BELLVIEW
Pair facing drug charges
Two local residents were arrested on Jan. 31 after the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence off U.S. 19/129.
During the search of the residence, more than 82 grams of methamphetamine, along with a smaller amount of heroin, was seized, according to a release. The two people arrested are:
Former N.C. Probation & Parole officer Nicky Arnold Guthrie, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of heroin and maintaining a dwelling. He received a $75,000 bond.
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Randy Gleaton, charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of heroin. He wasgiven a $100,000 bond.
Both of the accused have been released on bond and are awaiting their first court dates.
TEXANA
3 busted in auto search
Three local residents were arrested on Jan. 27 after the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a vehicle stop on Texana Road.
According to a release, the three people arrested are:
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Michael Dewayne Strickland, charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver – heroin, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver – methamphetamine and possession of meth. He was given a $10,000 bond.
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Robert James Kennedy, charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver – heroin and order for arrest. He was given a $5,000 bond.
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Breanna Micael Rodriguez, charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver – heroin, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver – methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance in jail and possession of meth. She was given a $10,000 bond.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
111 deaths from COVID
The 111th local resident died from the coronavirus Monday, a person who was in their mid-90s.
From Jan. 24 through Monday, 191 local residents tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Cherokee County Health Department. That’s a drop of 100 from the week before.
Of the 25,526 tests handled through the department since the pandemic began in March 2020, 18,694 were negative, 44 are still pending and 6,788 were positive. Of those cases, 219 are active and 6,458 have been released. Only 61 percent of North Carolina and 46 percent of the county is fully vaccinated.
Health Director David Badger encourages everyone who has not been vaccinated or needs a booster to set an appointment online at https://novelhealth.ai/practice/cherokee-county-health-department-287668.
ANDREWS
Valentine’s Dance set
Mountainside Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic at 995 Main St. downtown is excited to announce its first Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, with three dance times for three age groups.
The dance is open to the general public, and you do not need to be a patient to attend. Masks are required in The Ballroom.
Desserts will be provided by Homespun Hobbies. There will be a live DJ and photo booth, so bring your camera. Details and tickets for $10 or $20 are available on the event’s Facebook page.
MURPHY
Cruella up for favorite
Voting for America’s Favorite Pet opened Tuesday, and there’s a Cherokee County dog in the running that you can vote for.
Cruella DeVille is a rescue who has become a therapy dog. The link to vote – https://americasfavpet/2022/cruella-fa9a – opens Tuesday.
Cruella, who is owned by Sarah Gould of Murphy, was featured in a Cherokee Scout article on May 16, 2018.
“Everybody just loves her, and she loves everybody,” Gould said.
As members of the therapy dog nonprofit Love on a Leash, Gould and Cruella have undergone training to become certified with American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen. If you’re interested in her therapy services, email onewhalelover@gmail.com.
ANDREWS
Mardi Gras gala planned
The first “Mardi Gras in the Mountains Gala” will be held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, in the Valleytown Cultural Arts Building, 125 Chestnut St. downtown.
Tickets are $25 per person, which includes a gift bag with a voting ballot for “king and queen of Krewe of the Mountain Revelers,” as well as a history of Mardi Gras and event accompaniment, for the first 150 people. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are included; beer and wine is extra.
Dean’s Music provided Mardis Gras-themed zydeco music, and there will be a dance contest. Costumes are optional but encouraged. Tickets are available at the center and the door.
SANTEETLAH
Man found dead in field
An East Buffalo resident was found lying in a field after deputies received a call about a breaking/entering at a nearby residence on
Jan. 27.
According to a release from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, a report was received about an “in-progress” breaking and entering, in the vicinity of 1467 East Buffalo Circle. Officers arrived to find an open door, but the residence was empty. Nearby witnesses gave deputies a description of the individual suspected of breaking into the home, while also indicating which direction the suspect had fled.
While scoping the area, 38-year-old Jerry Mitchell Crisp was found lying in a field, among a high patch of grass. Crisp was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, and larceny after breaking and entering – both felonies – as well as first-degree trespass.
Crisp made bond shortly after being booked and was released.
A registered sex offender, Crisp served time between 2009-17 – either on probation or by incarceration – for child abuse, sexual battery, failure to verify/notify of a change of address and for being a registered sex offender on child premises. Each of the offenses occurred in Graham County.
FIRES CREEK
Fire engulfs local house
A home at 1779 Fires Creek Road could not be saved Jan. 25, despite the efforts of multiple firefighters responding to the scene.
When firefighters arrived at the home located beside Cross Road driveway, three-fourths of the structure was “involved with heavy fire showing,” Clay County Fire & Rescue information officer Felicia Mull said.
Firefighters initially planned a defense attack because of the significant involvement but they were told a person may be inside the house so they switched to a transitional attack. Eventually it was confirmed that no one was inside the house.
“Unfortunately, despite the efforts made by the 13 members who responded to this structure fire, due to the involvement upon arrival, it was a complete loss,” Mull said.
The house is owned by Mike McDonald.
BBB
Watch out for scams
Scammers are trying to steal your Google Business Profile, according to the BBB.
This new scam can seriously affect a business’ reputation. If you own a company, watch out for scammers trying to steal your Google Business Profile – along with all the good reviews you worked so hard to get.
When you search for a business in Google, information about that company will typically appear in the right sidebar. This is called a Google Business Profile. Alongside basic information, such as address, phone number, and operating hours, there’s a link enabling the business owner to claim and edit the profile. Unfortunately, it’s also an opportunity for scammers.
Scammers click the “Own this business?” link, which sends a request email to the current owner. If you or someone in your company approves this request, thinking it is legitimate, the scammer can take over your profile. They will likely change the name of your business and lock you out of the account.
Always report fraudulent activity, and report any problems to Google immediately. You can also report your experience at BBB.org/ScamTracker to help other businesses stay alert to similar threats.
CORRECTION
There were reporting errors in an article about the Valley River Humane Society on page 8A in the Jan. 26 edition of the Cherokee Scout. The phone number to call for individuals who are interested in a job at the animal shelter in Marble is 837-2304, while the fees for cat adoption are $20. The Scout regrets the errors.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. today at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Central Office, 911 Andrews Road in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 2 p.m. Monday in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
COMING SOON
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, in the multi-purpose room of the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.