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LOCAL BRIEFS: GOP hot dogs, progressive post cards, I-26 driver aid

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 10, 2025

 

 

Republicans announce hot dog fundraiser

The Henderson County Republican is hosting a hot dog fundraiser 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the party's headquarters, 170 Four Seasons Blvd. (between Honey-Baked Ham and Applebee's). Call in orders may be made from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday for pickup on Friday (828-693-6040). Cost is $10 for hot dog, drink, chips and cookie.

Progressive Alliance hosts Postcard Party

The Progressive Alliance of Henderson County invites the public to its free Postcard Party and Social Time from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at Trailside Brewing. Located off S. Whitted St. at 874 Lenox Park Dr., Trailside offers a variety of beverage options for sale.All who plan to attend are encouraged to bring friends and family. We always have postcards for youngsters to color.

The Postcard Party and Social Time is an opportunity for civic-minded individuals to mingle and write postcards to elected officials andothers on current legislative topics and concerns of participants. Our theme for August is our resolve to defend, support and strengthen public education in North Carolina.

The Progressive Alliance of Henderson County compassionately advocates for justice, dignity, inclusion and sustainable, healthy communities for all. Through activities such as postcard parties, rallies and silent vigils, and active support of local organizations and movements, PAHC strives to connect residents of Henderson County and vicinity through grassroots civic engagement, education, outreach and volunteerism. For more information, see the website at www.progressiveallianceofhendersoncounty.com.

 

NCDOT expands incident management aid on I-26

The N.C. Department of Transportation recently expanded its Incident Management Assistance Patrol (IMAP) coverage along Interstate 26 from Exit 54 (the U.S. 25 connector) to the South Carolina line.

This expansion is part of NCDOT’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety, reduce congestion and provide timely assistance to motorists. The newly covered section includes key travel corridors through Henderson and Polk counties — including the Saluda Grade, the steep and heavily traveled portion of I-26 that presents unique challenges for drivers. IMAP now covers 52 miles of I-26 between South Carolina and Madison County. 

“My partner and I are both local to the area and know it well,” said IMAP responder Jason Smith, who covers the newly expanded route. “That familiarity allows us to respond quickly and assist drivers without long wait times.”

IMAP is a free service operated by NCDOT that assists with:

  • Managing traffic at crash scenes
  • Providing fuel, water or jump-starts
  • Assisting with flat tires
  • Removing minor roadway debris

The program is designed to reduce secondary crashes, minimize delays and support emergency responders. IMAP vehicles are easily identifiable to motorists by their blue and white markings, NCDOT and GEICO logos and highly reflective safety markings to make them more visible at night.

“Extending our IMAP coverage to the South Carolina border allows us to better serve drivers in the region and respond more efficiently to incidents along this busy stretch of I-26,” said Chad Franklin, NCDOT’s regional intelligent transportation systems engineer. “This expansion reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of public resources and ensuring the safety and mobility of both residents and visitors traveling through North Carolina.”

Pisgah Legal Services staffing disaster recovery hotline

 
Nearly one year after Hurricane Helene devasted communities across Western North Carolina, residents are still dealing with the impact. On Aug. 27, Pisgah Legal Services and its partners will host a free WNC Disaster Recovery Hotline to help survivors with critical legal support needed to move forward.  
People can call in anonymously for free help with legal issues still lingering after Helene, including: FEMA claims and appeals, unresolved FEMA applications, continued FEMA rental assistance, roads and bridges, mortgage issues and foreclosure prevention, insurance and contractor problems, scams or fraud, and other disaster-related issues.  
WNC residents can call the “Ask A Lawyer – WNC Disaster Recovery Hotline” at 1-828-418-6969 from noon to 6 p.m on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The hotline is hosted in partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina and the NC Bar Foundation.  
“Even now, almost a year after the storm, there are families still feeling stuck and exhausted,” said Julia Horrocks, managing attorney of PLS. “We are able to help resolve a lot of disaster-related issues and even make successful FEMA appeals well after the deadline to get resources for our neighbors.”  
Anyone who is unable to call during the hotline hours, or who has legal needs unrelated to disaster recovery, can apply anytime online at Pisgah Legal Services or call 828-253-0406 or Legal Aid NC or call 1-866-219-5262.  
 “We know how overwhelming it can be to face FEMA denials, insurance disputes, difficulty catching up on mortgage and rent payments, and so many other issues following a disaster,” said Alicia Edwards, LANC Disaster Recovery Program Director. “We’ve seen firsthand that a phone call with an attorney can change the course of someone’s recovery.”  
More information about the Aug. 27 hotline and other resources can be found at pisgahlegal.org/disaster-hotline and legalaidnc.org/tropical-storm-helene-disaster-assistance/.