WKRK 105.5 FM 1320 AM

The following press release has been issued by Towns County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Toccoa, Georgia – Yesterday, 200 local, state, and federal law enforcement officers served 20 search warrants and 27 arrest warrants for members and suppliers of Horace Mayfield’s drug trafficking organization. Over the course of ten months, the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), with the cooperation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office, brought down a multifaceted drug trafficking network with tentacles reaching south into Atlanta and north into South Carolina. Multiple criminal charges will be brought against these persons under the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute. Mayfield and his drug trafficking organization have been operating in Stephens County and surrounding communities for many years. Over the course of this investigation, the Mayfield drug trafficking organization can be attributed to 72 kilograms of cocaine, 15 kilograms of methamphetamine and 50 pounds of marijuana with a total street value of 9.5 million dollars.

This particular investigation is an example of the value of inter-agency cooperation. Because of the strong, existing relationships between the participating agencies, agents were able to share intelligence and coordinate the dismantling of a complex drug trafficking organization. Those agencies involved include ARDEO consisting of the following sheriff’s offices: White County, Lumpkin County, Towns County, Banks County, Habersham County, Stephens County, and Rabun County, along with the Cleveland Police Department, the Georgia National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, the Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force (NGMOTF); a FBI-led Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) consisting of the Cherokee County SO, GBI, Hall County SO, and Forsyth County SO; Conasagua Safe Streets Task Force (CSSTF), a FBI-led SSTF, consisting of the Calhoun PD, Chatsworth PD, Dalton PD, and Murray County SO; Northwest Georgia Criminal Enterprise Task Force (NWGCETF), a FBI-led SSTF; Gwinnett County Police Narcotics Unit; Northeast Georgia Regional DTF; Oconee County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit; and the Anderson, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office.

Although numerous arrests have been made and evidence seized, the investigation continues and additional arrests are expected.

Sheriff Clinton said, “This investigation, one of this magnitude, took the better part of a year, as we have targeted the supply chain. With the expansion of the Appalachian Drug Task Force into the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, we've extended our network and resources. With that, we can expect to see more of these types of investigations.” Sheriff Clinton is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for ARDEO.

The following press release has been issued by Towns County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Tuesday night, February 16th , a domestic violence incident was reported to the Towns County 911 center. The incident was reported to have occurred at a residence on Shake Rag Road in Hiawassee. Sheriff Clinton, Towns County Sheriff’s deputies, and a Hiawassee Police officer, arrived on the scene to discover that the alleged offender had fled the scene in a red Ford truck. The offender was reported to be armed with an assault rifle and handguns.

An alert citizen called 911 to report that she had seen a truck fitting the description turn onto a side road on Bell Mountain at a high rate of speed. Sheriff Clinton and Patrol Commander, Lieutenant Mark Henderson, traveled on foot a short distance out the road and located the suspect's vehicle. After clearing the vehicle, which had been abandoned, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit was requested. Deputies secured the location, as Sheriff Clinton and the Hiawassee Police officer provided security for the K-9 team. The K-9 tracked the suspect around the side of the ridge and back to the home where the original incident took place. Cell phone records suggest that a phone was used at the residence.

The suspect, identified as Casey Don Allen, age 35 of Hiawassee, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault and one count of Cruelty to Children 3rd Degree.

The following press release has been issued by Towns County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Monday night, February 22nd, Towns County deputies responded to Hi River Country subdivision in reference to a suspicious vehicle and suspicious subjects in the roadway.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that subjects occupying two trucks were blocking a roadway leading into the subdivision. Residents of the subdivision that were attempting to enter and leave were being illegally stopped and detained. The residents who were stopped in the roadway expressed how frightened and alarmed they were coming upon the roadblock setup by the subjects.

The suspicious subjects blocking the roadway stated that they were looking for a stolen vehicle that was supposedly in the subdivision. The vehicle supposedly stolen was described as a red mustang. There had not been a vehicle reported stolen to the Sheriff’s Office fitting the description given, nor were any calls received by the 911 Center as to any vehicles taken without permission.

The following subjects were arrested at the scene:

Dustin Blake Parker, age 26 of Hiawassee, Georgia
3 Counts of False Imprisonment
3 Count of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission
of a Crime

Cleveland Edward Wade, age 45 of Hiawassee, Georgia
3 Counts of False Imprisonment
1 Count False Statements

Jack Clifford Shook, age 52 of Young Harris, Georgia
3 Counts of False Imprisonment
3 Count of Possession of a Firearm during the Commission
of a Crime

This is an active criminal investigation where additional charges and arrests are possible.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced during the February 29th, 2016 Superior Court setting, Jessica Darlene Russell a 45-year-old Andrews, North Carolina woman entered pleas of guilty to 1 count of Felony Child Abuse by Prostitution and 1 count of First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

Russell appeared before William H. Coward, the senior resident superior court judge for the 30th Judicial District of North Carolina, who sentenced Russell on count one to an active sentence of 59-131 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. Count two, which is to run consecutively at the expiration to count 1, is for a period of 67-141 months. Russell also received a $50,000.00 fine in each case.

The May 2015 investigation began when an officer with the Andrews Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance in the town limits of Andrews, North Carolina. Deputies of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call to assist if needed. During the investigation of the disturbance, information became known that Russell was in possession of a video which depicted a minor engaged in a sexual act.

During the investigation, several search warrants were issued and information and evidence was collected that supported the claims that Russell not only possessed child exploitation material but had created it as well. Additionally, through computer forensics and cellular telephone examination, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was able to identify the victim and recovered information that provided information that not only did Russell create the video of the 7-year-old minor, but transmitted the video by cellphone and emails to an individual in North Georgia where the investigation continues.

Sheriff Palmer said, “My Office continues to work aggressively to ferret out those who exploit our children. I especially want to commend the Andrews Police Department, the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and the 30th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the cooperative effort to bring about this conclusion to a very heinous crime. We continue to be thankful for the continued support of all the local, state and federal agencies we partner with to protect our children. These types of investigations are very technical and are very time consuming, but the time we spend is well worth it considering the victims that are involved.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Murphy, NC— During the February 29th, 2016 session of Cherokee County Superior Court, 55-year-old Scott Kinloch Carter of Murphy, North Carolina entered pleas to charges involving the duplication and possession of child exploitation images.

Carter appeared before William H. Coward, the senior resident superior court judge for the 30th Judicial District of North Carolina, who sentenced Carter to an active sentence of no less than 20 months and no more than 84 months for Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Additionally, Carter was given four no less than 6 and no more than 17 month sentences which Carter will have to do probation for 36 months. If Carter were to violate the conditions of his probation, then he would have to serve the four sentences consecutively. Carter is required to register as a sex offender for 30 years upon release from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

The joint investigation began in March 2015 when the Murphy Police Department received information that Carter was in possession of images on his computer which were described as being young children undressed and involved in various sex acts with adults some as young as infant and toddlers. This information was provided to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and a joint investigation was undertaken.

During the investigation, members of the Murphy Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of Carter’s Mcclelland Street residence. During the search of the residence, a computer and hard drives along with records were seized to be analyzed. During the analysis of the computer and hard drives, approximately 10,000 images were identified as depicting children engaged in various sex acts. Many of the images depicted children as young as toddlers. Additionally, approximately 160 hours of videos were located on the hard drives that were identified as child exploitation material, many of which also displayed children as young as toddlers and infants. There were also wire bound notebooks which contained passwords and search terms that indicated that Carter had been actively searching for the child exploitation images on the internet.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “These cases are very technical and complex in nature. Cases such as this one are very time consuming and are not solved in an hour as we see on television. Working together, we are able to share expertise and technology that most smaller agencies do not possess. My Office is committed to continue our vigilance and protection of the community and our youth. We are grateful when agencies such as Murphy Police Department call upon us and allow us to continue our pursuit and work together toward a common goal.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

Country singer John Conlee performs his hit “Rose Colored Glasses” at The John Conlee Show last Friday night in TCCC’s Enloe Multi-Purpose Room on the Main Campus in Peachtree.

TCCC President Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers poses with students from TCCC’s Culinary Arts program and country singer John Conlee at the meet and greet before the concert last Friday night.

The Tri-County Community College (TCCC) Foundation in partnership with WKRK welcomed members of the community into TCCC’s Enloe Multi-Purpose Room to enjoy The John Conlee Show on Feb. 19 at the Main Campus in Peachtree.

“Having John Conlee on campus was a great moment for Tri-County Community College,” said Dotie Stafford-Ortega, chair of the events committee at TCCC.

A Meet and Greet event preceded the concert, which included a menu of hors d'oeuvres created by TCCC culinary arts students. The Meet and Greet also incorporated a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses and artists.

Snap-on Power Tools donated an 18-volt lithium cordless impact drill, which was won by Larry Kernea. Sherry Robertson won a decorative metal indoor/outdoor welcome sign by Charles “Red” Carey, as well as a decorative structural lidded vessel donated by Ray Kaylor. Mike Lalone donated a stoneware vase, which was won by Phylis Blackmon. Calaboose Cellars and Andrews Brewing Company both donated wine tasting for two and two growlers respectively, which were won by Julie West.

Proceeds from the silent auction benefitted the TCCC Foundation’s Student Enrichment Fund, which provides necessary resources for student success.

“These are the kinds of events that we would like to host more often in the future,” said Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers, president of TCCC. “Not only is it a great way to raise funds for the College Foundation's Student Enrichment fund, it gives us an opportunity to introduce members of the community to the College campus.”

Community members cheered and clapped as Conlee performed hits such as “Rose Colored Glasses,” “Backside of Thirty,” and “Old School.” Following the concert, Conlee remained to sign CDs, photos, and to take pictures with the event attendees.

“It appeared that the audience had a wonderful time and Mr. Conlee did a great job entertaining the crowd,” Stafford-Ortega said.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 2nd, 2016 arrest of 59-year-old James Lanier Heaton and 58 -year-old John Michael Gowder both of Blairsville, Georgia on true bills of indictment handed down from the February 29th, 2016 session of the Cherokee County Grand Jury.

During a joint investigation being conducted in North Georgia into individuals who were committing drug fraud, it became apparent that both Heaton and Gowder, doctors with a practice in North Georgia were operating their fraudulent drug activities in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Information from that investigation was collected and submitted to the Grand Jury who issued true bills of indictment for 5 counts of trafficking in Opium or Heroin and 5 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by forgery against both Heaton and Gowder.

Both Heaton and Gowder were arrested on the charges and the North Carolina Magistrate set a each a $500,000.00 secure bond and an April 4th, 2016 Superior Court date. Gowder posted the secure bonds and Heaton remains in custody at the time of this release.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We want to thank the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Drug Division Unit, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA for partnering with us on this investigation. Again, we are going after the folks who are running drugs in Cherokee County and won’t stop until we catch all we can to make Cherokee County safe for our folks.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837- 1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

Josh Prince, John Cochran, winners of first place overall and biggest large mouth bass at the 2015 TCCC Fishing for Scholarships, pose with Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers, president of TCCC, with their prizes on April 4, 2015.

With promises of more than $3,500 in prize money for competing participants, the Tri-County Community College (TCCC) Foundation will hold its 8th Annual Fishing for Scholarships Tournament on Saturday, April 2 at Lake Chatuge in Hayesville.

“The annual fishing tournament is one of the Foundation’s most popular and well-attended events,” said Dotie Stafford-Ortega, chair of TCCC’s event committee. “We love seeing our anglers come back year after year to compete and support this event. Last year we had nearly 60 teams compete, including several out-of-state residents.”

The Tri-County Bass Club and TCCC Foundation coordinate the annual tournament. Proceeds from the registration fees will provide two $1,000 scholarships for future TCCC students.

“Our prizes are spread out over varying categories, including first through fifth place overall, and one for biggest spotted and large mouth bass and smallest fish each,” Stafford-Ortega said.

Registration for the event is currently open, with the registration fee being set at $100. The tournament is set to begin at 7 a.m. on April 2, with on-site registration closing at 6:40 a.m.

The tournament is for two-person teams, using artificial lures only.

For more information regarding TCCC Foundation’s annual fishing tournament, or to register for the event, please contact Stafford-Ortega at 835-4208.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 16th, 2016 arrest of 37-year-old Joel Lee Trull, of Marble, North Carolina, 23-year-old Tasha Savannah Eller of Murphy, North Carolina and 20-year-old Breslin Drake Allen, also of Murphy, North Carolina for the illegal possession of controlled substances and child abuse.

On March 16th, 2016 a report of a truck that was sitting up in the field behind the Cherokee County Department of Social Services Building was made to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The report also stated that there were two males who appeared to be armed and were acting suspicious.

The initial responding deputy found the vehicle which was an extended cab pickup truck. Trull and Allen along with Trull’s minor child were found to be occupants in the vehicle. With the arrival of Sheriff Palmer, Chief Deputy Thigpen and investigators, a search of the vehicle was made which found a quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, as well as paraphernalia. During the search, it was found that syringes and methamphetamine were sitting in a bag within arm’s reach of Trull’s minor child. Eller was located at the Social Services building where she was transacting business.

Trull was arrested and charged with MISDEMEANOR CHILD ABUSE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESS MARIJUANA PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, SIMPLE POSSESS SCH VI CS. Trull was set a $10,000.00 unsecure bond and was released and is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on March 30th , 2016.

Eller and Allen were also arrested and charged with POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, SIMPLE POSSESS SCH VI CS. Both were released on a $5,000.00 unsecure bond each and both are scheduled to appear on March 30th, 2016.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “These people are no stranger to the justice system for violations of the controlled substance laws. It is our duty to continue to protect our community and especially areas like the Department of Social Services so that it is safe for our children. This demonstrates the continued disregard for the safety of children when you have drugs and needles so close in proximity them.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a site on Old Ranger Road to a report of unexploded dynamite.

On March 21st , 2016 a concerned citizen phoned the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to report a find of what he believed to be unexploded dynamite at a site where a cleanup and demolition operation was being done at an old mechanic shop on Old Ranger Road just outside the town limits of Murphy. Deputies responded to the scene and found what appeared to be an abandoned box of the explosive Powerditch 1000, which is commonly used in avalanche control. The box of abandoned explosives had been discovered when a worker was moving debris.

The scene was secured and decision was made to not move the Powerditch until the Asheville Police Department’s Bomb Squad could respond. Once the bomb squad arrived, they detonated the Powerditch without incident. Murphy Fire Department assisted by providing fire apparatus.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We appreciate this aware citizen who immediately reported what he felt was a dangerous situation. We are thankful for Asheville Police Department and the Murphy Fire Department. I want to point out that at no time was there any additional danger to the community or people that lived near the site. Had there been we would have taken the necessary steps to evacuate to a safe area.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 22nd , 2016 arrest of 43-year-old Jose Hector Alvarado, of Murphy, North Carolina for Kidnapping.

On March 19th, 2016, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a report that two minor females were missing from home. During the investigation, information was located that indicated the females had been taken to Anderson, South Carolina by Alvarado without consent of the minors parents.

Working with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the minors were located and taken into protective custody until they were returned to Cherokee County. Alvarado was arrested and held in the Anderson County Detention Facility until he was extradited back to Cherokee County. Alvarado was charged with 2 counts of First Degree Kidnapping and 1 count of Felonious Restraint. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $200,000.00 secure bond. Alvarado is currently being held at the Cherokee County Detention Facility awaiting a March 30th, 2016 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We are in the early stages of this investigation. We are being assisted by federal agencies and anticipate additional charges. I want to commend the responding deputies both here and in Anderson County South Carolina as well as our communications personnel. Their dogged effort to locate these minors was outstanding and instrumental in bringing them safely home.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

The following press release has been issued by Towns County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until guilty in a court of law.

On Thursday March 3, 2016 during the early morning hours, deputies with the Clay County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office pursed a fleeing red pickup truck into Towns County. The driver, later identified as Kevin Crider of Hayesville, North Carolina, abandoned the pickup near the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. The driver fled from the Clay County pursuit on foot.

Later in the day on Thursday March 3, 2016, a burglary was reported from an outbuilding a short distance from where the pursuit ended. A vehicle was also entered at the same location from where items were stolen. As well, an ATV was also stolen from the outbuilding. The owner located his ATV the following day, which was wrecked and abandoned a short distance away.

Towns County Investigators have taken warrants for the suspect, Kevin Dewayne Crider, age 23 of Hayesville, North Carolina.

The warrants were issued for:
1 Count of Burglary (Second Degree)
2 Counts Theft by Taking (Felony)
2 Counts Criminal Damage to Property (Second Degree)
1 Count Entering an Automobile (Felony)

At this time, the suspect, Kevin Dewayne Crider, is in custody at the Clay County, North Carolina Jail. The investigation is active and on-going and more charges may be forthcoming.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced during the March 28th, 2016 Superior Court Setting, the Honorable Jeffrey P. Hunt sentenced registered sex offender Ricky Leroy Leistra Jr. to no less than 80 months to a maximum of 108 months for a violation of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.

During the month of February 2015, information became known to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office that Leistra was not living at the residence at which he had registered and further, Leistra failed to return a semi-annual verification form as required by the North Carolina General Statutes. During the May 2015 arrest of Leistra, several tablets of Heroin were found and seized.

During the investigation into the Sex Offender Registry Violations, information was found that in May 1999, Leistra entered a guilty plea in Cherokee County Superior Court to Indecent Liberties with a Child, an offense requiring him to register with the Sheriff of the county in which he or she resides. Additionally, North Carolina Court Records indicate that Leistra has at least two previous convictions for violations of the Sex Offender Registry, one of which happened in Cherokee County.

During the February 2016 Superior Court setting, Leistra was found guilty of failing to return to the Sheriff’s Office the semi-annual verification form as required by North Carolina General Statutes. Sentencing was set off until the March 28th, 2016 setting of Superior Court where Leistra made admission that he was a habitual felon and was sentenced under those guidelines.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We are grateful for the excellent team work on this case. All the agencies involved, Andrews Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and our deputies and investigators who work tirelessly in concert to ensure compliance with the registry laws. The safety of our citizens is of paramount importance, especially our young ones.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 5th , 2016 arrest of 25-year-old Devin Lloyd Boxer, of Murphy, North Carolina for Kidnapping and Sexual Assaults.

On April 4th, 2016, information was presented to the Cherokee County Grand Jury concerning a reported kidnapping and sexual assault of two juvenile females during the month of October 2015. Upon presentment of the information by the Investigator, the Cherokee County Grand Jury handed down indictments for 2 counts First Degree Kidnapping, 3 counts of Statutory Sex Offense by a person six years older that the victim, 3 counts of Second Degree Forcible Sex Offense, 1 count Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child and 2 counts contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Boxer was arrested at his residence and taken before the North Carolina Magistrate who set a $1,000,000.00 secure bond. Boxer has a July 11th, 2016 Superior Court date.

Because of the age of the victims and the sensitive nature of the incident, no further information is expected to be released from this office.

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837- 1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

The Nantahala National Forest will close four shooting ranges for brief periods during the next three weeks to allow surveying for possible site improvements.

On the Tusquitee Ranger District, Panther Top Shooting Range will be closed on April 14th. On the Cheoah Ranger District, Atoah Shooting Range will be closed April 15. On the Nantahala Ranger District, Dirty John Shooting Range will be closed April 18 and 19 and Moss Knob Shooting Range will be closed April 20 and 21.

During the closures, a contractor will be surveying the sites to design and plan for possible improvements in facilities and future installation of ballistic sand so that lead can be recycled.

For questions on Moss Knob and Dirty John on the Nantahala Ranger District, contact Thom Saylors, Recreation Staff Officer, 828-524-6441 ext. 424. For questions on Panther Top and Atoah on the Tusquitee and Cheoah Ranger Districts, contact Angela Gee, District Ranger, 828-837-5152.

The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina today announced that numerous campgrounds and recreation sites in the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests are now open for the 2016 season.

Open now

Campgrounds

Nantahala National Forest

Cable Cove (Cheoah District)
Cheoah Point (Cheoah District)
Horse Cove (Cheoah District)
Rattler Ford Group Camp (Cheoah District)
Tsali (Cheoah District)
Appletree Group Camp (Nantahala District)
Balsam Lake Lodge (Nantahala District)
Standing Indian, including Kimsey Creek Group Camp and Hurricane Horse Camp (Nantahala District)
Van Hook Glade (Nantahala District)

Pisgah National Forest

Curtis Creek (Grandfather District)
Mortimer (Grandfather District)
Cove Creek Group Camp (Pisgah District)
Davidson River (Pisgah District)
Kuykendall Group Camp (Pisgah District)
Lake Powhatan (Pisgah District)
North Mills River (Pisgah District)
Sunburst Recreation Area (Pisgah District) - waterless toilets and no drinking water until mid-May
Wash Creek Group Camp (Pisgah District)
White Pines Group Camp (Pisgah District)

Day-use Areas

Also open are:
Nantahala National Forest

Cheoah Point Beach (Cheoah District)
Cliffside Lake (Nantahala District)
Nantahala River facilities (Nantahala District)
Wayah Bald (Nantahala District)
Cherokee Lake (Tusquitee District)
Hanging Dog (Tusquitee District)

Pisgah National Forest

Murray Branch (Appalachian District)
Old Fort (Grandfather District)
Table Rock (Grandfather District)
Lake Powhatan (Pisgah District)
North Mills River (Pisgah District)

Many other day use areas in Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are open year-round.

Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Complexes are also open now:

Wayehutta (Nantahala National Forest)
Brown Mountain (Pisgah National Forest)

Opening later this month:

Black Mountain Campground (Appalachian District) - 4/15
Briar Bottom Group Camp (Appalachian District) - 4/15
Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area (Appalachian District) - 4/15
Poplar Boat Launch (Pisgah NF, Appalachian District) - 4/15
Stackhouse Boat Launch (Appalachian District) - 4/15
Linville Gorge Information Cabin (Grandfather District) - 4/29

Opening May 1:

Hanging Dog Campground (Nantahala NF, Tusquitee District)
Jackrabbit Mountain Campground and Beach (Nantahala NF, Tusquitee District)
Harmon Den Horse Camp (Pisgah NF, Appalachian District)

Opening the weekend before Memorial Day:

Roan Mountain (Pisgah NF, Appalachian District)
Rocky Bluff Campground (Pisgah NF, Appalachian District)
Sliding Rock, with lifeguards on duty and facilities open (Pisgah NF, Pisgah District)

For more information about recreation in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc and click on "Recreation."

The following press release has been issued by Town of Murphy Police Department. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Official Press Release
Location: 35 Dillard St., Murphy, NC 28906
Defendant #1: Ms. Carla Blair Lloyd
Defendant #2: Ms. Alicia Rita Welborn
Defendant #3: Mr. Timothy Russell Harkins
Date of Incident: April 6th, 2016
Time of Incident: 10:00 am
Agencies Involved: Murphy Police Department, Cherokee County Magistrate's Office, Cherokee County Detention Center

Incident Narrative:
At or around 10:00 am on April 6th, 2016, Patrol Officer Samuel R. Allen was on routine patrol checking various residences on Blair Lane in Murphy. Residents in the area had been advising the Murphy Police Department of suspicious activity and increased motor vehicle traffic. During this time, Patrol Officer Allen was able to locate a pickup truck that had been stolen out of Hiwassee, GA. At this time, Patrol Officer Clint E. Wooten and Assistant Chief Dustin D. Smith responded to the area to assist. Upon subsequent investigation, Mr. Harkins was found hiding inside the home. Mr. Harkins, who had multiple warrants for arrest for various charges, was then placed under arrest. Ms. Lloyd, who owns the residence, and Ms. Welborn, who resides there as well, were then placed under arrest for their charges. The stolen vehicle was then returned to the owner and investigating agency in Hiwassee, GA.
Ms. Lloyd's charges are as follows:
Harboring a Fugitive
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
Ms. Lloyd's bond is currently set at $2,000.00 secured. She has an initial court date of April 13th, 2016, at 09:00 am.
Ms. Welborn's charges are as follows:
Harboring a Fugitive
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
Ms. Welborn's bond is currently set at $5,000.00 secured. She has an initial court date of April 13th, 2016, at 09:00 am.
Mr. Harkins charges are as follows:
Failure to Appear on a Felony (3 Counts)
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
Resisting Public Officer
Mr. Harkins bond is currently set at $36,000.00 secured. He has an initial court date of April 13th, 2016, at 09:00 am.
"The Murphy Police Department would like to thank all assisting agencies for their time and assistance with this investigation. More importantly, we would also like to thank the concerned citizens that live in this area for their due diligence in reporting the suspicious persons, vehicles and incidents that we have been advised of. The Murphy Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have made multiple arrests at this residence in the years past for related and unrelated charges. As always, we continue to encourage the general public to report suspicious activity wherever they may be. Reporting parties can still remain anonymous."
Due to the pending nature and charges of this investigation, this is all of the information that can be shared at this time.
Thank You,
Justin J. Jacobs
Chief of Police

MURPHY, N.C., April 8, 2016 - The U.S. Forest Service has signed a decision to issue a special use authorization to Laurel Creek Property Owners Association allowing access across National Forest System (NFS) land to private property within the Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest.

The authorization allows the landowners, at their own expense, to reconstruct and repair portions of Phillips Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 340A1) and construct approximately one-third mile of new road on NFS land to access their 50-acre tract of private property located within the Fires Creek watershed near Hayesville, NC.

Federal regulations require the Forest Service to allow access to private property that is surrounded by NFS land so the landowner may experience "reasonable use and enjoyment" of their property (36 CFR 251.54). Regulations also require the landowner to exhaust all alternatives means of access through private property or other rights-of-way before approving access across public land.

"While allowing access to private property, we want to ensure that there are no unforeseen environmental impacts," said Allen Nicholas, Forest Supervisor for the National Forests in North Carolina. "We recognize this area is highly valued for its recreation opportunities and outstanding resource waters so we have added measures designed to protect the Fires Creek watershed."

In June 2015, the Forest Service released a draft decision and environmental assessment (EA) that analyzed and disclosed the effects that could result from providing access to the private property across NFS land. The EA considered effects related to water quality, acidic rock, biological resources (including fisheries, botanical resources, wildlife habitat, forest communities, special habitats, management indicator species) scenery, recreation, heritage and cultural resources, and other issues. As part of the analysis, the Forest Service considered comments from individual citizens and a wide variety of organizations concerning the project.

Twelve objections to the project were received in response to the draft decision and EA, one of which has been resolved and withdrawn. In response to the issues raised in the objections, the final decision clarified and enhanced the design criteria. These changes provide additional measures for ensuring protection of water quality and avoiding and minimizing disturbance of acid-producing rock.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 08th, 2016 arrest of 30-year-old Seth Michael Tate, of Murphy, North Carolina and 37-year-old Noah Emmanuel Metro of Andrews, North Carolina for violations of the sex offender registry.

On or about April 4th, 2016, Patrol Deputies and Investigators were conducting Sex Offender verification checks in Cherokee County. Information had been made known that both Tate and Metro were in violations of the provisions of the sex offender registry and were arrested on warrants.

Information collected during the registration process indicated that Tate registered for an out of state conviction involving a child under 12. Tate was arrested at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and later made secure $20,000 bond awaiting a April 27th, 2016 District Court date.

Information collected during the registration process indicated that Metro registered for an sex offense in 2000 involving children under the age of 12. Metro was arrested at his Andrews, North Carolina residence. Metro is currently being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $20,000 secure bond awaiting a April 27th, 2016 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “Some people look at these as technical violations of the law. Technical or not the laws and procedures to monitor sex offenders are clear and these individuals are aware of their duties and requirements. Each of the children who the protection acts were named after had horrific tragedies happen to them. It is our resolve to protect our community and children to the best of our abilities.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 8th, 2016 arrest of 53-year-old Dale Hamilton Dutto of Cartersville, Georgia and 45-year-old Carla Blair Lloyd of Murphy, North Carolina for controlled substance violations.

On or about April 8th, 2016, Narcotics Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Investigations Division conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was occupied by Dutto and Lloyd for a motor vehicle violation. During the traffic stop, the Sheriff’s Office K9 alerted to the presence of controlled substance which were believed to be in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle located trafficking amount of a substance believed to be Methamphetamine and quantity of marijuana was also seized from the vehicle.

Dutto and Lloyd were arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where they were charged with: TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, MANUF/SELL/DEL SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSS W/I, SIMPLE POSSESS SCH VI C/S.

Dutto and Lloyd are currently being held on a $200,000.00 secure bond awaiting a April 27th, 2016 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We continue to engage individuals that are committing controlled substance violations. We are being proactive in our efforts and use all available tools in our fight. We are continuing to run out the supply chain and ferret out these individuals who are supplying the drug trade in Cherokee County. We anticipate additional arrests in this case.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

Multi- Million Dollar Drug Trafficking Organization Dismantled

Aggravated Assault Suspect Arrested

Suspects Arrested for False Imprisonment

Andrews woman sentenced for child exploitation

Murphy man sentenced for possessing child pornography

TCCC, WKRK Welcome The John Conlee Show to Cherokee County

Georgia Doctors Indicted for Trafficking

TCCC to Hold 8th Annual Fishing Tournament

Murphy Trio Arrested for Drugs

Explosives Found in Cherokee County

Murphy Man Arrested for Kidnapping and Taking Minors Out of State

Warrants Taken For Burglary Suspect

Sex offender sentenced for registry violations

Murphy man arrested for Kidnapping and Sexual Assaults

Four Shooting Ranges Closing for Improvements

Recreation Sites Now Open in the Mountains

Stolen vehicle and fugitive located in Murphy

Forest Service Approves Access Route to Private Property Within Tusquitee Ranger District

Sex offender compliance checks captures two for violations

Trafficking amount of meth seized during traffic stop