The Alleghany County Courthouse re-opened around the first of December 2006 after undergoing lengthy renovations. The move allowed the courtroom and other offices that had been temporarily housed in the new County Office Building at 338 S. Main St. to return to the building. Work on the historic building, including replacing the windows, renovating the courtroom and other spaces, took more than a year to complete.

The year in review

The year 2006 was marked by sweeping changes in politics, much- anticipated court rulings and more than its share of tragedy. Three murders were reported, along with a fatal motorcycle accident near the Parkway.

The following is a recount of the front-page news of 2006, listed by month in chronological order.

January

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners approved financing a $1.95 million expansion to Sparta School. The money was used to fund a new eight-classroom wing to the side of the school nearest Trojan Avenue and parking upgrades.

A civil suit brought against Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation was dismissed with prejudice in Ashe County. The company, in turn, dismissed legal actions filed against those who filed the suit. Kim Shaw was hired as director of the Partnership For Children. Maymead filed a lawsuit against Alleghany County, stating that the county's polluting industries ordinance was illegal and void. The lawsuit continued throughout most of the year.

New state and federal law changes required the county to purchase all new voting equipment, replacing $158,000 in machines purchased in 1999. The new machines, at a cost of $198,640, were only available from Elections Systems and Software, the only company approved by the state.

The trial of former Alleghany Detective Ricky James Lyall began in federal court in Statesville. Lyall was charged with recruiting two people to sell illegal drugs seized in criminal investigations and stored in the evidence room of the Alleghany Sheriff's Office and other crimes. Lyall was found guilty on seven counts (two drug conspiracy charges and five counts of possession of cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute) and was held until being sentenced later in the year.

TruLine Truss supplied building materials to a home as part of the ABC television show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

Mallie Wright Handy turned 101 years old on Dec. 12, 2006.

February

Sparta Industries was purchased by James B. "Jim" Burns, a New Zealand native who renamed the company "International Pipes and Accessories LLC."

The school system instituted a smoke-free poli cy in January and it was reported as going well in February.

Sparta Lowes Foods Manager Kenneth Brinegar earned a company-wide leadership award.

Property transfers increased for the fourth consecutive year in the county in 2005. During that year, property sold in the county was valued at $76,837,500.

The school system moved forward with a plan to purchase a small tract of land from the estate of Lucy Choate in Sparta. The Alleghany High School wrestling team captured the state 1-A dual championship.

Gov. Mike Easley offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for killing Timothy "Tim" Shatley in Ashe County. The murder of Shatley, who has family here in Alleghany, remains unsolved.

George Sheets was honored as the 2005 Main Street Champion. A crowded field of candidates started filing for office. The county saw its first significant snowfall, about four inches, on the weekend of Feb. 10.

An announcement was made that the Blue Ridge Hillclimb would be moved to Aug. 5-6 in 2006.

Director of Elections Karen K. Fender resigned from her post. The Alleghany Heart Auction posted a strong start, raising $7,401 in its first week.

March

School officials continued considering a plan to build a new middle school, noting that such a project likely would result in changes at Piney Creek School. The Alleghany Board of Education pledged to keep the school open.

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