EMS Fire - April 2009
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The entire year in Alleghany news reviewed
Looking back on all of the top news reported in 2009
By COBY LaRUE and LAURA THORNBURG
Staff
The year 2009 marked the 150th anniversary of Alleghany County. Numerous festive events were held commemorating that event and a new outdoor stage was constructed in Crouse Park. However, the year also was marked by tragedies as well.
The economy in Alleghany and nationwide continued its downward spiral, but some signs of recovery were seen late in the year.
A fire destroyed the Alleghany EMS building on Cox Street in April, while a tornado ripped through the northern end of the county in May. Several lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents, including two Alleghany men killed in accidents Dec. 31 and Jan. 10, a Michigan woman in August and three members of a family on U.S. 21 close to Thanksgiving. A young man lost his life in a fall from a moving golf cart in Roaring Gap.
On the brighter side, progress was made toward getting a regional water authority up and running, with the hopes of providing water to Sparta and Independence, Va. in fall 2010.
The county and school system also moved forward with long-needed water and sewer improvements, as well as a building renovation, for Glade Creek School.
Governor Beverly "Bev" Perdue visited Sparta School in what amounted to a rare visit by a sitting N.C. governor.
The following is a recount of the front-page news of 2009, listed by month in chronological order:
January
The Census Bureau announced it would be recruiting field workers regionally, with plans of recruiting 200 in Alleghany. With the Census due in 2010, more recruiting is being done this year.
LeAnn Gambill took over the role of director of the Solid Rock Food Closet; DeAnne Warren held the position since the nonprofit’s inception in 2004.
The Virginia/Carolina Water Authority announced a location for its water intake on Moxley Ridge Road near the New River as the site of the water intake and treatment facility. The Authority also approved contracts for installation of water lines to the towns of Sparta and Independence, Va.
A Galax man, Mark Maull, was the subject of an extensive search Jan. 4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and was found the morning of Jan. 5 near Milepost 244.
Jesse Arnold Crouse of Ennice, 23, lost his life in an accident New Year’s Eve night on Glade Valley Road.
The Sparta Teapot Museum of Craft and Design announced plans to expand its offerings to include a full range of museum programming and a more extensive exhibition schedule.
A conservation easement was filed on the nixed Virginia prison site on the New River. The farm was owned by 92-year-old Mastin Fayne "Buster" Osborne, who bought the neighboring property that had been the proposed prison site, and then granted the easement.
The Virginia/Carolina Water Authority released more details on the New River plant, confirming the Moxley Ridge Road site in Virginia near the N.C. line.
Alleghany native Greg L. Blevins, 25, escaped from a prison in Wilkes and was later apprehended.
James Samuel Young, 27 of Glade Valley, was killed in a Jan. 10 wreck on Shawtown Road.
With the completion of the Piney Creek gym project, the Alleghany County Board of Education turned its attention to Glade Creek School. Planning work on that school’s upgrades continues in 2010.
A Rural Center representative toured Village Park Commercial Facility—formerly Charleston Forge—owned by Businessman D.W. Miles.
A facilities subcommittee—comprised of two school board members, two commissioners and the superintendent and county manager—met to begin discussions on school needs.
Real estate sales decreased in 2008, according to reports from local agencies.
After serving the Glade Creek community for nine years, it was announced the Firehouse Kids program would close its doors in May, citing a loss of license as one of the issues.
The newspaper changed its publication date from Thursdays to Wednesdays.
The county applied for a N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant for a new athletic field on the Sparta Parkway (U.S. 21 bypass). The request later was denied.
The Alleghany Transfer Facility returned to normal operations. The entrances had to be switched beginning in December 2008 so the county could replace its weigh-in scales.
February
The Alleghany Schools faired well in report cards issued by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The trial of Enrique Hernandez, also known as Enrique Hernandez Soto, charged in the stabbing death of Amy Devon Reese, began on Feb. 9. Hernandez pled self-defense. At the end of the trial, Hernandez was unanimously found guilty of first-degree murder by the jury and was sentenced to life without parole. An appeal was filed in the case.
Larry Taylor retired after 29 years of service to the county at the Alleghany Transfer Facility.
The Alleghany County Commission addressed security at the Alleghany County Courthouse, following recommendations from the Rural Courts Commission, which visited in November 2008.
Town Manager Bryan Edwards reported significant progress to the Sparta Town Council concerning the Virginia/Carolina Water Authority’s efforts to supply the town’s water needs.
The staff of The Alleghany News won a press award for its Web site in the Community Division B of the 2007 NCPA Best Editorial Contest.
The county kicked off its sesquicentennial celebration Feb. 12 with an event at the courthouse.
John Spicer was named Sparta’s Main Street Champion for 2008.
The 42nd annual Alleghany Heart Fund Auction got under way on Feb. 21 and raised $8,471 its first week. The auction raised $17,500 over its two-week run.
The schools’ dropout rate increased to 21 during the 2007-08 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Harold Church celebrated 46 years of service at Grandview Funeral Home.
March
Multiple fire departments responded to fire at the home of Carl Dean Edwards. The home was destroyed according to reports.
The county manager informed the commissioners that their budget would face revenue shortfalls.
The number of members of the Alleghany Planning Board was decreased from nine to five. The commissioners agreed to the move at the recommendation of Planner Kathy Murphy and the Planning Board.
The school board set the first day of school at Aug. 6 in adopting the calendar for years 2009-2010.
The Sparta Lions Club celebrated its 65th year.
The town discussed the possibility of having a stage, first slated to be an amphitheater, at the town park.
Brad Mabe replaced Mitch Franklin on the school board after Franklin stepped down at a March 4 meeting. Mabe, who was a candidate for the position in 2008, was selected by the Democrat Party to take the seat.
The county granted a variance to Joines Trailer Court owner Tony Greene.
Nine acts of crime or violence were reported to have occurred during the 2007-08 school year.
A "womanless" beauty pageant raised $2,400 for the Relay for Life.
A couple members of the Sparta Town Council met with members of the Crouse House Committee to discuss plans for the potential stage.
During a special called meeting, the Alleghany County Commission agreed to seek Building Reuse and Restoration Program grant funds to help renovate spaces for a new dentist and to help a day care expand.
In excess of $8,000 was raised in support of "spring fling" fund-raiser for programs at the Sparta Teapot Museum of Craft and Design.
April
The home of Mark Reynolds was destroyed in a March 25 fire.
Henry Mason May II, 39, was sentenced during the March 23 week of Alleghany Criminal Superior Court to a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 years in relation to statutory rape and like charges after pleading guilty to one count of statutory rape and entering Alford pleas for five charges, meaning May did not admit guilt but agreed there was enough evidence to garner a conviction.
Members of the county and schools facilities subcommittee were informed March 24 that a planning grant had been approved to help with the water and sewer system at Glade Creek School.
Local quilters took part in a barn quilt project that helped place decorated quilt-patterned artworks on buildings throughout the county as the year progressed.
Local students were honored for their work on teapot projects. More than 200 teapots were entered in the competition.
The Alleghany Emergency Medical Services building was destroyed by fire, claiming two backup ambulances and causing an estimated $450,000 in damages. The EMS was moved to the former location of Alleghany Chevrolet on U.S. 21 until a new facility could be built.
The region’s economy had continued to decline in January, according to economic activity reported in the Western North Carolina Economic Index.
The town was awarded a $200,000 Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant. The funds were slated for planning and right-of-way acquisition for a pedestrian plan and greenway project.
County Planner Kathy Murphy was dismissed from her position on April 8, a move that was subsequently upheld by the Alleghany County Commissioners after a closed-door meeting.
The school board was presented with budget proposals for the 2009-10 fiscal year. The total of expenditures was $3,351,482, up from the 2008-2009 approved budget of $2,931,599. The board approved the proposal during an April 14 called meeting.
Dan Abernathy was presented medals for his service in the early 1950s by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Local merchants launched a new program, dubbed "Alleghany County Stimulus Package 2009." The program was designed to highlight the advantages of shopping locally.
Two Alleghany Envirothon teams—Outdoor Masters and Conservation Cowboys—advanced to state competition after scoring well in the regional competition.
The county’s budget requests increased slightly to $15,871,949.
Town Manager Bryan Edwards said town grants for the greenway from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund totaling $545,000 had been held up in the state budget crisis.
A former Alleghany High student, Tony Green, talked to students at his alma mater about the drunken driving accident that left him wheelchair bound.
Business owners Kimberly Miles of Sparta and Kristie Brake of Jonesville, who were co-owners of Heritage Home Care, were facing federal charges of conspiring to commit health care fraud and 16 counts of committing health care fraud.
The economic decline continued, but had slowed, in February, according to the Western N.C. Index and Report.
John Woodruff, an Alleghany education icon, died at age 77 on April 25.
Local dentist G. Terry Johnson and his staff participated in the seventh annual "Give Kids a Smile" day.
Sparta Town Council received preliminary budget information from Town Manager Bryan Edwards.
May
Friends of the Park, a new volunteer group, was formed to help raise funds for new equipment and to help facilitate other improvement efforts at Crouse Park.
Per an executive order from Gov. Bev Perdue’s office, school employees had to return .5 percent of their annual salary.
The cooperative extension service hosted its annual farm animal day.
Junior Appalachian Musicians received a $30,000 grant.
The county officially greeted a new dentist, Dr. Ashley Weekes.
An Alleghany girl, Chelsey Dillard, was the first in Alleghany to graduate AHS with both high school and Wilkes Community College diplomas.
The town budget proposal maintained its tax rates.
Osee Road Mobile Home Flattened by Tornado - May 2009 |
Tornadoes tore through the north end of Alleghany injuring four people and causing major damage to properties all along its route. The mobile home that was damaged was the home of John Smith and Crystal Ward and two young children, ages 9 and 4. All four recovered from their injuries. Clean up efforts continued throughout the month.
Vannoy Construction was deemed the low bidder on three Qualified Zone Academy Bond projects at Sparta School and Alleghany High School.
N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah E. Parker was announced to be the keynote speaker at the re-dedication of the Alleghany County Courthouse.
For the first time in two years, the drought that had plagued North Carolina and much of the southeast had ended statewide.
The Teapot Museum returned land to its former owners, the Dean and Rachel Milliken family, from whom the property was purchased. The museum had agreed in late 2004 to buy the land, measuring 4.624 acres, for $600,000. The museum maintained ownership of the property that had been owned by Gill Thadani, a .798-acre tract at the intersection of Evergreen and West Whitehead streets.
A lawsuit filed by two Alleghany men—Larry McCann and Mark Richardson—against the town and members of the Sparta Town Council had a mediated settlement conference deadline of Sept. 5 and trial date of Oct. 12.
Three veterans returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. financed by the Alleghany Rotary Club. They included the late John Musgrove, Oscar "Doc" Evans and Cliff Phillips.
Freddie Hammer Pleads Guilty - May 2009 |
Frederick P. "Freddie" Hammer of Crumpler was sentenced to five life sentences without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to three murders at a Mouth of Wilson Christmas tree farm on Jan. 24, 2008. Hammer was also ordered to pay fines totaling $600,000 and serve additional prison terms totaling 23 years. He had been charged with the murders of Ron Hudler, 73; his son, Fred Hudler, 44; and John Steven Miller, 25 at the elder Hudler’s home and farm.
Local veterans held Memorial Day services at the Alleghany Courthouse.
Education Station closed its doors for the last time after almost 10 years of serving the Glade Creek community.
June
A total of 89 graduated from Alleghany High School on May 29.
County Manager Don Adams presented a proposed a 2009-10 fiscal budget that included job cuts, the phasing out of funding for organizations and several funding reductions while maintaining the county’s 43-cent tax rate.
The Rev. Bob Matthias was named the new minister at the Sparta Presbyterian Church.
Josephine "Josie" Joines Wilson celebrated her 100th birthday on May 29.
It was announced that Sparta Mayor John Miller and councilmen John Brady and Mike Parlier were up for re-election in November. Since no challengers filed for election, the men ran unopposed and were re-elected.
A reply was filed in the lawsuit of two Alleghany men, Larry McCann and Mark Robert Richardson, against town council members and the town itself. Town attorneys filed a document suggesting the charges against council members and the town be dismissed with prejudice.
The Alleghany County Homebuilders Association’s second-annual Mudsling raised $7,000 for charitable purposes.
Digital only TV began June 12.
The Commission met and proposed possible revisions to the county budget plan. The commissioners opted for a budget that would not eliminate as many positions, not raise taxes or cut longevity pay for employees. The commissioners agreed to use fund balance to pay for ongoing expenses in order to reach those goals.
The Alleghany Board of Education announced that it could be forced to cut 28 jobs in order to balance its budget.
The annual Alleghany Relay for Life raised $42,000.
Melissa Vestal—a Spanish and teacher cadet teacher at Alleghany High School—was named teacher of the year for Alleghany County Schools.
Candice Groce, a graphic designer for The Alleghany News, earned six awards in the N.C. Press Association Best Ad Contest in the Community B division.
Members of the Alleghany Community Theater performed "Alleghany Lives 1859-2009" at the Sparta School Auditorium.
Eldon Edwards was named the grand marshal of the July 4 parade.
July
Edmund I. "Ed" Adams of Adams & Ivey in Sparta was the 2009 recipient of the Dr. I. Beverly Lake Public Service Award.
In the McCann and Richardson lawsuit, Richardson’s claims were thrown out by the court, while McCann’s claims for damages went to trial. Only the claims against the Town of Sparta, not its council members, were allowed to move forward.
Alleghany Schools adopted an interim budget, which called for the reduction of 12 positions.
The number of entries and spectators at the July 4 parade in Sparta increased, as people lined the streets and more than 70 entries took part.
The Family Resource Center and the Alleghany Partnership for Children agreed to share a location, at 994 N. Main St. in Sparta. Domestic Abuse is Not Acceptable (DANA) moved out of the building on July 1.
Quilters Guild barn quilts were placed throughout the county.
The Crouse House Stage was dedicated in honor of the Crouse House Pickers. D.W. Miles was thanked for being instrumental in the construction of the stage.
Infant Landon Joines was born with a problem with the blood supply to his small intestines, leaving him with an uphill medical battle. Friends and family worked to raise funds to help pay for medical bills for parents Jeremiah and Shelly Joines.
Options for Glade Creek water and sewer were offered that would cost between $376,200 and $3,921,100. The higher alternative would have connected the school to the Town of Sparta’s water supply.
The water authority held a groundbreaking at its location along New River off Moxley Ridge Road.
A Glade Valley man, Lonnie Owens, was found following a search the morning of July 24 after he wrecked his four-wheeler.
The county commission held a public information meeting July 20 to discuss a proposed fire and rescue training facility.
The Rainbow of Hope Cancer Support Group opened its meditation garden at the Alleghany Wellness Center’s property off Collins Road.
August
The county commission agreed to grant a variance to Barry Poole for a portion of a subdivision off Saddle Mountain Road. The variance affected access to some of the lots in the subdivision.
Wilkes Community College planned workforce training in Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes County under a program with an initial budget of $300,000.
The Rev. J. Barry Kramer was named interim minister at Christ Episcopal Church.
Helen Crouse and Amanda Galyean were named the winners of the Ms. And Miss Alleghany Sesquicentennial Pageant. Runners-up were Virginia Ruth Halsey and Chelsea Jones.
The county’s three primary schools scored well in ABCs testing, while Alleghany High School received no rating with a score of 67.2. Piney Creek School was named a school of distinction with a score of 89.1 Sparta and Glade Creek schools earned scores of 79.8 and 78.9, respectively and each was named a school of progress.
Fredrick "Freddie" Hammer, already serving five life sentences for murder, confessed to killing Jimmy Blevins and former Alleghany resident Timothy "Tim" Shatley. Using directions from Hammer, Blevins’ body was located. Hammer had not been charged of either crime in 2009.
The Town of Sparta gave $18,000 for needed playground equipment at Crouse Park.
A 17-year-old Charlotte teen died as the result of a golf cart accident on Aug. 6 in Roaring Gap. William "Will" Ragsdale Froelich fell from a moving golf cart and suffered a head injury.
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx appeared in Sparta to speak with local Republicans about health care reform.
Proposed upgrades to Glade Creek School were expected to total near $3.5 million. The county gave the school system the go-ahead to apply for a Qualified School Construction Bond to help pay for the project.
Counterfeit bills were located in the county, according to a report from the Sparta Police Department.
An Apex man charged with shooting at Sheriff David "Squeak" Edwards was found guilty of discharging a weapon into an occupied property and given a suspended sentence of 20 to 33 months in prison. David Holt Young III, 36, was convicted in the Aug. 10-12 session of Alleghany Criminal Superior Court.
A Native American celebration was held at Crouse Park in honor of the county’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.
The county agreed to move forward on seeking local bids to rebuild the EMS building on Cox Street in Sparta.
The Alleghany County Fair got under way on Aug. 24 with a full schedule of activities.
North Carolina Gov. Beverly "Bev" Perdue made a stop by Sparta School to discuss topics including the importance of education and community service.
The county’s graduation rate fell to 78.1, about 1.9 percent shy of the 80 percent target goal.
Soon after Freddie Hammer agreed to give the location of Jimmy Blevins body in exchange for $15,000 in reward money, the estate of Jimmy Blevins filed suit against Hammer for wrongful death.
September
Local SAT scores rose in Alleghany for the third consecutive year. Alleghany students received an average score of 1,002, up from 999 the year prior. Participation fell from 52 students to 40.
Alleghany had its first confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, the Alleghany Health Department confirmed. Subsequent cases of flu-like symptoms were assumed to be H1N1 and no further testing was needed, health officials said.
A statewide tax increase took effect, raising sales taxes from 6.75 percent to 7.75 percent.
A Michigan woman died after being seriously injured in an accident on Aug. 19 on the Blue Ridge Parkway around Milepost 243.4. Jo Ann Corbin, 56, was a passenger on the back of her husband’s motorcycle at the time of the accident.
The town of Sparta was considering cameras to combat vandals and to maintain order at Crouse Park.
A report showed that visitor spending fell in Alleghany County to $29.39 million in 2008.
The Alleghany Board of Education opted for discretionary budget cuts; part of a slate of earlier cuts proposed for the board.
Piney Creek United Methodist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary.
After two months of positive economic growth, the economy stalled in July, according to the WNC Index that was released in early September.
A man who became lost after he set out to ride a mountain bike from the Blue Ridge Parkway through Stone Mountain State Park Sept. 12 was found at around 3 a.m. Sept. 13.
Alleghany sites were among those listed in a birding guide for North Carolina.
Schools determined that energy savings from Ameresco didn’t add up to projected amounts from a contract entered some three years prior.
The county drilled a test well near Glade Creek School on property owned by Cliff and Bobbie Phillips. Newman Brothers of Elkin put in the low bid on the test well at $12,330.
Three Alleghany entities received $28,018 from the N.C. Arts Council. They included $10,000 for the teapot museum, $10,000 for the Jam program and $8,018 for the Alleghany Arts Council.
Crowds were up for the annual Mountain Heritage Festival in downtown Sparta. Mary Pennington was named "Possum Queen."
Alleghany Schools were awarded $3,339,585.53 for QSCB funds to help with the construction at Glade Creek School.
The county bought an option on a piece of property near Glade Creek School that could be used for a drain field. The contract was negotiated with property owner Paul F. Hawks.
The Sesquicentennial Parade was held despite rainy weather. Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton took part in the event.
October
Doughton Day was held at the Alleghany Courthouse, honoring the contributions of members of one of Alleghany County’s most illustrious families. A portrait of the late Congressman R.L. "Farmer Bob" Doughton was donated by granddaughter Betsy Doughton Dillon.
The county commissioners learned that the U.S. Department of Agriculture might be willing to fund the county’s new fire and rescue safety facility. An agreement was later reached.
The water authority announced an estimated startup of Oct. 2010.
Dr. Joe Arocha came to the county by way of Miami, Fla.
Chelsea Jones was named the 2009 AHS Homecoming Queen.
Season and H1N1 flu vaccines were available at the Alleghany Health Department and at local doctor’s offices.
The Sparta Police Department announced it was seeking a canine for drug duty.
The suit against the Town of Sparta by Larry McCann was dismissed. McCann appealed the decision and the case was ongoing as of the end of 2009.
The Alleghany Board of Education approved an updated budget resolution.
Local business leaders were honored at the Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Among those honored were Clint Bedsaul as businessman of the year and Napco as business of the year. Numerous other awards were given, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for the late Tom Richardson.
The first ever Walk Out of Darkness suicide prevention and awareness event was held on Oct. 10 and attended by about 25 people.
East Surry Principal Tony Hall was named the assistant superintendent of Alleghany County Schools.
Attendance was up at the 16th annual Hillbilly Comedy and Variety Show.
Bids on the Alleghany EMS building were accepted, including a $143,137 bid from F.G. Dillard and Sons to repair the interior of the building and an $8,800 bid from Carpenter Electric to install a fire alarm system.
Local individuals and the Alleghany Historical-Genealogical Society and a local business were honored with numerous awards by the N.C. Society of Historians.
November
The county agreed to move forward on funding for Glade Creek School improvements via a loan from BB&T bank.
School "report cards" gave the county’s schools good marks.
The Family Literacy Program moved to a new location in the same building as Wilkes Community College.
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