News

Mills River vows crackdown on stoplight panhandlers

By Bill Moss, Published: February 12, 2016

MILLS RIVER — In Mills River, motorists stopped at the traffic light at the intersection of N.C. 191 and N.C. 280 had complained about the pesky problem of panhandling.

Men and women with plastic buckets approached drivers.
Sometimes the bucket had a label that said “for the children” or indicated another cause. Town officials say there’s no evidence that they’re associated with any legitimate charity and the solicitors had never sought a permit. On Thursday night the mayor promised a crackdown.
“Our panhandle situation we hope is finally under control,” Mayor Larry Freeman said. “Maj. Frank Stout (of the sheriff's office) informed us that from here on out, if the panhandling continues citations will be issued.”
Councilman Wayne Carland said he was eating lunch recently at Nancy Lynn’s Diner and Pizzeria when his friends said, “Look, there’s the panhandlers.” His friends were from Candler.
Mayor Freeman assured Mills River residents that the sheriff’s office would crack down.
“There is no permit for panhandling and DOT regulations prohibit it,” he said. “The sheriff’s office will strictly enforce that and citations will be issued.”