Mother of murder victim ‘tickled’ about arrest of suspect

Margaret Johnson charged with murdering her ex-husband missing since 2002

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

The arrest of her murdered son's ex-wife brings closure to six years of uncertainty and heartbreak to Ellen Miller.

“I just thank God that she’s been arrested,” Miller told The Record. “I’m tickled to death. I’ve never been so happy in my life.”

Miller’s ex-daughter-in-law, Margaret Miller Johnson, 34, was arrested last Thursday in the parking lot of Don’s Char-Grill in North Wilkesboro.

Johnson and her husband, Robert Wayne Johnson, 37, of Old U.S. 21 in Thurmond, are both charged in connection with the murder of Ellen Miller’s son, Kenneth Ray Miller. They are both in custody with no bond allowed. The two had been charged with murder on July 11. Mr. Johnson was apprehended soon afterward. Authorities had been actively searching for Mrs. Johnson.

Kenneth Miller had been missing since May of 2002. His remains were found last week, buried near a private family cemetery off Sheets Gap Road in the Wilbar community in northwestern Wilkes.

Someone at the North Wilkesboro restaurant last Thursday spotted Margaret Johnson, who was there eating with a male friend and called authorities after recognizing her from publicized photos, said Capt. Steve Cabe of the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department.

Margaret Johnson, who had eluded authorities for nearly a week, jerked away from deputies when they attempted to apprehend her. She was taken to the ground and handcuffed, reports state.

No charges have been filed against the man whom Margaret Johnson was with at the time of her arrest, Cabe said.

Investigators are still waiting on positive identification of the skeletal remains from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Chapel Hill. But, Cabe said, based on information, the bones have been tentatively identified as those of Kenneth Miller.

Cabe, who assisted with the excavation of Kenneth Miller’s grave, was tight lipped about whether or not either Johnson has given any statement to investigators or how the man was killed. He also wouldn’t speculate on possible motive or say what evidence was found at the gravesite.

Wilkes deputies along with State Bureau of Investigation personnel participated in the excavation.

“The best way to describe this sort of thing is tedious, slow, methodical and painstakingly detailed,” Cabe said in an interview with The Record.

The work of unearthing the remains began around 9 a.m. last Monday, Cabe said. Work continued to around 7 p.m. A deputy guarded the site over night and work resumed the next morning around 8 a.m.  By early afternoon that day, the excavation had been completed.

Cabe, who has helped with several other grave excavations, said, “You sift through every shovel full of dirt. You make sure you get all the evidence that’s available.”

Ellen Miller said her son left with his ex-wife around 10:30 on the evening he first went missing. She said that she believed Margaret Johnson was alone, but that it was dark and she couldn’t see inside her vehicle. She added that Johnson came back and told her not to tell anyone that she had been there.

After her son didn’t return the next day, Miller filed a missing persons report.

Miller said that for the past several years she felt sure that her son was dead.

This week, she and other family members are talking over plans for a memorial service for Kenneth Miller.

“I’m not sure when his remains will be returned, but I figure it will be a few weeks,” Miller said. “I want to have a nice memorial service for him. We plan to have him cremated.  We may scatter his ashes from the top Stone Mountain. He loved it up there.”

The arrest of Margaret Johnson brings closure after six years of not knowing what happened to her son.

“After all these years it’s finally come to a close,” Miller said. “I appreciate the person so much who spotted her and called the law. I want to thank them.”

 

 

 

Video of restaurant wreck causing a stir

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

The surveillance camera video of a minivan crashing through the front wall of a Wilkesboro restaurant is causing a national stir.

The incident occurred last Wednesday evening at the Coffee House on Brushy Mountain Road in Wilkesboro.

According to reports a 2001 Ford van, driven by Mary Lou Lunsford Sheppard, 60, of Cain Ridge Road, Wilkesboro, was traveling south on Brushy Mountain Road when the vehicle went out of control, ran through the restaurant parking lot and smashed through the front wall.

Kenneth Mack Anderson was sitting in a booth reading a newspaper when the van ripped through the wall. The impact pushed Anderson and the booth against the restaurant counter.

Anderson received minor cuts and bruises. Lunsford declined to be taken to Wilkes Regional Medical Center in North Wilkesboro.

Bob Ashley, the owner of Holly Mountain Enterprises, which includes Coffee House restaurants, Run In convenience stores and Holly Mountain IGA has been getting a lot of phone calls about the video.

“Several other TV stations have contacted me to use the video,” Ashley told The Record during a Tuesday afternoon interview.

A segment on the accident was aired on NBC’s Today Show on Monday morning.

And, truTV, a national cable network that shows reality-based programs, has even offered to buy exclusive rights to the video from Ashley.

Ashley seems a little surprised by all the hoopla.

“Things like this happen I guess,” he said. “But we’re back open again.”

 

 

Wilkes musicians performing at FloydFest

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

Three Wilkes musicians will be part of one of the premier Americana music festivals in the country.

Banjoist and composer Adrian Trbovich, guitarist Aaron Soots and keyboard player and vocalist Ryan Barber, will be performing at FloydFest which begins this week. The three musicians are part of the group TurboPro.

The annual festival will be held July 24 through July 27 in Floyd, Va.

About playing at the event, Trbovich said, “I feel it’s really good exposure. It’s an ever growing festival.  We’re real excited about being there and sharing the bill with some fantastic musicians.”

When asked how to describe his music, Trbovich added, “I guess we’re what you’d call a fusion band. We do things from bluegrass to jazz to hip hop. We really don’t stop at any genre. It’s like a big melting pot.”

Other band members include Chris "DJ Pro" Prear on turntables, Milton "DJ Deacon" Cockerham- turntables and Kenn Smith-bass.

The group will be performing at the festival on July 25 at the Pink Floyd Garden Stage at 8 p.m.,  July 26 at the Virginia Folklife Workshop State at 4 p.m. and the Pink Floyd Garden Stage t 9:30 p.m.

On July 27, the group will take the Main Stage at the festival at 11:15 a.m.

Other upcoming dates for TurboPro include: Aug. 2 at Make Room for Peace in Boone at 4 p.m., and Aug. 23 at Black Cat in Boone at 10 p.m. The band will also be featured live on WNCW on Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.

Trbovich and Soots has also performed for several years with the Wilkes-based band The Local Boys. The group has performed at MerleFest, ChickenFest. Trbovich has also made guest appearances on several recordings including Anna’s Deeper Roots’ debut album.

Others performing at FloydFest include the Avett Brothers, David Grisman Quintant, Donna the Buffalo, Chatham County Line, Cadillac Sky, Blue Mule, Midnight Ramblers and many more.

For more information about FloydFest go to http://atwproductions.com/index.php?pr=ffhome

 

 

 

Attendance high at Cub Scout Day Camp
By REBECCA TRIPLETT-JOHNSON

For The Record

     Portions of Fort Hamby Park at W. Kerr Scott Lake became a bustling center of activity over the weekend as 41 Cub Scouts and multiple adult personnel filled the Robber's Den campsite for the annual three day Wilkes/Blue Ridge Cub Scout Day Camp.
     This year's camp theme was Braves of Blood Creek and highlighted Native American culture and history.  Cubs enjoyed learning about daily lifestyles and techniques used by Native Americans.  Cub Scout leaders, Boy Scouts, W. Kerr Scott Ranger Juanitta Smith and parent volunteers taught many different skills, crafts and activities through presentations and hands on activities.  Leather working, hunting skill games, story telling, archery and safe BB gun marksmanship were just some of the many events enjoyed by the seven to eleven year old scouts from Wilkes and surrounding counties.
     Cub Scouts ran through a multi stage obstacle course that twisted through trees and over hills surrounding the lake. 
     Friendly boat race competitions were held as scouts tested their hand made miniature watercrafts for buoyancy and speed. 
     Leather working was taught while creating dream catchers, foam bladed tomahawks and other historic Native American items. 
      Clusters of white teepees stood among the lush green trees of the forest as the scouts constructed life size replicas of the living quarters used throughout Native American history. 
      Each Cub Scout den painted two foot sections of what became an eighteen foot tall totem pole erected in the middle of camp.  
      Scouts also learned game skills with instruction in volleyball, basketball and pitching accuracy with water balloon competitions. 
       Parents and grandparents were special guests at a campfire ceremony and hot dog supper on Saturday night. 
       Scouts presented skits on Sunday afternoon with lots of applause from the crowd.  An awards ceremony followed with presentations to individual cub scouts, packs, leaders and volunteers. 
       Camp Director Gina Cleary was very pleased with the large turnout of both scouts and volunteers. 
       "Without the help and support of all the parents and volunteers we would not have had such a successful summer camp.  I am so thankful to everyone who has been such a big part in our 2008 event," said Cleary.
       Program Director Michele Rhoades expressed excitement and relief in seeing such a positive turnout.
       "I am glad that so many cub scouts took part in our camp and brought with them good attitudes and behavior.  We had only minor injuries and major fun. The boys really had a great time," said Rhodes.
        EMTs and scout leaders Michael Roope and Matt Stone were on hand throughout the camp for all first aid and medical needs that arose. 
      District Executive, Old Hickory Council, Boys Scouts of America, Daniel Baird congratulated all of the scout leaders and volunteers for a job well done and thanked the parents for letting their sons be part of Cub Scout and Boy Scout functions.
      "These are wonderful scouts who are great at participation and are eager to continue learning new skills toward advancement in scouting," said Baird.
      For more information on Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts of America contact Gina Cleary at 984-7253 or www.scoutinginwilkes.com and www.scoutinginblueridge.com

 

BROC pageants raise $45,000

From Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission

A 2008 new Princess and Queen were crowned and over $45,000 raised at the 27th Annual "Little Miss Princess" and the 35th Annual  "Miss CAG" Pageant sponsored by Wilkes Community Action Committee (WCAC) pageant held at the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts Friday evening.

The event is sponsored by Wilkes Community Action Committee (WCAC) and is their largest fundraising activity. WCAC is a supportive arm of Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Inc. (BROC). "All funds from the pageant will be used for various low-income programs", said Betty Jo White, Wilkes Community Action Committee member as she welcomed the crowd.

WCAC was founded as a private non-profit corporation in 1965 by over one hundred leaders in Wilkes County. "It's purpose is to combat poverty within communities in Wilkes County and raise the standard of living for low-income individuals and families and to improve the general welfare of the citizens of Wilkes County. WCAC is very instrumental in reaching that goal. It really has had great impact in meeting the needs in situations in Wilkes County for the Crisis Intervention program and other BROC low-income projects such as Elderly Nutrition Program, Weatherization Assistance Program, and BROC Head Start Program.

Contestants, parents and grandparents were on pins and needles, waiting in anticipation for the results to be announced. "Remember to wave and smile," one mother was overheard saying to her daughter.

2008 Little Miss Princess

Hailey Morgan Peacock raised $6,576.90 to claim the title of "Little Miss Princess" 2008. She is the daughter of Jessica Nelson and Michael Prevette of North Wilkesboro. Ms. Peacock was escorted by Cameron Teague, the son of Jonathan and Mindy Teague.  Presenting the crown to Peacock was the 2007 "Little Miss Princess" Kailayn Mercedes Garrett. Peacock received a scholarship for one thousand dollars, a bouquet of roses, a trophy and gifts from local businesses.

The "Little Miss Princess" pageant allows young people to compete in raising money to support low-income projects in Wilkes County. The pageant is open to female contestants, ages three to seven years old. Parents, friends, relatives, churches or clubs sponsor the "Little Miss Princess" contestants and help raise her money.

Other "Little Miss Princess" contestants and funds they raised were:

Elizabeth Martin, great niece of Tola Bailey and sponsored by Tola M. Bailey and Elnora Holbrook of North Wilkesboro, was named 1st runner-up. Miss Martin raised $2,708.94 and her escort was Andrew Rash, the son of Amy Rash.

Emily Barbour, daughter of Heather Walker and Joseph Barbour of Wilkesboro, was 2nd runner-up. She raised $1,046.12. Miss Barbour was escorted by Jeremy Nichols, the son of Brooke and Jeff Nichols.

Hannah Absher, daughter of Shawn and Melissa Absher of North Wilkesboro was 3rd runner-up. She raised $1,367 and Miss Absher was escorted by Matthew Dimmette, the son of Dennis and Rosie Dimmette.

Zakiya Braggs, daughter of Chastity Kyle and David Braggs of North Wilkesboro, was 4th runner-up. She raised $697 and Miss Braggs was escorted by Shamori Vannoy, the son of Mike and Felicia Glenn.

 Gracie Brock, daughter of Summer and Kenny Brock of Wilkesboro, was 5th runner-up. She raised $509.53. Miss Brock was unable to attend , due to being in Wilkes Regional Medical Center.Allyah Finney, daughter of Tiffany West of Wilkesboro, was 6th runner-up, raising $404.00. Miss Finney was escorted by Landon West, the son of Jimmy and Heather West.

Leeann Musick, daughter of Julia Brannock of Sparta, was 7th runner-up, raising 393.00. Miss Brannock was unable to attend.

The 2008 "Little Miss Princess" contestants raised $14,048.70

All contestants and their escorts received gifts.

2008"Miss CAG"

Winning the title of "Miss CAG" 2008 was Teresa Martin, sponsored by Temple Hill Community Action Group who raised $9,082.85.  Martin was escorted by her husband, Walter Martin, Jr. "Miss CAG" 2007, Ms. Michelle Bierlair, presented her the crown for "Miss CAG" 2008, a bouquet of roses and her trophy.

Other "MISS CAG" contestants included:

Maxine Johnson, raising $4,242.09 was the lst runner-up. Johnson was sponsored by Austin Community Action Group. Michael was escorted by her husband, Tony B. Johnson.

Margie Michael, raising $3,347.82, was 2nd runner-up. Michael was sponsored by Pioneer Community Action Group and escorted by her son, Steve Michael.

Hannah Smith, raising $2,455.66, was the 3rd runner-up. Smith was sponsored by Maple Springs Community Action Group. Smith was escorted by her brother, Rev. Homer Greene.

 "Miss CAG" Contestants raised a total of $19,128.42.

"Miss CAG' contestants are recruited from civic, church and volunteer groups throughout Wilkes County. Each contestant represents a group of concerned citizens. Contestants sell ads and raffle tickets, hold bake sales, yard sales, donut sales and other events to raise money.

Each contestant's fundraising total was kept secret until the winner was announced at the pageant. The winners are determined by the amount of money raised. The contestant who raises the most money is crowned "Miss CAG' and "Little Miss Princess".

Master of Ceremonies for the annual pageant was Kim White.

White said, "There's no better way to use your efforts and your money than to help Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission," and that he was proud to be a part of BROC and this event.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Courtney Huffman, The Traphill Elegant Ladies from Traphill; and Deliverance.  The Deliverance group consists of Darryl and Donna Wagoner and daughter, Courtney.

The grand total raised: $45,002.11, came from $14,048.70 raised by "Little Miss Princess" contestants; $19,128.42 raised by "Miss CAG" Contestants; and $11,824.99 from business donations, ads, interest and other.

Jessica Nelson, Jennifer Cooper-White, Karen McNeil, Vanessa Boyd and Dare Stromer were Coordinators. Ms. Janette Crump provided the musical prelude for the event.

Closing remarks were made by BROC Executive Director, Dare Stromer; 'What an exciting evening. There is no way the BROC Board of Directors, Wilkes Community Action Committee (WCAC), and staff could thank everyone enough for the support of the Miss CAG contestants and the Little Princess contestants and all the volunteers'.

'We especially want to thank all the businesses for their support,   the local media, the volunteers, the contestants, Wilkes Community Action Committee, Dr. Helen Latour and Kulynych Family Foundation for their support'. Everyone did an awesome job, commented Stromer. "I think it's fantastic and I thank the Lord for the money raised. Without Him, we could not have done what we have done. Without everyone's involvement, dedication, hard work, time and love that went into this pageant it would not have been possible. I do not know what it is not to have food on the table, funds to pay the power bill, needed medicine or to be without heat. Many of our clients have these experiences daily. These funds will go toward the Crisis Intervention Program (to prevent disconnection of power, stop eviction, and provide fuel, prescription and food), Elderly Nutrition Program and Head Start Program. You go the extra mile and you have truly Made a Difference in the lives of the families we serve".  

"I want to thank all the staff for working together, because it takes each one of us working as a team with our time, energy, love and talents to accomplish our purpose," said Stromer.

 

 

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Community Happenings

A reunion will be held for all former members of Troy Oak Twirlers dance club.  All who have ever participated in western dance are invited to an ice cream social as the guest of the present members of the Troy Oak Club Western Square Dance club Friday, July 18 at 6 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in North Wilkesboro.  The club will furnish ice cream and cookies.

 

Fishing Creek Baptist Church, Hwy Old 60, Wilkesboro, will have a Fourth Sunday Night Singing on July 27 at 7 p.m.  Guest singers will be The Servants Quartet.  All are Welcome.

 

"Yankee" John Church Family Reunion will be held August 21 beginning at 10 a.m. at Family Central (Old Ashe County Central High School.) Please bring a covered dish, salad or dessert, or share a generously filled picnic basket.  For more information, please call Diane at 828-310-2413 or Joyce at 336-846-2429.  All church descendants are invited.

 

Shady Grove Baptist Church will have Vacation Bible School for all age groups beginning July 28 from 7-9 nightly.  A kick-off event will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 5 p.m.  Watermelon and homemade ice cream will be served.  Everyone is invited to attend.

 

North Wilkes High School will have Freshman Orientation on August 21 at 4 p.m. in the gym. You will have an opportunity to visit your classes and teachers.

 

Congo Pentecostal Holiness Church will have Vacation Bible School on the following Sunday evenings:

July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3 and August 10. Times are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  There will be classes for all ages and everyone is invited.

 

Upcoming Library Events

Thursday, July 17:  Field Trip to Rendezvous Mountain from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Monday, July 21: Teen Monday Movie from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22: Red Herring Puppets! Puppet Show 2:00 p.m. Kids of all ages bring your whole family for a wonderful time watching unique handmade puppets of all sizes and shapes as they tell Aesop's Fables! Red Herring Puppets is a professional puppet troupe that has worked with Jim Henson Productions, Lucasfilm, PBS, UNC-TV, and Disney.

July Events at the Traphill Branch Library

Tuesday, July 15: 2:00 p.m. is Water Safety presented by one of the Rangers from Kerr Scott Lake. This program is open to all ages.

Tuesday, July 29: 2:00 Nature Ranger Program featuring one of the Rangers from Kerr Scott Lake and some special live animals.