McDowell Man Sentenced for Escape and Kidnapping
On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, 44-year-old Billy Lee Smith was found guilty in a McDowell County trial by jury of the following charges: • Felony Second Degree Kidnapping (Habitual Felon Status) • Felony Breaking and/or Entering (Habitual
Colon Cancer is Rising in Younger Adults
A Critical Reminder: Colon Cancer Is Rising in Younger Adults By Peter Bechtel, MD General Surgeon, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital Recent news of a 48-year-old actor’s death from colon cancer has brought renewed attention to a disease
Ellen Byrd Miller
Ellen Byrd Miller, age 69, of the Red Hill Community, went Home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Billie
Notes from 2/16 Yancey Board of Education Meeting
The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Gymnasium of Blue Ridge Elementary School on Monday, February 16, 2026. Wells at CRMS, BRES, EYMS, BES Mr. Steve Robinson reported that
Time to Celebrate, At Last!
Toe River Arts (TRAC) was incorporated fifty years ago on January 26, 1976. The celebration planned for that date was postponed a month and will now take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00
Michael Gene Laws
Michael Gene Laws, a loving husband and father, passed away on February 17, 2026, at his residence. Born on October 7, 1946, in Yancey County, he dedicated his professional life to the furniture industry, demonstrating remarkable commitment
Wanting a Female Shihtzu and to Mate a Dog
Wanted: If anyone has a female standard poodle or Bernese Mountain Dog and would like to have a litter of puppies I have a beautiful male Bernese mountain dog. He’s a year old…also looking for a female Shihtzu puppy or adult…call 828 467 2955
Wanted To Buy or Rent a Yard Roller
Wanted: To buy or rent a pull-behind yard packer that fills up with water–to level mole holes all over yard…contact 828-385-0402 or pfrye@att.net
Wanting Pallets
Wanted: Pallets- need to be in good condition, wanting to stack wood on them. Located in Barnardsville, please text 828-776-0549
Hay
For Sale: 4×4 rolls of hay for sale . In barn no rain $45…call 828-385-6030
Millions For The Mountains
U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards is bringing millions of federal dollars back to the High Country to support local infrastructure and public safety. Edwards has secured four million dollars in federal funding for the Town of Spruce Pine
Doris Jean Ricker, Née Kibbe
Doris Jean Ricker, Née Kibbe, born in Arkwright, New York in 1931, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on February 16th, 2026. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gordon Ricker and her