Hendersonville News
Michael Edney, the chairman of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, issued a statement Friday night that sought to assure the Edneyville community that commissioners plan to move ahead on an Edneyville Elementary School project immediately after the Hendersonville High School construction.
The unusual move by the board chair highlighted the stakes in Monday night's School Board meeting, when that board is expected to vote up or down on a $53 million Hendersonville High School project. A no vote, commissioners said Monday night, means that the county will shelve the HHS project for at least two years and possibly more than that. Commissioners did not commit on Monday to moving ahead with the Edneyville project if the School Board votes no on an all-new HHS project.
Edney addressed two of the biggest concerns of HHS alumni and others who favor a renovation plan over new construction: use the historic Stillwell building and parking.
The county's plan "includes the preservation and use of the historic Stillwell Building by the school system as the elected School Board sees fit," Edney said, "We have encouraged and committed to appropriate financial resources for the integration of Stillwell’s classrooms and auditorium with HHS to maintain the link between past, present and future. Onsite parking will be increased and staff is exploring ways to add yet additional parking opportunities both on and offsite."
Here is Edney's complete statement:
The Henderson County Board of Public Education will meet Monday evening. We anticipate that a part of their meeting will focus on the future of Hendersonville High School. Both the School Board and Board of Commissioners, as well as their staffs have worked together diligently over the past couple of years to be at the point where we are preparing to move forward to seek City of Hendersonville zoning approval and road closure.
During this process, much information and unfortunately, misinformation has been circulated in the community. It is of utmost importance that both the Board of Public Education membership and the community at large have accurate and truthful information. To that end, I wish to reiterate the following:
The current plan to build a new, state of the art Hendersonville High School, endorsed by each County Commissioner, five duly elected representatives from five unique backgrounds and perspectives, includes the preservation and use of the historic Stillwell Building by the school system as the elected School Board sees fit. We have encouraged and committed to appropriate financial resources for the integration of Stillwell’s classrooms and auditorium with HHS to maintain the link between past, present and future. Onsite parking will be increased and staff is exploring ways to add yet additional parking opportunities both on and offsite.
There are those in the community who have attempted to derail the Hendersonville High School project by inappropriately linking it with the Edneyville Elementary School project. The only relationship these two separate projects have are that they are both of the highest priority for both the School Board and the Board of Commissioners.
While we continue to address final details related to the high school, Commissioners absolutely have Edneyville Elementary in our sights. Last month we officially directed our architects to begin work on Edneyville as soon as their resources are available to do so. School and County staff are working as we speak, behind the scenes, collecting the necessary information for the architects and other professionals to hit the ground running.
Should the School Board and subsequently the City, sign off on the high school project, we expect to break ground in about a year with students occupying the facility in August of 2020. Given this schedule, it is my desire that the actual design of the new Edneyville Elementary School begin once HHS construction is underway and that the elementary school can be ready to receive students as early as August of 2021. Given the substantial strength of the County’s finances under the management of staff and the leadership of the Board of Commissioners, this scenario is doable.
With this said, let me be clear, the past few years have seen great accomplishments in Henderson County, primarily because we have united together as a community with a common purpose – to make our county the best it can be – and these future plans are dependent upon the same. We can, and must, work together with a common purpose. In this instance to provide our young people with the best possible educational opportunities available. The plan we have outlined does just this and I believe deserves your support. Thank you, and may you and your loved ones have a blessed holiday season.” Read Story »
Henderson County News
A 24-year-old graduate of West Henderson High School was killed in a traffic accident on Dec. 2 in Altus, Okla., where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force.
Read Story »
Henderson County News
Blue Ridge Parkway officials are seeking public comment on a proposed policy to allow only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and bearing a seal from USDA, or a state agency, for use in Parkway camping and picnic areas. Once finalized, this proposed policy change would take effect as the Parkway reopens its facilities for the 2017 visitor season.A variety of destructive pests lay eggs or stowaway in firewood and are unknowingly being introduced to the Parkway through untreated firewood. New infestations are threatening southern Appalachian forests with widespread tree mortality that could devastate wildlife habitat, park biodiversity, and scenic views. In considering this change the Parkway joins Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, as well the Virginia and North Carolina State Parks, who have adopted similar measures. Heat-treated wood is available at many locations on and off the Parkway; and visitors may still collect dead and down wood in the immediate vicinity of campgrounds and picnic areas.
If you would like to comment on the proposed change allowing only the use of heat-treated wood for fires in Parkway campgrounds and picnic areas, please submit comments electronically at the following link: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/blri-heattreatedwood through Jan. 7. Read Story »
Henderson County News
The founder of a successful nonprofit spay neuter program Henderson County is appealing for public support to keep the program going through 2017.
Read Story »
Hendersonville News
From ice skating to music to holiday greenery to custom hot chocolate treats downtown Hendersonville offers loads of events for Christmas.
Here is a list of holiday events downtown and beyond:
Dec. 5 – Jan. 1: Winter Lights Holiday Tour: Take a trolley trip to the North Carolina Arboretum to experience the Winter Lights display – masterful outdoor displays created by a Disneyworld lighting veteran – tour is 6-8:30 pm Fridays and Saturdays, Asheville, NC 828-606-8606, ncwinterlights.com
Dec. 5 – Dec. 30: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland is a drive-through display with acres of lights and music. Open nightly at the WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, 888-321-7542, shadrackchristmas.com/asheville
Dec. 5 – Dec. 25: Santa House: Come see where the jolly old elf lives at the corner of 6th and North Main St., Hendersonville
Dec. 5 – Dec. 24: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Photo Display: (Mon-Sat. 8 am-7 pm; Sun. 10 am-5 pm) – FREE Carolina Ace Hardware, 911 Greenville Hwy., Hendersonville, 828- 697-2237, carolinaace.com
Dec. 5 – 24: Carolers: Hear local church and community group singers perform favorite Christmas carols each weekend – Main Street, Hendersonville
Dec. 5 – Dec. 22: Holiday Greenery Market: Shop for your garland, wreaths and Fraser fir trees downtown on an old-time filling station lot with retro trailer, lighting display and Santa House – 620 North Main St., Hendersonville, 828-698-7525
Dec. 5 – 18: A Christmas Carol at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage. Wed-Sun. $15-$40. Flat Rock, NC 828-693-0731 www.flatrockplayhouse.org
Dec. 5 -18: Music on the Rock “A Celtic Christmas”: Christmas music of Scotland and Ireland through the ages – Thursday-Sunday – Flat Rock Playhouse – Downtown, 125 South Main St., Hendersonville, 693-0731, flatrockplayhouse.org/show/a-celtic-christmas
Dec. 5 – 18: Santa’s Gourmet Hot Chocolate Workshop: Warm up your holidays with a special hot chocolate creation you design! Available at The Green Room, 536 North Main, Hendersonville, every weekend between November 4 and Dec. 18 – all day Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm Sundays, 828-692-6335, thegreenroomcafe.biz
Dec. 9-10, 16-17: Carriage Rides on Main tour historic Main Street in an elegant horse-drawn carriage – rides start at the corner of 6th and Main, Hendersonville, 828-693-9708, visithendersonvillenc.org
Dec. 9 – 11: Hendersonville Little Theatre presents Heaven in Your Pocket, a new musical by Mark Houston, Fri& Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 2pm, Hendersonville, NC 828-692-1082 www.hendersonvillecommunitytheatre.org
Dec. 10 and 17: Christmas Music at The Green Room, come for dinner and drinks while enjoying enjoy live Christmas music performances. Saturdays, 5:30-7:30 pm, 536 North Main, Hendersonville, 828-692-6335 - thegreenroomcafe.biz
Dec. 10 and 17: Children’s Christmas Workshop is a chance for kids to make a craft project as a gift for a parent, grandparent or sibling while watching a children’s Christmas movie. Jongo Java, 117 South Main St., Hendersonville, 828-696-9052
Dec. 10: Santa on the Chimney, Chimney Rock State Park, witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys with multiple 200-foot rappels! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities, plus meet live critters, 11am-2pm, 828-625-9611, www.chimneyrockpark.com
Dec. 10: Christmas Fun at the Farm features a variety of activities including twilight house tours, pictures with Santa and make your own ornaments. 3 – 6 p.m. at Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Rd. Hendersonville, 28791, 828-891-6585, www.historicjohnsonfarm.org
Dec. 10: Christmas at the Zoo offers a Nativity scene; Santa Claus; caroling; music all day; animals; decorations, from 10 am – 5 pm (weather permitting). Jackson Farm & Petting Zoo, 2025 Gilliam Mountain Road, 828-551-2883, jacksonfarmandpettingzoo.com
Dec. 10: Pet Photos With Santa is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Humane Society – come in and have your pet’s photo taken with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. – noon. ACE Hardware, 911 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, 828-329-3753, blueridgehumane.org
Dec. 10: Christmas Tea at Connemara is hosted by “A Southern Cup” at the Carl Sandburg Home in Historic Flat Rock (formal tea attire optional) , two seating’s: 10 am and 2 pm. 81 Carl Sandburg Ln., Flat Rock, 828-674-2003, friendsofcarlsandburg.org
Dec. 10: Hendersonville Symphony “A Carolina Christmas” is a world-class Christmas performance by Hendersonville’s professional symphony orchestra. Begins at 3 p.m., Blue Ridge Community College, Hendersonville, 828-697-5884, hendersonvillesymphony.org
Dec. 10: Henderson County Crafters Association Winter Arts & Crafts Show, featuring 30 juried, local artisans offering a variety of handmade items, 10am-3pm, NC National Guard Armory, Flat Rock, 828-489-2494, www.hendersoncountycrafters.org
Dec. 10: Fletcher’s Annual Christmas Parade. 10:30 a.m. Between Old Airport Rd and Hwy 25.
Dec. 10: Nnenna Freelon, Winner of the Billie Holiday Award from the Acadamie du Jazz, Freelon delights audiences with hit originals and beloved standards that recall the heydays of jazz legends; Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 28782; 828-859-8322 www.tryonarts.org
Dec. 11: Cookie Caper & Inn Tour is a tour of thehistoric inns in the Hendersonville area. Collect a tasty treat at each destination. 1-4 pm, 828-697-3088, hendersonvillenc.gov
Dec. 11: Gingerbread House Competition, watch teams build and decorate gingerbread houses, From 1 – 4 p.m. at Jongo Java Coffee House, 117 South Main St., Hendersonville, 828-696-9052.
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List of Home for the Holidays events was compiled by the Tourism Development Authority. Read Story »
Hendersonville News
Hendersonville's newest holiday treat, ice skating at the Visitors Center, is coming together with an added feature — a fire pit with s'mores. Organizers need loads of volunteers to help with attraction, a fundraiser for the America In Bloom Committee.
Made by a company from Greenville, S.C., the 30x40-foot skating rink will fill most of the parking lot and hold up to 40 skaters at a time. The half-hour skating times will start at the top of the hour. Volunteers will clean the skate blades and apply a chemical to the ice rink and squeegee it off to keep the surface slick, said Mia Freeman, chair of the America In Bloom Committee and the organizer of the ice skating fundraiser.
"The very first day we're having an opening show with a professional skater," Freeman said.
Planners need to fill 4½-hour volunteer slots from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Dec. 20 through New Year's Day but they will accept shifts as short as two hours.
Duties include ticket takers, checking ice skates out and back in, cleaning ice skate blades and making sure each skater signs a waiver. The county is requiring that all skaters under 18 have a waiver signed by their parents,
"A lot of the volunteers are elderly so what I'm really concerned about is the cold weather," she said. "They really need to dress warm. We will have the Volunteer Center open during the day."
The TDA is using its own list of volunteers and those who work the Garden Jubilee and Apple Festival to recruit help. Some businesses have signed up to take volunteer slots, too.
Freeman has a busy holiday season. She's also in the cast for "Unwrapping Local History," the play about the Henderson County and Hendersonville history from 1900 through the 1960s. The cast has been rehearsing every night until 10 o'clock and it has four performances next Thursday through Saturday.
"I bit off a lot more than I thought," she said. "I can't believe it I did this to myself."
The TDA, which partnered with America in Bloom on the skating rink, has added a fire pit in the Visitors Center parking lot as part of its overall Home for the Holidays lineup of things to do downtown. For a small fee people can buy a s'mores kit and roast marshmallows. There will also be hot chocolate and other snacks for sale and benches for spectators to watch the skaters. The rink price, $8 for adults and $5 for children, includes the 30-minute skate and skate rental.
“The skating rink is going to be one of the biggest draws we have because it’s unique and there aren’t a lot of communities around that will have anything like it. That’s why it’s getting such a buzz,” said Beth Carden, executive director of the TDA.
To volunteer call Mia Freeman at 828-768-4413. Read Story »
Henderson County News
A couple of years ago, County Manager Steve Wyatt got tired of hearing about New Year’s Eve parties in Asheville and Greenville, S.C. Read Story »
North Carolina News
A collection of more than 150 books about North Carolina’s history, people and culture will be easier to find and purchase through a new partnership between the North Carolina Office of Archives and History and the University of North Carolina Press.
Read Story »
Hendersonville News
You won’t want to miss this miss this week’s Hendersonville Lightning.
You'll read about the expected next step for the potential development at Horse Shoe Farm, complete coverage of the latest twist in the long road toward a new Hendersonville High School, news about development downtown and our big list of Christmas, New Year's Eve and other holiday season events in Hendersonville.
You've got to get a copy because it's only in print and only in the Lighting!
Here’s where you can pick up a Lightning:
Hendersonville• 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 PubPage 2
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
Page 3
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 »
