Landfill expansion update provided by Wiggins, Ward
Community, News September 24, 2019
Cherokee County residents should be able to begin using the new cells at the county landfill by Thanksgiving, if conditions cooperate.
Two of those conditions are use and weather. Both can be unpredictable.
County Manager Randy Wiggins gave a landfill construction update to the county commission Sept. 16.
County Manager Randy Wiggins said Monday, Sept. 23, that the new cells at the landfill should begin receiving waste by Thanksgiving.
“Expect Phase 5 Cell 2 completion and permitting before (then),” Wiggins said Monday.
He said as much to the county commission board during their regular meeting Sept. 16.
That time table still holds true a week later, with the lack of rain partly to thank.
County Solid Waste Director Rob Ward said the possibility of weather delaying the project is a real one.
“Weather delays are always possible,” Ward said.
Ward added that layers of clay have to be compacted to exact specifications while running on slopes in order to construct a landfill.
“Thus, the process is vulnerable to erosion delays, if it rains,” he said.
Wiggins also mentioned to the county commission that, should a large load of trash come into the landfill at one time, the current cells could fill up.
Wiggins cited the possibility of two or three homes being demolished or remodeled at the same time, or a similar situation, that could cause the cells to fill up early.
As long as that doesn’t happen, the current cells receiving waste should do the job until Thanksgiving, according to Wiggins.
Once the new cells are able to begin receiving trash, it will still take some time to be done with the project.
“The full construction project is not expected to be complete and fully permitted until January of 2020,” Wiggins said.
The project began more than five years ago, according to Ward. The engineering, planning, and permitting was finally completed in early 2019 and construction site prep began with surveying in April.
The county has budgeted a little more than $3.5 million for the project.
“The county planned ahead for this project and we have reserved fund balance dollars over the years to build a balance of fund dedicated to this project,” Higgins said.
While the figure is high, the cells will be usable for a long time.
“Given that the projected growth rate for Cherokee County is correct, then we should have airspace for over 20 yards after the completion of Phase 5, Cells 1 and 2, in January 2020,” Ward said.
After that, there is still more room on the property to add new cells as needed.
North Carolina Litter-Free Coalition anti-litter contest
BREAKING NEWS, Community March 14, 2019
If you are a North Carolina public, private, charter or home school, please consider entering the North Carolina Litter-Free Coalition anti-litter contest, the image and economy of your community depends upon changing the habits of those that litter.
“America the Beautiful Club” Anti-Litter Contest Rules
The North Carolina Litter-Free Coalition is encouraging all Cherokee County elementary, middle and high schools to compete in our annual anti-litter competition contest. Please submit information about your school anti-litter efforts per the following format. We must teach our youth about the negative effects of highway and community litter plus the cost of vandalism and how it affects the image and economy of Cherokee County.
This competition will recognize the first, second and third place entries in each of the three school categories and there will be an overall winner selected; there are no prizes, only bragging rights. Schools wishing to be part of this anti-litter competition are required to mail (4) four copies of their submission to North Carolina Litter-Free Coalition along with an email copy of their submission no later than the last day of the school year.
These eight questions can yield a maximum of 380 points and will determine the outcome of this contest.
Contest Questions:
1) All contestant entries are to highlight their school logos and contact information (principal’s name, school phone number, webpage name, Facebook page, etc.) that would help someone to research, reach out to, and contact their school. All contest submissions are to be formatted so they can be easily printed out with the push of the “print” command, including photographs. Make your submission easy to share with others. There is no limit to the number of pages of text that you can submit. (40 points)
2) List the names of the teachers and students that are involved in your anti-litter contest. (40 points).
3) What is your school doing to convince your students and parents that those that litter and vandalize have a negative effect on the image and economy of your school and Cherokee County? (40 points).
4) Who do your students think benefit from their anti-litter efforts and how do they, as students benefit? (40 points).
5) Who are your teachers and students inviting to join them in their anti-litter efforts? How do you encourage spectators at your sporting events to not litter? (40 points).
6) Schools are encouraged to include a maximum of (5) five photographs (one group and four action photos) with their submission, a picture is worth a 1000 words, choose your photos wisely. All photos sent to the NCLFC and the media should be at least 300 DPI. Do not, under any circumstances, embed any photo within a Word document, etc. In addition, don’t send your photo via Facebook or Twitter, simply email the photos as raw images, and we’ll do the rest. No Polaroid images, computer printouts of photos, etc. For best quality, start right at the source. (60 points).
7) Throughout the school year, schools are encouraged to submit photos and comments about, what you’re doing?, why you’re doing it?, who benefits from your efforts? why you want others to join your effort? (40 points).
8) Submit your stories to the Cherokee Scout for publication at [email protected] or any other publication (20 points per story published and four stories maximum if submitted with your entry).
Contact Gary Chamberlain-Spokesman, North Carolina Litter-Free Coalition PO Box 98, Murphy, NC 28906, [email protected], (928) 202-1186 (AZ Phone) for more details.
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Cherokee County Sheriff’s office warns of Possible Police Impersonator
News March 5, 2019
Murphy, NC The Cherokee County Sheriff’s office states it has received reports of a white 2019 Ford Explorer with a regular car tag on it operating blue lights that has been stopping individuals in the Cherokee County Area. They do not have a vehicle as described above. If you should encounter that particular vehicle please contact Cherokee County Emergency Communications at 828-835-3144 so that they can determine if this an official vehicle or an impostor (blue light bandit).
If for some reason an unmarked car attempts to stop you in an area that you feel unsafe please call 911 and find a safe area to stop until such time as they can ensure the stop is legitimate.
Murphy Man Charged in Car Thefts
News March 4, 2019
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the February 21st, 2019 arrest of 36 year old Joshua Charles Hampton of Murphy North Carolina in connection with several motor vehicle thefts.
On February 21st, 2019 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Murphy Police Department conducted a joint investigation which identified Joshua Charles Hampton as a suspect in numerous vehicle thefts as well as breaking and entering into the vehicle.
Following information as to the location of the stolen vehicles members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Murphy Police Department located Hampton near a housing area in Murphy North Carolina. Hampton immediately fled on foot and was captured a short distance later.
Joshua Charles Hampton was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was charged with: LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE X 2, MISDEMEANOR LARCENY X 2, POSSESS STOLEN AUTOMOBILE, LARCENY OF FIREARM, BREAK AND ENTER MOTOR VEHICLE X 2, FINANCIAL CARD THEFT X 2, FINANCIAL CARD FRAUD X 2. Hampton is currently incarcerated under a $105,000.00 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court March 07th, 2019.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Great job working with the Murphy Police Department on getting Hampton off the street.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
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Heavy rain predicted in Cherokee County through the weekend
BREAKING NEWS February 20, 2019
As a heavy rainfall pattern continues to work its way to Cherokee County through this weekend, please take precautions when driving on rain soaked roads for potential flooding in lower lying areas.
Cherokee County Forecast
Today
Cloudy. A chance of rain showers in the morning, then rain showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower to mid 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Tonight
Rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening, then rain after midnight. Lows around 50. Southeast winds 10 mph or less. Chance of rain 90 percent.
Thursday
Showers in the morning and early afternoon, then showers likely late. Highs in the lower to mid 50s. Light winds. Chance of rain 80 percent.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with showers likely. Lows in the upper 40s. Light winds. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Friday
Showers in the morning, then showers likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 10 mph or less. Chance of rain 80 percent.
Friday Night
Cloudy with showers likely. Lows in the upper 40s. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Saturday
Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Highs in the lower to mid 60s.
Saturday Night
Showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 40s to mid 50s. Chance of rain 80 percent.
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Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 07/29 to 08/04
Arrest Reports August 6, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 07/15 to 07/21
Arrest Reports July 23, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Cherokee County Inmate Dies After Arrest
Police & Government July 18, 2018Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating with the investigation into the death of a Cherokee County Inmate several hours after his arrest.
Around 5 pm, July 11th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Wolf Creek community of Cherokee County to investigate an individual that was acting irrational. When deputies responded to the scene they arrested 30 year old Joshua Shane Long for Resisting Public Officer, Simple Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Long was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $1000.00 secure bond. Long was processed and placed in a cell. Information found during the arrest of Long showed that he had a Blairsville Georgia address.
Shortly after 11 pm, July 11th, 2018 Long was found unresponsive in his cell and Detention Staff began life saving measures. Detention Staff also notified Cherokee County Emergency Communications who summoned Cherokee County EMS who later transported Long to a Life Flight Air Ambulance. Long was flown to a Tennessee Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased. We are cooperating fully with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and will continue to do so until we know how this happened.”
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 06/17 to 06/23
Arrest Reports June 25, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Jail assault at Cherokee County Detention Center
Press Release June 1, 2018MURPHY, N.C. – On May 2, 2018, an incident occurred at the Cherokee County Detention Center. The incident regarded an allegation of two detention officers involved in an assault of a federal inmate George Victor Stokes, who was sentenced and awaiting transport to federal prison. The detention officers involved were identified as Wesley Gage Killian, a part-time employee, and Sgt. Josh Gunter.
As the incident was brought to Sheriff Derrick Palmer’s attention, he requested Lt. Joe Wood, of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division, to conduct an internal investigation of the detention officers named. Upon conducting interviews and reviewing available physical evidence, Lt. Wood reported back to Sheriff Palmer his preliminary findings. Sheriff Palmer, upon recommendation of Lt. Wood, suspended the two detention officers pending the completion of the internal investigation.
Upon completion of the investigation, Sheriff Palmer then terminated the detention officers due to violation of department policy and procedure as regarding the treatment of inmates. The unlawful assault of an inmate is a violation of Cherokee County Detention Center Policy and Procedure.
Sheriff Palmer made immediate contact with the District Attorney Ashley Welch. Upon conversation with the district attorney, it was agreed that a joint request should be made to the state Bureau of Investigation by both the District Attorney’s Office and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to have a criminal investigation conducted regarding the conduct of the two detention officers. The request was then made and accepted by the state Bureau of Investigation.
Due to the fact that Stokes was a federal inmate being housed at the Cherokee County Detention Center, the U.S. Marshall’s Office was notified of the incident. The state Bureau of Investigation assigned an agent to investigate the matter. All evidence gained, including detention center video surveillance, interviews, statements and reports obtained in the internal investigation conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was turned over to the state Bureau of Investigation as part of their ongoing criminal investigation. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with the state Bureau of Investigations and the District Attorney’s Office in full cooperation until this matter is to a resolution.
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 04/29 to 05/05
Arrest Reports May 7, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 04/22 to 04/28
Arrest Reports April 30, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 03/11 to 03/17
Arrest Reports March 19, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 03/04 to 03/10
Arrest Reports March 12, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 02/18 to 02/24
Arrest Reports February 26, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
