Robert T. Davis: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Robert T. Davis, age 76 of Fontana Dam, NC passed away Saturday, September 29, 2018.
He was a native of Swain County, NC and the son of the late James Lewis and Minnie Rowland Davis. Robert was a heavy equipment operator. He was a family man and delighted in spending time with each of them. Robert was an avid woodsman, enjoyed reading and loved a good prank.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers, James, Jack, Ralph and Charles Davis and one sister Fannie Davis Ware.
Jack is survived by his wife Nellie Jenkins Davis, one son Allen Davis; five daughters, Deborah Davis, Sandra Bales, Angela Freeman, Cynthia Lundy and Roselle Brown and several grand-children and great-grandchildren.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Powell’s Branch Church Building Fund, % John Jenkins, 80 Yellow Branch Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
Andrews Man Jailed For Domestic Violence
Police & Government July 27, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer July 22nd, 2018 arrest of 40 year old Benjamin Lee Stanley of Andrews North Carolina for domestic violence.
On Sunday July 22nd. 2018 at about 5:30 pm Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office went to the Andrews North Carolina residence of Benjamin Lee Stanley in an attempt to serve warrants for violations of a domestic violence protective order as well as cyberstalking. Stanley refused entry to the deputies and fled to a crawl space area as he had done during his arrest in April of this year. Deputies located Stanley in the crawl space, who was hiding in a makeshift compartment he had constructed causing delay in his capture. During the search and eventual arrest of Stanley radio communications was lost with the deputies and units with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded and were able to notify dispatch that the officers were safe and sound.
Stanley was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center for: INTIMIDATING WITNESS, VIOLATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER X 2, CYBERSTALKING. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $50,000.00 secure bond on the Intimidating State Witness Charge, however no bond has been set on the Domestic Violence and Cyber Stalking charges at this time.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Good work by the deputies locating and apprehending Stanley. There was a very tense 20 minutes or so during the time that communication was broken with the deputies at the scene. We thank the Troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol who responded to let us know our folks were safe.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Murphy Man Charged with Indecent Liberties with a Child
Press Release June 15, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 5th, 2018 arrest of Dawson Michael Burris, a 18 year old Murphy North Carolina man for a sexual assault on a child.
On or about May 13th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into a reported child sexual assault which happened in the Marble Community of Cherokee County. During the investigation assistance was provided by the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center. As the investigation progressed information was gained which was presented to the June 4th, 2018 Cherokee County Grand Jury which returned a true bill of indictment against Burris for an Indecent Liberty with a Child.
Dawson Michael Burris was arrested at his residence without incident and taken before the North Carolina Magistrate where he was given a $50,000.00 secure bond. Burris is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 02nd, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Great team work by our Patrol Deputies, our Investigators and HAVEN. It is this kind of team work that allows us to be successful in these most difficult of crimes.”
Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victim no further information will be released concerning this incident.
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Traffic Stop Nets Drugs
Press Release June 13, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 06th, 2018 arrest of Makayla Louise Trentham a 20 year old Copperhill Tennessee woman for possession of illegal controlled substances.
On or about June 06th, 2018 a deputy while on patrol observed a vehicle which was being driven in a manner that was suspicious. The deputy made an investigative stop. During the stop a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and several alprazolam (Xanax) tablets were confiscated. Investigation revealed that Trentham was in possession of the illegal substances.
Trentham was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she posted a $1,000.00 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on June 12th, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Even small amounts being taken off the streets is worth it. Good work by the deputy for being alert and looking farther into the situation.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Early morning raid nabs fugitive
Police & Government April 16, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 14, 2018, arrest of Benjamin Lee Stanley, a 39-year-old Topton, North Carolina, man, for domestic violence violations and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Over the past several months, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office had several interactions with Stanley including evading arrest on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Additionally, there were two active warrants for the arrest of Stanley for violation of Domestic Violence Protective Orders. On several occasions, Stanley had evaded arrest including a Friday morning encounter where Stanley led investigators on a chase eventually losing them as Stanley, who was operating a Jeep, took an off-road trail.
During the early morning hours of April 14, 2018, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division traveled to Stanley’s residence and utilized a search warrant to gain entry. Upon entering the residence, it was discovered that Stanley was again attempting escape by dropping down into the crawlspace of the residence and hiding until discovered by the deputies. Stanley was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Benjamin Lee Stanley was served with an indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and was placed on a $15,000 secure bond. Additionally, two domestic violence protective order violation warrants were served on Stanley, in which he was placed on a 48-hour no bond condition. Stanley was also charged with Resist Obstruct and Delay and was placed on a $3,000 secure bond. Stanley is currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “Great work getting Mr. Stanley off the streets. It is obvious he has no regard for the court or the law. This was some outstanding work by the patrol officers who took this issue to heart, planning out a great mission and ensuring no one was hurt. Job Well Done!”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Murphy man charged with threats
Police & Government March 21, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 13, 2018, arrest of 55-year-old Keith Charles Celebreeze Sr. of Murphy, North Carolina, in connection with making threats via social media and emails.
For the past several months, numerous threatening and demeaning emails and social media postings were sent to individuals of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as well as individuals employed with the District Attorney’s office in Waynesville, North Carolina. The State Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation and several charges were taken out on Celebreeze. At some point in the investigation, Celebreeze had failed to make a scheduled court appearance.
Celebreeze surrendered himself to the Cherokee County Detention Center for the following charges: FAILURE TO APPEAR ON MISDEMEANOR X 3, EXTORTION X 2, and INTIMIDATING WITNESS X 2. He has a $357,000 secure bond and has an April 3, 2018, District Court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “We should remember, with the right of free speech, we have a responsibility not to infringe on the rights of others, and we will hold you accountable.”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Battle of the States: 1st Round Recap
Team FYN Sports December 28, 2017
The 24th Annual Battle of the States Christmas Tournament kicked off in Hiawassee, Georgia on Wednesday, Dec 27. The tournament consists of eight boys and eight girls teams, who represent GA, NC, TN, and AL. There will be eight games a day for all three days of the tournament.
Here are the the first day results from the girls’ side of the bracket:
In the 10am game, Murphy NC beat Lumpkin County Girls by a score of 76-55. Post, Jessica Beckner led the Lady Bulldogs with 24 pts. Lumpkin was led in scoring by Makenzie Pulley, who had 19 pts.
In the 1pm game, Hokes Bluff, Alabama defeated Polk County, TN by a score of 32 – 23. Amanda Noah led Hokes Bluff with 21 pts. Nikki Ball led Polk County with 11 pts.
In the 4pm game, Union County defeated Darlington Academy in a close fought contest. Union pulled out a 54-52 victory as Darlington missed a game-tying field goal as time expired. Adeline Mockery paced the Lady Panthers with 22 pts. Caroline Dingler led Darlington with 21 pts.
In the 7pm tilt, the Towns County Lady Indians defeated rival, Hayesville, NC by a score of 52-42. Towns County kept the lead the whole first half, taking a 22-19 lead into intermission. The two teams were tied at 26 before Towns County’s press stretched the lead to 43-30 at the end of the third. Towns closed the game with a 10pt victory. Freshman, Kennedi Henson led Towns with 16. Junior, Taylor Cornett gave 9 pts, with a trifecta of long distance shots. Senior Madison McClure had 8 pts, hitting four crucial free throws in the game’s final minutes. Hayesville was led in scoring by Junior, Savanna Annis with 18 pts. Hailea Rickett finished with 17 pts.
Day Two of the Battle of States tournament will feature 4 girls and 4 boys games through the whole day of Thursday, December 28th. The tournament will conclude on Friday, December 29th with 8 more games to determine Battle of the States’ Champions, as well as 2nd through 5th place for Boys and Girls.
Day 2 Schedule (Thursday, Dec. 28)
10 am – Lumpkin County vs Darlington Academy (Girls)
11:30- Piedmont, AL vs Lumpkin County (Boys)
1:00 – Polk County, TN vs Hayesville, NC (Girls)
2:30 – Polk County, TN vs Hayesville, NC (Boys)
4:00 – Union County vs Murphy, NC (Girls)
5:30 – Union County vs Murphy, NC (Boys)
7:00 – Towns County vs Hokes Bluff, AL (Girls)
8:30 – Towns County vs Hokes Bluff, AL (Boys)
Seven arrested in drug raid
News November 16, 2017
MURPHY, N.C.— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Nov. 10, 2017, culmination of a multi-month investigation, which resulted in the arrest of seven Cherokee County, North Carolina, individuals on various drug possession charges.
Since January 2017, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has conducted an investigation into activities in and around a Marble community residence. Several complaints have been made by local citizens of activities that are consistent with the illegal possession and sale of controlled substances. As the investigators collected information from various sources, including calls for service, traffic infractions of individuals visiting the Marble residence and local and anonymous reports, they were able to obtain a search for the residence which garnered a trafficking amount of methamphetamine and marijuana as well as various items of drug paraphernalia.
The following individuals arrested at the residence:
Derek Wilson: Trafficking methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $150,000 secure bond and awaiting a Nov. 21, 2017, court date.
Tya Rogers: Trafficking methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $75,000 secure bond awaiting a Nov. 21, 2017, court date.
Noel Martin: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of Marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Is currently free upon posting a $3,500 secure bond and is expected to be back in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Chanda Mcgowan: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Charles Frazier: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Heather Frazier: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Bobby Foster: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Sheriff Palmer said, “These are very time-consuming cases, but we are following all leads to
attack the drug problem in Cherokee County. As you can see, we are utilizing all resources
available and encourage continued support of our community.”
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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 [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in
progress.
Robert Andrew Defore pled guilty to first-degree forcible sexual offense
News November 16, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Robert Andrew Defore, 41, of Andrews pled guilty to first-degree
forcible sexual offense in Cherokee County Superior Court presided over by the Honorable
Gary Gavenus on Nov. 13, 2017
In August 2015, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a request from the
Andrews Police Department to assist in a sexual assault investigation involving Defore and a
minor child. Pursuant to that allegation, a joint investigation was conducted which concluded
with the arrest of Defore.
Judge Gavenus sentenced Defore to a maximum of 29 years in prison, and he will serve
at least 20 years before he is eligible for release. Upon his release from prison, Defore will be
monitored by a satellite GPS tracking system, he will be required to register as a sex offender for
the remainder of his life, and he is prohibited from ever having contact with the victim.
“This conviction keeps a very dangerous child predator off the streets while he serves a
lengthy prison sentence and sends a strong message to the community that the District Attorney’s
office places the highest priority on protecting our children. I commend all of the dedicated
professionals who partner with the District Attorney’s office to give a strong voice to our most
vulnerable victims. Congratulations on a job well done,” said District Attorney Ashley Welch.
Sheriff Palmer said, “(This was) great team work by some very dedicated individuals. We echo District
Attorney Welch’s sentiments and will continue to fight those who attempt to rob our youth of
their innocence.”
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 [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in
progress.
Elsie Bruce: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018January 28, 1928 – October 16, 2018
Mrs. Elsie Bruce, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Ervin Jones and the Late Sarah Trantham Jones. Mrs. Bruce was preceded in death by mother and father, brothers, George Jones and Sherman Jones, sisters, Nora Spurling, Ora Hembree, and Ethel Cross.
Survivors include her daughters, Mary (Jess) Deaver of Blairsville, GA, and Callie Johnson of Murphy, NC, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Services will be at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC on Friday, October 19, 2018, at 3:00 PM with Rev. Bo Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Town Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 19, 2018, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Alma Mae Davis: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018Alma Mae Davis
09/14/1921 – 11/04/2018
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Davis Sr.; son, Ralph Davis Jr. and brothers, William and Frederick Young.
She is survived by her son, Roger Davis of Athens, TN; daughter-in-law, Norma Davis; sisters, Wilma Smith, Bernice Geislen, Mary Brown, Thelma Firshing and Marty Zarzaka; 8 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
George J. Menasian: Obituary
Obituaries October 25, 2018George J. Menasian
12/09/1931 – 10/18/2018
He was a native of Wayne County, Detroit and the son of the late George Ead Menasian and Pearl Amanda Truett Menasian. George spent his summers in North Carolina with his grandmother, Amanda Truett. He was a member of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge # 146 and a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Murphy, NC.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, George Edward Menasian; his daughter, Lois Ann McGarry of Bethlehem, PA; his brother, Edward Menasian; his sisters, Mary Menasian of Murphy, NC, Yvonne Toft of Howell Michigan, and Trudy Cusick of Royal Oak, Michigan.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Allison Menasian; his daughters, Linda Marie Cook of Michigan and Laura Jean Miller of Puyallup, Washington; his sisters, Glenna Barcyz of Warren, Michigan, and Sandra Kersey of Williamsburg, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm. Rev. Gerald Derreberry will officiate. Pallbearers will be Dustin Whitener, Ed Menasian, Marc Menasian, Jason Savugot, Michael Savugot, and Kevin Bailey. Burial will be in the Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Oxford Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 and the Shady Grove Cemetery Fund, 6 Deweese Street, Murphy, NC.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Pamela Kinnersley Martin: Obituary
Obituaries October 17, 2018
Pamela Kinnersley Martin, age 58 of Hayesville, NC passed away Sunday, October 14, 2018 at her residence.
She was born in Cherokee County, NC to the late Rev. Donald Kinnersley, Sr. and Jonnie Kinnersley. Pamela worked for Moog for 38 years. She loved her husband, daughters and grandchildren. Pamela enjoyed listening to gospel music. She was non-denomination; she was a born again Christian.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one sister, Marjorie Kinnersley.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Martin; two daughters, Monica Wayman and husband Stuart and Tonya Raper and husband Christopher; two brothers, Dale Kinnersley, Jr. and wife Marilyn and Jim Kinnersley and wife Jamie; four grandchildren, Ellison Wayman, George Raper, Jack Wayman and Marshall Raper; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at the Bell Scene Baptist Church in Hiawassee, GA at 11 am, Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Rev. Mitchell Martin and Rev. Ralph Barnard will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Tim Kinnersley will conduct graveside service and a eulogy will be given by Nancy Spivey. Pallbearers will be Kevin Kinnersley, Brian Kinnersley, Shane Spivey, Jacob Garner, Josh Swanson and Daniel Moss.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Ashley Annette Weaver: Obituary
Obituaries October 9, 2018Ashley Annette Weaver | 12/10/1983 – 10/05/2018
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her children; Aiden Weaver and Chloe Roe; sister, Crystal Gadd, Brailey Barmore and Tasha Wooten and one nephew, several nieces and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 7PM, Wednesday October 10, 2018 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Freddy Maney will officiate. Pallbearers will be David Taylor, Tommy Taylor, Corey Hancock, Cameron Hancock, Frank Millsaps Jr. and Doug Millsaps. Honorary pallbearers will be Preston Mashburn, Cliff Queen and Glen Maney.
The family will receive friends from 5-7PM, Wednesday October 10, 2018 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Cherokee NC County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 09/30 to 10/06
Arrest Reports October 8, 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.
Guain H. Dockery: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Guain H. Dockery, 95, of Marble passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at her residence. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Guain retired from Coats America, working in the textile industry for 18 years. She was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble.
She was the daughter of the late William Harrison and Rosie Lee Garren Hancock and the wife of the late Rev. Harvey T. Dockery, who died January 7, 2002. She was also preceded in death by a son, Harrison Dockery; three sisters, Wilma Lovingood, Katherine Dockery, and Edna Carroll; and three brothers, Clint, Tommy, and Charles Hancock.
Surviving are a daughter, Nadine Lance and husband, Jim of Marble; two sons, Alfred Dockery and wife, Wanda and Danny Dockery and wife, Carolyn, all of Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Joy Dockery of Marble; a sister, Helen Wyke of Marble; nine grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 in the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble with the Revs. Ricky Lance, Darrell Dockery, and Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment will be in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Lance, Bryan Dockery, Hunter Lance, Austin Dockery, Zack Dockery, and Benji Roberts. Mark Farmer, Joey Lewis, and all other grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Oak Grove Baptist Church prior to the services.
The family requests memorials be made in memory of Guain H. Dockery to the Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.