Here’s a check of the latest from WataugaOnline.com for Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Newland Man Denied Bond, Faces New Charges in Fatal Milligan Cycling Crash Case
John Benfield, the Newland man charged in the fatal Aug. 19 crash that killed two Milligan University cycling team members, was denied reinstatement of bond during a hearing Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Carter County, Tennessee, according to reporting by WJHL and WCYB. Judge Keith Bowers ruled that Benfield, 69, will continue to be held at the Carter County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. Benfield also saw additional charges filed Wednesday, including felony reckless endangerment and two new counts of aggravated assault, on top of the two counts of reckless vehicular homicide and five counts of reckless aggravated assault by vehicle he already faced. The bond denial and new charges follow Benfield’s Aug. 27 rearrest, after he was accused of violating the conditions of his release. According to an affidavit, Benfield was required to submit to a random drug screen as a bond condition, and the results reportedly showed use of THC and alcohol. Benfield remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. He was originally charged after the Tennessee Highway Patrol said his vehicle struck a group of Milligan University cyclists on Aug. 19 on Highway 19E near Simerly Creek Road in Hampton, Tennessee. Two sophomore student-athletes, Haylan Engdahl and Brayden Rogers, were killed in the crash, and several others were injured.
Blue Ridge Conservancy Adds “Critical” Land to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) recently acquired 60 acres of forested land and transferred it to NC State Parks for inclusion in the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. Designated by State Parks as “critical,” this acreage borders the State Natural Area on the west and includes the headwaters of Little Naked Creek. The property is situated below the Lost Province Trail and its elevation exceeds 4,200 feet. During the past two years, BRC has conserved 128 acres on Mount Jefferson, increasing the size of the State Natural Area to 1,270 acres. BRC purchased the property from longtime conservationists Henry and Dyeann Jordan, who stewarded the property for 60 years. Funding was provided by the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. “We are excited for this new addition to Mount Jefferson State Natural Area that expands our ability to protect this National Natural Landmark,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. BRC’s conservation plan prioritizes high value acreage that adjoins existing public lands to create corridors for wildlife and trail access. In addition to Mount Jefferson, BRC has expanded the footprint of Grandfather Mountain and Elk Knob State Park, Three Top Mountain and Pond Mountain Gamelands, the Blue Ridge Parkway and several other State Natural Areas.
Blue Ridge Parkway Seeks Public Input on Linville Falls Recovery Plan
Blue Ridge Parkway is opening a 30-day public comment period for a site management plan to restore visitor access, rebuild storm-damaged facilities, and build a more resilient future for the Linville Falls area — one of the region’s most heavily visited destinations. Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to Linville Falls in September 2024, destroying the visitor center and forcing the closure of the campground and picnic area. Visitors can still reach the falls themselves, but recovery of the surrounding facilities has been ongoing since the storm. The site plan will evaluate options for rebuilding in ways that improve safety, accessibility, and long-term resilience. Because the area is prone to flooding, planners are considering placing new facilities in locations less vulnerable to future storms. Investments under consideration include improvements to the visitor access area, rehabilitation of the campground along with new septic and water systems, repairs to the picnic area and surrounding grounds, and repairs to the Linville Gorge Trail system. The Parkway has scheduled two public meetings, offered both virtually and in person, to share early draft concepts and answer questions, including one today at the Sam Center Auditorium at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout said, “We look forward to the day when we can welcome visitors back to new and improved facilities” at Linville Falls, adding that the agency values public feedback in shaping the rebuilding effort. Public comments will be accepted online at parkplanning.nps.gov through Sept. 30. Design and construction on the project are expected to begin in 2027.
QUICK HITS
25th Anniversary of 9/11: Tomorrow, Sept. 11, marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Communities across the nation are expected to hold moments of remembrance and reflection.
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WEATHER
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— WataugaOnline