Local news in brief for the week of July 11, 2018

REPORT IT, DON'T IGNORE IT: A new app developed by the Henderson County Public Schools allows students to report concerning behavior and safety threats directly to administrators. Image courtesy of Henderson County Public Schools

Henderson County schools launches safety app

When students in Henderson County go back to school in August, they’ll have access to a new tool for reporting concerning behaviors or safety threats: the “Report It, Don’t Ignore It” app and online tool.

Developed for Apple and Android and available now on the district and school websites, the tool gathers information from users and sends alerts to school administrators, who can immediately alert law enforcement if necessary. Users indicate the school they’re reporting about and are prompted to provide a brief description of the incident or threat.

Users can provide additional witness information, names of people involved and whether to provide their own name. If desired, users can remain anonymous. The app and online tool allows users to upload up to three pictures or screenshots of physical or social media threats, in the “Optional Supporting Evidence” field.

“Report It, Don’t Ignore It” also provides additional help resources, including school contact information, phone numbers for the Suicide Prevention Hotline, the Henderson County Department of Social Services and non-emergency numbers for the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and Hendersonville Police Department.

Currin to leave city of Asheville

The turnover among top local government officials continues with the announcement on July 5 of the resignation of Robin Currin, Asheville City Attorney.

Currin’s position will be vacant as of Sept. 27; she will become the City Attorney for Raleigh.

According to a press release, “The Asheville City Attorney reports directly to the City Council. The City Council will begin the search for Ms Currin’s successor as soon as practicable.”

Mercy Urgent Care offering free tick removal kits

Mercy Urgent Care is offering one free tick removal kit per family while supplies last at each of its five urgent care locations in Asheville, Weaverville and Brevard. The kits will include information regarding tick removal and tick avoidance.

Ticks are carriers for more than 16 diseases in the United States, from the persistent flu-like symptoms of Lyme disease to potentially fatal infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.