other risk-taking, you may want rules around curfew, unsupervised time, homework, chores, driving, cell phone, Internet and use of other media, such as movies, television and video games. When it comes to rules, you’ll get some push-back from your teen, but most kids expect their parents to set some limits. If your teen protests, be respectful, listen and explain your reasoning. Here are some other ideas to make rule-setting as painless as possible: • Focus on setting rules for safety with an emphasis on providing guidance rather than using power and/or issuing punishment.

• Provide opportunities for give-and take. Allow your teen to weigh in on some of the rules, but maintain the final say.

• Be firm, but not overly restrictive or intrusive.

• Set some fixed “house rules” regarding health and safety first, and then negotiate others with your teen. Be flexible and willing to renegotiate rules as your teen shows more maturity and responsibility.

• Be specific when it comes to rules about substance use. Tell your teens they are not permitted to use tobacco, alcohol or illicit drugs.

• Don’t forget to address misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications as well. Nonmedical use of prescription drugs is now a popular category of drug use among teens. Tell your teen that taking these drugs without a prescription or a doctor’s approval can be a dangerous – and even deadly – decision.

Keep in mind that it’s important to communicate your expectations to other parents as well. Parents of your teen’s friends and other adults in your teen’s life can be key allies for you, and it’s good for them to know where you stand. Finally, don’t forget to set clear consequences when you’re talking about rules. Consequences aren’t only for punishment. They keep teens alert and mindful about breaking rules, and help slow them down the next time they’re faced with a risky choice.

Lessons in ‘class warfare’

By Dr. Bernard Cochran When the gap between landlords and peasants in early 20th Century Russia and China reached 1 percent - 99 percent, the latter picked up rifles to attack a system impervious to change. “Occupy Wall Street,” Raleigh, and America, where protesters have picked up card-signs rather than carbines, has resulted from an increasingly (and similarly) obscene income gap where 400 families own wealth equivalent to the 150 million least wealthy Americans.

Many CEO’S can make more in a day than workers make in a year. Some even pull it off in an hour. CEO compensation is determined by boards of directors controlled by the system rather than by the owners, namely, shareholders.

Corporate fraud almost bankrupted national and international economies, though protesters are the only ones currently being arrested.

That the United States has not gone the way of Russia and China is due to a commonly accepted, until now, policy – the graduated or “progressive” income tax code – under which the more one brings home, the greater one’s tax liability. This policy underscores our common understanding that hard work is not the major determining factor in achieving wealth; if so, garbage collectors would be the wealthiest among us. The system rewards the wealthy, who have power, influence, and control.

Recently, The Christian Century published a graph indicating how the tax liability rates applied to the incomes of the wealthiest Americans

have changed over the last half-century. It showed that the rate, which was almost 60 percent under Eisenhower, had been lowered to 54 percent under LBJ, lowered again to 44 percent under Reagan, lowered again to 38 percent under Clinton and, finally, lowered again to its current 32 percent rate as the result of George W. Bush’s gift to the “deserving” rich.

The truth, however, is that balancing the budget by turning the mentally ill onto the streets and by slashing money available for basic human services – teachers, police, firefighters, and indigent child care – is criminal. It is gratifying that the two wealthiest Americans – Warren Buffett and Bill Gates – agree that the tax code unfairly benefits the wealthy.

Unfortunately, conservative responses to demands that top earners pay their “fair share” (currently 12 percent less than under Reagan) include claims of: 1) Class warfare (guess who has all the weapons?), 2) that only “socialists” favor “punishing” the rich (as if punishing those least able to pay is fairer), and 3) that the 1 percent are “job creators” (as in “cut their taxes even more and unemployment will virtually disappear”).

But, of course this raises at least a couple of questions: “Were Eisenhower, LBJ and, yes, Reagan ‘socialists’ who ‘punished the 1 percent?” and “Were no jobs created under a previous 44 percent - 60 percent top level tax imposition -- as opposed to Clinton’s 38 percent rate to which some have suggested a return?”

And what about our common faith traditions – are they rooted in “socialism”?

A central theme of the Hebrew Bible and Christian scriptures is God’s defense of the poor and the marginalized.

Read Amos’ scathing attack on the privileged “who oppress the poor, who crush the needy” (4:1). Class warfare, indeed.

Economic issues are justice issues, at the heart of every faith tradition. Benevolent giving is important, but the sum total of charitable contributions from every source is barely visible on a graph in comparison to total governmental tax income.

How taxes are levied and spent – i.e. bombs or bread for the alarming number of povertystricken – are significant theological and ethical issues.

“Pie in the sky” theology is the opposite of Jesus’ mandate: “Thy kingdom come ... on earth.”

The current political system, which corrupts Republicans and Democrats alike, is owned by the 1 percent.

Unlimited financial support for politicians buys votes supporting injustice. Where do most faith traditions stand on the issues? Unfortunately, where most stood on slavery, segregation, and other justice controversies – for the most part, supporting the system, at times claiming biblical justification.

If prophets of social justice do not arise in the Temple, they will arise in the streets.

Bernard H. Cochran, is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Meredith College.

4 Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

Obituaries Tommy Gibbs

member and former commander of the Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57, DAV. Surviving are his children: David McCarty of Burnsville, and Nancy Ryan and Robert McCarty, both of Jacksonville, Florida; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; three sisters: and, a beloved friend of 32 years, Bette (Becky) Masters of Burnsville.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57, DAV, P. O. Box 868, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is assisting the McCarty family.

Tommy “Junior” Gibbs, WWII veteran, of Easley. went to be with the Lord on Nov. 5, 2011. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Juanita Evans Gibbs.

Born in Burnsville, he was a son of the late Oscar and Pansy Silver Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs worked in law enforcement, serving with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and was retired owner of Gibb’s Real Estate. Tom was an Army veteran, having served in World War II.He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Greenville and the Auditorium Sunday School Class.

Surviving in addition to his wife of the home, are four sons, David Lee Henson of Statesville, NC., John Darrell Gibbs of Easley, Richard Harold Gibbs of Asheville, NC and Joseph Thomas Gibbs of Burnsviile, NC.; two daughters, Sandra Joan Faigle of Greer and Sarah Elizabeth Santos, of Greenville; nineteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Sarah Jones and Mary Wagner; two half-sisters, Edith Parrish and Julia Harbon.

Funeral was Tuesday at Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Melvin Aiken and the Rev. Dr. Jimmy Rose officiating. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens, Easley.

The family is at their respective homes.

The family requests that memorials be made to WTBI radio station, a ministry of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Lillie Howell Condolences may be expressed online Lillie Howell, 88, of Burnsville, went home at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home- to be with the Lord, Monday, November Powdersville Rd., which is assisting the 7, 2011, at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care. A native of Yancey County, she was a family. daughter of the late William and Liz Ballew Moody and the wife of B. T. Howell who died in 1993.

She was also preceded in death by brothers: Douglas and Reid Moody. Lillie was a member of West Burnsville Baptist Church.

Surviving are three daughters: Lana D. Miller of Mocksville, Hedy Loretta Wooten of Yadkinville and Betty Jean Webb of Gainesville, Ga.; two sons: Bayard T. Howell, Jr., of Burnsville and Shawn Howell of Mars Hill; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Alma Carroll of Connellys Springs, Maud Simmons, Georgia Geouge and Ruby Huskins Hall all of Burnsville.

Funeral service wasWednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Burial was in the West Burnsville Baptist Church Cemetery

Ernest McCarty

Claybourn Ponder

Ernest “Mac” McCarty, 86, of Burnsville, went to be with the Lord Friday, November 4, 2011. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was a son of the late Ernest Clay and Marie McCarty. A World War II Army Combat Engineer, he retired to Burnsville from Florida, after years in the wholesale, retail food industry, in 1972. Mac had volunteered more than 9,000 hours at the Asheville Veterans Hospital. He was a

Claybourn James Ponder, 59, of Foxx Creek passed away on Friday, November 4th, 2011 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

A native of Yancey County, he was the son of the late Raleigh and Atlas Marie Hensley. He was also preceded in death by his former wife, Brenda Forbes and a grandmother, Lillie Mae Ponder. Mr. Ponder loved to hunt and fish and play the guitar.

Surviving are a daughter, Regina

Ponder Grindstaff and husband Dennis of Bakersville, a son, Johnathan Ponder and wife, Nairi of Micaville; two brothers: Devoyd Ponder and wife Sue, and Delane Ponder and wife Christine all of Foxx Creek. One granddaughter, Allison Shea Ponder. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral was Monday in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Rev. Charles English officiating. Burial followed in the Chandler Hensley Cemetery on Miller Branch Road.

Robert J. Boone Robert “Bob” J. Boone, 102, of the South Toe Community, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Brian Center in Spruce Pine. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Willard and Sarah Buchanan Boone. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Fannie Boone and a daughter, Margie Higgins.

Mr. Boone was retired from Feldspar Corporation and loved to fish and hunt. He was 51 year member of Burnsville Masonic Lodge # 717 A.F & A.M. Surviving are his wife of 12 years, Belvie Ballew Boone and a daughter, Betty Jean Robinson, two sons : RV Boone and Phillip Boone and wife Brenda ; a sister, Pauline Deal and husband John ; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grand children; 5 great-great grandchildren; 9 step grandchildren and 4 step great-grand children also survive.

Funeral was Sunday, in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Revs. Forest Westall, Rev Randy Autrey and the Rev. Harold Ward officiated. Burial was in the Plum Branch Church Cemetery with Masonic Rites conducted by Burnsville Masonic Lodge.

Thomas Chandler McNeill Thelma Chandler McNeill, 87, of Ivy Gap, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 7, 2011 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Goldman and Betsy Ledford Chandler. She was also preceded in death by two sisters: Gurthie Ballard and Rosie Chandler and four brothers: Leonard, Woodrow, Jay and Dewey Chandler. Thelma was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who’s life centered around her husband, daughter and grandchildren.

Surviving are her loving husband of 47 years, E.S. “Mack” McNeill; her loving daughter, Clara Brinkley Banks and husband, Rev. Dale Banks, of Banks Creek; sister, Gladys Franklin of Weaverville; brother, Cameron Chandler of Williamsburg, VA; sister-in-law, Hope Chandler of Burnsville; three grandchildren: Linda Bennett and husband, Stuart, of Arden, Lenny Banks and wife, Julie, of Jacks Creek and Michael Banks and wife, Jenny, of Banks Creek; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great, greatgrandchildren; her beloved dog, Trippi and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral was Wednesday in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Revs. Dale Banks and Michael Banks will officiate.

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 5

BOER unwilling to force Mountain Air collections?

From the front But Mountain Air has threatened to take the fight to the state Court of Appeals, and has been back before the county BOER over the summer and as recently as last week seeking a settlement. Without their attorney present the BOER initially accepted a settlement at its July 22 meeting, but then reconsidered and overturned that decision on Nov. 3.

The board voted 3-2 to reconsider its July move apparently based on the argument that the BOER doesn’t have the authority to lower the amount and could be sued if it did.

“If you have arbitrarily lowered that amount,” then “any taxpayer can appeal,” county attorney Donny Laws told the board last week. If any complaint is ratified, then the board members are “personally liable” for losses, Laws said.

“It’s not a negotiation to determine what that value is,” Laws told the board. “(You can’t) pick a number out of the air.”

But negotiation is apparently what the board engaged in with Mountain Air Development Corp. president and CEO Randy Banks, according to minutes from the July 22 meeting regarding the appraisal of land in the Settlers Edge section of Mountain Air. According to the minutes of the meeting, Banks “wished the value of the section called ‘Settlers Edge’ to be ... $50,000 per acre.

Discussion among members leads Chairman (Johnny) Riddle to state that he would be favorable to $200,000 per acre. Randy stated that he would not accept that value, he would just take his case to (the) Court of Appeals where he was sure to win. Dale England asked if he would consider $150,000 per acre. Randy said no to that amount as well. Dale asked if Randy would consider $100,000 per acre as the assessed value for Settlers Edge. After some thought, Randy replied that he would accept that as a value,” the minutes note.

England made a motion to set the value for the 20.3 acres in Settler’s Ridge at $100,000 (per acre) for 2011, “which would set the total value of the acreage at $2,030,000.” The motion was seconded by Michele Presnell and approved 4-1.

In the same July meeting, the BOER accepted a total 2011 tax value of $6 million for what was referred to as ‘Mountain Air Country Club Amenities,’ which Banks said was “some common areas, including roads, parks, open space and airplane runway.” That amount was millions less than the value assigned at the appraisal and ratified by the state tax board.

The board reconvened three days later, where Banks presented a proposed news release to announce the settlement of the Mountain Air tax appeals dating back to 2008, and also presented a new proposal for the settlement of the Settlers Edge and Mountain Air Development Corp. for “all taxes owed since 2008.” According to the minutes, Banks suggested that Mountain Air Development Corp. “shall agree to a collective settlement value of $2,160,000 for tax years 2008, 2009 and 2010,” and would pay those past-due taxes “in monthly installments of $4,000 per month for eight consecutive months.”

In the press release, on which someone had handwritten the note “Proposed Newspaper Article,” Banks is quoted as saying that “Before we appealed the properties that appeared so clearly out of line, we made numerous requests for information showing us how those values were arrived at. Nothing

was ever provided to us that showed there was any valid method of valuing those properties, so we had no choice but to appeal those properties. Once we really started checking into it, we discovered that about half of the contested amount was already being picked up by other properties in Mountain Air and was, in essence, a double-taxation issue. The other major component was due to the fact that a parcel of land within the Mountain Air community had been arbitrarily subdivided into individual tax parcels by the county during the revaluation and assigned a perparcel retail value, which is not allowable under the North Carolina statutes and has no recognized or validated basis for determining value.”

The suggested news story included proposed reactiom by commission chairman Riddle in which the county voiced thanks for Mountain Air’s efforts and “for the contributions they have made, and continue to make, to the economic well-being of Yancey County.”

The proposed news article would have had Riddle saying: “We appreciate Mountain Air’s patience on working with us to help us understand the issues.”

This, of course, was after the state tax board had validated all of the county tax valuations for the property in question, and said that the land which Mountain Air said was “arbitrarily subdivided ... by the county” was actually subdivided on a deed that had been prepared

by Mountain Air, was marketed as individual lots, and some of the lots were sold, creating a value that was considered by the county in assessing the remaining property.

Banks apparently didn’t get any traction with his proposals, because the minutes show that “Johnny Riddle stated he was very uncomfortable with what was voted on last meeting and thought they should take some more time to consider the issue before making a final decision.”

According to the minutes, Banks again “stated that the county had no legal right to assess Settlers Ridge as individual lots as the property had not been deeded out as lots (and a) survey had not been recorded.” But the minutes show that Tax Assessor Jeff Boone “presented a recorded deed that described the individual lots for Settlers Edge.”

The Property Tax Commission accepted the county’s position that the Settlers Edge property is 22 individual lots, and noted that Mountain Air Development Corp. conveyed the parcels to Settlers Edge Holding Co. LLC on June 25, 2007, and identified them as 22 individual lots.

Records filed with the state Secretary of State show that Settlers Edge Holding Co. LLC is a company formed and owned by Mountain Air Development Corp.

In its Settlers edge appeal to the state tax board, Mountain Air presented a witness who said he appraised the property as one parcel valued at $6.5 million. The county argued that the property was appraised accurately as 22 individual lots because Settlers Edge itself had “designated the property as individual lots, lots were sold and transferred as individual lots,” the owner “marketed the property for sale as individual lots,” and “the property was marketed as a subdivision.”

The Property Tax Commission noted that the county took into consideration the fact that three of the lots - lots 6, 9, and 10 - had sold ”prior to the Jan. 1, 2008, reappraisal

for $855,000, $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 respectively. Also, the tax commission noted that Mountain Air had produced “brochures (that were) furnished to buyers (which) showed specific lots that were surveyed out and an artist’s rendering of potential homes on those lots.”

The state board said the appraisals of the Settlers Edge lands “were based on an appraisal method that correctly values real property,” and that “when the values are correct the county has no authority to make a change of adjustment.” In other words, the county was right and the appraisals reflected the actual value of the property.

According to a guidebook produced to instruct county tax boards, there are several things the BOER cannot consider when dealing with an appeal of the appraised value of property.

Among those are these tips: “Decisions should not be based on personal or political friendships or obligations; should not be based on the percentage increase or change from the previous appraisal or previous amount of taxes; should not be based on the actual sales price or private appraisal of the subject property when there is better evidence of a different value, such as that supported by verified sales of comparable properties; should not be based on the economic ability of the owner to pay the anticipated tax; and should not be based on personal sympathies towards any individual.”

Likewise, the board cannot approve a modification based on “inflation, deflation, or other economic changes affecting the county in general.”

The guidebook continues: “Any attempt to appraise lots owned by a developer at a value different from the value assigned to similar lots owned by purchasers is absolutely wrong!

The identity of the owner of the property has nothing to do with the value of the property.

The law requires that property and its relevant features and conditions, not ownership, be the basis for determining value. Each lot owned by a developer must be appraised and assessed in a manner consistent with the county’s appraisal and assessment of similar lots owned by individual purchasers.”

The guidebook does give three reasons why a taxpayer can seek a change in the appraised value of property. “A valid defense shall include the following: a tax imposed through a clerical error; an illegal tax; or (a) tax levied for an illegal purpose. These three specific grounds for appeal of the tax are exclusive.

No other defense to the tax may be considered without the members of the governing body running the risk of ... harsh sanctions.”

After a closed-door session last week with the county attorney, the BOER returned to public session. Commissioner England made a motion that the board affirm the previous decision to accept the settlement negotiated with Banks, and Commissioner Jill Austin seconded the motion. The motion was defeated 3-2 with Austin and England voting in favor.

The board then heard a motion by Commissioner Marvin Holland to reconsider the previous decision, and that was seconded

by Commissioner Michele Presnell. The motion was approved on a 3-2 vote with Riddle, Holland and Presnell voting in favor.

After discussion, the board and Banks agreed to hold a hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m., to address his appeal.

6

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

UARA Racing

LaJoie captures second career win at Rockingham Speedway Corey LaJoie captured his second career UARA-STARS win at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday afternoon after passing Sunoco Pole Award winner Paddy Rodenbeck with less than ten laps to go and surviving a green-whitecheckered finish.

Rodenbeck held onto second while Kyle Grissom, Rookie of the Year George Miedecke and Holley Performer of the Race Blake Jones rounded out the top five.

Rodenbeck blasted to the Sunoco Pole with a 24.967-second lap on Saturday morning, nearly four tenths of a second faster than the next

closest competitor, Kyle Grissom. Three cautions slowed the field over the first 25 laps, including one red flag period when Jesse Little slid the entire length of the back straightaway with his car on it’s side after contact with AR Bodies Hard Luck Award winner Randy Benson. Both drivers escaped unharmed.

At lap 25, the field was brought to pit road for a five minute break to check tire wear after rains on Friday washed all the rubber off the racetrack and cancelled all on-track activity. Teams were permitted to change up to two tires and make any other

adjustments to their machines.

When the green flag came out with 50 laps to go, Rodenbeck again shot out to a significant lead over Grissom and LaJoie. After a restart following the cleanup of Scott Turlington’s blown motor on lap 40, LaJoie motored

by Kyle Grissom and gave chase to R o d e n b e c k ’s N o .

82 Dodge. LaJoie maintained the one second deficit until the final 15 laps when he began to slowly chip away at Rodenbeck’s lead. With five laps to go, LaJoie caught Rodenbeck and made a move for the top spot in turn three.

LaJoie began to pull away to what appeared to be an easy win until the No.26 of Joey Herques made contact with the turn one wall with less than two laps to go. The late race caution dictated that the series make one attempt at a greenwhite-checkered restart. LaJoie took off on the green flag but slipped over the bumps in turns three and four, allowing Rodenbeck to pull alongside coming to the white flag.

“I was 15 car lengths back and wasn’t sure I could win this thing.

But I knew he was better than me in three and four and I had to hit it exactly perfect to even maintain with

him. And I was way better than he was in one and two. I knew that was where my strong point was,” explained LaJoie, who joined his best friend Brandon McReynolds as the only multitime winner in UARA competition at Rockingham.

“I manned up and Stroker (spotter Coleman Pressley) came on the radio and told me there was ten laps to go and to drive like hell, let the big dog eat. I cranked on the belts one time and started trying to put the left front right on the apron and let it hook.

“I ended up running him back down and when I was trying to

National Finals Rodeo

TICKETS ON SALE

Bullriding, Barrel racing, bronc riding, roping, and more!

NOW!

Advance tickets: Adults only $15 – Kids only $5 The SRA Juniors National Finals is the same weekend during the day!!

Tickets available at Alan’s on Patton Ave and Tunnel Rd Also purchase in advance at Fat Buddies in Waynesville and Amazing Savings in Black Mountain Or Purchase online! http://www.showclix.com/event/76172 AN-0000291282

figure out how to pass him he went down into three and four and missed the corner.

I said ‘thank you!’ and started driving off into the sunset and the caution came out,” LaJoie said.

On the final lap, Rodenbeck and LaJoie both slid up the banking in turn one, nearly making contact and both cars sideways in front of the field. LaJoie got the better run down the back straightaway and pulled Rodenbeck three car lengths through turns three and four to claim his second victory at Rockingham in the UARA-STARS. LaJoie battled Rodenbeck in 2009 for the inaugural UARA event win at The Rock.

“I figured it was just my luck when the caution came out,” admitted LaJoie, who claimed the Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race Award for Charlie Long. “I got a good restart and he got a good run off of three and four coming to the white like he had all day. I missed the corner a little bit and we both drove it down into turn one just like we did two years ago when I beat him. I got it turned and pointed back down the hill and brought back a ‘W.’” “He reeled me in with about 15 to go and I started giving it a little bit more effort.

I pulled him a few more car lengths and then, I guess, he got up on the wheel a little bit more and caught me again,” Rodenbeck, who also claimed the Marlowe Racing Chassis Halfway Leader Award, explained. “I slipped up in three and four and he got by me and the caution came out. On the restart I got underneath him but he just out drove me.”

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 7

Rep. Ray Rapp’s report from Raleigh October was a spooky month with many surprises, some pleasing and others disappointing. First the good news: My former Campaign Manager and Legislative Assistant Forrest Gilliam has been promoted

by Governor Bev Perdue to the position as Director of the Governor’s Western Office.

The Madison County native has been serving with distinction for over a year as a member of the Governor’s Legislative Liaison Team and he brings his knowledge, talents and concern for the citizens of WNC to his new position. Equally positive this month was the award of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to “the Angel of Canton,” as I refer to her, Juanita Dixon. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of the most prestigious awards issued by the Governor. It has been given to individuals such as Billy Graham, Bill Friday, Maya Angelou and Hugh Morton for their proven record of extraordinary service to the State. I was honored to present the award to Juanita at the Haywood County Democratic “Soup Line Dinner” on Saturday, October 29 in recognition to her lifetime of service to the poor, the elderly, minorities and persons with special needs. While she and her late husband were overnight guests at President Bill Clinton’s White House, and she served as part of former House Speaker Liston B. Ramsey’s “Kitchen Cabinet” and special advisor to former Representatives Ernest Messer, Charles Beall and me, Juanita spends most of her time with the poor, the homeless, senior citizens and individuals with critical needs. She defines Christian Servant-Leadership in my mind and I cannot think of any person more deserving of this award.

By contrast it was disappointing to observe

the NC Senate’s unwillingness to support the $45 million incentive package that would have brought Continental Tire and 1,300 jobs to deeply-distressed, southeastern North Carolina. Instead, South Carolina “won” the new plant. It was disappointing, too, to view on YouTube the presentation of House Speaker Tom Tillis at Mars Hill College on October 7: “What we have to do,” Speaker Tillis argued, “is find a way to divide and conquer the people who are on assistance.

We have to show respect for that woman who has cerebral palsy and had no choice in her condition that needs help and we should help. And we need to get those folks to look down at these people who choose to get into a condition that makes them dependent on the government.” The Speaker called for drug testing of state employees and people on public assistance (a Florida policy just declared unconstitutional by a federal judge) and he answered a concern about protecting clean water in NC by noting that one of his Committee Chairs, Rep. Mitch Gillespie (R) of McDowell County, has put up a target on his office window facing the building that houses the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, an agency that was cut 22% in this year’s budget.

Speaker Tillis and Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Phil Berger originally planned to conduct the next special session of the General Assembly from November 7 to 9. Last week, we were informed that most of the items slated to be taken up at this special session would be re-calendared for November 28, 29 and 30 and yesterday we received word that we would still meet on November 7 and perhaps on November 8 to vote on “technical corrections” to the

redistricting legislation. Last week, too, the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, former Speaker Harold Brubaker, scheduled a meeting of the full Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees on November 16. At this point it is unclear why the Appropriations Committee is being called and why most items on the calendar for the special session are being re-scheduled for the end of November. One thing is clear: This is the General Assembly session that is NEVER ENDING and, as one of the Minority Whips, I am hearing much grumbling about how difficult it is to plan personal, professional and local Legislative meetings.

The State of Gambling in NC A three-judge NC Court of Appeals panel heard arguments last week on the 2010 Video Sweepstakes Law that was introduced by former Rep. Melanie Goodwin and me. It is hoped that a favorable ruling will put an end to this form of video gambling so that police and prosecutors can begin the systematic enforcement of the law. While the Appeals Court considers this case, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is working with lobbyists Steve Metcalf and his son John to advocate for live dealers at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. There is a broad outline of agreement involving the Governor and the leadership in the House and Senate and, at a meeting with Principal Chief Michele Hicks and Tribal Council members on October 21, I expressed my support for live gambling at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino because, as I stated inelegantly, gambling by machines is permitted there under the existing compact and it is like being a little bit pregnant.

Isn’t it nice to have a newspaper in Yancey that actually gives you news to read?

A paper that thinks there’s more to journalism than copying and pasting press releases onto the front page?

A paper that prints news based on facts and the truth, rather than whether or not it involves their profit margin?

Isn’t it nice?

Yancey County News

8

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

Heritage FFA hits gold and silver at national convention

By Whitney Bowers, FFA Reporter More than 60,000 members, advisors and guests registered for the National FFA Convention recently in Indianapolis, and members of the Mountain Heritage club came back with high honors, including a first place national award for one member and FFA Degree honors for others.

The National FFA Convention - the largest annual student national convention in the nation - featured competitors from across the nation.

The Mountain Heritage Agriculture Mechanics team, which won at state competition last summer, brought home a silver plaque after two grueling days of competition, placing 24th out of 46 teams.

Winning at state was an unimaginable feat for this dream team, they said, considering that the high school doesn’t offer an Agriculture Mechanics course, and the team placed in the top 15 in structural systems (welding), winning the Heritage agriculture shop a new Lincoln welder.

Justin Deitz was the high scoring individual on the team placing 32nd out of 170 contestants and earning an individual gold medal. Deitz also earned first place in the nation honors in structural systems (welding). “I was shocked to hear my name called as first-place individual in welding,” Deitz said. “For three years I had dreamed going to Nationals, and I never thought I could even come close to competing with some of the students there, let alone place in anything. It was an honor, and well worth all the practice to compete.”

FFA Advisor Chad Ayers had this to say about Justin’s and the team accomplishment: “I am so very proud of Justin. He is a prime example of how hard work pays off. He has been the catalyst and team leader for our Agriculture Mechanics teams over the last few years. Justin started his pursuit of these goals as a sophomore. It is very gratifying to see students work so hard to achieve their goals.

“Being a national winner could not have happened to a more outstanding, hardworking and dedicated young man than Justin Deitz, Ayers said. As a whole, the team has accomplished the impossible (by) winning state and placing sliver at nationals without having an agriculture mechanics class or teacher. This is a very special achievement for these young men.”

Cody Woodby was the second highest

l

l

l

Justin Deitz took first place in the nation in the Agriculture Mechanics, Structural Systems (welding) competition at the national FFA convention, He received a gold medal and aided the Heritage team finish in the top 15 in the nation and winning a new Lincoln Welder. scoring individual on the team, placing 61st FFA, the American FFA Degree.Comperable to and earning a silver medal. He placed 12th Scoutings’ Eagle Scout award, recipients must individually in the Industry and Marketing meet stringent requirements including earning System area. more than $7,500 from their Supervised Aaron Elliott, a senior, placed 125th to earn Agriculture Experience. Of more than half a a silver medal. Shane Murphy, a senior and million FFA members, the American Degree first year Ag Mechanics team member, placed has been awarded to only about 3,500 people.

145th, earning a bronze medal.

This is not the first time Mountain Heritage This is the first year in recent history FFA members have earned their American Mountain Heritage has competed in the Degree; former recipients include Meghan National Agriculture Mechanics event, Ayers Fender, 2008, and Gary Pandolfi, 2010. said.

Chapter President Lauren Evoy enjoyed the For their efforts, members the Ag Mechanics entire week on an all-expense paid National team have been offered scholarships - valued Convention by serving as one of North at up to $20,000 each - by several technical Carolina’s 15 national delegates. Lauren schools from across the nation. This is the third participated in many national leadership year in a row that Mountain Heritage FFA has workshops, business meetings of national had at least one team or individual to compete committees, and traveled and roomed with in national FFA competition. other North Carolina FFA officers. She also Three 2010 Mountain Heritage graduates - sat on floor level for numerous convention Tara Hughes Matt Renfro and Jessie Burleson sessions.

- received the highest degree awarded in the Continued on page 9

l l

l l l

l

l

New Arrivals!

Coats Plus sizes l

519 Hwy 19E Bypass Beside JBs Bargains • 284-4207

Mon-Fri 10-6 • Thurs: extended hours Saturday 10-4

l

l

l

l

Heritage FFA members attending the National FFA Convention: Blake Tschudy, Whitney Bowers, Cody Woody, Tyara Peterson, Justin Deitz, Lauren Evoy, Matt Renfro, Emily Ray, Aaron Elliott, Jerica Woody, Shane Murphy, Tara Hughes, and Damian McFarland.

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 9

SAVE $100’s in Prescription Costs

By Comparing Your Medicare Health Plan Benefits Each Year.

We’ll Compare For You !!!

Just Ask Your Pharmacist or Jerry Scarborough, sales agent.

There is no charge for this service.

You must make your changes

by December 7 to be effective for 2012.

Don’t put it off and possibly lose money...

ONLY 5 WEEKS LEFT IN THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD!

As GED graduate June Buchanan walked across the stage to receive her certificate, family and friends showed their support by creating a sign that said “Go Mammaw.”

Mayland honors 106 with GED graduation ceremony

Jerry Scarborough, sales agent (828) 208-2562

730 East Main Street Burnsville, NC 28714 (828) 678-3914

Mayland Community College’s Basic Skills Program held its fall GED graduation ceremony on November 4 at the college’s Sam Center Auditorium on its main campus. Since the spring graduation ceremony, 106 individuals earned their GED at Mayland and nine of which were honor graduates.

The guest speaker during the ceremony was

Leeann Sparks, a Mayland GED graduate who continued taking classes at the college. Today she works at the Banner Elk Best Western Lodge as guest service manager.

Two scholarships were presented during the ceremony, one to Crystal Autrey and another to Crystal Riddle.

$89,000 - REDUCED - Three bedrooms, Two baths, 1,400 sq. feet!

Living room w/ gas fireplace. Kitchen w/center island, lovely dining room.

Rocking chair front porch. Private end-of-road .46 ACRE with fenced pasture and utility building suitable for stalls for animals. Only 3 miles to town!

Call to find out about financing and BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

LUNSFORD REALTY 678-3400

American Degree recipients Matt Renfro, Tara Hughes and Jessie Burleson

FFA takes honors

“It was an amazing opportunity to be able to represent my school, state, and nation in such vital decisions for our organization,” she said.

This is the second year in a row Mountain Heritage has sent a national delegate to the convention. Last year’s president, Sarah Edwards, served in the same capacity last year.

Other FFA members on the trip participated in the National Days of Service. The Mountain Heritage group, including Whitney Bowers, Emily Ray, Tyara Peterson, Regional and Chapter President Lauren Damian McFarland, Blake Evoy was a national delegate to the Tschudy, and Jerica Woody, convention. volunteered at the Gleaners Food Bank soup kitchen

in Indianapolis preparing back sacks of food for needy children.

Other enjoyable, beneficial, and educational opportunities consisted of: * College & Career Show – with over 3 acres of more than 1,300 educational & interactive exhibits. From many colleges and agricultural industries across the country. * Convention Sessions – with the Conseco Field house filled with FFA members from across the country.

They experienced opening & closing ceremonies, award presentations, and listened to nationally recognized motivational speakers. * Tour of Indianapolis Motor Speedway

* National Leadership Workshops * Ice Skating * Floor tickets for Blake Shelton, Steel Magnolia, and Little Big Town Concert * Three Hills Rodeo * Fine Dinning at Bucca de Bepo * FFA & Indianapolis Mall Many people support the agriculture program and made this trip possible for the students. Farm Bureau is the leading financial supporter for the Mountain Heritage Agriculture Education and FFA program. Donations from Farm Bureau and other sponsors made opportunities such as National Convention a reality for these students.

10

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

Mayland News

Community college celebrates 40 years of service M a y l a n d Community College held DREAM (Dreams Realized Every Day at Mayland) Day on Nov. 6 at the college’s Main Campus. This event celebrated 40 years of service for the college as well as recognized outstanding alumni and community members.

Speakers for the event included Elaine Boone of Yancey County who was one of Mayland’s first typing instructors when classes were held upstairs in the Fortner Insurance Building in downtown Spruce Pine. Recalling her time with the college, Elaine says, “Mayland was always so good to me.” Boone and her husband

David participated in Mayland Foundation’s Dream H o m e To u r t h i s October and shared the history of their community and home with tour guests.

A second speaker, Austin Elkins of Yancey County, is a 2011 graduate of Mountain Heritage High School. He is currently enrolled in Mayland’s Horticulture Program.

He plans to earn his AA degree at Mayland and then transfer into NC A&T’s online horticulture program or might study theology.

“It’s for God to decide,” he said.

Elkins has received three scholarships: the Don Polk Scholarship, the Yancey-Mitchell Board of Realtors

Austin Elkins who discussed the importance of giving to help others and the meaning of being a scholarship recipient and able to continue his path to a better life through education.

Old Time Timber, Inc.

Grading contractor • Large or Small Jobs • Septic • Chipping • Equipped for Most Any Work • Excavating • Tree Removal • Retaining Wall • Custom Sawmilling

Sammy_Riddle64@yahoo.com

828-284-1164

DREAM Day guest speaker Elaine Boone talked about the history and importance of MCC in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties.

Scholarship, a n d M a y l a n d ’s Earl and Esther Wright Memorial Scholarship. He is the son of Russell and June Elkins.

Robert Bailey and Buck Stove were presented the 2011 President’s Award.

Bailey has worked quietly and tirelessly to strengthen, support and encourage the growth, development and livelihood of his community. 40 years ago, just as Mayland had its beginnings, Bailey created a nationally respected industrial enterprise that is still growing, thriving and hiring. As one of Mitchell County’s native sons, Bailey exemplifies mountain independence and resourcefulness.

Bailey and his company, New Buck Corporation, continue t o i n v e n t n e w, beautiful, useful (and green) products, all made only in America.

Bailey’s commitment to family, community, hard work and giving

back made him a clear choice for this award.

Martha Guy was presented with the first Founders’ Award during DREAM Day. She is one of the original Mayland Trustees, and her visionary leadership in the beginning years of the college set the stage for Mayland’s future role in serving Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey Counties.

Over the past 40 years, Guy has committed considerable time, talent, and financial resources in fulfillment of that initial vision. Her passion for the college continues in her service as an active board member of the Mayland Community College Foundation.

Mayland’s Board o f Tr u s t e e s a l s o presented their annual distinguished alumni and citizen awards.

The Yancey County 2011 Distinguished Alumni is 2008 graduate, Cathryn Hughes. While at Mayland, Hughes served as a Student

Ambassador, and was selected Outstanding Graduate of the Associate in Arts program.

She received a degree from MarsHill College in D e c e m b e r, 2 0 1 0 , and is now earning her Master’s degree in library science at Appalachian State U n i v e r s i t y. H e r success has come full circle as she now teaches in Mayland’s Human Resources Development Program, also teaches social studies at Mountain Heritage High School, and is an assistant with the MAGIC afterschool program at Cane River Middle School.

Hughes has two passions: football and education.

Hughes has been filming games at Cane River Middle School for the last eight years; her dad has been coaching football there for the past 28 years.

“I have grown up with football all my life and know of the positive breakthroughs that occur within the youth of our area because of it,” Hughes says. “As an educator, my goal is to help students down the path of success and instill a love of both history

and learning.”

Since 2006, Hughes has also worked as a radio announcer at WKYK in Burnsville and WTOE in Spruce Pine.

In Yancey County, the name Larry Howell is synonymous with education.

His longstanding dedication to the students of Yancey County has earned him the title of the 2011 Yancey County Distinguished Citizen.

Anyone wanting to know anything about the history of education in Yancey County just needs to ask Howell. For 34 years, Howell worked in the Yancey County School System, spending six years as a high school teacher/ counselor and 28 years in administration at Burnsville, Micaville, Cane River and Mountain Heritage.

He attended the 1st class of Principals Executive Program, initiated the Tech Prep Program at MHHS, and mentored many future administrators in Yancey County.

Howell’s passion is student success.

He is Chairman of Ya n c e y C o u n t y ’s Traditional Voices Group and continues to be involved with the schools and the music and history preservation of Yancey County.

Howell is married to Mary Howell; they have two sons, Jeff and Brent Howell.

Other award recipients from Avery County included alumnus Anthony Pollygus and distinguished citizen E d w i n a S l u d e r, and from Mitchell County alumnus Wa n d a D u n c a n and distinguished citizen Phillip Byrd.

Service awards were presented to Jim Greene, William Ellis, Kristabell Kennedy, and Dr. John Boyd.

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 11

Outdoors

Deer suffering from hemorrhagic disease

Perfect conditions can mean vastly different things. Perfect conditions for deer hunting would include several days of rain followed by the first really cold spell. However, this summer provided perfect conditions for something else. Across North Carolina, the hot dry summer followed by the onslaught of rain from storms such as Irene provided perfect conditions for flies and gnats. These insects are the carrier for the virus that inflicts hemorrhagic disease in deer, cattle, and sheep, amongst other animals.

Hemorrhagic disease - encompassing two sub-infections known as epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and blue tongue disease - is well known in hunting circles and has been spotted throughout North Carolina this season. An infected deer may lose its fear of humans as it becomes obsessed with finding water and shade in order to combat high fever.

Symptoms include cracked hooves, bloating, thinning, and weakness, especially if the deer has suffered for an extended period of time.

Swollen lips and tongues with a blue color, hence the name blue tongue disease, may be seen but are not necessarily present. Often dead deer will be found near rivers and bodies of water.

Bill Howard’s

Outdoors

The last major outbreak was in 2007, with five notable outbreaks since the 1980s.

Deer presumed to be infected can still be harvested by hunters, as the meat and hide are still safe to eat and use. The disease cannot be transferred to humans; the only passage of the disease is through midges (flies and gnats). The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is requesting any

deer displaying such symptoms, or found dead or dying, be reported to the Division of Wildlife Management at (919)707-0050 or wrccomments@ncwildlife.org.

As mentioned in many arguments as a reason to hunt, diseases that can damage herds such as hemorrhagic disease are primarily reported by hunters and outdoorsmen. In 2007, for instance, an outbreak of blue tongue disease was initially spotted by hunters scouting land near the Asheville area. Hemorrhagic disease has been known to strike deer populations with as much as a 30 percenr mortality rate in local areas, so you can see why it is important to be reported. If a deer survives through the disease, it develops immunity to future outbreaks.

Counties affected by hemorrhagic disease this season include Yancey and Cherokee, and northeastern counties such as Halifax, Edgecombe, Northampton, Bertie and Gates.

Bill Howard is a Hunter Education and a Bowhunter Education Instructor, a wildlife representative and the BCRS program chairman for the North Carolina Bowhunters Association, and an avid outdoorsman. He can be reached at billhoward outdoors@gmail. com.

Regional tournament on Lake Hartwell features top boaters, anglers David Williams of Maiden won the Walmart Bass Fishing League (BFL) Regional on Lake Hartwell Saturday with a three-day total of 13 bass weighing 39 pounds, 10 ounces. For his victory, Williams won a 198VX Ranger boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor plus a Chevy 1500 Silverado and a berth in the BFL All-American presented

by Chevy. The regional tournament featured the top 40 boaters and 40 co-anglers from the Choo Choo, Gator, North Carolina and Shenandoah divisions of the circuit.

“Fall fishing is not like fishing any other time of the year,” Williams said. “The fish scatter and could be anywhere, you just don’t know.

I covered a lot of water during the tournament and if it looked good I fished it. I caught bass on docks, points, brush piles and schooling.”

“I was using spinnerbaits and jigs all week.

Most of the bigger fish came on a jig in shallow water. It was just typical fall fishing for me; I tried to cover more water and make more casts than anyone else. You had to struggle for every bite, but it worked out real good for me.”

Williams said that he is looking forward to fishing the BFL All-American at the Potomac River next May with his dad, Gerald Williams, who finished fifth in the co-angler division to qualify as well.

The remaining top six boaters who also qualified for the BFL All-American were: 2nd: Eddie Bussard, Sanford, Fla., 13 bass, 31-13, $1,500 3rd: Chris Baxter, Winder, Ga., 15 bass, 3110, $1,100 4th: Brian Tidwell, Seneca, S.C., 15 bass, 30-6, $1,000 5th: Steven James, Easley, S.C., 15 bass, 30-6, $900 6th: Conrad Bolt, Seneca, S.C., 15 bass, 30-6, $800 Rounding out the top 10 boaters were: 7th: Randy Childers, Anderson, S.C., 15 bass, 30-3, $700

8th: Johnny Patterson, Grant Ala., 15 bass, 28-3, $650 9th: Kelly Logan, Morganton, N.C., 15 bass, 27-13, $600 10th: Johnny Price Jr., Brookwood, Ala., 14 bass, 27-7, $550 Kurt Moser of Max Meadows, Va., won the Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 11 bass weighing 23 pounds, 9 ounces.

He took home a 198VX Ranger boat including a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor along with a berth in the BFL All-American presented by Chevy.

The remaining top six co-anglers who also qualified for the BFL All-American were: 2nd: Mark Belew, Palmyra, Va., 15 bass, 21-10, $750 3rd: Wayne Smelser, Rural Retreat, Va., 14 bass, 21-2, $550 4th: Donnie Woody, Marion, N.C., 15 bass, 21-1, $500 5th: Gerald Williams, Maiden, N.C., nine bass, 20-0, $450 6th: Jerry Comperatore, Tarentum, Pa., 14 bass, 19-12, $400 Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were: 7th: Bryan New, Belmont, N.C., 15 bass, 19-6, $350 8th: Mike D’Angelo Sr., Remlap, Ala., nine bass, 17-5, $325 9th: Derek Brown, Charlottesville, Va., nine bass, 17-3, $300 10th: William Wood, West Palm Beach, Fla., 11 bass, 16-1, $275 The BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers with 120 tournaments throughout the season, five in each division.

The top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division qualify for one of six regional tournaments and are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy.

Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.

Kennedy promoted to major by wildlife commission The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has promoted Todd Kennedy to the rank of major, with responsibilities for field operations within the Division of Law Enforcement.

Kennedy will supervise a statewide hierarchy of some 200 wildlife officers, who enforce fish and game regulations and boating laws. He was previously the captain and a lieutenant in District 5, a jurisdiction that includes Alamance, Rockingham, Orange, Granville, Durham, Person, Caswell, Randolph, Chatham, Lee and Guilford counties. He had been stationed in District 5 for the past 16 years.

“I look forward to this service and the challenge of the job,” said Maj. Kennedy.

“The men and women wearing the uniform are important for conservation and public safety, through education and enforcement. I value being a part of the tradition of being a wildlife officer in North Carolina.”

12

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

AUTO SERVICE Take care of your car and it will take care of you! Allen Teague’s Auto Repair & Radiator Service. Radiators, Brakes, Transmission flush. Complete automotive maintenance and repair. “Service is our Business.” 5865 Hwy. 80 S – just past South Toe VFD. 675-0876 – 32 years experience. Reliable & Trustworthy.

WANTED TO BUY Junk vehicles; any age or condition. No title needed. Will pick up. 828-284-7522 or 828-284-7537

FARM

FREE MANURE will load. Clear Creek Ranch, Hwy. 80 South. Call to schedule pick-up, 828-675-4510

SERVICES

RETIRED WITH STATE OF NORTHCAROLINA HEALTH INSURANCE? I can help with lower Doctor Copayments and Lower Deductables, and you can keep your State Plan! For more details, see me at the Prescription Pad, 730 East Main Street, Burnsville. Mon-Friday 9-1, or call Jerry Scarborough, Insurance Agent, 208-2562.

Crafters wanted for new upscale gift shop in Burnsville.

Rent your own booth! $15.00 per linear foot/month. Depth of booth varies. We sell your products - 100% profit of your crafts go back to you. Call immediately for your application!

828-678-0059.

ADVERTISE your items in our classifieds for only $5 a week, up to 50 words !!!

The Yancey County News does not charge to run obituaries.

So when you are faced with the task of honoring your loved one, remember to ask your advisor to email the obituary to us. Send a photograph, too, and we will run it at no charge.

YHS Pet Press

A cute and lovable Corgi mix, Danny would make an excellent companion.

He is small and would be a great lap dog.

Call the shelter at 682-9510 for more information on these or other pets, or plan to visit us at 962 Cane River School Road.

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 13

Community

‘Parenting from the marriage’ is key

By John Rosemond Q: Several years ago, I married a widower who never disciplined Living his children. They are now 9, 14, and 16 and he still has a very difficult with time denying them anything. I love them children very much and think of them as my own, but I down, he’s not concerned with often feel like the bad guy. In this situation, should he whether or not they like the be the main disciplinarian? He’s decisions he makes. And by the given me the responsibility way, if that’s the understanding, (he has a very demanding job, the father-child relationship thus his at-home hours are not will ultimately be much richer reliable) and sometimes I feel and satisfying for all concerned.

Q: I know you believe its OK like I’m drowning! for parents to say Because I said A: I often write and speak on parenting from the marriage, so, but isn’t there some other which means two things: first, way of saying the same thing? the husband-wife relationship A: There are a lot of ways is the primary and most active of saying the same thing, but relationship in the family; most of them are unnecessarily second, the authority of both long-winded, as in You aren’t parents is equal. That principle old enough to consider all of is no less applicable when there the variables involved in this decision. I have experience in is a stepparent on the scene.

The role of main disciplinarian these matters; therefore, I am depends on which parent is in going to make the decision on the better position to deal with your behalf: BISS is more to the majority of disciplinary the point. To be authoritative issues. In your situation, its as opposed to authoritarian, it fairly obvious that you are that should be said calmly, without parent. Your husband should any hint of threat or anger. certainly be willing to step up to When the child complains that the plate when he’s home, and he BISS isn’t a reason, simply say, should absolutely make it clear Well, it most certainly is, but to the kids that he completely, you won’t agree until you have without exception, supports children of your own.

Some folks say that children your decisions concerning p u r c h a s e s , p r i v i l e g e s , deserve real reasons. I point out punishments, and chores. When that if a child does not like the they test him on that account, decision a parent makes, the and they will, he needs to back child will not like the parents you without hesitation, even if reason. No child has ever he does not completely agree said, Dad, I gotta hand it to with your decision. If the kids you when you explain yourself find a crack, they will exploit it like that, I cant help but agree!

A child may not like BISS, but to the hilt.

By the way, this has little if it says all that needs to be said.

But for parents who can’t anything to do with the fact that your hubby’s a widower. Over bring themselves to say BISS, the past 20 years or so, men perhaps because it was rammed have abdicated disciplinary down their throats as kids, responsibility en masse. It is I recommend the following the rare father these days who substitute: Trust me. After all, is more interested in providing this is a matter of children leadership than developing eventually coming to the relationship (which develops realization that whether they in its own time when proper like their parents decisions or leadership is provided). Putting not, their parents are acting in leadership first doesn’t prevent their best interests. a father from having good times Family psychologist John with his kids. It just means that Rosemond answers’ questions at when the proverbial chips are www.rosemond.com.

Heath Shuler reports Last week was a busy and productive one in Washington.

Throughout the week, I worked to rally support for a bipartisan letter I spearheaded with Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) urging the 12-member Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, or Super Committee, to put all options on the table for deficit reduction and come up with a big, comprehensive $4 trillion plan to reduce the deficit over the next 10 years.

Bipartisan groups of economists agree that the Super Committee must reach the $4 trillion mark in order to get our nation on a fiscally sustainable path and give American businesses the economic stability they need to create jobs. Economists also agree the only way to reach this $4 trillion mark is to put all options on the table, including revenue and long-term entitlement reform.

The Super Committee has until November 23rd to come up with a bipartisan plan that cuts at least $1.2 trillion from the deficit. If the Super Committee fails, or Congress doesn’t act by December 23rd to enact the Super Committee’s recommendations, $1.2 trillion of across-the-board cuts will go into effect. These automatic cuts, known as sequestration, would be devastating to important federal programs like Medicare and Social Security and to our national defense. That is why the 12-member Super Committee must succeed, and why I have worked tirelessly in the past few weeks to gain signatures for this letter.

I was so proud that more than 100 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and across the political spectrum put partisanship aside and signed onto our letter. The purpose in sending this letter was not only

to urge the Super Committee to think bigger and bolder in their recommendations, but to send the message that they have the support of Members in Congress --- from the far right to the far left and everywhere in between --- to make the tough decisions necessary to stabilize our economy and return our nation to fiscal health.

Amid the divisive and hyperpartisan political atmosphere in Washington, many believed the House of Representatives would never be able to come together and provide the real solutions and leadership our nation needs.

This letter is proof that Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are willing to put country before political party to compromise and do what is right for the fiscal future of our nation.

Rep. Simpson and I are working to add even more Members of Congress onto the letter as the Super Committee’s November 23rd deadline approaches.

Also last week, I was pleased to see an amendment I offered to require the United States Coast Guard to give priority to businesses that manufacture materials, parts, and components in the United States pass the House by unanimous consent. At a time when people in Western North Carolina and across the country are seeing more and more American jobs shipped overseas, we must do everything we can to bolster our domestic manufacturing industry and put American workers first. This amendment not only protects American manufacturing jobs, but ensures the Coast Guard is able to procure the highestquality equipment possible from a safe, reliable, domestic source.

I will be back in Western North Carolina this week for the district work period. The House will be back in session on Nov. 14.

THIS IS A TEST

You call a newspaper to suggest a story.

The reaction is:

A) They say they have to get permission from the ‘powers that be.’

B) They say they only report ‘what they want to report.’

C) They show interest and ask for more details.

For a long time you only got A or B. Isn’t it refreshing to finally get C?

14

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

You’ve been paying too much for too long!

If you are tasked with the job of being the executor for the estate of a loved one, please realize that the legally required notice that must run in the newspaper can be run in the

Yancey County News For MUCH LESS money! Save the money, and support the only locally owned newspaper in Yancey County!

We are not owned by an out-of-state businessman. We are locally owned, and we are TOTALLY qualified to run your Creditor’s Notices. Just remember to ask the clerk of court for details on how to spend less money in your time of sorrow.

The National Federation of Independent Business has begun accepting applications for NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation scholarships.

The scholarships, worth $1,000 to $10,000, will awarded to graduating high school seniors who operate their own businesses.

Since 2003, the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation has awarded 2,095 scholarships valued at $2,382,000. Last year, the foundation received 4,500 applications and awarded 131 scholarships nationwide thanks to the financial support from numerous small-business leaders, corporate, and foundation supporters.

North Carolina seniors wishing to apply for a 2012 scholarship may apply online at www.NFIB.com/YEF until Dec. 15. NFIB members may also visit the website to tax-deductible contributions to the program.

The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards program was established to raise awareness among the nation’s youth about the critical role that private enterprise and entrepreneurship play in the building of America.

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS 15

What’stoeatattheelementaryschools?

Friday, Nov 11

Monday, Nov 14

Tues Nov 15

Wed Nov 16

Thurs Nov 17

Friday, Nov 18

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

Breakfast Biscuit w/Jelly Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Waffles Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Waffles Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Scrambled Eggs Toast/Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Lunch SW Chix Nachos/ Mini Corn Dogs/ Sunbut’R w/jelly San’wich/carrot stix/B.Beans/B Berry Apple Crisp/Fruit Cocktail Milk

Lunch Turkey Pie/Chix Biscuits/Sunbut’R w/jelly San’wich/ Potato rounds/Green Beans/Baked Apples/ Peaches Milk

Lunch Spaghetti/Roll/ Pepperoni Pizza/ Sunbut’r w/Jelly San’wich/Salad/ Corn/Fruit/Fruit Cocktail Milk

Lunch Turkey&Gravy/ Stuffing/Roll/Chix Fillet San’wich/ Sunbut’r w/Jelly San’wich/Mashed Potatoes/G. Beans/ Peaches/Milk

Lunch Toasted Cheese San’wich/Sunbutter san’wich/Sunbut’R w/jelly San’wich/ Veggie Beef Soup/ Broccoli/Fruit/ Applesauce/Milk

School Holiday

Food for thought for middle school Friday, Nov 11

Monday, Nov 14

Tuesday, Nov 15

Wed., Nov 16

Thurs., Nov 17

Friday, Nov 18

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

Breakfast Biscuit w/jelly Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Waffles Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Pancakes Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Pizza Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Pancake&Sausage Stick/Breakfast Pizza Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Lunch SW Chix Nachos/ Mini Corn Dogs/ Stuffed Crust Pizza/ Carrot Stix/B. Beans/B.Berry Apple Crisp/Fruit Cocktail Milk

Lunch Turkey Pie Chix Biscuits/ Stuffed Crust Pizza/ Potato Rounds/G. Beans/Baked Apples/ Peaches Milk

Lunch Pepperoni Pizza/ Spaghetti/Chix Fingers/Roll/Salad/ Corn/Fruit/Fruit Cocktail Milk

Lunch Turkey&Gravy/ Stuffing/Roll/Chix Tenders/Mashed Potatoes/G. Beans/ Peaches/Choc Chip Cookie Milk

School Holiday

Lunch Toasted Cheese San’wich/Sunbutter San’wich/Stuffed Crust Pizza/Veggie Beef Soup/Broccoli/ Fruit/Applesauce Milk

Chowing down at Mountain Heritage Friday, Nov 11

HAPPY VETERANS DAY School Holiday

Monday, Nov 14

Tuesday, Nov 15

Wed., Nov 16

Thurs., Nov 17

Friday, Nov 18

Breakfast Biscuit w/jelly Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Waffles Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Pancakes Chix Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Breakfast Pizza Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Breakfast Pancake&Sausage Stick/Breakfast Pizza Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk

Lunch SW Chix Nachos/ Mini Corn Dogs/ Stuffed Crust Pizza/ Carrot Stix/B. Beans/B.Berry Apple Crisp/Fruit Cocktail Milk

Lunch Turkey Pie Chix Biscuits/ Stuffed Crust Pizza/ Potato Rounds/G. Beans/Baked Apples/ Peaches Milk

Lunch Pepperoni Pizza/ Spaghetti/Chix Fingers/Roll/Salad/ Corn/Fruit/Fruit Cocktail Milk

Lunch Turkey&Gravy/ Stuffing/Roll/Chix Tenders/Mashed Potatoes/G. Beans/ Peaches/Choc Chip Cookie Milk

Lunch Toasted Cheese San’wich/Sunbutter San’wich/Stuffed Crust Pizza/Veggie Beef Soup/Broccoli/ Fruit/Applesauce Milk

$ Wanted to Buy $ JUNK VEHICLES Pay Fair Price Will Pick Up Vehicle

828-284-7522

Massage & Bodyworks LENA RACHEL WEISMAN Personal Massage Therapist ncmbt #7742

Muscle Release - Stretching Deep Tissue - Massage Cupping 828-284-7537

828-284-6149

Reading the newspaper helps develop good language skills!

16

Nov. 10, 2011

• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS

Family and Friends . . .

Serving Family and Friends We are committed to restoring and maintaining your independence and quality of life to the greatest extent possible.

310 Pensacola Road Burnsville, NC 28714 Ph: 828.682.9759 Fax: 828.682.4096

www.brooksiderehabandcare.com

Symphony readies for Christmas Beginning in two weeks, the North Carolina Symphony will travel for an annual family tradition, the orchestra’s Holiday Pops celebrations.

Music Director Grant Llewellyn and Resident Conductor William Henry Curry lead concerts of treasured holiday favorites like “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “O Tannenbaum” or The Nutcracker, plus classical masterpieces, musical celebrations of Hanukkah and modern selections

by Leroy Anderson, the Symphony’s own Terry Mizesko and more. Audiences will also harmonize with the orchestra during a singalong to popular Christmas carols.

Concerts scheduled include: Holiday Pops: Tues, Dec 6, 8 p.m.; Warren Citizens Center, Lincolnton, Wed, Dec 7, 7:30 p.m.; Statesville Civic Center, Statesville Thurs, Dec 22, 7:30 p.m.; Meymandi Concert Hall, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh.

Presnell set to run for state district seat From the front

Presnell, a Republican, said she is running for the seat because she believes Rapp doesn’t represent the people.

“He does not vote like the people in these mountain districts want him to vote,” she said.

She feels strongly about Rapp’s position on the Constitutional amendment which would ask voters to change the state Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

“He did not want the marriage amendment to go on the ballot,” Presnell said. Based on her faith, she said she believes “marriage is between one man and one woman, period.”

She also said Rapp’s vote against repealing the authority for counties to tax realestate transactions did not reflect the attitudes of his constituents.

“He voted ‘No’ to repeal the Land Transfer Tax,” she

said.

The Land Transfer Tax was first approved by the General Assembly in 2007 to give counties the power to add a 0.4 percent tax on real estate transactions, if the tax had been previously approved by county voters.

The tax was repealed in March and signed

by Gov. Bev Perdue.

Presnell said Rapp’s vote on that bill “tells me he doesn’t want to lower taxes.” She said she will never vote to raise taxes because she feels the state coffers fill “more than enough” to cover legitimate state expenditures.

With redistricting altering the district, “now is the time” to r u n , s h e s a i d .

“It’s a new district” that includes all of Yancey, and Madison counties and most of Haywood.

And as for her positions on issues, she was adamant. “I do not straddle the fence. I’m either for it or against it.”

Buchanan, Wheeler win town election

Judy Buchanan and Bill Wheeler were elected to the B u r n s v i l l e To w n Council in the Nov. 8 municipal elections.

Buchanan, an incumbent, received 201 votes to lead the four candidates running for two seats.

Wheeler received 180 votes, beating out incumbent Doyce McClure, who garnered 150 votes.

A r m i n We s s e l received 148 votes.

Overall, 1,410 votes were cast in the municipal election, reflecting 25.6 percent of the registered voters in Burnsville.

Election officials recorded one write-in vote.

Scammers posing as Microsoft technical support attempt to steal your information North Carolina consumers have reported getting calls from phony tech support specialists who are out to access their personal information and steal their hard-earned money, Attorney General Roy Cooper warned.

“Be suspicious of anyone who calls out of the blue offering to fix a problem with your computer,” Cooper said. “If you need assistance with your computer, seek out real help rather than responding to these calls.”

More than a dozen North Carolinians have called Cooper’s Consumer Protection Division in the last two weeks to report suspicious calls from phony tech support specialists claiming to be partners with Microsoft or Windows.

According to reports from consumers, the phony tech specialist claims that the consumer’s computer has a virus and that they can fix the problem. The caller then directs the consumer to take a series of steps, supposedly to get rid of the computer virus. Some consumers are asked to locate “Computer Options” on

their computer, go to www. windowsonlinesupport. com, scroll down the page and run a scan on their computer.

Following the steps actually gives the phony tech specialist access to all of the data stored on the consumer’s computer. At this point, the scammer may demand payment for installing “security software.”

Consumers report that the callers have South Asian accents and are calling from a call center with a lot of background noise. Most consumers hang up rather than completing the steps, but the tech support scammers often call back.

The calls seem to target seniors and other consumers who may not be as technologically savvy.

If you receive one of these phony tech support calls, keep the following tips in mind: • Microsoft and other computer and software companies do not make unsolicited calls offering tech support.

• Do not follow the caller’s instructions. If you

need tech support, contact the computer or software company at a number you know to be valid.

• Never share personal information, such as bank account and credit card numbers, with anyone you don’t know who contacts you.

If you’ve fallen victim to this or a similar scam: • Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge for any money you paid.

• Immediately run antivirus and anti-spyware software on your computer.

• Monitor your credit report and place a security freeze on your credit, especially if you store sensitive financial information on your computer or use it to bank online.

Consumers who have questions or may have fallen victim to this scam should contact Cooper’s Consumer Protection Division. Call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or file a consumer complaint online at www.ncdoj.gov .