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LIGHTNING REVIEW: Dated 'Love List' still leaves 'em laughing

Henderson County News

Don't miss this week's Hendersonville Lightning (177)

You won't want to miss this week’s Hendersonville Lightning.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Flat Rock endorses Highland Lake project

FLAT ROCK — The Flat Rock Village Council on Tuesday endorsed an improvement project for Highland Lake Road, turning back an intensive year-long campaign by opponents who described the roadwork as an affront to the character of the village.The vote was 6-1 with Vice Mayor Nick Weedman, a consistent opponent of the project, voting no.“Basically everybody voted for the project except for Mr. Weedman who had an eloquent dissent and mentioned where the project had gone from when he vehemently opposed it to now, that while he still oppposed it and had some concerns, it’s far more reasonable," said Councilman John Dockendorf, who as transportation liaison has guided numerous compromises to try to win support for the work.Mayor Bob Staton read the timeline of the project, starting with a notification from the NCDOT in January 2016 that extra funding had allowed the state to advance the project. Since then, Staton said, the Village Council discussed the project at 23 public meetings. During 2½ years of discussion and negotiation, state engineers made numerous concessions to minimize the impact of the project and address residents’ concerns, council members said.While the assembly room at St. John in the Wilderness was again filled with opponents, “There was some dissenters that came up and thanked us for voting for future of Flat Rock,” Dockendorf said.Still undecided is whether the project will include work to allow a wider turning radius for northbound buses and trucks turning from Greenville Highway onto Highland Lake.“Historic Flat Rock believes that the safety improvement on that corner will not be approved by the state Historic board,” which has authority because it would encroach on the Flat Rock Historic District. “I’m hopeful that between DOT and the council a minimum amout of land will be taken but enough to make the corner a little bit safer.”Dockendorf and other council members said they feared if they did not act now to endorse the safety improvements, the project would be dropped for at least 20 years. The Cultural Landscape Group: Flat Rock, which organized to stop the project, issued a statement critical of the council's decision.   “We are terribly disappointed that the Flat Rock Village Council has ignored the voices, via petition signatures and otherwise, of the majority of the homeowners in Flat Rock and approved a plan that is an invasion of our Sense of Place and of the character that qualifies Flat Rock’s being on the National Register of Historic Places,” said Bay Chamberlain, a CLG member and Flat Rock resident with deep family roots in the village. “Citizens and politicians alike have an obligation to treat our Village landscapes, park, byways and private properties in a responsible, custodial manner with our history, heritage and environment in the forefront.”   Over the past few months, CLG had presented nearly 1,700 petition signatures opposing the road project to the Flat Rock village council and spoken out on what they called the "damaging and costly impact the project would have, not only on the properties directly affected, but on the village community as a whole."   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Rotarians climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to end polio

When Sarah Leatham told a friend at her Rotary Club she was looking for a partner for her climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, the friend suggested Alison Alexander. Although Alexander was also a club member, Leatham didn’t know her well. They met at the Mills River Triangle Stop, which has a craft beer taproom. The time flew by.“I’ve never closed down a gas station before,” Leatham said. “They said, ‘Y’all have to go on.’”That marked the beginning of a lot of time the new friends would share. Since Alison committed to join Sarah and her husband, Erich, on the climb, the two of hiked, worked out and backpacked together.“We have a very easy relationship,” Sarah says. “We are very similar and we look at things in a way that just kind of makes it happen.”Alexander had also gotten a nudge from a friend at Rotary.“Sarah needs someone to climb this mountain with her,” he told her. “I think you should go.”Money raised for the climb goes to Rotary International’s effort to “End Polio Now.”“Rotary’s been one of the largest partners to eradicate polio worldwide,” Alexander said. The partnership has reduced the number of polio cases to under 2,000 in three countries — Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Since 1988 the Rotary effort has immunized more than 2½ billion children in 122 countries. The Gates Foundation doubles every dollar Rotary raises, up to $35 million a year. Leatham takes her inspiration from her memory of a friend’s father when she was growing up in Columbia, Missouri. “It always made an impact on me, everything he was trying to do and how much effort it took,” she said. Her other inspiration is Diane Stillman, a friend’s aunt, who contracted polio at age 20 and died at 43. She’s carrying Stillman’s picture to the summit.“She’s been so inspirational,” she said. “She didn’t let it stop her.”Neither Alexander or Leatham said they’re particularly anxious about the five-day climb. Orientation sessions in Charlotte and YouTube videos have helped prepare them. Porters carry tents, cooking gear and other supplies. They’re part of a group of about a dozen Rotarians making the climb and the only ones from Western North Carolina.“I have the passion for it and climbing in somebody’s memory and honor is going to help,” Leatham said. Having come this far, “They would have to tell me they won’t let me do it if something were to happen.”Besides backpacking with a 50-pound pack, Alexander has been working out at Crossfit and running. The ascent is 12,952 feet and features a temperature drop of up to 100 degrees, from 100 at base camp to zero on the windy Uhuru peak. The final leg is an overnight hike culminating on the summit at daybreak. Each Rotarian is asked to raise at least $3,000 but Alexander and Leatham both have a personal goal of at least $5,000. The Rotarians pay their own way for travel and the climb.“This is not my vacation slush fund,” Alexander tells donors.The trio leaves from Charlotte on July 15 and starts the climb two days later. After a two-day descent from the summit down to base camp, the Leathams and Alexander are going on a five-day safari in Tanzania. Added bonus: “We’re there when there’s a lunar eclipse going on,” Alexander said. That’s even more exotic than closing down a Triangle Stop. * * * * * To donate to End Polio Now through Sarah or Alison visit https://rotary7680kiliclimb.org/sarah-leatham-hendersonville/ or  https://rotary7680kiliclimb.org/alison-alexander-hendersonville/.     Read Story »

Flat Rock News

Flat Rock merchants present first 'Evening in the Square'

Flat Rock Square is presenting the first Evening in the Square, a casual, outdoor, family-friendly event featuring live music from Eric Congdon and band. The event is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, the first day of summer, at Flat Rock Square, the former Singleton Center, on Greenville Highway in the heart of historic Flat Rock. Evening in the Square is free and open to the public. Joining Congdon will be bass virtuoso Jake Wolf and renowned drummer Jeff Sipe (Warren Haynes, Aquarium Rescue Unit). The trio promises to deliver an awesome evening of rock, blues, soul, jazz and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair. Wine, cider and light refreshments will be available for purchase from Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards at Flat Rock, located in the Square. The rain plan is to hold the event on the patio of Saint Paul’s. To learn more, call 828-698-7000.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Local attorney sent to prison for embezzling from clients

A 44-year-old Hendersonville attorney was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling from clients, U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced. Howard Trade Elkins was sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court in Asheville on wire fraud charges for embezzling client funds from his law office’s trust account. U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger also ordered Elkins to serve two years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.According to court filings, plea documents and court proceedings, Elkins was an attorney with a private practice in Hendersonville. From 2012 to 2017, Elkins engaged in a scheme to embezzle from his law office’s trust account. During the relevant time period, Elkins served as an attorney for estates of deceased individuals. In his duties as the estate attorney, Elkins received funds from various sources into his law firm’s trust account, and was obligated to expend the money to pay various debts and inheritances as directed. According to court records, Elkins would, at times, deposit funds from estate clients into his law firm’s trust account, but did not use the funds as directed. Instead, Elkins embezzled the funds and used it to support his own lifestyle, to gamble, to make lulling payments to other victim clients and to satisfy potential debts and demands related to his legal work.“Elkins’ clients trusted him and relied on him to carry out his duties as their attorney. Instead, Elkins used his law firm’s trust account as his personal piggy bank,” Murray said. “Elkins’ misconduct is reprehensible and, more importantly, it erodes the public’s trust in our legal system."Elkins pleaded guilty in November 2017 to wire fraud. He will be ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility.The investigation was handled by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Gast of the federal prosecutor's Asheville office prosecuted the case.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Behind the scenes, negotiators seek compromise on HHS

Although a wide gulf seems to separate the warring county commissioners and School Board over Hendersonville High School, a compromise design may be closer than appearances would suggest.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Spirit Airlines offering new flights to Florida

Area residents seeking a getaway to Florida have new options with discount flyer Spirit Airlines adding eight flights a week from Asheville Regional Airport to the Sunshine State in September and 11 flights starting in November. On Sept. 6 Spirit will begin service from AVL to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport. Asheville will mark Spirit’s 67th service station in its growing network. Service to and from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando will each run three times a week, while service to and from Tampa will operate two times weekly starting in September, increasing to four times weekly to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando and three times weekly to Tampa starting Nov. 8. “We are so excited to offer service between the beautiful Asheville region and three cities in sunny Florida, as they are all incredible destinations,” said Mark Kopczak, Spirit Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning. “Guests in Florida will be able to experience all the cool things to do in Asheville, including taking in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, trying out some of the over 80 craft breweries in the area, and experiencing the local arts scene in downtown Asheville. Meanwhile, Guests in the Asheville area who are looking for a warm beach vacation this winter will now be able to getaway for less with our ultra-low fares.”   Read Story »

Henderson County News

MILLS RIVER ENDORSES 5-LANE WIDENING OF 191

MILLS RIVER — The Mills River Town Council on Thursday endorsed a 5-lane widening of N.C. 191 from N.C. 280 to Mountain Road, the first endorsement of a major road improvement in an anti-roadwork environment that has shot down or jeopardized other transportation improvement projects. The council voted 4-1 for the 5-lane after eight residents, sheered on by a room full of opponents, implored the town to tell the NCDOT that it did not want the 5-lane widening. The council's vote endorsed the five 12-foot lanes plus 5-foot bike paths on either side, although details of the bike paths have not been finalized. Council members had asked for a three-lane widening instead over the past several months but when DOT engineers came back and said that version was inadequate for the design year — 2040 — the council endorsed the wider project. The NCDOT made a concession to the council who said they worried about tractor trailers, farm tractors and emergency vehicles having to use bulb-outs for U-turns. Engineers preferred a four-lane project with a grass median; instead, the agency relented and agreed to a continuous center turn lane. Around 60 people left the meeting room in an angry mood. "You should be ashamed," one of them shouted at council members. The Balfour Parkway effect has emboldened opponents. Pointing out that the Henderson County Board of Commissioners effectively pulled the $160 million Hendersonville bypass from the State Transportation Improvement Plan, road project opponents are urging town boards across the county to follow that example and just say no to DOT projects that disrupt neighborhoods and take property. "I agree 191 needs improvement but not to extent you destroy the way of life of this part of the world," Mills River resident and Planning Board member Jim Foster said. "You’ll be looking at another Four Seasons Boulevard in just a few short years. Someone said if we don’t four lane 191 it will be a nightmare. I’m here to tell you what a real nightmare would be if we start looking out across trhis valley and it starts looking like Asheville." "Everyone I have spoken to — and I have spoken to hundreds and hundreds of people — is against this project," said Georgia Hudson, who lives in Mills River Village on N.C. 191. "I see that you really want this project because it doesn't do anything to you. Maybe it gets yur kid out of school 5 minutes faster but that’s all. You are destroying the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people and you don’t care. There is solid opposition against this project. Listen to the people who voted you in and can change their vote." Only one resident, Ken Stephenson, spoke in favor of the project, reminding the council members what happened when opponents blocked the I-26 widening 15 years ago. "Several years ago it was recommended that we 6-lane I-26," he said. "A few people and a judge stopped it. Now everyone’s begging for it. What’s going to happen in the next 15 years? We cannot stop growth, regardless. It’s going to happen.” Councilman Roger Snyder, who cast the only no vote, said the public input process seemed to give insufficient weight to the opposition of affected property owners. He led the effort for a scaled-back three-lane widening and said he could not support a project more disruptive than that. Councilman Brian Caskey pointed out that many of the vocal opponents addressing the council, including those from Haywood Knolls and leaders of the campaign to stop the Balfour Parkway, are not Mills River residents. “You cannot walk in here and simply tell us what to do," he said. "If you think you voted me into office, you’re mistaken.”     Read Story »

Henderson County News

WHHS freshman, HMS students honored in national History Day finals

A West Henderson High School freshman and a team from Hendersonville Middle School received recognition during the national finals of the 2018 National History Day Contest Thursday at the University of Maryland in College Park. The top two entries in each category were invited to the National Contest. Competitors represented the 57 affiliate members, including every state, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and international schools in South Korea, South Asia, and China. More than 3,000 middle and high school students presented documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, and websites related to the 2018 theme Conflict & Compromise in History. WHHS freshman Caroline Maxon and HMS students Catherine Boyette, Grace Amantea and Laura Shelton
 won the awards.More than a half-million students around the world entered the contest at the local level, with the top entries advancing to state/affiliate contests.  “The competitors at this level are some of the hardest working students of their generation,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “The competition at this level is tough. Each of these students has spent hours researching, revising, and preparing their entries. It takes a truly dynamic project to win at the National Contest. Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 National History Day Contest.”Maxon won for Captain Ken Coskey Naval History, sponsored by Naval Historical Foundation
. Her paper,”The Quasi War: The Undeclared Conflict
,” won in the Senior Paper 
category. The middle school students won in the Women’s History, sponsored by National Women’s History Museum
, for their group performance of “The 1977 National Women’s Conference: Walking the Planks into Modern Feminism.”     Read Story »

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