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Packed house but few fireworks in Meadows town hall

Mills River News

Overflow crowd celebrates the life of Tommy Bryson

An overflow crowd packed the sanctuary of First Baptist Church on Saturday to remember Thomas A. “Tommy” Bryson as a living example of what it means to be a loving husband, devoted father, supportive community member and a Christian.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Local foundation creates Thomas A. Bryson Legacy Fund

The family of Thomas A. “Tommy” Bryson, the Mills River man whose death has triggered a huge outpouring of sympathy, has asked those who wish to honor Bryson direct contributions through the Henderson County Community Foundation to a new fund created Friday.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Hands On! hires new director

Hands On!, the children's museum in downtown Hendersonville, has hired a new executive director with experience running a youth-oriented museum. The Hands On Board of Directors hired Joseph Knight after a search process conducted by a special committee. Heather Boeke, the Founder of Hands On!, has refocused her passions to serve Hands On! as their new Creative Director. Knight, who started his job here on Tuesday, previously served as deputy director of KidSenses, an interactive hands-on children’s museum in Rutherfordton. Knight is a museum professional with 13 years of experience. He has managed the operations of both children’s museums and science museums. "Through innovative hands-on exhibit and program experiences, children’s museums have the power to change lives and transform communities," Knight said. "When learners experience hands-on STEAM experiences for the very first time – it becomes a life-changing experience. Inspiration oftentimes leads to discovery, and when children discover their self-potential in STEAM, they become empowered to change the world as adults. Play is truly the work of childhood, and in my heart I truly believe in the mission of children’s museums."Knight has a history of developing deep relationships with school districts, libraries, and foundations with a keen focus on children and the community. "Our search committee was diligent in selecting the next Executive Director of Hands On!," board president Anne McClintic said. "There is a lot of talent out there and we're excited to welcome Joseph into our organization and community. His passion for the mission of Hands On! is evident. We are excited to see where Joseph will lead Hands On! in its next 10 years."       Read Story »

Mills River News

Mills River seeks public input on NC 280 greenway

The Town of Mills River is seeking input about a potential multi-use path that would run alongside and separated from N.C. 280.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Sheriff issues safety warning for Bryson vigil on NC 280

MILLS RIVER — Henderson County Sheriff Charles McDonald issued safety precautions people should keep in mind if they plan to participate in a vigil tonight honoring Tommy Bryson, who was murdered last week. Friends of the Bryson family organized the vigil and encouraged people to shine lights and hold candles along N.C. 280 from South Mills River Road to Westfeldt Park from 8:45 to 9 tonight. "Put your light out like Mr. Bryson's family has been to us that went through this tragedy, but yet they've still been a beacon. And I feel like the lord has done that for that family, and he can do that for this community," Stephanie Parton said. "And as much as it's affected the community and all of us, we want to give that light back." Here is the sheriff's office news release about the vigil. Bryson family is appreciative of the vigil that has been organized to honor the legacy of Tommy Bryson. They are humbled and touched, but last thing they want to see is any tragedy or injury to come out of this grassroots and heartfelt vigil. In order to maintain safety for vigil attendees, the Bryson family indicated they would be pleased to have law enforcement’s recommendation regarding the route and proposed safety procedures. The recommended route in Henderson County stretches along Boylston Hwy from South Mills River Road to Westfeldt Park. The event has been scheduled to occur on Wednesday, August 2nd from 8:45pm-9:00pm. Henderson County Sheriff Charles McDonald has the following recommendations: · Park in business parking lots wherever possible· Carpool to reduce congestion· Turn on hazard lights· If motorists must park along roadways, find areas with ample shoulder space and pull completely off the roadway· Pedestrians should remain alert and vigilant to traffic and stay off the roadway· Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution, remain alert for pedestrians and travel at a safe speed After speaking with a representative from the NC State Highway Patrol, Henderson County Sheriff Charles McDonald and Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan recommend the public refrain from assembling along any two-lane roads. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Tommy Bryson.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Railroad spraying overgrowth along tracks

Henderson County began receiving calls from some very observant citizens about a month ago regarding the overgrowth of vegetation along railroad lines in the county. County Engineer Marcus Jones spoke with the roadmaster for Watco, the company that owns those lines, and received the news that spraying for the overgrowth began Tuesday. According to the Watco spokesperson, the unwanted vegetation should begin to die off in one to two weeks. Residents can call Watco’s customer service line at 866-889-2826 if they have questions regarding the spraying.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Funeral set for Thomas Bryson

A funeral service has been scheduled Saturday for Thomas “Tommy” Andrew Bryson, the Mills River man who was kidnapped and murdered last week. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Hendersonville First Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. Here is the obituary from Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors: Thomas Andrew “Tommy” Bryson, 68, went home to be with Jesus on July 30, 2017. He was born May 12, 1949, in Hendersonville, to the late Robert and Aileen Sitton Bryson. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bryson was preceded in death by his brother Arnold T. Bryson and his sister Sarah Bryson LaBerge. He graduated from West Henderson High School in 1967 and was a lifelong resident of the Mills River Valley. He was the co-owner of Appalachian Stove & Fabricators, in Asheville, for 40 years, until his retirement, in 2012. Tommy is survived by his his wife, of 48 years, Allison Lynette “Lynn” Bryson; his sons, Richard Bryson of Greenville, SC, and Joseph Bryson of Mills River; sisters Elaine Bryson Pettit of Mills River and Marguarite Bryson McGraw of Mills River, brother Robert Forrest Bryson of Fruitland; and six beautiful grandchildren. The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at Hendersonville First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Scoggins officiating. The family will receive friends, at the church prior to the service from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Tommy’s memory be directed to CAMS/Haiti Mission Service, P.O. Box 111, Hendersonville, NC 28792.   Read Story »

Hendersonville News

Vote for Hendersonville as South's Best City

The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority is encouraging residents and fans of downtown to vote for Hendersonville as the South’s Best City in the annual South’s Best contest sponsored by Southern Living magazine.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Accused killer made victim's truck a two-tone

The man charged with murdering a Mills River man last week turned the victim's silver SUV into a two-tone silver-and-black two-tone while he was on the run from the law, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. At some point in Phillip Michael Stroupe II’s run from hundreds of law officers, Thomas Bryson’s 2007 silver Honda Ridgeline was painted with black spray paint on the bottom half of the vehicle. Investigators continued to ask witnesses to come forward if they had seen the vehicle and urged businesses in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina to review any surveillance footage for images of the altered Honda. Investigators asked the public to call the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 697-4911 with any relevant information. The body of Mr. Bryson was located on the evening of July 30 in Buncombe County. Charged with kidnapping, first-degree murder and other felonies, Stroupe remains in the Henderson County jail without bond.     Read Story »

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