Citing a lack of evidence, the Buncombe County Board of Elections voted 2-1 in a tense meeting this afternoon to dismiss complaints by the Buncombe County Republican Party that election law was violated when James Taylor concert tickets were given away at three polling locations.
At press time, most polls showed the race between Democratic Sen. Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain extremely close in North Carolina. The state’s electoral votes have gone to Republicans in every presidential race since 1976. But Obama has organized extensively in the state, and the global economic crunch has changed the political landscape. […]
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin attacked Sen. Barack Obama in a fiery Oct. 26 speech in the Asheville Civic Center arena, branding the Democratic presidential candidate “Barack the wealth-spreader.” The Republican vice presidential nominee also told a crowd of thousands that she and Sen. John McCain would cut taxes. Photo by Jonathan Welch “If you are […]
The focus on voter registration this year seems to be paying off locally—for Democrats anyway. Since early February, 14,415 new voters have registered in Buncombe County, according to statistics released Oct. 21 by the Board of Elections. The vast majority (98 percent) of those new voters registered as either Democrats (7,355) or unaffiliated (6,765). A […]
Tavern is an overused word in bar parlance, but Asheville’s Smokey Tavern (or just Smokey’s, to regulars) seems to fit the bill. Its got a small, cozy entrance (you’ll miss it if you’re not looking) and an admirably cavernous interior. At present, there’s a slew of Halloween decorations up and a Nixon mask back behind […]
Thousands of people crowded the Asheville Civic Center arena to attend Republican vice-presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin‘s rally tonight
The Buncombe County Republican Party will submit complaints alleging that election law was violated when James Taylor concert tickets were given away “at several polling locations,” according to a statement issued this afternoon.
For Buncombe County Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sinclair, Nov. 7, 2000, was an important day—the day she decided to get involved. Eye on the prize: Local Democratic Party Chair Kathy Sinclair touts the Dem’s organization this year, saying they’re poised for victory. Photo by Jonathan Welch “I got involved after moving here from Illinois. I […]
During the recent gas crunch, state Rep. Charles Thomas was vocal in his criticism of the fuel-distribution scheme that left independent gas distributors high and dry, asserting that the oil industry “is begging us to regulate them” if it can’t manage supplies more efficiently. At the time, Thomas also swore to investigate the matter further […]
Developer Stewart Coleman has appealed a ruling on a controversial land sale that prevents him from building a nine-story condominium project on what was once public parkland. In September, Judge Marlene Hyatt sided with a lawsuit filed by the heirs of famed philanthropist George Pack asserting that land donated to Buncombe County was intended for […]
It’s a week night at Decades, and the husband-and-wife house band, Southern Silk, are proving as smooth as their name, announcing Al Green’s classic “Let’s Stay Together” triumphantly as “our love song.” They hit all the notes just right—“Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad”—and rich electric-guitar riffs roll over the room. Photo […]
According to statistics released by the Buncombe County Board of Elections, 14,415 new voters have registered since early February. The vast majority (98 percent) of the new voters are registered as Democrats (7,355) or unaffiliated (6,765). The number of registered Republicans stayed roughly the same, going up by 186 new voters.
Here’s a glimpse at part of the lineup for this year’s Asheville Film Festival, featuring movies like Darren Aronofsky‘s The Wrestler, Danny Boyle‘s Slumdog Millionaire and the full-length animated work Sita Sings the Blues.
According to his lawyer, former Bier Garden manager Malcolm Knighten pleaded guilty on Sept. 22 to assault with a deadly weapon, selling an alcoholic beverage after hours and resisting a public officer—all charges that stemmed from a fight with an ALE officer. He received a sentence of nonactive probation and will have to perform community […]
Staff of Rep. Heath Shuler turned away reporters, photographers and citizens from a meeting on Thursday, Oct. 9, concerning the issue of groundwater contamination at the former CTS of Asheville site. The meeting’s location had been changed from Shuler’s Asheville office, and his staff would not reveal the new location or who was attending. A […]
The appearance from the outside isn’t the most awe-inspiring thing: Dirty Jack’s, located adjacent to Green Man brewery, is housed in a utilitarian concrete box off of South Lexington—not exactly the neighborhood you expect to find a bar in. It would be a shame to pass it by, however, as there’s a very cozy, old-style […]
Commissioners approve $1.8 million for conservation easements Affordable-housing development wins initial approval At the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Oct. 7 meeting, the news wasn’t just what happened but what didn’t. The commissioners chose to delay action on three major items: the long-overdue appointment of new members to the powerful county Planning Board, a controversial […]
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Oct. 7 meeting
Former Bier Garden manager Malcolm Knighten pleaded guilty on Sept. 22 to assault with a deadly weapon, selling an alcoholic beverage after hours and resisting a public officer — stemming from a fight with an ALE officer, according to his lawyer. He received a sentence of nonactive probation and will have to perform community service.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners delayed decisions on three important items — a controversial rezoning, borrowing more than $37 million and appointing new members to the county planning board — at its Oct. 7 meeting. The board also cancelled its Oct. 21 meeting, meaning that the commissioners will take up all the items at their meeting on Nov. 4 — Election Day.
Staff of Rep. Heath Shuler turned away reporters, photographers and citizens from a meeting this morning on the issue of groundwater contamination at the former CTS of Asheville site. The meeting’s location had been changed from Shuler’s Asheville office, and his staff would not reveal the new location or who was attending.
