The complex web of cases concerning alleged corruption by former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and his deputies deepened, as new information was revealed at the sentencing of former Capt. Tracy Keith Bridges. On Dec. 13, Bridges pleaded guilty to helping the operation launder money. Meanwhile, court documents revealed that two associates of Medford ally […]
Author: David Forbes
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Cecil Bothwell to run for commissioner seat
Former Xpress writer and editor Cecil Bothwell has confirmed that he will run for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners this fall. He will file on Monday, with a formal announcement the same day.
Read video-gambling plea deals
On Feb. 8, Irving Comer and Kerry Comer, both employees of alleged illegal video-poker operator Jackie Shepherd, signed plea deals with federal prosecutors. The two plead guilty to running an illegal gambling operation and agreed to testify.
Buncombe health director resigns to start substance-abuse clinic
Eight months after she was hired, Buncombe County Health Director Vicki Ittel has announced that she will resign March 28. She is stepping down to set up a clinic that will focus on treating substance abuse, specifically addiction to prescription pain killers. Moving on: Buncombe County Health Director Vicki Ittel, who’s leaving her post to […]
Theodossis cuts deal
Federal prosecutors are continuing their efforts to build a case against former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford. Hot Dog King owner Demetre Theodossis cut a deal on Jan. 30, agreeing to cooperate in exchange for avoiding additional charges. Theodossis has agreed to assist in the ongoing investigation of official corruption in connection with video-poker machines […]
Buncombe County Commissioners preview: Feb. 19 meeting
Swannanoa’s pitch for incorporation tops the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners agenda for Tuesday, Feb. 19, as incorporation advocate Mike Tolley will report to the board. The push to incorporate the area has drawn its share of controversy.
Government defends Medford trial date, asserts other sheriffs involved
Federal prosecutors filed a motion Feb. 11 to set the trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and three of his deputies on corruption charges for March 25. The full text can be read here.
Buncombe Health Director resigns to start substance abuse clinic
Eight months after her appointment, Dr. Vicki Ittel, the Buncombe County Health Director, has announced that she will resign March 28. She is resigning to set up a clinic that will focus on treating substance abuse, specifically addiction to prescription pain killers.
Read the Theodossis video-gambling plea bargain
Demetre Theodossis, the owner of Hot Dog King, reached a plea-bargain deal with federal prosecutors on Jan. 30, agreeing to cooperate in the ongoing investigation of corruption related to video-poker machines, to testify at the trials of co-defendants and to pay the IRS more than $330,000. The full terms can be read here.
Buncombe County Commissioners
On Feb. 5, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners once again postponed a decision on helping fund a proposed 9-acre park linking the Haw Creek neighborhood to the Blue Ridge Parkway. But unlike the board’s Jan. 22 meeting, when the commissioners were split on the issue and neighborhood residents were vocally unhappy with the decision, […]
Out in the cold
There were eight homicides in Asheville last year; three of the victims were homeless people. Chris Allen Sewell died Dec. 2; shot outside the Hillcrest Apartments in Montford, he was later found dead against the fence separating the complex from Interstate 240. Michael Jones was beaten to death last July, and James Lovin was stabbed […]
Stephens-Lee remembered
For more than 40 years, Asheville’s Stephens-Lee High School was more or less synonymous with “secondary school” for African-Americans in Western North Carolina. Its athletes won championships, its band attracted attention across the state, and the school itself served as a focal point for the local black community. The school’s doors closed in 1965, and […]
City to host public meeting on storm-water ordinance
Want more information about Asheville’s approach to managing storm water or erosion? You’ll get your chance on Feb. 20. City staff is hosting the second of three informational meetings on the city’s rules at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Works building.
“Anywhere, USA” wins award at Sundance
On Jan. 22 Anywhere, USA, formerly known as Asheville: The Movie won a special jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival for “singularity of vision.” The film, from local auteur Chusy Haney-Jardine, took three years to make, using mostly local actors and locations. Winners: Actors Mike Ellis and Perla Haney- Jardine in promotional art for […]
Buncombe Commissioners: Feb. 5 meeting preview
Tomorrow, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners revisit the question of whether to contribute $250,000 to a nine-acre park linking Haw Creek to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
New documentary tells story of Stephens-Lee High
A new documentary, The Mighty Heroes of Stephens-Lee, chronicles the stories and times of the athletes, teachers and famous band of Asheville’s African-American high school. It premieres in a special showing Saturday, 4 p.m., at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center.
Buncombe County Commissioners
Sheriff Van Duncan came before the Buncombe County commissioners with hat in hand, saying his office needs more personnel to meet the challenges posed by the county’s growing population. In response, the commissioners unanimously approved Duncan’s request for $922,301 at their Jan. 22 meeting. The money will cover salaries, benefits and equipment for 10 new […]
Askville: Green acres
Warren Wilson College graduate Chase Hubbard has spent his entire professional life in agriculture. After serving as the school’s assistant farm manager for seven years, he’s now taken charge of running the 275-acre commercial operation in the fields surrounding the campus. Chase Hubbard In the middle of a working day, Hubbard took some time to […]
Musician Brian Flik dead at 33
Local musician Brian Flik, of black metal band Satanic Elite and formerly of Cannibal Unicorn, was found dead Sunday at his apartment, an apparent suicide. He was 33.
“Anywhere, USA” wins special jury prize at Sundance
Anywhere, USA won a special jury prize at the Sundance Film Festival for “singularity of vision” Saturday. The film, from local auteur Chusy Haney-Jardine, was formerly known as Asheville: The Movie and took three years to make, using mostly local actors and locations.
Bobby Medford’s release conditions
Former Sheriff Bobby Medford was released from Caldwell County jail on Jan. 22 to house arrest until his March 25 trial. The full list of his release conditions can be read at the Xpress Files.