Free Daily Headlines

News

Set your text size: A A A

News

6,700-acre Party Rock fire 32% contained

Henderson County News

Joseph Laughter marks 30 years of staying in style

LAUREL PARK — Joseph Laughter traces his early exposure to fashion to his mother’s knee in the women’s wear aisle at Ivy’s.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

STATE DELAY BOOTS CANVASS TO NEXT WEEK

It could be a month before the state Board of Elections officially confirms the vote count in the Nov. 8 gubernatorial election and a recount could not begin until that final convass, Henderson County Elections Director Beverly Cunningham said Friday. A federal court order, a razor-thin gubernatorial race and the scrutiny of observers from both parties poses uncertainty as 100 county elections boards undertake the process to certify the Nov. 8 election. Gov. Pat McCrory, who trails Democratic challenger Roy Cooper by 5,001 votes after Election Day and one-stop votes were counted, gained 15 votes when the Henderson County Board of Elections tabulated absentee ballots it had approved. McCrory won the absentee vote, 83-68, padding his lead in Henderson County to 11,124. The board on Friday counted 173 absentee ballots and added those to the previous totals. "I don't think it's signficant at all," Terry Lyda, who was observing the county canvass for the Democratic Party, said of McCrory's 15-vote gain in heavily Republican Henderson County. "It's going to take something really crazy somewhere" to allow McCrory to overtake Cooper. "I'm thrilled. 83-68 is excellent for the absentee count." After it approved and tabulated the absentee votes, the elections board could take no other action in what is usually a routine canvass to certify the elections results. The state Board of Elections has directed the 100 county elections boards to wait until the state Division of Motor Vehicles researches voter registrations it has received. "Since these races are so close they want to make sure the information they provided is accurate," Cunningham said. Henderson County has 243 provisional ballots that have not yet been vetted and approved. They cannot be counted until the board blesses or rejects them. The state Board of Elections canvass, originally set for Nov. 28, has already been pushed back. "I'm hearing they're going to reset it for the first or second week of December now," she said. Elections Board Chairman Robert Heltman explained the process to a roomful of observers, on hand mostly to monitor the governor's race. "We were all hoping we would be done at the end of today," he said. "That is not the case." The board will reconvene at 10 a.m. Tuesday. There's no guarantee that the state will have completed its research on the DMV-generated registration even then, Cunningham said. Heltman and Tom Wilson, a Democrat and the previous chair, said they had never seen a delay this long. "This seems to be a unique situation," Heltman said. The McCrory campaign has filed elections complaints in 52 counties, claiming that irregularities could favor his opponent. None has been filed in Henderson County. Both Republicans and Democrats praised the Henderson County's elections administration as above board and accurate. "We're just lucky we've got the people here that we have," Lyda said. "I feel very confident in these people." Michael Edney, the county commissioner and an attorney, was retained by the state Republican Party to monitor the canvass. "In Henderson County we've got a great board and great staff," he said. "Clearly they know what they're doing." Josh Lawson, the general counsel of the state Elections Board, sent a memo to county elections boards at 5 p.m. Wednesday that directed the local boards to wait for a verification of voters' eligibility before counting the provisional votes. The state Board of Elections signaled in a news release on Thursday the likelihood that Friday's canvass may not produce a final result. The canvass "is followed by a final certification of statewide totals by the State Board of Elections," the N.C. Board of Elections said. "Counties may, however, delay canvass for a 'reasonable time' if the initial counting has not been completed," the state Elections Board said. "Many, if not all, counties are expected to do just that. Postponing canvass is necessary when certain decisions have not been made regarding provisional ballots, certain types of election protests are pending, or a delay is necessary to comply with a judicial order. The counties have good reason to extend their canvasses this year, including a recent court order." "In the final days of early voting, a federal court required election officials and the Division of Motor Vehicles to create a new review process for certain voters who claim they registered or changed their address at the DMV, even if no record of registration could be found." After counties canvass, a statewide candidate who trails by 10,000 votes or fewer may demand a recount by noon on the second business day. If a recount is demanded, the counties would conduct recounts individually in public view. A recount is a near certainty in the governor's race and likely in the state auditor election, where Democratic incumbent Beth Wood leads Republican challenger Chuck Stuber by 2,670 votes. “With each passing day, we discover more and more cases of voting fraud and irregularities,” McCrory campaign manager Russell Peck said in a news release. “We intend to make sure that every vote is properly counted and serious voter fraud concerns are addressed before the results of the election can be determined.” Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article115492333.html#storylink=cpy     Read Story »

Henderson County News

WEEKEND: All-County chorus, roads scholar, chorale Christmas concert

All-County Honors Chorus perform Saturday Seventy-five Henderson County students from every high school, middle school and home schools will perform in the seventh annual All County Honors Chorus concert at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave. West. Tickets are $5 at the door.All students were auditioned and will attend an all-day clinic the day before the concert at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville led by Lawrence Doebler, artistic director and conductor of the Carolina Concert Choir.“This event gives students a chance to learn, experience and perform choral music in public under the direction of professional choral music conductors,” Doebler said.Now in its seventh year, the All County Honors Chorus is composed of the brightest and most talented high school choral singers in Henderson County and exists as an outreach program of the Carolina Concert Choir. Additional sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Glassman, the Community Foundation of Henderson County and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County. Ruscin talks transportation Historian, author and photographer Terry Ruscin will speak on the history of transportation in Western North Carolina at the Henderson County Public Library at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. From trail to interstate highway, from trolley to train, Ruscin will discuss his book, “A History of Transportation in Western North Carolina,” which covers the evolution of transportation in the area and explores the key figures who contributed to the growth of road, rail and air transportation. For more information, contact Sarah Hudson at 828-697-4725. McDonald to speak at GOP breakfast Sheriff Charlie McDonald will be the guest speaker at the Henderson County Republican Breakfast Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Fireside Restaurant on Sugarloaf Road in Hendersonville. He will discuss current events in and around Henderson County. The breakfast starts at 7:30 and ends at 9 a.m. All Republicans are invited to attend. For more information call 828-329-4971 or email noirs@aol.com. Hendersonville Chorale presents holiday concert The Hendersonville Chorale will present its Holiday Concert, “A Celebration of Carols,” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, at First United Methodist Church. The program of well-loved traditional carols will feature the Blue Ridge Ringers, Henderson County’s premier community handbell ensemble, conducted by Robert Currier. The two groups will perform together on favorite carols such as “Ding Dong!” “Merrily on High,” “Gesu Bambino” and “On This Day Earth Shall Ring.”The program also features “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by Ralph Vaughan Williams with Bart Gilleland singing a baritone solo and Franklin Keel playing cello. A versatile dramatic actor and singer, Gilleland is often seen on the operatic and oratorio stages, most recently as a regular with the Gwinnett Symphony and the Meridian Chorale and as a soloist in collaborations with regional companies. Keel, associate principal cellist in the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, performs in many locally and regionally acclaimed ensembles.In addition a brass quintet from the Hendersonville Community Band will accompany the choir on “Christmas Joy!,” a collection of well-known carols arranged by Dan Forrest. The brilliant, colorful and dynamic sounds of flute played by Paul Doebler will be heard throughout the concert with choir and handbells.Tickets are available at the Henderson County Visitors Center, at the door and online at HendersonvilleChorale.com. Cost is $22. For more information visit www.hendersonvillechorale.com. Youth Orchestra performs Dec. 4 The Hendersonville Symphony Youth Orchestra (HSYO) will perform in concert Sunday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. at the Bo Thomas Auditorium at Blue Ridge Community College. Tickets are $7 at the door.The repertoire for the Dec. 4 concert is varied, offering the 37 members of the HYSO a chance to challenge themselves and delight the audience. On the program are Ravel’s Pavane, Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers, from The Nutcracker, Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia, and Haydn’s Adagio and Allegro from Symphony No. 104. The concert will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s first movement from Piano Concerto No. 1 featuring piano soloist Christopher Tavernier.For more information, visit hendersonvillesyphony.org, or call the HSO office at 828-697-5884.     Read Story »

Mills River News

Mills River Farmers Market ends season with holiday goods

The Mills River Farmers Market will hold its last market of the season from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, featuring holiday goods. The market features regular vendors plus specialty vendors selling local produce, meat, breads, sweets, and hand made goods. Music performed by Jennifer Murrary and family will fill the air as you shop. Hot drinks and cookies will be available as well. Stop by and pick up something special for Thanksgiving or do some holiday shopping at your local farmer’s market! The Mills River Farmers Market is located at 94 School House Road, Mills River, on the campus of Mills River Elementary School. It hosts up to 30 local farmers and growers in the Mills River area and prides itself on supporting members of the local community.   Read Story »

Etowah News

Charity road bike ride set for Saturday

Cycling Rotarians invited area cyclists to participate in the 2016 Ride to End Polio in WNC with a ride from Ingles supermarket in Etowah at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19. The ride requires no registration and no charge. It’s an informal ride of about 35 miles for a cup of coffee in Brevard. Cyclists can help immunize a child in Asia or Africa with a gift of just 60 cents to Rotary’s End Polio Now! campaign. Fast and no-drop groups will be available on Nov. 19. A contribution to end polio can be made at the start of the ride or on-line at endpolio.org/miles-to-end-polio.The 2015 Ride to End Polio raised $13 million nationally for Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. The Bill Gates Foundation more than matches cyclists’ contributions. The local ride is not an Ingles or Rotary-sponsored event and not sanctioned by any organization. It’s just cycling with friends and a couple of Rotarians to end polio. For more information, contact Rotarian Dick Miley at remiley45@gmail.com.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Apple-saluting cider jam also features bigtime bluegrass band

Hendersonville is getting a second apple celebration — a one-day event in the spring to promote the growing hard cider business.Agribusiness Henderson County is sponsoring the Apple Country Cider Jam, Henderson County’s first hard cider festival, on Saturday, April 22, on Main Street.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Party Rock fire grows to 5,700 acres

The Party Rock Fire grew to 5,714 acres and remained just 19 percent contained on Thursday. Firefighters continue to secure containment lines and conduct burnout operations on the Party Rock Fire in advance of a strong cold weather front that will move through the area this weekend, the Henderson County sheriff's office said. Burnout operations were completed on the northern containment line along Rolling Ridge Road in Gray Rock. A helicopter capable of delivering large water drops supported the operation to ensure the burnout did not cross containment lines. The dozer containment line installed on the easternmost side was used to support burnout operations that occurred overnight. The northern half of the eastern containment line was successfully burned out, and today’s operations will continue. Farther south, hand lines are being established and improved between the active fire perimeter and the communities of Rumbling Bald Resort. North of the Gray Rock containment line, residents in the neighborhoods of Camp Elliot, Ditney Knob, Sally Gap, Three Creeks and Earth Haven will see more smoke as burnout operations continue. The established containment is in place to protect these communities; however, residents located to the north of the fire should monitor information about the fire during the forecasted wind event. A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Highway 9 was closed yesterday from the intersection at Highway 74-A in Bat Cave north to Shumont Road.     Read Story »

Henderson County News

Don't miss this week's Hendersonville Lightning (102)

You won't want to miss this week’s Hendersonville Lightning. This issue includes our special section, Season of Giving, which focuses on the numerous nonprofit agencies and volunteers who serve them in Henderson County. You will also read about a Laurel Park institution, Joseph Laughter Clothier, the Flat Rock Playhouse lineup for December shows as well as pages of local briefs. Here’s where you can pick up a Lightning • Hendersonville Lightning Office, 1111 Asheville Hwy• Pop's Diner, 5 Points, North Main Street• Triangle Stop, 701 North Main Street• The 500 block of North Main Street(First Citizens Bank / Mast Gen. Store)• Black Bear Coffee Co., Main Street• The 300 block of North Main Street(McFarland's Bakery / Mike's on Main). Pardee Hospital in the lobby. Flat Rock Playhouse, downtown(100 block of South Main Street) Southside Hendersonville(Spartanburg Highway)• Hairstyles by Charlene, Joel Wright Drive• McDonald's, Spartanburg Highway• Norm's Minit Mart, Spartanburg Highway• Hendersonville Co-op• Burger King/BP, Spartanburg HighwayIngles Supermarket Southside Hendersonville(Greenville Highway)Carolina Ace HardwareWhitley Drug Store Flat Rock/East Flat Rock• Flat Rock Post Office• Flat Rock Bakery• Zirconia Post Office• East Flat Rock Post Office• Orr's Family Restaurant, Spartanburg Hwy• Energy Mart Exxon, Upward Road & I-26• Triangle Stop, 754 Upward Road & I-26Village Café and Pub Hendersonville(Kanuga Road)• Hot Dog World, Kanuga Road• Mr. Pete's Market, Kanuga Road• Norm's Minit Mart, Kanuga Road Hendersonville(Fifth Avenue)Hendersonville Post officeFifth Aenue Shell Laurel Park• YMCA H'ville, Sixth Ave & Oak Str• Laurel Park Village, Rite-Aid.• Energy Mart Exxon, Brevard Road at Daniel DriveDixie Diner, Brevard Road Highway 64(Brevard Road)• Horse Shoe Post Office• Mr. Pete's Market, Etowah, Hwy 64-W• Blue Ridge Pizza, Etowah, Hwy 64-W• Etowah Shopping Center, Etowah Highway 191(Haywood Road)• Joey's New York Bagels, Hwy 191• One-Stop Store #8, Haywood Road (Hwy 191)• Dollar General, Hwy 191 & Mountain Road Mills River• Triangle Stop, 4197 Haywood Road, Mills River• Mills River Family Restaurant. Food LionIngles Eastside Hendersonville and Four Seasons Boulevard• Norm's Minit Mart, Dana Road• Fatz Cafe, Dana Road & Four Seasons Blvd• Grocery Outlet, off Four Seasons Boulevard• McDonald's, Four Seasons Boulevard• Energy Mart Exxon, Four Seasons BoulevardMustang Cafe Highway 64 East(Chimney Rock Highway)• Triangle Stop, 2545 Chimney Rock Road, Hwy 64-E• Mr. Pete's Market, East, Hwy 64-E • Griffin's Store, Edneyville, Hwy 64-E• Edneyville Post Office. Griffins Store, EdneyvilleShell station, 64 East and Sugarloaf RoadIngles, Howard Gap RoadMoose Cafe Highway 25 North(Asheville Highway)• The Ugly Mug Coffee Shop, Hwy 25-N• Triangle Stop, Hwy 25-N, Balfour• Mountain Home Post Office• Fletcher Post OfficeInglesNaples Post OfficeTravel Plaza, US 25 and I-26 Southern & Eastern Henderson County, Polk County• Dana Post Office• Rosco's Grocery, Green River• Saluda Post Office• Triangle Stop, 1487 Ozone Road, SaludaAll Henderson County Ingles StoresAll Henderson County Post Offices   Read Story »

Henderson County News

HOLT: ALL-NEW HHS 'NOT WHAT WE VOTED FOR'

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners and School Board convened a rare face-to-face meeting this morning to try to resolve differences over the design of Hendersonville High School and school construction priorities. Stay with the Lightning for live coverage.   Read Story »

News Archive