dec. 1, 2011, edition

yanceycountynews.com

Brush Creek - Burnsville - Cane River Crabtree - Egypt - Green Mountain - Jacks Creek Pensacola - Price’s Creek - Ramseytown - South Toe

vTo be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.v Dec. 1, 2011 W Vol. 1, No. 47

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Yancey County News

By Jonathan AustinIf Yancey County is going

to have a license tag office, it is apparently up to county or Burnsville government to run it.

County Manager Nathan Bennett told county commissioners Tuesday that the state had told him that none of the applicants who applied to operate the tag office

qualified, and that it was up to the local government to take the reins.

Commissioners, who had been meeting Tuesday as the East Yancey Water and Sewer District board of directors, voiced desire to keep a tag office in the county even though they expect it might not be profitable.

See page 5

Winter arrived for parts of the county this week as a cold front pushed through after dumping a couple of inches of rain. Here snow covers trees and the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Mitchell.

Share photographs of your Christmas lights! Email them to [email protected]!

No one wants three tax-due properties

By Jonathan AustinYancey County News

What happens when the county tries to sell property for its unpaid back taxes, but no one shows up to buy it? That’s what happened recently with three parcels of land in Yancey, and now the county owns the property.

But now county leaders must figure out how it can get the three parcels back on the tax rolls.

On Oct. 17, county attorney D o n n y L a w s , a c t i n g a s commissioner, put up for sale a one-acre parcel off of Prices Creek Road, a lot in Sugar Mountain Estates, and a parcel of land in Jack’s Creek. When no bid was received meeting the minimum amount owed, the county took ownership of the property itself.

“The county just takes it for what the county is owed,” said County Planner Jamie McMahan.

North Carolina general statute gives counties and towns the authority to sell privately owned property for unpaid taxes. The sale is published and occurs at the courthouse door.

T h e c o u n t y w a s o w e d $2,724.25, for the Jack’s Creek property owned by John Leverock of Nooksville, Fla. It was owed $2,090.13, for lot 7, Sugarloaf Mountain Estates off U.S. 19W, by

Associates Financial Services Co. It was owed $1,981.99 in

taxes for one acre located off Prices Creek Road by Arthur E. Felton of Altamonte Springs, Fla.

This is the second time lot 7 in Sugarloaf Mountain Estates has sold at the courthouse door. Records show that it was sold at foreclosure for $5,801 in May 2001.

According to state law, “A county, city, or other unit of local government may purchase real property at a judicial sale, an execution sale, or a sale made pursuant to a power of sale, to secure a debt due the county.”

Now county leaders must approve a way that the property can be sold. According to state law, “real property purchased at a tax foreclosure sale” by the county “may be resold at any time (for such price as the governing body … may approve).

“The county has no policy for getting rid of property” it acquired from tax foreclosure sales, McMahan said. Basically, county leaders just want to get the land back in private hands so it is back on the tax rolls, he said.

He and County Manager Nathan Bennett said the county commiss ion must approve procedures to have the land declared surplus so it can be sold.

Other than the back taxes, the county also spent money to advertise the sale, which means the county is out that money until

Inside: American Idol winner and Tar Heel heartthrob to appear at N.C. State Fair!

Jonathan Austin/Yancey County News

County may open license tag office

2 Dec. 1, 2011 • yANcey cOUNTy NeWS

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Your Schools

Amy Autrey’s fifth grade s t u d e n t s a t C l e a r m o n t Elementary visited the display of Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn and toured the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville on November 22.

The trip to the Biltmore House was part of the “Wonders of the World” project that began with students learning about and locating the Seven Wonders of the World on a map. Students also read the novel “Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs,” a book about a boy growing up in rural Missouri in the 1920s. The main character, Eben, receives a book about the Seven Wonders of the World from his teacher as a reward for having the best grades in geography. This book prompts his father to challenge him to find seven wonders in his own town in exchange for a train ticket to Colorado. Eben discovers that Sassafras Springs is actually a remarkable town filled with many treasures.

Following the novel, it only made sense to end the unit by visiting two of North Carolina’s Wonders: The Grove Park Inn and The Biltmore Estate.

The students really enjoyed the trip and they received compliments on their behavior

Yancey students find local wondersas they toured the largest private home in the United States. They learned about the history of the Biltmore House and how architects and landscape ar t i s ts h e l p e d G e o r g e

Vanderbilt realize his dream of a European chateau in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains.The home is a museum inside a home with artwork, including portraits by famous artists,

beautiful tapestries, a n d s c u l p t u r e s imported from around the world.

I t was a grea t o p p o r t u n i t y f o r students to learn about the “Wonders in their Own Backyard.”

Planning for the Middle School Health Clinics: YCS and Health Clinic staff are meeting with the architectural representatives to complete the planning for the two middle school health clinic additions.

School Calendar for 2012-2013: The committee is working on a draft for next school year. If you have any suggestions, please see a committee member. A final draft should be ready to present to the board at the December 5 board meeting.

Update on Renewal Credits for Teachers and their Standard Professional 2 License: During the 2011 session, the General Assembly reduced the number of renewal credits required for a teacher to renew a Standard Professional 2 license from 15 to 7.5. At the August State Board Meeting, members requested a task force be created to consider options for renewal credits.

Credit is no longer given for teaching experience.In addition, teachers who complete National Board Certification may earn the 7.5 credits. Those who are in the 10-year National Board renewal cycle may earn 2 credits (1 for content and 1 for literacy). Principals and assistant principals earn 3 credits focused on the school executives as instructional, human resources and managerial leader. The remaining 4.5 credits may be general credits.

• The school accountability system at the heart of the No Child Left Behind Act, called “AYP” would be completely reinvented under a proposal released Tuesday by U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

November is Native American History Month: November is Native American History Month and public schools are encouraged to highlight the impact of Native Americans on North Carolina history. American Indian history is an integral part of North Carolina’s K-12 Social Studies curriculum. The elementary and middle school curriculum enables students to use historical skills, primary source documents, oral histories (folktales and legends) to study and explore diverse groups that have contributed to the development of North Carolina and the United States by beginning with the American Indians. In addition to U.S. History, high school students can take an American Indian Studies elective course to learn about their diverse history and culture in North Carolina.

SuperintendentTony Tipton’sweekly report

Dec. 1, 2011 • yANcey cOUNTy NeWS 3

Analysis: AG says voter ID law unconstitutionalOpinion/Outlooks

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By Sarah OvaskaNc Policy Watch

Attempts by the state legislature to pass local bills requiring voters in some, but not all, counties to produce photo identification at the polls would fail to meet the constitutional guarantee of equal protection, according to a recent analysis by the N.C. Attorney General’s Office.

The state Department of Justice, in a Nov. 23 advisory letter sent to Gov. Bev Perdue’s office, indicated that a strategy by GOP leaders to circumvent Perdue’s June veto of a voter ID bill would run into constitutional issues. Having individual counties ask for more stringent identification rules would create an unconstitutional scenario where voters in some counties face more hurdles to vote than in other areas.

“It is therefore our views that significant equal protection concerns would arise if voter identification requirements were established for some voters and not others based merely on their county of residence,” wrote Grayson Kelley, the chief deputy Attorney General, in the letter. He later added, “The enactment of local acts applying photo voter identification requirements in only certain counties would raise serious equal protection issues under both the United States Constitution and North Carolina Constitution.”

In recent weeks, a handful of conservative county commissions (in Craven, Davidson, Gaston, Lincoln and Rowan counties) have passed resolutions requesting that the legislature allow the counties to require photo identification to vote. The legislature would then, during a special session, have to pass what’s called a “local bill” in order to grant those powers to those counties. Local bills are generally exempt from governor vetoes, and usually deal with issues specific to counties.

But Kelley, in his letter, said that the courts would likely find that lawmakers don’t have the ability to push through piecemeal changes to voter identification requirements, and that state law calls for changes of that magnitude be made through an all-encompassing general bill, like the one that was vetoed by Perdue.

Kelley also says in the letter that Perdue

would necessarily be stripped of her ability to veto those local bills, because the larger voter registration issue had already been taken up by state lawmakers.

Like much of what happened in this year’s legislative sessions, the push to require voters to show ID at the polls has broken down on partisan lines, with Republicans behind the additional requirements and Democrats voting against the proposal. The “Act to Restore Confidence in Government by Requiring that Voters Provide Photo Identification Before Voting” passed both the House and Senate in the spring, but failed to become law after Perdue vetoed it on June 23.

House Republicans are a few votes short of overriding Perdue’s veto, and N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis told the News & Observer in June that a vote could come anytime he has enough votes lined up.

“If seven Democrats don’t show up for a publicly announced session, that would be the easy way to override it,” he said in an interview, referring to the required three-fifths needed.

According to Democracy NC, a good

government watchdog group, the push at the local level also broke down on partisan, as well as racial, sides, with 27 white Republicans county commissioners voting to ask for the voter identification rules in the five counties. Opposing the bills in the five counties were three Democrats, one white and two African-Americans.

During legislative debates, supporters of the bill said that requiring that voters show picture IDs would prevent voter fraud. But critics said the bill would do little to prevent the already minimal issue of voter fraud in the state, and amounts to voter suppression. It would create barriers to voting especially among the poor, African-Americans and elderly who may not have valid driver’s licenses or other photo identification, critics say.

Nearly a half-million voters don’t have state-issued identification, according to an estimate by the N.C. State Board of Elections.

NC Policy Watch is an independent project of the NC Justice Center, North Carolina’s leading private, nonprofit anti-poverty organization.

Potential jobs in two WNC microbreweries and the tribal casino in Cherokee and rejection of the Racial Justice Act highlighted the just completed fourth “special session” of the General Assembly. The three-day session that began on Thanksgiving Sunday and concluded on Tuesday afternoon (November 29) cost taxpayers approximately $150,000 and accomplished little from a policy standpoint. Each day’s calendar listed “Reconsideration of Vetoed Bills” including HB 7 “Community Colleges/Opt Out of Federal (Student) Loan Program;” HB 351, “Restore Confidence in Government” (Voter ID); HB 482, “Water Supply/Water Violation Waivers;” SB 709 “Energy Jobs Act (to allow shale gas extraction know as “fracking”) and Senator Ralph Hise’s SB 727, “No Dues Checkoff for School Employees.” None of these votes was taken and we limped out of Raleigh with the Raleigh News and Observer asking, tongue in cheek, if the GOP leadership had called the session because it “missed the fried squash in the Legislative Cafeteria?”

In his post-mini-session press conference, House Speaker Thom Tillis argued, and I agree, that the Legislature’s passage of HB 796, “Breweries, Community College/Supplemental Fund. Clarified” was “a wise use of time.” At least it was for Western North Carolina. Prior to the session, the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Tim Moffitt of Asheville, contacted me to review the provision giving high school students 16 and older permission to take noncredit classes at community colleges. I appreciated his thoughtful approach to the community college provision in the legislation and was glad to provide input. The bill also allows the Cherokee County Schools to receive an extra year’s funding from the Small County Supplemental Fund and it authorizes—the heart of the bill—NC’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to permit the sale of malt beverages that have been manufactured by large producers at out of state locations or at local breweries (reportedly to be in Asheville and/or Hendersonville). This clears the way for New Belgium Brewing of Fort Collins, Colorado and Sierra Nevada of Chico, California to expand into WNC. If they were to grow their operations in the region, the two breweries could generate as many as 300 new jobs.

The Senate overturned the two-year old “Racial Justice Act” on Monday by passing SB 9, a bill entitled “No Discriminatory Purpose in the Death Penalty.” On a 27 to 17 vote along party lines, the Senate passed the measure to repeal the 2009 law that allowed sentences (not convictions) to be reviewed to determine if, using statistical evidence, racial prejudice were a factor in the decision to impose the death penalty. Governor Perdue is expected to veto the bill and the Legislature could be called into special session in early January to consider overriding the veto.

Gov. Beverly Perdue and Principal Chief Michell Hicks announced on Monday, November 28 agreement on a new compact that would allow live gambling at the tribe’s Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and on the trust lands held by the Eastern Band in Cherokee, Swain, Jackson, Graham and Haywood Counties. (It is unlikely that there would be live gaming on the Haywood property because of the remoteness of the land.) The 30-page, 30 year compact was forwarded to the leadership of the General Assembly on Monday and later in the day to interested members such as myself, but there was not adequate time to review the proposal before adjournment on Tuesday. The proposed compact would guarantee to the tribe exclusive rights to live table games West of Interstate 26 (as opposed to west of I-95 as originally sought) and it would give the state a percentage from these games beginning at 4% the first year and increasing 1% every five years until it reaches 8%. The amount that goes to the state—estimated at $2 to $4 million per year—would go directly to education and the State’s 1.4 million children in grades K to 12. Tribal leaders estimate that 400 jobs would be created by adding the live table gaming but I remain opposed to the compact because of potential expansion beyond the casino to surrounding counties in WNC.

Among the several items taken up by the House this week were HB 645, “Motor Fuel Excise Tax Adjustment and Studies” to cap the gas and diesel fuel tax, scheduled to go up on January 1, at its current rate of 35 cents per gallon. The cap, which I supported, would have lasted for 6 months while a study was conducted to determine alternative ways to fund NC’s transportation needs. The bill passed the House by a wide margin—96 to 23.

Ray Rapp’s Raleigh Report


ObituariesGladys Buckner

Gladys M. Buckner, 83, of Pleasant Valley Road, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, at her home. She was the daughter of the late Horace and Pearl Waldrop Buckner, and the wife of William Riley Buckner who passed away in September 2009. Gladys was also preceded in death by her son: Steven Buckner; grandson: Billy Buckner; sisters: Betty Buckner and Louise Radcliff; and, brother: Gene Buckner.

Surviving are her son: William S. Buckner and wife, Delane; daughters: Joan Souther and husband, Steven, Janet Deitz and husband, Doug, and Vickie Thomas, all of Burnsville; brothers: David Buckner of Leicester, James A. Buckner of Nesbitt, MS and Benny Buckner of Oteen; 10 grandchildren: Alicia, Melissa, Angela, Devan, Jackie, Jessie, Heather, Justin, Jewel and Dakota; and, 8 great grandchildren: Jordan, Julia, Hallie, Jasmine, Nic, Anna Grace, Payton and Trysten.

Funera l se rv ice was Saturday in Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, of which she was a member.

Carl YoungCarl Young, 87, died

Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at his home on Shoal Creek. He was born on April 8, 1924, on a farm at Shoal Creek in the mountains of Yancey County, North Carolina, where his father, Will Young, was a farmer and his mother, Laura Belle Hyatt Young, was a homemaker. The youngest of twelve Young children, Carl spent his childhood playing on the family farm. At age 20, he enlisted in the Army and he fought during World War II with the 12th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry

Division in the European Theater. Carl was a recipient of a Purple Heart after being wounded in Rothenburg, Germany. Upon his return to Yancey County, he married Lillian Buchanan Young and they had two daughters, Laura Gwen and Sharon Lee. Carl was a mica miner, store owner, long-distance truck driver, heavy equipment operator, tire recapper, Pet Milk truck driver, and a builder of many roads throughout the area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR racing, playing poker and watching sports. His life was filled with family and friends, who laughed often with him.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents Will and Laura Belle Hyatt Young; sisters: Elizabeth Huskins, Sarah Allen, Mabel Letterman, Grace Wright, Belle Griffith and Mamie Young; brothers: Terrill, Jim, Grady, Jess and Horace Young; and former wife: Lillian Buchanan Young. He is survived by his partner and best friend, Kaye Greene; two children: Laura Gwen Young Stetzler and husband, Ray, of Beavercreek, Ohio and Sharon Lee Young Scott of South Boston, Virginia; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service was held with military graverites conducted by Sgt. E. L. Randolph Chapter 57, DAV. A memorial service was Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Ivan McCurryIvan McCurry, 86, of the

Mine Fork Community, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 201, at his home. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Mal and Belle Edwards McCurry and the husband of Florence Laws McCurry who died in 1995. He was also preceded in death by an infant son: Lyda McCurry; a sister: Fern Tipton and brothers: Carl, Glenn, Grant, Paul, Sam and Geroge McCurry. Ivan was a World War II Army veteran.

Surviving are his daughter: Violet McCurry of Burnsville and several nieces and nephews.

Burial was in the Mal McCurry Family Cemetery.

In honoring his request, no services are planned.

Page 16--Yancey Common Times Journal--November 23, 2011

Retired State employees with Medicare can save $100's by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that coordi-nates with your current Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Ac-cording to Jerry Scarborough, a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage representative, your primary care copay is reduced from $30 to $20, specialist reduced from $70 to $45, emergency room reduced from $233 copay plus 20% coinsur-ance after a $700 deductible to an incredible $65 . . . and the list of savings goes on. And best of all the premium is $0. How can UnitedHealthcare of-fer a $0 premium? When you enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, the federal government pays

Attention All Retired State EmployeesUnitedHealthcare a set amount of money to provide your benefits. As one of the larg-est providers of Medicare coverage, they have the plans, provider partnership and well-ness programs in place to keep costs down. So they can offer more benefits than original Medicare for a $0 monthly premium beyond what you pay for Part B.

But time is running out to enroll for 2012 . . . there's only 2 weeks left to enroll . . . till Dec. 7. Scarborough will be available to answer questions and enroll at The Prescription Pad, 730 East Main Street, Burnsville, Monday - Friday 9 - 1 or by appointment. Come by or call 208-2562.

ADVERTISEMENT

Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home i s ass i s t ing the McCurry family.

Kelton E. GeougeKelton E. Geouge, 76,

of the Celo Community, died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at his home. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late John K. and Foy Whetstine Geouge. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Keith Geouge. Kelton was a U. S. Army Veteran and a retired crane operator.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Wilma Strong Geouge; a son: Greg Geouge and wife, Lana, of Mobile, Ala.; 2 granddaughters: Samantha Geouge and Gabrelle Geouge; 2 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren all of Roxboro.

A memorial service was Thursday in Browns Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Donald Davis officiated.

Taylor Grace LunsfordTaylor Grace Lunsford,

infant daughter of Bobby and Melissa Hicks Lunsford, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011, at Mission Hospital. She was preceded in death by grandparents: Taylor Hicks and Choise, Jr. and Della Mae Buchanan Lunsford.

Surviving in addition to her parents are her half-sisters: Bonnie Angelica and Lucie Marjorie Lunsford; grandmother, Joann Hicks. Many aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Funera l se rv ice was Monday, The Rev. Rodney Milsap officiated. Burial followed in the Buchanan

Cemetery.

Callie Silver GortneyCallie Silver Gortney, 91,

of Burnsville, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, at her home. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Shelby and Martha Silver. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Christine Gortney; an infant son, Billy Ray Gortney; brother, Dee Silver; sisters: Nola Silver, Eva Wilson and Carrie Hess and a great-grandson Joshua Acuff. Callie was a homemaker, a faithful, lifelong member of Crabtree Baptist Church and loving wife of 68 years to Oscar Gortney.

Surviving in addition to her husband are her two daughters: Ellen Anglin and husband, Jim and Janice Howell all of Burnsville; sisters: Evie McCurry and husband, R.D., of Marion and Barbara Fox of Burnsville; brothers: Daniel Silver of Burnsville, David Silver of Marion and Gail Silver and wife, Emma Jean, of Burnsville; five grandchildren: Maurice Anglin, Pat Anglin and wife, Kelly, Tammy Austin and husband, John, Bill Howell and wife, Michelle and Brian Howell and wife, Angie; great-grandchildren: Cassandra Garland, Gracie, Dillion, Marshall, Lane and Aubry Anglin, Andrew, Matthew, Mason and Katie Austin, Daniel, Nathan, Luke and Adam Howell.

Funeral was Monday wiht the Rev. Rick Bennett and Rev. Joe Bennett officiating. Burial was in the Crabtree Baptist Church Cemetery.


County may open tag office, Bennett saysFrom the front

Bennett said he has surveyed other counties that operate tag offices, and he said few if any make money on the proposition. Being a small county means the office could gross maybe $50,000 a year, he said, and that must cover two salaries and overhead expenses. He said the county could see less outlay if it put the tag office in an existing county

building; the courthouse or the old library annex, for example.

Chairman Johnny Riddle and Commissioner Marvin Holland pointed out that not having a tag office in town would be a disservice for residents, who would have to travel out of county to take care of their vehicle tags. That would require residents taking as much as half a day off from work. An unintended consequence could

also be that the residents could end up shopping while they were out of the county, hurting local merchants and cutting into county sales tax revenue.

And would the town be interested in running the office?

“The town actually debated whether or not they would be interested in it, and at that time said no,” said Mayor Danny McIntosh.

“I really wish there was a good applicant willing to do it,” he said, to create private sector jobs, but if the county has to run the office,” it would be fine with me.”

Bennett admitted that putting the tag office in the courthouse could be problematic for some residents because they would have to go through the metal detector at the front door in order to renew or purchase license tags.

Mars Hill College Christmas Concert set for

7 p.m. this Saturday Experience the beautiful sounds of the Christmas season at the annual Mars Hill College Christmas Concert, Friday, Dec.2 at 7:30 pm in Moore Auditorium.The concert will feature the Mars Hill College Wind Symphony, conducted by Mr. Michael Robinson; and the College Choir and Chamber Singers, conducted by Dr. Joel Reed. The event is open to the public and free of charge. For more information call 828.689.1209

The Customized Training Program (CTP) provides training and services for new, expanding and existing business and industry in North Carolina.

The state pioneered Customized Training fifty years ago and is consistently recognized as having one of the most effective training programs in the nation. The decision of a business or industry to locate, expand, or remain in NC is influenced by the presence of a well-trained workforce. The CTP was developed in response to this need.

An example of this successful partnership

was an Industrial Electrical Maintenance class held this fall. Sixteen electricians and maintenance staff from Altec Industries, PRC Industries, BRP Inc., Hickory Springs Manufacturing, and New Buck Corporation participated in the training. Unlike standard residential electrical courses, this class provided instruction on industrial electronics and electrical systems. As a result, students were given the skills to better perform their jobs and make the factory operate more efficiently.

The CTP is designed to react quickly to the

needs of businesses and respect the confidential nature of information within those businesses. Through the CTP, Mayland Community College provides services including job profiling, assessment, and pre-employment training. Post-hire, technical and “soft” skills training are also offered at no cost to the company. CTP does what is needed to assist companies in locating or expanding operations in the Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey County areas, and prepares the workforce with skills essential for successful employment in industry.

Pictured are students in Mcc’s Industrial electrical Maintenance class held this fall. Sixteen electricians and maintenance staff from Altec Industries, PRc Industries, BRP Inc., Hickory Springs Manufacturing, and New Buck corporation participated in the training. Pictured from left to right on the front row are Darren Duncan, Mark Huskins, and Andrew Dugger. On the back row are Ben Ray, Andy Miller, and Mike Andrea.

Training program puts people into critical regional businesses


UARA Racing

Top ten includes youngster in rookie yearBy Kassie HughesSixteen-year-old Joey Herques

joined the UARA-STARS with little driving experience and managed to pull off an eight place position in the 2011 Championship Points.

It all started for Herques when he and his dad were racing go karts around the house just a few years back. He went from go karts to legends, and from legends to limiteds within the past four years. Herques ran his first full year with the UARA-STARS and counts it as a success.

“All in all we didn’t do to too bad for finishing eighth. I’ve realized that whenever you start off something new, it’s going to be a struggle. We were looking forward to the year being a learning step,” says young Herques. “Looking back on the year, finishing eighth with the kind of year we had, not finishing races and blowing a motor, we actually did pretty well. I would consider this year a win for us because we made it through and finished in the top ten in points.”

Although Herques is still looking to clinch that first UARA win, he won numerous awards throughout the season. His first award of the season was during his first visit to Rockingham Speedway. He won the Holley Performer award for gaining eight positions throughout the race. His 8th place finish also earned him Pro-Fabrication 8th place award. Other awards included DJ Safety 9th place at Lonesome Pine, and ARBodies Hard Luck Award during his series’ second visit to Newport. To finish off the year, Herques won WP Racing Shocks 11th place award at series closer at Rockingham.

With such a short racing career, Herques had a lot of opportunities to learn and try new things.

“Qualifying on stickers and the length of the races was something we had to get used to. The only time I’ve ever qualified before was when I ran limiteds on scuffed

tires,” rookie Herques learned. “Running 150 laps was also a stretch for us. I was only used to running 50 laps, and occasionally the longest being 80 or 100 laps.”

Turning the page into a new season, Herques would not have had such a successful rookie year without a couple of people to thank.

“I definitely need to thank my dad for all the sacrifices he makes so that I could be here and race. I also wanted to say a big thanks to my whole team. My guys did a great job this year, fixing everything and getting things ready for the next race.”

Now with the experience of a late model, Herques is looking to get more experience through other series while also running with UARA-STARS for the 2012 season.

“So far plans of next year look like doing some ARCA runs, on the tracks that I can next year (tracks without an 18-year-old age limit) and to fill in the gaps with UARA races.

Do you go all out decorating your home and property for Christmas? Take photos and send them to the Yancey County News!

We’ll run the best photos, and you get all the bragging rights!

Email them to [email protected]


The Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) welcomes eight new artists to its December Studio Tour, which runs Dec. 2 to 4. The eight new artists/studios join over one hundred others on TRAC’s self-guided driving tour. Tour hours are: Friday, Dec. 2, from 12-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend an artist reception and exhibition at TRAC’s Spruce Pine Gallery at 269 Oak Avenue on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5-7 p.m.

TRAC’s new Tour Guide booklets can be picked up at the Spruce Pine Gallery or at the Burnsville Gallery, located at 102 W. Main St. Guides contain maps and directions, color images of artists’ work, and contact information. Keeping eyes peeled for arrowed roadside tour signs, visitors can pull in and watch artists at work in their studios, purchase art work, and discover out-of-the-way scenic wonders in the mountains. Both TRAC galleries are open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where staff offer assistance with tour itineraries.

Garold Amsberry began working in clay in the late 1980s. At his Midnight Sun Pottery he produces one-of-a-kind functional and decorative pieces, firing at cone-6 electric. He creates raku mugs, bowls, and platters in a variety of styles. “My style,” he says, “covers a lot of styles. I go full gamut.” Currently he is experimenting with color slip design, especially spray-on glazes. The palette remains the same but the application process significantly changes the results.

Glass artist Jonathan Lee Biller has moved back to WNC from Memphis, Tenn., with his Purple Cat Glass Company. Primarily he fashions glass ornaments but he also

creates blown and solid glass works. His production line includes tumblers and glasses, mostly functional ware which he decorates with drawings and paintings. He explains, “Glass-blowing is a dance that involves body movement in conjunction with gravity and heat. I’m fascinated by its ever-changing, ever evolving brilliance.”

“New beginnings” is how Spruce Pine potter Anita Blackwell describes her art which integrates art into daily life. Anita describes herself as a non-functional, spiritual potter, creating “Puffy Prayer Pots,” personal altars, and round raku spirit jars. Her technique has moved from the wheel to hand building. Of herself she says, “I hope to express the collective feeling of relatedness to nature, bringing forth a sense of magic and possibility into our technological age.”

Photographer Steve Buettner got started in a Colorado architect’s office taking pictures of buildings. Barns and churches in the Toe River area still capture his imagination. These days he’s moving more into black and white imagery because of its tonality, and he is also exploring new ways in which to display photography such as the hand-made book. He loves capturing various street scenes and visits downtown Asheville and Burnsville and other locations for impromptu shots.

J.R. and Kristen Page believe in “Turning mud to stone” at their Page Pottery. This husband and wife team, for whom “pottery is a way of life,” offers a wide range of functional and decorative ware. In the decorative line they make one-of-a-kind masks, vases, and ceramic sculpture. Their functional ware such as stoneware bowls for the kitchen and decorative soap dishes for the bathroom can all claim to embody the spirit of the Pages

themselves. J.R. explains that they are constantly experimenting with types of firings, with the “engineering aspects” of their kitchen ware which they test by preparing dishes from produce grown in their garden.

Another artist couple, Peter and Rita Steidle (Map 3) make traditional and contemporary braided rugs, for over 200 years a staple furnishing in American homes. At their Braided Art studio in Buladean they produce braided area rugs that can be color-coordinated with other furnishings made by the couple such as chair pads, placemats, and table runners. Their line of fruit rugs includes shapes such as apples and pumpkins while their flower designs feature sunflowers and daisies.

Having been trained in metal-smithing, repousse, and chasing techniques, Jane Willig offers forged and hand-wrought sterling silver and 14-karat gold-filled wire jewelry (mostly earrings). Her surface-textured copper Christmas ornaments display her flair for intricate design.

Furniture-maker Luke Woods uses mostly local hardwoods such as walnut, curly maple, and cherry in his solid wood furniture. His interest is in making 18th Century-type “period furniture” such as a recent Queen Anne hunt-board of curly maple. He is drawn to Colonial models from the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Mr. Woods tends to produce smaller, lighter pieces such as tea-tables using wide boards and period-type brasses. “I hope the furniture I make will be antiques someday,” he states, adding, “it ought to last two to three hundred years if they take care of it.”

For more information on the TRAC December Studio Tour call (828) 682-7215 or 765-0520, or click toeriverarts.org.

TRAC welcomes eight new artists to Studio Tour

List of participating artists and galleriesParticipating Artist Map WebsiteGarold Amsberry E Stanley Mace Andersen 1 roanpotters.comPaul Anthony/Tim Jaqua 2 anthonystoneware.comCarol W. Bailey 3 Lynda Gayle Banner E littleblackberrycreekpottery.comBarking Spider Pottery 4 barkingspiderpottery.comRick/Valerie Beck 5William/Katherine Bernstein 6 bernsteinglass.comYvonne Bessin 7 Jonathan Lee Biller 8Lisa Blackburn 9 Anita Blackwell 10Blue Ridge Soap Shed 11 soapshed.comPam Brewer 12 pambrewer.comCynthia Bringle 12 cynthiabringlepottery.comEdwina Bringle 12 John Britt 13 JJ Brown 14 fyreglas.comLarry Brown E thelarrybrownstudio.comThor Bueno 15 buenoglass.comSteve Buettner 19 sbphotosite.comMarilyn Cade 16 mountainfarm.netMelisa Cadell 17 roanpotters.comJim Charneski 26 charneskimetals.comLisa Clague 18 lisaclague.netClaudia Dunaway 19 yummymudpuddle.comEnergyXchange 20 energyxchange.orgJohn Faulkner 21 johnfaulknerdesign.comSarah Faulkner 21 sarahfaulkner.comSusan Feagin 12 Ruth Fischer 43 justbeeclayart.comLoretta Forde 22 John J. Geci 23 jgeciglass.comTerry Gess 24 terrygesspottery.comBecky Gray 25 bgrayclay.comCarmen Grier 24 carmengrier.comJudson Guerard 26 guerardglass.com

Jay Haynes 27 blueheavenwoodworks.comRolf Eric Holmquist 28 rolfholmquist.comKathryn House 29 Lucas House 29 ironhouseforge.comSarah House 29 skhpottery.comLisa Joerling 30 lisajoerling.comNick Joerling 30 penlandpottery.comBarbara Kahn 14 Michael Kline 31 michaelklinepottery.blogspot.comCathy/David Krafcik 32 wildlifeartglass.comAbigail H. Kramer E Judy Lane 33 Stacey Lane 31 staceylane.comRob Levin 34 robertlevin.comPolly Lorien/Miles Dreyer 40 thepeoplesglass.comKathryn Lynch 19 jacksbrat.etsy.comShaunna Lyons 48 shaunnalyonspottery.blogspot.comNanci Mansfield 22 Courtney Martin 23 courtneymartinpottery.comLinda McFarling 45 lindamcfarlingpottery.comLynn McLure 9 Shane Mickey 35 roanpotters.comJacquelyn Murray 36 Lilith Nielander 37J.R./Kristen Page 38 pagepottery.comJane Peiser 39 janepeiserpottery.comErin Peters 31 bulabags.comKenny Pieper 40 pieperglass.comJohn D. Richards 19 yummymudpuddle.comSimona Rosasco 14 fyreglas.comDavid Ross 41 snowcreekpottery.comNancy Roth 42 Michael Rutkowsky 43 pondbranchpottery.comConstance Schulze 17 csjewelrydesigns.comKen Sedberry 44 sedberrypottery.comSelena Glass and Metal 45 selenaglassandmetal.comLinda J. Sharpless 46 Jenny Lou Sherburne 47 jennylouclayart.comLaura Sims 26 indigostonestudio.com

Charlie Smith 2 Gertrude Graham Smith 48 gertrudegrahamsmith.comPeter/Rita Steidle 49 braidedart.comKathy Steinsberger 12 Billie Ruth Sudduth 50 brsbasket.comDoug Sudduth 50 dougsudduth.comLiz Zlot Summerfield51 lzspottery.comScott Summerfield 51 scottsummerfieldglass.comRaven Tata 45 cosimoscollection.comYaffa/Jeff Todd 52 Kathleen Turczyn 42 Tria Turrou 53 triaturroustudios.comTzadi Turrou 53 chestnutmtcabin.comAmy Waller 54 amywallerpottery.comJann V. Welch 55 artscentered.comElizabeth Westveer E silverwingstudio.comSherrill Whitson 56 Mike Williams 28 mikeswoodshop.comJane Brown Willig 42 Matt Willig 29 mattwilligdesigns.comDavid Wilson 22 Luke Woods 57 Kay Workman 43 worksbyworkman.comSteve Workman 43 worksbyworkman.com

Participating Galleries

Burnsville TRAC GalleryCrimson Laurel GalleryEnergyxchangeFork Mountain Studio & GalleryOne of a Kind Art Gallery Penland GallerySpruce Pine TRAC GalleryThe Design Gallery


An update from your very own new and locally owned pharmacy ...

Open 8-8 weekdays, 8-5 Saturday, 10-3 Sunday730 E. Main St, Burnsville •678-3914 •fax 678-3945

We want to say thank you to the community for all of the support you have given us during our first five months of operation. We continue to welcome new customers and to serve our existing customers with great care. We appreciate our corporate neighbor recognizing The Prescription Pad for making a difference in our community through lower drug prices. Give us a chance to earn your business and we will do everything in our power to make sure your experience is different than what you’ve become accustomed to. Customer service is paramount at The Prescription Pad of Burnsville.

We’re committed to making a difference in our community and are looking forward to being able to announce some exciting new programs we have planned for the near future.

We will have additional giveaways during the upcoming holiday season. Please stop by to see what we’re giving away and register to win. They will make great Christmas gifts.

The Prescription Pad of BurnsvilleIt’s that time of year again, and Burger King in Burnsville is celebrating the season for giving with the Angel Tree for Seniors. Customers and residents are invited to take an angel from the tree in the restaurant and give the gift of love to a senior for Christmas. “Thank you from our Family at Burger King, and happy holidays!” said Brenda Sparks of Burger King. She said gifts should be brought to the Burger King store in Burnsville, and they will be given to senior citizens in the community.

Fans of former Mountain Heritage High School varsity basketball standout John Cannon may be wondering how

he is doing as a freshman with

the University of Georgia basketball team. His mother says he is doing

well and working hard in the weight room. She says it’s a surprise to see how big he is on

television.The Dawgs have a great season going

and to the right is the schedule

for the remainder of the season. All of the games are televised, though

some of the stations may be Georgia specific. Coming up this weekend

is a big game against Cincinnati on ESPNU, and a intra-state rivalry takes place Dec.

7 at home against Georgia Tech.

The Dawgs went to the big dance last year, and we

all hope John gets the chance to block a few shots on the

way to a stellar season.

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has awarded $180,540 to the North Carolina FFA to improve high school agricultural education programs throughout the state.

The new Agricultural Education Program Improvement Grant, which receives exclusive support from the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, aims to provide much-needed resources to local agricultural education programs and FFA chapters in high schools.

“This grant will enable our teachers to invest resources in a number of critical areas, from equipment and facilities to new course development,” said state agricultural education leader Joshua Bledsoe. “We are extremely grateful to the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission for sharing our vision and making possible tremendous opportunities for students throughout the state.”

The North Carolina FFA, housed in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, will distribute the gift in at least 32 grants in the amount of $5,000 each. Remaining funds will be used to administer the grant. Any high school in North Carolina with an agricultural education program is eligible to apply. Award winners will be announced in spring 2012.

“We’re excited to be a partner with the FFA,” said William Upchurch, executive director of the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. “This is a great opportunity for students and teachers to feature innovative and creative projects designed to strengthen agricultural education. These students represent the future of agriculture in North Carolina.”

The North Carolina FFA is a youth organization of more than 18,600 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture, with nearly 250 local chapters across the state. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit http:// ncffa.org for more information.

FFA in state gets big grant


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Final Week!

Regional dancers ready seasonal ‘Nutcracker’ More than 90 dancers from Yancey,

Mitchell, and Avery counties will participate this weekend in the production of “The Nutcracker” in Burnsville.

“The Nutcracker” is the timeless holiday tale of how a young girl’s dream can create a spell and bring a fantastic world of dancing to life. The ballet, which premiered in 1892, is one of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s most memorable compositions. Critics say his Russian Dance is one of the most recognizable pieces in the ballet, along with the famous Waltz of the Flowers and March, and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Artistic director Beverly D. Shurley said all dancers have worked hard on their roles to bring the show to the local stage.

Many area high school students will perform in this year’s production. Emma Hamlyn will dance the starring role of Clara, and Luke Hamlyn will portray her cantankerous brother, Fritz. Dale Russ and Jessica Hollifield will dance the roles of the Arabian dancers. Amelia Wilson has the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, accompanied by Dale Russ as her Cavalier. Peyton Yearick performs as the Snow Prince; Tenille Dellinger is featured as the Snow Queen. Myra McCoury leads the Waltz of the Flowers as the Dew Drop Fairy.

Other young dancers from the area will perform the roles of Bon-Bons, Angels, Mice, Party Guests, Les Petites Fleurs, Cooks, Soldiers, Snowflakes and Flowers. Featured adults include Rob Storrs, as Clara’s mysterious godfather, Dr. Drosselmeyer, Alesa Bryant-Laws as Clara’s Mother, and Barbara King-Stagg as the Parlor Maid and Mother Ginger.

This year’s performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at B. M. Tomberlin Auditorium, Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville. Tickets are now available for purchase at the TRAC offices in Spruce Pine and Burnsville. Tickets prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+) and students (12 and up), and $5 for children (3 – 11).

The event is produced by High Country Youth Ballet, Inc., a local non-profit formed

to foster an appreciation for dance, music and other performing arts in and around the High Country.

Organizers say the High Country Youth Ballet’s holiday tradition is for all audiences – the young and the young at heart. It is a spellbinding spectacle filled with glamorous special effects, costumes and exciting dancing! For more information, visit High Country Youth Ballet on Facebook or online at sprucepinedancecenter.com.


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Several years ago, a man was heading out for a week of scouting and hunting. We will call him Mr. Smith. His plan was to scout some farm land in the Triad area of North Carolina during the weekend and then meet his buddies in Eastern North Carolina to hunt deer during the week. Mr. Smith told his wife where he would be and when he would return.

Mr. Smith stopped at a local gas station to fill up his truck shortly after leaving the house. An insurance agent was also purchasing fuel and noticed Mr. Smith was in camouflage and packed. The agent inquired about whether Mr. Smith owned or leased his hunting land, and spoke briefly about some insurance products they may interest him and his hunting partners. The agent left a handful of business cards with Mr. Smith as they parted ways.

After paying for the gasoline and a soda for the road, Mr. Smith started thinking, “You know, Eastern deer season is already in, and I can scout up here next weekend.” This would allow Mr. Smith a couple of extra days of hunting before his buddies ever arrived at camp.

That Friday afternoon, Mr. Smith pulled up to the hunting cabin, quickly unloaded his stuff, and made a hurried track into the woods. He spotted a nice straight tree overlooking a natural trail and fastened his stand. After climbing up to the stand, he began to clip some limbs that would be in the way of making a clear shot. There was one rather long limb from another tree nearby that Mr. Smith believed he could reach. Stretching as far as he could, he grasped the end of the limb and pulled it toward him. Once he had it pulled as close to his stand as he could he reached out with his other hand and clipped it as far away from his stand as he could. Picture someone playing tug of war and the other person suddenly letting go. Mr. Smith lost his balance and tumbled over the backside of the stand.

Mr. Smith awoke later, unable to move and in severe pain. Up in the stand was his backpack and rifle. Inside the pack were his cell phone, food, and water. He looked down to his leg, and saw an iron property spike protruding through his shin. When he tried to pull his leg off, he passed out from the pain.

Mr. Smith continued this same scenario several times through darkness and light. He saw a couple of deer, squirrels, even a rabbit while he lay there helpless. He knew he was in big trouble due to the amount of blood he had lost. At one point a beagle woke him while licking his face and wound. Mr. Smith brushed the dog away in frustration. Certain he was going to die in that spot, Mr. Smith found the business cards he was given at the gas station in his pocket and began writing his last will on the back. He also found several orange clothes pins he was using to mark his trail in the other pocket. An idea came to Mr. Smith.

After much calling, the beagle once again returned. Knowing the beagle belonged to someone, Mr. Smith did his best at drawing a map of where he was in the woods, added his wife’s phone number, and the words ‘injured – help’ on the business cards and pinned them to the collar of the beagle. He then shooed the dog off again.

A minister was returning from church service that Sunday evening when he found several orange pins and a single business card attached to his frisky pup. Within the hour, rescue personnel had located Mr. Smith, badly injured and dehydrated.

I tell this story often in the hunter education classes. Two things of importance are taught. One, stick with your plan unless you let someone know the plan has changed. Second, wear a safety harness whenever you are using a tree stand. Mr. Smith now teaches hunters the importance of both, as well as how to tie different types of knots in the haul line so if one were to fall, he can pull on one line to have the pack drop to him on the ground.

Over the last month there have been a number of deaths and permanent injuries as a result of not using a fall restraint system. Will Jenkins has started a campaign titled Harnesses for Hunters in which safety harnesses can be donated to hunters who may need one but cannot afford to purchase one. If you would like to donate a harness, or if you are in need of a harness, you can enroll in the Harnesses for Hunters program at TheWillToHunt.com at no charge.

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 [email protected].

Outdoors

Bill Howard’s

Outdoors

Beware dangers in hunting

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has launched a pilot program to make proper disposal of used fishing line easier and more convenient for anglers.

The commission’s new fishing line recycling program in the Fayetteville area encourages anglers to recycle their used fishing line by placing collection bins in high-traffic areas at public fishing areas.

The bins, which are constructed of plastic PVC pipes, are attached to posts located near fishing areas and on piers. Signs attached to the bins provide instructions on how to dispose of the monofilament line properly. The line will be collected, packaged and shipped to Berkley, a fishing tackle company that will reuse the line to build fish habitat structures.

The commission will evaluate the recycling containers at different types of commission-supported fishing venues.

Commission staff is monitoring this program through November 2012 and is developing guidelines specific for each type of fishing site. The commission’s goal is to install recycling bins at commission-owned public fishing areas, education centers, Community Fishing Program sites and fish hatcheries across the state.

“Improperly discarded fishing line wreaks havoc on our aquatic wildlife and the environment, not to mention all the damage it does to boat motors when it gets caught in propellers,” said Kristopher Smith, director at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center. “We hope that providing anglers with a convenient place to throw away their used fishing line will help promote good aquatic stewardship and keep our waterways clean.”

During the evaluation period, the commission is seeking volunteer groups to develop partnerships for developing future sites and providing manpower to empty the bins on a monthly basis and shipping the line to Berkley for recycling.

Interested volunteers can contact Smith at 910-868-5003, ext. 14, or email, [email protected].

State tests fishing line collection

DeC. 1, 2011 • YANCeY COUNTY NeWS 11

“American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery will perform at the 2012 N.C. State Fair on Monday, Oct. 15. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, Dec. 5, in time for holiday shopping.

“It may be a little early to be thinking about next year’s fair, but we think Scotty tickets will make the perfect gift for country music lovers on your shopping list,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We’re excited to have our hometown winner perform at the State Fair next year.”

McCreery is from Garner and won the 2011 season of “American Idol.” His first CD, “Clear As Day,” has produced the hits “Love You This Big” and “The Trouble with Girls.”

Tickets for the 2012 show will go on sale at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at ncstatefair.org. Tickets are $25. There will be a six-ticket limit per buyer. Ticket buyers will also have the option to purchase gate admission tickets for the 2012 N.C. State Fair at the time of purchase, as concert tickets do not include fair admission.

The 2012 N.C. State Fair will be held Oct. 11-21. The rest of the concert lineup will be announced in the summer.

American Idol to play State Fair

Usui Reiki Certification Class Level I (7 Hours) Learn the history and philosophy of Usui Reiki, how to balance your seven chakras (energy centers), and how to clear and ground energy. At the end of this class, you will be able to use the techniques you have learned to treat yourself and others. Class is limited to 20 participants. Class is January 7, from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Usui Reiki Certification Class Level II (7 Hours)Gain a deeper connection to Reiki Energy, and receive a powerful attunement that will allow you to use the symbols of the Reiki System to channel healing energy to yourself and others, both in person and from a distance. Learn techniques to aid in dissolving the mental and emotional cause of illnesses. Prerequisite for this class is proof of certification of Reiki 1. Class is January 8, from 9:30 AM-4:30 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Phlebotomy (210 Hours)Program content includes; communication skills when working with patients, selection of venipuncture sites, care of blood specimens, record keeping, and equipment maintenance. High school diploma or GED is required. You must be at least 18 years of age. Ten days of clinical rotations will be scheduled in addition to dates for the classes listed below. Clinical sites may require drug testing and background checks. Students in this class may be eligible for Project Skill-Up scholarship funds. Class begins January 9, at 6 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Ceramic PerspectiveClasses are held at Yancey Center for Ceramic Art (YCCA). Please call 682-7315 for information. Additional fees to be paid to YCCA on the first day of class include: $45 Lab fee, $20 Firing fee, Clay fee $14 per 25 lbs, optional Tool Kit $18.50. Learn about work of different potters and their unique perspectives on clay. By studying the work of others, students will discover diverse approaches to clay. These students can then integrate what they learn into creating their work. Class projects are focused on developing a personal style based on discussions of artists’ work and techniques. Some clay experience helpful. No class 1/16. Class begins January 9, at 9 AM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Certified Nursing Assistant I (160 Hours)This state-required course for those wishing to become a CNA consists of classroom work, lab, and clinical rotations. At the end of the course a separate State approved agency administers the competency testing for a fee of $101. Six days of clinical rotation will be scheduled starting as early as 6:30am. Some Saturday class and lab participation may also be required. Random drug screening and criminal background checks may be required by the clinical sites. Hours could vary slightly depending upon instructional need. Students in this class may be eligible for Project Skill-Up scholarship funds. Class begins January 10, at 5:30 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Computer Basics II (24 Hours) Expand on basic PC knowledge. Review text editing and formatting techniques. Gain more

in-depth information on file and folder structure, email, software installation, customizing the look of the computer as well as protecting the computer from viruses, malware, etc. Class begins January 12, at 1 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Windows 7 (24 Hours) Learn the file and folder structure of Windows and how to protect your computer from malware and viruses. Topics also include maintaining your system and installing and uninstalling software. Learn to customize the look of your computer with themes, screensavers, and desktop modifications. Class begins January 12, at 9 AM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Massage for Feet and Hands (12 Hours) Learn how to give a relaxing and stress relieving massage for hard working hands and feet. This course includes an introduction to reflexology for self-care, making your own aromatherapy salt scrub for a luxurious foot spa at home and more. Taught by Louise Devine Loveland, massage and bodywork practitioner since 1988. Class begins January 17, at 6 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Intro to Google Docs (22.5 Hours) NEW! Dive into the exciting world of Google Docs to gain marketable skills and experience in both personal and business environments. With just an internet connection and a browser, Google Docs enables you to create different types of documents, easily share and make changes to them in real-time with others, and store them online - all for free! No class 2/14. Class begins January 17, at 6 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Cake Decorating Basics (22.5 Hours)Learn to bake and shape cakes, plus make buttercream icing, then use tools such as bags, couplers, and tips to decorate. Techniques will include creating leaves, pompom flowers, piping gel pattern transfer, as well as various border and flower designs and dimensional decorating. A supply list is given to students at the first meeting of class. Cakes will be baked at home and brought to class for decorating. Class begins January 17, at 6 PM at Mayland Community College’s Yancey Campus. For more information visit www.mayland.edu and click on the Continuing Education link or call 682-7315.

Massage (24 Hours) Learn therapeutic massage techniques that can be used to enhance skills for personal or professional use. The course is especially recommended for personal use with family members or for health care workers in a supervised setting (Occupational Therapist, Nurses and Nursing Assistants) employed in a hospital, nursing home or outpatient clinic.

Mayland Schedule of Classes for Yancey

The Yancey

County News

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announcements.


cLASSIFIeDS

YHS Pet Press

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

Wildflower is a strikingly beautiful adult spayed female cat. She is a good mouser and loves people!

Lucky is an adult neutered male Walker Hound is active and fun. He loves be-ing in the house and jogs in the park. A fenced yard would be best.

Freckles is 9-10 month old neutered male Australian Shepherd mix. He is somewhat shy at first, so he needs patience and love.

Barney is a large adult neutered male cat. He is a beautiful black tabby on white. He loves to cuddle and he is really sweet.

TO BUySomeone to cut firewood in exchange for wood. Load for load. All hardwood. Must have truck and saw. 284-4682

FOR ReNT3 bedroom/2 full bath double wide on private lot. No smokers. $300 deposit. $625 monthly rent.284-4682

SeRVIceSCrafters wanted for new upscale gift shop in Burnsville. Rent your own booth!! $15 per linear foot per month. Depth of Booth varies. We sell your products – 100% profit of your crafts goes

back to you. Call immediately for your application! 828-678-0059.

MISceLLANeOUSLooking for some EXTRA Christmas MONEY?? Advertise your items FOR SALE in the Yancey County News! Only FIVE Dollars for FIFTY WORDS! Call Susan to place your ad today! 678-3900.Shepard’s Way Thrift Store now has Christmas Decorations for Sale! Stop by and browse our clothing racks for Coats, adults and kids clothing, health and beauty items, Gift baskets, magazines, DVD’s, and much much more! Santa will also be stopping by soon!Give the gift of reading! Subscribing to Yancey County’s ONLY LOCALLY OWNED Newspaper can provide a year’s worth of great information! Only $25 will get your home delivery started TODAY! Call 678-3900 to sign up NOW!

Yancey County commissioners gave approval Wednesday for representatives to negotiate for a two-year lease for the old apple packing plant near West Church Road for a new agriculture processing center.

The site would be used to help local farmers meet the needs of markets and retailers.

In other business, the board approved budget amendments and approved a resolution for Mayland Community College to acknowledge the county’s 5 percent reduction in funding for the college.

The board also heard from Randy Hall, who told them that the camping season at the county campground at South Toe was successful and that campers and others were complimentary of improvements made earlier this year, including sewer upgrades, installation of a security gate, and the creation of a ‘no-alcohol’ rule.

The board heard from Mayland president John Boyd about a planned new certified welding program at the Yancey campus and how budget cuts have been addressed.

County moving forward with agriculture center


By John RosemondQ: Our 15-year-

old daughter has said three times over the past two years that she wants to play on the traveling soccer team. The coaches have actually asked her to play, meaning she doesn’t have to try out. She will say she wants to do it and then at the very last minute she gets upset, refuses to sign up, or says she feels too sick to go. This is very frustrating for us. Do you think it is anxiety? She had some problems with that in pre-school and first grade. Or do we just have a very spoiled child on our hands? Should we insist that she honor what she tells the coaches shes going to do?

A: I have no idea what the problem is. After all, I don’t know your daughter or you. Nonetheless, being the brilliant parenting guru that I am, I will give this my best guess.

Starting with the fact that your daughter is 16 years old, I would guess that she has developed other interests that are more important to her than playing soccer. Foremost among these is her social life. The time she would have to spend committed to a traveling soccer team would take away from the time she wants to spend doing things with her friends (Ill also bet that none of her close friends are on the team). Shes concerned that if she begins declining invitations from them, they will effectively forget about her. They will stop calling her, and she will miss out on the exciting things they’re doing.

So, she tells the coach (and you) what he (and you) wants to hear, but then, when the time comes to fish or cut bait, she cuts bait. I don’t think this has anything to do with an anxiety problem, but I do think she may have some legitimate anxieties concerning the consequences of being on a traveling soccer team at age 16. Quite a few parents have told me that these traveling teams almost completely dominate the life of a family. The hotels my wife and I frequently stay in are full of these traveling teams (and their traveling parents and siblings) on Friday and Saturday nights. I’ve often

thought that these kids have little if any discretionary time, and that’s been verified by parents who dropped out of the traveling and put family back in first place in their lives.

I will also mention that a good number of college coaches have told me that a good number of the kids who play on these teams get to college and either don’t want to play anymore or believe themselves to be sports heroes and are very difficult to coach. I don’t think spending a significant amount of ones childhood on a traveling team is healthy for child or family, but then I’m one of the few men in the USA who cares absolutely nothing about sports.

I t h ink s eve ra l we l l -intentioned adults are putting a good amount of pressure on your daughter to do something she no longer wants to do, and she doesn’t want to disappoint them. My recommendation to these well-intentioned adults is to back off and let this young lady begin taking control of her own life.

Q: Our 28-month-old has recently started telling us to Stop saying that to me when we give her instructions. She uses a sassy voice, and sometimes she yells it. Thus far, I’ve sent her to her room when she yells but have ignored the rest. It seems to be getting worse, however, although she is doing what we tell her to do. I feel like we’re getting stuck. Do you have any suggestions?

A: If she’s obeying you, then I strongly recommend that you continue to ignore the sassiness. At her age, this is nothing more than a rather typical (for toddlers) research project. Call it a test that you are most definitely passing. You are maintaining a firm grip on your authority and not letting her throw you off balance. If you continue in this vein, this little experiment will die a natural death within a few months.

Family psychologist John Rosemond answers’ questions at rosemond.com.

Living

with

children

Too much pressure by well-intentioned adults?

Family

Blue Bell Farms is located at 127 West Main Street, Burnsville. The phone number is 678-3526.

What : Bui ld your own Affordable Gift Baskets! Choose your own basket, purchased from the many charitable organizations located in our surrounding areas, or choose your own coffee mugs to start.

For a low price of $3/basket, choose items from locally crafted vendors, or from any downtown business (must provide receipt as proof of purchase) and we will dress your basket or coffee mug into a beautifully decorated Gift Basket.

They also have a room especially dedicated to the newest

addition to any family and will monogram your purchase.

Local crafters will also be selling their wares at affordable prices and each vendor has their own special story.

Owned and operated by sisters Naomi Hoydal and Carol Goode, their goal is to help keep the money in Yancey County and provide a space for local crafters to maintain 100 percent of their profits.

Blue Bell Farms opened Nov. 25. They invite you to please stop by and welcome Burnsville’s newest unique gift shop.

Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Annual Winterfest Non-Profit day at Burnsville Town Center is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Residents and businesses are invited to join the following non-profit organizations to display your goods and services:Beacon of the Hill Church – Women Helping Other Women – Sacred Heart Ladies Guild – Yancey County Humane Society – Knights of Columbus Council #12233 – Messiah of the Mountain Lutheran Church – U-Turn Ministries – Saint Andrews Ladies Guild – Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center.Space is limited and there is no charge for your table or set up. Call Kathleen Holstein at 682-7477 to reserve your space or for additional information.

New Business:Blue Bell Farms

Naomi Hoydal of Blue Bell Farms


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 requirednotice that must run in the newspaper can

be run in the

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-statebusinessman. We are locally owned, and we

are TOTALLY qualified to run yourCreditor’s Notices. Just remember to ask the clerk of court for details on how to spend

less money in your time of sorrow.

Yancey County News

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

& Rollback Service! Pay Fair Price

Will Pick Up Vehicle828-284-7522 828-284-7537

Massage & BodyworksLENA RACHEL WEISMAN

Personal Massage Therapistncmbt #7742

Muscle Release - StretchingDeep Tissue - Massage Cupping

828-284-6149

Reading the newspaper helps

develop good language skills!

Teachers and principals! Share your good news here, for all to see! Email school news to [email protected]

Food for thought for middle school

BreakfastBiscuit w/Jelly

CerealAnimal CrackersJuice/Fruit/Milk

LunchSW Chix Nachos/Mini Corn Dogs/Sunbut’r w/jelly San’wich/Carrot

Stix/B.Beans/B Berry Apple Crisp/Fruit

CocktailMilk

Monday, Dec 5 Tues Dec 6 Wed Dec 7 Thurs Dec 8 Friday, Dec 9

BreakfastBreakfast Pizza


LunchBeef Tacos/Fish

Nuggets/Cornbread/Sunbut’r w/Jelly

San’wich/Salad/Pinto Beans/Pineapple Bits/Mandarin Oranges/Milk

BreakfastChix Biscuit


LunchSpaghetti/Roll/

Pepperoni Pizza/Sunbutter w/Jelly San’wich/Salad/Corn/Fruit/Fruit

CocktailMilk

BreakfastSausage Biscuit


LunchSalisbury Steak/

Chix Nuggets/Roll/Sunbut’r w/Jelly

San’wich/Mashed Potatoes/Peas/

Applesauce/PearsMilk

BreakfastWafflesCereal

Animal CrackersJuice/Fruit/Milk

LunchTurkey Pie/Chix

Biscuits/Sunbut’R w/jelly San’wich/

Potato Rounds/Green Beans/Baked Apples/

PeachesMilk

What’s to eat at the elementary schools?

BreakfastPancake&Sausage

Stix/Breakfast PizzaCereal



Nuggets/Cornbread/Chix Quesadillas/Salad/Pinto Beans/

Pineapple Bits/Mandarin Oranges/

Milk

BreakfastPancakes

Chix BiscuitCereal



Pepperoni Pizza/Chix Fingers/Salad/

Corn/Fruit/Fruit Cocktail

Milk

BreakfastBreakfast Pizza/Sausage Biscuit


LunchSalisbury Steak/Chix Nuggets/Roll/Mega

Chix Quesadilla/Mashed Potatoes/Peas/Applesauce/

PearsMilk


WafflesCereal


Lunch Turkey Pie/Chix Biscuits/Stuffed

Crust Pizza/Potato Rounds/Green

Beans/Baked Apples/Peaches

Milk

BreakfastBiscuit w/Jelly/Chix

BiscuitCereal


LunchSW Chix Nachos/Mini Corn Dogs/

Stuffed Crust Pizza/Carrot Stix/B.Beans/B Berry

Apple Crisp/Fruit CocktailMilk

BreakfastPancake&Sausage

Stix/Breakfast PizzaCereal



Nuggets/Cornbread/Chix Quesadillas/Salad/Pinto Beans/

Pineapple Bits/Mandarin Oranges/

Milk

BreakfastPancakes

Chix BiscuitCereal



Pepperoni Pizza/Chix Fingers/Salad/

Corn/Fruit/Fruit Cocktail

Milk

BreakfastBreakfast Pizza/Sausage Biscuit


LunchSalisbury Steak/Chix Nuggets/Roll/Mega

Chix Quesadilla/Mashed Potatoes/Peas/Applesauce/

PearsMilk


WafflesCereal


Lunch Turkey Pie/Chix Biscuits/Stuffed

Crust Pizza/Potato Rounds/Green

Beans/Baked Apples/Peaches

Milk

BreakfastBiscuit w/Jelly/Chix

BiscuitCereal


LunchSW Chix Nachos/Mini Corn Dogs/

Stuffed Crust Pizza/Carrot Stix/B.Beans/B Berry

Apple Crisp/Fruit CocktailMilk

Chowing down at Mountain Heritage

Monday, Dec 5 Tuesday, Dec 6 Wed., Dec 7 Thurs., Nov Dec 8 Friday, Dec 9

Monday, Dec 5 Tuesday, Dec 6 Wed., Dec 7 Thurs., Dec 8 Friday, Dec 9

Friday, Dec 2

BreakfastScrambled Eggs/

ToastCereal


LunchSloppy Joe San’wich/Cheese Quesadilla/

Sunbut’r w/Jelly San’wich/

CaliVeggies/Pinto Beans/Peaches/Pears/

Milk

BreakfastChix Biscuit/Biscuit

w/JellyCereal


LunchSloppy Joe San’wich/Cheese Quesadilla/Stuff’d Crust Pizza/CaliVeggies/Pinto

Beans/Peaches/Pears/Milk

Friday, Dec 2

BreakfastChix Biscuit/Biscuit

w/JellyCereal


LunchSloppy Joe San’wich/Cheese Quesadilla/Stuff’d Crust Pizza/CaliVeggies/Pinto

Beans/Peaches/Pears/Milk

Friday, Dec 2


Celo Trails

Electric service available • ample well and septic options • planned access for horse trailers • builder recommendations • deed restrictions

Do you dream of a private Celo vacation site near some of the best riding trails

in the country? A place where a horse is the preferred mode of transportation? A place with a community barn, paddock, and grazing space just steps from your door?

Do you seek life lived harmoniously with the land amid the stunning landscape and

breathtaking views of the Black Bros. range?

Make the dream a reality at Celo Trails, a development of homesites situated

amongst generations-old laurel and hardwoods just an amble away from the South Toe River and its pristine trout waters. Each property is defined not by a surveyor’s grid but by nature. Trails tie the sites together for afternoon rides and socializing, with easy access to the stable, paddock, and managed grazing space.Priced from the mid-50s.

Email: [email protected]

N o r t h C a r o l i n a Christmas tree farmers are gearing up for a busy month. Choose and cut operat ions wil l open this weekend across the western part of the state for consumers hoping to find the perfect Christmas tree. For weeks, growers have already been harvesting and preparing trees for sh ipment ac ross the country for sale at home

improvement centers, grocery stores and other retail locations.

“We’ve had a good g rowing season and consumers will find a good, healthy selection and wide variety of sizes which to choose from,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

The Fraser fir is the dominant Christmas tree produced in North Carolina,

where the elevation and climate in western counties create perfect growing conditions for the crop. North Carolina growers also produce Concolor fir, blue spruce, red cedar, Leyland cypress, Carolina Saphire and Blue Ice Arizona cypress and white pine trees.

For a list of choose and cut farms in North Carolina, visit ncfarmfresh.com.

Christmas tree facts:• North Carolina ranks

second in the nation in Christmas tree production.

• More than 5 million Chr i s tmas t r ee s a r e harvested annually.

• In 2010, Christmas tree cash receipts generated $85 million for the state’s economy.

• There are more than 1,000 Christmas tree growers in the state, with

farms ranging from 1/10 of an acre to more than 1,000 acres.

• N.C. Christmas tree growers have committed to donate more than 1,000 trees to the Trees for Troops program. Trees will be delivered to families stationed at Marine Corp Air Station New River, Camp LeJeune, Fort Story in Virginia, and Fort Bliss.

in Texas.

State report says Christmas tree crop is excellentThis elegant light display catches the eye between Burnsville and Madison Mountain. Take photos of some of the best Christmas light displays you see and email them to us!

dec. 1, 2011, edition

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