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Schools on two-hour delay

Henderson County News

Fire hydrant markers not just decorative

The Hendersonville Fire Department is nearing completion of a program that will assist firefighters in identifying fire hydrants and their flow rates during emergency incidents. Firefighters installed color-coded reflective markers on hydrants within the city to increase visibility and identify the hydrants water flow rate.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Ask Matt ... about sidewalk dining, HHS parking, French Broad River dock

Q. How did the outdoor dining on Main Street get started? The idea was lifted from South Carolina in 2002 but it didn’t get traction until then-Mayor Fred Niehoff and Downtown Hendersonville Director Jim Kastetter were having lunch. “Fred had just returned from Hilton Head and was telling me about a neat restaurant that offered outdoor dining,” said Kastetter. “The conversation sparked the idea that it might work on Main Street, so we got the city manager to look into it.” It was that simple.My own research showed that about the same time, someone wanted to sell hot dogs from a vending cart on Main Street. Local businesses quashed the sidewalk sales but they were intrigued with the idea of outdoor dining. City staff cranked out an ordinance and Council agreed to give it a try. The Charleston Grill pulled the first permit. Today there are 17 sidewalk dining choices on Main Street but still no hot dog vendors. Q. If they put extra student parking across US 25 for the new Hendersonville High School, what will that cost? Let’s make some broad assumptions. The County paid $2.75 million for the 3.1-acre Boyd Automotive tract so one may assume the 1.1 acre former used car lot across the street could be had for $976,000. That property would need to be cleared of all structures so let’s just put the price at an even one million dollars. Using a University of Tennessee design standard, at best you might squeeze 150 parking spaces on site at a cost of $667 per space. Keep in mind that we are not taking into account a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 25 nor are we looking at the nearby scout cabin property owned by the county schools. Q. What happened to the old “mask museum” on Fifth Avenue West. It’s gone. The property was recently purchased by the First United Methodist Church. Jim Kane, the church’s facilities manager, said the wooden structure was in very bad shape and could not be relocated or remodeled so it was razed. “You could almost see through the walls,” said Kane. The church has no current plans for the corner lot but may need it for future expansion. “Right now all we are going to do is plant grass,” said Kane. The church owns the adjacent eight apartment units, which will be remodeled and used for a project in line with the church’s mission. Q. Will the pier on the French Broad River in Horse Shoe tear away during a major flood? No, not according to Jeff Ferguson, an engineer with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. He contends that the Horse Shoe dock design has been thoroughly tested across the state. The dock is rock solid. It is secured to the bank by a 10-ton concrete abutment with steel post anchors. The dock rises with the river level because the sections are hinged together and the dock floats on foam-filled compartments. “By rising above the flood waters, the dock is subject to less stress that it would otherwise sustain if the free end were tied to the bank,” said Ferguson. “Also the dock is angled downstream to reduce resistance.” There is a similar dock a few miles downstream at Westfeldt Park near Sierra Nevada. * * * * * Send questions to askmattm@gmail.com.     Read Story »

Henderson County News

Retail, mixed use and residential pick up

As the new year dawns, housing inventory is dropping and Henderson County planners are seeing an uptick in requests for residential and commercial development.   Read Story »

Hendersonville News

Facility's fall prevention effort recognized

Life Care Center of Hendersonville won the Business Development Award of Excellence for the Blue Ridge Region parent company Life Care Centers of America during Life Care’s Eastern Division banquet at Greenbriar Cove in Ooltewah, Tenn., on Dec. 6. Shown, from left, are Vicki Hood, Eastern Division director of business development; Kathy Carver, admissions and marketing director at Life Care Center of Hendersonville; Thomas Hager, executive director at Life Care Center of Hendersonville; and Thomas Oliver, Eastern Division human resources director. The Hendersonville facility was nominated for its focus on helping local senior citizens prevent falls. The facility is part of the Western North Carolina Fall Prevention Coalition and Henderson County Transitions in Care Committee and developed helpful materials for seniors teaching how they can reduce their fall risk with exercises and home safety. As a result of this focus, which also includes free balance screenings on the first Monday of each month, Life Care Center of Hendersonville has seen a decrease in falls in the facility and a reduction in hospital admissions in the community due to falls. Life Care Center of Hendersonville, at 400 Thompson St., is one of two rehabilitation and skilled nursing centers in North Carolina operated or managed by Life Care Centers of America.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Brownies, Horizon and Hannah's, church programs

Brownies raise money for pets Brownie Troop 30583 launched a fundraiser in October for Community Partnership for Pets called Pennies for Pets. Soon after, young ladies from the Juniors and Cadets troops joined in the effort. On Monday, Dec. 19, the troops presented Mary and Mike Cervini with the fundraiser proceeds of $58.84. The young ladies placed donation jars in local businesses as well as asked for donations from friends and family. Money from the troops will be used to spay/neuter one female dog and in turn prevent the birth of up to 12 unwanted puppies. The nonprofit thanked the girls and their leaders for their hard work and love of animals.   Horizon, Hannah’s team up for charity Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning and Hannah Flanagan’s Irish Pub announced a partnership that will double the charitable community awards program during 2017. Each month, Horizon and Hannah Flanagan’s will award $2,000 to one or more Henderson County nonprofits, placing a total of $24,000 in charitable money into the community in 2017.“I am excited to partner with Hannah Flanagan’s to double the awards available to the community,” said Dan Poeta, president of Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning.“The community has been very responsive to my business helping us grow throughout the years and I am excited to partner with Horizon Heating and Air to be able to give back,” Matt Johnes, owner of Hannah Flanagan’s. “They also welcome and encourage other small business owners to participate in the future.”Applications for the 2017 calendar year are being accepted through Feb. 3, 2017 only. In order to qualify, you must be a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that operates programs in Henderson County for the benefit of the residents of Henderson County. To apply visit www.HorizonHeatAC.com or www.theoriginalhannahflanagans.com. Follow the links for the Horizon and Hannah Flanagan’s Community Fund.Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning installs residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems along with commercial refrigeration systems in Hendersonville, Brevard, Waynesville, Asheville and other areas of Western North Carolina.Hannah Flanagan’s Irish Pub offers Irish-influenced pub grub and an extensive, ever-changing beer list in a relaxed, old-world setting, with outside dining, daily drink specials and delicious Irish Pub food.Since 1982, Community Foundation of Henderson County has been helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation accepts gifts from individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create a pool of charitable funds from which grants are awarded to address community needs. Learn more about Community Foundation of Henderson County at www.CFHCforever.org, at the Community Foundation’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, and by calling (828) 697-6224. Congregational Church sets January forum topics First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1735 Fifth Ave. West, invites all to its weekly Adult Forums in the Felix Building at 9 a.m. Sundays. Here are January programs:• Jan. 8 – THE BODY CODE with Fran Westin. Developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, the Body Code is a form of energy work that identifies and corrects imbalances that can cause emotional and physical problems for people. Through the Body Code system of mind and body maps, (which locates chains of causality), and in conjunction with the Emotion Code (which releases trapped emotions), these imbalances can be located and released making conditions right for healing. This is an exciting and fascinating way to tap into the information your energy body stores.• Jan. 15 – TIDES OF MIND: REEXAMINING CONSCIOUSNESS - Larry Anderson will help participants explore the key concepts of a new book, The Tides of Mind: Uncovering the Spectrum of Consciousness, by computer scientist David Gelernter. The human psyche (the brain/mind) is constantly changing from state to state along a ‘mental spectrum’ as we live each day. The amount of focus varies all the time. We learn the implications of this fact not only from “hard science” but also from the great poets, novelists and mystics, our most trusted guides to the subjective mind and to the inner self. A retired minister and psychologist, Anderson is a frequent presenter of these Forums.• Jan. 22 – 35 YEARS OF MISSION WORK - PART 2 The Rev. John Sams, a member of FUCCC and a retired missionary minister, will recount more of his 35-year career in the mission fields of Thailand and the Philippines and with the American Leprosy Missions. His foreign travels started with a stint in India with the U.S. Air Force. In 1945 India was going through an extensive famine during which nearly one million people starved to death. When he returned home, the experience persuaded John to get an agricultural degree so that he could return to India to help rebuild. However, after decades of control by a foreign power, no visas were being granted by the Indian government and he had to look elsewhere for avenues to help humanity. He spent 14 years in a remote jungle area of Thailand, far from any convenience or even any road. He spent 17 years with the American Leprosy Missions, four years as president.• Jan. 29 – THE ENNEAGRAM-AN INTRODUCTION. The Enneagram, sometimes called the Enneagram of Personality, is a model of human personality that is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types. Its origins are ancient and it was popularized and influenced by Russian philosopher and mystic G.I. Gurdjieff. It is described as a method of self-understanding and self-development, and is used in both business management and in spiritual circles. Presenter Paula Benton has for 15 years been an advocate and teacher of the Enneagram, which she calls “an ancient personality modality” and “a spiritual roadmap of the soul.”For information visit fcchendersonville.org or call 828-692-8630. Rebuilding party topic for Democratic Women Democratic Women of Henderson County will meet at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe, 103 Third Ave. East. Speaker is Clay Eddleman, a graduate, former faculty and emeritus of Emory University, and a retired physician. A former chair of the Henderson County Democratic Party, he has suggestions for rebuilding the county Democratic Party and will encourage discussion. Social time begins at 5:30, followed by a business meeting at 6. All are welcome. Cabin Creek Revue performs on Jan. 15 Cabin Creek Revue will headline the Bluegrass Bash at Hendersonville Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. The community is invited and there is no charge. Besides the music, complimentary cookies, cake and ice cream will be served. The Bluegrass Bashes, held year-round, attract nearly 200 vacationers as well as the churched and unchurched from many parts of the county for each performance. Old Testament prayers are focus of Bible study “Prayers of the Old Testament,” a Ladies’ Community Bible Study, will be held 9:30-11:00 a.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 11 and ending Feb. 22, at Hendersonville Presbyterian church on Seventh Avenue at North Grove Street. A study book costs $9. For information contact Jan at jandemirgian@gmail.com or 828-551-9226. Grace Lutheran Church sets prayer life workshop The community is invited to join the members of Grace Lutheran Church on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. for their annual “Recharge your Prayer Life” workshop focusing this year on the Holy Spirit. The free workshop will conclude with a time of Prayer and Praise followed by simple soup supper.The workshop will be led by Grace’s Prayer Ministry Team and joined by Pastor Ken Langsdorf as everyone explores ways the Holy Spirit teaches, guides and comforts each person as they learn to hear the inner voice of the Spirit and deepen their relationship with Him. Prayer Ministry Team member Deanna Plowman said: “People often ask, ‘Why do we need the Holy Spirit’s help when we pray?’ Too often we don’t even know how or what to pray, but the Holy Spirit guides us and gives us comfort. The Helper teaches us all things and brings to our remembrance all things Jesus has told us. Are we recognizing the Spirit’s definite help in praying about our deepest concerns? From Ephesians 2:18 we learn that He is our intercessor; for through Christ we all have access by the one Spirit to the Father.”To join the workshop, please register by Jan. 11 by calling the church at 828-693-4890 X304 (messages can be left on voice mail). Grace Lutheran Church is located at the corner of Sixth Avenue West and Blythe Street in Hendersonville.     Read Story »

Henderson County News

BRCC cancels Monday night classes; schools closed Tuesday

Henderson County schools are closed Monday while county offices will have a delayed opening at 10 a.m. On Monday morning, Blue Ridge Community College announced that it had canceled Monday's night classes. In addition the Henderson County School Board's regular meeting on Monday has been postponed to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. With a low overnight expected to drop to 9 degrees and a high on Monday of only 30, little improvement is expected on secondary roads that have not yet been plowed. NCDOT and Highway Patrol officials warned of black ice on roads that have been cleared. After a low Monday night of 19, temperatures are expected to inch above freezing, to 39, for the first time since Friday. Wednesday we should see a high near 51 and a 50 percent chance of rain after 3 p.m. The warmup will continue as the week goes on, with highs of 58 on Thursday and 60 on Friday.     Read Story »

Hendersonville News

Most primary roads, a fifth of secondary roads, are cleared

N.C. Department of Transportation crews cleared 75 percent of interstate and primary routes in the division that includes Henderson County although icy spots remained. Through Saturday afternoon, the crews had cleared 20 percent of secondary roads. Meanwhile, state officials issued strong warnings about black ice after overnight lows that are forecast to fall into the single digits.   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Chopper team rescues lost hikers in Shining Rock

Two hikers lost in the Shining Rock Wilderness area in Haywood County were rescued Saturday evening thanks to the efforts of helicopter crews and nearly 100 ground based rescuers from over two dozen local, state, and federal agencies. Haywood County first responders began searching for the two hikers Friday after they called 911 for help. Early Saturday morning, the hikers called 911 again and said they were able to start a small fire and they had found a makeshift shelter. The two men reported being very cold and completely out of food and water. In addition to local rescue crews, five specially trained and equipped NC Emergency Management sponsored mountain rescue teams from across western North Carolina were called in to help due to the steep terrain, below freezing temperatures, snow and ice. With sub-zero temperatures expected, and chances of surviving another night very low, air resources were requested to help locate the men as the severe weather cleared the area. A State Highway Patrol helicopter crew using thermal imaging found the pair shortly before 5 p.m. and relayed their coordinates to a NC Emergency Management Helo Aquatic Rescue Team that was refueling in Asheville. The NC HART crew, consisting of a NC National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and rescue technicians from the Charlotte Fire Department, departed Asheville to pick up the hikers. Low on fuel, the Highway Patrol helicopter had to leave the scene. Reaching the coordinates after nightfall, the NC HART crew was unable to visually relocate the hikers using night vision goggles and called in a third National Guard helicopter that was training in the area and was equipped with thermal imaging. The hikers were relocated, picked up by the NC HART crew and flown to Asheville, where they were transferred to local EMS crews at about 7 p.m. for transport to the hospital. “With below-zero temperatures expected tonight, time was running out,” said NC Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. “We are fortunate that all these resources were trained and available, and worked together to execute this extremely complicated rescue. The key to the success of this response was teamwork from all the responders cooperating for the best possible outcome.’’ The condition of the two men was not immediately known. Also assisting in the search was the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Efforts were hindered by the poor cell phone reception in the search area and the hiker’s phone died before it could be triangulated. Specially trained rescue workers from Henderson County had joined the search for two lost hikers in the Shining Rock Wilderness area in Haywood County.“Henderson County had a team up there overnight and another team went out” Saturday, Emergency Management Coordinator Jimmy Brissie said. “Not a good time to be stuck out in the woods.”   Read Story »

Henderson County News

Helena dumps 7 inches of snow here; NWS issues windchill warning of -12

Authorities are reporting few problems so far after winter storm Helena dumped 5 to 7 inches of snow on the Henderson County area overnight Friday.   Read Story »

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