Following the recent announcements of various company expansions and developments in Cherokee and Clay counties, Tri-County Community College is preparing for the new growth by establishing partnerships, developing new curriculum programs, and working closely with Economic and Workforce Development staff, college officials said.
 
“We are thrilled to be part of the economic growth in our service area,” said Tri-County Community College President Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers. “This has been a fantastic opportunity to build new partnerships and continue providing the educational resources needed to equip employees with all the skills and knowledge to succeed.”
 
The college’s Economic and Workforce Development Director Paul Worley said his team has several exciting proposals in development, including the recent expansion announced by Advanced Digital Cable, Inc. in Hayesville.
 
“Thanks to a $50,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, Advanced Digital Cable will be able to create 15 new jobs and expand its existing facility,” Worley said.
 
In addition to the development in Clay County, there is also the recent acquisition of Coats American by Black Star Investments LLC, with plans to install a computer data center in Cherokee County. This new facility is in addition to the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s in-development data center.
 
“As our service area’s economy continues to grow, so do we,” Tipton-Rogers said. “Our faculty and staff are constantly seeking out innovative new programs to benefit the local workforce.”
 
Earlier this fall, Tri-County Community College received funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Emerging Opportunities Grant, which enabled the college to expand its Information Technology program to include a new Data Center Technology certificate, beginning in fall of 2018, Tipton-Rogers said.
 
“This new addition to our curriculum could not be more timely,” Tipton-Rogers said. “Data center technology is a rapidly-developing field and we are excited to provide the training to enable our students to find employment and success in our communities.”
 
Though the new data training classes aren’t scheduled to begin until next August, students can still start taking classes in preparation of entering the new program with the spring 2018 semester, Tipton-Rogers said.
 
Classes for the spring semester begin on Jan. 8, with registration taking place Jan. 3 – 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.
 
For more information about Tri-County Community College, call 837-6810 or visit www.tricountycc.edu.

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 Palmer announced that December 20th, 2017 arrest of 41-year-old Clyde Dean Dyer of Andrews, North Carolina for charges stemming from an armed standoff with Cherokee County Deputies.

On December 19th, 2017 at approximately 10:45 pm, Patrol Deputies of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to an Andrews, North Carolina residence to investigate a report of a Clyde Dean Dyer, who was armed and holding a mother and two children against their will. Further information was provided that if law enforcement officers arrived at the residence that Dyer stated he would kill the officers.

As Patrol Deputies arrived on scene, Cherokee County EMS was staged at a safe distance to provide further assistance if needed. Additionally, Cherokee Tribal PD SWAT was requested to come to the scene to provide additional tactical assistance.

As the situation unfolded, the Patrol Deputies positioned themselves and were able to remove the two children from the residence. Shortly thereafter, Dyer pointed a rifle at the Patrol Deputies and discharged it.

After assuring the safety of the two children, the Patrol Deputies repositioned themselves around the trailer and short time later Dyer exited the residence and was subdued by the Patrol Deputies. It was later learned that Dyer had been wrestling with his wife who had taken a loaded .45 caliber pistol from Dyer just prior to his exit from the trailer. The .45 caliber pistol and a .22 magnum rifle were seized from the residence.

Dyer was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was charged with 3 counts Kidnapping First Degree, 5 counts Assault with A Firearm on a Law Enforcement Officer, Assault on a Female, Assault by Pointing a Gun, 5 Counts of Resisting Officer. Dyer is currently under a $250,000.00 secure bond. Dyer is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on January 19th, 2018.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We thank both Cherokee County EMS and Cherokee Tribal for the assistance they provided. I want to compliment the bravery and courage of the officers who placed their safety and lives on the line in removing the children from the threat and reengaging to subdue Dyer. This shows the caliber of officers we are blessed to have serve our community. Job well done!”

Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

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

On Monday December 11, 2017, Clay County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Crestview Lane in Hayesville in reference to a man holding his girlfriend at gunpoint.

When the first deputy arrived, he was met outside the residence by the girlfriend who said the man, Victor Wells, had left a pistol in the residence and left to get another gun.

Sheriff Davis said the deputy left and drove up the road to find Wells. A short distance up the road, the deputy encountered Wells in the road with a shotgun in his hand. The deputy exited his vehicle and gave multiple commands for Wells to drop the gun, but Wells would not comply.

After several more commands, Wells sat the shotgun partially on the ground but would not completely release it. The deputy was able to then approach Wells and kick the gun from his grasp and successfully take him into custody.

Wells was charged with Assault by Pointing a Gun and Resisting Public Officer. He is being held at the Clay County Detention Center on No Bond due to the domestic violence nature of his charge, until he has his first appearance in 48 hours.

Sheriff Davis said this situation could be a lot worse and wants to remind those in the public to obey law enforcement officer’s commands. Law enforcement officers ask, and sometime tell, you to do certain things for everyone’s safety, including those they interact with on a daily basis. He is thankful for the thoughtfulness and patience of his deputy that brought this to a peaceful conclusion.

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 Palmer announced the December 12th, 2017 arrest of 32-year-old Matthew Allen Glantzer of Marble, North Carolina for going armed to the terror of the public and injury to personal property.

On December 12th, 2017, deputies with the Patrol Division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to Airport Road in Marble, North Carolina to investigate a report of an individual walking in the roadway discharging a firearm.

The responding deputy, assisted by Sheriff Palmer and a detective from Investigations located Glantzer who was discharging a small caliber pistol in the air near the intersection of Airport Road and Bluff Road. The responding deputy was able to get Glantzer in custody at which time it was discovered that Glantzer was extremely intoxicated. During the investigation, it was also discovered that Glantzer had damaged road signs as well as other personal property.

Glantzer was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $2,500.00 secure bond. Glantzer made bond the next day and is awaiting a December 19th 2017 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “Alcohol and firearms do not mix for sure. This had all the makings of a very dangerous situation.”

Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

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 Palmer announced that December 10th, 2017 arrest of 32-year-old Trenton Ray Fabian of Robbinsville, North Carolina for being in possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction.

On December 10th, 2017, deputies with the Patrol Division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were investigating a report of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. During the investigation, Fabian was found in possession of the vehicle. During a search subsequent of arrest, a short barreled shotgun was found in the possession of Fabian.

Fabian was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $15,000.00 secure bond. Fabian is currently in custody and awaiting a December 19th, 2017 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “Excellent work by the officers involved. They took the initiative to follow through with the investigation which not only returned a vehicle to its rightful owner but helped get an illegal weapon off the street.”

Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

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 Palmer announced that December 11th, 2017 arrest of 27-year-old Joshua Bryan Folston of Warne, North Carolina for being in possession of a firearm while a convicted felon as well as violations of the Controlled Substance Laws.

On December 11th, 2017, deputies with the Patrol Division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office assisted by officers of the Murphy Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Folston was a passenger.

During a wants and warrants check on Folston, it was confirmed that he had an outstanding warrant for Obtaining Property By False Pretense. During a search of the vehicle, a pistol was located which was determined to be in the possession of Folston who was a convicted felon. A subsequent search of Folston and his belonging revealed a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.

Folston was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $15,000.00 secure bond. Folston later made bond and has a December 19th, 2017 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “Again good work by all concerned. The mixture of illegal drugs and firearms, especially by convicted felons, makes for a dangerous situation. We appreciate the assistance of the officers with Murphy Police Department. Team Work!”

Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

MURPHY, NC, December 18, 2017 - The U.S. Forest Service has selected Brandon Houck to fill in as Acting District Ranger on the Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts of the Nantahala National Forest beginning January 8, 2018.

Houck will temporarily replace Angela Gee, who has accepted a District Ranger position on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado which started December 11. The Forest Service is in the process of hiring a permanent replacement for Gee.

"Working in North Carolina has been an incredible experience," Gee said. "I met and worked with a lot of wonderful people who care deeply about our National Forests. While I look forward to my new position, it was hard to say goodbye. I'll truly miss working with the National Forests in North Carolina."

Houck is currently a zone wildlife biologist on the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming. He is responsible for developing and leading the Shoshone Landscape Aspen and Early Seral Habitat project. Before working for the Forest Service, Houck served for 14 years as Western Director of Conservation Operations for the National Wild Turkey Federation.

"I'm really looking forward to this challenging new responsibility of supporting the Nantahala National Forest," Houck said. "I'm most excited about engaging with the local communities to find out what people value about their National Forest, and how we can work together."

Born and raised in Kansas, Houck graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and received an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Mississippi State University.​

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

On November 22, 2017 at 8:25 pm, the Hiawassee Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Save-A-Lot at 236 N Main St. It was reported that a masked man armed with a handgun, locked one employee in a cooler, while the other emptied the safe at gunpoint. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot.

Following an extensive investigation, an arrest warrant was issued on December 4, 2017 for Chelsea Alferink, the assistant manager at Save-A-Lot, for the offense of False Statements and Writings. She was taken into custody without incident. The following day, arrest warrants for the offense of Armed Robbery were issued for Alferink and her boyfriend, Daniel Walls.

Alferink is being held at the Towns County Jail without bail. At the time of this release, Daniel Walls has not yet been apprehended. The attached photo of him is from an earlier arrest.

This investigation is still ongoing, with the possibility of further charges being filed. Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Detective Brandon Barrett at (706) 896-2888 ext. 3.