ANDREWS
Ex-alderman faces charges
Gary James, a former Andrews alderman, was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on Feb. 10 on shoplifting and larceny charges dating back in August and September 2025.
James, 67, of Clay Street in Andrews, allegedly stole toys and clothes for a toddler at the Walmart Supercenter. He was released the same day he was booked after posting $500 bond for each charge.
James was arrested by the Murphy Police Department and booked on charges of two counts of misdemeanor larceny and two counts of shoplifting concealing goods. Dates of the alleged offenses were Aug. 9, Sept. 6, Sept. 25 and Oct. 1, according to court records.
James ran for alderman in 2025, coming in fourth with 116 votes, with the top two finishers taking office. He is a retired school custodian and bus driver for Cherokee County Schools, though he continues to drive for school sports and trips. He serves on the Four Square Community Action Board of Directors and the local advisory board for the State Employees’ Credit Union.
ROBBINSVILLE
Man guilty in needle waste
A Graham County man has pleaded guilty to felony littering of hazardous waste for throwing used needles on the ground in a local park, District Attorney Ashley Welch announced.
Jeffery Charles Heid, 53, also pleaded guilty to assault on a law enforcement officer and communicating threats.
On March 9, 2025, Heid rifled through a sharps-disposal container, a plastic sealed box intended for safe disposal of used medical supplies, according to a release. Caught on video, he appeared to be searching for used needles that might still contain controlled substances or pharmaceuticals.
Superior Court Judge J. Thomas Davis sentenced Heid to serve a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 20 months active in state prison for the felony littering, the release says.
On Feb. 17, 2022, Heid assaulted a detention officer. He received an additional 120 days active prison time.
On Feb. 4, 2024, Heid threatened to kill another Graham County resident. He received a suspended sentence of 120 days; additionally, he must serve 18 months of supervised probation after serving his active prison sentences.
FRANKLIN
Alpha Fire contained
Firefighters continue to suppress the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire, which was 50% contained on Feb. 11 and 90% contained the next day.
Nearly 40 U.S. Forest Service personnel are working together with Macon County Fire Services and West Macon Fire & Rescue to manage the 100-acre fire off U.S. 64 in Macon County, a release says.
The fire was first reported as a small roadside fire along U.S. 64. Later that day, crews worked to establish containment lines on the northeast side of the fire, south of Boardtree Branch, connecting it to 64, which is being used as a control line for the southern edge of the fire.
The western edge of the fire, which is roughly a mile from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Hikers traveling north from the south end of Winding Stairs Gap towards Wayah Gap should expect smoke in the area and use caution.
Two helicopters were ordered to assist with water drops and aerial reconnaissance to support firefighter operations and safety. Drivers should use cation along U.S. 64 as firefighting equipment and personnel remain active in the area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Details: Visit fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina.
MURPHY
Blood drive set Feb. 25
A Blood Assurance drive will be held from noon-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, 77 Regal St.
Donors will be entered to win $100 gift cards.
Details: Schedule your appointment at bloodassurance.org/cherosher.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Editor Randy Foster contributed to this report.