House arrested for murder

FRANKLIN, NC--Macon County Sheriff Lyle Owens announced today that the Dylan family, reported missing last week after no one showed up for church or their jobs, have been found murdered in their Franklin home.

Owens would not give details pertaining to how the Dylan family--Alex, 45, Margaret, 43, and their son Alex Jr, 18--were killed but the house, 1343 Shadowhorse Lane, has been arrested and charged with the murders.

"There were no clues pointing to any possible suspects," Owens said while he standing in the yard watching chains being wrapped around the house's front porch columns. "No one knows anything, arresting the house was the only logical answer."

All neighbors were questioned, but the only thing that could be determined, Owens said, was that the Dylan family had no known enemies.

"It had to be the house. I mean who could be so soulless as to do something this horrific?" neighbor Maxine Alda said. Her husband agreed.

"This is absolutely outrageous, no human could ever be possible of ever doing like this. Only something soulless, like their house, could."

Sitting on a half-acre of land, the three-bedroom, pale green house had shutters that were "delightful" according to neighbors, and views of the Great Smoky Mountains that were "to die for."

The house will be arraigned at the Macon County Courthouse in Franklin next week.

Seminar aims to help, not hurt

GREEN LEVEL, NC--The local fire department has adopted an alternative – and controversial - method to educate citizens on fireworks safety prior to this Fourth of July. In the past, officials have reminded adults and children of former accidents involving fireworks to convey their message. This year, they’re not depending on hindsight.

“Instead of telling kids how dangerous these things can be, we’re going to show them,” said Chief Craig Wilson. The fire department has arranged multiple safety seminars during which children will be handed lit fireworks to demonstrate different safety issues.

Some seminar participants will be handed fireworks that will explode prematurely in the hand, said Wilson. Other fireworks will shoot sparks, lighting nearby clothing and hair on fire. “It’ll grow back,” said Wilson of the eyebrows some participants will lose. “Kids are resilient.”

Wilson said he’s been fielding several phone calls and emails from parents who are concerned their children will be placed in danger during the seminars. However, he maintains a strict protocol will be followed throughout the seminars, and emergency medical professionals will be on site.

To further ensure the seminars’ safety, Wilson said each demonstration has been practiced multiple times on a “willing member of our department,” and with apparent success. Tim Flaghart, a volunteer firefighter at the Green Level Fire Department, has been on the receiving end of 12 practiced fireworks malfunctions, and still has all of his fingers.

“It’s definitely fun to be playing with fireworks at work,” said Flaghart. “Though I’m missing a patch of hair near my left ear.” Flaghart also suffered second-degree burns on his left ear during last week’s spark-shooting demonstration practice, but said he’s more concerned about his hair.

“It’s what gets all the ladies,” Flaghart said, winking out of his remaining good eye.

Fireworks safety seminars will be held Friday, July 1 through Wednesday July 3 at 7 p.m. each evening at Station 1. The seminars are open to all citizens of Green Level, and are encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothing to the event.