Hours after the Yancey County Department of Social Services celebrated the opening of a new consolidated facility in Burnsville, the DSS board announced that they have accepted the resignation of Director Alice Elkins. Elkins, who has worked for DSS for 27 years and can retire in another year, wanted to serve out her remaining time in a less stressful position and will begin work as a social worker in the adult services program with the agency. The Board appointed Dr. Gwen Harris as interim director while a new director is recruited.