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Oct 2 2011 4:41PM
Posted 143 days 13 hrs 25 mins ago
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Dec 7 2011 5:59PM
Posted 77 days 11 hrs 7 mins ago
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THANKS TO MR. SINK'S EDITORIAL THIS AM ABOUT ERIC HOLDER. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN IMPEACHED A LONG TIME AGO AS HE HAS TARNISHED THE OFFICE OF THE "DOJ" AND HAS DISHONORED AND IS A TOTAL DISGRACE TO THE "USA'S" JUSTICE SYSTEM
Dumping on Spruce Pine It’s David and Goliath all over again, but in this situation it’s David that will take the rock to the head, or rather, the dust to the lungs. If you’ve ever visited a coal mining town, you would quickly see the devastation it can have on not only the environment, but also on the people. The families that have lived in the shadow of the mines can quickly agree that you do not have to work in one to have your health affected by it. Not a single member of the zoning board asked how dust or the waste in general would impact the health of the community. Not one member asked about property values and how homeowners could be compensated. Not one member commented how this proposal would be located in the most densely populated area of the county. At the zoning meeting, representatives from the mine did not respond to any questions with a simple yes or no...just maybes, I think so, I think we can work with the community. The non committal responses should have been a red flag, but the zoning board approved it passed it on to the council without any real information or commitments from the company to base their decision on. My best interests were definitely not considered that night. To get the right perspective, let’s set the stage properly. Though Spruce Pine has been described as a quaint, laid back town off the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is also the center of a billion dollar global industry. Please read the previous sentence again and feel the impact the words “CENTER of a BILLION dollar industry”. This implies that if the doors of the mining companies close that not only would industries around the world would be affected, but governments would be just a little put off, too. The reason to dump waste in city limits, a densely populated area, is so Feldspar/Quartzco can stay competitive…the bottom line, not the community, is the only consideration here. The plant manager said that without the 36 acres (actual area to be used for dumping) the plant would have to close down. Really? Give up all that money? Again, where is the center of a billion dollar industry with the purest quartz? Spruce Pine. Not having 36 acres is going to close this plant? What are they going to do after the “proposed” 8-10 year period of dumping is over with? Mitchell County is a 222 square mile area with 49 people per square mile (population is just over 10,000 people based on the 2010 census), while the town of Spruce Pine is comprised of 3.9 square miles with 577 people per square mile. About 48 percent of the homes in city limits have small children under the age of 10 and/or adults 65 and over. Is there something wrong with this picture? Feldspar/Quartzco is willing to endanger the health of our community, the highest concentration of people per square mile with 48 percent of the homes having children and elderly, because they want to stay competitive. That it is closer to the plant, saves millions of dollars and it makes great business sense, but it makes no sense to our immediate and long term health related, environmental, economic issues. Right now we are in the grip of some very powerful and influential companies that must not care for our short/long term welfare if they are wanting to dump on our town. The wealth of Mitchell County’s natural resources and its children’s heritage are not staying here to help us, but leaving to enrich someone else. The destiny of our community is currently tied with quartz, but it won’t always be here or be the only source. Look at the coal towns that are now ghost towns, look at the health and economic issues that families of those communities still struggle with, and then say that you like the status quo. Why won’t Feldspar/Quartzco look at how the population is dispersed and identify potential sites that would make the least impact on health, environment, and what little property value we have? Is it because they may not make as large a profit as they would like? What if the county actually takes responsibility and designates an area for the companies to dispose wastes and make it equitable for all parties so that the companies can be competitive with each other in other areas of business? Why is the push to rezone for a dump site so quick and so quiet? Why do I not hear anything about dust and other health related issues? How do I know that the board is informed enough to make decisions on the health and well being of my child? If they approve the rezoning, I would then know that they were not well informed because who can believe that what is going to be dumped is totally safe or the dust we will be breathing does not cause health problems in a heavily populated area with our youth and elderly? What they propose to do might be legal, but is it morally or ethically right if it negatively impacts our community? I won’t even bother asking a company that is part of a billion dollar global industry if it’s right…they’re the ones who want to be competitive at our expense. Be at the town meeting February 13 if you are concerned for the young, the elderly, and yourself.
DSS employees are paid by Federal,State and County funds. The County is reimbursed by Federal and State Funds and the County pays a percentage of the DSS employees pay.
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All Clerk of Court employees are State of NC employees paid by the NC Admin. Office of the Courts. They are not paid by Yancey County.
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I do not and will not buy the "new paper" being published in Yancey County, but one was given to me recently. It again published the salaries of all the county employees, well, most of the county employees. I found it interesting that no one from the Yancey County Clerk of Court's Office was listed. Although these salaries are public record, publishing them can only cause problems among employees, and is, in my opinion, in very bad taste.
I agree that everyone should pay their fair taxes. I also think someone, not related to this county, should figure out what those taxes are for Mountain Air so they will pay them. Mountain Air has provided a lot to this county as far as jobs and we should appreciate that.
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I respect your opinion, and thats all im offering is my humble opinion, but if you will look at the article that is posted here on the wkyk website the value is $482 million the owed taxes is $400,000. The first post on here states Mountain Air owes the county $482 million dollars which is a ridiculous number. And as far as people being treated differently because they are associated with Mountain Air, I know this to be a fact(and this is not directed at all Yancey County Residents) because I have seen it first hand.
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I totally agree with your comment about the right hand not letting the left hand know what it is doing. My complaint is with the double standard that goes on in Yancey County regarding Mountain Air. Everyone wants to focus on the negatives and highlite those and not even consider the good that has been done in the community. That is my only complaint with the situation.
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Concerning the post about MTN. AIR and the post" they are or were treated differently.If you will check it out and i promise you will not need a magnifying glass unless you need real assistance with your vision.as i said check this out for yourself and you will see if you choose to see? That ALL the property owners in Yancey had their taxes raised.Personally my taxes almost tripled i live inside city limits in a house built in the late 40's sitting on an acre of land,.compared to a house on mtn.air with a value of 1 million dollars or more.If you read the paper and check the facts it was reported that the amount was 482 million originally.check it out.As for the rich having to live by a different standard by increasing mtn air taxes unfairly "HOGWASH" if any one will check they will see all property taxes increased," Hypothetically lets say a person owns an acre or less of property with a house valued at $50,000 inside city limits or outside, and another person owns the same amount of land with a house valued at $1,000.00 or more in a gated community surrondered by several elegant homes,a private air port,a golf course. Should both be taxed the same? 1st. of all in my opinion certainly not,and anyone can check other tax guidelines and see for themselves. Unless you have medical problems that prevent your ability to see or hear no one needs a magnifying glass or a hearing aid to find out that it was printed in local newspapers, on radio news the original amount was $482,000.000 that mtn air refused to pay they attempted to reach an agreement with County Commissioners and apparently were very close until county attorney informed them they didn't have the authority to do so. Then mtn air's representative advised Commissioners the amount they was willing to pay and even the schedule they would pay them,in my opinion this is comical at best! I wonder if us average Joe's tried that what would our answer be? The way this matter is being handled makes me wonder if any of the Commissioners or review board has any sort of personal interest on mtn air, I am not saying they do! it just seems that Yancey County seems to attempting to bend over backwards for mtn air.I also wonder if it may be political.It is my own opinion that the point brought up concerning scholarships as well as donations to help the needy has somewhat of a hidden agenda, Think about it if you choose by doing these things that you sure have no need for a magnifying glass or hearing aid to see and hear about. In my opinion the people in Yancey County see or hear about these things then when mtn air with all their riches want something from the County, some people say well they done this or that and that helps mtn air when whatever they want is brought before County,Town. NO I Don't have anything against no one who lives or has a home or land on mtn air,or against rich people.But I Am Sick of paying more taxes than the rich, Because they are so many loop holes for them.and the fact that they assume they can Dictate what the County does. Now please keep in mind that this is an opinion page, And this is just that MY OPINION!
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Regarding the comment: "You need to look with a magnifying glass in the local paper for good deeds done by Mtn. Air:" Well, what about the rest of us who make charitable contributions and do not expect for this to be made public or to gain credit or public relations form or donations? Shouldn´t anybody not let the right hand know what the left hand does????????????????
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The only reason there has to be a settlement is because the county decided to raise Mountain Air's taxes by 19% and Mountain Air refused to pay. The county decided to try to make the rich live by a different standard by incresing only Mountain Air's taxes. And by the way its $400,000 not $482 million.
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Why should a settlement have to be worked out with Mountain Air over outstanding taxes. I would bet that if I, or any other common resident of Yancey county, owed taxes they would get a statement of the amount owed and they would be expected to pay that amount with no questions asked. Why should the rich live by a different set of rules?
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This is in response to the user who complained about The Mountain Air Tax situation. If you read the paper as you say you do you would have seen that the problem is the fact that Yancey County decided on their own to raise the taxes at Mountain Air by 19% this was not done as a state wide or even county wide change. That is why the case was originally thrown at and started over again. I don't care how wealthy someone is if you try to up there taxes by 19% they are going to complain I know I would. I also love how something negative about Mountain Air gets a big front page headline but when Mountain Air does something like providing scholarships to students from Yancey County or helping the needy in the community (or the jobs that have been provided) you need a magnifying glass to find it in the paper.
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It has come to my attention that county commissioners and Mtn Air have been meeting at a local attorney's office working to reach a settlement concerning back taxes that the developments owners as well as the homeowners association OWE THE COUNTY.TO the tune of 482 MILLION DOLLARS Mtn Air has done seemingly everything they can to do to get out of paying the Taxes they owe.Even went to the Appellate Court which suggested Mediation since it had made it's way back to the appeals process again which by the way ruled in favor of the county the first time. I have tried to follow this matter which concerns me as well as disturbs me. Their reasons vary from the settlers ridge section for one they claim that the project was shelved due to lack of financial backing,how ever it has been reported by local media sources surveys were done and tracts were divided for individual sale and at least two to my knowledge were sold, documents concerning this matter were produced. The other claim made is that part of the land shouldn't be taxed at all because it is a common area.Mtn Air property and the homeowners property value were assessed the same time by the same firm, and many people was shocked by the increase in their taxes the Courthouse halls were full with property owners many who hardly make it by, some may have got some sort of relief but not many. What did we have to do ? PAY OUR TAXES! What makes Mtn. Air and the property owners any different? I wonder if the County Commissioners would sit down with you or I to negotiate a settlement and allow us to tell them what would be acceptable to us to pay and how we would pay it Of course not! Unless we had the money to take it to the Appellate Court.It sickens me to know that the commissioners that the people of this county elected are handling this matter the way they are. Are they Intimidated, are do they have special interest their? I DON'T KNOW! County Commissioners Don't back down Stand and do the Right Thing For ALL Yancey County. It's my opinion that the people of Yancey County needs to be informed everyone don't read the papers so spread the word concerning this we all deserve to be treated the same. $482 million dollars the county needs,not special treatment for some!
It's my opinion the reason Gasoline is higher here in Burnsville than Spruce Pine is GREED! If the people would come together and drive the short drive to Spruce Pine and buy their Gas for awhile, I bet they would get the messages you would not end up paying any more driving there for a fill up. we are constantly hearing Buy Local, If there wasn't so much GREED concerning gas in Burnsville I for one would gladly buy my gas local.But instead I will drive to spruce pine or you can actually buy it in Asheville cheaper if you shop around. so stick together take a half hour drive buy cheaper gas and let all the stations Gas Pumps sit idle then maybe they will come to appreciate the people of Burnsvilles Businesss and stop realize how big a part we play in keeping them open. Also if we are not buying our gas at their stores we also are not buying other products. It's my opinion it would do them good to know how it feels to be treated the way they treat us they dont' mind to take money out of our pockets so why not show them how it feels.and if they learn to appreciate our business then give it back to them,If not lets take our trade elsewhere....... well that's my opinion.
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Why is gas so high in our town (355.9) when you can go to Spruce Pine and get it for $3.26.9 ????
A lot of people have different opinions of the new road project and how it is affecting our area. Some positive and some negative. We can all agree that the road from the Jack’s Creek bridge at Riverside all the way to the Interstate in Madison County was much needed and will not only be a faster and safer road to travel, but will also be much more comfortable traveling with less curves and traffic to follow. My disappointment with the new road is mainly due to how it is coming through Burnsville and has been met with strong agreement by many local residents and visitors to our town. The change in the “look” of the town is becoming more evident on a daily basis and now I’m discovering that more businesses that I enjoy are probably going to close because of the new road being so “wide” that it is taking the businesses parking lots and making it impossible for the businesses to operate. I don’t understand why the road, or possibly the state’s “right-of-way” is narrow in some areas, but is so wide in others? It’s as though some residents and businesses were spared any damage whatsoever, but others have been so dramatically damaged that their properties are pretty much worthless now due to the “right-of-way” taking so much of their property. I’ve heard many rumors of various stores that may be closing by late Spring or mid Summer as the road will be either taking their “parking lots” or the store’s themselves. Does anyone know if the rumor is true that the owners of the Ingles supermarkets has bought the Roses shopping center and all of the surrounding stores in order to tear them all down and build a new superstore? Due to their locations, I’ve wondered if Pizza Hut, Napa Auto Parts, Styles Automotive and CVS will be affected by the new road so much that they may either close or move to a new location? There just isn’t enough room on the current road to make such a large road for such a small town. It is very sad that this has happened to such a nice town like Burnsville. I, like many of my neighbors, have always wanted a nice, new road to get to places faster and safer, but none of us wanted them to tear our town down in order to do it!
The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave, Is in Danger in my opinion.I feel there are many people who do not have access to proper news affiliates or the Internet do not realize how serious things are becoming with each passing second.The United States is rapidly approaching The Federal Debt Ceiling Of 16.4 trillion dollars. U.S. Borrowing recently passed the 15 trillion dollar mark and is rising each second.I recently read an official report that was released of the largest holders of U.S. Debt according to U.S. Treasury Data. one note that foreign Countries include private and public investors. 1.The U.S. Federal Reserve Intergovernmental Holdings $6.328 trillion. 2.China holdings $1.132 trillion. 3.U.S. Investors/ Saving Bonds. 4. Japan $1.038 trillion. 5. U.S. Pension Funds $842.2 billion. 6. U.S. Mutual Funds $653.5 billion. 7. U.S. State And Local Governments $484.4 billion. 8. The United Kingdom $429.4 billion. 9. U.S. Depository Institutions $284,5 billion. 10. U.S. Insurance Companies $250.1 billion. this is just a list of the ones owed the most. Our Government tells the American people that they have plans to reduce The National Debt they promise to reduce spending But just look at what the current administration has spent in less than four years. And then I hear on many news media outlets President Obama plans to Drastically Cut Our Military......REALLY! In The Times We Are Living In with all the Countries that Hate the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.We The People Must Take A Stand.......concerned?
Sam McIntosh & Stacey McEntyre of RTB Entertainment would like to thank everyone who attended The Bellamy Brothers concert Friday January 27th at The Burnsville Town Center. We are very proud to say that the Bellamy Brothers and their staff were very happy with all the wonderful hospitality that they received from Burnsville! They were so comfortable and happy that they came out and greeted everyone after the show,signed autographs and took pictures. This was something that they usually do not do and with time constraints they really didn't have time to do, however they choose to do this for us based on the wonderful welcome they received from Yancey County. We would like to thank all of our volunteers and our sound team for a job well done. Cane River RAA supplied us with refreshments and all those proceeds went to their association. WKYK has been a wonderful supporter and sponsor with all three of our shows that we have been able to bring to Yancey County (BlackBerry Smoke, Confederate Railroad & The Bellamy Brothers). The Garden Deli was also a wonderful supporter and sponsor for The Bellamy Brothers show. The Bellamy Brothers and their staff dined at The Garden Deli and of course had nothing but wonderful things to say about the food and the service. Our other sponsors included: Buchanan & Young, Jill's Hairport, Burnsville Chevrolet, Dream Mtn Realty, Sandy's Hair Fashions, Premier Mtn Properties, Farm Bureau Insurance, and The Barn. Of course we would also like to thank The Town of Burnsville, The Burnsville Town Center (George & Chad) and all of you that gave The Bellamy Brothers and The Burnsville Town Center a SOLD OUT SHOW! We sincerly hope you enjoyed it?
The zoning change of the 114 acre tract off of Roan Road from Residential to Heavy Industrial, though approved by the zoning board, has not yet been passed by the town council. Taxpayers, there is still time to question this decision. To say that the Feldspar/Quartzco mining waste landfill project has no down side is to completely ignore the losses many families, and indeed the face of the town, will suffer. Neighbors near the project will have their quality of life and their property values destroyed by the constant trucking traffic, machinery racket, flying dust. This is not the peaceful and serene craft and festival-loving, homey Spruce Pine that invites tourists and home buyers to enjoy life in a small mountain town. Who will want to move here in the future, when they see the eyesore of a mining landfill this close to town? The wildlife on this acreage – bear, deer, towhees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, thrushes, doves, foxes – all the creatures who touch our lives with mountain magic will be driven off. It’s only supposed to be eight or ten years of usage? (While two huge 40 to 50 foot pits are filled with the overburden and processed materials from the mine.) That is a whole childhood. It is not “green” to destroy an environment and a habitat and then cover it up with soil and plantings, make a soccer field of it. That is a mere Band Aid on top of a raw wound. Mitchell County became an official NC Heritage County not long ago. Is this the heritage we really want to preserve within Spruce Pine limits? Sacrificing huge tracts of land to be filled with mining waste? Better we start thinking about a heritage museum, a wildlife sanctuary, walking and hiking paths, botanical gardens showing off our unique mosses, wildflowers, and plants. Those are the kind of projects that show pride in what we have, the joy of mountain life. The Feldspar mine has kept this area going for a long, long time, and has the deserved loyalty of its workers. It contributes generously to town projects. As civic leaders, surely they must see the value of relocating this waste landfill to a more remote location in order to protect the very town they support. The approval of the zoning board for the proposed feldspar mine waste landfill project was step one in the process. Now the town council must vote the change through. Monday, February 13th will be the opportunity for people who oppose the zoning change to let their voices be heard in Town hall at 5:30 that evening. In the meantime, Spruce Pine Library has provided their common room on Tuesday night, February 7th, from 6-8 PM as a space for concerned citizens to informally meet and share their opinions.
This is in response to the person who started this topic. I have wrote postings on here related to immoral issues in this country hoping that locally I could possibly make a change in people's issues. I have not snubbed my nose at anyone, I have snubbed my nose at these immoral issues and sins. You say you teach your children and grandchildren compassion for these people. That is why this country has turned out to be the sorry immoral place that it has when people condone these issues. I will NOT have compassion for these people with the way that they do. I don't need to condemn them for they have already condemned themselves with the immoral acts that they do. You should be proud of someone that doesn't endorse these issues and try to speak of a moral way to live and think. If people had compassion for these people and condoned their way of living, these people would never know that what they were doing was wrong because in they eye of the public, they never saw anything wrong with it. My beliefs are backed by first of all, the Word of God. My beliefs are also backed by evidence and research. Myself and others stand on these beliefs. Most people in this socially inclined society feel that they should either condone these immoral issues because they personally know someone who participate in these immoral acts and go along with their twisted beliefs to keep from hurting their feelings therefore not accepting the truth about these issues. These people have no backbone in standing up for what they believe in. If we don't teach our children (the future of this country) that these issues are wrong, these children will grow up thinking that these actions are ok and the issues will worsen. I want to live in a world, country, state, county and community where these issues are not accepted. I know that will never happen but we need to teach people that these issues are wrong and not condone or have compassion for these issues. My words I have written about these topics are facts not opinions. As I say they are backed by evidence and research. I am not one who claims to be a Christian and not back up my Christianity by works and faith. I can truly say that I am a Christian. I go to a country church where God's Word has always been the same and not twisted and stretched to fit someones issue. I go to a church that teaches rights and wrongs not just rights. If it wasn't for Christians like me and many others, this whole world would be condemned. People need to refrain from their "society" way of thinking and truly think about the Word of God and what it truly means and we would have a better society. Life is about worshiping God, not keeping up with the Jones's, seeing who can be the most popular, have the most money, wear the best clothes, drive the best vehicles and live in the fanciest homes. You can't take that material life with you when you go. Life isn't a popularity contest, you don't have to condone immoral people's ways to be a Christian. I stand on what I believe and that will always stand.
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This comment is to address comments that was apparently misunderstood in a recent post i had posted. I will not split theological hairs, However concerning my last post I did not question any ones faith. I simply made an attempt to help another person understand that all though the statement that they had been brought up in church,singing hymns,and learning scriptures, are all good. The words that they had come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ was never mentioned. So as any born again child of God i was concerned this individual may have experienced the aforementioned things but they had never come to know Christ as their Saviour," There is a difference" Sadly many people think that simply because they were brought up in church singing hymns,learning scriptures and having their name on the church membership book and being a good person they will most certainly go to Heaven. Also there are many who attend church faithfully,sing in the choir, listen to the Sunday school teacher as well as the man of God preach the word of God, and are a morally a good person, even tithe. But unless they have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour with their sins Under The BLOOD they will die in their sins and spend eternity in Hell. Read John 3:7 Jesus told Nicodemus "Ye Must Be Born again" Salvation is Personal you can't get in on Dad's and Mom's coat tail. NO I AM NOT JUDGING ONLY GIVING THE TRUTHS OF GODS WORD! Neither am i trying to cause anyone to doubt their Salvation. Read 2ND PETER 1:10 Tells us to" make our calling and election sure" Also Read MATTHEW 7:21,22. Let me ask if it only took going to church,singing hymns,learning scriptures,having your name on the church membership book,baptizing or being a good person Why did Jesus Christ bleed,suffer and give his life for sins of the world and then come out victorious over death hell and the grave" having obtained Eternal Redemption for us" I was not raised in church however i feel God helps me understand the scriptures as he does any other child of God and sometimes i read over a scripture that i previously didn't understand and all of sudden i understand it, simply in his infinite knowledge he knows when i need it.although I was not raised in church one day I heard the Word Of God Preached,and the Holy Ghost Convicted me of my sins realizing I was Lost and headed for Hell I went to a Man Of God who explained the Plan Of Salvation to me I fell on my face and Confessed I was a sinner and ask the Lord to Forgive me of my Sins And Save My Soul And He did Forgive me and Save me! That's been 30 years ago. And I was baptized,attend church faithfully sing praises to God,Read and Study his word as well as listen to The Man Of God Preach and pray God will deal with my heart that i may grow and see where i need to repent, and most of all some lost soul might be saved.I do realize I sin But a sinner saved by the Grace Of God.I Read And have read ROMANS 14. I feel I made no attempt to not try to help anyone who had an interest on the subject that peoples opinions were being given on.I am more than happy to talk to anyone out of a heart of love Especially a Lost person and explain the love God has for them and what he has done for them. I snub my nose at no one and Love Everyone But I Hate SIN! and will witness to them as a christian should.also take God's word and explain the Love of God,tolerance.forgiveness from The Bible The final authority.I have many Lost friends and not ashamed to be seen with them i just don't go to the same places they go or do as they do and tell them why. WHY? "Because I'm a new creature in Christ" And the Bible does say "TO have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" Yes Yancey County Love one another, Child Of God Love The Sinner But Not The Sin! STAND FIRM ON GOD"S WORD! Pray for the Lost, show forth the Love of Christ. BUT NEVER COMPROMISE! I assure everyone I have NO INTENTION of Misrepresenting the Word Of God. That's why I give Scripture to back what i say up.Read them yourself from the AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION BIBLE.
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This comment is directed to the person who wrote under "Christian Thinking in Yancey County". It was a response to another post, by a woman who said that she was embarrassed by the so called "Christians" here, because of the way they are so quick to judge others. She said she was raised in church, learned the scripture,etc. MY question to "Christian Thinking" is this: Why do you question HER faith as a Christian, and state that people aren't a "Christian" just because they were raised in church, etc. Were YOU raised in church? Because if so, then you would know everything that entails, including, but not limited to: learning bible verses, becoming born again, getting baptized, singing praises to God and listening to the preacher every Sunday teach right from wrong. I think that DEFINITELY constitutes being a Christian. You speak that we may all die in sin anyhow, even if we have been raised in church. Well, we are all sinners, but being born again, we have the comfort to know that our transgressions are forgiven,. Now don't misunderstand me: I do not mean that one may go and sin freely and live as they please, then ask a quick forgiveness and expect all to be fine. But we are ALL sinners, even if we are the "best Christian in the whole wide world", which is how I feel alot of people around here view themselves. You sure threw out alot of Bible verses, trying to convince this woman that her way of thinking is wrong.. Have you read Romans, chapter 14? Because in that chapter, everything is pretty well laid out, and simply put. Who art thou to judge thy brother? Let him not that eateth,despise him that eateth not. And it goes on.. I have lived in this county for over 40 years, and I wish I knew who that woman was, because I would love to talk to her for a few minutes. In this day and time, to teach her children love, tolerance and forgiveness, especially when the world is so wicked and cold.. that is to be commended, not criticized by someone who obviously feels no shame in "walking not with a sinner". If you don't want to walk with a sinner, don't walk with yourself. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. You are a sinner. I am a sinner. We all are. And we are ALL God's children. And God loves ALL his children the same. So please, Yancey County, you don't have to like what your neighbor does, but you do have to love him. God says so. So please do so, and stop misrepresenting my religion. Thank you.
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I would like to express my opinion on christian thinking in Yancey County, first of all there are many people who call themselves Christians. they say they were raised in church,sang the hymn's,learned scriptures. and some even attend church each service now however you can do all this and still die in your sins and spend eternity in hell. First you must hear the Word, James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth,that we should be the kind of the first fruits of his creatures. 1st Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ,yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. also Romans 10:17 secondly the spirit must draw sinners John 6:44 convicting us of our sins, then we confess with our mouth and believe with our heart,then we are saved!Just being raised in church,singing hymns, learning scriptures although that's good it won't save your soul. It is true Jesus taught love and compassion. I read someones opinion that Homosexuality is not morally right, you are right about that LEVITICUS 18:22 tells us it is an abomination to God. Read GENESIS chapter 19 and ROMANS 1:24-28. I believe God's people are to love everyone But not their sin. a child of God or a man called to preach the word of God will never be able to lead someone to Christ without Love. Sadly though when a man of God stands under the power and demonstration of spirit and brings a message concerning homosexuality,adultery,abortion,murder,rape,alcohol or drug abuse or any sin they may be guilty of they are accused of having no love,beating the listeners over the head, something.In the day and hour in which we live a lot of people even Deacons and Preachers don't want to hear old time Holy Ghost Preaching they just want to hear someone stand and give a sermon they got from some on-line web site or a book of 1000 sermons that is intended to just tell something comforting Afraid to Preach ON SIN. I remember not to many years ago when men of God stood and Preached on sin with a heart full of love warning the lost and Preaching with a heart full of love leading God's people. Read.2nd TIMOTHY 4:3 Also ISIAH 58:1 I am not Judging no one what The Word Of God Say's is right is right and what it says' is Sin is Sin,But as a child of God I am expected to stand for whats right and against whats wrong,love the sinner but not the sin! Anyone who has children should teach their children and we as adults God is a God Of Love, Mercy, Grace and so much more and also that God is a God of Wrath Read ROMANS 1:18.I do not believe we should snub our noses at Homosexuals,Alcohol And Drug Abusers or any others EPHESIANS 5:11 Tells Saved people" to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" It concerns me that anyone claiming to be a christian is not worried about abominations to God .I am a Born Again Child Of God and i sin every day because i still have the old Adam nature.Thankfully I have an Advocate with the Father. JUST A SINNER SAVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD!
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I have been reading the opinions of the Christians here, concerning everything from abortion to gays, to alcohol consumption. And I am also a Christian, born and raised in church, singing the hymns, learning the bible verses just like everyone else. But I am truly embarrassed by these comments I am reading by supposed "Christians". Jesus taught love. Jesus taught compassion. And Jesus also taught tolerance. I do not believe that homosexuality is morally right, but if I saw 2 men walking hand in hand, I would certainly have enough class not to "spew hell fire damnation" at them. Yes, it is possible to be anti-gay without being hateful, yet it rarely happens. And the comment about God making Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve...really?? If you are going to take the time to write an opinion piece, at least come up with something original. I guess the next thing will be that he went from a hero to a zero... but I digress... I have 5 children and a granddaughter, and I have taught all of them to have compassion for everyone, because that is how Jesus taught. "Judge not, lest ye be judged yourself". Ring any bells? Just because people do not think like you, or act like you, or talk like you, doesn't mean they aren't human beings. And I would hate to think that people in this county have become so tasteless and classless that they would snub their nose at another human being. And you call yourselves Christians? On what basis? Because you "know" what Jesus would say, or do? Do you really think He would tell you to "Spew hell fire damnation" on another person, simply because his beliefs were different than your own? Somehow, I seriously doubt it. So for all of you out there so worried about the gays, and every other "abomination" under the sun, get a hobby. Find a friend. Because there are all kinds of people in this world, mixed race, gay, mentally challenged, disease-ridden... yet Jesus would turn NONE away. And I will pray for all you who think you are spreading "Christianity" by being so narrow minded. I find it sickening, disgusting, and I am tired of people like you ruining what Christianity was based on, and that is LOVE. Love thy neighbor, not make him feel small or inadequate. Whats the matter with you people anyhow??? It's an embarrassment to those of us who try to teach our children tolerance, love and acceptance. I guess the next thing I will see is people with torches, trying to run "sinners" out of town. Whew, be glad you aren't a sinner.... oh wait....
The picture of the starving horse on the home page made me gasp in shock. How can anyone allow an animal to get in this condition? What's the story behind this horrible picture? Where was the horse rescued from and do any criminal charges need to be filed? This picture breaks my heart.
I would like to ask all of Yancey County drivers to be courteous of your fellow drivers while on the road. Everyday my life is threatened while driving to and from work from people late and in a hurry, from boys in their big trucks who like to intimidate people, and from teenagers who don't understand the risks and are trying to impress their friends. First let me say that your vehicle is a deadly weapon and when used in such a manner you are threatening peoples lives. I drive the speed limit or 5 over all the time, no less and no more. I have people on a daily basis come flying up on my rear end, literary a foot away and often they will actually swerve back and forth, honk their horns and even yell and wave their arms out the window, I will look and see that I am doing 40 in a 40 zone. I'm sorry but i'm not going to go any faster and don't deserve to be threatened, but now I'm scared and nervous, its like having a loaded gun waved in my face. You are endangering my life, my passengers, anybody in the vicinity and you and your passengers! Why? do you not have any respect for anybody other than yourself. I'll be going down 19 at the posted 55 with nobody behind me for a mile and cars will put out right in front of me causing me to slam on my brakes because they don't want to wait 5 seconds for me to go by. Come on people, treat everybody else on the road as you would like to be treated, be safe and be courteous, nobody's life is worth your impatience. And the next time somebody gets on my rear-end like that, I will call the police and say that I am in fear of my life.
It sure is nice to see the work on the new road progressing toward spruce pine as well as the section from Jacks Creek to I-26 sometimes you don't know where you are going to be driving on old existing sections of the road or on a section that will be part of the new four lane, and navigating around the orange barrels and old and new yellow lines sometimes are challenging. Along with standing water and the Rough Ride. But that's progress and when the road is finished It sure will be nice to drive on a new smooth road. However many other roads in the county are in Bad shape. And the county is facing other problems with little or no funds to construct or repair. If only people owing back taxes would pay up especially those i read about that owes $282,000,000 would certainly go a long way.
I have someone close to me in my family that is an addict. I have seen them struggle for about 12 years now with this. The people that sell this to him; make me sick. I have seen crazy, crazy things that have been done so that he can purchase or trade for his drug of choice. He is not the only one I know with this problem; I have learned that they will say or do anything to get what they need & they also turn into pathological liars. They care about nothing or no one other that their selves & have nothing because they have lost it all due to their addiction. This includes...family, children, friends, jobs, homes, cars, license; pretty much anything of value. We have no help for this except for us as a community to stand up to these dealers selling right here under our noses. I think we should make it known who these dealers are that are helping kill our loved ones. Here's a hot area for any law abiding officers that want to make a difference: Any where in the South Toe Community would be a great start, especially Poplar Grove Store(where school buses load & unload our children), I could give lists of names of people that sell in this area but then this wouldn't get posted. Not enough is being done to truly help our community. I suggest purchasing a gun if you truly want to protect your property & loved ones.I know I will be doing so!
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In regards to men or women whatever sex you are,bottom line... if you have a child or children you should pay your child support! It should not even have to be brought to court & be court ordered by lawyers & judges; it's only common sense that both parents are responsible for all expenses and if they truly care for their child or children; they would pay their part regardless. I know in my case, ex is a drug addict but funny thing is he sure can keep his cell phone paid & turned on so that he has all of his inside connections. He only has very limited time with his kids because he's not responsible enough to have them for any longer & sets a bad example. He lives with parents for free & has no responsibilities. Has had many jobs & lost them due to his stealing & other poor habits over the last 10 yrs. He has paid NO...not 1 dime towerds his children in 2 yrs. My kids have suffered enough by just losing a parent due to drug addiction. He can also come up with money for the methadone clinic for a quick fix but nothing for his kids that understand none of this. We all have different situations but no matter what we should make sure that our children are taken care of...whatever it takes! If they don't pay their part, why should they have any rights to children they helped create but not take care of physically or financially!
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To the individual beginning their comment with "As far as alcohol being the same as illegal drungs, there are SEVERAL reasons why you're entire argument is false." Actually, the consumption of a alcohol is a sin. Yes, Jesus did turn water in to wine (and it was fermented alcohol; Jesus would not have done an imperfect miracle)! According to scriptures Jesus even drank wine with his meals. BUT, if you examine the scripture you will also see that he put that "custom" away before he was crucified. "And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom" (Matthew 26:27-29 KJV). So, Jesus began a new custom whereby he (and those who claim to be Christ like) should no longer consume "the fruit of the vine." The bible indicates in several places that drunkeness (or as you put it the excessive consumption of alcohol; over indulgence) is wrong. For example: "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine" (Proverbs 23:29-30 KJV) "Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty" (Proverbs 23:20-21 KJV) "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess" (Ephesians 5:18 KJV) "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying." (Romans 13:13 KJV) Alcohol consumption becomes a sin when it corrupts righteous thought or behavior, harms health, or violates any civil law. It also becomes a sin when it causes other's to be tempted. Biblical teaching on this subject can be found in Romans 8. The scripture refers to the eating of meat that has been offered to idols. Gentile customs were different than Jewish customs, but they were living in proximity and were experiencing the salvation of Jesus Christ at the same time. The writer of Romans then expounds that: 8:9) But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10)For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11)And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish,for whom Christ died? 12) But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13) Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. There are unbeleiver's in the world that live a life of drunkeness or excess. After conversion they are faced with the difficult task of living a sober life. It is very difficult, if not impossible, for a person with an alcohol addiction to drink in moderation, or to drink socially. They must completely abstain from the use of alcohol. When other "Christians" are "allowed" to drink then how does this new convert react? Those of us that have the liberty of being free from an addiction to alcohol and feel as though we can drink in moderation, or with our meal, are still bound by the scripture in Romans. We can not consume alcohol if that causes our brother to offend. The scripture says that if I do, then "ye sin against Christ." So, although I may not be a drunkard by drinking a glass of wine with my meal or a beer with my pizza I can still sin by drinking alcohol. If my brother, or sister in Christ see's me drinking and it causes them to sin then I too have sinned. What does our consumption of alcohol say to the unbeliever who has a problem with the excessive use of alcohol? How can they be convicted against their excess, if they see "Christian" folks drinking. They don't know that all you have is one glass of wine or one beer. They just know you are drinking too. And if you are then they can. Order a glass of iced tea, or a pepsi, or a glass of water. Enjoy your meal! Take consolation in knowing that you have followed scripture and that you have made efforts to "condescend to brethern of low estate." Remember that being a Christian is about Jesus not about us. Maybe you have to sacrifice the quality of your meal because it is not paired with a great wine selection. Your sacrifice will be worth it if another soul can escape hell. God Bless you friend!
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Reading over the previous postings I wanted to add some things. This column is about standing up to the judicial system and this posting fits in with the topic. Just because something is legal by law doesn't mean that it is right. It is legal to be a homosexual, it is legal to be a satanist, it is legal to gamble in some parts of the country, it is legal for same sex marriage in some states. Are those issues ok because they are legal under law? No they are not. Public opinion has declined over the years and that's why those issues are legal. Lawmakers enforce some laws based on public policy. Public policy is based on public opinion. We are living in a time where it is illegal to have prayer in school but when a prayer is said in public, an evil satanist can charge discrimination against them. What kind of law and judicial system are we living under? Just because the sale and consumption of alcohol is legal doesn't make it right as is the other issues I mentioned. One person mentioned that there is nothing wrong with having a glass of wine or beer. That would be the same as having a small snort of cocaine, a small puff of marijuana or part of a pill. There is no difference in it. Some people think that going out and having a drink is sophisticated. Would going out and having a puff of a joint be as sophisticated to them? Probably not because they look on people who do drugs as being lowlifes. For which drugs and alcohol result in some of the same effects. It's all in public opinion. They don't look at it in reality, they go by what looks sophisticated to them. Alcohol causes disease, ruins lives, ruins marriage, quality of life, alters a person's way of thinking leading to making bad decisions and causes many, many deaths.
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In response to alcohol being as dangerous as drugs. There are many deaths every year that are alcohol related. The argument stated earlier in this column is not at all false. It is your opinion that it is false. These are facts (not opinions) that happen in real life daily. Alcohol IS just as bad as illegal drugs. I will name several reasons why it is just as bad. 1.) They both alter one's way of thinking resulting in bad decisions which effect themselves and others. Both can also change ones personality. 2.) They both are deadly and harm others like second hand smoke. Just think of how many people are killed yearly by drunk drivers. 50% of vehicular accidents are alcohol related. 3.)Alcohol is addictive just as drugs are. Ever heard of alcoholics? 4.) Alcohol can cause liver disease, pancreatitis and other diseases. An enormous amount of people die from these diseases yearly. There are many more reasons why but there are too many to name and I will not go on and name them all. Look at the statistics and you will see how dangerous both drugs and alcohol really are. You say the problem is people's self control. It could possibly be but i'm sure there are many people who think they use drugs responsibly as well. The only reason that alcohol is legal is because of lawmakers who don't want to do with out their alcohol and the biggest part is public opinion of those who don't want to see the dangers in alcohol. If one has a drink around their kids, they are going to think it is ok to drink because their parents did it. These are facts that are TRUE. They are not at all false. If one thinks that alcohol is not dangerous they are in self denial. All in all there are NO difference in drug use and alcohol use. The sale of alcohol should be prohibited. It causes death just the same as drugs, guns, etc. Think about it.
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as i read over the post i do not believe no Drug Dealer should get any breaks by the way that's not what the opinion said, as i read over it it said that a young person who had bought drugs and got caught maybe deserved a break meaning the sentence these repeat offenders were receiving time after time would be the break these first time offenders deserved supervised probation,community service,substance abuse classes,court cost and fines.If they were charged with simple possession not Dealing. If you have a child and they bought a joint to try because their friends were smoking, and got caught to me the above punishment would be appropriate but as much as I Love my child if they were caught again or caught selling as much as I Love them they deserve stiffer punishment. my opinion is just that my opinion that if it was their first offense that if they had to work out the court cost and fines as well as pay for the classes and community service and be dealt with by DAD AND MOM that maybe they would realize that this was not the life they want.
As for the men who will not pay Child Support it's my opinion that there should be some kind of program worked out with the state they had to dig ditches by hand or dig hole's and fill them back up, or make little rocks out of BIG ROCK"S or put them to work at the sewer plant and pay their wages with the check going to the child or children's needs.some may say the state would have to pay this, is it not the state who pays benefits when the deadbeat dad won't? by the way working at the sewer plant won't hurt nobody i worked there for a while.put a ankle monitor on them make sure they are there for work and bring them home, any child deserves to be taken care of if not by a parent then by D.S.S. Every Child Is A Special Gift From God!
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As far as alcohol being the same as illegal drungs, there are SEVERAL reasons why you're entire argument is false. But I will focus on one statement-- "In all reality there is no difference in one drinking alcohol as there is taking drugs". Actually, there are MANY differences, and more than I can cover so I will stick to two. 1. The sale and consumption of alcohol is LEGAL. It is distributed and regulated legally, and when used responsibly does not pose harm to it's users. Drugs when used in any way other than the way they are prescribed is in fact ILLEGAL. 2.Because you are obviously a religous person (as am I), I have one question to ask you. If drinking is such a sin, and using alcohol is such an UNGODLY act, why in the Bible does Jesus turn water into wine? Why does the Bible reference Jesus and the Disciples drinking wine during the last supper? These are just a few of MANY examples. Maybe what you mean to say is that gluttony, the act of over-indulging and over-consuming food, drink, or wealth items, is the same sin as misusing drugs. Ever since Yancey County voted to join the rest of the 21st century, I have been reading many of these same types of comments. Drinking alcohol is a sin, and it is destroying the principles that have founded this great God fearing land in which we live. However, alcohol is not the problem. The problem is people's self-control. Over indulging in alcohol is the SAME sin as eating too much at the buffet. Instead of condeming others for their lifestyle choices, such as enjoying a nice glass of wine or beer, why don't you pray for them to make good choices.
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This is in response to the child support issue. I have always known child support by terms of non-support. I have saw many women who use this support as a means of income because they don't want to work. I have also heard women say that they want to have these kids so that they will get as much money as possible. I have also heard women say that they want to sue their ex for child support to get revenge on them. What kind of world is this? How much of this money really goes to the kids? I have known women who spend this money on internet and computers so that they can talk to more men and probably have more kids. You people are right, there must be something done about the judicial and child support system. The money going to these kids should be spent on the kids and should be monitored on how it is spent. These kind of women like I have mentioned don't deserve to receive child support. It is their responsibility as same as the father's to support their kids. I also agree that if a father can afford to buy drugs they can also afford to pay child support.
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I agree alcohol is just as dangerous as many drugs and there is no doubt that it has ruined many people, many marriages and taken many lives the same as drugs. It just so happened that the topic of the opinion was repeat drug abusers and drug dealers receiving a slap on the wrist. As far as to why nothing being done concerning laws being broken while under the influence of alcohol my opinion is that's another question for the Judicial System Of Yancey County. I have gave my opinion on the alcohol issue in the past,And by the way not all people love alcohol more than the Lord," As For Me I Love The Lord" and if it were up to me the toughest penalties would be handed down by our Judicial System when laws are broken concerning alcohol,drugs." etc. Unfortunately" the sale of alcoholic beverages has been made legal to purchase and therefore making it legal for those who consume it to possess in their homes, as well as their cars as long as it is unopened and they are not possessing more than the amount set by the authorities. Be assured i am not making any excuses for the abusers of alcohol.When you get right down to it there are many Laws being broken in Yancey County as well as in Town limits that little or nothing is being done about some serious and some not so serious but still against the Law. for example speeding,reckless driving on streets in town limits, parking in fire lanes, even with all the patrol cars, and multiple officers on duty,radios,cell phones but still the problem continues.another concern is pedestrians in town just crossing the street wherever they choose whenever they choose making motorist slam on their brakes to avoid hitting them only to be looked at like it is your fault, It makes me wonder why we have all these designated crosswalks with signs stating it is state law to stop for pedestrians at said crosswalks is this not where pedestrians are supposed to cross? I regularly observe people step out into roadway only ten or twenty feet from a crosswalk Is there not jay walking laws? If not why all the crosswalks and signs "input welcome"
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Same with me for child support. Plain & Simple... if the parent that is supposed to be paying cannot pay because of their drug habits & lives at home with parents & can't drive because of no license, therefore can't get a job because of this...then why are they even granted any rights? All they are is a horrible example to the child or children. This is also a money racket in our court system. I tell you, if it wasn't for so many drug sellers & drug abusers & other irresponsible people not paying child support; what would our court & judicial system do without all of that? They take care of their selves & that's what matters I guess. Not the people of their community & children that need their child support!!
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This is in response to the issue on people getting a break on selling drugs. I'm not condoning or endorsing drugs in any way but isn't alcohol just as dangerous as drugs? You get about the same effects from alcohol as you do from drugs. Why hasn't anything been done about this factor? Many people have lost their lives and many lives have been ruined as a result of alcohol. Lawmakers and many others want to be able to go out and get their drink on though. I remember reading through the opinion column when the alcohol vote was about to take place and it was very sickening what many had written. People seemed to love their alcohol more than they love the Lord. Peoples minds are so twisted that they can't see reality as it is. In all reality there is no difference in one drinking alcohol as there is taking drugs. Drinkers are also no better than drug users. They all do what they do to get a high from it. Think about it. If people get by with drinking, they should get by with using drugs because there is no difference in it. Also, why would the drug dealer have to go to jail when one can walk in almost any store in town and purchase a poisonous drug portrayed as alcohol?
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For some time i also wondered about the Yancey County Judicial system especially concerning the Illegal drug abusers and more so the drug dealers. Some time back a friend of mine was arrested then not to long after that was arrested for a different offense being concerned i attended on their court dates on each of the offenses they were arrested for, the case was continued three times. During the times i attended court which by the way because of the time between the arrest and the continuances several months passed, so this is when i first noticed the slap on the wrist that has been mentioned. As i sat in the courtroom and listened to cases i remember this person called to the front and listened as the District Attorney read the charges first of all was the charge of possession of three Illegal drugs with intent to sell as well as selling to some undercover official then it was brought to the Judges attention that this person was currently on supervised probation. then the attorney for this person began presenting his case i remember the attorney explaining their client understood they had broken the law and they had completed some kind of classes or something and was currently seeking employment. and ask for the Judges consideration. the Judge then began to hand down his judgment he started out by sentencing them to jail time etc: then he went on to say that this person would receive a suspended sentence in short more probation,court cost and fines. a couple other cases were dealt with then another case very similar to the earlier one another repeat offender this one was also currently on probation charged with possession with intent to sell and then it was brought to the Judges attention this person had been arrested for the same thing since the charges they were facing that day, I thought well they have had it! But to my surprise in the end when the Judge handed down his ruling you guessed it more probation,attend some classes,court cost and fines community service after going over to the court clerk they turned to exit and on their way out they had a smile on their face. Then i witnessed the last time i attended court these same people were there charged again.So in my opinion with more supervised probation MONEY, court cost and fines MONEY,classes MONEY,community service MONEY. these dealers are making money hand over first and apparently have no problem paying all this because you rarely hear of any jail time. I am not talking about any illegal money only what cost,fines and services set by the court system and service providers.meanwhile many young people as well as adults overdose and die! I understand that some young people don't realize how powerful some of these drugs are to late.also some buy and get caught with these drugs and i can understand them getting a break.but i think if these repeat offenders knew that the district attorney and more importantly Judges were not going to suspend their sentence but hand down the maxium sentence this would have a big impact! some may say well we will just have to keep them up and somebody else will just start where they left off,Ask most Moms and Dads who have lost their Child or Children who have lost their moms or dads because of Drugs their opinion. My prayer is the drug users as well as the drug dealers will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.
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I would like to comment on our so-called Yancey County Court. Why is it that all of the drug sellers & drug addicts in our county are given a slap on the wrist & then set free again..just to see them re- appear in court again and again like every month? Yes, the sheriffs dept. has made many arrests within the past year, but what good is it to immediatly return them into our society? This is a disgrace to our town & our children! Also, regarding the low life people out there not paying your child support..I am in & out of court all of the time due to ex not paying anything to help take care of our children. They also get a slap on the wrist in our court system. The judges basically ask them what they can pay a month; what a crock! Why is it that they can go out & be drug addicts (with children involved), have no jobs due to their drug addictions, pay nothing to support their children & get to choose what amount they want to pay? The normal people here in Yancey County need to stand up to our judicial system!!
We were driving down Bald Mountain Road last night between 8:30 & 9:00 when we saw a huge, beautiful cat sitting right in the middle of our lane unable to move because of being hit by a car & left to suffer & die. Her back looked like it had been fileted exposing her whole spine & her face was so badly injured that one of her eyes wasn't even visible anymore yet she was still alive moaning in pain. There are houses all around right by the road. Please tell me why you couldn't or wouldn't srop & go to the door & tell them what had happened. More than likely she probably ran in front of you & you couldn't help it but you didn't have to just leave her there. If some other heartless person such as you had come along before we did & tried to straddle her they would have hooked her & dragged her & made a terrible mess for the family to see this morning. Thankfully, she didn't suffer much longer after we got her to the barn. We are all God's creatures. You need to be reminded of that.
It’s often said that ‘numbers don’t lie.’ But sometimes they don’t make sense either. I’m going to give you some facts – some numbers – and see if you can make any sense of them . . . a) The Pensacola combined green light and yellow light is 19 seconds of flow time – 19 seconds for waiting cars & 19 seconds for absolutely zero cars on either side of Pensacola b) The combined green & yellow flow time for the Highway is either 14 seconds or 19 seconds: 14 seconds if a sensor picks up a car at Pensacola, and 19 seconds if there are no cars waiting on Pensacola. Now, if you have the slightest grasp of numbers and common sense, you already know there is something very wrong with the Traffic Light timing on Pensacola. But, for the benefit of the D.O.T. folks who apparently can’t grasp what’s obvious to you and me, let’s give ‘em some more logic . . . c) Pensacola has a traffic back-up problem at only one time of the day – between 5 and 6 pm. Pensacola’s one-time back-up problem does create a safety hazard for anybody trying to travel on East Main St. I trust some calls were made, and D.O.T. wisely [and correctly] gave Pensacola more green & yellow flow time. Of course that extra time should have been applied or timed for between 5 and 6 PM – but, unlike school intersection lights, perhaps that light doesn’t have a timer? d) The traffic volume along Highway 19 is far greater and more persistent or constant than Pensacola’s one-time back-up. Big Highway 19 ought to have at least twice as much flow time as puny Pensacola – that’s just common sense. Giving Highway 19 the same –or worse- LESS flow time than Pensacola is neither sensible nor safe. Due to Pensacola’s greater flow time, the resulting traffic back-ups and hazards for those entering or leaving Ingles all day and night are far bigger and more dangerous than what Pensacola has between 5 & 6 PM. CONCLUSION: Does it make sense to you that a tiny piece of road that gets backed up for just one hour each day lack a timer on its light? Does it make sense to you that this tiny, low-volume road has a traffic light sensor, but not the bigger, higher-volume main highway? Does it make sense to you that puny Pensacola actually has more flow time than big Highway 19? If you’re shaking your head ‘no!’, then you’ll likely agree with me on how to fix this mess: Take the sensor off of Pensacola and put it on Highway 19 [why should a hundred cars on 19 have to back-up when there’s not a soul waiting on Pensacola?]. Add a timer to Pensacola’s traffic light and give it more flow time between 5 and 6 PM. BUT make sure you also adjust Highway 19’s flow time so that it ALWAYS HAS MORE than Pensacola’s. If Pensacola needs 19 seconds between 5 & 6 PM, make sure the Highway gets MORE than 19 seconds of flow time at all times. That’s the sensible and safe solution.
I am also a senior, disabled, and some at times have a hard time walking. At time I have used the fire lane, but I have also been asked to park there by the store so they can load something in my car. However what gets to me is when you are looking for a handicap parking space to see cars with no handicap stickers displayed or what bothers me most is when I see a large motorcycle in a space or see people block the end of the rows near a store with their car and you have to walk around them. In thinking about this I guess we all break the law at times and need to think about our neighbors, but if the police should start giving tickets (which would be an increase in revenue for Burnsville) could we afford it.
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In regard to Granny Lane and supposedly "Papa" Lane, I have been to several stores in which there were people parked in the fire lane. I have never felt disrespected in any way nor have I ever thought of the people that were parked there inconsiderate or lazy. I myself have parked in the fire lane before in fear that some lazy or considerate will fail to park their buggy where it goes and it hit my car. I have saw this happen to several people. If I ever saw anyone taking a picture on their cell phone of my license plate, they will probably get a good cursing that they need. People need to tend to their own business and this world will be a much better place. Citizens such as Granny And Papa Lane don't have any business in these matters. There are much greater issues to face rather than petty issues like this. I'm sure if it was up to Granny and Papa Lane, people would get arrested or charged with a crime every time they look around. We DO NOT NEED or WANT citizens like these trying to enforce the law. That is the job of our law enforcement officers which are doing a great job.
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This is a response to the guy (in all likelihood it's a guy) who told our Fire Lane Granny Vigilante to 'get a life' and disparaged her as a 'busy body.' Well, I agree with "Granny Lane", and I'm gonna defend her view against the guy we'll call "Doofus" because, as we'll all soon see, this potato-head rightly deserves that title. Doofus asks (and I quote): "Are you just frusterated because the fire lanes are full and you have to walk?" Forget about Doofus' spelling; we all make mistakes. But GRANNY LANE had written -and apparently Doofus failed to read- that parking in the Fire Lane is a)Inconsiderate & Rude, b)Lazy and c)ILLEGAL. GRANNY LANE 1; Doofus Zero Now, let's examine Doofus' reasoning (or lack thereof): apparently you're a busy-body or a self-appointed police officer and in need of getting a life if you dare complain that laws are being broken, and the public employees (i.e. the police) that are paid to enforce the laws are failing to do so? Because the town Police wouldn't do their duty to uphold the law and protect the public, Ingles actually had to rope-off the fire lane section! That Fire Lane section is reserved for emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances; it's designed to protect property and the public. I consider our Firemen heroes and deserving of our utmost respect - and that means not illegally parking in their area; apparently, Doofus and the town police don't have as much respect for our Firemen. GRANNY LANE 2; Doofus zero. The 'Golden Rule' is to do unto others as you'd have others to unto you. I rather doubt that the Police would ignore somebody illegally and disrespectfully parking in a spot that's reserved for them and marked "Police Lane." Do you? One day Granny Lane -and all our Grannies- will need to park in the Handicap spots. But Doofus will call your Granny a 'busy body' if she dares to complain that non-handicapped people are getting away with disrespectfully and illegally parking in designated handicapped spots. GRANNY LANE 3; Doofus zero. Doofus and others think it's nit-picking if you ask or expect the Police to fully do the job they took an oath to do - and the job we pay them to do. GRANNY LANE wrote (and I quote): "We all know you do a fine job of protecting us from drug dealers and burglars, but that doesn't excuse you from failing in other areas. You took an oath to uphold the law - so uphold it, all of it." I for one don't think the Police have to do all that much to protect us from murderers, burglars and rapists, because Burnsville's location, small size, strong family ties and proper upbrining keeps us safer than Police sitting in their squad cars. Nevertheless, GRANNY LANE still gave credit to the police, probably because she respects them - and Firemen, unlike Doofus. Now, Doofus, tell us again how it makes sense to pay a Police Department to do only part of their job, and hold our tongues if they don't? Can you imagine if other public employees such as judges or road crews or teachers excused themselves from doing part of their job - that we're paying them to do!? I guess Doofus wouldn't mind when his child's teacher tells him, "Well, I kept your little boy D.J. (Doofus Junior) safe from harm and bullying in my classroom, but didn't bother to teach him how to read or add numbers." Now Doofus, don't 'nit-pick' your teacher just because she failed to do the whole job that you're paying her to do - afterall, she kept little D.J. safe from being attacked, didn't she? GRANNY LANE 4; Doofus zero. Lastly, Doofus vainly tries to educate GRANNY LANE on the law - incorrectly telling her that she can't take pictures of law-breaking people or their license plates in public places. The public -you and me- has its picture taken all the time - by banks, ATMs, schools, stores, gas stations, tourists and kids on Facebook. So Granny get your gun -er, camera- and start shooting! Maybe you'll get Doofus on your GrannyCam!! Besides Doofus, I rather doubt that a Police Department, that can't even enforce Fire Lane or Handicap laws, is gonna bother with 'nit-picky' stuff like stopping an old lady from taking pictures in a public place! Final Score: GRANNY LANE 5, Doofus (and the don't-nit-picks) ZERO.
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This is in response to the person about parking in the fire lanes and I am not saying I am one who does it. Are you just frusterated because the fire lanes are full and you have to walk? Who appointed you a police officer? Get a life and stop being a nosy busy body. As for the cellphone and taking pictures of people that is an invasion of privacy and illegal except for law enforcement. Leave law enforcement to law enforcement and mind your own business because if you are caught and you will be you could find yourself facing law enforcement. It wont hurt you to walk from the parking lot if the fire lanes are full. I am not saying I think people should be allowed to park in fire lanes. I am saying that people should mind their own business and if the police want to issue tickets they will. Keep your nose clean.
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There are more issues to worry about other than someone parking in the fire lane. Our law enforcement officers do a great job taking care of business rather than to nit-pick on petty issues like parking in the fire lane. If all anyone had to worry about is issues like that, this world would be in great condition and everyone would be saints.
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In response to the article about parking in the fire lane, I work in Spruce Pine/Grassy Creek area, and it happens there every day. It is by no means unique to Burnsville. I must say that it bothers me alot too when people park in fire lanes. But, as long as no one enforces the rules, they will continue to be broken. Because, ~they can~.
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I already know I'm not the first and nor will I be the last to complain about people illegally parking in fire lanes here in Burnsville. But today was the final straw for me and my tolerance of it . . . It's Friday, the eve of Christmas Eve. I'm a senior citizen and parked in one of the dozens of available parking spaces in the GO grocery parking lot. Yet I soon see a young, able-bodied, jogging-pants-wearing woman park her white car right in the GO fire lane, setting a fine example for her two young sons who followed her out of the car. Later, at Dollar General, I park where I'm supposed to and shuffle across to the store - but surprise! - I'm cut off and blocked by a big-haired bimbo who literally pulls her mini-van right up to the store's doors. Let's be clear about your choice to park in a Fire Lane - and the consequences: 1) it's inconsiderate and rude behavior (why obey the law, when it's just other people and their property who can burn in those few critical seconds you cost them by giving yourself curb-side service??) 2)it's lazy (the young jogging-pants mom likely pays a gym to exercise, but can't walk 20 feet to obey the law? Now that's lazy AND stupid!) 3)it's ILLEGAL. You're breaking the law - and that's the plain, simple and ugly truth. I frequent Spruce Pine enough to notice that this rude, lazy and illegal behavior seems to be unique to Burnsville - and that's either because Spruce Piners are more considerate, less lazy and more law-abiding, OR because their police force actually enforces the law and writes tickets. What's next Burnsville P.D.?? Maybe ignore speeding, running lights? We all know you do a fine job of protecting us from drug dealers and burglars, but that doesn't excuse you from failing in other areas. You took an oath to uphold the law - so uphold it, all of it. Because the police won't do it, I'm going to enforce the law in my own special way: I will be using my cellphone camera to photograph the driver, vehicle and license plate parked in a Fire Lane. I will then anonymously post these photos on various social media sites - AND submit them to the appropriate offices within the Dept. of Transportation and Motor Vehicles. Anyone as inconsiderate, lazy and unlawful as a Fire Lane parker deserves special recognition!
I am disgusted that someone is poisoning dogs in the Hwy 80 N and Mine Branch area. I live in this area, and last year had 2 of my dogs mysteriously die. I reported both incidents to the sheriff's department and they only came out for the first incident. I really hope that someone will come forward and give a tip on this matter. I want whoever is doing this stopped, and soon. As for me, I am bringing my outside dog in until they catch this monster. And to the person doing this... maybe, just maybe, you will come up against a dog that bites you before you can do your damage.
We NEED a tag agency that stays open in Yancey County. Traveled to Spruce Pine yesterday to find that office closed till after Christmas! Then had to travel all the way to Newland to renew our tag. We were not able to do it over the internet this time. PLEASE SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET AN OFFICE BACK IN YANCEY TO SERVE OUR AREA. Newland is a long way for most people - Spruce Pine office is only open part time it seems.
Western Highlands is boasting about the 100 jobs they are giving to the eight counties, but what about the 200 plus jobs of case managers they are taking away? Any comments positive or negitive welcome?
Concerning the commissioners meeting i would like to give you my opinion of whats going on. The first order of business was for the board to elect a chair and vice chair for 2012 you could have heard a pin drop in the room one said,a nomination was asked for, for the chair one commissioner wanted to know if they could nominate them self nothing but quietness from all the commissioners, it don't take one long to figure out something is wrong with three commissioners being of the same party "more on this later" Finally a nomination then what seemed to be an almost regretful second, then almost the same for vice-chair well that's how that went. later I read how that their had been tension between three with the same party affiliation for several months well i wonder why? In my opinion because one commissioner would not go along with the other two when it came to settling a 282 million tax settlement, Thankfully not all the commissioners are willing to treat some taxpayers different than others, This causes me great concern that some are willing to settle for a small fraction of what is owed to the county could it be coming from the goodness of their heart? or maybe intimidation? or some other vested interest? I admit i don't know. however i can imagine that 282million dollars would go a long way toward many things the county needs. I read that Mr. England resigned from The Board of Equalization and Review,And has not attended the commissioners meetings Since November 16 ".Now I think it is obvious what's wrong among party lines " I would love to hear a Truthful answer why a settlement so much less than what is owed would even be considered. Sometime back when settlement negotiations were being considered the county attorney advised them they did not have the authority to carry out the actions they had apparently agreed on and if another taxpayer contested what they had done that they would be responsible to pay money back so they took the deal back.only to be advised by the representative of the delinquent taxpayers that the matter would be taken back to the state and if necessary higher courts and was confident of a victory. if these taxpayers are in the right that mistakes have been made and they were taxed unfairly good for them,If not, In my opinion they should not be offered any offers neither allow any representative to tell them how much they are willing to pay and when they will pay it in other words no special treatment they should be treated the same as every other taxpayer in Yancey county exactly the way the regulations/ laws say matters such as this should be handled.I ask the commissioners to stand for the people of Yancey county equally.
The Burnsville Fire Marshall decided it would be a nice idea to pull the fire alarm, unannounced. The administartion told him that students were taking important tests. His response to this? "I don't care." Students who were taking the EOC's at Mountain Heritage High School had to stop testing. Therefore, it was a mis-administration. I am one of the students who was testing. I was taking a certification test for an online class, and now i'm going to have to take it again on Monday; even though i was halfway through it. I am infruiated because testing is a very important time for all kids. This has caused much confusion and frustration.
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An unscheduled fire alarm. This caused the mis-administration of EOC Re-tests and Microsoft Certification exams at Mountain Heritage High School. The Burnsville Fire Marshall decided to host an unscheduled and unannounced fire alarm this morning. He had prior knowledge of these EOC Re-tests and Microsoft Certification Exams. His actions caused the mis-adminstration of important tests, and the fuzzy-ness of one girls hair (she is very angry). The Fire Marshall's response to the Adminstration, "I don't care." We are all upset (understatement) with his decision. Student at Mountain Heritage High School
Have you noticed the large amount of traffic congestion in town? Our town's traffic lights only stay green for a short time thus creating longer lines of traffice on the bypass. It is almost impossible to get back on the road from a store or other place of business. Whoever created this problem needs to seriously look at the traffic issues it is causing.
Last Saturday the youth league had kindergarten basketball games at Cane River. It was so cold in the gym everyone had on jackets and were still freezing. If games are going to be held in the winter please make sure the heat will be on!
Why do we have to live in a society where gays are acceptable and the ones of us that know that homosexuality is wrong are the unacceptable ones. I live in a small town and I love being able to walk down the street and not have to worry about seeing two men holding hands or two women, but I am afraid that it is not far away. It is not up to me to judge gay people but I will not accept it and I know that I can still read the only true book, the Bible, and know right from wrong. I continue to pray that the gay people will start to see they are in the wrong. Also, I believe that our preachers need to start including this topic in their sermons instead of being afraid of stepping on someones toes.
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To the person that doesn't know the difference in right and wrong: Read the bible and you will find out the difference. As you read, you will find that being gay is wrong. God made Adam & Eve to multiply and prosper rather than Adam & Steve. People choose to be gay and are not born gay or molded that way because of past issues that have happened to them. Everything we do in life is by choice. We choose the road in which we take in life whether it be gay or strait, good or evil. We were intended to choose the straight and narrow path but others choose to take the broad path which is full of evil. It's your choice if you want to live that kind of life regardless of how sickening it is. I hate going out somewhere and seeing it all the time. It's enough to turn a persons stomach.
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So people that here voices have mental problums , and people that choose to live diffrently , like lets see being gay, have mental problums? And the man who talks to something unseen is what exactly? or a person that hears voices speek to them is what? So if someone says God told them that this or that is wronge, that makes it ok, would they not also have mental problums speeking and hereing voices? .....People keep preaching about what "God say's is right or wronge"...How do you know whats right or wronge? HAve you personaly spoken to god?..if so you better go see a shrink. What i am saying is no one and i mean no one knows what is truely right or wronge till the day we meet our maker, I am not saying peoples beliefes are wronge , what im saying is no one knows, and if you are a true believer in your faith where in the Bible does it say to belittle and humiliate people, where does it say judge everyone that is diffrent? where does it say what you "think" is right?....Lets see no where, I was always taught to love everyone, not push people away who need help, I was taught the more you push god on someone the more they run in the other direction, insted of belittling gay people first find out why they think they are gay, its a proven fact that people (girls) who have had sexual abuse as a child or pre-teen do tend to have same sex partners, but no one looks at that, there are alot of things that people believe are wronge , just like me i believe causing pain to someone like hurtfull words is wronge, but like the old saying go's oppions are like @#% holes everyone has one and this is mine. _______________
It's great to see that there's still some people who have good moral qualities. It is ignorant to think that being a homosexual is acceptable and that people are born gay. Homosexuality was once considered a mental illness. It should still be considered one because people who are homosexuals aren't right in the head. It's sad to see that the population of homosexuals in the world and even in this little town is growing. Homosexuality was once unacceptable especially in this town. Something that was deemed unacceptable is something that was wrong in the opinion of the public and especially something that God deems as unacceptable. Right? Something that is comical is people who don't know if they are a man or a woman. There are certain gays in this town who are known to dress as women. That is very comical. God gave us a gender and intended for us to be what we were made to be. People that don't know if they are a man or a woman, I suggest you look down and see. My heart also hurts for people who have never been taught right from wrong and will go through life thinking that being gay is normal. The people who accept homosexuals are the ones who influence others in thinking that way. Being a homosexual is not acceptable by me, many others and especially by God. What is really sad is that it is only going to get worse. Kids grow up not knowing the truth and are led to believe that being a homosexual is acceptable. I agree with the person who stated that this is set forth by taking prayer out of school and kids no longer know right from wrong as far as social issues go. That is also a sad factor. Kids need to know the truth about social issues and the best way to let them know the truth is by the bible. As Christians and as straight people, we have no rights on these social issues and we are the ones who get discriminated against. The person who stated that we don't need to spit hell fire at people who are gay is very wrong. We need to let them know that what they are doing is wrong. If a person isn't told that something is wrong, they will not know that it is wrong. Being anti-gay is not hatred nor any kind of discriminatory act. Being anti-gay is someone with good morals, someone who knows right from wrong and someone that don't want their kids growing up thinking that being gay is right or acceptable. Kids these days do not have a chance by the way that society has changed what they deem as acceptable. People who know me and are around me know how I stand on these issues. I suggest that everyone who believe in the right thing to stand up for what you believe in. This would be a better society if we did. _____________
When is the world going to perceive how sickening and how wrong homosexuality is? Society is getting worse daily. It seems like the more wrong someone is, the better they fit into society. People who condone or accept homosexuality are just as bad as the homosexuals themselves. They need to go to Asheville or San Francisco to better fit in with the freakshows.
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My heart aches for people who have little or no knowledge as to homosexuals and lesbians. many have never been taught the truth concerning this practice by their parents neither have they been taught in school at any level. How sad.since lawmakers started taking God out of schools, not even allowing the mention of his name or allowing any morals to be taught I think many can see the decline in our society. I have read that gays are born that way as well as gays are not born that way.I read that God made all people the same well that is true however God never made any homosexuals or lesbians. when God made man God made him a free moral agent with the ability to choose his way that which is right or wrong. God commanded the man in Genesis chapter 2:17 not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.In Genesis chapter number 3 we read how the serpent "devil" beguiled eve, in verse six "chose" to take of the fruit and eat and gave also to her husband and he did eat. Adam "chose" to take of the fruit and by doing so plunged all mankind into sin. Read Romans 5:12. No One is not born gay It is a "choice" they make.Romans 1:25-27 explains it verse 26 opens with "who changed the truth of god into a lie" verse 27"for even their women who did change the natural use in that which is against nature, also verse 27 says "men leaving the natural use of the woman and how they burned in their lust one toward another" If you read correctly you could see plainly that they were not born that way it read "who changed" "women did change the natural use" " and men leaving the natural use of the woman" It is plain to see they " chose" just as homosexuals and lesbians are doing today.It is certainly not my place to judge anyone however whatever God calls sin I don't have to judge it is sin. It is your choice to believe in God or his Word or to believe in HEAVEN OR HELL. It saddens me that some say they have no problem with their child having a intimate partner of the same sex i ask you to remember Romans 1:28 says. Education is a great tool but has in the past and continues to be an adversary to many moral issues. 40 some years ago our school day started out with gathering the whole school together pledges would be said to the American and Christian Flags, then it was time for prayer. when students became unruly the teacher took the board of education to you if that didn't work off to the office.when a argument arose heads would butt at recess very rarely was there more than three or four punches threw and before the day was over you were friends again. Then the government stepped in No more prayer, no more pledge of allegiance because it contained " ONE NATION UNDER GOD " No longer was corporal punishment allowed. And now when an argument between students arises the new thing is expulsion, and to many times they return to school with a gun to settle things.Now educators have to teach evolution,and tell students they must tolerate Homosexuals and lesbians as well as telling them Abortion is OK and they must respect the beliefs of others but not discuss their belief in creation,salvation not even mention the name God or Jesus because others may be intimated.I am aware of the laws and also realize not all educators believe or agree with a schools guidelines but must follow their policies .as for the the note at the bottom of the post who pointed out what should be capitalized or not or that unnormal or child molesters are not words its my opinion you only want to show off your education. when I and many others have no problem reading or understanding. whats comical is you seem to think that someone gave you the job pointing out grammatical errors to try to draw attention to your beliefs concerning homosexuals and lesbians.
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Our young people frequently question the purpose of education; more frequently, they misconstrue its purpose as a training program for their careers. The purpose of education is to teach us to think; the inability to think, the lack of education, sets us up for a toothless demise, and I despair every time I am reminded that ignorance is always blared at maximum volume.
My heart aches for God when we, in His name, belch hellfire at sinners whose sins are in some way more condemnable than our own. Consider the absurdity inherent in the proposal that God would not make anything as sick as homosexuality. Are we to understand, then, that He did make something as sick as hate, or bigotry, or ignorance; dishonesty, murder, bestiality, adultery, greed, violence, child molestation, or self-aggrandizement?
Wonder how He feels when we spit each other into categories and broadcast, with garish pride, our inability to think. When we choose to remain uneducated, we commit to hand-me-down values and second-hand gospel; we flounder like blind flies in cobwebs of hate and prejudice.
Yancey, as in “yancey paper” should be capitalized. One space is required after every period. “Unnormal” is not a word. “Molestors” is not a word, but the image is comical.
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I can't believe you seriously wrote that about being gay!!! The comment you made about putting them in the same class as a child molester was shocking and heart breaking, I personaly have a few gay friends and they are far from a child molester!!!, if anyone has a mental problum you may want to examen your own demons!!! As God's children we are here to love "EVERYONE" not to hate!! It is our place in this world to make it better not make people feel worse about them selfs!,, I as a parent would "NOT" dam* my child to hell for finding love!! and personaly I "DO NOT" believe that our Father will dam* any of his children to hell just because they love someone the same sex!! True Love is hard to find,if someone is lucky enough to find it weather its man and woman, woman and woman or man and man then thats great, being that hatefull is just rude wrong and just small minded!
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I was reading the yancey paper a few weeks ago and came across an article that someone had written about gay rights. This person claimed that people who are gay were born that way. PEOPLE ARE NOT BORN GAY!!!! Being gay is a sick choice that these sick people make.God would not create anything that sick. Being gay is an unnormal sex act just as child molestation is and should be treated that way. I put gay people in the same category as these child molestors because they are just as sick in the head as they are.
What a talented group of kids we have at MHHS! The concert Thursday night was wonderful. These kids cannot be beat. From the opening with the Chorus, to the closing with the audience carol, it was great. The talented Band and Chorus teachers at EY and CR did a good job starting these kids on this musical road. Then Mr Tim Babb seems to make magic when all the kids get on that stage together. What work surely went into this concert! Thank you Mr Babb for all your hard work and love for these kids. Yancey County is richly blessed to have you!
It seems to be ok for some to point out what the constitution states concerning certain issues, for example separation of church and state, but not ok to point out how marriage is defined "as being between one man and one woman" not to mention that it seems that it is ok for some to point out to the public how the supreme court has ruled concerning government meetings but not ok to point out to the public how the supreme court ruled concerning abortion and the methods used defined. also it seems to be ok for some to slander and make accusations concerning the christian faith, but not ok for some to try to explain in a respectful manner their beliefs. with no intention of personally offending anyone only trying to bring issues of interest to the public.
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Johnny Riddles job is to do his best to help Yancey county prosper during these terrible economic times. We did not elect him to be our spiritual guide. If the commissioners ignore the warnings of paid legal council and allow us to become tangled up in a costly lawsuit it would hurt everyone in Yancey County, not only financially but in time away from the real business of government. Let's allow our government officials to do their jobs and the ministers do theirs.
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For those of you wondering about "your rights" to have Jesus said, or prayer for that matter,at a government meeting need to be informed that you have no rights in this regard. As the supreme court has ruled on numerous occasions the only "right" are for the ones that don't want it. The founding fathers knew that separating the two, church and state, was the only way to insure freedom of religion for all. That's why it was entered as part of our constitution. Governmental religious oppression was one of the main reasons why we came to the "new world" in the first place. With the arrogance and egotistical basis that is the christian faith ( you know, the whole "believe what I believe or you're condemned" doctrine)it's no wonder that you are so adamant to have it instill in the government to try to forcefully coerce followers. Sounds a lot like they do in the radical parts of the Mideast to me. No thank you.
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A public thanks to Michelle Presnell for doing what so many of us have failed to do-stand for our religious rights as Christians. Now, more than ever, we all need to fall in line with her. God Bless you and your family and all of Yancey County. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Concerning using In Jesus Name in prayer before commissioners meetings. someone is always complaining or saying that Born Again Christians are infringing on their rights WHAT ABOUT OUR RIGHTS? A warning of the cost in another county seems to have brought great concern. However the 282 million owed to the county seems not to cause the same concern. Whatever happened to standing for what you believe in ? As long as we sit back and do nothing to fight for our rights concerning our beliefs the more these groups will take away. in my opinion if the Christian public of Yancey County Don't Stay On Top of the Moral Issues concerning our county more and more Immoral issues are rapidly coming.
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It is with sadness that I read the details concerning prayer at the commissioners meetings. I was appalled to find out that a local Baptist preacher was willing to find preachers to say a prayer at these meetings and willingly leave out the name of Jesus. We are at a time in America when the name of Jesus and God should be uplifted---not left out! Makes one wonder what is being left out in their churches...This is where God gave these preachers a chance to stand for him and they failed to do so. As the song goes...you gotta stand for something or you will fall for anything. It's a sad day in Yancey County...
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Thank God for the commissioners who took a stand at tuesday nights meeting. I was amazed and shocked that one of our commissioners would entertain the thought of removing in Jesus name from the prayer before each meeting. Maybe if the apostle paul had had good legal advice he would not have spent as much time in jail,or maybe denying his God was not an option. I hope that in the future this commissioner admits to God and the citizens of yancey county that he was wrong for doing this at all, and not just for the way he went about it.
Did you know that to house an inmate it costs $40,000 a year, and a prison guard is expected to raise a family on $26,000 a year? An inmate gets clothed, fed, FREE hospital care and education. they have someone cooking and cleaning for them, paying the bills and they even have the luxury of having satellite television, they dont HAVE to work...they commited a crime and the prison system is rewarding them for it. Those people raped children, killed innocent people, and sold drugs to our kids and we treat them better than the guards who are risking their lives to keep the inmates contained. a prison guard lives off $26,000(this is starting pay as a guard)a year and pay health insurance for his family, pay the mortgage, the light bill, the car payment etc..... how does it make sense that it takes $40,000 to keep up one person in prison and prison guards expected to raise a family on $26,000. The men who have ruined peoples lives by the crimes they have commited are living better than the people who are helping the community by keeping the criminals where they belong. I would say "by keeping them behind bars" but no, thats apparently too cruel inmates now have dorm rooms not cells, oh and the idiots in charge of how the prison system works is now suggestion we call them "clients" not inmates.....wonder how you'd feel about your "clients" if it was YOUR little girl they abused, raped, and murdered.
To the one started their opinion with "This opinion in response to the writer of the post beginning with about prayer at work. THANK-YOU and may GOD BLESS YOU. GREAT OPINION!!!!!!!!
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This opinion is in response to the writer of the post beginning with, "About prayer at work." It is precisely about taking my belief away. My belief that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and that through the sacrifice of his life he has given "whosoever believeth" the opportunity to repent of their sins and have eternal life is what governs my existence. This belief includes a "Great Commission," whereby I am compelled by Jesus Christ to spread the good news of his Gospel to everybody I come in contact with, even the people at work. I do not believe in the consumption of alcohol, but I have to listen to people talk about how much they enjoy it. I do not believe in several of the policies enacted by our current President, but I have to listen to other people talk about how much they support them. There has been no restrictions on the right to speak about the use of a controlled substance or restrictions on the right to speak about your approval (or disapproval) of public policies. You stated that “work is work” and insinuated that everything about who you are should be checked at the door. If folks can gather and talk about the football game, or the NBA Finals, or their wives, or their husbands, then folks should be allowed to gather and talk about Jesus. If “work is work” then you should never bring up anything about your personal life (sexual orientation and/or faith). Your employer and co-workers should not know anything about your spouse, or children, or who you are outside of work. If “work is work” then you should remember that not everybody watches the same televisions shows you watch, or goes to same bars, or drives the same car or anything that you do, and therefore we should not be subject to that in the workplace. I can’t pray “out loud,” because you don’t like it, so you can’t talk about your life “out loud” because I don’t like it. If you can be who you are, then I can be who I am. I am a born again, bought by the blood of Jesus, child of God and I like to talk to my Father “out loud.” If me and a couple of folks want to get together and chat with our Savior around the water cooler, then we should be respected the same as you want to be respected. If I feel compelled to tell you about Jesus, I will do that. If you don’t want to listen, then I won’t badger you. I believe that when I need guidance I will seek wisdom from God. I believe that my friends and I should be able to talk to our God and about our God because “in him we live, and move, and have our very being.” I believe that Christ has had the most positive impact on my life that could ever be imagined and I believe that everybody should hear about that, especially the people I work with. So, really it is about taking my belief away. Jesus encompasses all of my life and to say I can’t talk about him, or to him, at work is directly infringing on my belief. God Bless you friend and know that when I pray “out loud” I ask my Savior to protect you and show you how much he loves you too!
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To the one that said prayer should not be at work, because someone might here, first of all it is our right by the CONSTITUTION (you must never have read it, just like most of the people) Second, it's okay to talk about, sports, your sex life, politics, and everything else under the sun but not religion, that is discrimination. But, I blame christians for not taking a stand for there rights. Scence the ban on prayer at the prison NOT one preacher/pastor has contacted the news, NOT one has contacted the prison. NOT one has made any comment, unless it is in there on comfront zone. Christians STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS.
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About prayer at work. Its not about taking your belief away, its about it not being proper to express your beliefs, no matter what they are, on other people at the work place. You can believe in God all you want and pray quietly amongst yourselves. But when you do so in a manner that other coworkers can hear you, you are infringing on their beliefs and rights to be comfortable at work. Not everybody believes in the same thing you do and shouldn't be subject to it in the workplace. I worked in a place where there was a preacher who was constantly leaving his little books of faith on everybody's chairs, he was told to stop or lose his job. What if you went to work and everyday your co-workers who believed in evolution read aloud chapters from their Darwin book. You might be offended and complain, you would want them to leave it at home because it went against your faith. Well your doing the same thing upon others. Everybody, no matter who you are, Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Agnostic, Gay, White, Black, Hispanic should be able to go to work and never feel uncomfortable because of their faith, race or sexual beliefs, you leave all that at home, work is work!
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As I heard the news that employees at mountain view correctional facility were told they were no longer allowed to pray in groups only in silence.The reason being that ONE employee was intimated by the Prayer Group how pathetic, this person was not required to pray with the group neither was the person forced to participate, they apparently Don't believe in God or they would have no problem with prayer. What kept this person from just going on with their business and not staying near the prayer group,In my opinion NOTHING! just because they had the right to make a complaint and the personnel or who ever had the authority to make the decision to stop the ones who were Praying SHAME ON YOU! this person says they were intimated by a prayer group but not intimated when they entered the areas where the inmates are housed with many of them looking like body builders because they constantly are working out daily,some who have committed murder,rape, etc. and the inmates most of them are twice the size of the guards and out number them by a large margin.And this person is intimated by PRAYER? and not by the FACT that they are required to enter the prison population out sized,out manned with nothing more to protect them than a can of pepper spray COME ON! This is nothing more than an attempt to stop Prayer at the prison.when Prayer was taken out of school it started somewhat the same way, Christians sat back thinking it would never happen,the same with abortion,any many other beneficial things simply because people would not stand together for their beliefs and that which was and is right.I ask every Born Again Child Of The Only True And Living GOD to Pray concerning this issue that this decision will be reversed.The reason this person has the right to say they are intimated and i assume sign a former complaint is the FACT that Men and Women who have served in the military that WE THE PEOPLE MAY HAVE THE RIGHTS WE HAVE MADE IT POSSIBLE! It's a shame how some people abuse such rights. as for me if a group of people were gathered Praying or i was inside the prison and a group of prisoner's were gathered all around I would be intimated more by the prisoner's which by the way let you go home at the end of your shift ask yourself how you would protect yourself if a group of prisoners came after you how you would fair with your little can of pepper spray. Personally I would be glad to have people praying that God would keep all the guards safe during their shift according to HIS DIVINE WILL! However I will be praying concerning this matter and praying for you. well this is my opinion.
Just wanted to remind people to follow the law. Please remind people to turn your head lights on when your wipers are on, at dusk, and early dawn. You may be able to see just fine, but sometimes it hard to see you when its very foggy, or raining very hard. For the good of all of us, keep us all safe. "turn your head lights on." May all of you have a wonderful blessed Christmas. From someone that loves Yancey County and all its wonderful people.
