Last November, Citizens Awareness Asheville, an organization of community activists concerned about purported excesses and misconduct by local law enforcement, announced the formation of a “Copwatch” program. Such programs, active in cities including Los Angeles, Berkeley, Houston and New Orleans, involve volunteers going around neighborhoods on foot patrols, monitoring the activities of the police. Just […]
Author: David Forbes
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Buncombe Commissioners
Commissioners ponder $317 million budget Residents decry proposed land-disturbance rules Buncombe County’s economy remains in better shape than those of many other areas, County Manager Wanda Greene reported at the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners at their May 20 meeting. But rising costs, unemployment, foreclosures and a contracting housing market will create some challenges—about $6.9 […]
Buncombe Commissioners
Hard times ahead: Buncombe County’s economy remains in better shape than those of many other areas, County Manager Wanda Greene reported at the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners at their May 20 meeting. But rising costs, unemployment, foreclosures and a contracting housing market will create some challenges for the 2008-09 budget.
Shaky economy could lead to almost $7 million needed for Buncombe budget
Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene says the county’s economy has some problems, though is still better than most — and that county government could need to take $6.9 million out of reserves to make ends meet in the coming fiscal year.
48 Hour Film Project holds meet and greet Thursday
Interested in the 48 Hour Film Project? Thursday, May 22, is your chance to find out anything you want to know. The project is holding a meet and greet at 6 p.m. at the Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company.
Buncombe County Commissioners preview: May 20 meeting
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is set to review the recommended budget for the upcoming year. The tax rate is expected to stay the same.
Duncan on Medford verdict: “We have moved on”
At a press conference this afternoon, Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan reacted to the conviction yesterday of his predecessor, Bobby Medford, on federal corruption charges, asserting his office has changed and is focused on the future.
Medford, Penland found guilty on all counts ***UPDATED WITH PHOTOS***
Former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and former reserve Capt. Guy Penland were found guilty on all counts in their federal corruption trial this morning.
Medford trial endgame: verdict expected Thursday
Defense attorneys for former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and former reserve Capt. Guy Penland finished up their closing arguments today. Prosecutors shot back—and a verdict is expected tomorrow.
Prosecution’s closing argument: “They all say, ‘Money to Medford’”
The prosecution in the federal corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford presented their closing argument today, asserting that the evidence against the former sheriff and one of his deputies is overwhelming.
Medford under fire, bribes denied
After former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford took the stand today in his own defense against federal corruption charges, he faced lengthy questioning from his own attorneys, followed by a barrage from the prosecution. He denied ever taking bribes from illegal video-poker operators.
Former Captain: Medford said “F*ck him” to campaign chair’s concerns
In the federal corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, a former captain testified that after hearing concerns from his campaign chair about cash being improperly turned into money orders, Medford responded, “F*ck him. We’ll keep doing what we’re doing.”
After election night: what’s next?
With primary results in, local pundits and political leaders ponder the future.
Hot Dog King owner says he paid Medford deputies $1,000 a month
In the ongoing trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford Tuesday afternoon, Hot Dog King owner Demetre “Jimmy the Greek” Theodossis said that he paid Medford’s deputies $1,000 a month to protect his illegal video-poker operation.
APD on Asheville’s gangs and “really good weed”
It was May 1, and Capt. Tim Splain, an 18-year veteran of the Asheville Police Department who’s the head of criminal investigations, was in the firing line (metaphorically speaking) at the latest session of the city’s ongoing Citizens Academy. “Let me be clear: Hip-hop does not cause gangs,” Splain declared after asserting that local media […]
More testimony about alleged Medford bribes
This morning in the corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, a convenience-store owner and video-poker operator, as well as a retired bookie, both testified that they bribed Medford to continue their illegal operations.
Poker operator alleges favors received from Sheriff’s Office
At the trial this afternoon of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, video-poker operator Jerry Pennington said he received favors from the sheriff’s office under Medford, including an honorary deputy’s badge and getting gambling charges dismissed through forged community-service documents.
Video poker operator: Bribes given to sheriffs
In the corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, a salesman for a confessed illegal video-poker operator said that he repeatedly gave bribes — sometimes as much as $3,000 — to Medford, along with legal donations to the Clerk of Court and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The company also bribed the Haywood County Sheriff, he testified.
The Commish campaign on YouTube
It’s the day before the primary election: If you’re still wrestling with a decision about which candidate to vote for in the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners race, many of them have put up YouTube videos
Michelle Obama draws crowd at UNCA ***UPDATED WITH VIDEO***
With North Carolina’s May 6 Democratic primary nearing, Michelle Obama, wife of presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, spoke for over an hour on May 2 at the quad at UNC Asheville.
Medford deputy: “I plead guilty because I am guilty”
At the continuing corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford this morning, one of Medford’s former deputies again took the witness stand and responded to defense attorneys’ questioning by once again declaring his guilt.