Smooth meeting, but tax rate still draws questions

By Clint Parker

Weaverville – The Monday evening (May 15) town council meeting went pretty smoothly as council breezed through the agenda with little to no discussion for the most part.

The council approved the minutes from the April 11 budget meeting and the last town council meeting. They recognized several town employees including Fire Chief Ted Williams for completing a course at the School of Government in administration and Police Chief Greg Stephens and Officer Michele Cagle for their swift handling of a bank robbery (see story at right).

In a statement to the Tribune Stephens said, “As chief of police I am very fortunate to work with a wonderful and caring group of people. Senior Officer Cagle (see pictures) sets a great example with the commitment she gives this town every single day. On this particular day we had a suspect decide he wanted to affect the lives of some good people who were just doing their jobs. Senior Officer Michele Cagle did an amazing job capturing this suspect in just a matter of minutes. Putting a stop to his plans of disrupting good people going about their workday. Cagle (and others) put their lives on the line and this day was no exception! I’m very proud she is here at Weaverville Police serving our citizens.”

The council then approved the consent agenda, which included the monthly tax report, an ordinance for the road closure for part of Main Street for the “Music on Main” event, budget amendment for the town match funds of $18,618 on some fire department equipment. Read more...

Terry turns himself in

By Clint Parker

Weaverville – Last week the Tribune reported about warrants issued Monday, May 1 for Paul Blake Terry on charges of embezzlement. According to Weaverville Police on Friday (May 5) Terry turned himself in to the Buncombe County Magistrate’s Office in Asheville.

Terry was accused more than two months ago by clients of selling their goods at auction and not paying them the proceeds from the sale. The Tribune broke the story on March 9th about the same time that Weaverville Police started its investigation.

The actual warrants were not available as of press time. This week the Tribune has obtain copies of the warrants, which detail the charges against Terry. Read more...

Warrants issued for auctioneer

By Clint Parker

Weaverville – Nearly two months after the Tribune first reported on complaints from clients of Blake Terry Auction, and a month-long investigation by the Weaverville Police, the police are reporting this week that it has warrants for the arrest of Paul Blake Terry. The warrants were issued on Monday, May 1.

According to the press release, “Separate warrants have charged Terry with embezzlement of funds for incidents that occurred in January, and February 2017. Paul Blake Terry has been the subject of a Weaverville Police Department investigation since March.” The release also said that more warrants were expected.

The Tribune asked several questions of the Weaverville Police in relation to the case including whether or not they have been in contact with Terry. If there are any other persons involved in the crimes? How much money is involved? and How many warrants for arrest there are? Their response was that they could not say more at this time. Read more...