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HEALTH BRIEFS: Laborde honored, cancer center donation, Baby Place

Henderson County News

Restaurant roundup: HenDough to serve chicken and donuts

Contractors were finishing up work this week on a front counter at an old house on Kanuga Road that was last home to Bluewater Seafood.The town has seafood and it has pastries and it has KFC. Paul and Sarah Klaassen are sure that it needs chicken and donuts.Residents of Hendersonville for about five years, Paul and Sarah had been cooking in upscale kitchens. “We decided to go out and do our own thing,” he said. “We wanted to do something fun do two things that this town doesn’t really have yet.”Besides fried chicken by the piece and doughnuts, they plan to offer breakfast biscuits and chicken sandwiches plus Southern-style side dishes including mac’n’cheese, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. They also plan to locally source their ingredients, buying from the Mills River Creamery, a coffee company in Black Mountain and Blue Blaze soda in Asheville.“We are going to have beer and we’re going to try to get some of the local breweries that are in town — Sanctuary and Southern Appalachian,” he said. A brunch offering on Saturdays and Sundays will also offer champagne drinks.“We’ll have seating for 40 or 50 people and we’re also going to fence in the front yard with picnic tables,” Paul said.They plan to be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Restaurant roundup: Brandy's taking Square Root space

The 100 block of South Main Street in Hendersonville is a neglected spot no more. Once a frontier that drew little foot traffic, the block is lively now thanks to pioneers like West First and the Poe House. Never Blue and Jonga Java benefit from the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Restaurant roundup: Pi-Squared to open

Servicemen who came home to Detroit after World War II wanted pizza in a deep pan like they had gotten in Europe.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Senate candidates differ on trail, bond issue

The Lightning asked candidates for the Republican nomination for the 48th Senate District about the $2 billion bond issue for community college and university buildings, water and sewer systems and parks and National Guard facilities; the Ecusta Trail, a proposed 20-mile greenway connecting Hendersonville and Brevard; and goals for the 48th Senate District. Here are answers from the candidates, Lisa Carpenter Baldwin of Fletcher, Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville and Dennis Justice of Fletcher. What is your opinion of the $2 billion bond referendum that will be on the March 15 primary ballot? Baldwin: I believe that the $2 billion bond referendum is essentially a “pork barrel” of pet political projects that will saddle the next generation with debt. It is, essentially, a tax increase, contrary to its portrayal by the website, http://connect.nc.gov/. If university facilities, parks, the zoo and agricultural research are a priority, then these projects should be in the budget. I have two children at NC State University and I see empty classrooms and underutilized buildings on campus. With today’s technology, on-line classes and distance learning, brick and mortar is less important than ensuring we have qualified master teachers. Chuck Edwards: This issue will now be resolved at the polls, and there is no doubt that it contains some pet projects. My two concerns as a legislator are: First, if the people vote “yes” we must have in place the means to ensure the taxpayers’ money is being spent exactly as intended, and efficiently. This vast amount spread over 98 projects has huge potential for sloppy management. Secondly, if the people vote “no” then what is our next plan to build the collegiate infrastructure needed to prepare our citizens for better paying jobs? As far the National Guard and Public Safety portions, I doubt many people would dispute today that we need to better protect ourselves. Dennis Justice: I strongly oppose it. I am the one candidate who speaks with credibility when I say I campaigned against the defeated 1997 school bond referendum, saving taxpayers many $millions. I believe our children’s needs are our problem, not theirs. I therefore oppose long-term debt at any level and propose a state constitutional amendment to limit all future state and local debts to four years, while increasing abilities for local governments to raise revenue without the “overlord mentality” in Raleigh. When current debts are off the books, it will create virtually “pay-as-you-go” government. I also oppose the local sales tax referendum. How do you feel about the Ecusta Trail? Justice: I believe we should finally look into legalizing horse racing as one source of revenue for recreational projects like the Ecusta Trail. Gambling is a recreational activity, tax revenues should be for recreation. We’ll never be able to do this with the lottery (although I think lottery monies should be used to increase teacher pay), but if we legalized horse racing, we should designate 90% of revenues to local governments for recreational projects like soccer fields, parks, greenways, community centers, and certainly the Ecusta Trail. Besides, simply legalizing horse racing would create many more jobs than “corporate welfare” will. Edwards: The unused line, currently owned by WATCO, is theirs to do with as they wish. Our economic developers would prefer to use it to help build industry, but that has been unsuccessful for 15 years. The corridor is an incredible asset for our region. In lieu of rail service, supporting research and working examples of similar projects prove there are enormous economic benefits as a trail. As federal rail banking would preserve the asset for future potential rail service, we have a win-win and there are many funding sources available other than taxes. Public support is growing. If the leaders within our district build consensus to proceed, I will work with them to accomplish their goals. Baldwin: The proposed Ecusta Trail would make use of a former railroad bed; however, the possible $3.7 million price tag just to purchase from Norfolk Southern puts it out of reach. I believe valuable taxpayer dollars should fund core services, not greenways. If the Friends of the Ecusta Trail want to pursue donations and grants, then they should. A volunteer-led effort would be appropriate. My three sons are all Eagle Scouts and have organized multiple volunteer-led efforts that benefit the community. Western North Carolina is blessed with multiple hiking trails; I would question the amount of the ‘economic benefit’ of adding the rail-trail. Specifically what are some 48th District goals (as opposed to statewide issues) you would pursue? Baldwin: I have a proven track record of responding to constituent concerns within 24 hours while on the Buncombe school board. In Buncombe, school board members are elected countywide; I always responded to parent needs regardless of what school district they lived in. Likewise, I will work to actively poll citizens on their concerns in all three counties, as well as attending civic and county commission meetings. I also spend time and money in Henderson and Transylvania Counties’ retail stores. In high school, my daughter was a Pardee Hospital volunteer. My youngest son will be working with the Mountain Horticultural Research Center this summer on his senior project. My two oldest sons spent time at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Center in Rosman, building their own telescopes and then participating in one year research projects with PARI. My husband’s hobby and talent is bagpiping and he has played at events in all three counties. Edwards: Most business and government leaders I speak with are most concerned with the security of our regional economy. Numerous factors go into those concerns. Without a strong economy we simply could not fund our government and our priorities. My background, leadership skills, and prior involvement positions me well to help address these concerns. Education seems to be on the minds of many. I’m anxious to begin work towards meaningful long-term solutions. Transportation infrastructure, particularly as it relates to I-26 and its connectivity is of vital importance to our entire district. Then there’s the ‘total’ tax burden. Even with recent improvements there is so much more to be done to help families and businesses. Justice: The most important day-to-day job of state government is emergency management. I proposed “WNC Dome” as a concrete dome arena at the W.N.C. Agricultural Center, so residents in this district wouldn’t have to go to downtown Asheville’s Civic Center. It’s the most cost-effective way to build an arena, is energy-efficient, and most importantly can be a disaster shelter as it has proven to repel the effects of tornadoes and hurricanes, so FEMA grants are very possible. We could shelter people anywhere from the Carolinas if a major hurricane is coming, for example. It also benefits several majors at Western Carolina University, including Emergency and Disaster Management. This dome concept will be wonderful for a cost-effective gymnasium (on the former car dealer lot) at Hendersonville High School WHEN the sales tax referendum is defeated. I have a track record of researching more efficient means of school construction since the 1997 school bond defeat. These concrete domes also benefit affordable housing, agriculture, and job creation. I also propose massive increases in online education and libraries, and a regional plan for ultra-high-speed-Internet in all rural counties to reduce youth flight.     Read Story »

Mills River News

West Henderson earns Safe Sports School award

West Henderson High School won the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School award for its entire athletic program.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Healing Place, Mainstay merge

The Healing Place and Mainstay have combined to form one organization.   Read Story »

Flat Rock News

St. John dedicates cross honoring slave cemetery

FLAT ROCK — The Rev. John Morton stood at the foot of a pine-covered slope and prayed for the souls that lay underneath plain fieldstones and unmarked crosses.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Ask Matt ... about Uber

Q. Is Uber coming to Hendersonville? It’s already here! Well, OK it’s here in Henderson County, but not downtown Hendersonville. Uber’s website for the Asheville area shows the driver service extending only as far as Fletcher and Mills River. For those who are unfamiliar with the newest mode of affordable transportation, Uber employs regular people who moonlight as taxi drivers using their own vehicles. So you need a ride somewhere? Just pull out your smart phone, pull up the Uber map, and check to see if there is a nearby driver. A couple of taps and you’ve got a car on the way. You can even see what the driver looks like and check his or her rating before you hop into the car. Upon arrival at your destination, you pay the driver by swiping your credit card on a cell phone attachment and you get an emailed receipt. It’s that easy. You save a bundle and the driver makes a little on the side. Uber claims to be 40 percent cheaper than conventional taxi fares and Uber does not allow tipping.I took the plunge and downloaded the free Uber app to my cell phone. The fare from downtown Hendersonville to the Asheville Airport rang up to about $25 but phone detected no Uber drivers in downtown Hendersonville. Undaunted, I went on a mission to find active Uber drivers near the Ashville Airport. On the first try I found four Uber drivers in the vicinity. It’s kind of spooky looking at a map on your phone and seeing tiny little moving cars ready to pick you up when you tap in. It quickly struck me that there are no secrets with Uber. Heck, there could be Uber drivers lurking in my own neighborhood.But you won’t see them parked on airport property waiting for fares. Airport’s annual permit fee is $300 per vehicle, which may be prohibitive for part-time Uber drivers, not to mention several pages of rules for airport ground transportation operators. And yes, there is even a dress code for taxi and limo drivers.My next step was to talk to real people who use Uber. I easily found Jason who works at the Asheville Mall. When he travels he calls Uber to save money on airport parking fees. Alessandra, a UNCA student, said she last used Uber on a cold night downtown when her friends didn’t want to wait an hour for the campus shuttle. That ride cost a mere $7 for the entire carload. Briana, a UNC-A sophomore was high on Uber. She said most of the drivers were over 40 and easy to talk to. I also learned that kids who use Uber for airport transportation help drivers evade detection by jumping in the front seat. This was not a concern because the student already has a picture of the driver on their cell phone. I am told that for college students one of the busiest times for Uber is on weekends when Uber becomes the “designated driver” after a night of partying. Mom and dad would be proud.With my mission now complete and heading home from Asheville, by coincidence I happened upon a Yellow Cab taxi parked at a gas station near the airport. I pulled alongside, rolled down my window and asked the driver, “So, what do you think of Uber?” Without hesitation, the cabbie named Dal uttered, “If they break down, you’re flat out of luck.” Dal went on to tell me how much his insurance costs, that he works 12-hour shifts and seldom clears more than $60 a day. “And I hate picking up people from bars at night. They can really mess up a cab,” Dal said. I suspect that Uber drivers have the same problem.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

LIGHTNING EDITORIAL: Greenway IS jobs creator

We’re glad to see that the Ecusta Trail has become an issue that distinguishes candidates in two legislative races in the Henderson County area. It should.   Read Story »

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