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www.yanceycountynews.com vTo be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.v Oct. 13, 2011 W Vol. 1, No. 40
Criminals’ votes signed by deputies By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News
An analysis of voting data from the 2010 general election suggests that some employees of the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office were willing to officially witness absentee ballots for people with extensive criminal histories. The employees, all sworn law officers, signed as the witness on ballots for people with prior Law convictions for felonies officers a n d m i s d e m e a n o r s including larceny, drug witnessed charges, multiple drunk charges, escape, ballots for driving resisting arrest and at one drug trafficking at least least conviction. 18 known W h i l e a l l o f t h e applicants apparently criminals. had the right to vote, the fact that the deputies were involved in the process leaves open the question as to whether the individuals wanted to vote or were pressured to do so. The deputies’ actions are likely part of a criminal investigation that began before election day into the use of write-in absentee ballots in Yancey County. That investigation, which now actively involves the State Bureau of Investigation, was initiated after numerous complaints from county residents who told officials they saw abuses and questionable activity leading up to the general election, officials said. Earlier this year, county election board chairman Charles McCurry said the criminal investigation involved “the absentee ballots, the one-stop ballots, the absentee requests,” and that election officials boxed up every absentee ballot and all the paperwork involved in the application and took it to Raleigh. According to state law, voters must mark their absentee ballot and sign the certification on the return envelope in the presence of the witness, who then signs the return envelope. Continued on page 7
Jonathan Austin/Yancey County News
The autumn leaves are bursting on the South Toe River, and a professor of plant physiology at Appalachian State University says this weekend should be the peak leaf peeping time in the area.
Colorburstingoutallover Foliage color peaked this past weekend for the Grandfather to Boone/Blowing Rock areas above 3,000 feet in elevation, according to Howie Neufeld, Ph.D., professor of plant physiology at Appalachian State University. “Above 4,500 feet, colors have actually passed their peak. However, don’t despair.” There is still plenty of color throughout the mountains which should persist through this weekend, Neufeld reports on his App State blog. “In fact, some areas haven’t yet peaked, and this coming weekend should be their time to show off. This year has been a real guessing game with respect to how brilliant and intense the colors will be, but based on the drive I
took on Saturday, I’d say this year’s colors rank 9 on a scale of 10, where 10 is the best it can be. So, if you want to see some great fall foliage, this is the year to do it!” Colors are still peaking in some areas below 4,000 feet, especially south of Grandfather Mountain in the Linville to Little Switzerland area on the Blue Ridge Parkway and into Yancey County. “I believe those areas will show their best color this coming weekend,” assuming the rains didn’t knock a lot of leaves down. Jesse Pope reports that views from Grandfather off to the south and east are spectacular. Crowds were so high at the Park on Saturday that traffic was backed up on U.S. 221. “If you want to
avoid those crowds, come up during the week, or, early in day. Mornings and evenings are great times to view the fall foliage and take pictures because colors appear more intense when the sun is low.” Jonathan Horton reports colors are still building up in the city of Asheville (mainly dogwoods, Virginia creeper, sourwoods and maples), but up on the Blue Ridge Parkway toward Pisgah, there is much more color, including a lot of trees that turn yellow (magnolias, birches, hickories, striped maple). The sourwoods are at their showiest right now as are the maples and dogwoods, and that pertains all up and down the Parkway. Continued on page 8
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Your Schools Efforts have begun to raise a new flag pole at Mountain Heritage High School
Staff and students hope to raise enough money to replace the three worn out flag poles at the school with a single 50-foot-tall pole that will accommodate a much larger American flag as well as the North Carolina flag. Efforts began at the Homecoming football game and will continue Friday when the Cougars host the Mitchell High Mountaineers. Businesses and community members are invited to support students in this exercise of civic awareness and involvement.
Clearmont students go on a Health Adventure
Clearmont Elementary continues to Bring Learning to Life! Jill Hensley’s third grade students finished a science unit on the skeletal and muscular systems by visiting the Health Adventure in Asheville. There Mr. Jim, of the Health Adventure staff, reinforced the concepts students had learned in class. Their favorite activity of the day was putting together a skeleton to form a human.
Superintendent’s report
Congratulations to Andrea Allen, Yancey County Schools 2011 Principal of the Year (shown below with the board and Dr. Tipton.) Middle Schools Health Centers: On Monday October 3, Yancey County Board of Education voted to enter into negotiations with an architectural firm to provide design services for the additions to the two Middle School Health Centers. Construction on the grant-funded additions will begin in Spring, 2012, with an anticipated completion date in Fall, 2012. Board approves budget: The 2011-2012 Yancey County Schools Budget was approved on October 3rd along with Goals the school system will focus on for the 2011-12 school year. N a t i o n a l Principals Month: The U.S. Senate passed a resolution h o n o r i n g t h e n a t i o n ’s principals by declaring October 2 0 11 N a t i o n a l Principals Month. Congratulations to our local principals. Yancey County is blessed to have a strong group of caring professionals. Non-certified Employee Retirement Option: Because of the short notice of the reduction of days and hours for non-certified ten month employees, some were unable to plan and submit for retirement at their 2010-11 rate of pay. This resulted in a lower payoff of annual leave days accumulated over their career than if calculated on the 2010-11 daily rate of pay. From now through June 29, 2012, eligible non-certified ten month employees who file for retirement will receive a payoff of accumulated annual leave at the 2010-11 daily rate. Anyone retiring after July 1, 2012, will be paid off at their current rate. Contact Finance Office for additional information. Career and College Promise: This initiative, which begins in January 2012, will provide eligible high school students an opportunity to achieve up to 30 hours of college transfer credit through North Carolina’s Community Colleges while in high school or 18-48 hours of CTE credit leading to an entry-level job credential or an associate’s degree or two years of college credit. The State Board of Education will approve policies regarding this initiative at its October meeting this week. The State Board of Community Colleges will take action on its part later this month. Additional details and information opportunities will be held shortly thereafter. Waiver from No Child Left Behind: State Superintendent, June Atkinson, has announced that a request for a NCLB waiver will be made. If the federal government grants N.C. the waiver it will allow greater flexibility for meeting the goals of improving schools with an accountability system that is both rigorous and fair.
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: ___________________________________
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Opinion
Yancey DSS board speaks out
Surely the most difficult job that the Department of Social Services (DSS) does for our community is to assure that every child lives in a home which provides it with basic health and safety. Abuse and neglect of children can result from any of the problems in our society, including substance abuse, mental illness, physical illness, and loss of job or home. DSS tries hard to find supportive services to help a family meet the basic needs of a child. Community services such as family therapy, drug treatment, health services, counseling, transportation, and employment opportunities can make all the difference to a troubled family. The lack of adequate funding for these programs is one of the major obstacles to keeping families together. When necessary resources are not available, or parents are unable or unwilling to use them, DSS is required to find a safe place in another home or institution and petition the juvenile court for authority to remove the child temporarily from its parents to ensure their immediate safety until the issues have been resolved. When DSS requests removal of a child from its home, several safeguards kick in. From that point, all key decisions concerning a child’s custody and parental rights are made by juvenile court. A judge must determine whether or not DSS can assume custody. At subsequent hearings, a judge reviews continuation of custody, specifies visitation rights, determines the permanency plan for the child with steps for implementation, reviews progress on the plan, and decides when it has been successfully implemented. In each court proceeding, the judge’s decisions are made after hearing not only from DSS, but also from the parent(s) or their attorney, and other concerned parties. To protect the privacy of children and families, court proceedings in juvenile court, unlike adult courts, are not public record. No one, therefore, can discuss the specifics of a case in public. A Guardian-ad-Litem (GAL) is appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of each child under the custody of DSS that were removed for abuse or neglect. The GAL office is independent
of DSS and makes its own investigation and team evaluation. It provides a “second opinion” to the court as well as consultation to DSS and other involved agencies. The family may hire its own attorney or request a public attorney to be appointed by the court. If a parent has significant mental illness or substance abuse issues, the Court may also assign them a Guardian ad Litem attorney in addition to their other attorney to ensure they understand the proceedings and to protect their rights. Currently many of the capable public attorneys serving Yancey County clients come from Buncombe County. The policies and priorities of DSS for children in its custody are: • To maintain the child in a safe environment, placing a child with another family or community member if possible. If such a placement is not available, the child is placed in a foster home or group home depending on the child’s needs. •Whenever possible to make permanent arrangements for the child within one year, thus avoiding multiple placements. •To use all available resources to reunify the family if possible,. • If reunification is not successful, to make a permanent plan for adoption or guardianship with a family member or non-relative. Under all plans, to maintain family bonds when this can be done without physical danger or emotional harm to the child. Training for foster new parents encourages them to form a positive relationship with birth parents and to support family reunification when this can be done safely. Parent visitation is encouraged. A judge must perceive significant cause to bar contact with
a family. Such a cause might be uncontrolled substance abuse, threats of violence, or undue emotional stress for a child. When reunification is not practical, parents may voluntarily relinquish their parental rights, freeing the child for adoption into a permanent family. In such cases, members of the child’s birth family may become like extended family members of the adoptive family. In other cases, when efforts for reunification have failed the court may terminate parental rights so that the child can achieve permanency through adoption. This can feel to a parent like the death of a child, causing grief, and sometimes anger, that is deep and lasting. In the death of a loved one, we grieve not only for the relationship, even if it was a troubled one, but for all the hopes and dreams for what might have been. These are deep waters in which to swim – often heartbreaking, involving difficult decisions that are not taken lightly. It is doubly difficult when DSS workers find themselves criticized and yet, like the courts, prohibited from telling “the rest of the story.” We also know, however, that no system works perfectly, and there is always room for improvement. As members of the Board of Yancey County DSS, we take seriously our mandate “to provide effective, responsible, and accountable public oversight and direction of the county DSS”. Objective feedback from community, clients, and staff is essential in this process, and we appreciate everyone’s input. DSS Board members Elaine Boone, Peter Franklin, Cathy King, Jenifer Morgan and Randy Ollis
Varsity to kick off Pink Game activities October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In support of this, Mountain Heritage High School and Mitchell High School are kicking off their annual PINK GAME festivities at their Varsity Football Game on October 14th – 7:30pm - Mountain Heritage High School. Both schools have Relay For Life teams. The PINK GAME(s) are some of their major team fundraisers. All efforts are lead by the JV
and Varsity Cheerleaders of each school. The festivities and fundraisers will culminate at the Varsity Basketball game in February that Mitchell High School will be hosting. For more information, contact Libby Burleson – American Cancer Society Community Manager: 828-467-5778 or Libby.Burleson@ cancer.org
Shuler votes against trade agreements U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler voted against three “free trade” agreements with Colombia, Panama, and Korea that he said will outsource an untold number of American jobs overseas. The US-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, the U.S.Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, and the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act were modeled after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). “At a time when the focus in Washington should be putting Americans back to work, Congressional leaders should not be pushing new NAFTA-style trade agreements that will hurt American workers and send more jobs overseas,” said Shuler. “These latest trade deals are more of the same poorly-crafted agreements that destroyed millions of goodpaying U.S. jobs and devastated our domestic
manufacturing industry. I will continue to stand against these failed policies and fight for trade agreements that help and protect American workers.” All three trade agreements passed the House despite bipartisan opposition. The United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, passed the House 262-167. The United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act, passed the House 300-129. The United StatesKorea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, passed the House 278-151. The House also passed an extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Act. The TAA program provides retraining opportunities to American workers laid off as a result of foreign trade. Shuler joined a strong bipartisan majority to pass the extension by a margin of 307-122. H.R. 2832 extends TAA through December 2013.
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Obituaries
Arnold McIntosh
Arnold McIntosh, 91, of Burnsville went home to be with the Lord Thursday, October 6, 2011. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Ernest and Lucy King McIntosh. He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the infantry in the South Pacific. He was a member of West Burnsville Baptist Church and the Sgt. E.L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Edith Arrowood and brothers, Ray McIntosh and Jack McIntosh. Surviving are three daughters: Linda McIntosh, Anne Mann and Julie Pond; five grandchildren: Adrian, Joel, Hayley, Olivia and Eli all of Oregon, and he was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first greatgranddaughter. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral was Tuesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. Charlie Carroway officiating. Burial was in the Bee Log Church Cemetery with military grave rites conducted by the Sgt. E. L. Randolph DAV.
Lillian Renfro
Lillian Renfro, 88, of Burnsville, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. A native of Northfield, N.J,, she was a daughter of the late Secondo and Delia Virano and the wife of the late Fred Renfro. She was a World War II Marine veteran and a member of Woman’s Marine Association. Lillian was a member of the Yacht Club of Pleasantville, N.J. Surviving are a daughter, Jeanne Renfro of Burnsville; sons Thomas Renfro of Burnsville and William Renfro and wife, Sharon, of Aiken, S.C.; three grandchildren: Todd Renfro, Amy Thomas and Paige Morris; and five great-grandsons. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Michael Leahy will officiate. Burial will be in the Higgins Cemetery with military grave rites by Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57 DAV. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Johnnie Christine Morrow Austin
Johnnie Christine Morrow Austin, 72, of Burnsville, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 10, 2011. She had suffered a long illness, but God granted her peace and victory. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert Wade Austin; grandson Dustin Andrew (Andy) Austin; sisters Jane Delane Morrow and Callie Ann Randolph; and her father: John Grady Morrow, all of whom she loved and missed. She is survived by her mother: Opha Elnora Morrow; children Joseph Andrew Austin and wife, Rachel, Kenitra Gail Higgins and husband, Dennis, William Daniel Austin and Scott Wade Austin; grandchildren Jeremiah Benjamin Styles and wife, Ashley, Maria Harrison and husband, Marshall, Nathaniel Lee Austin, Briana Elnora Higgins, and Lochlin Wade Austin; great grandchildren Jaden Malachi Styles, Hunter Isaacs and Lakyn Austin; brothers and sisters Thomas Isaac Morrow and wife, Margaret, Connie Mae Ray and husband, Bobby, William Michael Morrow and wife, Sharon, Deborah Kay Fox and husband, Roger, Mona Marie Honeycutt and husband, Larry, Benjamin Kevin Morrow and wife, Patricia; brother-in-law J. T. Randolph; 15 nephews, five nieces, 19 great nephews, 13 great nieces and one great-great niece, all of whom she loved and cherished. Funeral was Wednesday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. Stacey Elkins officiating. A graveside service was Thursday morning at the Wade Austin Family Cemetery. The family will be at the home of Kenitra Higgins on Sam Robertson Road.
Robert George Young
Robert George Young, 85 of Hwy 19E Spruce Pine, passed away Oct. 10, 2011, at Mission Healthcare Memorial Campus. He was the son of the late Frank B. and Isabella Wilson Young and a native of Mitchell County. He was a 1943 graduate of Bowman High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and P. E. from Appalachian State University in 1948. He received a Masters in administration from Appalachian State University in 1955 and a Vocational Education Degree from North Carolina State University in 1971. Mr Young served on the Mitchell County Board of Education for 16 years and the North Carolina School
Association for 10 years, where he served as the first vice president. He also served on the Mayland Board of Trustees for nine years. Mr. Young was a member of The United Methodist Church in Spruce Pine. Before he began his teaching career in education he worked as a fireman for CC&O Railroad in the Virginia Area. During summers he served as park ranger at Mount Mitchell State Park and received an award for Volunteer of the Year with the Southern Appalachian Conservatory. He began his teaching career in Davie County where he taught social studies and coached a winning football team for seven years. He spent the next 17 years as the principal of Harris High School. The remaining four years before retirement were spent as superintendent of Mitchell County Schools. He touched innumerable lives in scores of positive ways. Survivors include his daughters Bea Young – Smith, and husband Jeffrey, of Lenoir, and Beth Stout, and husband John Carroll, of Newland; grandchildren Shelley Smith Bailey, and husband, Jeffrey; Dylan Young Smith, and wife, Julia; and Ella Lee Peterson, and husband, Brandon. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 13, at 3 p.m. in Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with the Revs. David Hamlin and Darrin Waldroup officiating. Private interment will follow at Green Young Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to an organization of ones choice. Henline – Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Young family. .
Stella Hensley Hollifield
Stella Hensley Hollifield, 86, was welcomed home on Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. Stella was born on Jan. 16, 1925, in Yancey County to the late Robert Lee and Pansy Edwards Hensley. Formerly of the Swiss community, she had been making her home with her daughter, Violet Buchanan and husband, Donald, of Spruce Pine, for the past three years due to her declining health. Stella was also preceded in death by her husband, Ed Hollifield in 2004; brothers Paul and Verona; and sisters Addie King, Odell Riddle, Thelma Hensley and Ruby Wheeler. Stella was a kind, humble, loving person who wasn’t afraid of hard work. She loved working in her garden and canning, working in
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Obituaries her flower garden, sewing and making quilts, and she loved most, reading her Bible. She taught Adult Women’s Sunday School class for years. Her heritage continues through her daughter: Violet Buchanan and husband, Donald, of Spruce Pine; grandchildren Kim Cottrell and husband, Todd, of Gainesville, Ga.; Samantha Varner and husband, Bruce, of New York and Roy Thomas and wife, Amy, of Burnsville; great-grandchildren Rachel, Drew and Adam Cottrell of Gainesville, Ga., Nicolas Varner of New York and Roy, Gideon, Emma and Audrey Thomas of Burnsville; stepdaughters Christy Rash and husband, Paul, of Spruce Pine, and Renee Duncan of Burnsville; stepgrandchildren Tonya Capps of Hendersonville and Devin Teague of Spruce Pine and Francesca Duncan of Burnsville; sisters Eloise Silvers of Burnsville, Vertie Lou Carver and husband, Roy, of Cherryville; brothers Robert Hensley and wife, Teresa, and Cacciaquida
Hensley and wife, Linda, of Burnsville. She had many nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Dianne Surrett. Funeral services will be held at 8 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home. Roy Thomas will officiate. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Burton Cemetery at Bald Creek.
Wilma Styles Ballew and Wayne Ballew
Mrs. Wilma Styles Ballew 83, formerly of Georges Forks Road, Burnsville, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 5, 2011, after a short illness. Mrs. Ballew was preceded in death by her husband, Garmon Ballew, of the Celo community, who died Sept. 4, 1994. Mrs, Ballew’s oldest son, Wayne Ballew, of Toledo. Ohio, died from heart disease, on Sept. 21, 2011. He was a life-long carpenter. Mrs. Ballew had five children: one daughter,
Joyce, and husband, Don, of Marion; Dale Ballew and wife, Robin, of Marion; William Ballew and wife, Sandra, of Hollywood Fla., and Col. David Ballew and wife, Christy, of Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Ballew had 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She had a very special great-grand baby who lived with her, Alisha Raeily, who was born June 3, 2011. Friends may contact the family through Joyce Davis, 600 Green St. Loop, Marion, N.C.
Pauline Buchanan
Funeral service for Pauline Buchanan will be held Saturday at Henline - Hughes Funeral Home in Bakersville. Born Jan. 14, 1920, she died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, at the funeral home, 85 Crimson Laurel Way, Bakersville. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m
Slashing DoD, veterans benefits will endanger America, Legion leaders say The board of directors of the nation’s largest veterans organization is warning that proposed cuts to the Department of Defense and veterans benefits would not only hurt the economy but they would also do “irreversible and irreparable harm to the military capability of the U.S. to defend the nation...” T h e A m e r i c a n L e g i o n ’s National Executive Committee unanimously passed an official statement today that the Legion “encourages Congress and the administration to cease all efforts to reduce the defense budget from its current level.” Officials in both The American Legion and the Department of Defense are extremely concerned about the work of the congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. The bi-cameral “supercommitee” is charged with coming up with $1.2 trillion to $1.5 trillion in overall federal deficit reductions over 10 years. If the bi-partisan group does not agree to a plan by Nov. 23, automatic spending cuts are triggered, including $1 trillion
in defense spending. Those cuts “would leave us with the smallest Army and Marine Corps in decades, the smallest Air Force in history, and the smallest Navy since (William) McKinley was president,” former Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn said last week to the Center for American Progress. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called the potential cuts “catastrophic.” “It is unconscionable to consider cuts to defense while we are engaged in three wars,” American Legion National Commander Fang Wong said. “Throughout our nation’s history, every time we cut defense we have paid for it with American blood.” Lynn pointed out that the first engagement of the Korean War, “Task Force Smith,” came after a major drawdown following the defeat of the Axis Powers in World War II. “Teenagers fresh from basic training, led by officers who lacked combat experience, found themselves facing a numerically superior North Korean force. With only 120 rounds of ammunition
TRAC to celebrate the arts
The Fall Celebration of Arts, an annual event that started in 1991, is an exhibition and competition of the premier works of area arts and crafts that includes contemporary as well as traditional, two and three-dimensional work. The show in 2011 takes place through Nov. 5 at the Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery, which is located at 269 Oak Avenue in downtown Spruce Pine. 2011 accepted juried artists include: Dave Chandler, Ben Elliot, Sarah Faulkner, Michael Hatch, Peter Maneck, Gertrude Graham Smith, Jim Sockwell, and Dennis Usdan. The show in previous years has included 175-200 pieces in all media including glass art, ceramics, quilts and other fiber art, sculpture, wood, jewelry, pottery, paintings, prints
each, two days of C rations [and] six antitank shells, our forces were simply unable to stop the North Korean advance. “Each time we reduced the defense budget, we created holes in our military capabilities that we had to buy back later at great cost,” Lynn continued. “When we were lucky, that cost was in dollars. When we were not lucky, that cost was in the lives of our troops.” The official statement by the Legion, Resolution 1, points out that Panetta stated a $1 trillion cut in national defense would increase unemployment by one percent. “Even if this unemployment increased by only one-third of one percent, it would e q u a t e t o approximately 500,000 jobs lost,” the Resolution states. Wong, a Vietnam War veteran, warned that proposed cuts to the military’s retirement pension and health care systems will also hurt America’s ability to retain the forces that it needs. Some have proposed that future military pensions be converted into 401-k plans.
and photography. A special raffle by a local craftsman will also be available and will be drawn at the end of the show. The juror for this year’s show is Andrew Glasgow. He retired in 2009 as the Executive Director for the American Craft Council. He dedicates his time volunteering with the United States Artists, an organization that supports artists nationwide, and in developing the Andrew Glasgow Writers’ Residency Program at Penland School of Crafts. He is also a Trustee of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. In addition to selecting the new participants, Mr. Glasgow will determine the awards for cash prizes, totaling $1000. Announcement of awards will take place on October 15, the night of reception.
“Comparing military retirement benefits with what is available in the private sector isn’t comparing apples to oranges. It’s comparing apples to peanuts, which are what our troops are paid,” Wong said. “If our leaders in Washington are intent on making military life like the private sector, then that’s the path our young people will choose – the private sector! ‘Grandfathering’ benefits for today’s military, while cutting benefits for tomorrow’s warriors, guarantees that America will be less prepared to fight the next war. As it is, only about one-half of one-percent of the U.S. population is currently serving in the military, meaning that veterans are already making a disproportionate sacrifice in fighting the Global War on Terrorism. “We all understand that America has an enormous national debt,” Wong continued. “Yet, we have no debt larger than what is owed to our veterans and those still serving in uniform. They have already paid their share. Cut the budget elsewhere.”
The community is invited to visit the gallery and attend the opening artist reception that takes place on Saturday, October 15 from 5 - 7 pm. The opening is a potluck, appetizer affair – the Toe River Arts Council will supply the beverages. The Fall Celebration of Arts is sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council.
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UARA Racing
Drivers prepare for the final countdown of the season
The UARA-STARS has had a successful season but is looking forward to the final three back-to-backto-back races that conclude the 2011 season. Due to scheduling conflicts and time limitations the Ace event that was postponed in September has now officially been cancelled. This will be the second time in UARA history that there will be a fifteen race schedule for the championship. This occurred previously in 2006. The next event lined up for the UARA will be held October 22 at Newport Speedway in Newport, Tennessee. During the spring visit to the mountains of Newport, the series fought a battle with mother nature. Waking up to heavy rain and strong winds, the officials called the race and postponed it until the following day. The Sunday race was full of action and was well worth the wait. G arr e tt Campbell, who had clutch problems all day, held off current points leader Brennan Poole and Newport’s fan favorite Kaleb Pressley. Mother nature also played a factor in the October 29th series event at Concord S p e e d w a y. T h e event was originally scheduled as the second race of the tour in March, but rain forced postponement until Halloween weekend at the track. The STARS have teamed up with Celebrity Hot Dogs of Concord to host a special Halloween extravaganza with costume contests for the kids, prizes, candy giveaways, Trick-or-Treating on the track, and free kids tickets that will be distributed all around the Concord area, courtesy of
Few things are more exciting - well, legal things - than a pack of race cars coming out of the turn.
Celebrity’s Hot Dogs of Concord. Following Concord, the tour’s finale will be held at Rockingham Speedway on November 5th. The series will crown their champion at the one-mile speed facility for the second consecutive year while playing a part in the season-ending doubleheader for both the UARA and the CARS ProCup Series. Before preparing f o r 2 0 11 s t r e t c h run, current UARA competitors and some notable series graduates ran in Sunday’s Virginia is for Racing Lovers at Martinsville Speedway. Reigning champion Coleman Pressley brought home a 9th place finish despite a
mangled racecar, while Rookie Jesse Little came home 17th . Current points leader Brennan Poole had a roller coaster of a day and finished 20th after a late-race accident with former UARA driver Frank Deiny, Jr. in his No. 5 car. Other drivers who experienced mechanical problems before the checkered flag included Paddy Rodenbeck, Garrett Campbell and Alex Yontz. F o r m o r e information on the UARA-STARS, visit www.uara-stars.com or follow them on Twitter (@uarastars) or Facebook (United Auto Racing Association). Ticket and event information can be obtained by calling (828) 692-
Deputies witnessed ballots for criminals
From the front That means the officers - Tom Farmer, Judy Ledford, Willie Anglin Jr. and Bobby Lee Austin - were present as the individuals noted their selections and sealed the envelope. The state investigation could be considering whether the mere presence of an employee of a candidate - employees who wear badges and carry guns - could be construed as voter intimidation. The analysis of the vote data shows that Ledford - a captain at the department who retired but then returned to work part-time at the department - signed as the witness on ballots cast by individuals who had been previously convicted of writing a worthless check, multiple counts of larceny, one convicted of breaking and entering and solicitation to commit a felony, one convicted of DWI, and one convicted five separate times of DWI. Anglin signed as the witness for individuals who had been previously convicted of charges including drug trafficking, forgery, repeated DWI charges, drug possession and larceny. Austin, who also retired this year but is now the county animal control officer, signed as the witness for individuals who had been convicted on a variety of violations, including felony drug charges, larceny, assault and multiple DWIs, breaking and entering, and carrying a concealed weapon. Farmer, the chief deputy who resigned after this paper reported how he was pawning department-owned guns, witnessed ballots for a woman with six convictions of writing a worthless check and shoplifting, and for a man who had been convicted of five counts of resisting arrest, two felony convictions for speeding to elude arrest, and escape. In June this newspaper reported how some voters said Capt. Ledford had brought them
their absentee ballots and then taken them to be mailed for the general election. If that is the case, both actions were illegal. All in all, Ledford witnessed at least 32 absentee ballots leading up to the general election. One ballot she witnesses was that of Sondra Kaye Murphy, who listed her address as Hunter Street on her ballot application but asked that the ballot be delivered to 44 Wisteria Lane. The name Sondra Murphy, of 74 Wisteria Lane, was used to witness seven mail-in ballot applications. The name Sondra K. Murphy of 74 Wisteria Lane was used to witness five mail-in ballots. The name Sondra Kaye Murphy of the same address witnessed one ballot, while another from the same address was apparently illegible except for the name ‘Sondra’. Anglin signed as the witness for two people identifying 74 Wisteria as their home. The Yancey County News reported in June that six first-time voters listed the residence at 74 Wisteria Lane - a single-wide trailer as their home. Further research now shows that 11 absentee ballots were mailed to that trailer for people who either said it was their residence or it was where they wanted the ballot delivered. Records seized by the state show that Murphy witnessed a ballot for one individual, Gregory Seth Morgan, who was in court to face numerous felony drug charges on Oct. 29 - four days before the general election. Morgan had been arrested on Aug. 17, 2010, and registered to vote the very next day. All of the felony charges against him were reduced to misdemeanors. Morgan himself also served as a witness on an absentee ballot, for a person who also registered to vote the day after Morgan was arrested.
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Effective Teaching Classes Offered at UNC Asheville Effective Teacher Training classes are being offered on four consecutive Saturdays, Oct. 22- Nov. 12, by the Asheville Graduate Center at UNC Asheville. Effective Teacher Training is required for substitute teaching in the Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools, and this course also qualifies for three continuing education credits for already certified teachers. Topics covered will be behavior management, developing substitute teaching packets with suitable materials, effective strategies for students with learning disabilities, procedures for emergency situations, legal issues and more. Each session will be held from 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. on the UNC Asheville campus. Cost for each session is $95. The required textbook is the Substitute Teacher Handbook, K-12, seventh edition, available at the UNC Asheville Bookstore for $26.88. Teachers and substitutes are advised to check with their school system to determine local requirements. For information, call 828/251-6099.
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, YANCEY COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator / Executor notice Having qualified as Administrator, of the estate of Phillip Robinson of Yancey County of North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before 13th day of January 2012 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment. This the 10th day of October 2011 Charles Carroll 45 Sensational Drive Burnsville, NC 28714
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Jonathan Austin/Yancey County News
Clouds such as this are a common sight on Celo Knob in the autumn and winter, as moisture forms on the higher elevations, creating the appearance of a storm on the ridges.
For a while longer, fall is busting out all over
From the front “This year there are plenty of bright reds mixed in with the yellows and oranges, making for a very vibrant color scene. Leaves on the Parkway around Asheville should peak this weekend.” Jim Costa reports that the colors
in Highlands are spectacular - still a fair bit of green, but healthy doses of bright oranges, reds, and yellows mixed in. Birches, red maples, dogwoods, buckeyes, and sassafras are all lovely! Virginia Creepers are highlighting bare rock faces and numerous tree
trunks with their deep red leaves. Jim thinks colors will persist near their peak right through this coming weekend. Lower down, around Cullowhee, Kathy Mathews reports that colors are still moving toward their peak. Down by Franklin, Beverly
Collins notes that the hills are still mostly green, but are turning color rapidly, especially high up. However, oaks and many hickories aren’t turning much yet, which means most hillslopes are still mostly green with some spots and strips of color.
Area businesses team up for drug take-back day on Oct. 29 Do you have outdated or unused prescription drugs, over the counter medications, syringes or other medical supplies? Come drive by and drop them off at the free, confidential take-back day on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several drop-off points have been designated, including: • Prescription Pad Pharmacy, Burnsville • Celo Health Center • Wal-Mart Supercenter, Spruce Pine
• Hair Affair, Red Hill • Bakersville Pharmacy The disposal of prescription drugs has long been a dilemma, and many medicine cabinets contain unused or outdated medications. Among teenagers, the fastest growing illegal drug use is the abuse of prescription drugs. The most common method of obtaining prescription drugs is by raiding the medicine cabinet of a friend or family, then consuming the pills or selling them.
“From a law enforcement perspective, one of our most important jobs is to work diligently and proactively to prevent drug abuse,” said Burnsville Chief
of Police Brian Buchanan. “By hosting an amnesty day that allows the public to turn in any kind of unused or unwanted medications.”
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Star gazing returns
Best in Show Award Winner, APS 2009 Member Juried Exhibition, Suzanne Karnatz PSA, ‘Memories’.
Appalachian Pastel Society Exhibition in Black Mountain The Black Mountain Center for the Arts will host the 2011 Juried Member Exhibition of the Appalachian Pastel Society from Oct. 14 until Nov. 23, with an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14. From 77 paintings submitted for review, 24 have been selected for exhibition in the show by the show juror, Fleta Monaghan, M.A.Ed., founder and director of River’s Edge Studio and 310 ART Gallery, located at Riverview Station in the River District of Asheville. The Appalachian Pastel Society was formed in 2006 to promote appreciation of soft pastel painting through education and exhibitions. Pastel has a long and illustrious history dating back to the 1600s and is enjoying a surge in popularity today among artists and collectors alike. Visit www.appalachianpastelsociety.org to learn more about APS programs and workshops. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State St., Black Mountain. Hours are 10-5 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 11-3 on Thursdays. For more information, call 828.669.0930 or visitwww.blackmountainarts.org/ The APS will meet Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m., with a free demonstration with Karen Margulis until noon. An afternoon workshop will be offered from 1-4 p.m. “Painting Wildflowers” with Karen, and she will also conduct a workshop on Sunday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., titled “The Intimate Floral Landscape.” Karen is represented by several fine art galleries in the southeast. She is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and a member of excellence in the Southeastern Pastel Society. Both workshops are fee-based, and will be held at the WNC Ag. Center across from the Asheville Regional Airport. Register at www.appalachianpastelsociety.org or call Miriam Hughes at 610-389-0058.
Golden LEAF community forum The public is invited to attend a community forum hosted by the Golden LEAF Foundation and Yancey County from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at the Yancey County Library at 321 School Circle in Burnsville.
Jonathan Austin/Yancey County News
The Burnsville Town Square becomes a wonderland for amateur astronomers during the Stars on the Square evening on Saturday, Oct. 22. From 7:30 p.m. until midnight, Burnsville will turn out all lights on the square, allowing astronomy aficionados to set up telescopes and view a sky full of stars on a dark autumn night. Folks who don’t have their own telescope are invited to attend as well. Local astronomers will share their telescopes and laser pointers to help the public view stars, constellations, planets and satellites. Dark skies are integral to Burnsville’s heritage as the town derives its name from naval captain Otway Burns, who used the stars to navigate his ships. An iconic statue of Burns – a hero in the War of 1812 – stands sentry over the town square. There is no charge to attend Stars on the Square, and setup begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be sold by the Burnsville Rotary Club. In case of rain, snow or clouds, the event will be moved to Oct. 29. For information on the event, contact organizer Barbara Webster at (828) 6827331.
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SCIENCE NEWS
Twitter helps determine morning people and night owls It’s true. The daily grind dealing with bosses, colleagues and repetitive work sours people’s moods. But researchers say the cause may be something more than the work itself; people’s biological clocks may be sending a message. “Though it might seem intuitive to suggest that the decrease in mood level during the midday hours is a result of workday-related stress,” said Scott Golder, lead researcher for a study appearing in the journal Science, “it turns out we see the same rhythmic shape on the weekends, when people typically are not working. This suggests to us that something more enduring is going on, such as the effect of biological processes and sleep.” Golder, a graduate student in sociology at Cornell University, and sociology professor Michael Macy, recently analyzed text messages from 2.4 million users of the online social networking service Twitter to explore the daily, weekly and seasonal variations in the mood of people from 84 countries around the world. Using Twitter.com’s data access protocol, Golder and Macy collected up to 400 public messages from each user in the sample for a total of more than 509 million messages authored between February 2008 and January 2010. The researchers excluded users with fewer than 25 messages. Twitter’s 140 character limit on message length allowed them to chart the “positive” and “negative affect,” or mood, of user communications using a prominent lexicon for text analysis, the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC). LIWC permitted measurements of an individual’s spontaneous expressions, i.e. his or her positive affect--enthusiasm, delight, activeness and alertness--and
negative affect - distress, fear, anger, guilt and disgust. Golder and Macy found that individuals awaken in a good mood that deteriorates as the day progresses, which may be more consistent with a person’s 24-hour physiological and behavioral cycle than any specific activity. “Positive affect has a valley during the middle part of the day, rebounding at night,” said Golder. “Because we see these trends every day of the week, for people across the globe, this suggests that there are biological processes driving these rhythms, and also that people are refreshed by sleep, overnight.” Moreover, the findings were consistent across all the countries studied, with different cultures, backgrounds, and so on. “We were amazed to see just how much consistency there was in the shape of affective rhythms globally,” said Golder. The researchers saw the same basic peaks in positive affect in the morning and evening and troughs in negative affects early in the morning that rise throughout the day. “We also saw evidence of work week-related stress as the weekend exhibited higher levels of positive mood, regardless of which days actually constitute a culture’s weekends,” Golder said. For example, diurnal, or daily, rhythms in four groups of countries: the United States and Canada; the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand; India; and English-speaking Africa were statistically similar. People in these countries had higher positive moods on Saturday and Sunday compared to the rest of the week. The finding suggests that despite
Do you have great photographs of your memorable family events? Share them with us and we’ll show the world how great a photographer you are! email them to Jonathan@ yanceycounty news.com
the differences in time of day that an individual’s physical functions are active--hormone level, body temperature, cognitive faculties, eating and sleeping--most people have similar mood cycles across cultural norms. The researchers established support for their conclusion by examining text messages from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the traditional work week runs Sunday-Thursday. They found people in the UAE had higher positive moods on Friday and Saturday and lower positive moods Sunday through Thursday. Additionally, Golder and Macy assessed people’s moods related to changes in seasons. Previous research on seasonal mood changes relied on small samples within single countries and was severely constrained by the difficulty of collecting data over an entire year. However, prior research found higher occurrences of depressive anxiety in winter the further north people were situated. Although originally attributed to insufficient exposure to light, more recent research on seasonal mood variation supports the “phase shift hypothesis,” which argues that seasonal affective disorders, such as loss of energy, depressed mood and daytime fatigue, are largely based on abnormal delays in synchronizing a person’s body clock with early bright light during winter. Golder and Macy found a “striking effect” in mood related to changes in daylength. Average positive mood increased when daylength increased, as the summer solstice approached, but decreased as the winter approached. Average negative mood did not increase or decrease seasonally. “This suggests that ‘winter blues’
is associated with decreased positive affect, not increased or decreased negative affect,” said Golder. In their report, “Diurnal and Seasonal Mood Vary with Work, Sleep and Daylength Across Diverse Cultures,” the researchers contend that the increased positive affect approaching the summer solstice may correspond to longer days and earlier light, thereby reducing the discrepancy between social and biological timing. The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences in its Directorate for Social Behavioral Economics and Division of Information & Intelligent Systems in its Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering funded the research. “In addition to the substantive findings about mood rhythms, we think this research is interesting because it is an example of a relatively new methodological approach, the use of the Internet to do social science research,” said Golder. “This well-focused study is at the vanguard of progress using new methods to study increasingly sophisticated scientific questions online,” said William Bainbridge of NSF’s Human-Centered Computing program, “and on the basis of the knowledge gained to design improved social media for the emerging information civilization.” “People often critique the Internet and social media for being mundane,” said Golder. “However, we suggest that most of the conversations people have with friends, family, co-workers and so on, are likewise mundane-we just don’t take the time to record them. But the Internet records everything, and these “digital traces” of activity become important tools in analyzing everyday social behavior.”
Andrew Perrin of Celo pedaled across the stage to receive his diploma from the North Carolina School of the Arts earlier this year 2011. Drew graduated from the Drama School in the Director Program. He is currently living in Brooklyn, N.Y., seeking positions as a theater director.
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Outdoors
Teaching the joys of nature
While in a state of reminiscence, a friend and I were talking the other day about not so long ago if you had dress shoes that had worn down, you could find a cobbler and have them repaired. They would put a new sole and heel on and the shoes would be as good as new. You could also find a seamstress or a tailor to make adjustments to clothing, or even make clothes for you. I can remember my grandmothers and mother sewing and knitting. My grandmother would make huge beautiful afghans for us. When my cousins and I graduated high school, we could expect an afghan in the colors of the colleges we were attending. Times have changed. I overheard a young lady who had been married for several months tell her friend how excited she was that she had just made her first home cooked meal. “It was kind of like my grandmother used to do, but not quite as good” she told her friend. As technology has grown we have lost some of our abilities and know-how. Those old memories that bring the small grin on your face thinking of them; they are part of our heritage. You cannot find a cobbler anymore. You can get your clothes altered, but it usually involves the dry cleaners and no family member would know how to use the sewing machine or even where to find one. Afghans take up so much time, they are considered a treasure now if it was handmade. Even the meal made from the beaming new bride, well that explains a lot about where our society is going. While we are experiencing more hunters and fishers each year, it is not growing as fast as the population increases. This means while the overall numbers go up, the percentages are either stagnant or decreasing. Our technology has pulled the youth of today inside the home, and while they are proficient with the computer and game consoles, they lack in knowledge of the natural world. Patience, once seen as a virtue, is now a waste of time with
our instantaneous gratification from other man-made resources. The challenge of our current outdoors population is to introduce and teach others the joys of the outdoors and nature. It is easy enough for someone to get excited seeing a deer from several hundred yards away with every eye from the herd looking toward you. But get that same person in the woods with several deer within 20 yards without the deer knowing you are there, seeing the deer behave naturally; that is the true experience. If you have not experienced the real outdoors, or have not experienced it since those good ‘ole days from your youth, take time to get out and join nature in its habitat. If you do hunt and fish, find someone who has not experienced it, whether young or old, and share the excitement of your passion. The fast paced world of today tends to make our lives speed up as well. Slow down and live. Understand what God has provided for us and pass the knowledge of our past generations forward so our heritage continues in practice rather than in history books. 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.
Bill Howard’s
Outdoors
Free fly-fishing class for children
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will teach a free fly-fishing class for children ages 12 and older on Oct. 15 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. The “Kids’ Introduction to Fly Fishing” class will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Instructors will cover equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and class materials will be provided free of charge. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 828-877-4423. The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, located near Brevard on the Davidson River, features exhibits that interpret wildlife species and habitats of North Carolina’s mountains, daily showings of an award-winning nature documentary, and a calendar of events and educational courses. Admission to the center is free, as are most of the educational programs offered. Located south of Asheville, the center is adjacent to the Wildlife Commission’s Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery, where rainbow, brown and brook trout are raised for stocking public waters.
Shane Wilson of Wilson Taxidermy got this eight-point buck in Yancey County with a Hoyt, Vipertech bow. He said it was a big-bodied deer for the area, weighing 185-200 pounds. Shane can be reached at 284-9848. His taxidermy shop is on U.S. 19W in Green Mountain.
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CLASSIFIEDS
FOR RENT
Green Mountain Two Story Farm House 2200 Sqft. 3 Bdrms, 2 Baths, Furnished. Mountain River Getaway Along the Toe River and Nolochucky, Whitewater Rafting, Fishing Hiking 12 Miles to Burnsville, NC, Mitchell County, 15 Miles to Erwin Tenn $650/Month 828.284.3408
CLASSES Enneagram Personality Types Class A personality System of Nine types, developed to show us when we are stuck in one way of perceiving the world. Knowing your type helps you widen your perspective on Life and know what your strengths are. Knowing others types helps you work better with them, and helps you have more
compassion for them in their types! O c t 1 8 Tu e s 7 - 9 P M Four Week Class Call 828 284 8377 for information.
ROOMS FOR RENT Green Mountain. Mountain River Getaway. $100/Week. Utilities included. Please call Mike. 828.284.3408.
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. 6750876 – 32 years experience. Reliable & Trustworthy
Dream home tour is this weekend
The Yancey County Dream Home Tour, benefitting the local campus of Mayland Community College, returns Oct. 14-15. The self-guided tour Junk vehicles; any age or condition. No features six homes, title needed. Will pick up. 828-284-7522 each of which defines or 828-284-7537 Yancey County in a s p e c i a l w a y. T h e y range from modern and contemporary homes to historic farmhouses to a rustic log cabin built Will load. Clear Creek Ranch, Hwy. entirely by hand. 80 South. Call to schedule pick-up, A guidebook provides 828-675-4510 directions to the dream homes, along with other points of interest, said event founder Bill Baker, a board member of the Mayland Community College Foundation. “We want to attract people to our county and show what it has to offer.” Registration opens
WANTED TO BUY
FREE MANURE
each day at 9 a.m. at “A Touch of Cass,” a home accessories gallery in downtown Burnsville. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, followed by a daily reception from 5- 6:30 p.m. at A Touch of Cass. Ya n c e y C o u n t y Transportation Authority provides shuttle service to three homes, and each home will be staffed by volunteers, including Mayland Community College staff, faculty and students. Advance one-day tickets are $25 and two-day tickets are $40 through Oct. 8. Prices increase to $35 and $50 as of Oct. 9. For info: (828) 765-7351, ext. 311, or www.mayland. edu/foundation.
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Family
Don’t stress on boys and their boyish ways
By John Rosemond
Q: My twin boys will be 3 years old next month. They sleep in the same room. They’ve recently taken to getting out of their beds (together, although one seems to be the ringleader) every night, over and over, for up to two hours. They make a lot of noise, then they giggle and run when I approach, and feed off each other as they’re escaping. I’m not sure what to do. All I know is that what I’ve been doing isn’t working! Help!!! A: They’ve certainly got your number, don’t they? They get out of bed, make lots of boy-noise, you come marching sternly down the hall, they run away laughing, you herd them back into bed, then you leave the room (making lots of empty threats, I’ll bet), and they start all over again. It sounds like great sport. Obviously, the problem is they’re having a great time, but you’re not. You have become your own worst enemy here. Your boys cast the bait, and being the dutiful fish that you are, you bite it. They get you on the hook, reel you in, let you go; then they cast the bait again, and you bite it, and around and around the three of you go. You need to figure out a way of dealing with this that doesn’t involve you biting their bait. Do I really have to do this for you? Is this what I went to graduate school for? OK (heavy sigh), I’ll give you a couple of suggestions. Let’s see… I have it! Ignore them! I can virtually guarantee that this nightly fishing game will last no more than one hour if you do not respond. As it is, it’s lasting two hours, right? Second, I’d be willing to bet that if you ignore this for two weeks, it will burn itself out. What fun is there in getting out of bed and making lots of boy-noise if Mom doesn’t come marching indignantly down the hall? Answer: not much. If you continue to march indignantly down the hall, I predict you will be marching indignantly down the hall six months from now. And somewhere along the line, you will become a basket case. Suggestion Number Two: Gate them in. (I learned this oldfashioned method by taking
Living with children Advanced Gating in psychology school.) Purchase a gate, or have your husband or a carpenter make one. Or, cut the kids’ door in two and re-hang the lower half or two-thirds. Turn the lock around. Put them to bed, read them a story, kiss and cuddle, then leave, closing and locking the “dutch” door behind you as you call out, “Have fun, boys!” Being behind a locked halfdoor with your twin brother in crime is not going to traumatize either of them. Let them boynoise themselves to sleep in the confines of their room. Third suggestion: If they stay in bed and go to sleep, take both of them to Disney World tomorrow to celebrate their accomplishment. Just kidding. Whether you ignore them or gate them in, this boyishness will burn itself out in a couple of weeks. That’s much less time than it took you to break some of your husband’s bad habits, isn’t it? (All boys have bad habits because no matter how old we get, the boy in us lives on, and if it doesn’t, we become crashing bores.) Sure it is. You can do this. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www. rosemond.com.
Carnival at Clearmont
The Clearmont Elementary PTO is planning a fun Fall Carnival on Oct. 22 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.There will be lots of family games and activities such as sack races, tricycle races, face-painting, ring toss, hair color, a cake walk and more, and most games only cost a quarter apiece. Come enjoy caramel apples, cotton candy, funnel cakes, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and slushies. Another highlight of the Carnival will be the 4 Gift Baskets that will be silent auctioned. The Ticket Basket is full of entrance tickets to places like The Dixie Stampede, Tweetsie, Lazy 5 Ranch, Fun Depot and the NC Zoo.
Beautician Jennifer Laws, a 2010 Mayland Community College graduate, is working to help promote Breast Cancer awareness during the month of October by offering the service of placing pink hair extensions or feathers in clients’ hair. A portion of the cost of this service will be donated to local branches of the American Cancer Society local residents who are dealing with cancer. The service only takes a few minutes and benefits a worthy cause. Jennifer works at Hair Affair located in the Red Hill community. For more information call 688-3564. Pictured are Laws and client Teagan Boyd.
‘Survive & Thrive’ business class to be offered
A “Survive & Thrive” marketing class scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mayland Community College’s main campus in Spruce Pine, is designed for business owners to explore more specifically such questions as: do people believe they get better quality and value for their money from my company? Do they get friendlier and more caring service which makes them feel more valued? Can they depend on their business dealings with my company to remain confidential (especially important in a small town)? Does my company have a reputation for being stable so that they can depend on it to meet their needs? Once participants have a clear understanding of their customers and why they buy, ways to attract new customers/clients and to increase sales of established ones, which costs less to do, will be explored. The “look” of the business, for example, the physical space inside and out, stationary, logo, typestyle, ads, and internet presence might be more appealing. Designing communications to grab and hold the attention of the company’s specific customer-base, be it in print, on the web and social sites, or on the radio, can give a boost to business. Then having the staff always remember that the customer, and her/his feeling of being valued, is the reason for the company’s and their job’s existence is essential to establishing and maintaining a prosperous long-term relationship in a normally competitive world, even more critical when the economy is on life support. The workshop is free but registration is required. Phone (828) 7657351, extension 227 to register.
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Heritage readies for tough game For Senior Night, the Mountain Heritage Cougars varsity football will need their seniors to shine as they welcome perennial foe Mitchell to E.L. Briggs Stadium on Friday. That, and accomplish what Coach Joey Robinson calls “stealing yards” with fumble recoveries, interceptions and pressuring the Mountaineers into unwanted penalties. The Cougars celebrated a high-scoring event last week when they beat up on Thomas Jefferson in a road game. The varsity put the game on ice to free up valuable play time for the rest of the squad, including some junior varsity players. The Cougars came home with a 54-21 victory last week, but they know this week will be different. “We came out and played really hard,” Robinson said of the win in Rutherford County. “Four or five touchdowns were called back” for penalties, but that didn’t stop Heritage from putting eight TDs on the board. More importantly, the Cougars didn’t suffer any serious injuries in the victory, though the coach said Jonathan ‘Jon-Jon’ Renfro, a 200-pound sledgehammer on both offense and defense, “got injured in practice this week,” possibly pulling a hamstring, Robinson said. “That would be a big loss” if Renfro, a junior, couldn’t play against the Mountaineers. “At first we thought it was an ACL, but it’s a hamstring tendon,” Robinson said. “If at all possible, he’ll play. He’s tougher than a knot.” In a feature story in the Asheville CitizenTimes, another tough man on the Heritage side got props this week for his performance on both sides of the ball. The story touted Austin Rice, the power player who led the Cougars to victory at home two weeks ago over Owen. “I think we’ve got the best linebacker around,” Robinson told the Citizen-Times. “Austin is probably the smartest defensive player I’ve ever coached. But the thing that separates him is that we have to ride him on both sides (of the ball). Austin is just a special
young man.” Going into Friday’s game, Mitchell, Hendersonville, Owen and Polk are tied for first place in Western Highlands Conference. “Two of them play each other (Owen and Hendersonville) Friday night, and we’ve got a chance to give Mitchell their second loss.” The Mountaineers dropped a tough overtime battle to Owen earlier this season, and of course Heritage beat Owen. Mitchell has beaten Polk and Hendersonville, but “if we win, we throw the whole thing into a frenzy,” Robinson said. What’s Heritage got to do Friday night? “WIN,” Robinson said with a laugh. Then the smile disappeared. “We have to tackle well. We have to stop getting penalties.” The Cougars have beaten Mitchell four
Attorney General warns of numerous job scams Many North Carolinians are looking for work and scammers are working hard to take advantage of them, the attorney general’s
office says. Be skeptical of job offers that sound too good to be true, and always research a company thoroughly before you agree to accept a job. Be especially careful if you apply for jobs online or post your resume on career sites. One consumer applied for a job on the web but the job turned out to be a scam. The position promised a weekly salary of $700 to serve as personal assistant to someone overseas. F o r t u n a t e l y, t h e website where she learned about the job figured out that the job was fraudulent and warned her.
years in a row, and “they’re gunning for us. I think we’ve been on their bulletin board” all season, he said. “It’s an interesting match-up,” the coach said. “I’m not sure that they’ve been faced ...” he started to say, and he paused. “Hendersonville and Polk could have beaten them. it’s not like they’re dominant; they’ve won four games by a combined six points.” But the Mountaineers have “great senior leadership,” but so does Heritage, and the Cougars are at home. Robinson credits his team’s solid growth over this season on how the Cougars seem to improve from game to game. “All the coaches; one thing that’s happened to us in the last four years is, we get better each week. We’ve been the one team at the end of the season to be peaking,” he said. “Some of it comes from tradition; the team that went to the third round” set the tone, he said, “and we went to the state championship.” But is that all? Tradition? Not at all, he said. The players mature, read formations quicker, and become adept at their tasks. “A lot of it is, we don’t change,” Robinson said. “We’ve got about five or six running plays and we don’t change. We’re going to do what we’re good at.” And a thrilling win like two weeks ago just primes the pump, he said. “Owen gave us confidence.” And what of Mitchell’s plan to make Heritage pay for the last four years? Well, Heritage has had their number. “I imagine they are under pressure,” he said.
OCT. 15
Last race of the 2011 season will be the
BIG BOY MURPHY
Gates open at noon and race starts at 2 p.m. ALSO it will be awards night! We are having a BIG bonfire and ROAD TRIP BAND will be playing!!! Call 682-9153 for more information
OCT. 13, 2011
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What’stoeatattheelementaryschools? Friday, Oct 14
TEACHER WORK DAY
Monday, Oct 17
Tuesday, Oct 18
Wed., Oct 19
Thurs., Oct 20
Friday, Oct 21
Breakfast Half Student Day Pancakes Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Scrambled Eggs Toast/Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch Chix Fillet Sandwich Meatball Sub Mixed Veggies Potato Rounds Spiced Apples Pineapple Tidbits Milk
Lunch Chix Taco Salad Corn Dog/Salad Peas/Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch Pork BBQ Sandwiches Fish Sandwich Cole Slaw/B Beans Applesauce/ Mandarin Oranges Milk
Breakfast Pancake & Sausage Stick Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk Lunch Lasagna/Roll Grilled Chix San’wich/Salad Corn/Fruit Fruit Cocktail Milk
Lunch Sloppy Joe San’wich Cheese Quesadillas California Veggies Spicy Pinto Beans Peaches/Pears Milk
Food for thought for middle school Friday, Oct 14
TEACHER WORK DAY
Monday, Oct 17
Tuesday, Oct 18
Wed., Oct 19
Thurs., Oct 20
Friday, Oct 21
Breakfast HALF STUDENT DAY Breakfast Pizza Pancakes Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk Lunch Chix Fillet San’Wich Meatball Sub/Chix Fingers/Biscuit/ Mixed Veggies/Potato Rounds/Baked Apples/Pineapple Tidbits/Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Pancakes Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza Waffles Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Chix Biscuit Biscuit w/Jelly Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch Chix Taco Salad/ Corn Dog/Chix Quesadilla/Salad/ Peas/Peaches/Pears Milk
Lunch Pork BBQ San’Wich/Fish San’Wich/Stuffed Crust Pizza/ Cole Slaw/Baked Beans/Applesauce/ Mandarin Oranges Milk
Breakfast Pancake&Sausage Stick Breakfast Pizza Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk Lunch Grilled Chix San’Wich/Lasagna/ Chix Tenders/Roll/ Salad/Corn/Fruit/ Fruit Cocktail Milk
Lunch Sloppy Joe San’Wich Cheese Quesadilla/ Stuffed Crust Pizza/ California Veggies/ Spicy Pinto Beans/ Peaches/Pears Milk
Chowing down at Mountain Heritage Friday, Oct 14 TEACHER WORK DAY
Monday, Oct 17
Tuesday, Oct 18
Wed., Oct 19
Thurs., Oct 20
Friday, Oct 21
Breakfast HALF STUDENT DAY Breakfast Pizza Pancakes Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk Lunch Chix Fillet San’Wich Meatball Sub/Chix Fingers/Biscuit/ Mixed Veggies/Potato Rounds/Baked Apples/Pineapple Tidbits/Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit Pancakes Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza Waffles Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Chix Biscuit Biscuit w/Jelly Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Lunch Chix Taco Salad/ Corn Dog/Chix Quesadilla/Salad/ Peas/Peaches/Pears Milk
Lunch Pork BBQ San’Wich/Fish San’Wich/Stuffed Crust Pizza/ Cole Slaw/Baked Beans/Applesauce/ Mandarin Oranges Milk
Breakfast Pancake&Sausage Stick Breakfast Pizza Cereal Animal Crackers Juice/Fruit/Milk
Riding center plans fundraiser to finish facility addition
Sat., Oct 22 4-8 p.m. at Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center. Food: Pig Pickin’ with all the fixin’s. Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center is Vegetarian option available. Entertainment: planning a fundraise on Saturday, Oct. 22, to raise funds in order to finish the bathrooms storytelling, music, etc. Cost: $20 for adults in advance. $25 at the door. $10 for children 5-12 and classroom in their new addition. Tickets available at Bank’s Jewelers or at any of the Mayland campuses.
Lunch Grilled Chix San’Wich/Lasagna/ Chix Tenders/Roll/ Salad/Corn/Fruit/ Fruit Cocktail Milk
Lunch Sloppy Joe San’Wich Cheese Quesadilla/ Stuffed Crust Pizza/ California Veggies/ Spicy Pinto Beans/ Peaches/Pears Milk
have an agriculture business idea and don’t know where to go with it then I invite you to participate in an informative three-part workshop to assist people with learning how to get started in an agriculture business or to produce a new product from something they already grow. The workshop will be held on October 17, 24, and November 1, from 6-9 p.m. at the Mayland Community College’s Main Campus in Spruce Starting An Agriculture Business Pine. Topics include, I Have An Idea – Where Do I Begin, Managing The Farm As A Business, Do you have idle land you would like to grow How To Sell and Add Value To What You Grow. Workshop sponsors include, N.C. Cooperative something on? Are you looking to earn extra Extension Mitchell County Center, Mayland income by growing something? Do you already grow a product but would like to make more Community College and N.C. REAL. To register money from it by adding value to it? If you call the Mitchell County Extension Center, 828answered yes to any of these questions or you 688-4811.
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Oct. 13, 2011
• yANCEY cOUNTY nEWS
We apologize to Alex and Maria for getting his name wrong in the Homecoming page last week. Below please see the correction!
Yancey County Youth Soccer
Sporting black uniforms, the U12 (under 12) “Rock Stars”, sponsored by CBA Construction, played a very competitive game against the “Diamondsbacks”, in maroon, and Sponsored by THE Weinmeister family. Both teams played very well. There was a lot of good passing and defensive play. The U6 (Under 6) division will no doubt turn out some great soccer players as they get older. It’s amazing how this age group gets the basics of the game. After a challenging fight for control of the ball, “The Timberwolves” in royal blue jerseys, score a goal against their competitors, the “Yellow Jackets”, in yellow, sponsored by Deyton Logging & Grading.
The Yancey County News
Alex Biggerstaff and Maria Kardulis
wants to hear your voice, your opinion, your concerns. Send your letters to 132 W. Main St., Burnsville NC 28714.