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Funding is available to help North Carolinians in crisis pay utility bills or secure fuel or cooling resources. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Crisis Intervention Program provides assistance to qualifying, low-income households who are experiencing a cooling related crisis (or heating related crisis in the winter). Applications are available through county departments of social services.
“This program is designed to help alleviate cooling emergencies during the summer months and heating emergencies during the winter months,” said David Locklear, Deputy Director of Economic and Family Services in the Division of Social Services. “The state is experiencing extreme temperatures, and this assistance can help keep families safe and healthy.” A household is in a crisis if it is experiencing or is in danger of experiencing a life-threatening or health related emergency and sufficient, timely and appropriate assistance is not available from any other source. A life-threatening emergency is defined as a household which has no heating or cooling source or has a disconnect notice for primary heating or cooling service, and the health or well-being of a household member would be in danger if the heating or cooling crisis was not alleviated. The Crisis Intervention Program is funded federally by the Administration for Children and Families. The funds are distributed through county departments of social services directly to the vendor or utility. During state fiscal year 2018-19, county departments of social services helped 106,253 North Carolina households experiencing a crisis by assisting with utility bills or securing fuel or cooling resources. Applications may be made at county departments of social services offices through June 30, 2020, while the funds are available. Households are individually evaluated by county departments of social services staff to determine whether there is a heating or cooling crisis. Benefits for families may vary, depending on the amount needed to alleviate the crisis. To be eligible, a household must have at least one person who meets certain criteria, including being income eligible, and have a heating or cooling related emergency. Full eligibility details are available online at www.ncdhhs.gov/crisis-intervention-program. CULLOWHEE – Leaders of Western Carolina University and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College met Monday, July 8, to sign a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions of higher education that guarantees admission to WCU for all A-B Tech graduates who satisfy specific requirements spelled out in the document.
WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, who officially took office a week prior to the signing ceremony, and A-B Tech President Dennis King affixed their signatures to the document establishing the Catamount Trailblazer Program. The direct-entry admission program, which derives its name from the mascots for both institutions, builds upon the existing North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement governing the transfer of credits between the North Carolina Community College System and the University of North Carolina System. The memorandum of understanding follows a gathering earlier this year of six community college leaders at WCU to discuss ways that two- and four-year institutions can work better together to provide a more seamless transition for students seeking additional higher education opportunities. “We want to make the process of transferring to Western Carolina University as smooth as possible for students who graduate from all of our community college partners across the region and the state,” Brown said. “This new memorandum of understanding with A-B Tech is an important step in providing a clear roadmap to help guide those Trailblazers who are looking to further their education as Catamounts.” The agreement also represents the latest step in a history of collaboration between the university and A-B Tech, which was the top feeder institution for students transferring to WCU for the fall 2018 semester. Of the 818 students who transferred to WCU from community colleges last fall, 130 of them – or 15.9 percent – came from A-B Tech. “Western Carolina University has long been an important partner of A-B Tech, since many of our graduates have continued their education at WCU,” King said. “We are happy to enter a new phase of this beneficial partnership with the Catamount Trailblazer guaranteed admission agreement. With this agreement, the two institutions provide an even clearer pathway for our graduates to benefit from the guaranteed high-quality education available just down the road at Western Carolina University.” The onset of the NC Promise tuition plan, which reduces the cost of in-state tuition to $500 per semester at WCU and two other UNC System institutions, has resulted in a significant increase in the number of students transferring to WCU from community colleges and other four-year schools. WCU saw its total number of new transfer students increase by more than 40 percent last fall – from 786 in 2017 to 1,105 in 2018. That includes students transferring from all types of institutions, including community colleges and four-year schools, with A-B Tech students accounting for nearly 12 percent of the total transfer population last year. To participate in the Catamount Trailblazer Program, students must meet several conditions, including: * Be a currently enrolled student at A-B Tech in a degree-seeking capacity. * Submit WCU application for admission and records by the university deadline. * Submit application fee or waiver and fulfil all commitment action steps. * Be in good standing at A-B Tech and other institutions attended. * Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct. * Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at A-B Tech and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in the most recently completed academic term. * Earn an associate’s degree from A-B Tech in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists. * Enroll at WCU within one academic year (within the next two regular terms or fall/spring semesters) of completion of the associate’s degree. Although the Catamount Trailblazer Program does guarantee admission to WCU for those A-B tech graduates who meet the requirements, it does not guarantee admission into a specific degree program. Some programs of study at WCU have their own programmatic admission criteria, standards, policies, processes and deadlines. For more information about how to transfer to WCU, visit the website transfer.wcu.edu. For more information about applying to A-B Tech, visit www.abtech.edu/admissions. General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.
In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in Cherokee County. The Town of Murphy had a discharge of untreated wastewater on July 5, 2019 of an estimated 1,500 gallons at the manhole located behind the U.S. Forest Service offices at 123 Woodland Drive. The untreated wastewater was discharged into the Hiwassee River. The Division of Water Resources and the Cherokee County Health Department was notified of the event on July 6, 2019. For more information please contact the Town of Murphy at 828-837-2510, or town_of_murphy@frontier.com. The Town applied to the state for a loan to replace 1,000 linear feet of sewer main at this location that has a reverse grade (gravity sewer running uphill). The Town will be notified of the acceptance/rejection of the loan application this month. The repair will prevent future discharges from occurring. Every effort will be taken by the Town to expedite construction associated with this project. Town crews have taken efforts this week to prevent future discharges at this location, and will work tirelessly to contain any spills that do occur until the sewer line is replaced. We appreciate your patience and cooperation on this matter. Rick Ramsey Mayor 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 June 25th, 2019 arrest of 35-year-old Nestor Alberto Bardales, and 39-year-old Hispanic male from who reported a Tucker, Georgia address and Miranda Mae Whidden, a 35-year-old white female who reported a Hiwassee, Georgia address for violations of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. On June 25th, 2019, investigators of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a vehicle stop of a white jeep on Hiwassee Street, in Murphy, North Carolina for a traffic violation. During the stop, Bardales was the operator of the vehicle while Whidden was the passenger. While conducting the stop, the Sheriff’s Office canine Ajax provided indication to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle. In a search of the vehicle approximately 17 grams of suspected heroin and approximately 6 grams of suspected methamphetamine were located and seized. Additional information was made known that the couple had stayed at a local motel and a search warrant of the room was conducted but no additional illegal substances were located or seized. While conducting the investigation, Bardales became lethargic and because of concern for his safety he was transported to Erlanger Western Carolina Medical Center by Cherokee County Emergency Services personnel where he was seen and later released. Miranda Mae Whidden was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $1000.00 unsecure bond and Whidden was booked and released pending a July 18th, 2019 district court date. Upon his release from Erlanger Western Carolina Medical Center Bardales was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center and charged with: Trafficking in Opium or Heroin, Possession With the Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Heroin, Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Place for Controlled Substance. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $100,000.00 secure bond. Bardales is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on July 18th, 2019. Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “Everyone knows the destructive nature of illegal controlled substances, however Heroin is extremely dangerous and we are glad to get it off the streets. Good job to the investigators and deputies on this 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.  Christopher Robert Hamilton 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 July 2nd, 2019 arrest of 28-year-old Christopher Robert Hamilton, of Andrews, North Carolina for breaking into a local thrift store. At about 1 am on July 2nd, 2019, deputies responded to a thrift store located in Andrews, North Carolina to investigate a report of a possible breaking and entering. Upon arriving at the scene, the first deputy observed Hamilton inside the thrift store. Hamilton then exited the store to evade the officer. As second responding deputy commenced foot pursuit down a railroad track and through a weeded field and was later captured a short distance later. A search of Hamilton located cash and other items that had been taken during the breaking and entering. Hamilton was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center and charged with: BREAKING AND OR ENTERING, LARCENY AFTER BREAK/ENTER, POSSESSION OF STOLEN GOODS, RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $10,000.00 secure bond. Hamilton remains incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center awaiting a July 18th, 2019 court date. Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “Excellent work by the deputies in this capture. We continue to make strides to stem some of the issues that have arisen in this area. I would like to mention that a well-meaning citizen fired some type of warning shot during this incident and caution that this practice is very dangerous! Being a good set of eyes and ears really does help us.” 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. General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.
In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in Cherokee County. The Town of Murphy had a discharge of untreated wastewater on July 2, 2019 of an estimated 2,000 gallons at the manhole located behind the U.S. Forest Service offices at 123 Woodland Drive. The untreated wastewater was discharged into the Hiwassee River. The Division of Water Resources and the Cherokee County Health Department was notified of the event on July 2, 2019. The Town is conducting lab tests to measure the impact of the spill on the river, and are expecting the test results back on the afternoon of July 3. We are advising the public to avoid swimming and fishing in that area until we get the results back. For more information please contact the Town of Murphy at 828-837-2510, or town_of_murphy@frontier.com. The Town applied to the state for a loan to replace 1,000 linear feet of sewer main at this location that has a reverse grade (gravity sewer running uphill). The Town will be notified of the acceptance/rejection of the loan application this month. The repair will prevent future discharges from occurring. The Town's most recent emergency funding application submitted in January could not be accommodated by the state due to the massive damage caused by the hurricane last fall. Rick Ramsey Mayor Check back for updates to this list as we gather more information on events or should events become affected by the weather. Please note, this list is not in alphabetical order. Scroll for your town's red headline.  Click graphic for info on the Mountain Freedom Festival Event (Separate from the July 4th events) ANDREWS, NC THURSDAY, JULY 4TH, 2019 4th of July in the Mountains - Andrews, NC – 11am to Dark Celebrate the 4th of July, Mountain Style! An all-day event at the Andrews Rec Park with vendors, food, music, and … FIREWORKS! Fun for the whole family! SCHEDULED EVENTS INCLUDE: 11:00 - Bike Parade: New this year! Children 12 and under can decorate their bike, wagon, scooter, stroller, or pet and parade around the Rec park led by Mayor James Reid. Members of the Andrews VFW will judge. 11:45 - OPENING CEREMONIES - Andrews VFW Post 7620, Marine Corps League, Murphy American Legion - National Anthem by Taylor Coffey 12:30 - Peanut Drop 1:15 - Sack Race 1:30 - 3-Legged Race 1:45 - Egg Toss 2:15 - Balloon Toss 3:00 - Cornhole Tournament 4:00 - Horseshoe Tournament 6:00 - 3 Point Shootout 6:00 - Wagon Train Parade on Main Street 6:30 - The Tunnel Rats [BAND] DARK - FIREWORKS! POOL EVENTS: All Day: Chalk Art Contest-Ages 5-16 1:00 - Biggest Splash contest 2:00 - Smallest Splash contest 3:00 - Water Bottle Crunch Contest 4:00 - Ducky Push 5:00 - Coin Dive Little Kids, Teens, & Adults Sponsored by: Andrews Chamber of Commerce, The Town of Andrews, Harrah’s Valley River Casino, Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority, The Cherokee Scout, WKRK, and Nola Cooper Designs For more details, go to VisitAndrewsNC.com/4th-of-july-in-the-mountains ROBBINSVILLE GRAHAM COUNTY 2019 HERITAGE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Friday July 5th – 5:00 pm to 11 p.m. Festival Opens ALL vendors open 6:00 Corn Hole Contest (adults) MUSIC SCHEDULE – Friday 5:00 pm -6::30pm Carolina Bluegrass Boys 6:30pm - 8:30 pm Fontana Ramblers 8:30 pm - 11 pm Steve Jordan band Saturday, July 6th – 10a.m. to 11:00 pm 10:00 Veterans" Ceremony/ food and crafts Vendors Open 11:00-6:00 Kids’ Contests 5:00 Corn Hole Contest (adults) 6:00 Greased Pig Contest (Ages 2-14) 10:00 Fireworks MUSIC SCHEDULE – Saturday 3:00PM J. CREEK CLOGGERS 4:00PM NATIVE AMERICAN DANCERS 6:00- 8:00PM JONES BOYS 8:30pm -10:00pm Johnny Webb Band 10:00pm -10-30pm FIREWORKS 10:30pm- 11:30pm Johnny Webb Band Free KIDS GAMES & EVENTS – Saturday 11:00 Little Miss Liberty 1:00 Egg/Spoon 1:30 Limbo 2:00 Hula Hoop 2:30 Watermelon Eating MURPHY  HAYESVILLE   BRASSTOWN TRI-COUNTY RACE TRACK - FRIDAY, JULY 5 --- Blue Ridge Outlaw Late Model Series $1,800 to win / Independence Day Championship / Fireworks Show Plus Crate Late Models $700 to win, Modified Street $500 to win, Street Stock $400 to win, Pony $400 to win, Front Wheel Drive $200 to win, 602 Beginner Class $200 to win (Classes = SLM, CLM, MS, SS, BC, P, FWD) HIAWASSEE  BLAIRSVILLE We can't wait to celebrate America's 🇺🇸 Birthday 🎂 with you in Blairsville! We'll be set up at North Georgia Tech College across from Meeks Park from 5:30pm-9:30pm. 🎇🎆 It's going to be a hot one, so come cool off with a delicious Kona! 🍧 The fireworks begin at dusk. (9:30-ish) BLUE RIDGE, McCAYESVILLE, COPPERHILL  As you plan for Independence Day Week in Blue Ridge and the Copper Basin be sure to set aside some time to enjoy an old fashioned fourth at Riverfest Weekend and Friday Fireworks in McCaysville/Copperhill, with arts and crafts, entertainment and more. Find out more here: www.blueridgemountains.com/events/ NANTAHALA The annual fireworks over Nantahala Lake put on by the Nantahala VFD launched from the western end of the lake. Whether you're on the lake or along the shore, don't miss the annual fireworks show! FRANKLIN
Get ready for a spectacular 4th of July as the Franklin Chamber of Commerce finalizes plans for our annual Independence Day celebration. The 4th of July Fireworks & Fun Day will be held at the Macon County Veterans Memorial Recreation Park just south of Franklin off U.S. 441 on Thursday, July 4. Activities will begin in the park at 1 p.m. and conclude at dark with a fireworks show. The day will begin at 1 pm with the all new “KidZone” including Cinderella Carriage Bounce House & Slide, Farm Land Toddler Inflatable play area, World of Sports Inflatable, games, prizes and more sponsored by the Christian Training Center International. Unlimited, all day play wristbands will be available for $5 for children 2 – 12 years old. Older kids and adults will enjoy the “Radar Speed Pitch” and “Basketball Hoop” Competition for only $1. Be the fastest pitcher or hold the record for the most consecutive hoops and you will win a $50 gift card from the Factory. T and J Entertainment will be on hand to provide great music and fun at 3pm with karaoke beginning at 5 pm. New this year, 50/50 tickets will be sold all day at the gates and at the Chamber’s booth and the winner will receive half of the pot. The winning ticket will be drawn around 9:30 pm from the stage and you must be present to win. Don’t forget the Bulls Eye Ball Drop, sponsored by Smoky Mountain Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. Numbered golf balls will be dropped from the top of the ladder firetruck high in the sky. The closest ball to the center of the bulls eye on the baseball field will win $500. The balls will be dropped around 9:30 pm. Balls can be purchased at the Chamber tent in front of the baseball field for $5 each or 3 for $10. Be sure to purchase your golf balls early before we sell out. The Presentation of Colors will take place just after 9:00 pm followed by a salute to all Branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The National Anthem will be presented by The Isaacs and will lead into the fireworks display. This year’s fireworks will feature a high level show only. Plans are to bring the ground level show back next year. What’s the 4th without great food? This year will be no exception! You will find plenty of tasty treats like hamburgers, BBQ, hot dogs, funnel cakes, kettle korn, ice cream and fresh lemonade. There’s sure to be something for everyone. Two buses will shuttle continuously from Franklin High School’s parking lot to the Recreation Park beginning at 5 pm. There will be four buses running after the fireworks to help get folks back to their cars as quickly as possible. Since no parking is allowed along Wide Horizon Drive and across the road at Ingles. Everyone is encouraged to use the shuttle. For more information about upcoming events visit www.VisitFranklinNC.com or contact the Franklin Chamber of Commerce at 828-524-3161. We thank our additional gold sponsors - Macon County Recreation Park, The Town of Franklin and the Franklin Tourism Development Commission and everyone who donated to help make this celebration successful. Don’t forget Franklin’s Fourth of July festivities beginning at 10 am on Main Street in downtown Franklin and ends at 1 pm. While downtown, be sure to stop in and shop with our Main Street Merchants. We hope to celebrate the 4th of July with you!  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.
Clay County Sheriff’s Investigators and agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have logged over 1000 man hours, written and executed more than 20 Search Warrants and collected approximately 120 items of evidence since May 31 st when the discovery of human remains were found at the last location Jordan Ramon Garcia was reported to have been seen alive. Assistance from neighboring jurisdictions include Towns and White County Sheriff’s Office, Hiawassee Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office, Swain, Jackson and Henderson County Sheriff’s Offices. Investigators met Friday morning with District Attorney Ashley Welch and her office to discuss the case and filing criminal charges. Careful consideration was given to all matters before the decision was made to charge 17-year-old Caleb Anthony Ellis with Jordan’s murder. Investigators received a confession from Ellis prior to him being charged. Garcia was reported missing on 05/28/2019 after being missing for four days. On 05/31/2019 human remains were found in a wooded area within 75 feet of the residence where he was last reported to be seen. Over 50% of the body had been reduced to skeletal remains by fire and decomposition. Positive identification that the remains were those of Jordan Ramon Garcia was made the following week at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center through the use of dental records. Additional information obtained in the preliminary autopsy revealed the presence of a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. A Pathology report is still pending at this time. Over the course of the investigation multiple accounts of obstruction have been identified. Investigators anticipate additional evidence of this activity will be found in information obtained from social media as well as cell phone searches. During the investigation, some individuals made numerous efforts to redirect, misinform and obstruct the attentions of investigators away from the facts, some of which have been found to be criminal. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated. 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.
Hayesville, NC – (June 21, 2019) Clay County Sheriff’s Investigators arrested 17-year-old Caleb Anthony Ellis today in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Jordan Ramon Garcia. Ellis is currently being held in the Clay County Detention Center with no bond. Ellis has been charged with: Murder, Felony Obstruction, Felony Concealment of a Human Death and Communicating Threats. Additional charges were filed today against Shirley Lance Sherlin. Sherlin was charged with one count of Felony Obstruction and was released on an unsecured bond. A detailed press release will be issued on Monday by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.  EWCH’s 2019 scholarship recipients. Murphy, N.C. – Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital (EWCH) has awarded scholarships totaling $14,500 to area high school graduates who are pursuing higher education in health care.
The scholarships, which are funded entirely by philanthropy, are granted in the names of five valued community members: Mr. John Carringer, Ms. Dorothy Cloer, Dr. Jeffrey B. Larson, Dr. Helen Wells and Ms. Trish Brady. The scholarships are awarded to students who plan to pursue careers in health care in hopes that they will accept clinical positions in the community after their schooling is complete. “Erlanger would like to congratulate the recipients of this year’s scholarships,” said Mark Kimball, EWCH CEO. “By investing in the next generation of health care professionals in our area, we are investing in the future of western North Carolina as well.” The following graduates are this year’s recipients: Makayla Cheyenne Anderson, Hayesville High School; Hannah Kintrell Bailey, Hiawassee Dam High School; Karree Beth Cole, Robbinsville High School; Miranda Hall, Tri-County Early College; Kathryn Keily Garvin Jenkins, Murphy High School; Bailey Elizabeth King, Hayesville High School; Ellie Reagan Martin, Murphy High School; and Emily Ann Roper, Andrews High School. An additional $22,750 in scholarship renewals was also awarded, totaling $37,250 in overall scholarships from EWCH for 2019. |
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