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The Career Technical Education (CTE) Department of Cherokee County Schools will be sharing CTE student spotlights throughout the 2018-2019 school year. Each grading period, a student currently enrolled in a CTE course, will be chosen for the CTE student spotlight. We are delighted to introduce the students chosen from our second grading period.
Andrews High School – ZACHERY SHEPPARD Nominated by our CTE teacher, Bill Batemen. Zach is a 12th grade student at AHS and currently enrolled in the CTE class, FIREFIGHTER III. Zach will graduate in May as an Emergency and Fire Management Services pathway completer. He is currently a junior member of the Andrews Fire Department, a member of the AHS football team and works for James Reid Tree and Lawn Service. His tentative plan is to attend Brevard College in the fall and major in Exercise Science. Hiwassee Dam High School – CHLOE HARRELSON Nominated by our CTE teacher, Lynn Barry-Toth. Chloe is a 12th grade student at HDHS and currently enrolled in the CTE class, PHARMACY TECHNICIAN and completed HEALTH SCIENCE II last semester. Chloe will graduate in May as a Health Science pathway completer. She plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill and become a pharmacist. Murphy High School – ISAAC BROWN Nominated by our CTE teacher, Amanda Johnson. Isaac is a 10th grade student at MHS and currently enrolled in DIGITAL MEDIA I and completed FOODS I last semester. Isaac stated he enjoyed taking FOODS I last semester because it taught him "real life" skills he will use when he becomes independent or has a family. To learn more about these CTE classes and programs please contact the Career Development Coordinator, Meridith Jorgensen at meridith.jorgensen@cherokee.k12.nc.us  Representatives from a variety of local public safety departments pose at Tri-County Community College during a previous Patriot Day Memorial Ceremony. In times of crisis, members of the surrounding communities depend on the crucial services provided by local public safety professionals.
“During the last few years, there has been a desire within the community from several individuals to honor our public safety personnel,” said Robin Caldwell, director of Cherokee County Emergency Management. “It’s very exciting to finally be able to offer a special event for these individuals, many of whom are volunteers.” In recognition of their service The Tri-County Community College Foundation, in partnership with Cherokee County Emergency Management, will hold a 2019 Public Safety Appreciation Banquet for professionals serving in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties on Feb. 7 at the college’s main campus. “As the initial and continual training of many of our service area’s public safety personnel often begins at Tri-County Community College, the Tri-County Community College Foundation is happy to host and help coordinate this event,” said Bo Gray, executive director for the Tri-County Community College Foundation. According to the event’s organizers, public safety encompasses a wide range of specialty units and trained professionals operating in communications and dispatch, emergency management, emergency medical service, fire and rescue, and law enforcement, all of whom have been invited to attend the event. The banquet will feature keynote speech by Colonel Kevin Jarrard, who served as the commandant of Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Ga., from 2009 to 2014. Col. Jarrard was also awarded a Bronze Star for his meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations as a Marine in Iraq. “This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, which include Ivie Funeral Home and Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital at the Gold level, as well as Rhinehart Fire Services and VFIS Fire and Rescue Insurance Services at the Silver level,” Gray said. “We also express our thanks to the two other local businesses who have donated at the Patron level, Carolina Cabinets and Wayne’s Feed Store.” According to Gray, the hope is to make this an annual event celebrating local public safety personnel. “We appreciate and value our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who tirelessly work in our public safety sectors within Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties, so creating an annual event is our opportunity to give back,” Gray said. In order to attend the Public Safety Appreciation Banquet, professionals should RSVP their agency’s Chief Officer or Lead Administrator by January 31. 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:
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.  (Left to Right) Pastor Mary Brown; Alderman Richelle Phillips; Erlanger Health System vice president of Network Development Steve Burkett; Dr. Gary Roper; Dr. Thomas Clayton; Alderman Mike Sheidy; Mayor James Reid; Commissioner Cal Stiles 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. |
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