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Sunday, May 17, 2026
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May 17's Weather Clear HI: 86 LOW: 80 Full Forecast (powered by OpenWeather) |
Free Daily Headlines
Garden Jubilee blooms on Memorial Day weekend
![Henderson County natives Lutrelle and Carey O’Cain have plenty of family memories to draw on when it comes to the history, people and culture of the French Broad River Valley. [CONTRIBUTED]](/images/stories/2026/05/CareyOCainLutrelle.jpeg)
News
BROADLY SPEAKING: Mining the river valley for good stories
EDITOR’S NOTE: Carey O’Cain, Hendersonville native, HHS and Clemson graduate and Laurel Park mayor, has an insatiable hunger for southern Appalachian history. Lucky for us, he has put that curiosity to good use. WTZQ began airing Carey’s “Broadly Speaking” feature — about the people, places and history of the French Broad River Valley — in March 2025. This week the Lightning begins offering the written version of the recordings. We start with Carey’s introduction of the series, which grew out of a conversation he and his wife, Lutrelle, had with WTZQ morning show hosts Mark Warwick and Paige Posey. We think you’ll agree Broadly Speaking is good stuff. Read Story »
News
Don't miss this week's Hendersonville Lightning
You'll get the scoop on how Democratic nominee Jamie Ager charged into the lead in fundraising in his attempt to unseat U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, find the details of the community's celebration of America 250 on the Fourth of July, read coverage of the 2026 Henderson County public schools' Teacher of the Year, read about the newly announced Apple Ambassador for this year's N.C. Apple Festival and meet a Morehead scholar from Hendersonville High School. Read Story »
News
Mountain fountain is going away
Critics of downtown’s most prominent — and maligned — piece of public art can rejoice. Read Story »
![Chart shows cash on hand for candidates in the 11th Congressional District election. [OPENSECRETS.ORG]](/images/stories/2026/05/ELX2.png)
Four Seasons Politics
Ager taps national network of donors for campaign haul
Democratic nominee Jamie Ager looks to be on strong financial footing as the campaign for the 11th Congressional District seat enters the summer, outraising incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards and emerging from the first quarter with more cash on hand. Read Story »
News
City hosts 2026 Housing Summit May 27
The city of Hendersonville invites the community to attend and participate in the 2026 Hendersonville Housing Summit at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the Hendersonville High School auditorium, 1 Bearcat Blvd. Read Story »
Four Seasons Politics
Ager taps national network of donors for campaign haul
In ‘pleasant surprise,’ county budget holds the line on property tax rate
Community News
Tickets on sale now for Blue Ghost tours in the forest
Loft tour gives glimpse of upstairs downtown
News
East Flat Rock couple face charges after daughter hospitalized in critical condition
An East Flat Rock father is awaiting extradition from Louisiana on a child abuse charge after his 22-month-old daughter was seriously injured, according to Henderson County Sheriff’s Department. Read Story »
News
Land trust preserves 7 acres of land in heart of Saluda
The Saluda Community Land Trust has successfully completed its “Keep Saluda Green” fundraising campaign, raising the full $200,000 needed to protect seven acres of undeveloped land in the heart of historic Saluda. Read Story »
Woman at center of deadly fight convicted of second-degree murder
This week's Lightning has the scoop
Saluda Grade Trail manager is guest speaker at Train Tales
Tickets on sale now for Blue Ghost tours in the forest
County is set for sensational celebration of America 250
Theatre troupe to stage ‘Godspell’ at Laurel Green
It's Strive Not to Drive Week and Bike Month
Empty Bowls fundraiser is Sunday in Flat Rock
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