Look inside for...
Arthritis linked to a gut bacteria?
We’ve Moved!
SHOP LOCAL!
Sex offender arrested again
$1
Yancey County News Crabtree - Egypt - Green Mountain - Jacks Creek
Brush Creek - Burnsville - Cane River
Pensacola - Price’s Creek - Ramseytown - South Toe
www.yanceycountynews.com vTo be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard.v Nov. 28, 2013 • Vol. 3, No. 49 v Recipient of the E.W. Scripps Award for Distinguished Service to the First Amendment v
Waiting for a heavy snow fall?
By Jonathan Austin Yancey County News Residents were watching the skies Tuesday wondering how powerful the cold and snow would be as Thanksgiving neared. After a blast of heavy rain Tuesday morning, “there’s going to be a lot of wind,” said Accuweather meteorologist Tom Kines. Blizzard like conditions were forecast for some mountain areas along the Tennessee border. “You will probably have to deal with some snow showers Wednesday afternoon and night,” and there “could be heavier bursts of snow late
in the day Wednesday and Wednesday night.” One quarter inch of ice was possible in portions of Yancey on Tuesday morning. The Weather Service predicted additional llight ice accumulations Tuesday night, followed by 4 to 6 inches of snow through Wednesday. Locally higher snowfall totals were possible, mainly in the high elevations along the Tennessee border. The Highway Patrol is offering simple and safe driving tips as winter arrives in the mountains. “Winter brings new obstacles and responsibilities that the motoring public will
experience when inclement weather moves into our state,” says Patrol spokesman First Sergeant Jeff Gordon. “Despite a rather mild winter so far, North Carolina’s weather can often change from one day to the next,” he said. Here are a few simple steps to help keep you on the road and less anxious. • Avoid travel unless necessary when winter weather is in your area. • Decrease speed. • Wear your seatbelt. See page 5
Cougar girls laugh Friday after the sole of Abby Renfro’s shoe came off during varsity play against North Buncombe. Injured player Hunter Young loaned Abby a shoe to keep playing. The Cougars girls won 56-42. Cougar boys lost by a score of 74-55. Photo by Keith McCurry.
Look around you for the best Christmas trees
N o r t h C a r o l i n a ’s 2 0 1 3 Christmas tree crop promises to be one of the best in recent years, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “There was plenty of rain this year, which helped Christmas tree growers across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Consumers can find locally grown Christmas trees at choose-and-cut farms, tree lots and
682-9510
farmers markets across the state.” Growers traditionally start selling Christmas trees the day after Thanksgiving, but because the holiday falls later this year, many growers are already open for the season. Locally several Yancey County tree farms are open and have trees available for sale. “No matter where you live in the state, it won’t be hard to find a fresh North Carolina tree,” said Bill Glenn, a marketing specialist
with the department. “Even most of the trees you find at retail and grocery stores were grown in the state.” To make the search for the perfect tree easier, the department offers an online directory at www. ncfarmfresh.com. Visitors can search by location to find Christmas trees in Yancey County or close to where you might travel over the holidays. Choose-and-cut directories are
Yancey Humane Society
also available at the state-operated farmers market in Asheville, as well as at the state welcome center on Interstate 26 in Madison County. Free copies of the directory are available by contacting John Hammond with the department’s Marketing Division at 919-7073147. The department offers the following tips to make sure your Christmas tree stays fresh and that See page 11
Burnsville Plaza Shopping Center Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 - 4
furniture•home goods•clothing•sporting goods•everything in between•amazingly low prices
2 NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS
Shopping locally supports your neighbors
By GREGG THOMPSON The deficit in Washington is growing - and I’m not speaking about our nation’s floundering finances. The trust-deficit between Americans and policymakers is distressingly large - with only 19 percent of Americans, according to an October Pew poll, who say that they have faith that the government will do what is right just about always or most of the time. Thankfully, Americans have not lost all hope. They still have faith in some institutions - generally those that they feel truly protect freedoms and preserve livelihoods, like the military and small businesses. In fact, when it comes to job creation and the economy, Americans value the opinions of small-business owners more than any other institution = likely because small-business leaders across the nation have remained committed to hard-work, to job-creation and to building communities, while many in Washington have become preoccupied with less noble endeavors. Even as the economy has limped along and small-business owner confidence has waned, our faith in the men and women of Main Street has not faded, but remained constant; this is for good reason. In the face of economic struggles, many small employers, instead of laying people off, have cut their own salaries to keep their full complement of employees. Others have dipped into savings or taken out second mortgages to keep their doors open or to avoid cutting back employee hours. These are no small feats, but they largely
go without acknowledgement or recognition. So when an opportunity to thank these men and women for their daily sacrifices arises, we should take it. We find such an opportunity on Small Business Saturday. The campaign to “shop small” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving started in 2010 as little more than an effort to give small businesses - many struggling to get out of the red after a long recession - a much needed shot in the arm. But in the three years since, Small Business Saturday has become a powerful movement to give back to the brick-and-mortar establishments that line our Main Streets and keep our communities vibrant. The concept is simple: Instead of sitting at home and ordering online or “one-stopshopping” at the nearest “big-box” store, put on your boots and coat and take a walk through the small and independent establishments in your community. Make Main Street ground zero for your holiday shopping. Many local businesses around the county will be offering special deals and discounts throughout the day to encourage shoppers and to commemorate the day, so the incentive to “shop small” is all the greater. It’s strange to think that doing something so modest - shopping at an independent business can have such a big impact, but research on last year’s event showed that consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday spent a total of $5.5 billion with independent merchants that day - higher than earlier estimates of anticipated spending. Indeed, even the president and his
family did their part last year, patronizing a local bookstore and giving its holidays sales a boost. The biggest incentive to shop small, is that in doing so, you are not only helping to keep small businesses operating, you are making your community stronger. It’s likely when you purchase a product or service at a local store or restaurant, you are helping to pay the salary of a neighbor, a friend or a family member. You are helping to keep the people in your town or city employed so that they can support their families. Most importantly, you are demonstrating the value that you place on the small-business people who, by providing you and your community with unparalleled products and services, work hard to keep your trust each and every day. During times like these, we could all benefit from boost in our faith - faith in the future, faith in our country, faith in our economy. Show your faith in America by starting your holiday season in a small business and “shop small” on Small Business Saturday. Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small-business association. He lives in Raleigh. SHOP LOCAL! The Yancey County News is the only locally owned newspaper in Burnsville! Ask about specials when you buy a yearly subscription!
USDA offers ‘value added’ grants for small producers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the availability of nearly $10.5 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities designed to give them a competitive business edge. “U.S. agriculture is connected to one in 12 American jobs, and value-added products from homegrown sources are one important way that agriculture generates economic growth,” Vilsack said. “Supporting producers and businesses to create value-added products strengthens rural economies, helps fuel innovation, and strengthens marketing
WHO WE ARE
The Yancey County News is the only independent newspaper in Yancey County. It is owned, operated and published by
Susan Austin ........ Advertising/Publisher Jonathan Austin ........... Editor/Publisher who are the sole participants and members of
Yancey County News LLC 127 W. Main Street Burnsville, NC 28714 828-691-0806 or 691-0807 jonathan@yanceycountynews.com susan@yanceycountynews.com The Yancey County News (USPS publication No. 3528) is published weekly for $25 per year in Yancey County, $35 per year out of county. Published by Yancey County News LLC, Periodicals postage paid at Burnsville, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Yancey County News, 127 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714 Printed in Boone by the Watauga Democrat on recycled paper.
To be a voice, and to allow the voices of our community to be heard. vRecipient of the 2012 Ancil Payne Award for Ethics in Journalism and the Tom and Pat Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism v
opportunities for producers – especially at the local and regional level.” The funding is being made available through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. Grants are available to help agricultural producers create new products, expand marketing opportunities, support further processing of existing products or goods, or to develop specialty and niche products. They may be used for working capital and planning activities. The maximum working capital grant is $200,000; the maximum planning grant is $75,000. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and agricultural producer groups. Funding priority is given to socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers or ranchers, and to small- to medium-size family farms, or farmer/rancher cooperatives. The Value-Added Producer Grant program is one of many USDA programs that support the development of strong local and regional food systems as part of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative. Launched in 2009, the initiative strengthens ties between agricultural producers and their local communities, helping meet growing consumer demand and creating opportunities for small business development. Initiatives like this create new income opportunities for farmers, generate wealth that will stay in rural communities, and increase access to healthy, local foods in underserved communities. All of these actions boost local economies. The announcement comes as more than 1,400 communities nationwide gear up to support Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to championing small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. This year’s Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30. Rural Development is encouraging applications from Tribal organizations as well as applications that support regional food
hubs. Applications supporting value-added activities related to bio-based products are also encouraged. Since 2009, the Obama Administration has provided agricultural producers with almost $80 million in Value Added Producer Grant assistance that has supported more than 600 innovative, value-added projects. In Fiscal year 2012, for example, the Mississippi Delta Southern Rural Black Women in Agriculture Association received a $44,000 working capital grant to provide a variety of services in the Delta region. The cooperative delivered oven-bakeable sweet potato fries to local Head Start programs and schools; cut, washed and bagged greens for local restaurants; and delivered sustainably grown and heirloom sweet potatoes to local and specialty grocers regionally and nationwide. The sweet potatoes are processed at the vegetable facility at Alcorn State University, in Lorman, Miss. The project is supplying emerging markets with locally grown produce to enhance production, marketing and distribution infrastructure among women and minority landowners in persistently poor rural communities. Additional examples of how VAPGs assist local and regional food producers are available on the USDA Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass, which is searchable by zip code and key word. Grant applications are due by Feb. 24, 2014. More information about how to apply is available on page 70260 of the November 25 Federal Register, or by contacting any USDA Rural Development state office. Secretary Vilsack said the announcement is another reminder of the importance of USDA programs such as the Value-Added Producer Grant program for rural America. A comprehensive new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill would further expand the rural economy, he added, saying that’s just one reason why Congress must get a comprehensive bill done as soon as possible.
NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS 3
Isaac Boulter gets Come out and enjoy ‘A Christmas Carol’ state band honor
Isaac Boulter, a junior at Mountain Heritage High School, was selected to participate in the 2013 NC Honors Choir. Isaac was selected to be a part of this prestigious ensemble after successfully auditioning with hundreds of singers from across the state.. The students gathered
in Winston-Salem for a weekend of intensive rehearsals, concluding with impressive concert. Mountain Heritage administrators said they “are very proud of Isaac, his accomplishments, and his wonderful representation of Ya n c e y C o u n t y Schools.”
The Parkway Playhouse is presenting a worldpremiere musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol starting on December 13 and continuing through December 15 at the Tomberlin Auditorium in Mountain Heritage High School. Performances are Thrusday and Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30pm. Tickets range from $12.00 to $15.00. Tickets are available at the Parkway Playhouse in advance on the Parkway Playhouse w e b s i t e a t w w w. parkwayplayhouse. com or can be purchased at the door before each performance. Based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol is the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, and his subsequent
and miraculous transformation. A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843, Dickens culled the story from personal childhood experiences along with various Christmas stories. The book is generally considered one of the greatest influences for the restoration of the Christmas holiday and it has never been out of print. With a heart locked up tighter than a cash box, Scrooge is confronted by the ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley, who comes to warn Scrooge that he must change his stingy ways or suffer serious consequences in the afterlife. To affect this change Scrooge is visited by three spirits who show him how to open up his heart and relish in the joys and aspirations of his fellow man. It is generally well known that the play
ends with redemption amid the joy which the holiday season brings. As Dickens concluded upon Scrooge’s redemption, “…he became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew.” Parkway Playhouse has relied on only one actor to play Ebenezeer Scrooge; Bruce Chuvala, who, again, takes center stage again in this production. Chuvala, a longstanding fixture at Parkway Playhouse, has worked countless hours backstage and onstage for the Parkway Playhouse
and the Burnsville Little Theatre. The cast includes Playhouse veterans and new-comers. The musical score includes a handful of highly recognizable Christmas and holiday themed songs, including Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, What Child is This?, and others. Burnsville native Andrea Bailey is handling the musical direction and choral arrangements for this brand new production. For information, or to make reservations please contact the Parkway Playhouse at 828-682-4285.
Come ride
with us!
Dec 10 - Hamricks Dec 12 - Bristol to see the lights Dec 19 - Target and Walmart Call Lynn Austin 828-682-6144
Yancey County /Burnsville Chamber of Commerce
Burnsville, NC Has what you need… Appalachian Java Bubba’s Good Eats Garden Deli Mary Jane’s Western Sizzlin
A Touch of Cass Banks Jewelry and Gifts Burnsville Wine and… Crazy Daisy Felicity’s Closet Fox Country Store Menagerie Mercantile
Monkey Business Toy Shop Off The Beaten Path Sandy’s Hair and Gifts Shear Perfection Something Special Gifts The Grapevine Toe River Arts Council Ye Olde Country Store
Shop at these Local and Fine Stores Support your Local Businesses
November 29-30 Open Late
Your Representatives Sen. Richard Burr (R) Washington address: 217 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-3154 - Fax: (202) 228-2981 Asheville: Federal Building, 151 Patton Ave., Suite 204 Asheville, N.C. 28801 Phone: (828) 350-2437 - Fax: (828) 350-2439 Sen. Kay Hagan (D) Washington address: 521 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-6342 - Fax: (202) 228-2563 Asheville address: 82 Patton Ave., Suite 635 Asheville, N.C. 28801 Phone: (828) 257-6510 - Fax: (828) 257-6514 11th Congressional District Rep. Mark Meadows (R) Washington address: 1516 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6401 N.C. Elected Officials N.C. Senate District 47 Sen. Ralph Hise (R) Address: N.C. Senate 16 W. Jones St., Room 1026 Raleigh, N.C. 27601-2808 Phone: (919) 733-3460 and (828) 766-8329 Email: Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net N.C. House District 118 Rep. Michele D. Presnell (R) Address: N.C. House of Representatives 16 W. Jones St., Room 1025 Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1096 Phone: (919) 733-5732 and (828) 682-6342 Email: Michele.Presnell@ncleg.net
No other weekly newspaper in the nation has won an E.W. Scripps Award, the Ancil Payne Award and the Gish Award for courage, tenacity and integrity in rural journalism! Subscribe now and read one of the nation’s best community newspapers.
YES, begin my subscription to the Yancey County News! (InYancey - $25; Out-of-county $35.) Mail this coupon and your check to: The Yancey County News, 127 W. Main St., Burnsville, NC 28714
NAME: ___________________________________________MAILING ADDRESS: ______________________________________________ TOWN: _____________________________ STATE: __________ PHONE: ___________________ EMAIL: __________________________
4 NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS
Obituaries
Inez Patton Banks Inez Patton Banks, 66, of Burnsville, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her family. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Gene and Elizabeth Robinson Patton. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Larry Patton, and Boyd and Pearl Brown Banks. Inez was a retired employee of Yancey County School System, working in the cafeteria at Mountain Heritage High School for many years. She was a member of West Burnsville Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband of 47 years, Charles W. ‘Chip’ Banks; two daughters, Becky Christopher and husband, Paul, of Vass, and Jennifer Young and husband, Chad; and a son, Jonathan Banks and wife, Tammy, all of Burnsville; a sister, Anna Lee Ledford and husband, Lawrence, of Asheville; and six granddaughters: Christy, Megan, Nicole, Ashley, Amber and Alex, two-step grandsons: Luke and Gabriel Christopher; a special niece: Laura Huneycutt of Stanfield; and special nephew Bobby Holcombe of Burnsville. Funeral was Tuesday in West Burnsville Baptist Church, with Pastor Charlie Carroway and the Revs. Ricky Ray and Harold Bennett Jr. officiating. A graveside service was Wednesday in the Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to West Burnsville Baptist Church, P. O. Box 38, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Albert Lee Woodby Albert Lee Woodby, 58, of Green Mountain, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at the Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of Bill and Honnie Lou Bryant Woodby of Green Mountain. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Ray Woodby. He was career correctional officer starting at Craggy Correctional Center, moving to Riverside Correctional, and was with the crew that started operations at Avery/Mitchell Correctional Institute and continued to work there until he retired in March 2010. After his retirement and the death of his brother, Ronnie, he took over ownership
of Woodby’s Lawn Service. Albert was a kind hearted, generous man who loved to collect Civil War memorabilia and was always helping others. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his wife of 38 years, Marilyn Banks Woodby; mother-in-law Ellen Banks; three sons: Albert Allen Woodby and wife, Melissa, of Asheville; Jonathan Lloyd Woodby and partner, Lynette Weaver, of Green Mountain; and Anthony Lee Woodby and wife, Nancy Ray, of Burnsville; four sisters: Brenda Johnson and husband, Elihu, of Marion; Patricia Thomas and husband, Scott, of Micaville; Pam Young and husband, Jeff, of Green Mountain; and Marsha Robinson and husband, Randall, of Burnsville; sister-in-law Tammy Mathis Woodby of Jacks Creek; two brothers: Billy Woodby and wife, Samantha, of Burnsville; and Danny Woodby and wife, Wendy, of Green Mountain; and grandson Oliver William Cy Woodby. Funeral will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 29, in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Rev. Denny Wilson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Everett Banks Family Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated, or memorial donations may be made to Yancey County Meals on Wheels, PO Box 546, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Gideons International, PO Box 264, Burnsville, NC 28714.
Mark Anthony Dearing Jr. Mark Anthony Dearing Jr., 36, of Bakersville, formerly of Burnsville, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at the Brian Center in Spruce Pine. A native of Oklahoma City, he was a son of the late Mark Anthony Dearing Sr., and his grandfather who raised him, Bill Dearing and Vicky Miller of Oklahoma. He was also preceded in death by Linda Boycene and Edward Wheeler. Mark loved helping raise money for the veterans and loved the outdoors. Surviving, in addition to his mother, is his step-grandmother who raised him, Carrie Mae Harris Dearing, of Burnsville; paternal grandmother Francis Meyers of Oklahoma; two sisters, Wendy Wanell
Dearing and Francis Jewell Dearing, both of Oklahoma; step sister, Brenda Mundy of Burnsville; step brothers: Earmel Wheeler and wife, Debbie, of Burnsville, and Delane Wheeler and wife, Sherry, of Burnsville; aunt Bonnie Campbell of Oklahoma; and uncles Steven, Randy, Lee, Timmy and Tommy Dearing, all of Oklahoma. Funeral was to be at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. The Rev. Scott Hughes and the Rev. Marvin Silvers were to officiate. Burial will be in the King/Proffitt Cemetery on Elk Shoal.
Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes, 81, of Buladean, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at his home. A native of Bakersville, he was a son of the late Norma Hughes. He was also preceded in death by and infant sister, Charlotte Hughes and a brother, Leon Hughes. Robert was a faithful member and trustee of St. Paul Freewill Baptist Church; he loved to farm and after his retirement, he was employed with Mitchell County at the Red Hill Recycling Center. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Betty Verndenia West Hughes; three daughters: Brenda Jenkins and husband, Tony, Darlene Hill and husband, Ralph, and Debbie Hensley and husband, Marvin Hensley, all of Buladean; a son, Kevin Hughes and wife, Amy, of Buladean; two sisters: Christine Odom of Roan Mountain, Tenn. and Linda Huff of Maryland; four brothers: R.H. Hughes of Buladean, Paul Hughes of Buladean, Willard Hughes of Johnson City, Tenn., and Farrell Harrell of Maryland; nine grandchildren: Matthew, Mark, and Thomas Jenkins, Amanda Buchanan, Jeremy Honeycutt, Andy and Justin Hensley, Darren Hughes and Jessica Ayers; three step-grandchildren: Cassie Bradley and Torrie and Dalton Tollison; six great-grandchildren: Trystan, Chandra, Lucas, Delaney Faith, Makenzi and Reed; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral was Monday at St. Paul Freewill Baptist Church. The Rev. Gordon Lewis and Rev. Marvin Hensley officiated. Interment was to bbe at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in the Ham Hughes Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS 5
Warm weather gave me time to fish The weather warmed unusually for November and a calling filled the air. The sound in my head was enchanting. Much like the Sirens musical serenade of Odysseus, I was being called to the water. A new kayak that begged to get wet and the unseasonable, dare I say, spring-like day was just too much to bear. The stillness of the glassed over water was only interrupted by the occasional wisp of a breeze and the wake of the Old Town Predator. I started out focused on how the kayak handled and how I wished to set it up for future fishing. While I was not in the act of doing a review on it, my mind set was in a product review type mode. Quickly though, as I paddled out to my intended location my thoughts were set adrift. I spotted a few top water breaks several dozen yards off the edge of the marsh. Behind me I heard the loud grunts from a flock of geese eyeing the same patch of water as I was headed. To my right I spotted another break in the water. The waves separated in a V pattern as the beaver head broke through the surface. In one of the feeds to the open water lay five mallards. The brilliant green heads from
the three drakes in the flock flickered the radiance from their iridescent feathers. Their double curl tail feathers resembled the gelled signature curl from the pages of a Superman comic. The water erupted as they became a little too nervous in my approach and took flight. I picked up one of my poles from the holder on the side of the craft and unleashed the hook from the eyelet that was keeping it secure. Without hesitation I eased myself up into a standing position by first putting one hand down beside me on the slightly raised edge of the boat. I flicked my wrist allowing the rod to fling the crankbait toward the edge of the marsh. I continued working the edges. The Predator was aptly named. Instead of searching for antlers and fur, I was walking on water hunting fins and scales. With another cast the lure sprayed water from either side on
Bill Howard’s
Outdoors
the initial reeling. Again, the surface erupted in chaos as it did when the ducks took to the air. This time though, it was something else taking to air. The bucket mouth hit with a vengeance. In retrospect it is hard to tell whether it was hungry or just mad. It did not matter. The point was the fish was furious now and it was attached to my line. Three times he danced across the surface trying violently to throw the lure. He could not. We played tug-of-war for a few minutes. Finally he agreed to follow the pull of the line and swim on in towards me. I held the rod out in front of me, and sat back down on the craft. I switched hands on the butt of the rod and reached in with my right hand hoisting the largemouth out of the water. In a combination of triumph as well as respect I held the bass at arm’s length and gathered in his beauty. I removed the hook from the crankbait and set the rod back in the holder. Now, I gently placed the bass back in the water. His strong black line mixed with his light green coloration blended in the water just as you would expect Michelangelo blending paints on his palette. As I let go he paused briefly before accelerating through his liquid world. Perhaps we shall meet again. Bill Howard teaches hunter education and bow hunter education in North Carolina. He is a member of North Carolina Bowhunters Association and Pope & Young, and is an official measurer for both. He can be reached at billhowardoutdoors@gmail.com.
DSS taking applications for energy assistance The Yancey County Department of Social Services will take applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) on Dec. 2, from 8:30 a.m. until noon at First Baptist Church in Burnsville. DSS will also take applications at DSS that afternoon and the following days until the money is gone. This program is for households containing someone age 60 or older, or disabled persons receiving services through the Division of
Aging and Adult Services. Applications will be taken as long as funding is available, and payment will go directly to the provider. Those seeking assistance should bring verification of all November income, as well as Social Security numbers for all household members. If funding is still available on Feb. 1, applications will be taken for all other households.
The Yancey Humane Society Cat Spay/Neuter Initiative Continues… Residents of Yancey County can have their cats spayed or neutered free of charge! If needed, the rabies vaccine is also included. All you need to do is drop by the shelter to sign up your cat. Call 6829510 for additional information of if you have any questions. This is a targeted grant and cats and owners must live in Yancey County.
ATTENTION LARGE DOG OWNERS: Is your dog fixed?
Our grant to have dogs weighing over 40 pounds fixed for FREE EXPIRES in December! December 9 will be the final date for the free surgeries. Dogs can be from ANY county! If needed, drop by the shelter to sign up your large dog. Call 682-9510 for additional information of if you have any questions.
Ice covers trees in Higgins Tuesday morning.
Ice, snow predicted
From the front • Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays. • Increase distance between vehicles – it takes significantly longer to stop on snow covered or icy roadways. • Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel – having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off of the road or having a collision. • Illuminate your vehicles headlamps. • Use caution on bridges and overpasses as they susceptible to freezing before roadways. • Avoid using cruise control – cruise can cause the vehicle’s wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased. The Highway Patrol said travelers should ensure the vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event they are stranded for an extended period of time. Other considerations in inclement weather travel include charging your cellular phone prior to departure, taking a blanket in the car, and notifying a family member or a friend of travel plans prior to departure, so if travel is interrupted, someone will know.
6 NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS
Convicted sex offender arrested for failure to register A Yancey County man convicted of two felony counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and failure to register as a sex offender has been captured by U.S. Marshals after again violating the law. Yancey Sheriff Gary Banks announced that Timothy Felix Harris Jr., 36, of Forbes Lane, was arrested after officers determined he was living in Jonesboro, Tenn., and had not registered his new address, as required by law. County deputies make unannounced checks on registered sex offenders to determine that they are living at the address which they have registered. Deputies determined that Harris was not living at the Forbes Lane address and turned
Harris Jr.
the information over to the State Bureau of Investigations, which forwarded the case to the federal Marshals office in Asheville. Marshals were able to determine that Harris was living with a woman that he had met online. Harris had been convicted of two counts felony taking indecent liberties with a child in December 1998, and was convicted of felony failure to register as a sex offender in June 2011.
Guidance available for seniors on Medicare Medicare Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage is through December 7. Trained SHIIP ( S e n i o r ’s H e a l t h Insurance Information Program thru the Dept. of Insurance) Counselors will be on hand to assist Medicare beneficiaries at the Yancey Senior Center Monday - Thursday by appointment. Please call 682-6011 for an appointment. Also, this year, we will have
a SHIIP Counselor stationed at Ingles’ every day from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. during the last week of Open Enrollment. The SHIIP Program does not endorse any individual insurance company, nor are we selling a product. We s i m p l y s h o w beneficiaries what is available and let them choose the plan that best fits their needs. Please call 6826011 for more information.
Come see our new home downtown!
Humane Society opens thrift store Yancey Humane Society excitedly announces the upcoming grand opening of our new year-round resale store the YHS Barkin’ Basement! The Barkin’ Basement is located in the Burnsville Plaza Shopping Center between Fred’s and G o G r o c e r y. O u r first sale date will be Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Everything from furniture, to
home goods, to clothing, to sporting goods and everything in between will be sold at amazingly low prices. Gently used items can be dropped off at the store from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. or at the shelter during normal business hours. Other drop off dates will be announced soon. All proceeds from the Barkin’ Basement will fund the YHS animal shelter.
Mountain Village Apartments • Must be 62 or have disabling condition to qualify • Section 8 Housing • Green Certified Building • Equal Housing Opportunity
12 New in 20 its
•PTAC un •Toilets •Windows nities Va m oo •Bathr ght Li & ts ce •Fau Fixtures
200 West Main St. • Burnsville, NC
Phone(828) 682-7411 • Fax (828) 682-0931
117 West Main St. - 682-2522
Homemade bread, desserts and specials every day!
Breakfast 7-11 a.m. Mon.-Sat. Lunch 11 a.m. - 32p.m. M-Fri.
pen for dinner
Wednesday, Thursday, Fri. & Sat. 5-9 p.m.
Entertainment Wednesday 7-9 p.m.
Pete McWhirter & Friends!
Thursday 6:30 p.m.
Quizzo Trivia! Typical Mountain Boys, Bluegrass at its best! Friday 12-2 pm
Kris is one of the many terrier puppies available for adoption at the Yancey Humane Society. He is only 12 weeks old, is cute as a button, and would love to come live with you! If Kris has found a home please look for his brothers and sisters, all of whom are just as cute!
Open Mic Night - Fri 7-9 This Saturday 7-9 pm
Peggy Ratusz
Support “the quintessential great rural newspaper*” by subscribing online at www.yanceycountynews.com
114 East Main St.
678-9362
To book you holiday parties, to order baked goods, or for reservations
Call the shelter at 682-9510 for more information on these or other pets, or plan to visit us at 962 Cane River School Road.
NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS 7
Cane River Middle School Volleyball 2013 – Toe River Conference Champions
The Yancey County School Board recognized the Cane River Middle School Volleyball Team and Coach Christy Wright as Toe River Conference Champions for the 2013 volleyball season. Ms. Wright introduced players who were in attendance. Dr. Tony Tipton noted that this is the second year in a row that Cane River has been Toe River Conference volleyball champions.
Sarah Presnell – Golf State Playoffs
Mountain Heritage High School Principal Kevin Huskins introduced Golf Coach Carrie Huskins and student Sarah Presnell. Huskins said Sarah was the only senior on this year’s team and “certainly earned her place at state playoffs after three years of very hard work and lots and lots of putting.” Huskins said that Sarah did very well at the playoffs at Long Principal of the Year - Kevin Huskins Leaf Course in Pinehurst. Huskins said that the highlight for Sarah was meeting Michael Dr. Tipton recognized Mountain Heritage High School Principal Kevin Huskins as the Yancey Jordan while practicing at Mountain Air Country Club. County Schools 2013 Principal of the Year.
East Yancey Middle School Football – Undefeated Toe River Conference and Tournament Champions
The school board recognized East Yancey Football Head Coach Wade Shehan and asked him to introduce his assistant coaches and players in attendance. Coach Shehan stated that this has been a great year for Panther football and that while he has several 8th graders who will be moving to the high school next year, he has great confidence in the 7th graders that will step up and lead the panther team next year. Dr. Tipton said that this is the second time in three years that East Yancey football has been recognized by the board for an outstanding season. Dr. Tipton presented Shehan and assistant coaches Aaron Young and Randy Sellers with certificates from the Board. Assistant Coach Josh Matney was unable to attend.
SHOP LOCAL! The Yancey County News is the ONLY 100 PERCENT locally owned newspaper in Burnsville! Support local owners by subscribing to one of the most trusted and honored weekly newspapers in the nation!
Ask about specials when you buy a yearly subscription!
Call 691-0807 or 691-0806 Subscribe and ask how to get a second subscription for a friend, family member or neighbor!
8
NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS
Dealing with a child who is ‘cutting corners’
Q: My 11-year-old son cuts corners on everything. If he does a chore, he’ll leave the cleaning products behind. If his bed his hard to make he hides the sheet in the closet and throws the blanket over the bed. Concerning his schoolwork, he doesn’t bother studying for tests (figuring he gets As anyway). We’re now seeing this in his soccer practices, where he’s started literally cutting corners. How can we get a handle on this bad habit? A: Because it’s not “blatant,” as in blatant disrespect or disobedience, this sort of problem can be difficult to get a handle on. Today’s parents believe in “parenting technology” - that for every behavior problem, there’s a solution. The fact is that parents cannot solve all of the possible problems a child may develop. They can’t solve any of those problems, in fact. It doesn’t matter what the problem is, parents can only put pressure, in the form of consequences of one sort or another, on a child in hope that the pressure will motivate the child to solve it. Some children give in to the pressure, some don’t. Sometimes, a child doesn’t solve a problem until he’s in a state of crisis because of it, and the crisis in question may not occur until he’s well into adulthood. When parents use consequences in
Living
with
children
Having delivered the necessary disclaimer, my recommendation is that you focus on one problem area and one only. Don’t bite off more than you can chew by attempting to solve the chore, school, and soccer problems in one fell swoop. Start with chores. Make a list of the specific things he does to cut corners where chores are concerned. Suspend a privilege or package of privileges until he’s solved the “cutting corners when he does chores” problem and has had no relapses for a month. Mind you, his “rehabilitation” may take four weeks; then again, it may take four months or four years. Be ready to hang in there and continue imposing the consequence(s) until he gets it. And be ready to accept that you are not the appointed agents of change concerning this problem. The appointed agent of change may not enter his life until he’s 45 years old. We’ve all seen that happen, haven’t we? Here’s what I call the “Hang in There Principle.” If a child does wrong things, and the child’s parents do right things, and the child keeps on doing wrong things, then the child’s parents should simply keep on doing the right
the mistaken belief that there is a magic consequence that will solve the problem in question, they miss the point and are possibly setting themselves up to fail. The purpose of consequences is simply to demonstrate that in the real world, “bad” behavior causes bad things to happen, sooner or later. Hopefully, the child will “get it,” and solve the problem. If, however, the child doesn’t solve the problem, that doesn’t necessarily mean the consequence was not the right one to use. That belief often causes parents to try one consequence after another in a rather chaotic attempt to find the one that will turn the proverbial wheel. Perhaps the consequence in question was insufficient - it didn’t apply enough pressure. On the other hand, it may things.Family psychologist John Rosemond well be that the consequence was sufficient, answers parents’ questions on his web site at www.rosemond.com. but the child wasn’t “ready.”
Is arthritis linked to a kind of gut bacteria?
By Carol Torgan, Ph.D. The immune system is The presence of a specific type influenced by the microbiome, a of gut bacteria correlates with network of microorganisms that rheumatoid arthritis in newly live in and on the human body. diagnosed, untreated people, These microbes outnumber the according to the Institute for body’s cells by 10 to 1. Trillions Health. The finding suggests a of microbes - both helpful and potential role for the bacteria in harmful - reside in the digestive this autoimmune disease. tract. The gut microbiome has been Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic linked to arthritis in animal studies. inflammatory disorder that can To see if these microbes might cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and also be associated with rheumatoid loss of function in the finger, wrist, arthritis in humans, Dr. Dan Littman and other joints throughout the of NYU School of Medicine led a body. It occurs when the immune team of researchers that examined system mistakenly attacks the DNA in 114 stool samples from body’s own tissue, such as the both healthy people and those membranes that lineWeek the joints. who- had rheumatoid or psoriatic of 11/25/13 12/1/13 The causes of rheumatoid arthritis. The team identified gut arthritis aren’t completely known. bacteria by extracting DNA from Genes tied to the immune system the samples and then analyzing may contribute. Environmental a bacteria-specific gene called factors, such as cigarette smoking, the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. diet and stress, may also play a role The research was funded in part in triggering the disease. Treatments by NIH’s National Institute of include medications to relieve pain Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and and reduce inflammation. Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty : Medium
Copyright 2013 by The Puzzle Syndicate
HOW TO SOLVE: Answer to Last Week's Sudoku
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). The researchers found that 75 percent of people with new-onset, untreated rheumatoid arthritis had the bacterium Prevotella copri in their intestinal microbiome. In comparison, it was present in 12 percent of people with chronic, treated rheumatoid arthritis, 38 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis, and 21 percent of those in the control group. Increased levels of P. copri correlated with reductions in several groups of beneficial microbes, such as Bacteroides. The researchers performed more complete DNA sequencing on a subset of samples and identified unique Prevotella genes that correlated with rheumatoid arthritis. To test whether P. copri could influence inflammation, the team
administered the bacteria to healthy mice so that the bacteria became part of their gut microbiome. Mice were then given a chemical that induced colitis, a model of gut inflammation. Animals with P. copri developed more severe symptoms than the mice that hadn’t received the bacteria. The finding provides further evidence for a potential role for P. copri in inflammation. “Our own results in mouse studies encouraged us to take a closer look at patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and we found this remarkable and surprising association,” Littman says. “At this stage, however, we cannot conclude that there is a causal link between the abundance of P. copri and the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. We are developing new tools that will hopefully allow us to ask if this is indeed the case.”
CLASSIFIEDS
NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS 9
CALL 691-0806 TO RUN YOUR CLASSIFIED! $5 FOR 50 WORDS • CALL 691-0806 TO RUN YOUR CLASSIFIED! $5 FOR 50 WORDS
LAND FOR SALE
SOUTH TOE LAND FOR SALE 5.5 acres off Colberts Creek Road. Creek frontage, borders N a t i o n a l F o r e s t , p r i v a c y, mixture of lush rhododendron, pines and hardwoods, level to moderate grade, south/southeast exposure, garden spot, view of Black Mountains, beautiful rock formation, active springs with spring boxes and pipe, and close proximity to South Toe River and Carolina Hemlock Recreation Area. At least 3-4 potential house sites. Transferable septic permit already obtained. Electric close by. We are selling in order to buy a larger parcel (10-15 acres) and will consider land swap option. Asking price: $84,900. We would love to answer any questions you have or meet with you to show you this beautiful property. Contact Lisa at 828-208-1221.
FOR RENT
House For Rent: 16 minutes south of Burnsville off Hwy. 197. Catttail Creek Rd. $675/month plus utilities, deposit, pet deposit. Approx. 900 square ft. 3 bdrm., 1 bath, laundry room, small yard, kitchen/dining/living room is one room. Small stove. Beautiful area. email: ronm2u@hotmail.com 828 551 9775 For Rent - Pensacola Rd, 3 bed/2bath home, close
in for rent $875.00/mo. No Pets, No tobacco products. Background check & security deposit required. Available soon. CATTAIL PEAK REALTY INC. 828284-2968. House For Rent in town, 3 BDRM, 2 Bath, 2 story house, large BM, Fireplace, Central Cooling/Heating Pump, Garage, Decks, Balconies/ Patio, Fully Fenced, Appliances with Washer/Dryer. $900/Month. No pets preferred. Call (828) 682-7499 . House For Rent - Country private - Brick rancher of three bedrooms, 1 bath. Living, dining, kitchen, utility. Carport. Garden space. NO pets. $600 month. Owner-broker 828678-3400 For Rent in town Burnsville large one bedroom apt. lots of cabinets, first floor $400 per month. $100 security and 1st 30 days free with 6 mo. lease. Call for details. 865-306-0111. House For Rent, kitchen with lots of cabinets & bar, DR, large living room with fireplace and wood stove insert, large master bath with private bath , 2nd bedroom with private bath, w/d hook up in basement. Deck overlooking pond. In
Visit these
fine establishments for the Yancey County News Guy’s General Store • Poplar Grove • Appalachian Java • B&B Convenience Store • Mountain Energy • Felicity’s Closet • Outside at Ingles • Cruz Thru • Whitson’s General Store • Effler’s Store • Westall Grocery • Riverside Grocery • Habitat in Spruce Pine • Price’s Creek Store • Stamey’s in Spruce Pine
Towing Service with Rollback Truck!
I Buy Junk Vehicles! Pay Fair Price Will Pick Up Vehicle
828-208-7522
828-675-0809
town (Burnsville) in small apt complex consisting of 5 units. Oil hot air furnace. Rent $550. 865-306-0111.
EMPLOYMENT
The Yancey Co. Committee on Aging, Inc. is looking for an Administrative Assistant. Applicant must be able to perform secretarial tasks necessary, keep accurate minutes of meetings, generate the necessary fiscal data for reports, records and maintaining all financial
transactions properly. Must be familiar with filing of all Federal, State, and Employment Security forms and reports, 941 Federal deposits, Sales Tax forms, compiling audit information, Budget and Budget Revisions on an Excel Spreadsheet, posting and balancing Ledger and Journals, deposits, cash receipts, bank statement reconciliations, accounts payable and payroll functions. A 2 year business degree is preferred with experience in Sage software. Please call 682-6011 ext. 11 or e-mail vhollifield. yansrctr@frontier.com for more information. Deadline for applying is December
6, 2013
ITEMS OR SALE Boxwoods for Sale. $10 each. 828.208.0406.
SERVICES Adult- day care - Heritage Week of 11/25/13 12/1/13
Adult Day Retreat located just west of Burnsville offers low cost affordable quality day care for your loved one giving you the opportunity to take care of yourself and things you need to do without worry. Qualified/ caring staff. Grants available. For information please call 828-682-1556 Free Manure – Will load. Clear Creek Ranch. 6754510 Roof Leak? Call Brad at
The Weekly Crossword ACROSS 1 Just okay 5 Start of a Steinbeck title 9 Rub raw 14 Recovered from 15 Missile shelter 16 Hearing-related 17 Perilous place 19 Lift in a gym 20 Pollen holder 21 Practice Zen 23 Kind of surgeon 25 Deteriorate 26 Hurry up! 30 Not a chance 34 Miner's quest 35 Pesky insect 37 Career soldier 39 Pundit's piece 40 Spine-tingling 42 Less than some 43 Lily-livered 45 Cliff's pal on Cheers 46 Shower with love 47 Chocolate source 49 Pass the bar? 51 Deli purchase 53 Funnyman Carey 54 Painter's problem 59 Windy one 63 Bakery lure 64 Comics character 66 Doomed one 67 Zest for life 68 Mare's meal 69 Change, as a bill 70 Circus structure 71 Word on a door
1
2
3
5
14
6
7
24
34
35
39
40 44
30 36
31
32
33
37 42 46
49 52
50 53
57
58
59
60
63
64
66
67
68
69
70
71
4 Like some shoes 5 Alienate 6 Get out in the open 7 Criticize sharply 8 Serious drinker 9 National Mall sight 10 William of "The Doctor" 11 Geometric measure 12 Lickety-split 13 Choice word 18 Role model 22 Crime boss 24 Napkin fabric 26 One-armed bandit 27 Fuel for a debate DOWN 28 Fluid build-up 1 Fanta or Fresca 29 Medium's card 2 "Sweeney 31 Look without Todd" prop buying 3 Pants part 32 Happening now
13
38
41
48
56
12
25
45
51 55
11
22
29
47
10
19
28
43
828-231-9352 www.maytimecomposting.com
16
21
27
MAYtime
Compost & Garden Soil Topsoil Worm Castings
9
18
23
54
8
15
20
26
Low Interest Loans to Qualified Home Owners for Any home improvement projects. 828-273-0970 Will clean your home or business. Call 208-3688.
by Margie E. Burke
4
17
Tip Top Roofing, 25 years+ experience. Residential, commercial roof repair and maintenance, roof coatings, gutter repair, roof inspection. References. 682-3451 Sewing alterations. Call 208-3999.
61
62
65
Copyright 2013 by The Puzzle Syndicate
33 36 38 41 44 48 50
Gossipy gal Out of gas Film spool Up-and-coming Despicable one ___ and about Streak on a cheek 52 Plague 54 Sweeping story
P A R S E O R C H A R D
55 56 57 58
Teen's big date Famous Ranger Prayer ending Crime writer Ann 60 Geste or Bridges 61 Cultural pursuits 62 Golly! 65 Scan the horizon Answer to Last Week's Crossword
S O N A T A
P U T T E R
V O L I T I O N
E M I N E N C E
A S T I L T I C E A T E L O C A E L S P N T R E R A C T A N T I N T D D A T T I L G E R E N T E D Y
C E R A M I C C Y C L I N G
S C O L L I D N O F S L E N E E A G R O E T R O
T E A M O R N E R N E I D A Y S I P L E A P B U T T E A C T O R A Y E R S L L I S L E M U T E D E R A G N S I D E S U K E S A N E D
10 NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS
Compost can improve healthy properties of your soil This is the second article about composting. The barrel or drum composter generates compost rather quickly and provides an easy mechanism for turning the compost. A barrel of at least 55-gallon capacity with a secure lid is required. Be sure that the barrel was not used to store toxic chemicals. Drill six to nine rows of 1/2-inch holes over the length and a few in the bottom of the barrel to allow for air circulation and drainage of excess moisture. Place the barrel upright on blocks to allow air to circulate below it. Fill the barrel threefourths full with organic waste material and add about 1/4 cup of a fertilizer high in nitrogen (approximately 30 percent nitrogen). Add water until the compost is moist but not soggy. Every few days, turn the drum on its side and roll it around the yard to mix and aerate the compost. The lid can be removed after turning to allow for air penetration. The compost should be ready in two to four months. The barrel composter is an excellent choice for the city dweller with a relatively small yard. For larger quantities of organic waste, bins are the most practical composting structure. A circular bin can be made from a length of closely spaced woven-wire fencing held together with chain snaps. The bin should be about 3 to 5 feet in diameter and at least 4 feet high. A stake may be driven in the middle of the bin before adding material to help maintain the shape of the pile and to facilitate adding water. With this design, it is easiest to turn the composting material by simply unsnapping the wire, moving the wire cylinder a few feet, and turning the compost back into it. A very efficient and durable structure for fast composting is a three-chambered bin. It holds a considerable amount of compost and allows good air circulation. The threechambered bin works on the assembly line principle. Three batches of compost are in varying stages of decomposition at all times. The composting process is started in the first bin; waste material is placed in the bin and allowed to heat for three to five days. Then this material is turned into the middle bin for another four to seven days while a new batch of material is started in the first bin. Finally, the material in the middle bin is turned into the last bin as finished or nearly finished compost. The material in the first bin is turned into the second bin, and new material is once again placed in the first bin. To make this structure,
it is best to use rot-resistant wood such as redwood, salttreated wood, wood treated with an environmentally safe preservative, or a combination of treated wood posts and metal posts. Unless the wood is treated or rot resistant, it will decompose within a few years. Each bin should be at least 3 to 5 feet in each dimension so that it will hold enough volume to compost properly. Using removable slats in the front of each bin provides easy access to the contents when they must be turned. Many other structures can be used for composting. No one structure is best, and you may want to invent your own. If you prefer not to build a structure you can purchase one of the commercial composting units available through local garden stores or mail-order catalogs. Most of these are similar to the barrel composter described previously and are intended for the city dweller who wants an easy way to make small amounts of compost quickly.
Location
The compost pile should be located near the place where the compost will be used. It should also be placed where it will not offend neighbors or interfere with activities in the yard. Composting is best done in a location screened from your view and that of neighbors. Good locations for the pile are near the garden or in a service area. Do not locate the compost pile near a well or on a slope that drains to surface water, such as a stream or a pond. Locating the pile too close to trees may also create problems, as roots may grow into the bottom of the pile, making turning and handling the compost difficult. The pile will do best where it is protected from drying winds and is in partial sunlight to help provide heat. The more wind and sun the pile is exposed to, the more water it will need.
Preparing the Compost Pile
When a compost pile is
started, materials should be added in layers to ensure proper mixing. Organic wastes such as leaves, grass clippings, and plant trimmings are put down in a layer 8 to 10 inches deep. Coarser materials will decompose faster if placed in the bottom layer. This layer should be watered until moist but not soggy. A nitrogen source should be placed on top of this layer. Use 1 to 2 inches of livestock manure or a nitrogen fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate at a rate of 1/3 cup for every 25 square feet of surface area. If these nitrogen sources are not available, 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 25 square feet of surface area will suffice. Do not use fertilizer that contains any herbicide or pesticide. A 1-inch layer of soil or completed compost can be applied on top of the fertilizer layer. One reason for adding soil is to ensure that the pile is inoculated with decomposing microbes. The use of soil in a compost pile is optional, however. In most cases, organic yard wastes such as grass clippings or leaves contain enough microorganisms on the surface to cause decomposition. Studies have shown that there is no advantage in purchasing a compost starter or inoculum. Microbes multiply as rapidly from the soil or from added organic wastes as from the inoculum. The microbes already in the soil and on organic materials are just as efficient in decomposing the waste as those provided by the commercial inoculum. However, one way to ensure that activator microbes are present in the new compost is to mix in some old compost as the pile is prepared. Adding soil does help reduce leaching of mineral nutrients such as potassium released during decomposition. Repeat the sequence of adding organic waste, fertilizer, and soil or old compost (optional) until the pile is completed, remembering to water each section. each section. If only tree leaves are to be
composted, layering is not necessary. Fallen leaves can be added as they are collected. The leaves should be moistened if they are dry. Since dead leaves lack adequate nitrogen for rapid decomposition, a highnitrogen fertilizer (10 to 30 percent) should be added to hasten breakdown. Approximately 5 ounces (about 1/2 cup) of 10 percent nitrogen fertilizer should be added for every 20 gallons of hand-compressed leaves. The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio determines how long decomposition takes. An initial C/N ratio of about 20 or 30 to 1 is needed for rapid composting. If the initial C/N ratio is above 50, the process will be considerably slower. The C/N ratio of common organic yard wastes is given in Table 2. Materials can be blended and mixed to achieve an initial C/N ratio of 25 to 30. Over time, the C/N ratio will generally decrease.
Maintaining the Compost Pile
To prevent odors and hasten decomposition, the pile must be turned occasionally. Turning also exposes seeds, insect larvae, and pathogens to lethal temperatures inside the pile. The pile may be turned by inverting segments of the compost or by shifting the pile into another bin. The pile should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Odors may arise either from adding excessive amounts of wet plant materials, such as fruits or grass clippings, or from overwatering. A properly mixed and adequately turned compost pile does not produce objectionable odors. The middle of an actively decomposing pile reaches temperatures of 150° to 160°F. If the pile does not heat sufficiently, it may be too small, there may not be enough nitrogen or oxygen, or it may be too wet or too dry. The pile should be turned when the center begins to feel cool to the touch. Turning the pile introduces oxygen and under-composed material into the center, regenerating the heating process. Composting is essentially complete when mixing no longer produces heat in the pile. Small amounts of fresh materials may be added if the pile is turned occasionally. Vegetable wastes should be buried inside the pile to avoid attracting rodents. If enough material is available, it is best to make a new pile instead of combining new material with old compost. Generally, the compost from a well-managed pile made up of shredded material under warm conditions will be ready in about two to four months.
Piles prepared in the late fall will not be ready for use the following spring because the weather is not warm enough to maintain proper decomposing temperatures inside the pile. A pile left unattended or made up of material that has not been shredded may take more than a year to decompose. When the compost is finished, the pile will be about half its original size and will have an earthy smell to it.
Use of Compost to Improve Soil
Compost is used as an o rg a n i c a m e n d m e n t t o improve the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. The compost adds air space to the soil, and incorporating it alleviates compacted conditions. Adding compost increases the moisture holding capacity of sandy soils, reducing drought damage to plants. When added to heavy clay soils, compost improves drainage and aeration. (Note, however, that adding compost cannot solve drainage problems that result from poor surface contours or subsurface conditions. Such problems often must be solved by regrading, berming, or installing drainage tiles.) All of these changes create a better environment for root growth. Adding compost increases the ability of the soil to hold and release essential nutrients. The activity of earthworms and soil microorganisms beneficial to plant growth is also promoted. Other benefits include improved seed emergence and water infiltration as a result of reduced soil crusting. Amending soils with compost may also reduce the incidence of damping off disease and root rots. The microflora present in compost compete with disease microbes for the sugars and nutrients secreted from plant roots, preventing these pathogens from growing and keeping them inactive. Over time, yearly additions of compost will create desirable soil structure, making the soil much easier to work. To improve the physical properties of the soil, incorporate 1 to 2 inches of well-decomposed compost into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Though compost does enrich the soil, it releases nutrients slowly and often does not contain enough nutrients to supply all the needs of growing plants. Therefore, it is still important to conduct soil tests and fertilize your lawns and gardens accordingly. For more information on soil testing and composting, contact your county Extension Service agent.
NOV. 28, 2013
• YANCEY COUNTY NEWS 11
What’s to eat at the elementary schools? Friday, Nov 29
Monday, Dec 2
Tues, Dec 3
Wed, Dec 4
Thurs, Dec 5
Friday, Dec 6
Thanksgiving Holiday!
Breakfast Chix Biscuit WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Pineapple Bits Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Peaches Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Mandarin Oranges Milk
Breakfast Pancake&Saus Stix WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Fruit Cocktail Milk
Breakfast Scrambled Eggs Saus Patty/WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Pears/Milk
Lunch Hamburger/BBQ Chix S’wich Sunbutter S’wich Carrot Stix/Potato Rnds/Baked Apples Pineapple Bits Milk
Lunch Beef Nachos/Corn Dog/Sunbutter S’wich/Cali Veggies Sweet Potato Souffle Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch Pork BBQ S’wich Fish S’wich Sunbutter S’wich Slaw/Baked Beans Applesauce Mandarin Oranges Milk
Lunch Chix Fillet S’wich Chix Quesadilla Sunbutter S’wich Broccoli/Pintos Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch BBQ Grilled Chix Roll/Lasagna Peas Tossed Salad Fruit/Fruit Cocktail Milk
Happy Thanksgiving from the Yancey County News
Food for thought for middle school Friday, Nov 29
Thanksgiving Holiday! Happy Thanksgiving from the Yancey County News
Monday, Dec 2
Tuesday, Dec 3
Wed, Dec 4
Thurs, Dec 5
Friday, Dec 6
Breakfast Chix Biscuit WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Pineapple Bits Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Peaches Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Mandarin Oranges Milk
Breakfast Pancake&Saus Stix WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Fruit Cocktail Milk
Breakfast Scrambled Eggs Saus Patty/WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Pears/Milk
Lunch Hamburger BBQ Chix S’wich Carrot Stix/Potato Rnds/Baked Apples Pineapple Bits Milk
Lunch Beef Nachos/Corn Dog/Cali Veggies Sweet Potato Souffle Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch Pork BBQ S’wich Fish S’wich Mega Pizza Slaw/Baked Beans Applesauce Mandarin Oranges Milk
Lunch Chix Fillet S’wich Chix Quesadilla Broccoli/Pintos Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch BBQ Grilled Chix Roll/Lasagna Chicken Tenders Peas Tossed Salad Fruit/Fruit Cocktail Milk
Chowing down at Mountain Heritage Friday, Nov 29
Thanksgiving Holiday! Happy Thanksgiving from the Yancey County News
Monday, Dec 2
Tuesday, Dec 3
Wed, Dec 4
Thurs, Dec 5
Friday, Dec 6
Breakfast Chix Biscuit WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Pineapple Bits Milk
Breakfast Sausage Biscuit WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Peaches Milk
Breakfast Breakfast Pizza WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Mandarin Oranges Milk
Breakfast Pancake&Saus Stix WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Fruit Cocktail Milk
Breakfast Scrambled Eggs Saus Patty/WG Cereal WG Toast/Juice Pears/Milk
Lunch Hamburger Cheeseburger BBQ Chix S’wich Ch.Garlic Flatbread Carrot Stix/Potato Rnds/Baked Apples Pineapple Bits Milk
Lunch Beef Nachos/Corn Dog/Chix Fillet S’wich/Cali Veggies Sweet Potato Souffle Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch Pork BBQ S’wich Fish S’wich Chix Quesadilla Slaw/Baked Beans Applesauce Mandarin Oranges Milk
Lunch Chix Fillet S’wich Chix Quesadilla Mega Pizza Broccoli/Pintos Peaches Pears Milk
Lunch BBQ Grilled Chix Roll/Lasagna Chix Tenders Peas Tossed Salad Fruit/Fruit Cocktail Milk
Tips for the perfect local Christmas tree
From the front you display the tree safely through the season: • If you can’t set up your tree immediately, put it in a bucket of water in a cool, shady place. • Cut off a half inch from the base of the tree before placing it in a stand. • Use a stand that will hold at least a gallon of water. • Check the water levels often. A tree may take up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, and a quart per day after that.
• Place tree away from heat sources, heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators and sunny windows. • Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring. • Do not overload electric circuits. • Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed. • Remove tree from your home promptly after Christmas and recycle it. North Carolina is the second-largest producer of Christmas trees, behind Oregon.
Teachers, do you want another way to show how great your students shine? Then send the news of their success to this newspaper, your local newspaper! Send news and photographs to Jonathan@ yanceycountynews.com
$1 in Groceries* = 1 Point
Low Prices... Love The Savings!
2
www.ingles-markets.com
*
DAY SALE! 2
$
FRESH LEAN GROUND CHUCK 3 Lbs. or More
SAVE 1.40 Lb.
58 Lb.
2
$
LAURA LYNN MILK 1 Gallon Selected Varieties (Limit 4)
Great Low Price!
88
5
$
8 PIECE BAKED OR SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN Includes: 2 Breasts, 2 Wings, 2 Thighs & 2 Legs
SAVE 2.01 ea.
ea.
98 ea.
Visit the Ingles Family Gathering Spot on the Ingles website for easy family friendly recipes from some of our regions favorite food bloggers.
November 29th & 30th
88
¢
FRESH, CRISP HEAD LETTUCE
ea.
SAVE .90 ea.
5
$
PEPSI FAMILY OF PRODUCTS 15 Pack 12 Oz. Bottles (Limit 2)
SAVE 2.22
55 ea.
3
$
PET SUNDAE CONES 10 Ct. Selected Varieties
SAVE 2.30 ea.
58 ea.
FOUND IN YOUR INGLES BAKERY!
2
$
KELLOGG’S NUTRI•GRAIN BARS 7.4-10.4 Oz. Selected Varieties
SAVE 1.46 ea.
25 ea.
1
$ 98
KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES TREATS 6.2 Oz., 8 Pk.
SAVE 1.07 ea.
SIGN UP TODAY AdvantageMail™
ea.
4
3/$ for
SAVE 4.94 on 3
Ingles Advantage Prescription Club
My Savings....My Rewards!
Generic PRESCRIPTIONS
Receive FREE email notifications when your favorite items go on sale EVERY WEEK!
*$5 Individual membership fee per year *$10 family membership fee per year
30 DAY SUPPLY
Over 400 Generic Prescriptions!
Owned
&
9
$
SAVE 2.00 ea.
98 ea.
See Pharmacist for complete details!
Don’t Forget To Relink Your Ingles Advantage Card To the School Of Your Choice! www.ingles-markets.com
Prices good November 29 and November 30, 2013. American
DOUBLE LAYER COCONUT OR CARROT CAKE 40 Oz.
*Advantage Card required.
3
$
www.ingles-markets.com/amail
OLD ORCHARD JUICES 64 Oz. Assorted Varieties
Operated!
Visit Us At www.ingles-markets.com or
WE ACCEPT:
Friday
Saturday
NOV
NOV
29
30
Reusable Gift Card
FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
FIND US ON TWITTER!
UP TO 50¢ DOUBLE COUPONS EVERYDAY