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Teenagers testify Absher bought them booze, allowed pot smoking

Henderson County News

BRCC Foundation honors top teachers and employees

The Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation honored five outstanding employees for their service to the community, the college and its students The 2018 award recipients were announced Wednesday by the Board of Directors of the Foundation. The award winners: Jack IglemanBusiness Administration Instructor Jack Igelman received the Dr. and Mrs. William D. Killian Outstanding Teacher Award for his dedication to motivating and helping all students recognize their abilities and potential. Jack was recognized for his use of non-traditional and innovative strategies to deliver complex subject matter to his students. He was also commended for his work with Discover Diversity Week and the Inclusive Education Committee. Peter HemansPeter Hemans received the Dr. Molly A. Parkhill Staff Person of the Year Award. With 20 years of service to the College, Peter currently serves as Facilities Director. Recognized for his exceptional performance and can-do attitude, he most recently coordinated major building projects at the Health Sciences Center and Innovative High Schools with Henderson County while still managing a large multi-faceted, fast-paced department which serves three campuses in two counties. Tom HayesThomas Hayes received the Dr. Eliza B. Graue Extra Mile Award for his dedicated investment in the lives of students at Blue Ridge Community College. Thomas was praised for his countless hours of teaching preparation in order to help students succeed in classes, especially those with advanced scientific topics. His students gave numerous examples of his efforts to help them succeed in class, their program of study, and their career path. He currently serves as Biology Instructor.     Shelah CombsEarly Childhood Instructor Shelah Combs received the Dr. David W. Sink Jr. Community Service Award. Shelah was recognized for her exceptional service to the community and for passing on her dedication for community involvement to her students. Through her leadership, Blue Ridge Community College early childhood students gain valuable workplace skills by participating in a wide variety of community service activities. She, herself, volunteers in many areas that focus on children and families including Art in the Park, Kindergarten Readiness Rally, and Week of Young Child Conference. She also assists local organizations during the holidays to gather donations of toys and food for area families.     Belinda FrantzdRetention Specialist Belinda Frantz received the Wellness Award. She competed against other employees using a point-based system designed by the College Wellness Committee to encourage long-term healthy lifestyles through friendly competition. Belinda participated in numerous wellness events and challenges throughout the year.Retention Specialist Belinda Frantz received the Wellness Award. She competed against other employees using a point-based system designed by the College Wellness Committee to encourage long-term healthy lifestyles through friendly competition. Belinda participated in numerous wellness events and challenges throughout the year.     Read Story »

Mills River News

D.A. dismisses charge against WHHS basketball coach

District Attorney Greg Newman has dismissed the simple assault charge filed against West Henderson High School men’s basketball coach Joey Bryson, saying a video of the incident with an opposing team's player failed to show a push that the player's mother had alleged. The charge was initiated by a North Henderson player following the game at West Henderson on Dec. 15. West Henderson won the game in overtime. Following the game, the North student and his mother went to the magistrate’s office and caused the criminal charge to be issued against the West Henderson coach.  A court date of Jan 26 was scheduled.    “I will not prosecute cases against teachers that have not been properly and thoroughly vetted by law enforcement,” Newman said. "I  reviewed video footage of the reported incident and I saw no evidence of any crime being committed by Coach Bryson. What I saw was that Coach Bryson was conferring with one of his players while a foul shot was taking place. The  North Henderson player encroached upon their space and the coach flung the hand of the North player away.  The charging document issued by the magistrate accused the coach of 'pushing” the player.' I did not see any evidence of pushing.   Contact was definitely made by the coach, but it does not rise to any type of criminal action." The District Attorney went on to say that, “there were at least two sheriff’s deputies at the game who did not believe that any crime had occurred.  They were engaged with removing an irate fan from the center of the basketball court.  Also, I find it significant that the referees did not call a technical foul on the West Henderson coach or bench." Newman added that he has explained his decision to the complainant’s mother and that the matter is under review by school system administrators.   Read Story »

Hendersonville News

POLITICS BRIEFS: Bossert appointment, GOP meetings, health care forum

Bossert appoints 
campaign manager
 The Leadership Committee of the Norm Bossert for State Senate campaign has appointed Meg Hoke campaign manager. Hoke is a Hendersonville resident who has become known in progressive circles for organizing and hosting weekly postcard parties resulting in over 12,000 postcards being written by hundreds of attendees making their opinions heard on federal, state and local issues. “I have gotten to know Norm over the last several months,” Hoke said in a news release. “He is a dependable, steady presence, always takes time to really talk to people and learn what matters to them. As a retired principal who dedicated his career to education, he has strong opinions about public schooling. But he is also a champion for issues such as health care, housing, and the environment. I’m a social worker, so it’s important to me that a candidate have compassion for those who are vulnerable and struggling. Norm is that kind of man. I’m honestly thrilled and honored to be asked to serve in this way. It’s going to be an exciting year!”Hoke moved to the area in 2005, having fallen in love with the mountains as a child visiting her grandparents here. She attended Wake Forest University and has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas.“I think Meg’s training in communication and coordination are absolutely vital in her position as campaign manager,” Bossert said. “Plus, she has such a heart for it. Meg is the perfect person for this role.” GOP sets Men’s Club,
 breakfast gatherings Sheriff Charlie McDonald is guest speaker for the first Republican Breakfast of the year at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Dixie Diner in Laurel Park. McDonald will speak on a number of topics affecting Henderson County and law enforcement. The Henderson County Republican Men’s Club will meet at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at the Dixie Diner. The Men’s Club is looking for volunteers the assist in recruiting, programs, marketing and speakers. A survey will be provided to solicit input on programs, location, speakers and other activities.  All registered Republicans, men and women, are invited. For more information on the breakfast call 828-329-4971 or email noirs@aol.com.   Health care forum
 set for Sunday A forum on the health, economic and social aspects of providing health care to all will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, and feature Joel R. Segal, who as the senior legislative aide to U.S. Rep. John Conyers was one of the lead staffers on the Affordable Care Act and co-authored HR 676, also known as “Expanded and Improved Medicare for All.” The event is at Patton Auditorium at BRCC. “Millions of Americans are needlessly suffering because of our bloated, complicated, inefficient profit-driven healthcare system,” Segal says. “Nothing is more important than being able to get the healthcare you need when you need it, without the fear that it will bankrupt you. For many, it is quite literally life and death. That is why in 2003, while working for Congressman John Conyers, I co-wrote a bill that offered real solutions.” Congressional candidate
 at Poe House Jan. 23 Phillip Price, a Democratic candidate for Congress, invited voters to share their thoughts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Poe House, 105 First Ave. W. For more information about Price go to https://price4wnc.org/.           Read Story »

Henderson County News

Author on philanthropy keynotes MLK Unity Breakfast

Valaida Fullwood, author of the award-winning author of Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, will be the keynote speaker at the 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 15, at the Blue Ridge Conference Hall at BRCC.A North Carolina native and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Fullwood received the prestigious McAdam Book Award, which recognizes “the most inspirational and useful new book for the non-profit sector.” Fullwood will have limited copies of her book available for purchase at the event and will autograph copies. Giving Back is $36.50. Breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. with the program directly following at 9 a.m. Though a ticketed event, the Unity Breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are required and can be purchased at the door or at Community Foundation of Henderson County, 401 North Main Street, Suite 300. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12. For information call 828-697-6224.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Have flu symptoms? Try urgent care before ER, Pardee says

With recent reports of an increase in flu activity, Pardee UNC Health Care is experiencing a surge in patients, especially with visits to their Emergency Department.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Duke 'shares the warmth' through IAM partnership

Tonya Dirkse was, in her own words, at her breaking point.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Tillis not worried about Trump drag in '18 elections

Don’t put Thom Tillis in the sky-is-falling caucus of the Republican Party.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Presentation celebrates silent movies filmed in Bat Cave

CHIMNEY ROCK — During the silent film era, nearly 400 movies were produced in North Carolina. Films were made in Asheville, Charlotte, Wilmington, Durham and many other locations. But one hotbed of North Carolina silent movie era is a surprise to many: Bat Cave. Nearly every major film company of the era sent companies to this rugged and beautiful spot. Between 1912 and the mid ’20s, more than fifty movies were produced there, according to film historian and North Carolina silent film authority Frank Thompson. And the companies lodged at the historic Esmeralda Inn. On Feb. 3 some of the rare films will return to the Esmeralda for a special evening — Bat Cave's Silent Movie Era. Thompson will present an illustrated talk, showing excerpts from three films produced at Bat Cave and Chimney Rock: Brother Bill (1913),  The Masked Rider (1916) and Gilded Lies (1921). These motion pictures — all thought lost until recently — will be accompanied by renowned pianist Marc Hoffman (http://www.marchoffman.com). The total package cost per person is $45 — $20 for the presentation and a $25 credit towards dinner in the Inn’s restaurant — plus room rate and tax. For those who wish to attend the presentation without staying at the Inn, the price is $20 per person. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact The Esmeralda Inn at info@theesmeralda.com or 828-625-2999.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Developer back for third try for Horse Shoe Farm permit

HORSE SHOE — A Miami developer who has been turned back twice in applications for large-scale building plans has filed a revised master plan for 132 residential dwellings at Horse Shoe Farm.   Read Story »

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