Neurologist identifies NC Senate leader’s health condition

From the Times-News: A neurologist treating Marc Basnight has identified the former North Carolina Senate leader’s chronic health condition as a motor neuron disease that affects his brain stem, making it difficult for him to speak. Basnight, a Dare County Democrat, is diagnosed with what’s called progressive bulbar palsy, which affects nerves down to the […]

Never forget

It’s known as the silent killer, capable of annihilating a person’s cognitive function within a matter of years. Destroying brain cells and wiping memories, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5.4 million Americans each year. It affects people as young as 35, though they’re usually past 65. In short, this is a killer that must be […]

Flooded with interest: Water-system forum attracts more than 200 *UPDATED with video*

A sacred topic attracted more than 200 people who crammed into the pews of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church on Monday night: the Asheville water system. Hosted by the Asheville-Buncombe League of Women Voters (and co-sponsored by Mountain Xpress and Urban News), the Feb. 13 forum served as an informational session to the public about the water system, its history and its possible future. These are the highlights.

Local orthopedic surgeon honored as national leader in field

From the press release: Local orthopaedic surgeon Gordon I. Groh, M.D., a board-certified specialist in shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery at Blue Ridge Bone & Joint, has been advanced from associate to active membership in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, recognizing him as a national leader in the field. Membership in ASES, an educational […]

WNCAP and Scandals team up for dragshow to promote HIV awareness, testing in LGBTQ community

From the press release: sheville, NC — On Saturday night, February 25th, the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) and Scandals Nightclub will present Stars Shine RED, a showcase of local and guest drag queens and kings in performances throughout the evening. The party begins at 8pm in Scandals, located at 11 Grove Street in […]

Breast thermograms to be offered Feb. 21 in Johnson City

From the press release: Cindy Sullivan, CCT, Clinical Thermographer, will be offering screening breast thermograms at: Castle Clinic Robert Allen MD 1416 S Roan St Johnson City TN 37604 Tel: 423-979-6257 On Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, she will be performing screening breast thermograms and appointments are available from 10-2 pm. Thermography is a noninvasive, inexpensive […]

Red Cross opens temporary shelter in Hendersonville due to weather

From the Times-News: The American Red Cross in downtown Hendersonville has opened a temporary shelter this afternoon as bitter-cold temperatures are forecast to grip the mountains for a second consecutive night. Henderson County Deputy Fire Marshall Wally Hollis said the Red Cross center opened its doors at 1 p.m. today as a “comfort station” for […]

Brown Mountain Lights still a mystery

From The News Herald: MORGANTON — No matter how they try, scientists ranging from paranormal investigators to serious physicists are unable to unlock the mystery of the Brown Mountain Lights in Burke County. “Artists and scientists alike have congregated around this phenomena,” said Joshua P. Warren, Asheville native turned paranormal investigator who spoke before a […]

Transylvania Regional Hospital welcomes interim CFO

From the press release: BREVARD, N.C., Feb. 10, 2012 – Transylvania Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome Jeff Rush as interim Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance for the Brevard hospital and all of its affiliate organizations. Rush will oversee all financial operations for the Brevard hospital and its affiliates including financial planning, monitoring cash […]

Rotarians Against Hunger annual food drive focused on WNC

From the press release: Asheville, NC – Plans for the Rotarians Against Hunger (RAH) Third Annual Food Packaging Event is well underway with strong commitments from Thermo Fisher Scientific and Asheville-based artist Jonas Gerard. The Third Annual RAH will take place April 28, 2012, when 50,000 bags (enough food for 300,000 meals) will be packaged, […]