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Flat Rock News

Historic Flat Rock pans road widening; drop-in event postponed

FLAT ROCK — A proposed widening of Highland Lake Road has triggered an uprising from Historic Flat Rock and caused a rare split on the usually harmonious Village Council.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Ed Asner to perform 'A Man and his Prostate' at Playhouse

Ed Asner will perform his one man show, "A Man and His Prostate," on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. on the mainstage of the Flat Rock Playhouse. The story monologue is based on the experience of Edwin “Ed" Weinberger, an award-winning comedy writer who has collaborated with Asner for more than 40 years. Here are excerpts from a review of the show in Huffington Post by Jed Ryan: "'A Man and His Prostate'" gives the audience one hilarious 'you-just-can’t-make-this-stuff-up' scenario after another. There are some priceless lines from the show that I’d love to repeat, but I won’t. It’s not that I’m concerned about “offending” any readers(!), but more so because I’m convinced that those lines should ONLY be heard from Ed Asner’s 86-year old mouth. In fact, Asner is EXACTLY what makes A Man and His Prostate so gut-bustingly funny. His character is a mix of curmudgeonly and cuddly, and his telling of Weinberger’s extended anecdotes about flatulence, urinary retention, and his own, shall we say, 'Mr. Ed' is deliciously deadpan and saucily sardonic." Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 828.693.0731 or visiting flatrockplayhouse.com.         Read Story »

Henderson County News

Hunger Walk sets goal of $100,000

The Hunger Walk, sponsored by the Henderson County Hunger Coalition, takes place on Saturday, Sept. 16. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 8:30 from Shelter #1 in Jackson Park. The walk winds through downtown Hendersonville and toward Lenox Park and Kanuga for a 5- or 10-mile loop, or there is a 1- or 2-mile FUNWALK inside Jackson Park. You can participate in the Hunger Walk with your community or school organization, neighborhood, club, religious organization, or business — or just come join the walk as an individual. Hunger Walk T-shirts will be given to the first 300 registered walkers. Drinking water and toilet facilities are available at all checkpoints. Pledge envelopes are available at various churches and organizations and at Mud Creek Baptist Church office at 403 Rutledge Drive from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Funds collected from the walk will go to Council on Aging, Hendersonville Rescue Mission, Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Safelight, Salvation Army, Fishes and Loaves, Blue Ridge Health Center, Calvary Episcopal Food Pantry, The Storehouse, and Western Carolina Community Action. The 2017 Hunger Walk goal is $100,000. If you have questions, would like help organizing a team, or would like to help out in the shelter on the day of the event, please contact Pat Fisher (693-4940 or lefpfisher@yahoo.com) or Dick Ranges (rroost@bellsouth.net).   Read Story »

Hendersonville News

Fire Department commits random act of kindness

Bradley Collins has an elderly neighbor who cannot care for himself. “The Hendersonville Fire Department has been there regularly to pick him up,” Collins, who lives in the 800 block of First Avenue West, told the Hendersonville City Council during its public comment period. The last time a fire crew responded, “Lt. Jared Morgan saw that he had no food. Engine 1 went over to the Hot Dog World and bought him a big meal.” The elderly neighbor asked Collins if he could thank the firefighters. “For him to look at me with cry in his eyes and say, ‘Tell those boys at the fire department because I can’t,’” was not a request he could refuse. In fact, Collins told the council that he felt the city leaders and the public should know about the actions of Lt. Morgan and his crew. “They responded to a call and seeing the need, they didn’t want him to go hungry so they spent their own money to buy him a meal,” Fire Chief Joe Vindigni said. “One thing we really stress is customer service and our guys and girls always go beyond in customer service. They did the right thing and I’m proud of them.”   Read Story »

Hendersonville News

First responders preparing for Irma to arrive

Although they acknowledge the hurricane path could change, Henderson County emergency managers are preparing for Irma to reach the Blue Ridge foothills late Sunday or early Monday, bringing heavy rain and wind gusts of 60 mph or higher.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Twenty of 23 schools meet state growth targets

Henderson County Early College, Hendersonville High School, North Henderson High School and Hendersonville Middle School and Atkinson Elementary excelled in academic growth and the county overall had 20 of 23 schools meet or exceed expected growth for the 2016-17 school year, the school system announced. North Henderson High School recorded the system’s largest individual growth index at 11.64 – the second year in a row NHHS has had a growth index in the double digits. Henderson County Early College posted a growth index of 6.78, while HHS scored a growth index was 5.05. Hendersonville Middle led county middle schools with a growth index of 4.64 and Atkinson Elementary led elementary schools with a growth index of 3.28. As a whole, district performance showed consistent success in the total percentage of students meeting grade level standards, with an overall proficiency composite of 70 percent, meaning that 70 percent of K-12 students demonstrated proficiency in their grade-level subjects last school year. The results mean Henderson County public schools rank sixth out of 115 public school districts in North Carolina in overall proficiency. Academic performance in sixth grade subjects improved in the 2016-17 school year, with reading improving by 3.1 percentage points and math by 2.4 percentage points. High school performance in math I showed significant improvement, with a 7.2 percentage point increase compared to the 2015-16 school year. English II performance also increased 3.6 percentage points, and the overall performance composite for high school end-of-course scores increased 3.2 percentage points. Additionally, academic performance on the ACT improved by 2.4 percentage points, and by 5.6 percentage points on the ACT WorkKeys. “Today, we celebrate the hard work of students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Jan King, assistant superintendent for instructional services. “As reflected in the released accountability results, our public schools continue to excel. And while we take a moment to celebrate, we are committed to continuous improvement.” As of the 2013-14 school year, the N.C. General Assembly required that schools receive individual letter grades, which are made up of student achievement (80 percent) and growth (20 percent) on state standardized assessments. Though the state’s detailed School Report Cards are not released by NCDPI until mid-October, each school’s letter grade is included in the Sept. 7 accountability results. The Henderson County school system has one “A+” school, one “A” school, 13 “B” schools, and seven “C” schools. (See chart.)     Read Story »

Henderson County News

Nine indicted for Pisgah National Forest car break-ins

Nine people from Gastonia and Greenville, S.C., were indicted recently for breaking into vehicles and stealing $10,000 worth of valuables in Pisgah National Forest in the spring and summer of this year and in 2016, the U.S. Forest Service said. The break-ins mainly occurred at trailheads and developed recreation areas. Some vehicles had broken windows while others had broken locks. A few cars from which items were stolen had been left unlocked. Items stolen included cameras, backpacks, camping equipment, cash, debit/credit cards, purses, firearms, and personal identification. The total value of stolen items was approximately $10,000. The potential penalties are up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. "Historically, the Pisgah has been a problem area for these types of crime," said U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Brian Southard. "Forest visitors should leave valuables at home or if you have to bring them, take them with you when you leave the vehicle. At a minimum, valuables should be hidden in the trunk, under the seat, or elsewhere, and you should hide them before you approach your parking spot." Visitors should report suspicious activity to the local U.S. Forest Service ranger district office or County Sheriff's office. In an emergency, call 911.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Ahead of Irma, ag chief loosens farm truck rules

Ahead of Hurricane Irma, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has waived the weighing of farm trucks and loosened driving rules so that farmers can harvest as much of their crops as possible before a potential storm landfall in the state. “Hurricane Irma is a formidable storm that could result in severe economic loss of livestock, poultry and crops in our state," Troxler said. "At my recommendation and as allowed by state law, the Governor has directed the Department of Public Safety to temporarily suspend weighing vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry, feed and crops in the state." “This Executive Order will allow our farmers the opportunity to harvest as much of their crops as possible before the storm hits. The order also will help ensure that livestock, poultry, crops and feed can be moved as necessary. The order also temporarily suspends the maximum hours of service for drivers. “In addition to the waiving of motor vehicle regulations, our department is temporarily suspending health certificate requirements on livestock traveling through the state from areas in Hurricane Irma’s path. “I urge everyone to prepare for this storm. Check your generators, fuel and emergency kits. We don’t know what impact this storm will have yet on our state. But we do know that preparation saves lives and protects property.”   Read Story »

Henderson County News

LOCAL BRIEFS: AVL soars, scam warning, Saluda music

AVL tops 100,000 passengers in July Asheville Regional Airport continue to show strong gains in business this year, breaking the 100,000-mark in passengers for the first time in its 56-year history.In all, five airlines — American, Allegiant, Delta, Elite and United — served 100,998 passengers, an 11.6 percent increase over July 2016. Year-to-date, passenger numbers are up 15 percent over 2016, setting the pace for another record year. “We have experienced three consecutive years of record passenger use,” said Lew Bleiweis, AVL’s executive director. “And the trend is continuing. It is exciting to see the airlines add service and seats in our market, and equally positive that travelers are using those services. The success is good for the airlines, good for the airport, and most importantly - very positive for our travelers. AVL continues to be one of the best connected regional airports in the U.S.” Growth at the airport can be attributed to several factors. First, the airlines continue to add seats in the market, and these seats are being used. The planes are full and the demand for air service is outpacing the supply. Asheville and western North Carolina continue to grow as a popular destination, and the passenger numbers reflect this fact.   Pardee adds chronic disease specialist, physician assistant Pardee UNC Health Care announced the addition of a board-certified family medicine physician and a physician assistant and two of its practices.Dr. S. Grey Tilden has joined Pardee Adult and Family Medicine in Laurel Park, at 1824 Pisgah Drive. Tilden specializes in chronic disease management and patient wellness. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. To schedule an appointment, call 828-694-8427. Visit www.pardeehospital.org for more information.Michelle Flanagan, a certified physician assistant, has joined Rheumatology at Pardee, at 1027 Fleming St. Flanagan has 29 years of experience, including 12 years focused on rheumatology. She diagnoses and treats arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. She earned her degree from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Pardee Hospital Foundation has welcomed David Amsler, a retired public school administrator and development director at Wheaton College; James “Flip” Fisher, a pharmacist and owner of Whitley Drugs; and Ali Thomas, a broker associate at Beverly-Hanks & Associates, to its Board of Directors.Amsler, Fisher and Thomas will fill seats left vacant by outgoing board members Dr. John Hill, a medical oncologist at Pardee Hematology & Oncology; Bill Meyers, a retired U.S. Navy commander; and Mark Morse, president of SELEE Corp.The 2018 Board of Directors includes Amy Treece, chairperson; Vaughan Matthews, vice chair of development; Jimmy Chandler, vice chair of governance; Beau Waddell, treasurer; Catherine Quinn, secretary; Carol Adams, David Amsler, Deanna Ellis, Patsy Farmer Jones, Flip Fisher, Monica Gillett, Bob Heilman, Jay Kirby, Bud Leonard, Steve Orr, Jan Richards and Ali Thomas. Pardee Hospital board members Tammy Albrecht, Bill Moyer and Jack Summey serve as liaison members.   McDonald to open re-election campaign Sheriff Charlie McDonald will kick off his 2018 re-election campaign next month with an event that features food, music and a shotgun raffle.The Committee to Re-Elect Sheriff Charles McDonald sent out an email blast Sunday inviting supporters to the kickoff from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at Boyd Automotive at 1875 Spartanburg Highway.“The event will feature food and refreshments, live music and an opportunity for the Sheriff’s supporters to meet with him personally,” the invitation said. “A Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun will be raffled off with the drawing occurring at 8 p.m. This event is open to the public and all are invited to attend.”The committee also invited supporters to join McDonald as he walks the King Apple Parade on Labor Day. Supporters were urged to gather on the parade staging area at 12:30 p.m. An email later on will give more details, the committee said.Sheriff since he was appointed to the vacant post in March 2012, McDonald won the Republican nomination for the seat in a May 2014 primary election over Erik Summey and Michael Brown and defeated Democrat Marty Katz in the general election. Break-in victim helps chase down burglar A homeowner and construction workers chased down a suspected house burglar after a break-in at a residence on South Mills Gap Road and sheriff’s deputies charged the Fletcher man with multiple burglaries.Henderson County Sheriff’s deputies took the suspect into custody without incident. Phillip Michael Estes, 24, of Duncan Creek Road in Fletcher, was charged with attempting to break and enter, possession of burglary tools and damage to personal property. Estes was placed under a $55,000 secured bond. Deputies found Estes in possession of tools that were used in his attempt to gain access to the South Mills Gap Road residence, the sheriff’s office said in a news releease. After further investigation, detectives determined that Estes was a suspect in multiple crimes within Henderson County over the past few months. Estes was linked to the breaking and entering of a Duncan Creek Road residence on June 19 and charged with breaking and entering and larceny of a firearm. The stolen firearm was recovered by the Fletcher Police Department. Estes was also charged with another break-in on Duncan Creek Road on Aug. 2 and a third burglary on Neely Drive on Aug. 20. He was jailed under a $161,000 bond. Grant boosts student-manufacturer link The Economic Investment Fund of Henderson County, a part of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, has been awarded a grant of $10,000 by the Community Foundation of Henderson County. The grant will be used to enhance the Made in Henderson County program, a coordinated effort to connect manufacturing employers and Henderson County public school students. Since its inception in 2012, Made in Henderson County has showcased manufacturing careers to over 5,000 students. “The grant from the Community Foundation will provide needed resources to improve industrial tours, develop career readiness workshops for students, and ultimately to connect our local students with great employment and earning opportunities, “EIF Chair Chip Gould said. EIF was founded in August 2016, with a primary focus on workforce development. The Made in Henderson County workforce program is focused on raising the visibility of manufacturing as a viable career path to ensure that students have diverse employment opportunities in the community and that manufacturers have access to skilled local talent. Saluda Outfitters hosts free music on Saturdays Entertainment at Saluda Outfitters’ free outdoor music venue continues through September from 4-7 p.m. each Saturday. Here’s the schedule:• Sept. 2: The Basement Bunch from Tryon is new to the Saluda Outfitters stage. The Basement Bunch is an eight-piece band that plays what they call “substantial rock ‘n’ roll” that includes classic rock from the 50s, 60s and 70s, plus a few surprises thrown in. Bring your dancing shoes.• Sept. 9: The duo of Bill Loftus and Ellen Trnka will perform some foot tapping blues, Americana and rock. Trnka is a talented vocalist who spent most of her career in New York City before moving to Western North Carolina in 2002. Loftus, on guitar and harmonica, hails from Chicago and lives in Flat Rock after moving back to the area from Atlanta about a year ago.• Sept. 16: The Basement Bunch from Tryon returns with its exceptional group of musicians to bring some energetic dance music to the show.• Sept. 23: Second Souls will return to the stage with its revolving group of area musicians. Headed by Steve Prickelmyer of Greenville, S.C., the group includes Saluda percussionist Mark Lauer, guitarist Bill Loftus and other regional musicians.• Sept. 30: Padenrich Station brings some great Indie Folk and Americana music to the stage featuring recording artists Marie Diffee Wright and Jamie Hill of Anderson, S.C. The duo switches between guitar, mandolin, and trumpet, to bring a “mellow vibe and intimacy to their live shows that relax the souls of their audience.”Craft beers that now include the popular Sierra Nevada, red wine and white wine, organic snacks and sandwiches are available at each music event where patrons can enjoy relaxing at a picnic table or bring their own chair. There is no cover charge at the child- and dog-friendly, smoke-free outdoor event. Locally and family owned and operated, Saluda Outfitters carries a line of top quality apparel, outdoor gear and supplies. 435 Main Street Sheriff’s office warns of scam bill collectors The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in activity from scammers posing as representatives from local hospitals and law enforcement agencies. The scammers utilize a system to “spoof” the local phone numbers of actual organizations to legitimize their requests for personal information and financial payment. One type of scam involves a scammer posing as a member of Park Ridge Health claiming the potential victim owes money for their services. Another recent scam involves callers posing as officers from the Hendersonville Police Department or the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office demanding payment to avoid incarceration. Even though caller ID indicates the call is originating from a known organization, it cannot always be trusted. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and Hendersonville Police Department do not contact residents by phone to demand payment or threaten arrest concerning criminal charges. If you have a question about your medical billing information or payments owed, call the medical organization’s billing number directly. Sheriff Charles McDonald urged the public to stay alert to the red flags that can help identify a phone call as a scam. High pressure sales tactics, request for personal information, threat of arrest or demands for payment, especially those requesting a green dot card or wiring money, are signs of a scam. Please help your family members to recognize these signs and to never give out personal information in these circumstances.   Read Story »

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