HAYESVILLE
Local man gets honor
Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan has presented an Appreciation for Exemplary Service award to Ed Figueroa, a resident of Cherokee County, for his “exemplary service in transforming the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and its partner, Clay County Emergency Medical Services, into the future with the powerful statewide VIPER radio system.”
Buchanan said Figueroa’s “extraordinary knowledge of radio systems, innovative research and purchasing prowess made this transition possible.”
New radio equipment for this transition retailed for $391,825.13, making this transition seemingly impossible, Buchanan said. With intensive research and country-wide contacts, Figueroa was able to procure 67 practically new hand-held and in-car radios. These radios were left over from routine upgrades by large law enforcement agencies, as well as the military, and have decades of remaining useful service.
Figueroa was able to equip the sheriffs office and EMS with VIPER hand-held and in-car radios and accessories for $105,282.43, a savings of $286,542.70. These savings alone made the transition to the VIPER system possible.
Most counties in North Carolina have been striving to make this transition due to the range, clarity and officer safety, as well as all tower maintenance costs being covered by the state. However, Figueroa’s work, Buchanan said Clay is one of few western North Carolina counties that has successfully made this transition.
WARNE
Man killed in accident
Carlos Manuel Olvera, 26, died June 14, when the motorcycle he was driving collided with a pickup truck on Pinelog Road, also known as State Road 1104.
According to information provided by N.C. Highway Patrol communications specialist Tressie Phillips, Olvera was traveling north on State Road 1104 on a 2022 Honda 450 when he lost control and into oncoming traffic. He collided with a southbound 2023 Ford Maverick truck driven by Craig Underwood of Brasstown.
“Olvera failed to maintain his lane and went left of center in a blind curve,” Trooper Eric Watson said. “The other party was not at fault, and there was no other third party involved. The boy on the dirt bike was at fault.”
Watson said Olvera was not wearing a helmet as he rode the unregistered motorcycle.
The son of Genaro Olvera and Melinda Jean Anderson Olvera, Carlos enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, shooting guns and working. Funeral services were held June 18 from Mountain View Chapel with the Revs. Aud Brown and Ben Hogsed officiating.
– Clay County Progress
LAKE SANTEETLAH
Simon pays in argument
Diana Bonham Simon was ordered June 10 by District Court Judge Justin Greene to pay $183 in court costs – plus refrain from engaging in any social media posts, unofficial contact and “assaultive behavior” – after being cited on a charge of simple assault hours after a June 8, 2023, meeting of the Lake Santeetlah Town Council.
Amid a heated council debate over appointing two alternates to the town’s planning board, Mayor Connie Gross made a motion for Jack Gross to receive one of the two alternate seats. Her husband received the nod, 3-2. Prior to his appointment, council member Simon – seated directly to Mayor Gross’ right – expressed her desire to nominate Ralph Strunk, a resident who had shown great interest in filling the role.
Following Jack’s appointment, Mayor Gross attempted to make another motion, but Simon interjected, shouting, “No!” When Mayor Gross continued her motion, Simon reached out and touched – some say slapped – the mayor on her upper right arm.
“I had a motion first!” Simon shouted at the mayor. “Keep your hands off of me,” Mayor Gross replied.
Shortly after the conclusion, Mayor Gross filed an incident report with the Graham County Sheriff’s Office.
– The Graham Star
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.