Carter County Emergency Management director fired

Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby announced late Wednesday she has fired emergency management director Billy Harrell. Harrell recently made a statement regarding Mayor Woodby’s allegations that he had no emergency plan when Helene struck, claiming they were false. Woodby told commissioners Monday night she had to take over emergency operations from Harrell. WCYB News channel 5 filed a records request Wednesday morning for a copy of the emergency plan and is awaiting a response. Woodby said deputy director Shannon Winters will take over immediately.