Last week, reports on social media caused a lot of emotion around the community when images of a deceased pet pig made rounds.  We did reach out to Clay County Sheriff's Office to get the official press release concerning their investigation.  Here is that press release from Clay County Sheriff's Office.

***PRESS RELEASE***

On Thursday, 01/10/2019 the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an incident that occurred on the previous Sunday. The complainant alleged the intentional killing of a family “pet” pig and cited a previous incident where the pet was injured with pellets from a gunshot. At this time the complainant believed this to be a retaliatory act stemming from the previous incident. Images of the animal being processed had been posted online and were being represented as the results of a legal hunt and harvest of a Feral Swine. The Complainant had been made aware of the images being posted online and ultimately brought the matter to the attention of law enforcement.

Previously on 11/26/2018 a report had been filed documenting an incident involving these same residents and the same animal. On this occasion law enforcement was called in after an altercation that ended with accusations of trespassing and ultimately resulted in an assault. At that time, it was reported that the animal was found to be on the property of another and was responsible for damages to the property. Upon the owner retrieving the animal, an altercation ensued. According to statements received by law enforcement, multiple attempts had been made by the affected party(s) to the owner of the animal to take steps to prevent any further incidents. Neither party at that time chose to pursue criminal charges and the matter was concluded with each side being advised to not have any further contact.

At this time the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have discovered information that this incident is not a criminal matter. North Carolina General Statute Chapter 113-129(5c) defines Feral Swine as “Free-ranging mammals of the species Sus scrofa”. In this instance, the animal in question could not legally be classified as anything other than Feral Swine due to the lack of an adequate enclosure. This was evident by the frequency of known “free ranging” incidents accounted to officers during their inquiry by members of the Cold Branch Community. Adequate enclosure being defined as one that, at a minimum, effectively prevents the animal from free ranging as much as it protects the animal from becoming exposed to other free ranging Feral Swine, among others. According to NC Wildlife officers, the manner in which this animal was harvested was also legal and did not violate any laws.

It is unfortunate that this family has lost its pet and we want to express our empathy over their loss. Additionally, we understand how the community has been impacted over this incident and want to assure all involved that the matter has been thoroughly investigated by state and local law enforcement.

​Sgt. Christopher J. Lockett, USMC, of Murphy, passed away on Monday, January 7 at the young age of 26.

Chris  will be coming home Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

We are hoping to see our community line the roadways with American flags as we pay our respects to our fallen soldier.

Flags can be picked up at Chevelles in Murphy and Fatback's Citgo.

Timeline:

• 2 pm Tuesday - Landing in Atlanta
• Law enforcement will stage at the Georgia line on the right side of the road facing town. Motorcycles will be at the gas station at the Georgia line.  There will be two law enforcement officers there to bring up the rear of procession. As the procession approaches the North Carolina line, all law enforcement will pull out and lead.  The motorcycles will pull out, followed by the two officers at the store that will bring up the end of the procession. 
  
  Normal speeds are planned all the way to the city limits of Murphy.
  
  Once in Murphy, there will be a left turn at McDonald's on Hiwassee Street, going to Bulldog Drive, then a right turn onto US Highway 19, followed by a right turn on Peachtree Street ending at Townson-Rose Funeral Home.   Estimated time of arrival is 5:15 pm Tuesday, January 15, 2019. 

Information is still limited at this time and will be updated when we learn more. 

The full obituary can be found HERE.

Our family at WKRK sends our sincere condolences to the family, friends and many loved ones of Sgt. Christopher J. Lockett.  

MURPHY NC – Officials with Erlanger Murphy Medical Center announced today that the hospital is changing its name to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital.  In an unveiling ceremony Friday morning, hospital CEO Mark Kimball told a crowd of elected officials, area residents and civic leaders that, “Our new name, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, more clearly reflects our broadening reach as well as our proud affiliation with the Erlanger Health System.”
 
In explaining the reason for renaming the 40 year old healthcare facility Kimball said, “Although our hospital is based in Murphy, over the years it has not only grown in size and scope, but we now provide medical services in surrounding areas like Andrews and Hayesville.”   The Erlanger CEO also said the new name was the result of a strategic planning process and because employees, physicians and members of the community felt strongly the current name was too narrow-focused.  “Everyone wanted a name that more accurately reflected our region and the various communities we serve.”
 
During his announcement, Kimball praised the hospital’s affiliation with the Erlanger Health System that was finalized last April.  “By joining the Erlanger family of hospitals, we have gained the expertise, knowledge and resources that come with partnering with a nationally acclaimed health system,” he said.  “Today we are anchored by a leading academic medical center with seven hospitals, six Life Force air ambulances and the 10th largest public healthcare system in the United States.”
 
On Thursday, employees of the newly-named hospital were given t-shirts with the new Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital logo during a special celebration event and on Friday employees gathered in front of the first sign bearing their hospital’s new name.   Joining Kimball during today’s announcement at the Tri-County Community College were hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Thomas Clayton, Cherokee County Commissioner Cal Stiles and Barbara Hughes with the Murphy City Council. 

Erlanger Health System and local officials cut the ribbon for the Erlanger Primary Care in Andrews, N.C. on December 13.
 
The primary care practice focuses on promoting healthy living and disease prevention. The internal and family medicine providers deliver health coverage through coordinating specialty care, continuing care and help to identify potential issues or address current ones. Providers treat a wide range of issues from anxiety and ADHD to flu and diabetes.
 
“Today, I can say that we as public officials of Andrews and as patients of the Erlanger System are proud to say that we have not been forgotten and more than ever feel included and welcomed as we become accustomed to the Erlanger family,” stated Andrews Mayor James Reid during the ribbon cutting ceremony on December 13. “The proof of the Erlanger commitment to providing health care to our citizens is right here.”
 
Erlanger Primary Care is located at 2751 Business Highway 19 in Andrews and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment with a primary care provider please call 828-321-4510.

The following press release has been issued by Andrews Police Department.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Andrews, NC – Chief J.J. Wooten announced the December 19th, 2018 arrest of 26-year-old Amy Jumper of Robbinsville, North Carolina for controlled substance violations and fleeing to elude law enforcement.

During the afternoon hours of December 19th, 2018, Chief J.J. Wooten and Officer Nick Roberson observed a vehicle in the Andrews area committing motor vehicle violations. Chief Wooten and Officer Roberson attempted to conduct a vehicle stop and the vehicle fled from law enforcement. The vehicle pursuit went on for several miles at high rates of speed before ending in the Granny Squirrel area of Cherokee County. During the investigation, a search of the vehicle and driver recovered controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and US Currency.

Amy Jumper was taken into custody and transported to Erlanger Murphy Medical Center to be medically cleared prior to being transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was incarcerated for TRAFFICKING IN METHAMPHETAMINE, PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, FELONY FLEE TO ELUDE, POSSESS MARIJUANA UP TO ½ OZ, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESS MARIJUANA PARAPHERNALIA, OPERATE A VEHICLE WITH NO INSURANCE, NO OPERATORS LICENSE, SPEEDING IN A SCHOOL ZONE, AGGRESSIVE DRIVING, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. Jumper is currently being held on a $50,000 secure bond and has a January 3rd, 2019 court date.

Chief J.J. Wooten stated “I am thankful no one was seriously hurt during this incident. It is good knowing that a large amount of controlled substance was taken off the street as we continue the fight against dangerous drugs in our area. I would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for their response and assistance.”

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick announced the December 19th, 2018 arrest of 39-year-old Nathon Wesley Barnett of Murphy, North Carolina on charges alleging he assaulted a man with a firearm.

Shortly before 9pm, December 19th, 2018, the Cherokee County Emergency Communications Center received a call stating a person had been shot and was in need of emergency assistance. As deputies were responding to the scene, additional information was being provided by the caller who later was identified as the victim, 34-year-old Jared Hawkins, that Barnett had shot him in the head. First responders and Life Force Air Ambulance staged and awaited the arrival of law enforcement.

Upon arriving to the scene, deputies made entry into the residence and located the victim and the assailant.  Nathon Wesley Barnett was detained and subsequently arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center for the assault of Hawkins.

Jared Hawkins was airlifted by Life Force to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN where he remains in stable condition at the time of this release.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in processing the crime scene.

Nathon Wesley Barnett is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee Detention Center for Assault With A Deadly Weapon With Intent To Kill Inflicting Serious Injury and has a $150,000.00 secure bond. Barnett is expected to be in the Cherokee County District Court on January 3, 2019 at 9 am.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We appreciate the assistance of our local first responders who provide invaluable assistance in these situations. We are glad to be able to partner with the North Carolina SBI who are a super resource in these cases. Our prayers go out to both families during this time. There are many questions that still have to be answered as we continue our investigation.”

​To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov. 

In a press release dated December 17, 2018, Darryl Brown, Attorney for Cherokee County and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office sent a press release to local media outlets.  

"In recent weeks, Cherokee County and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office have received numerous and voluminous public records requests from media outlets regarding the May 2, 2018 incident at the Cherokee County Detention Center involving George Victor Stokes, a federal inmate; and regarding the death of Joshua Shane Long, a Cherokee County inmate, on June 12, 2018."

​To read the full press release and view the jail incident reports, download the .pdf below.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Murphy, NC— On December 04th, 2018 Barry Wade Allen, of Murphy, North Carolina was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum term of 17 months to a maximum term of 35 months with 427 days credit for his plea of guilty to the charge of Indecent Liberties with a Child announced Sheriff Derrick Palmer of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Superior Court Judge William H. Coward ordered Allen to register as a sex offender for a period of 30 years and to have no contact with the victim for a lifetime.

In June of 2017 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspected sexual assault committed by Allen. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center.

The case was presented to the Grand Jury which met in July 2017 who returned true bills of indictment for Statutory Sex Offense with a Child greater than 13 years of age and defendant 6 years or more older, and Indecent Liberties with a Child.

Allen fled from Cherokee County prior to the true bills being issued. The United States Marshal Fugitive Apprehension Unit assisted in locating and apprehending Allen in Louisiana during the last week of September 2017. Allen waived extradition and returned to Cherokee County.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “These are difficult and trying cases on all concerned. This is an excellent example of how working as a team involving HAVEN Child Advocacy Center, the District Attorney’s Office and utilizing our Federal partners helped bring this case to court.”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

Murphy, NC— On December 04th, 2018 Robert J Tyndell, of Murphy, North Carolina was sentenced to 2 terms of imprisonment of a minimum term of 13 months to a maximum term of 25 months with 745 days credit to be applied to the second sentence for his plea of guilty to the 2 charges of Indecent Liberties with a Child announced Sheriff Derrick Palmer of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Superior Court Judge William H. Coward ordered Tyndell to register as a sex offender for a period of 30 years and to have no contact with the victim for a lifetime.

In July of 2016 the Macon County Department of Social Services opened an investigation and reported to the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office allegations that Tyndell had sexually assaulted a child under the age of 12 at a Murphy, North Carolina address. The initial disclosure was in Macon County, North Carolina. The joint investigation was assisted by Kids Place Child Advocacy Center in Franklin, North Carolina.

The investigation was presented to the November 14th, 2016 setting of the Cherokee County Grand Jury which handed down Indictments for Statutory First Degree Sex Offense of a Child, and two counts of Indecent Liberties with a child.

Tyndell was arrested at his Murphy, North Carolina residence and incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Again we see how utilizing all our resources several agencies worked together helped to bring this case to court.”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.