News, nuggets and notes

Leftover Weaverville Town Council notes

2012-01-24T12:12:00.002-05:00

The Weaverville Town Council recognized resident and developer Lou Accornero on Monday (Jan. 23). Accornero was the town's first ABC chairman and was instrumental in getting the store to open in 2009. He stepped down from the board last year.

"It should provide some meaningful income for many years to come," Accornero said of the store.

Later in the meeting, Mayor Al Root nominated Accornero to serve on the town's inaugural Economic Development Commission.

"There is not another town I'd rather be apart of," he said.

* In other news, Michael Boaz, the town's manager, said the redesign of the town's website should go live by Feb. 1.

* The town's received a clean, unqualified opinion on its annual audit report.

* The council approved re-entering its contract with Curbside Recycling. It has the ability to opt-out in July.

90 paintings in 90 days

2012-01-20T10:15:00.003-05:00

Alicia Araya, a Chilean artist currently living in Marshall, is working on a project of painting 90 works of art in 90 days. She, along with her husband Jim Hickey, run Marshall Arts a new, grassroots gallery space on U.S. Highway 25/70, immediately adjacent to Momma’s Kitchen. For more on her project and to help fund her, go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aliciaraya/mountains-rivers-woods-sea-j-m-w-turner-and-me.

Howling Moon on shelves soon

2012-01-18T10:35:00.002-05:00

Howling Moon, a new moonshine distilled in Woodfin, will be making its way on shelves at the Woodfin ABC store by the end of the month.

Ad-hoc committee addresses chairman

2012-01-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

An ad-hoc committee, headed up Weaverville resident Fred Flaxman, is asking the Federal Communications Commission to deny the license renewal of WCQS in Asheville, charging that the station violated requirements to form a community advisory board and conduct listener surveys. The station filed a response with the FCC saying that it is now in compliance. The station’s broadcast license, held by Western North Carolina Public Radio (WNCPR), would have been automatically renewed on Dec. 1, but the group's petition to deny triggered an FCC review.

Flaxman drafted a letter on behalf of his group, made up of roughly 30 area residents, that addresses the list of complaints to Bryan Smith, chairman of the board of directors for Western North Carolina Public Radio.

It reads:

Dear Chairman Smith:

I write with the hope and expectation that the Board of Directors of Western North Carolina Public Radio and the members of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Responsive Radio share a common goal: helping Western North Carolina to have the best, most responsive, public radio station it can have given the financial resources available. Assuming that is the case, we think it would be far better that we work together to reach this goal rather than to engage in a battle with each other as we have been doing.

The Ad-Hoc Committee members are all pleased to have public radio service in our area. We definitely do not want to do without it. We want to improve it. We want it to be more responsive than we have found it to be in the past, as documented in our FCC petition.

So I write to you today with several suggestions that we think would greatly help to bring about this improved responsiveness and service to the community. We sincerely hope you'll agree with all of them. We don't think they are controversial. There are other public radio stations and nonprofits in the United States that operate in a similar fashion to what we are proposing. And these suggestions, if carried out, would deprive us of any reason to challenge your license renewal and lead us to ask the FCC to withdraw our Petition to Deny. Our proposals are as follows:

1. The Board of Directors of a public radio station, in our view, should be elected by the members of the station, rather than being self-elected and self-perpetuating. We therefore suggest that the changes to the articles of incorporation and bylaws necessary to bring this about be made as soon as possible and elections held at the next annual meeting.

2. We suggest that the station's Community Advisory Board meet quarterly, rather than twice a year, and be open to any resident of the station's coverage area who wants to join the CAB and who attends at least three meetings each year.

3. We suggest that the CAB's bylaws be changed to no longer require Board of Directors approval of CAB members, to better assure the independence of the CAB.

4. We suggest that the CAB's advice be sought prior to any program changes, and that the Board of Directors make this a station policy. In suggesting this we emphasize that management does not have to follow the advice of the CAB, only to seek it, consider it, and follow it where practical and desirable to do so.

5. We suggest that all station employees be individuals who believe strongly in the mission of the station and of public broadcasting, and who are sensitive to and responsive to the needs of the communities served by the station. We suggest that they work hard to involve the public in public broadcasting, and never forget that they are paid by the public they are hired to serve. We are sorry to report that this hasn't always been the case in the past.

6. We suggest that final programming decisions be made by people who are qualified by training or background to make those decisions. We also suggest that a one-paragraph biography of each station employee be posted on the staff page of the station's website, so that listeners and members can see at a glance the qualifications of those holding decision-making positions at the station.

7. We feel that the broadcast of locally-produced news, public affairs, and talk programs by local public radio stations is more important than ever. We think it is essential to their very survival, as modern technology makes it possible through satellite and internet radio to listen to stations all over the world as well as network programming from NPR without tuning in to local stations like WCQS. Therefore we strongly suggest that WCQS make local news, public affairs, and talk programming an essential part of their mission statement, and hire the right people to carry it out.

8. Nevertheless, we also suggest that the broadcast of classical music, folk music, and jazz remains an important part of the public radio mission in communities like ours where it is the only free, over-the-air source of such programming. We think that the station should continue and improve such programming by identifying and broadcasting the best such programming available. We don't feel that this has been evident in the past. Many years went by, for example, before WCQS offered "From the Top" to their listeners. "Performance Today" from American Public Media and the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts are still not available to listeners here.

9. We also feel that part of the mission of WCQS should be to encourage the production of high-quality programming for broadcast on the station by local, independent producers. Some of the best programs on public television in the U.S. come from independent producers. The same is true for public radio. We suggest that the mission statement be revised to encourage such production and acquisition, particularly from your coverage area.

10. We suggest that WCQS conduct annual surveys of its members to determine their reaction to the programs being broadcast and their suggestions for improvements. We further suggest that the results of these surveys be discussed at an annual WCQS Listeners Meeting, which would be broadcast live and permit live input from the public by telephone and electronic means.

11. We suggest that WCQS produce and broadcast a regular, half-hour, daily local public affairs program, perhaps immediately following NPR's "All Things Considered" at 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and using the same radio magazine format. Grants from local foundations, companies, and individuals could be sought to make this concept financially possible.

12. We suggest that, in order to be more responsive to the communities it serves, WCQS should voluntarily conduct community ascertainment of the communities' needs by interviewing community leaders each year. Also, we suggest that the station respond to and tabulate all programming comments and requests, whether they come by telephone, e-mail, via the station's website, or by letter, as is common at other public broadcasting stations. The logs of comments should be distributed weekly by e-mail to management, the Board of Directors, and the Community Advisory Board.

13. Because radio is a sound medium with no pictures, we believe that a station's sound is very important. We suggest that WCQS commit to hiring the best on-air personnel that they can find, so that the station always sounds like a professional, world-class operation, and not like a college training station. We think that the station has some excellent announcers on its staff, but we have heard many complaints from our members and others about some announcers who fall short of professional standards.

14. If low pay and benefits is the reason for the lack of a totally professional announcing staff at present, we suggest that the station establish a pay scale with benefits that is generous enough to attract first-class, professional, experienced talent.

The Ad-Hoc Committee for Responsive Public Radio feels that, if our suggestions are taken and implemented, these improvements will pay for themselves in increased listeners and increased donations of financial support. They will certainly make the station a more responsive and essential community resource.

We would like to meet with you to discuss these suggestions and to see if we might reach a written agreement and affidavit required by the FCC for us to withdraw our Petition to Deny WCQS's license renewal. We would appreciate your bringing this proposal up at your meeting on Wednesday (Jan. 18), and I look forward to your reply shortly after that.

Flaxman is a longtime public broadcaster who previously held executive positions at WTTW in Chicago, WETA-FM and TV in Arlington, Va., and KUAT-TV in Tucson, Ariz.

Local business news

2012-01-13T10:32:00.000-05:00

* Newbridge Cafe in Woodfin has not changed names. Roof damage brought down sign that had been placed on top of the old Ilene's Cafe sign that was there on Weaverville Road from 1989-2000. Owner Lorin Knouse said new Newbridge sign should be up in a week or two.

* Food Lion in Weaverville to close soon. The closure is part of a nationwide closure of 113 Food Lion stores, including the one in Hendersonville.

* Ashvegas is reporting Westall Chandley Lumber in Woodfin has closed. The store has been having an inventory reduction sale since last fall. It has been in the area for more than 100 years and in Woodfin since the 1970s. This would be the second long-standing hardware store to close in Woodfin in a year. Citizen's Do It Best Hardware closed last summer after more than 70 years in North Asheville and Woodfin.

* Zaxby's in Weaverville scheduled to open next week.

What other business news is out there?

Mars Hill College graduate recipient of Rotary scholarship

2012-01-09T14:57:00.002-05:00

Release from Mars Hill College...

Tina Rathburn, a 2011 graduate of Mars Hill College, was back in the area for her holiday break from the University of Peace in Costa Rica where she has been pursuing a Masters’ Degree with the help of a $25,000 scholarship which she was awarded by Rotary International.

Tina was nominated for consideration by the Rotary Club of Madison County to go through the rigorous selection process last year. With her impressive resume of community service and top academic scores, Tina was one of two students chosen from the western North Carolina District to be part of the Ambassadorial Scholar program. As part of the requirements for receiving the scholarship for studying overseas, Tina agreed to serve as an ambassador to represent the ideals of Rotary and become involved with humanitarian programs in the country where she is studying. While there, Tina has also been making presentations to groups about Rotary and participating in Rotary events.

The overall goal of the program is to encourage scholars to dedicate their personal and professional lives to improving the quality of life for the people of their home community. While in the program, the scholars are made aware of cultural differences and learn to become leaders who can address the humanitarian needs of the world community. The Club in Madison County is proud to have Tina represent Rotary and western North Carolina in Costa Rica.

Taking a break

2011-12-23T09:58:00.000-05:00

The office of the Weaverville Tribune will close Christmas Eve and remain closed through Jan. 1. We will reopen at 9 am on Jan. 2. Thanks to everyone in North Buncombe for making this another great year and happy holidays to everyone.

If you need assistance while our office is closed, please send an e-mail to wteditor@weavervilletribune.com.

Group opposes public station's license renewal

2011-12-20T16:33:00.002-05:00

A group of 30 WCQS-FM Asheville-area listeners, callingthemselves the Ad-Hoc Committee for Responsive Public Radio, has filed apetition with the FCC to deny the public radio station's license renewal. Thestation's license expired on Dec. 1, but the FCC automatically extended itwhile they consider the petition to deny, the station's response to thepetition, and the Ad-Hoc Committee's rebuttal, which was submitted by mail onSaturday (Dec. 17).

The committee faults the station for being unresponsive to,and uninterested in, the views of its listeners. The group cites the fact thatthe station violated the Public Broadcasting Act for 13 years by not having acommunity advisory board (CAB), while testifying each year that they were incompliance with all federal laws in order to receive funding from theCorporation for Public Broadcasting. Forced to re-establish a CAB four yearsago, WCQS management did not ask their Community Advisory Board for its advicebefore making sweeping program changes this year. These included theelimination of all local and national half-hour public affairs programming, apopular gardening show and a one-hour Celtic music program.

The committee also complains that the station, until thisyear, had not conducted any listener surveys, and the recent survey took placeonly after the program changes were made. Other gripes include not broadcastingprograms requested by many listeners, not responding to mail from listeners,not airing programs created by any local independent producers, and violatingthe station's own mission statement as presented on their own website. Thatstatement says that part of their mission is to broadcast local talk programs.

"Rather than offer to meet with critics, the station isspending who knows how much listener-donated money hiring Washingtoncommunications attorneys to represent them," according to Fred Flaxman,the committee's coordinator. "This is further evidence of theirnon-responsiveness to the community they are licensed to serve," he added.

Flaxman has a public broadcasting background, having retiredto Weaverville after serving as a top executive for five public broadcastingstations throughout the U.S.

"It truly pains me to be fighting with a public radiostation," Flaxman said, "because I have devoted my career to publicradio and television and believe very strongly in the benefit they are tosociety. I moved to this area six years ago and volunteered to serve on WCQS'sCommunity Advisory Board. That's when I learned that they didn't have one --and didn't want one. I helped them reinstitute one, but gave up when I saw thattheir manager wanted to control the CAB and didn't want it to be theindependent advisory body it is supposed to be. I only wished to see WCQSbecome the excellent public radio station this great community deserves. Iwould have preferred to work with them toward that end rather than againstthem."

Access to online pdf files of the Committee's "Petitionto Deny," the station's "Opposition to Petition to Deny," andthe Committee's "Response to Opposition to Petition to Deny" areavailable on request. Contact Flaxman at fflaxman@frontier.com.

Development hums along at Villages at Crest Mountain

2011-12-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

Construction is moving along at the Villages at Crest Mountain in Woodfin. The new residential development is next to the Crest Center on Dryman Mountain Road.

As of December, seven full-time residents now occupy homes in The Villages at Crest Mountain with three more homes nearing completion soon. Seventeen lots have been sold. Development began in 2009.

The homes and the community tout a wide range of environmentally friendly designs such as community rainwater harvesting and south-facing lots designed to optimize solar orientation.

The Villages at Crest Mountain sits on the former campus of Ben Lippen School.

Rabid animals and what to do

2011-12-14T15:26:00.000-05:00

A fox believed to be rabid was spotted Tuesday (Dec. 13) off Clarks Chapel Road in a residential neighborhood. Residents also reported the sighting of a rabid fox Monday (Dec. 12) off Flat Creek Church Road.

A Buncombe County Department of Health official said the best thing to do when you spot an animal thought to be rabid is to call the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office - Animal Control division. They said residents inside Weaverville town limits could call Weaverville police or N.C. Wildlife Commission but she said certain agencies respond to certain animals and circumstances, so it is best to start with the BCSO. If an animal has not attacked or been confirmed to have rabies, agencies ask for anyone that comes near the animal to simply stay away.

The department recommends the following:

Rabies is easily transmitted among wild animals and unvaccinated pets, so the public has been alerted to watch for any animal that may be behaving strangely such as acting aggressively, stumbling or foaming at the mouth.

Rabies is not unusual among wildlife; however it’s important that steps be taken to prevent exposure to the disease among humans and pets. In North Carolina rabies is most common in raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but has also been found in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, bats and other animals.
The Buncombe County Department of Health makes the following recommendations to prevent the spread of rabies:
Vaccinate your pets regularly according to North Carolina Law.
Keep children and pets away from wild and strange animals. Don’t try to feed, touch, or play with a wild animal.
Don’t allow pets to run at large.
Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids, and take them out in the morning of pick up, not the night before. Coyotes and other wildlife will scavenge trash.
Feed pets indoors or remove food when your pet is finished eating outside. Wild animals are attracted to pet food left outdoors.
Avoid contact with bats. If you find a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy and should not be touched.
Keep bird-feeder areas clean, and use bird feeders that keep seed off the ground. Foxes are attracted to small animals congregating on the ground. If you frequently see foxes, remove all feeders.
Close off crawl spaces under sheds, porches, decks and homes. Some wildlife may use these spaces to rest or to build their dens.
Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. When contracted by humans, rabies is fatal unless early treatment is sought. There is no cure once symptoms develop, so immediate treatment is important to prevent the disease.

If bitten by any animal, clean the wound thoroughly (for at least 10 minutes) and then contact your doctor or Buncombe County Department of Health at 250-5109.

The fox in question was killed by an area resident. Neighbors who saw the animal said it was drooling, chattering his teeth and biting the bark off of a tree.

Update on Zaxby's in Weaverville

2011-12-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

Zaxby's, a popular fast-food chicken eatery in the Southeast, will be opening its first Weaverville location, and fourth in Buncombe County, in early 2012, according to developers. The restaurant will be the first opening at Weaver Village, the new mixed-use development on the corner of North Main Street and Weaver Boulevard. Goodwill Industries will be opening at the village a short time later.

Final Nutcracker performance

2011-12-13T11:10:00.002-05:00

Students at North Buncombe Elementary School, which has been annually putting on "The Nutcracker" play each Christmas, will be giving the final performance of the season at 7 pm tonight at NBES.

Mars Hill College graduation info

2011-12-09T10:10:00.001-05:00

Mars Hill College will confer bachelor’s degrees on an expected seventy-five students during December graduation ceremonies at 5 pm on Dec. 16 in Moore Auditorium.

Student speakers for the graduation will be: Christopher Philip “Kit” Powell, a music performance major from Antigo, Wisc.; Tenise Shavon Smith, a special education major in the adult studies program from Marion; and Luis Ramon Cruz, a physical education major from Anaheim Hills, Calif.

The invocation will be given by Britney Lynn Acosta, a math major from Glenville.

Volunteer opportunity

2011-12-06T16:37:00.001-05:00

A volunteer opportunity from the American Cancer Society

During this season of kindness and giving, have youresolved to do more to help others? How about helping a person or caregiver in copingwith a cancer diagnosis? The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteersto work with patients. Some programs require special skills (licensedcosmetologist or aesthetician) or specific experiences (surviving cancer), but wecurrently seek help with these two programs and all you need is a caring heart.

            Road to Recovery volunteers providetransportation for cancer patients to treatment. We’re seeking to increase ourteam of volunteer drivers. This is a very rewarding way of helping anotherperson along the healing journey. Volunteers must be available weekdays andwilling to drive patients in their own vehicle.

            Resource Center volunteers assist patients, caregivers, or others findanswers to their questions about cancer diagnosis, treatment, and communityresources. Volunteers must be available for a weekday shift at the SECU Mission Hospital Cancer Center.

            For more information on findingfulfillment through volunteering, please call the American Cancer Society at828-254-6931 or 1-800-227-2345.

Swim match tonight

2011-12-06T16:08:00.001-05:00

North Buncombe's swim teams are off to a good start this season. The boys' finished second in the first match of the season and dominated A.C. Reynolds by a score of 97-36 in the teams' tilt Nov. 29. The girls' team won the first match of the season but narrowly lost to Reynolds 90-78. The BlackHawks are hosting Erwin, T.C. Roberson and Tuscola beginning at 7:55 pm tonight at Mars Hill College.

Giving campaign ends Thursday

2011-12-05T11:05:00.001-05:00

The Weaverville Police Department's "Cops for Kids" annual Christmas giving campaign ends Dec. 8. Collections are still be taken at the station located on South Main Street in Weaverville. For more information, call 645-5700.

Area Christmas events

2011-11-30T15:18:00.001-05:00

We're listing all the area Christmas events we've received so far. Email wteditor@weavervilletribune.com to add your event to the list

* Dec. 3 beginning at 1 pm - Weaverville Christmas Parade. It will start at the corner of Dula Springs Road and North Main Street and continue south down Main Street and through downtown.

* Dec. 3 from 4 pm to 7 pm - Vance Birthplace candlelight tours

* Dec. 9 from 6 pm to 9 pm - Weaverville Candlelight Stroll - Downtown businesses stay open late as carolers and performers gather along the streets

* The adult choir at First Baptist Churchwill present "The Marvel of This Night” beginning at 10:55 am on Dec. 11.

* The First Presbyterian Church, Weaverville UnitedMethodist Church and First Baptist Church will again take part in the churches’candlelight walk beginning at 6 pm on Dec. 11. The walk will begin at FirstPresbyterian Church and conclude at First Baptist Church with events in eachsanctuary.

* The children choir at First Baptist Churchwill present the program “Christmas Everywhere” at 7 pm on Dec. 14.

* The Brio Series will hold its last concert of the yearat 7 pm on Dec. 15 with piano,clarinet and voice performances at First Baptist Church.

Magician show

2011-11-30T15:16:00.001-05:00

Release from The Vanishing Wheelchair, an organization headed up Woodfin-based paraplegic magician Ricky Boone..

Santa Claus will be joining the magician founders of the public charity The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc. to share the magic of the season at the Asheville Masonic Temple Theatre, 80 Broadway, Asheville, North Carolina on December 6 at 7:00 p.m. The family-friendly hour-and-a-half magic and music show is free to the public (donations are welcome).

The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded by Ricky Boone and T.J. Shimeld. It is inspired by the mystifying misdirection of Ricky who uses magic and comedy to make his disability a great ability. The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc. wishes to raise funds to establish a universally accessible hands-on museum centered around a magic show for children of all abilities to explore the arts and sciences at which people with disabilities can work and learn skills in performing, painting, photography, music, crafts, and wood working. “Just like the old Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie,” Ricky jokes, “we wish to find a loving home for misfit toys.”

Ricky Boone’s biography, The Four-foot Giant and the Vanishing Wheelchair, is T.J. Shimeld’s sixth book. Proceeds from the book benefit the non-profit charitable organization. To download a free chapter of The Four-foot Giant and the Vanishing Wheelchair, visit www.FourFootGiantBook.com.

Author T.J. Shimeld and Ricky D. Boone will be available to sign books after the shows. A suggested donation of $10 for adult tickets and $5 for children tickets is appreciated. Tickets may be available at the door, but advanced reservations are strongly encouraged since seating is limited.

Local named to bike board

2011-11-22T16:09:00.001-05:00

Weaverville resident Ben Elderd will be the town's representative on a regional, seven-county bicycle plan steering committee headed up through the Land of Sky Regional Council. The committee will look at developing biking initiatives throughout the area. Weaverville Councilman Doug Dearth nominated Elderd to the position.

Woodfin resident named top cyclist by USA Cycling

2011-11-03T14:55:00.002-04:00

Press release from USA Cycling...

USA Cycling will award its annual “Athlete of the Year” designations on Nov. 5 at the 2011 U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in Davis, Calif.

Developmental mountain biker Stephen Ettinger (Cashmere, Wash./BMC Mountain Bike Development Team) will receive the men’s award while the women’s designation will go to the foursome of Sarah Hammer (Temecula, Calif./OUCH Pro Cycling), Dotsie Bausch (Irvine, Calif.), Jennie Reed (Seattle, Wash./OUCH Pro Cycling), and Lauren Tamayo (Asheville, N.C./Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12) for their success in the team pursuit.

“Being recognized as ‘Athletes of the Year’ for the Women's Team Pursuit is such an honor,” said Reed. “We've all been working hard and continuing to get faster and faster, so it's always nice to be recognized for our hard work and achievements. These women motivate and push me every day to reach a higher level.”

In the last two years, American women have experienced unprecedented team pursuit success. On May 12, 2010, Sarah Hammer, Dotsie Bausch, and Lauren Tamayo set the world record for the team pursuit—3:19.569—becoming the first team ever to break the 3:20 barrier. This achievement set the stage for the UCI Track World Championships, where the USA women had never won a medal. At the 2011 Worlds in the Netherlands, the determined trio of Hammer, Bausch, and Jennie Reed rode like the wind to reach the gold medal round against Great Britain and eventually earned the silver medal, another landmark for American cycling.

Looking back at NBHS football season

2011-11-02T13:38:00.001-04:00

North Buncombe ended its season Friday (Oct. 28) with a loss to Reynolds, finishing the season 1-10 under first-year coach Brandon Allen. The BlackHawks have fallen on hard times since their last playoff appearance in 2008, winning just four games on the field (they also claimed a 2009 victory against McDowell due to the Titans' use of an ineligible player).

This season started on a rocky note in the first weeks of Allen's tenure when quarterback Christian Jewkes transferred to Christ School, leaving the BlackHawks' without its 1,000-yard signal caller from 2010. The move prompted Allen to shift the BlackHawks to a running team, and they used a variety of sets throughout the year to add spice to the running game.

Senior Adam Davis had a big year from the BlackHawks, rushing for 1,175 yards and 10 touchdowns. He spent half the season at tailback and the other half at quarterback, replacing Zac Shook. Davis also had 343 return yards, second on the team behind Colby Fox. The BlackHawks only completed 29 passes on the season with two touchdowns and seven interceptions.

They were at their most effective, such as in the lone win against Enka, controlling the clock with their running game.

Although the BlackHawks started the season 0-4, they were competitive in every game early in narrow losses to Madison, Draughn, West Henderson and Mountain Heritage. After the homecoming victory against Enka, spirits ran high as the BlackHawks had a chance to move to 2-0 in the Mountain Athletic Conference with an away game at McDowell on the docket. The Titans, at the time, had the longest losing streak in the state.

However, the Titans shut out the BlackHawks in a demoralizing defeat. As injuries began piling up throughout the season, Allen was forced to rely on inexperienced and overworked players. The BlackHawks ran out of gas as they faced the meat of the conference schedule (Roberson, Asheville, Erwin, Reynolds).

No one expected the turnaround to happen quickly. The BlackHawks will continue to rebuild in 2012.

Mars Hill College events and news

2011-11-02T11:33:00.004-04:00

* The public is welcome to Local Food Night on Wednesday (Nov. 2) at Mars Hill College featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet of local food from farms in Madison and Buncombe counties. Cost is $8.25 for adults; $4.50 for children 5-11 years of age; and free for children 4 and under. MHC Students will also be collecting nonperishable food items at the event for The Mars Hill Baptist Church Backpack Program to benefit Madison County students.

*The Bailey Mountain Cloggers, Mars Hill College’s award-winning dance team, made an impressive showing at the America’s Clogging Hall of Fame national competition in Maggie Valley, October 22-23, winning 16 team awards and numerous individual awards. BMC took first place in Contemporary Moving Line, Contemporary Standing Line, Kentucky Running Set Precision, Smooth Appalachian Dance, and Props Exhibition. They also won Overall Titles with each of these routines. The team won second place in Country Hoedown, Running Set Hoedown, Southern Appalachian Hoedown, 4 or More Couple Hoedown, Artistic Expression and Open Precision.

* Mars Hill College will be partnering with Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville and Healing Art Missions for an exhibition of Haitian art, called “Art from the Heart,” through Nov. 9 at Weizenblatt Gallery in the Moore building on the campus. The art will then be auctioned at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 13. All proceeds from the auction will go for medications and operating expenses for a medical clinic funded by Healing Art Missions in Dumay, near Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Kruger Bros. concert in Marshall

2011-11-02T11:30:00.003-04:00

The MadisonCounty Arts Council presents
The Kruger Brothers in Concert
Saturday, November5th 7:30 pm $20
at the Madison County Arts Center
90 S. Main St
Marshall, NC 28753

The KrugerBrothers were awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant for Musicfrom the Spring a symphonic suite composed and orchestrated by JensKruger, which premiered in 2007. In late 2010, the Kruger Brothers premieredthe Appalachian Concerto, a concerto for banjo, bass, guitar, andstring quartet. In addition to their regular concert schedule they performthese pieces regularly with select symphony orchestras and stringquartets throughout the country.

The Madison County Arts Council is pleased to host the Kruger Brothers onceagain. For more information contact www.madisoncountyarts.com or call(828) 649-1301.

Halloween safety tips from BCSO

2011-10-27T14:34:00.004-04:00

Sheriff Van Duncan reminds all Buncombe County residents to follow these safety tips:

Motorists:
* Watch for children darting out from between parkedcars.
* Watch for children walking on roadways, medians andcurbs.
* Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
* At twilight and later in the evening, watch forchildren in dark clothing.

Parents:
* Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youthwill be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
* Check the sex offender registry at www.ncdoj.gov whenplanning your child’s trick-or-treat route. You can view maps that pinpointregistered offenders’ addresses in your neighborhood, and sign up to get emailalerts when an offender moves nearby.
* Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend tofollow. Know the names of older children's companions.
* Make sure older kids trick-or-treat in a group.
* Instruct your children to travel only in familiarareas and along an established route.
* Teach your children to stop only at houses orapartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger'shome.
* Establish a return time.
* Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until theyreturn home.
* Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safetyprecautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
* All children need to know their home telephone numberand how to call 9-1-1in case of emergency.
* Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address andtelephone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from thegroup.

Costume Design:
* Only fire-retardant materials should be used forcostumes.
* Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be wornunderneath.
* Costumes should not be so long that they are atripping hazard.
* Make sure that shoes fit well to prevent trips andfalls.
* If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made withlight colored materials. Strips of retro-reflective tape should be used to makechildren visible.

Face Design:
* Do not use masks as they can obstruct a child'svision. Use facial make-up instead.
* When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packagescontaining ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved ColorAdditives," "Laboratory Tested," "Meets Federal Standardsfor Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturer'sinstruction for application.
* If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouthopenings and large eye holes.

Accessories:
* Knives, swords and other accessories should be madefrom cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharpobjects.
* Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should belight-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed outafter dark.
* Carrying flashlights with fresh batteries will helpchildren see better and be seen more clearly.

While Trick-or-Treating:
* Do not enter homes or apartments without adultsupervision.
* Walk; do not run, from house to house. Do not crossyards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present trippinghazards.
* Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
* Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic ifthere are no sidewalks.

Treats:
* Give children an early meal before going out.
* Insist that treats be brought home for inspectionbefore anything is eaten.
* Wash fruit and slice it into small pieces.
* Throw away any candy that is unwrapped or partiallywrapped, or has a strange odor, color or texture.

Homeowners/Decorations:
* Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from landingsand doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
* Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches whenexpecting trick-or-treaters.
* Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from curtains, decorationsand other combustibles that could catch fire.
* Do not leave your house unattended.

"Halloween is a fun timein Buncombe County,” Duncan concluded, "But let’s makeit a safe time as well. The major dangers are not from witches or spirits butrather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes"

Storyteller coming to Marshall

2011-10-26T16:01:00.002-04:00

TheMadison County Arts Council presents a special storytelling workshop andperformance with renowned teller Connie Regan-Blake from 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, Oct. 29. The workshop fee is $60 and includes a ticketto the evening performance. Madison and Buncombe County teachers can participate at areduced fee of $50 and can receive CEU credits for attending.

Regan-Blakewill be presenting her workshop entitled "Ghouls, Goblins, and Ghosts: AWorkshop on Telling Scary Stories." During the workshop you will learn a story to tellfor Halloween or around the campfire, nurture deep listening skills, exploreappropriate stories for different ages, practice ‘embodying’ your stories anddiscover your innate capacity as a storyteller.

She will also be in concert that eveningat 7:30 pm. Tickets for the evening performance, Outof the Grave: Chilling Ghost Stories and More are $10. She will be joined byperformance poets Rodney Bowling and Cindy Trisler. This show is recommended for teens andadults. No children please! Call (828) 649-1301 for more information orvisit www.madisoncountyarts.com.

News from North Buncombe's FFA chapter

2011-10-24T14:45:00.000-04:00

On Oct. 6-8, the North Buncombe Future Farmers of Americachapter participated in the Madison County Fair. Members capitalized on anopportunity to show market lambs, dairy goats and beef heifers competitively.

Josie Johnson showed her Alpine Dairy Goat and finishedsecond in her class. Natalie Ball, Caleb Gillespie, and Cole Gillespieparticipated in the beef heifer show will Ball winning her class. High schoolFFA members who showed market lambs included Taylor Bishop, Bailey Strub,Jennifer Lopresti, Jonathan Ball, Shane Sluder, Matthew Young, Justin Crain, EmilySprinkle and Brynn Shaver. Middle school members were Jacob Burleson, DylanKiser, Brook Wheeler and Jarrett Meyers. Elementary school students CharlieBurleson, Caleb Gillespie and Cole Gillespie also participated. In Class 2, Strubplaced first, Lopresti placed second and Crain placed third. In Class 3,Sprinkle placed first, Shaver placed second and Sluder placed fourth. In Class4, Kiser placed first, and Meyers placed second. In Class 5, Charlie Burlesonplaced first, Bishop placed second and Young placed fourth. In Class 6, Jacob Burlesonplaced first. Jacob Burleson’s lamb was named Grand Champion Market Lamb and Wheelerwas named Reserve Champion.

On Oct. 4, the North Buncombe High FFA Forestry Team went toDupont Forestto compete in the 2011 Regional Forestry Career Development Event. The competitionwas segmented into four different parts, including tree identification,measuring for pulpwood cutting, measuring for saw log production andidentification of tools used in the forestry industry. Students had to be ableto identify 40 different species of trees, use a Biltmore stick for proper saw timberand pulp wood estimation and identify 40 different tools used in the forestryand natural resource industry. The teamplaced 11^th out of 17 teams in the Western Region. Senior team memberswere Sluder, Bishop, Bill Barrett and Becca Pope. Julie Maxwell and Gaige Cassadaparticipated as junior individuals. High scoring member of the senior team was Barrett,placing 11^th out of the entire region.

Local manufacturer gets national pub

2011-10-24T14:26:00.001-04:00

Release from Mills Manufacturing...

North Asheville defense contractor Mills Manufacturing is featured on the cover in the fall Manufacturing Today trade publication. Manufacturing Today is a quarterly magazine with nearly 40,000 readers throughout North America. The magazine selected Mills for the cover story based on the company’s passion for quality and position as a world leader in production of military parachutes.

“We were honored when we got the call from the writer at Manufacturing Today,” said John Oswald, president of Mills Manufacturing. “And we were very excited that we were selected for the cover. It’s a testament to our skilled employees and our quality process.”

The article provides an overview of the company’s products such as parachute systems and ancillary items, and details production capabilities. A major focus is on Mills’ quality process—the company is ISO 9001-certified, following its own quality assurance program on top of protocols set by the US government. Part of the quality assurance includes lean manufacturing processes with continuous improvement goals.

Mills Manufacturing produces high quality parachutes and related components for military use, including airborne troop and cargo parachutes, extraction and deceleration parachutes and related components. The company—in business since 1935—serves all branches of the U.S. military and more than 65 foreign countries. For more information, visit www.millsmanufacturing.com.

Mars Hill College news

2011-10-12T14:11:00.000-04:00

A number of area residents - including Weaverville's Walt Stroud, a 38-year employee of the college, were honored during a recent ceremony recognizing the longtime employees of Mars Hill College.

From the university:

Dr. Virginia Hart first came to Mars Hill College as a student in 1941, and except for additional studies, she has never left. She started teaching at the College in 1945, founded most of the College’s women’s athletic teams, and retired in 1985 after forty years. Bored and missing the vitality of the campus, she returned in 1998 to work part-time in the cafeteria where she quickly established herself as “The Omelet Lady.” Now, with over 90,000 omelets behind her–as well as another thirteen years–she is still going strong, holding the longest record of employment of any employee in the College’s 155-year history.It was to honor Dr. Hart and 62 other employees with thirty or more years of service that a reception–“They came and they stayed!”–was recently given on campus by Mars Hill College’s Board of Trustees and President and Mrs. Dan Lunsford.Only one full-time employee has ever reached the 50-year mark: Nona Moore Roberts, Professor of French, who was also the daughter of the College's longest-tenured president, Dr. R. L. Moore, 41 years. Second in longevity of service was Frances Snelson who served 47 years as Assistant to Presidents Moore, Dr. Hoyt Blackwell, and Dr. Fred Bentley. Closing in on those records are two current employees: groundskeeper Vernon Carver at 46 years and secretary Sylvia Murphey at 44 years. Murphey who came to the College at age 21 said she had no idea she'd spend her whole career in Mars Hill and then added, "My association with the people at Mars Hill College has been special. They care." Indeed, the caring atmosphere became a leitmotif of the program as each of the 63 honorees was recognized briefly by Paige Faircloth, president of the Student Government Association; Mike Groce, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Jim Brown, Chair of the Faculty; Cindy Frost, Chair of the Staff Personnel Committee; and by President Lunsford.

* Also, the school named its 2011 Homecoming Queen and King recently. Brittany Hazeldine replaced the 2010 queen, Weaverville resident Megan Weaver.

From the university:

Brittany Hazeldine of Huntington, WV has been selected 2011 Mars Hill College homecoming queen by the student body. Brittany was crowned during half-time festivities of the homecoming football game at Mars Hill College, held Saturday, October 8.Brittany is a senior musical theatre major, and is active in a number of campus activities including Student Ambassadors, Gamma Chi Epsilon Christian sorority, Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society, The MHC Outdoor Club and blueprint Christian club.Also at the homecoming game, Jameson Donnell of Greensboro, NC was crowned homecoming king. Jameson is a senior sociology major with a concentration in criminal justice. He is the Student Government Association Chief of Defense and a Student Challenger. He is also involved in Christian Student Movement and the Black Student Association. Jameson and Brittany were crowned by the 2010 homecoming king and queen: Christopher “Kit” Powell and Megan Weaver.

Flu clinic coming to North Windy Ridge

2011-10-10T13:44:00.000-04:00

The Buncombe County Department of Health would like for everyone to get a flu shot wherever it is most convenient for them. To help make that a little easier, the Department of Health, in partnership with Maxim Healthcare, is taking flu clinics to seven schools throughout the county. Because of this, the Department of Health will NOT have a flu clinic at the mall this year.Flu vaccine clinics, for anyone 6 months of age and above, will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the following locations:October 10 Owen Middle SchoolOctober 11 AC Reynolds High SchoolOctober 12 TC Roberson High SchoolOctober 13 Asheville Middle SchoolOctober 17 North Windy RidgeOctober 18 Enka Middle SchoolOctober 19 Erwin High SchoolFlu shots will be $24, and flu mist will be available for $29. Payment may be made by cash or check; however credit cards may not be used. Most insurance carriers will be accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare Part B, if the cards are presented. Children through 18 years of age, who are not covered by insurance, may qualify for a flu shot at no cost.

Gas prices lowering

2011-10-06T16:07:00.001-04:00

Gas prices in North Buncombe and elsewhere have been trending down in recent weeks. The average price of gasoline nationwide $3.433 and $3.356 in the lower Atlantic region, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In Weaverville and Woodfin, gas prices are hover somewhere around $3.25 to $3.35. While those prices represent a nearly .70 cent drop for a high of roughly $4.00 in May of this year, it is still around 70 cents higher than prices at this time last year.

Local book is released

2011-10-04T12:31:00.002-04:00

Tracey Pacelli, a Woodfin author featured in Vol. 9, No. 32 issue of the Tribune, is releasing her book Time Warped. It was just released by Gypsy Shadow Publishing (www.gypshadow.com) and can be purchased at your an ebook store or at her site at: www.timewarped.net. Print books will be available shortly It is also profiled through Oct. 7 at booksonboard.com.Time Warped tells the story of an angsty teen who finds herself in a time loop where she meets her mother in 1969 in an insane asylum.

Two good concerts coming to Marshall

2011-09-29T14:37:00.004-04:00

The Madison County Arts Council will be hosting Hot Rize, featuring Tim O’Brien, Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick, Nick Forester and Bryan Sutton, for the band'sonly shows in Western North Carolina at The Madison County Arts Center in Marshall. There will be two shows on Sunday, October 2, at 2:30 & 7:30. For tickets visit www.madisoncountyarts.com or call (828) 649-1301. These shows will be part of a special fundraising week for the Arts Council. Also that week MCAC and Harvest Records will present Bonnie “Prince” Billy in Marshall. Bonnie “Prince” Billy, the stage name for Will Oldham, will play at 8 pm on Oct. 5 at Marshall High Studios. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the doors.

Rabid fox release from Buncombe County

2011-09-29T14:30:00.002-04:00

Buncombe County Department of Health officials have confirmed that a fox found dead in Black Mountain has tested positive for rabies. The dead fox was found in the area where a woman was bitten on Saturday. Rabies is easily transmitted among wild animals and unvaccinated pets, so the public has been alerted to watch for any animal that may be behaving strangely such as acting aggressively, stumbling or foaming at the mouth. If such an animal is seen in the Black Mountain area, residents are asked to take children and pets inside and call the Buncombe County Sheriff’s office at 250-6670.Rabies is not unusual among wildlife; however it’s important that steps be taken to prevent exposure to the disease among humans and pets. In North Carolina rabies is most common in raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but has also been found in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, bats and other animals. The Buncombe County Department of Health makes the following recommendations to prevent the spread of rabies:* Vaccinate your pets regularly according to North Carolina Law. * Keep children and pets away from wild and strange animals. Don’t try to feed, touch, or play with a wild animal. * Don’t allow pets to run at large.* Secure garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids, and take them out in the morning of pick up, not the night before. Coyotes and other wildlife will scavenge trash. * Feed pets indoors or remove food when your pet is finished eating outside. Wild animals are attracted to pet food left outdoors. * Avoid contact with bats. If you find a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy and should not be touched. * Keep bird-feeder areas clean, and use bird feeders that keep seed off the ground. Foxes are attracted to small animals congregating on the ground. If you frequently see foxes, remove all feeders. * Close off crawl spaces under sheds, porches, decks and homes. Some wildlife may use these spaces to rest or to build their dens.Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. When contracted by humans, rabies is fatal unless early treatment is sought. There is no cure once symptoms develop, so immediate treatment is important to prevent the disease. If bitten by any animal, clean the wound thoroughly (for at least 10 minutes) and then contact your doctor or Buncombe County Department of Health at 250-5109.For concerns about possible rabid animals within the City of Asheville residents should call the Asheville Police Department at 252-110. Residents in Buncombe County should call the Buncombe County Sheriff’s office at 250-6670.

'Support the Troops" campaign at SECU

2011-09-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) has launched its second annual statewide holiday campaign --“SECU Supports the Troops”-- to benefit North Carolina’s National Guard and Reservists deployed throughout the world.

For the project, SECU will collect “wish list” items for soldiers and provide “gifts from home” during their tour of duty. Collection boxes for “wish list” items will be placed in each of SECU’s branches for members and those in the community who wish to participate in this exciting effort. Canisters will also be provided on the teller counters for those who wish to give a monetary donation to help ship the supplies to the troops.

“Wish list” items may be dropped off at local SECU branches through Oct. 31.

Weaverville's branch is located on North Main Street next to the post office.

If It's Special going out of business

2011-09-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

If It's Special, a unique gift shop in downtown Weaverville, is closing soon. The owner is retiring, and all merchandise is drastically marked down.

Bins for recycled cooking oil available

2011-09-20T11:29:00.000-04:00

The Cooking Oil Recycling (COR) Program of Buncombe County is a unique pilot project to recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel and keep oils and greases out of the waste water system. Funded by the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, the COR Program is a collaboration between the Metropolitan Sewerage District (MSD) of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Biofuels, and Green Opportunities. A new website, www.cookingoilrecycling.org, provides the public with information on the program as well as the location of cooking oil recycling bin locations. The first of 35 recycling bins are located at the Buncombe County Landfill and at the new River District Recycling Center behind the old silo off West Haywood Road through the Hatchery Studios parking lot.

Waste cooking oils are one of the major causes of costly sewer maintenance in Buncombe County. These sewer overflows are a potential threat to the environment and take up valuable resources of the local budgets for public works.

By placing public recycling bins across Buncombe County, the COR Program seeks to keep waste oils out of the sewers and divert them to Blue Ridge Biofuels for processing into biodiesel. MSD was the first major purchaser of biodiesel in Buncombe County. and has been using biodiesel in its fleet of 85 vehicles for over seven years.

Thermo Fisher to add 110 jobs

2011-09-08T13:17:00.000-04:00

Great news for the area. The company announced an expansion of jobs in late 2009 as well.

Here's the release from the Asheville Chamber of Commerce:

In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced its plans to expand operations in Asheville, with the creation of 110 new positions within the next seven months. These new positions strengthen the company’s significant presence in Buncombe County, with 580 employees in its Aiken Road plant in Weaverville, over 200 employees in its technical customer service center in Biltmore Park and additional sales and service professionals throughout the region.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in serving science, set roots in Asheville over 25 years ago. Locally, the company manufactures ultra-low temperature freezers among other products supplied to pharmaceutical, biotech, and research institutions. These new positions will support the manufacture and assembly of high-efficiency cooling pumps, used to control temperature in a variety of Thermo Fisher Scientific products.

The continued growth and performance of the Asheville facility has strengthened its reputation both within the corporation and throughout its industry. Company CEO Marc Casper noted his visit to Thermo Fisher’s “flagship laboratory equipment facility in Asheville, North Carolina” in an April 2011 earnings call. The executive praised local leadership for their implementation of PPI (Practical Process Improvement) and Lean initiatives which allowed the team “to grow site capacity to keep pace with customer demand, while averting typical expansion costs.” Excess site capacity and performance of existing workforce were influential in attracting the new product line to Asheville.

The company was also selected in 2011 as the first E3 manufacturer in Buncombe County, a testament to its pursuit of continuous improvement. The E3 program, facilitated by NC State University’s Industrial Extension Service, emphasizes Economy, Energy and Environment, joining community resources with state and regional agencies to assist manufacturers in becoming more sustainable. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s interest in becoming a zero-landfill manufacturing facility made the company a logical addition to North Carolina’s E3 community.

“We’d like to offer our thanks and congratulations to Jeff Powers, director of manufacturing operations, and the employees of Thermo Fisher Scientific here in Buncombe County. Their dedication to world-class quality, environmental sustainability and continuous improvement yields a more skilled and productive workforce, a more profitable enterprise and more secure employment in the long-term for Buncombe County,” said K. Ray Bailey, EDC chairman.

Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners, David Gantt, commented, “Thermo Fisher Scientific is a Fortune 500 employer with operations in over 40 countries worldwide. We’re grateful to local company leaders and staff for their strong work ethic and competitive spirit that brought this opportunity home for the citizens of Buncombe County.”

For additional information on Thermo Fisher Scientific and job opportunities with the organization, please visit thermofisher.com.

Friends of the River Awards

2011-09-05T14:50:00.000-04:00

The Land-of-Sky Regional Council presented “Friends of the River” Awards on August 30, 2011 at the 34th Annual “Friends of the River” Dinner in Asheville. These awards recognize individuals, private organizations, civic groups, and/or public agencies in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties who have made significant contributions toward the enhancement or restoration of the French Broad River as a cultural, economic, natural, or recreational resource.

Rob Pulleyn was one of six recognized for his efforts to preserve historic buildings and revitalize communities along the river especially his effort to renovate the old Madison High School into art studio Madison High Studios.

In 2006, the old Marshall High School, which had served students in the town since 1925, was scheduled to be demolished. However, protests from the residents of Marshall, a petition drive that gathered 3,000 signatures, and a fundraising effort led to a different outcome. The funds raised were used to pay for a structural analysis of the building and buy prominent ads in the local newspaper urging county commissioners to save the valuable community resource.

The renovation took nine months and required a total investment of almost $2 million. Today, Marshall High Studios is at 80% occupancy. The rehabilitation project not only saved a valuable structure, but also ignited the community's passion for its historic architecture, serving as a catalyst for other renovation projects, new business development and a more positive community image.

Also recognized were the Henderson County Erosion Control Program, the Black Mountain Greenways Commission, Transylvania farm Everett Farms, RiverLink volunteer Denise Snodgrass and Forrest Westall for his lifelong efforts to address point and non-point sources of pollution in the French Broad River Basin and entire state.

Big Ivy poet's latest work

2011-08-30T10:32:00.000-04:00

Local author Joan Medlicott and Big Ivy poet Nancy Dillingham have collaborated on a book entitled "Reflections in a River." Medlicott took the photographs, and Dillingham wrote the accompanying haiku.

While traveling down a country road shortly after moving to Barnardsville over 14 years ago, Medlicott came upon this river. For 12 years, she went back to photograph it, in all seasons. She later learned that it is a branch of the Toe River in Burnsville. About two years ago she invited Dillingham to write the haiku for the photographs.

An Oct. 1 official release date of the book has just been announced by Grateful Steps Publishing House and Bookstore (159 S. Lexington Ave.), the publisher of the book. The price is $19.95.

Dillingham's latest book of poetry, "Home" (March Street Press, 2010) was also nominated for a Southern Independent Bookstore Alliance (SIBA) award this year. She has donated a copy of "Home" (and of her other five books) to the library housed in Big Ivy Community Center--and will also donate a copy of "Reflections in a River."

Blood drive to honor late fire captain

2011-08-30T10:27:00.000-04:00

The American Red Cross is holding two blood drives in memory of local area resident Capt. Jeff Bowen. The first drive will be held from 8 am to 5:30 pm on Thursday (Sept. 1) at the Asheville Fire Department, 100 Court Plaza. For those unable to make that date, a followup drive has been scheduled for 9 am to 1 pm on Monday (Sept. 5) at Skyland Fire Department on Hendersonville Road in Skyland.

Bowen died in the line of duty while fighting a fire July 28 near Mission Hospitals. Burn victims, as well as automobile accident victims and cancer patients often need blood transfusions to survive. A single donation can be divided into its components and can help to save the lives of up to three people.

To schedule an appointment for the blood drive at Asheville Fire, please contact Barbara Berry at 259-5636. To schedule an appointment for the blood drive at Skyland Fire, please contact Katie Presley at 684-9092 ext. 305.

Talking trash

2011-08-26T19:26:00.000-04:00

Some Woodfin residents have been getting notices lately informing them that their trash cans are too big.

Woodfin Town Administrator Jason Young said they are sending about 60 notices out.

Because the town does not have trash trucks that lift the cans into the compactor, town ordinances limit the cans to 32 gallons, although residents can have up to six cans.

Locals place in ladies' golf tournament

2011-08-16T16:43:00.000-04:00

Martha McDermott of Reems Creek Golf Club had the lowest net score of 71 in Flight #2 in the Blue Ridge Women's Golf Association tournament on Aug. 11 at Maggie Valley Golf Club.

Misuk Bailey and Frieda Cooper, both of Reems Creek, also had the lowest gross in Flight #3 and Flight #4, respectively.

The Blue Ridge Women’s Golf Association (BRWGA) is comprised of women from the ladies leagues of eleven golf clubs in the surrounding Asheville area. They are Black Mountain, Connestee Falls, Crooked Creek, Etowah Valley, Glen Cannon, High Vista, Laurel Ridge, Maggie Valley, Reems Creek, Rumbling Bald and Wolf Laurel. Ladies that participate in these monthly tournaments must be members of a ladies league at a club that is a member of the BRWGA and have an established USGA Handicap Index of 29.9 or less. The object of the association is to organize, promote, and encourage participation in golfing activities for women.

Perdue visits

2011-08-16T16:39:00.002-04:00

Gov. Bev Perdue is scheduled to visit North Buncombe High School on Friday (Aug. 19) morning. She is expected to address the students and tour the grounds.

Softball tryout

2011-08-16T16:39:00.000-04:00

The Alley Cats 16u Softball Team will have tryouts from 3-5 pm on Aug. 28 @ Dorman High School. For details go to www.eteamz.com/alleycats1/ and click on the potential players tab.

Call Donnie Moore at 864-505-1588 for more information.

Bus safety reminder from BCS

2011-08-09T14:30:00.000-04:00

Asheville City school buses are back on the streets August 16, and Buncombe County school buses are back on the road August 18. Buncombe County operates the eighth largest school bus transportation system in North Carolina. Each school day 290 school buses travel 15,800 miles and transport 16,700 students.

Motorists need to be extra cautious about children standing at bus stops in the mornings. It has been 10 weeks since children have been standing alongside the road waiting for the bus.

The school bus is the safest mode of surface transportation. The danger for the student lies in getting on and off the bus. When a bus is stopped to pick up children, the law requires motorists to stop for a school bus if they are traveling in the same direction as the bus. Also, motorists are required to stop for a school bus if they are traveling in the opposite direction of the bus unless the road is divided by a physical barrier, wall or median; or it is a four-lane highway divided by a center-turn lane.

A one-day stop arm count was conducted on March 23 of last school year, and bus drivers reported 63 violations. If you multiply that by the number of days in a school year, that is over 11,300 violations in a given year.

One violation is one too many. School bus drivers have been instructed to report vehicles that pass a stopped school bus. The drivers fill out a form which identifies the vehicle and includes the license tag number, and submit it to the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The troopers assigned to school bus safety in Buncombe County investigate each complaint filed. Stiff penalties accompany a conviction for passing a stopped school bus. Motorists receive five points against their driver's license, face a $200 fine, and possibly 120 days in jail. Anyone who witnesses a school bus stop arm violation should contact the Highway Patrol at 298.4252 with the vehicle license tag number.

Safety is our top priority in transporting our state's most valuable resource: Children.

For additional information on school bus safety, please visit the North Carolina School Bus Safety website at www.ncbussafety.org or contact the Buncombe County Schools’ Transportation Department at 232.4240. Also, please visit http://www.ncbussafety.org/SchoolBusSafety/SBSWlaw.html for a brochure on the North Carolina School Bus Stop Law.

Deadly Asheville fire deliberately set says ATF

2011-08-04T14:00:00.003-04:00

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), along with criminal investigators from the Asheville Fire and Police Departments and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), have determined that the July 28 fire at the Medical Office Complex Building, 445 Biltmore Avenue was deliberately set.

Asheville Fire Department Captain Jeffrey Scott Bowen was killed and over $20 million in damage occurred as a result of the fire.

The investigation is being conducted jointly by ATF, the Asheville Police and Fire Departments and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).

Anyone with information about this crime is strongly encouraged to contact these agencies at the following numbers:

ATF Arson Hotline at (888) ATF FIRE or (888) 283-8477.

Asheville Police Department Crime Stoppers at (828) 255-5050.

NC State Bureau of Investigation at (800) 334-3000.

All information will be treated confidentially, and callers will remain anonymous if they request.

Business news around North Buncombe

2011-07-27T12:22:00.000-04:00

* A new salon is slated to open in the former location of MVP Barber Shop located near the corner of Merrimon Avenue and Main Street in Weaverville.

* Common Ground opened earlier this month on Merrimon Avenue next to The Pink House and Serenity Skin and Nail in Woodfin. Their Facebook page reads: "One-of-a-kind merchandise made from reclaimed and vintage materials; empowering the community & supporting environmentally conscious lifestyles." Right now, they are open 10 am to 6 pm Thursday through Sunday. For more, go to their Facebook page.

* Don't forget to stop by Citizen's Do It Best Hardware in Woodfin before they close for good at the end of August. All items are 30 percent off now, and discounts will get deeper as the closing date nears.

Anyone know any other business news?

Montford Park Players announce auditions

2011-07-27T12:09:00.002-04:00

The Montford Park Players announces auditions for Romeo & Juliet, our fall production at Asheville's historic Masonic Temple. Audition dates are:

Sunday, August 7, from 1 - 4 pm and Tuesday, August 9, from 6 - 9 PM with callbacks Wednesday, August 10, from 6 - 9 PM at the Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway, Asheville.

The production will be directed by Jeff Catanese, who says: "We're seeking great actors, ages 13 and up...no previous experience required. MANY roles are available!"

Rehearsals begin August 15. Production dates are October 13 through 23 at the Masonic Temple.

Headshots and resumes are not required, and prepared monologues are not necessary...audition pieces will be provided. Audition pieces can be downloaded at http://www.montfordparkplayers.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/R-J-Audition-Sides1.pdf

For more information call (828) 254-5146 or email info@montfordparkplayers.org.

Buncombe County release pre-teen vaccine info

2011-07-27T12:08:00.000-04:00

Because of vaccines, our country rarely sees many diseases that once devastated families here. But some serious vaccine-preventable diseases continue to threaten the health of our families like pertussis, meningitis, and cervical cancer. Immunity received from some childhood vaccines can begin to wane over time, exposing a child to serious diseases that can easily spread, leading to missed weeks of school or worse. It’s important that teens and preteens see their doctor for a check-up and make sure their immunizations are up-to-date, as well as asking about other vaccines that are recommended for their age.

Children in public schools who are entering the 6th grade are required to have the Tdap vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, or whooping cough as it’s also known. Though not required, several vaccines are also recommended for this age including the vaccine for meningitis, a second chickenpox shot (if they have never had chickenpox disease), flu shot and the HPV vaccine which protects against cervical cancer and genital warts. Though originally developed for girls, the HPV vaccine is now recommended for boys as well.

Parents of preteens who are not covered by health insurance or who have insurance that does not cover vaccines, should ask their doctor or health department about the Vaccines for Children Program. This program provides vaccines for children who are uninsured or underinsured.

Protecting the health of our youth is one of our most urgent priorities. Parents should contact their child’s doctor to schedule a check-up and receive the vaccines they need. They may also take their children to their local health department for all their teen and preteen vaccine needs.

The Buncombe County Department of Health provides immunizations for all ages Monday – Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. No appointment is necessary. Parents whose rising 6th grader still needs the required Tdap vaccine are encouraged to get their vaccine as soon as possible. As the beginning of school nears, the number of visitors to the Immunization Clinic often doubles, as does the wait time

For more information, please visit www.buncombecounty.org\preteen or www.cdc.gov/Features/PreTeenVaccines.

Local ladies' golf news

2011-07-18T10:57:00.000-04:00

The Blue Ridge Women’s Golf Association (BRWGA) is comprised of women from the ladies leagues of eleven golf clubs in the surrounding Asheville area. They are Black Mountain, Connestee Falls, Crooked Creek, Etowah Valley, Glen Cannon, High Vista, Laurel Ridge, Maggie Valley, Reems Creek, Rumbling Bald and Wolf Laurel. Ladies that participate in these monthly tournaments must be members of a ladies league at a club that is a member of the BRWGA and have an established USGA Handicap Index of 29.9 or less. The object of the Association is to organize, promote, and encourage participation in golfing activities for women.

Etowah Country Club hosted the Blue Ridge Women’s Golf Association Tournament on July 14.

Locally, Frieda Cooper from Reems Creek finished in a tie for lowest gross in Flight #4 with a 98.

The club offers three nine-hole courses. The tournament was played on the North and South courses.

Filing for election closed

2011-07-15T15:59:00.001-04:00

Several more candidates for North Buncombe boards filed for election before filing closed at noon Friday (July 15).

In addition to incumbents Gene Knoefel, Doug Jackson and Walt Currie, two other town residents are running for one of three Weaverville Town Council seats this November. Andrew Nagle - who’s profile is in this week’s paper - and John Penley.

In Woodfin, Mayor Jerry VeHaun, and Aldermen Don Honeycutt, Jim Angel and Ronnie Lunsford will all run unopposed.

At the Woodfin Water Board, chair Keith Snyder and member Sarah Gassaway are seeking another term. Shirley Wood and former member Robin Cape will seek one of the three available seats. Current member Lisa McDaris is not seeking her second term.

More on AB Emblem

2011-07-13T12:41:00.000-04:00

AB Emblem is one of Weaverville's most notable industries. It has two other factories--in Mexico and China--in addition to its Weaverville plant.

Perhaps the most famous client of AB Emblem products are the NASA astronauts. In talking with executive vice president Andrew Nagle this week--who is also running for Weaverville Town Council this fall--he estimated the plant produced 30,000 patches per shuttle launch and patches worn by NASA astronauts on flight missions are made in AB Emblem factories.

The plant moved to Weaverville in 1963.

Gas tax set to increase

2011-06-24T11:54:00.000-04:00

The gas tax in North Carolina will rise to a record 35 cents starting July 1. A question that comes out of this is whether municipalities will see extra residuals from that increase.

What do you think about the gas tax going up and the sales tax dropping by a penny?

Discount tickets to Horn in the West

2011-06-22T15:30:00.002-04:00

Horn in the West, one of the nation's longest running outdoor dramas, is hosting a "Buncombe County Night" this weekend of the 24th-26th. Tickets are discounted down to $8 for adults and children with proof of Buncombe County residency. The drama takes place in Boone, North Carolina, where visitors can experience the nearby scenic Daniel Boone Native Gardens and the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, which brings the 18th century back to life through reenactors and restored period cabins.

Horn in the West, one of the nation’s longest running outdoor dramas, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this summer. Horn’s story is as old as America itself. The narrative follows the hopes and dreams of intrepid frontier explorers, ordinary Piedmont settlers backed into a corner by undemocratic British policies, and the struggle to achieve cross-cultural understanding between Cherokee and pioneer.

Busy mom makeover

2011-06-20T13:51:00.000-04:00

Promotion from U.S. Cellular

Are your readers busy moms who are always on the move, managing a busy schedule? Are they constantly trying to do five things at once, like balancing soccer practice with school lunches, play dates and homework?

U.S. Cellular has the perfect opportunity for those moms who define the word “multi-tasker”. We’re offering five busy moms a life-changing makeover opportunity with renowned organization expert, Peter Walsh. You may recognize Peter from appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show and now his show “Enough Already!” on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Each mom will receive private consultations with technology, organization and beauty experts who will offer tips and tools including a new U.S. Cellular mobile device that will help organize and enhance her life.

To be considered, moms just need to visit www.mobile-mom-makeover.com between June 20 and July 5 and submit an entry form along with a brief video (less than 2min), explaining why they need an organization overhaul.

Plea from local business

2011-06-20T12:48:00.000-04:00

A note from local business owner Martha Young who is working to keep the doors open on her business, My Father's Light, in Woodfin.

Locally owned and operated, My Father’s Light is in danger of closing. The store with a unique mix of locally and regionally made items has fallen behind on rent due to the tough economic times. While they are in a desirable location next to Bellagio Bistro on Weaverville Highway, they are facing the prospect of closing their doors. The closing of the store would impact numerous local and regional artists which are already struggling, as well as creating another retail vacancy in a time where many owners are struggling to find tenants. My Father’s Light is asking the awesome citizens of Asheville to drop by and show their support for this popular local business by making purchases. Small purchases of less than $10 by a large base would be enough to prevent closure and support the many great artists they feature. Ashevillians have always showed a desire to support local businesses and My Father’s Light is counting on this.

My Father’s Light is operated by Martha Young, who makes natural soy candles, hand-made soaps, and allergy free lotions, shampoos, and bodywash. She has been featured in WNC Parent, the WLOS segment Craft Corner, and as a feature business at Capital Bank. Other featured items in the store include pottery, handcrafted jewelry, baby clothing, home décor, and furniture made from reclaimed barnwood. Please contact Martha Young at 828-645-7627 or via email, myfatherslight@gmail.com to schedule an interview or for more information.

Lost dog

2011-06-16T14:44:00.001-04:00

A lost dog notice from Appalachian Animal Hospital in Weaverville

We found a dog yesterday afternoon June 15 in the parking lot of Walmart in Weaverville. She is an adult female australian shepard mix 44 pounds. Mostly black with brown legs and white socks. We have her is safe keeping and have posted flyers in the area. She had on a collar and no tags, no chip.

Contact info:
Appalachian Animal Hospital
68 North Main St
Weaverville NC 28787

(828)658-8989

UPDATE: Owner has been found 6/16

Local to show works in Chicago

2011-06-15T14:51:00.000-04:00

Local artist Diane English has been selected to show her work in an exhibit titled "Seriously Funny" at Chicago's Woman Made Gallery, July 8 - August 18. The submissions for this national competition were juried by professional cartoonist Isabella Bannerman.

The artist, owner of The Great Cosmic Happy Ass Card Company, classifies her designs into three categories: Funny, Inspiring and Spiritually Incorrect. With established distributors in North America and Europe, her cards have recently been launched in Australia by B Luscious.

In Western North Carolina, English’s cards and magnets can be found at Mountain Made Gallery, Gaea Gifts, and French Broad Food Co-op in Asheville, Seven Sisters Gallery in Black Mountain, Miya Gallery in Weaverville and Earthworks Galleries in Waynesville.

Rooster hunt continues

2011-06-13T11:37:00.000-04:00

Release from Weaverville Business Association about the ongoing rooster hunt in Weaverville-area business.

Local residents and visitors to the area are flooding businesses in Weaverville to participate in An Enchanted Animal Affaire rooster hunt. Twenty-four decorated roosters, created by area artists using a variety of mediums, are residing in participating businesses until June 20.

The rooster seekers each receive a card that will be stamped by participating businesses when each rooster is found. All completed cards will be dropped off at Aabani Salon Spa in downtown Weaverville and entered into a drawing for one of the decorated roosters.

Those who are not able to take part in the rooster hunt can still join in the fun! A raffle drawing at a silent auction to be held later this month will have one lucky person winning a rooster. Raffle tickets are being sold at participating businesses, as well as at the Weaverville Tailgate Market on Wednesday afternoons.

On Friday, June 24, the silent auction will be held at the Reems Creek Golf Club from 6 – 8pm. The remaining roosters will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting the Weaverville Business Association. Admission to the silent auction will be $10 at the door.

EarthShare North Carolina recognizes contributions

2011-06-03T11:37:00.000-04:00

EarthShare North Carolina recently recognized several individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to the group.

The Community Friend award for extraordinary contributions to ESNC was given to two of North Carolina’s true environmental heroes, Fred and Alice Stanback.

If you remember in 2004, the Salisbury residents donated $500,000, in addition to a $4.1 million grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, to purchase a conservation easement on 1,900 acres of the watershed for the Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District on Blackberry Inn Road in the Reems Creek area, protecting the land for future logging. The area is one of the largest remaining intact watersheds in Western North Carolina.

The Stanbacks have received numerous awards for their commitment to environmental education including the North Carolina Award for Public Service.

Others recognized by EartShare North Carolina included Elizabeth Guthrie for her volunteer work, June Blotnick of Clean Air Carolina for her outstanding leadership ESNC Vice President Kathleen Gray received the Allan Spalt Award for outstanding contribution by a board or committee member.

Principal to retire from NBMS

2011-06-02T15:31:00.000-04:00

North Buncombe Middle School Principal Vicki Biggers will retire at the end of this school year.

Here's the release from Buncombe County Schools:

Thirty eight-year education veteran principal Vicki Biggers has provided leadership at North Buncombe Middle School since her days as an assistant principal there from 1988-98. She became principal in 1998, and has become known for her high expectations, professional yet pleasant manner, and patriotism as evidenced by the remarkable Veterans Day and Memorial Day observances the school has put on for the community.

Says Biggers, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure as an educator in the Buncombe County Schools System. I have spent the last 23 years of my career as an administrator at North Buncombe Middle School, and I leave with mixed emotions. I will miss the high energy level of young adolescents, witnessing the educational and emotional growth that takes place during the middle school years, and working with a wonderful staff and community. My immediate plans include traveling to Fort Hood, Texas, next week to welcome home my son, Captain Taylor Biggers, from his year long deployment in Afghanistan. I look forward to spending time with my family, traveling, and volunteering in the community.”

Biggers earned her bachelor's in early childhood from Western Carolina University in 1972, and a masters in guidance counseling there in 1974. She received her administrative certification at WCU in 1986. Biggers worked as an elementary school teacher for Henderson County, and a school guidance counselor for Davie County, before coming to Buncombe County Schools as a guidance counselor at Erwin Middle School in 1977.

An announcement on her replacement could be made as early as Friday (June 3), according to BCS.

More on Joey Bryson

2011-06-02T13:15:00.000-04:00

North Buncombe High School named Joey Bryson as its new head boys' basketball coach. Bryson replaces David Rhoney, who left the BlackHawks after 12 years to lead Erwin's program.

Bryson, 34, led the North Buncombe junior varsity squad last season and worked as an assistant on Rhoney's staff. He also has three years of head coaching experience on the high school level at several stops in Georgia.

However, he is a native to Western North Carolina and a graduate of West Henderson High School. His first head coaching job, in fact, was in the Henderson County School System leading Rugby Middle School's boys' team.

He is a former classmate of NBHS Head Baseball Coach Wesley King. Bryson said he and King talked about the opportunities at North Buncombe and the strength of both the academic and athletic departments.

"My wife and I prayed that another head coaching job would come available and thankfully it did," Bryson said of the new opportunity.

Local receives IT scholarship

2011-06-01T10:39:00.000-04:00

Release from Progressive Integrations

Announcement of this year’s Association of Computer Repair Business Owners Scholarship Awardees 2011.

Each year the association receives applications for the scholarship from all over the United States.

The scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a deserving individual(s). Applicants must be high school seniors graduating in the spring/summer semester, whose plans include the technology industry through attending college, business school, technical training or actual hands-on in the industry.

This year’s awardees:
This year’s selectees are Shaquoya Moultrie from Edisto Island, SC, who plans on attending Winthrop University and Shawn Hanson from Barnardsville, NC, who plans on pursuing a career in the information technology field.

About Progressive Integrations, Inc.:
Progressive Integrations will take the confusion out of designing the system of your dreams. Our audio video integration specialists and designers will work closely with your builder, interior designer, architect, and electrician to ensure your system will integrate properly into your home. Progressive Integrations is also is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

Update on Senate budget, Vance

2011-05-31T11:34:00.001-04:00

The proposed Senate budget released May 30 restores funding to state historic sites, according to this report from WRAL-TV. The sites, including Vance Birthplace in Weaverville, have been the target of potential state budget cuts during this year's budget process through the N.C. House and Senate. Gov. Bev Perdue will have to sign an agreed-upon budget from the General Assembly into law later this summer.

Coach sees program progressing

2011-05-30T12:40:00.000-04:00

North Buncombe baseball finished this season 20-9 and claimed the Class 3-A Mountain Athletic Conference regular season crown. The BlackHawks also advanced to the third round of the Class 3-A NCHSAA playoffs for the second time in three years. The Tribune caught up with coach Wesley King for a few thoughts on the tough elimination game against South Point as well as his impression of the 2011 season.

South Point game was tough hard fought game, we ran into a great team one that has been ranked number 1 all season. Our guys worked so hard and executed everything that we had asked them to do we just could not push a run across, but South Point had a couple of outstanding plays that kept us from scoring first which I felt whoever scored first would win the ball game and that ended up being true.

Overall season was a tremendous success for our program. I felt this season was an unbelievable ride one that has sparked some much passion and desire to get better in our young kids, that they are ready to begin preparing now for next season. We are going to miss our four seniors (Will Brank, Holden Phillips, Sam Rector, and Christian Bridges) they gave so much to our program over the last few years that they will be missed. But moving forward our baseball program is on the rise and we have a lot of our guys back and we are ready to get back to work on the field, and in the weightroom to erase the feeling we had on May 20, 2011.

Vanessa Hudgens in Barnardsville

2011-05-26T15:59:00.001-04:00

Vanessa Hudgens, best known for her roles in the popular "High School Musical" series, was in the Asheville/Barnardsville area over the weekend and spent at least a portion of her time zip-lining at Navitat Canopy Adventures.

A picture on Navitat's Facebook page shows her on the tour along with fellow actor and rumored boyfriend Josh Hutcherson. Hutcherson was last seen in "The Kids are All Right." He will have a lead role in next year's "The Hunger Games" that is currently shooting in the area.

More worries for Vance?

2011-05-26T14:12:00.000-04:00

The N.C. Senate's proposed budget again puts some N.C. State Historic Sites in the crosshairs, including Vance Birthplace in Weaverville. Director Keith Hardison wrote a letter to supporters asking them to contact their representatives in the N.C. Senate. The $1,151,073 in newly recommended cuts, when combined with the cuts identified in the governor’s budget, constitute a reduction of 28 percent in the operating budget for the N.C. State Historic Sites, according to Hardison.

The proposed Senate budget would close the six-year-old Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City and the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex in Fayetteville, an important Civil War Sesquicentennial destination, according to a release from the James K. Polk site.

Significant reductions in the funding of Tryon Palace in New Bern will reduce hours and service to the public, beginning in July 2011, and would result in its closing to the public in fiscal year 2012-13.

Other possible closures in addition to Vance and Polk include Alamance Battleground, Aycock Birthplace, Fort Dobbs, Historic Bath, Historic Stagville and House in the Horseshoe. The budget, if adopted in its current form, could potentially close around one-third of the state's sites.

In April, an initial N.C. House budget also detailed cuts detailing a reduction of roughly 30 percent in the budget for state historic sites. An amendment to re-distribute $1.2 million for an affordable housing fund eliminated the House shortfall.

Citizens can examine the budget bill at the General Assembly website at ncleg.net.

The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget bill May 31.

Following that vote, the bill will be reconciled with the House of Representatives version of the budget proposal. A final version of the bill must then be signed into law by Gov. Bev Perdue.

Can you go carless in North Buncombe?

2011-05-20T14:47:00.002-04:00

It's an interesting question. Can someone become a pure pedestrian in a less metropolitan area like North Buncombe?

The website Walk Score uses an methodology based on an algorithm that awards points based on the distance to amenities in a variety of categories such as food, schools, shopping, etc. It does not compute such factors as pedestrian safety or design of pedestrian pathways nor does it take account for public transport (of which there is precious few in this area). Towns that have more centralized business and development districts also have opportunities for higher scores. The average Walk Score in Charlotte, for instance, is 41 because the town is much larger and spread out. Although there are plenty of neighborhoods in the Queen City with work, living, dining and shopping options within a mile or two of each other that far outnumber any in North Buncombe. Some of these neighborhoods have a Walk Score of 80 or above.

But with Woodfin adopting a long-term, comprehensive plan this week to construct a linked greenway, bikeway and sidewalk system throughout the town, and Weaverville continuing its goal of constructing sidewalks throughout the downtown area and beyond, some of these numbers suggest its theoretically possible that some people may be able to ditch the car now or in the future if they have the right circumstances.

The average Walk Score for Weaverville is 75, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot. Some areas around downtown have a Walk Score as high as 83. Woodfin has an average Walk Score of 40, meaning a resident is car-dependent but some errands can be accomplished on foot. The business corridor on Weaverville Road has a Walk Score of 34. Barnardsville, predictably, had the lowest average Walk Score in the area with 17, meaning almost all errands have to be accomplished on foot.

What does this mean? Well, probably nothing for those who have work, school or other commitments that take them to Asheville, Hendersonville or other areas on a daily or weekly basis. But for those who live and work in their own towns, it suggests that a car might not always be a necessity.

Notes from around North Buncombe

2011-05-20T13:36:00.000-04:00

* It's rooster time in Weaverville. Locally designed roosters are now in businesses throughout the Weaverville area as part of the Weaverville Business Association's "An Enchanted Animal Affaire" promotion. Maggie B's in Weaverville will hold a meet-and-greet with the artist of their rooster as well as a wine tasting tonight.

* Karpen Fields, which have been closed since 2010 for repairs, will re-open on Memorial Day on Reems Creek Road.

* The Town of Weaverville will continue hammering out its budget during a public session at 4:30 pm on Monday (May 23). Town employees will then hold a senior luncheon on May 27 to make up for the canceled luncheon last Christmas because of inclement weather.

* Echoview Farm just north of Weaverville will hold its second annual Memorial Day event next weekend. Kids' activities and more.

* The additions to Reynolds Village in Woodfin are progressing quickly. The first of six new buildings should be ready by later this summer, officials said this week.

What else is going on?

Police, fire reports from Weaverville

2011-05-18T14:14:00.000-04:00

The following is a list of activities for the Weaverville Police Department in the month of April.
Felony charges: 4
Misdemeanor charges: 26
Drug charges: 18
DWI arrests: 1
Motor vehicle crashes: 23
Traffic surveillance incidents: 35
Citations issued: 41
Warnings issued: 71
Reports taken: 51

* The number of drug charges over the first four months of 2011 are up 165 percent in Weaverville over the same period last year (61 in Jan-Apr '11; 23 in Jan-Apr '10)

The following is a list of activities for the Weaverville Fire Department for the month of April:

Brush fire inside town limits: 1
Vehicle fire inside town limits: 1
Structure fire outside town limits: 1
Investigations inside town limits: 6
Investigations outside town limits: 13
Mutual aid outside town limits: 12
Fire alarm activation outside town limits: 2
Public assistance inside town limits: 8
Public assistance outside town limits: 6
Motor-vehicle accidents inside town limits: 9
Motor-vehicle accidents outside town limits: 9
EMS calls inside town limits: 21
EMS calls outside town limits: 23
Property loss inside town limits: $1,000
Property loss outside town limits: $20,000

Farmer Jason coming to Weaverville

2011-05-16T16:45:00.000-04:00

The Weaverville Library Friends are always organizing interesting events for the town's library. In August, they are hosting Farmer Jason, an event that should appeal to both old and young alike.

Farmer Jason, also known as Jason Ringerberg, headed up Jason and the Scorchers, a country/rock/punk hybrid that turned the Nashville music scene on its head in the 1980s. They've since disbanded and reunited for a smattering of gigs here and there, but during his downtime, Ringerberg began recording and touring as Farmer Jason, singing extremely catchy children-oriented ditties about farms, animals, nature and such.

On a side, I saw him perform in 2006 during the all-too-brief existence of the Mucklewain concert festival that brought some of the top acts in country/rock music to Middle Tennessee. His performance was a highlight of the day, and I can only imagine it will be even better indoors in an intimate space.

Farmer Jason will be at the library at 11 am on Aug. 27.

Playoff baseball

2011-05-16T15:27:00.001-04:00

North Buncombe takes on Burns High School in the second round of the Class 3-A NCHSAA playoffs at 5 pm on Tuesday (May 17) at NBHS, weather permitting.

Old Buncombe County Genealogical meeting

2011-05-16T15:25:00.002-04:00

The Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society will meet on Saturday, May 21, at 2 PM at the society library at 128 Bingham Road Suite 950 in Asheville. The speaker will be Lamar Marshall of Wild South who will present a program on “Indian Trails and Pioneer Roads.” Mr. Marshall has spent countless hours searching out, identifying and walking these old trail and roads throughout the area. He will include an explanation of the location of these paths in the context of today’s terrain. The program promises to be a fascinating view of the combination of today and yesterday. The public is welcome and invited to attend. There is no charge. Light refreshments will be served after the program. For more information and/or directions, call 828-253-1894 or 828-369-8030 or e-mail info@obcgs.com.

Preservation Hall closes

2011-05-06T09:58:00.000-04:00

These guys were our former landlords and we will miss them. Here's a note from their website:

We are proud to have been a part of the effort to locate, and find new homes for, a variety of wonderful architectural items through our Preservation Hall business. Late last year we decided that it was time to consider retiring and so we listed our building for sale in January. We were stunned to receive an acceptable offer the same month, and we closed on the building late March.

We have moved all the great work we had in inventory from area artists to Sanctuary of Stuff, located 2 miles south of Weaverville at 440 Weaverville Rd., web site www.sanctuaryofstuff.com.

Our stock of Weaverville T-shirts is now carried by Curtis Wright Outfitters just south of us at 24 N. Main St., web site www.curtiswrightoutfitters.com.

The architectural items have been sold to our friends Tim & Nancy Hall at Underground Salvage, 66 E. Main St. in Brevard, North Carolina. They have had a salvage business there for over 20 years, and we highly recommend contacting them for your needs. Underground Salvage is open 7 days a week, year round, (Mon. - Sat. 9:30 to 5:30, Sun.1 to 5) plus they have a large warehouse full. Their contact information is phone (828) 885-2744, Tim’s cell (828) 553-4837, or email at undergroundsalvageco@gmail.com.

All three of these businesses are locally owned and operated by great people.

Again, thank you to our wonderful friends, suppliers, artists and customers. You welcomed us to this area a decade ago and helped grow our business. We hope to see you as we now relax a little and enjoy this beautiful part of North Carolina.

We hope that you have a great year and thanks again!

Darcy, Capri & Rob Willis

Bakersville Creek Walk Arts Festival

2011-04-25T16:48:00.000-04:00

The Bakersville Creek Walk Arts Festival Organizing Committee and the City of Bakersville, NC are happy to announce the seventh annual Bakersville Creek Walk Arts Festival on Sept. 24 in historic Bakersville. The festival will feature juried exhibitors from North Carolina and throughout the southeastern United States and will further establish Bakersville as a destination for individuals seeking fine art and craft.

We would like to invite local artists and craftsmen to apply for space at this year's show. Spaces are $75 and the application fee is $10. The jurying committee will require a CD with three images of your work and one of your booth set-up. Tents are recommended in the event of bad weather.

Entry deadline is Aug. 15.

You may obtain an application via:
Email: bakersvillefestival@gmail.com
Or by contacting our Festival Coordinator: Dawn Dalto at 828.216.9929

Rooster adoption

2011-04-18T14:18:00.000-04:00

"An Enchanted Animal Affaire," the Weaverville Business Association's spring/early summer campaign that will see locally crafted roosters populate area storefronts, gets under way tonight.

Monday, April 18, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm, Weaverville Town Hall (Light snacks and beverages will be provided)

Rooster adoption – Artists will drop by to pick up roosters from Weaverville Town Hall from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Sponsor businesses will also congregate to draw from a deck of cards that will determine which rooster will reside in their business from mid-May to mid-June.

Shakespeare auditions

2011-04-18T14:16:00.000-04:00

The Montford Park Players, North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare Festival, is pleased to announce that auditions for The Asheville Shakesperience, our resident repertory company, will be held Saturday, April 30, from 10-1 and Sunday, May 1 from 1-4 at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre.

According to Kirstin Daniel, this year’s director: “The 2011 Asheville Shakesperience will be an exciting journey of the human spirit. We will present famous and maybe some not-so-famous scenes and monologues of William Shakespeare’s women. From being young and in love, to mature love. We will explore familial relationships, the growth and potential of men and women, retribution and regret, to motherhood and finally redemption and the potential of each human life. I hope you will consider auditioning for this exciting and deeply personal work to share with the Western North Carolina community!”

Looking for: 5 women and 5 men:
1-2 women age 40+; 1-2 men age 40+
3-4 women age 18+; 3-4 men age 18+ …(No children for this show)

Come prepared (memorized) with a Shakespearean monologue of your choice. 10-20 lines is all you need. Be prepared to work on this, and possibly some cold readings. Bring your headshot and resume if you have them; if not, don’t worry; it’s not required. Reservations for audition times are not required.

If you have further questions, contact us at info@montfordparkplayers.org or call 254-5146.

Shuler release on possible government shutdown

2011-04-08T11:25:00.000-04:00

If Congress fails to pass a Continuing Resolution prior to midnight April 8, 2011, appropriations will lapse and the federal government will shutdown.

The possibility of a governmental shutdown has left millions of Americans with questions about what a government shutdown means and how it will affect them.

The District and Washington, DC offices of Rep. Shuler will remain open and staffed to assist constituents with any questions they have regarding the shutdown or and to resolve any problems that arise due to the shutdown to the best of our ability.

While there are still many questions regarding how each federal agency and department will operate during a shutdown, we can provide the following information.

Why Would the Federal Government Shutdown:

If a funding bill is not signed into law by midnight, April 8, there will be a “lapse in appropriation,” which means there are no appropriated funds to pay for an agency or program.

What Federal Services will be Affected:

During a shutdown of the federal government all functions not essential to the protection of the safety of human life and property – like the military, the FBI, and air traffic controllers – are required to cease operations or limit them to a minimum operational level.

How May a Shutdown Affect You:

While federal agencies are required by law to have “draft” shutdown plans in place, these plans have not yet been made public. However, with guidance from the Congressional Research Service and experiences from previous shutdowns, we can provide the following information:

Social Security: Social Security does not rely upon annual appropriations for funding, so Social Security payments will NOT be affected by a shutdown. However, the processing of new claims will likely be delayed.

IRS: Tax forms must still be postmarked by Monday, April 18th. Refunds may be delayed.

Medicare: Medicare benefits will NOT be affected during a shutdown, so those currently participating in the program should not see a change in services. The processing of new claims will likely be delayed.

VA Services: VA Hospitals and Clinics will remain open and disability payments will still be paid. The processing of new claims will likely be delayed.

National Parks: The National Park Service will be affected by a shutdown. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway may be impacted. Those with trips to Washington, DC planned should expect museums and monuments to be closed.

Passports and Visas: It is likely that requests for passports and visas will NOT be processed during a shutdown of the federal government. U.S. Embassies abroad will remain open to serve American citizens.

Dangers of Tobacco seminar

2011-04-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

Buncombe County Schools is the recipient of grant funding from the Health and Wellness Trust Fund for tobacco prevention. As part of that grant, the schools will be hosting Rick Bender, an oral cancer survivor, as a guest speaker at several schools on April 5 & 6. Bender is a dynamic national speaker and former major league baseball player who travels talking mainly to school kids on the dangers of using tobacco, especially spit tobacco. He will speak at 8:15 am on Wednesday (April 6) at North Buncombe High School.

Update on Reynolds Village development

2011-03-31T16:19:00.002-04:00

If you are a regular visitor to the Neighborhood YMCA in Woodfin or see the construction from the future Interstate 26, you know that the new additions to the Reynolds Village development are progressing along. The first apartment building is currently scheduled to open in June. A mixed-use building should open in July with additional buildings opening in the following months.

Spaces still left in fundraiser 5K

2011-03-23T15:58:00.001-04:00

Last-minute registrations needed for the 5K run and fun walk fundraiser for North Buncombe-based ministry Carpenters Heart. Plan on joining as we run for a reason Saturday morning (March 26) at Carrier Park in Asheville. Registration for both events is still open online until 5 pm on Friday (March 25). Register now as we only have 50 gift bags left and spots are filling fast. The 5K registration is $25 with proceeds going to aid in the building of an orphanage in Honduras. Up to 125 t-shirts and gift bags will be awarded to those who register first. Race starts at 9:45am with race day registration open from 8-9:30 on race day.

If you want to help but cant quite make a 5k come out and do the funwalk. $10 online registration or from 8-8:45 on race day. Your donations will help give a home to the homeless. Register at carpentersheart.org.

Praise for the public works, police department

2011-03-22T11:20:00.000-04:00

Several at Monday's (March 21) Weaverville Town Council meeting gave kudos to town departments.

Ron Sussex praised the town's public works department for picking up his leaves and assorted brush recently.

Mayor Al Root also said the town's police department deserves recognition for some of the work its officers that may go under the radar. Root recently spotted a potentially diseased raccoon near his home and before he could make any phone calls about it, a Weaverville officer was on the scene, keeping the animal cornered until animal services could arrive.

Win a LEAF for Sundance Power Systems

2011-03-21T15:45:00.001-04:00

Sundance Power Systems in Weaverville is working to win a Nissan LEAF, a 100 percent electric car. They are asking for community help.

I am excited to be working on this educational campaign for Electric Vehicles and the potential for them to be powered with solar energy, hence the name PV-EV campaign.

Watch our PV-EV Video!

Please support this effort by watching the video and vote for "us" to win a Nissan LEAF. I say us because it will be a community win. As the outreach coordinator for Sundance Power Systems I will use this car to be out in the community and it will be a VE... Vehicle for Education.

The voting opportunity ends on April 13, so please act now and help spread the word.

Asheville Idol Karaoke

2011-03-15T13:11:00.001-04:00

Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan has agreed to be a “Hero for the American Red Cross” as part of the ongoing Red Cross fundraising campaign.

The Heroes Campaign is the largest annual fund-raising campaign conducted by the local Red Cross and funds donated are used to provide services to the local community.

As part of his fundraising effort Sheriff Duncan is organizing an “Asheville Idol Karaoke” contest. This is a great opportunity to show off your singing voice, win a $500 cash prize and help the American Red Cross at the same time. Join us for this exciting event and support the Asheville Area Red Cross. All proceeds will go the Asheville Area Red Cross and refreshments will be available for purchase during the event. Visit Sheriff Duncan’s Heroes site at:

http://american.redcross.org/site/TR/Heroes/Heroes2011?px=8776358&pg=personal&fr_id=1313

What: Asheville Idol Fundraiser $500 Grand Prize

Where: AB Tech Simpson Auditorium- Preliminary Auditions
AB Tech Ferguson Auditorium- Contest Finals

When: Saturday March 26, 2011
Preliminary Audition- Doors Open 1:00 pm
Finals- 7:00 pm

Cost: Spectators/Friends $5 cover(all proceeds go to the American Red Cross)
Singers $20.00 entry fee(non-refundable)

The contest will be run by Sound Extreme Entertainment.

Sound Extreme Entertainment contest rules are as follows:
• Persons who entertain are allowed to compete as long as it is part-time income and that person does not belong to any professional organization connected with the entertainment industry that would cause Sound Extreme Entertainment or any of Sound Extreme Entertainment's representatives' to pay such contestant a fee or any other benefit for taking part in any the contest.
• Any person may enter the contest that belongs to an Organized Labor Union connected with the entertainment industry, as long as that person is not disqualified by rule number 2.
• Contestants MAY NOT utilize live props.
• Contestants are not allowed to leave the stage or stage area during their performance. This includes singing or performing within the audience.
• Song time limit is 5 minutes.
• Contestants may sing the same song as another contestant.
• Songs containing vulgar or explicit sexual lyrics will not be allowed. • Contestants will sing one judged song.
• Contestants, their family or associates are not allowed to have contact with a contest judge before or during any contest connected with Sound Extreme Entertainment.
• Contestants, their family or associates who exhibit offensive behavior during any portion of the contest will disqualify that contestant from further competition.
• Contestants will be scored using a 60 point system:
• Vocal Ability (rhythm/pitch/phrasing) 1-30 points
• Stage Presence (movement/confidence/command) 1-20 points
• Appearance (costume/attire) 1-10 points
• Decisions of the judges are final.
• Clubs/Venues shall post in a conspicuous place, the final scores of all contestants of a semi final competition. Scores during the preliminary portion of a contest may or may not be posted and is left to the discretion of the club/venue. • Complaints may be directed in a dignified manner to the contest host.
• No KJ/KJ assistant/Club owner/Venue owner/Venue lessee/their family connected directly with Sound Extreme Entertainment may enter.

REI Garage Sale to benefit Manna

2011-03-15T11:51:00.000-04:00

From REI...

REI Asheville is striving to donate 1,000 pounds of canned food to MANNA FoodBank at its next Garage Sale and Food Drive on Saturday (March 19). REI’s Garage Sale is known for its great deals on used outdoor items - from gear to clothing to footwear. Typically, REI Asheville’s Garage Sale is opened to all REI members who can find used and returned gear 40 percent - 60 percnet off. This upcoming Garage Sale will be slightly different since it is also a food drive: all REI members must bring two cans of food to be able to shop the Garage Sale. Doors open at 10 AM, but due to its popularity a long line does form beforehand. This is a wonderful opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to give back to our local community and support an incredible organization like MANNA FoodBank. REI is located in Biltmore Park Town Square.

Retirement planning workshop at UNCA

2011-03-15T11:48:00.000-04:00

Many pre-retirees are likely to put off making important decisions on the complex subject of retirement planning, according to a recent study by the MetLife Mature Market Institute. Only 35 percent of 45- to 49-year-olds felt prepared to retire compared with 64 percent of 60- to 64-year-olds. Learn how to plan your early retirement by attending the Retirement Planning Today workshop conducted at UNC-Asheville on March 17 and March 19. For more details call Kim at 828-651-9617 or go to http://www.wallco.com/documents/RPTMar11UNCA.pdf.

March is Eggtastic

2011-03-07T15:06:00.002-05:00

Fun puns abound in this release from the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. Check out the news about farms in Alexander and Barnardsville.

Local eggs get eggstra special attention this month in Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s (ASAP) Get Local campaign—a year-round initiative that brings together farmers, chefs, and community members in celebration of a featured local food. And it’s not just area producers who are eggstatic about the nod. Their chickens, ducks, and quails are also on board, laying even more eggstraordinary eggs for us to enjoy as spring nears.

Local chefs and bakers are excited, too. Many source local eggs year-round for their menus but see this as a chance to make eggs the star of the show. “We plan to make some fantastic March specials,” shares Cathy Cleary, co-owner of West End Bakery in Asheville, a Get Local participating restaurant that sources their eggs from Farside Farms in Alexander. “On the savory side, we’ll be making fresh egg salads with spring herbs and our famous egg sandwiches on homemade biscuits and bagels. If dessert is what you want, look for our banana pudding, lemon custard pie, or chocolate chip meringue cookies!”

Want to scramble, poach, or fry at home? Local eggs are widely available now at area grocery stores and farm stands. You can also buy direct from the farm. Headwaters of Poverty Farm defies eggspectations by selling duck eggs direct to customers from their farm in Barnardsville. While eggs will be out of the Get Local spotlight when markets begin opening for the season next month, they’ll certainly be available at tailgates as well—you may even find vendors with quail eggs.

Browse the more than 350 regional farms and businesses offering up local eggs, including those mentioned above, in ASAP’s Local Food Guide at buyappalachian.org. Find the 2011 calendar of featured foods, as well as a list of Get Local restaurants, at asapconnections.org/getlocal.html. There, you can also download a Get Local school calendar, where this month the focus is on apples.

Montford Park Players seek volunteers

2011-03-07T14:15:00.000-05:00

The Montford Park Players have officially exceeded their goal in pledged donations to renovate Asheville’s beloved Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, ensuring a fine run of free Shakespearean shows in the park this summer.

The project funding will help bring the current performance space back to life, with new materials for safety, aesthetics and durability. There will also be changes allowing for improved sightlines, lighting and acoustics. The Montford Park Players, an all volunteer non-profit theatre company, are mostly relying on support from their members and the greater Asheville community to help rebuild. Volunteers can swing a hammer or a paintbrush on Saturdays throughout March and April to help keep this 38 year old Asheville tradition alive.

Contact the theater at 254-5146 to volunteer.

Grading near I-26/Barnardsville Highway

2011-03-07T10:20:00.000-05:00

Some people have been asking about the construction work going on near exit 15 off the future Interstate 26 just north of Weaverville.

The 80-acre site is owned by Volvo and it was planned as a training and demonstration center for the company's heavy construction division, although that proposal was put on hold several years ago when the economy stalled.

Beatrice Cardon, vice president for corporate communication, said Friday (March 4) that she was not aware of any immediate plans to move forward with the training and demonstration center.

News from the Girl Scouts

2011-03-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

A release from the Girl Scouts Peaks2Piedmont

Former and current Girl Scouts of any age are invited to mark Girl Scouting's 99th birthday on Saturday, March 12 at the Asheville Girl Scout Service Center located at 64 W.T. Weaver Boulevard.

The festivities, which will include craft and service opportunities, will begin at 1 pm. At 1:30 pm, everyone will gather together for a massive recitation of the Girl Scout Promise and the singing of “Girl Scouts Together.” Refreshments will follow.

Also, join Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont for the inaugural Thin Mint Sprint run/walk fundraiser, in partnership with BB&T, on Saturday, April 9 at 9 am around the University of North Carolina-Asheville neighborhood and campus. Girls and families, as well as runners from across the state are welcome to register for the event.

The event will open with a flag ceremony at 9 am and will be followed by the 5K at 9:20 am and Daisy Dash (1 mile fun run) beginning at 9:25 am.

Participants may register for the Thin Mint Sprint 5K or Daisy Dash (1 mile fun run) online at www.thinmintsprint5k.com or on race day beginning at 7:30 a.m. The cost for the Daisy Dash is $10 for all participants. The cost for the 5K is $20 for Girl Scouts and $25 for non-Girl Scouts. Participants will receive a box of Thin Mint cookies and a T-shirt. The run is open to all ages with prizes given to participants in each age category.

All proceeds from the 2011 Thin Mint Sprint support programs and financial assistance for more than 18,000 Girl Scouts in central and western North Carolina.

Fundraisers this weekend

2011-03-03T12:08:00.002-05:00

The youth from Barnardsville Baptist Church will be having a 30-hour fast Friday (March 4) and Saturday (March 5). They will also be involved in a service project as well as two fundraisers for missions. On Saturday morning, there will be two car washes held to raise money for missions.

The first will be located at KFC in River Ridge shopping center and the second at Rodney's Automotive on Main Street in Weaverville. They will also be serving a spaghetti dinner from 6 pm - 8 pm in the fellowship hall at the church.

Local to release new CD

2011-03-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

Ashvegas is reporting that Weaverville native Sallie Ford and her band The Sound Outside will release their debut album this spring. The band is based in Portland, Ore. Read more about the release here. Ford returned to the area last New Year's when she opened for The Avett Brothers in their annual Asheville New Year's performances.

Looking ahead to the second round

2011-02-22T14:44:00.001-05:00

Both the North Buncombe boys' and girls' basketball teams came through with big victories in the opening round of the NCHSAA Class 3-A playoffs Monday (Feb. 21).

The boys knocked out Ashbrook 86-71 and the girls routed Tuscola 62-38 on the road.
Both coaches acknowledged their second-round opponents Wednesday (Feb. 23) have a high level of athleticism.

The boys face Hickory, the fifth-ranked team in the state.

"There's not a whole lot [Hickory] doesn't do pretty well," coach David Rhoney said.

The girls will face a familiar opponent in RS Central, a team the BlackHawks scrimmaged earlier this season.

"[RS Central] is very athletic," coach Robby Parker said. "It'll all be about execution."

A note about the closing of Preservation Hall

2011-02-15T13:02:00.000-05:00

MyWeaverville.com reported earlier today that Preservation Hall in Weaverville will close soon, likely this spring. I had noticed the Keller Williams sale signs on the building recently and worried this would be the likely outcome.

As some of you know, the Tribune offices were located in the back of Preservation Hall at 115 N. Main St. for several years. We got to know Darcy and Capri well, so we hate to see them leave their storefront, but wish them the best of luck in the future.

Lane closures Tuesday in Weaverville

2011-02-15T10:32:00.000-05:00

NC DOT reporting an eastbound lane of the future Interstate 26 East will be closed in Weaverville until around 3:30 pm today between milemarkers 17 and 18.

This week at NBHS

2011-02-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

Tuesday
6:30 pm - Varsity boys' basketball vs. Enka @ Erwin in MAC Tourney

Wednesday
6:30 pm - Varsity girls' basketball vs. Asheville @ Erwin in MAC Tourney

Friday
TBA - Varsity wrestling @ Western 3-A Regionals @ St. Stephens
TBA - MAC Tourney championship games

Saturday
1:00 pm - Varsity baseball vs. Unicoi County High School
TBA - Varsity wrestling @ Western 3-A Regionals @ St. Stephens

February is local trout month

2011-02-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

Release from Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project

It’s only fitting that Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) would honor local trout for the entire month of February in their Get Local campaign—a year-round initiative that brings together farmers, chefs, and community members in celebration of a featured local food. After all, trout are a big deal in the neighborhood. North Carolina is the second largest trout producer in the United States, with almost all production happening right here in Western North Carolina.

Local chefs and restaurateurs know how lucky they are and include trout from area producers on their menus year-round. But this month, Get Local restaurants will pay the WNC favorite extra attention. The Red Stag Grill in Biltmore Village will feature a special trout tasting menu, the Market Place in downtown Asheville will offer up trout-focused entrees as well as house-made charcuterie items, like smoked trout rillettes; and it doesn’t end there. For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.asapconnections.org/getlocal.html.

Got cooking chops yourself? Local trout and trout products are widely available this month at area grocery stores as well as many specialty shops. You can also buy direct from the farm. One farm with an onsite store, Sunburst Trout Company, is hosting a recipe contest this month in conjunction with the Get Local celebration. Winners will receive a jar of their trout caviar. Entries should be emailed before February 15 to recipes@sunbrusttrout.com.

Browse the nearly 100 farms and businesses offering up local trout in ASAP’s Local Food Guide, online at buyappalachian.org. Find the 2011 calendar of featured foods and more information about the initiative on the Get Local page of asapconnections.org. There, you can also download a Get Local school calendar; until March, participating schools are highlighting local apples.

Weaverville native tonight at Grey Eagle

2011-02-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

Weaverville native and singer-songwriter Malcolm Holcombe will be playing a show tonight at the Grey Eagle. Show begins at 9 pm; doors open at 8 pm.

Send us your news

2011-01-31T14:07:00.002-05:00

Have any news to share or information about an upcoming event? Send it to us at wteditor@weavervilletribune.com. Pictures are welcomed.

This week at NBHS

2011-01-31T14:04:00.000-05:00

Friday
4 pm - Girls' junior varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School
5 pm - Boys' junior varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School
6:30 pm - Girls' varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School
8 pm - Boys' varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School

Saturday
TBA - Varsity wrestling @ MAC @ McDowell
TBA - Coed Varsity Swimming @ State 3A Regionals @ Huntersville