Smoky Mountain News reports: Supporters of Jackson County’s revolving loan program describe the financial give-outs as a tool in the county’s economic toolbelt, a boost to deserving businesses that can’t receive critical, even lifesaving, financial help through banks. But five defaults since 1993 when the loans started, out of a total of nine loans, raises […]
News Bulletins
Pain laid bare at eugenics hearing in Raleigh
Charlotte Observer reports: Tense moments and tears – that’s what happened Wednesday night when politicians, professionals and upset citizens gathered to talk about the history of North Carolina’s eugenics program and what to do for the victims of it. … One woman who said she was sterilized in 1979 – after the state’s program was […]
Erskine Bowles considering run for Governor
According to the Hendersonville Times-News, Erskine Bowles served as chief of staff in Bill Clinton’s White House, led the prestigious University of North Carolina system and headed a bipartisan commission that recommended tough choices to reduce the U.S. deficit. The Charlotte investment banker is being asked to consider public service again — this time by […]
Tennessee DOT awards emergency contract for I-40 rockslide cleanup
Tennessee Dept. of Transportation announces: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) today awarded an emergency contract to remove debris and unstable rock from Interstate 40 West in Cocke County. Currently, the westbound lanes of the interstate are closed at Mile Marker 451. The Department received bids from four different contractors, with Phillips […]
Industry experts weigh in on Sierra Nevada’s plan to build WNC facility
Brewbound.com reports: …“Sierra has the ability to be an anchor for the [craft beer0] business and this move helps with the long term sustainability of the category,” said Joth Ricci, the COO of First Beverage Group, an investment and consulting firm dealing with the beverage industry. “You are starting to see leadership ‘shape up’ in […]
Skyland businessman Chuck Archerd to run for Buncombe commissioner
Here’s an excerpt from the Asheville Citizen-Times article: Local real estate investor and accountant Chuck Archerd says he plans to run for Buncombe County commissioner, a move that would result in a Republican primary in District 3 (Statehouse District 116). …Republicans David King and Linda Southard have already announced their candidacies.
Diamond Brand offers outdoor enthusiasts February schedule of events
Here’s the press release from Diamond Brand: DIAMOND BRAND OFFERS OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS GREAT INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR FEBRUARY ARDEN, N.C. – Whether your preference is to enjoy a cool weather run, or to stay warm getting your outdoor adventure fix from the comfort of the indoors, Diamond Brand has got something for everyone in […]
Park Ridge Health honors memory of Shelby Wilkie through book fund
From the press release: February 1, 2012) Staff at The Baby Place at Park Ridge are honoring the memory of Shelby Sprowls Wilkie through a gift program that will present every first-time mom at The Baby Place in 2012 with a free copy of the best-selling book Baby 411. Shelby, a 38-year-old Hendersonville resident, was […]
Mission Hospital spine and neurosurgery program ranks among best in country
From the press release: Asheville, N.C., Feb. 1, 2012 – Becker’s Hospital Review, the leading source of cutting-edge business and legal information for hospital and health system personnel, has named Mission Hospital to their “Top 101 Hospitals With Great Spine and Neurosurgery Programs.” The award recognizes outstanding spine and neurosurgical care. Hospitals were selected based […]
Asheville waffle-off championship will crown a winner and feed hungry locals
(Photo by Parkerman & Christie from San Diego, USA From a Facebook public event page posted by Paul Van Heden: Ladies, gentleman, children, and assorted freaks: The next few paragraphs announce the Most Important Event In The History of Ever. Since the dawn of time humans have looked to the heavens and asked themselves: “Who […]
Ron Rash’s Serena will be made into a movie
The news, from Western Carolina University: Numerous entertainment publications are reporting that filming will begin soon for the motion picture adaptation of “Serena,” the bestselling novel penned by Ron Rash, Western Carolina University’s Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture. Actors Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, who recently played leading roles in the to-be-released David O. […]
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina receives $10K from Applebees of North Carolina
From the press release: Raleigh, NC – Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) announced it has exceeded its $20,000 holiday appeal goal by more than $3,000, and has qualified for a $10,000 match from Applebee’s Grill and Bar of North Carolina. Money raised from the appeal will be used to provide training, coaching, and technical […]
Stephens-Lee Rec Center Hosts Black History Expo on Saturday, Feb 25.
FROM ASHEVILLE’S PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Asheville, NC – Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts will celebrate Black History Month on Saturday, February 25 from 2-4 p.m. at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver. Presented in partnership with the Stephens Lee Advisory Board, the Stephens Lee Alumni, and the East End Community Association, […]
Seven Nations replaces McPeake at Grove Park’s Celtic Adventure Weekend this Friday
Grove Park Inn’s Celtic Adventure Weekend is weather a change of lineup. Traditional Irish band McPeake ran into visa issues and had to cancel, so the resort quickly booked Seven Nations, a Celtic rock band form New York City. Seven Nations played Asheville a decade ago — read about it here. In a pres release, […]
Montreat College cuts programs — lays off staff
According to WLOS, The current economic conditions have affected tuition, gift, and endowment income for most colleges and universities; Montreat College is no exception. Montreat College leaders have announced decisions to enable a healthy, sustainable future for the institution. The bachelor’s programs in Elementary Education, Music, and Worship Arts, and the master’s program in Education […]
US Forest Service closes Buzzard Roost Road to commercial traffic
According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, The U.S. Forest Service has closed a Haywood County forest service road to commercial vehicles following a rock slide Tuesday on Interstate 40 in Pigeon River Gorge. The Forest Service closed NFSR 288, also known as Buzzard Roost Road, to commercial use to prevent possible accidents involving large trucks. Officials […]
Ingles makes peace with neighbors for $50k
According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, Ingles Markets, Inc., has decided to purchase an easement from a Swannanoa couple to build an entrance at its headquarters and distribution center, ending a dispute over the property that also came to involve Norfolk Southern Railway Company. Teresa Watson, who owns the property with her husband, Rick, said Ingles […]
Tryon tests the waters of selling their water system
According to the Hendersonville Times-News, Tryon Town Council members are discussing the possibility of selling the town’s water system in hopes of improving its infrastructure while reducing rates. Selling the system is one of three options the council will consider, along with keeping the system and continuing with maintenance and rehabilitation, or joining an interlocal […]
Wilderness Society director: Don’t let Congress gut protections for public lands
Brent Martin works in Sylva and is Southern Appalachian Regional Director for The Wilderness Society. He has an opinion piece in the Smoky Mountain News this week expressing his dismay at Congress’ proposed rules that he says will gut many of the protections for local national forests. …when Congress adjourned in December, it left in […]
Health officials: Norovirus infections spreading across North Carolina
The N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services reports: RALEIGH—Throughout January, several local health departments across North Carolina have reported multiple outbreaks of norovirus, prompting state public health officials to issue advice on steps everyone can take to avoid this common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness. “The most important message we have right now is that […]
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey to read at UNCA
UNCA’s website announces: Natasha Tretheway, one of America’s most acclaimed poets and a compelling speaker, will offer a reading and talk at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in UNC Asheville’s Humanities Lecture Hall. This event is free and open to the public. Tretheway won the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for “Native Guard” (2006, Houghton Mifflin). […]