| Title |
Excerpt |
Author |
Date |
| Former Asheville firefighter gets 4 months for shooting cyclist |
Former Asheville firefighter Charles Alexander Diez will spend four months in prison for shooting cyclist Alan Simons in July. Diez plead guilty to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill yesterday. On July 26, Simons was riding with his family on Tunnel Road. According to Asheville police, Diez… |
David Forbes |
11/20/09 |
| County will offer H1N1 vaccines tomorrow |
The Buncombe County Health Department will offer the H1N1 flu mist vaccine to certain populations between the ages of 2 and 49 at seven schools around the county from 4 to 7 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 19). The flu mist vaccine will be available to healthy people between 2 and… |
David Forbes |
11/18/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners brief: Nov. 17 meeting |
After a tense public hearing that saw one person thrown out of the chambers, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reinstated countywide zoning in a 4-1 vote. Eight months after the N.C. Court of Appeals struck down the county’s zoning ordinance on grounds of insufficient public notice, county staff had… |
David Forbes |
11/18/09 |
| "We're not stopping" |
It's been an eventful year at AB-Tech. Not long after Betty Young ended her brief and controversial tenure as president by announcing her resignation in March. Russ Yelton, who had founded the college's Global Institute for Sustainable Technology, left for unrelated reasons. GIST has been a key player in AB-Tech's… |
David Forbes |
11/18/09 |
| The write-in rundown (aka "Who voted for Squirt the Wonder Clam?") |
In the Nov. 3 municipal election, Asheville City Council member Robin Cape received 4,478 write-in votes, according to figures from Buncombe County Election Services. While Cape's bid for a second term was serious, many write-in voters were not. (Squirt the Wonder Clam, really?) Cape, who changed her mind and decided… |
David Forbes |
11/18/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners preview: Zoning cometh (again!) |
Eight months after a court ruling struck down Buncombe County’s zoning ordinance, the Board of Commissioners is giving it another go, with a public hearing on the new zoning maps dominating the agenda at tomorrow’s meeting. In March, the N.C. Court of Appeals ruled that when Buncombe passed zoning in… |
David Forbes |
11/16/09 |
| The write-in rundown |
In last week’s election, Asheville City Council member Robin Cape received 4,478 write-in votes, according to figures from the Board of Elections. While Cape’s bid for a second term was serious, many of the other write-in votes were not (Squirt the Wonder Clam, really?). Cape, who changed her mind and… |
David Forbes |
11/12/09 |
| Investigators: Hillcrest fire was arson |
The fire that destroyed Building 21 in Hillcrest Apartments Monday was arson, according to the Asheville Fire Department. Investigators are compiling a list of suspects at this time and continuing to pursue leads. “We did find that the release of natural gas was intentional,” Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette told… |
David Forbes |
11/12/09 |
| No treatment? |
It's been a tough few years for mental-health providers across North Carolina, as attempts at reform have led to sharp budget cuts and left many clients struggling to find services. State officials have been trying to transform what they regard as a bulky, overly institutionalized system into one that is… |
David Forbes |
11/11/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners: Concrete facts |
Commissioners update flood ordinances, pass sustainability plan County lays out limits of authority over CTS cleanup, promises push state, federal officials It's been an eventful few years for Buncombe County on the legal front. The county has won battles with the city over water, but high-profile rulings on zoning and… |
David Forbes |
11/11/09 |
| Swannanoa incorporation defeated |
For three years, Swannanoa had been caught in a sometimes-tumultuous debate over whether to incorporate as a town. Proponents of the move said residents would have better services and more control over their own destiny, while opponents asserted that it would bring higher taxes and regulations unsuited to an area… |
David Forbes |
11/11/09 |
| Fire dept: natural gas caused Hillcrest fire |
The explosion and fire that consumed a building in Hillcrest Apartments yesterday was caused by natural gas, Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette told Xpress today. Investigators have yet to determine if the blaze was an accident or arson. “What we know right now is that the fire was caused by… |
David Forbes |
11/10/09 |
| Explosion, fire at Hillcrest Apartments UPDATE 12:44 P.M.: Fire may have been arson |
A fire erupted today at Hillcrest Apartments, consuming building 21. According to officials, no one was seriously injured. The woman who lived in the first apartment to catch fire believes it was arson. Xpress reporter Jason Sandford was on the scene. You can follow his updates here or on our… |
David Forbes |
11/09/09 |
| Major fire at Hillcrest Apartments |
Ambulances and fire trucks are scrambling to the scene after a major fire erupted at Building 21 Hillcrest Apartments housing project. Xpress reporter Jason Sandford is on the scene, and you can follow his updates on our news blog. |
David Forbes |
11/09/09 |
| Rutherfordton innovator gets $100,000 prize for connecting local farmers |
Over the past few years, Tim Will, 61, of Rutherfordton, has worked to bring broadband to his county and connect local farmers with restaurants that need their produce. Now he's been recognized with a $100,000 Purpose Prize, a national award given to social innovators over 60 who are applying their… |
David Forbes |
11/04/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners preview: Floods and sustainability |
While Ashevilleans are (hopefully) streaming to the polls on Nov. 3, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners plan to hold its regular meeting. It’s a relatively brief agenda, but changes to the flood ordinances and a sustainability plan for the county are both on the table. The commissioners will vote… |
David Forbes |
11/02/09 |
| Election Day approaches; find your polling place |
With Election Day next Tuesday, now would be a good time to find where you'll need to vote, if you haven't already. Fortunately, the North Carolina Board of Elections provides a simple search engine that will quickly reveal your polling place and precinct. Give it a look and make sure… |
David Forbes |
10/30/09 |
| The Battle for Swannanoa |
In June, state Sen. Martin Nesbitt (D-Buncombe) had something to say to his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee. "This is about the town of Swannanoa, and I know you don't want to know anything about it, but I'm going to tell you anyhow," he said, introducing legislation to put… |
David Forbes |
10/28/09 |
| CTS conference cancelled |
A promised conference between government officials and Mills Gap Road area residents who live near the contaminated site of the former CTS of Asheville plant has been canceled, and the residents are crying foul. "As best we can figure out, as soon as they heard that we were inviting media… |
David Forbes |
10/28/09 |
| Body of woman found on Parkway, deputies seeking information |
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about the slaying of Misty Lynn Carter, 21, of Mountain Home. Carter's nude body was found early Oct. 19 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Around 6:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, the sheriff's office received a call from a motorist who found Carter's… |
David Forbes |
10/28/09 |
| A week on, clues still sought in Parkway murder ***UPDATED 5:40 p.m.*** |
A week after the body of Misty Lynn Carter, 21, was found on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is still seeking clues in the case. This afternoon, investigators revealed that blunt force trauma to the head was the cause of death. Around 6:30 a.m. Monday, Oct.… |
David Forbes |
10/26/09 |
| Leonard Pitts will speak at Asheville MLK breakfast |
Pulitzer-prize winning columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr. will be the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County's 29th annual breakfast on Jan. 16, according to a press release from the organization. The event will take place at the Grove Park Inn. |
David Forbes |
10/26/09 |
| The end of Parkside: Coleman withdraws condo project |
The battle over a controversial proposed condo building on formerly public parkland has officially ended, as a representative of developer Stewart Coleman informed city staff on Oct. 8 that he is withdrawing the proposed Parkside project so that he can open a tavern in the Hayes & Hopson Building. "We… |
David Forbes |
10/21/09 |
| Drinks |
Favorite bar 1. Jack of the Wood 95 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-5445 Longtime local favorite Jack of the Wood's Green Man Beer, Irish-style pub food, trivia nights and live performances are a combination that's won our readers’ hearts. 2. Usual Suspects 791 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 350-8181 2.… |
David Forbes |
10/21/09 |
| Buncombe Election Services recruiting computer-savvy students |
Buncombe County Election Services announced today that it's "recruiting college students and young citizens of all backgrounds to help out on Election Day by operating laptops for its new system of voter registration lookup." Recruits will be paid $130.00 for working Election Day (Nov. 3) from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30… |
David Forbes |
10/14/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners: "No trust" |
County purchases Carolina First building to use for court office space Commissioners move forward on zoning, flood control County pondering $21 million partnership with Health Adventure It wasn't on the agenda, but the issue of contamination from the former CTS of Asheville factory came roaring back at the Buncombe County… |
David Forbes |
10/14/09 |
| A new project on Broadway |
Over the past two years, the corridor along Asheville's Broadway Street has developed dramatically, with old buildings taking on new uses or meeting the wrecking ball. The Pioneer building, containing apartments and the relocated Dripolator coffee house, opened recently. Nearby, Greenlife Grocery bustles. Farther down the road, the Health Adventure… |
David Forbes |
10/14/09 |
| The end of Parkside: Coleman withdraws project |
The battle over a controversial proposed condo building on formerly public parkland has officially ended, as a representative of developer Stewart Coleman informed city staff on Oct. 8 that he is withdrawing the proposed Parkside project to focus on a tavern he’s building nearby. “We would like to withdraw the… |
David Forbes |
10/12/09 |
| Teen accused in first-degree murder turns himself in |
The alleged gunman in a Sept. 12 murder at Hillcrest Apartments turned himself in on Sept. 29 after a brief manhunt. According to an announcement from the Asheville Police Department, "Marcus Austin Thorpe turned himself in to Asheville police detectives at the Buncombe County Magistrate's Office. He is being held… |
David Forbes |
10/07/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners preview: Groundwork edition |
At its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will vote on beginning to lay the groundwork (or keep the ball rolling) on a number of fronts including zoning, green initiatives, school construction, courtroom space and a partnership with the Health Adventure. In March, the N.C. Court… |
David Forbes |
10/05/09 |
| School flu vaccinations begin today |
Buncombe County Health Center employees began distributing free seasonal flu vaccinations to area elementary schools today in an effort paid for by federal stimulus funds. The vaccinations will continue throughout the month. Students at Candler Elementary received the flu vaccinations today. Throughout October, students from kindergarten through the 5th grade… |
David Forbes |
10/01/09 |
| Duncan working with feds on immigration, rolling out new drug efforts |
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is pursuing better coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify fugitives, says Sheriff Van Duncan. The office is also stepping up its drug-seizure efforts. "We used to have a lot of problems identifying prisoners because the FBI's fingerprint systems and ICE's system didn't… |
David Forbes |
09/30/09 |
| Bailey defends vote on undocumented immigrant students |
On Sept. 17, the North Carolina Board of Community Colleges voted 20-1 to allow undocumented immigrants to attend the state's community colleges. Two of those "yes" votes came from local board members: K. Ray Bailey, a Buncombe County commissioner and former president of A-B Tech, and G. Gordon Greenwood, CEO… |
David Forbes |
09/30/09 |
| Police seek teen in first-degree murder ***UPDATE: Suspect has turned himself in, says APD*** |
***UPDATE, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 3:40 p.m.: The APD says that the alleged gunman in a Sept. 12 murder at Hillcrest Apartments has turned himself in. Here’s a statement the department issued this afternoon “At 2 p.m. today (Sept. 29), Marcus Austin Thorpe turned himself in to Asheville police detectives at… |
David Forbes |
09/28/09 |
| Sheriff Duncan touts office’s efforts on immigration, drug seizures |
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is pursuing better coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify fugitives, Sheriff Van Duncan said today. The office is also stepping up its drug-seizure efforts. “We used to have a lot of problems identifying prisoners, because the FBI’s fingerprint systems and ICE’s system didn’t… |
David Forbes |
09/24/09 |
| Slain woman's DNA not found in hair and teeth |
DNA testing completed in March showed that hair and teeth taken from the home of Lewis Kyle Wilson last November do not match that of slain prostitute Kelly Lane Smith, Asheville police revealed recently. Wilson had been named a "person of interest" in the 2006 murder, and he remains in… |
David Forbes |
09/23/09 |
| Asheville Currency project seeks alternative money |
One day soon, perhaps by next fall, you'll be able to walk into a store and make a purchase with cash that's unique to Asheville. At least, that is, if the Asheville Currency Project has its way. The local group is researching ways to make a local tender work for… |
David Forbes |
09/23/09 |
| Woodfin pulls back from annexation plans |
The town of Woodfin backed away from a massive proposed annexation when the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously on Sept. 15 to indefinitely suspend the expansion. The move came after months of controversy, during which residents of the affected area — a 3.5-square-mile slice of Erwin Hills and Leicester —… |
David Forbes |
09/23/09 |
| Woodfin backs away from annexation plans |
The town of Woodfin backed away from a massive proposed annexation when the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously on Sept. 15 to indefinitely suspend the expansion. The move came after months of controversy, during which residents of the affected area — a 3.5-square-mile slice of Erwin Hills and Leicester —… |
David Forbes |
09/21/09 |
| Slain woman’s DNA not found on evidence |
DNA testing completed in March showed that hair and teeth taken from the home of Lewis Kyle Wilson last November do not match that of slain prostitute Kelly Lane Smith, Asheville police revealed recently. Wilson had been named a “person of interest” in the 2006 murder, and he remains in… |
David Forbes |
09/17/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners: Changing of the guard |
Frue replaces Connolly as county attorney County awards $2 million design contract for courthouse "life safety tower," the first step in $80 million expansion, renovation. Michael Frue has been Buncombe County's only full-time staff attorney since 2005. During that period he's worked on a number of controversial and high-profile cases,… |
David Forbes |
09/09/09 |
| Asheville firefighter named NC Firefighter of the Year |
Firefighter Jeremy Edmonds has been with the Asheville Fire Department since 1997, and in July, he became a captain. All fired up: Asheville Fire Department Capt. Jeremy Edmonds, recently awarded the North Carolina Firefighter of the Year award by his peers. Photo courtesy of Asheville Fire Department But an additional… |
David Forbes |
09/09/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners brief: Sept. 1 meeting |
For the first time in 20 years, Buncombe has a new county attorney. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Michael Frue, formerly the associate county attorney, to the job occupied for 20 years by Joe Connolly. Chair David Gantt praised Frue’s professionalism, and in some brief remarks, the… |
David Forbes |
09/02/09 |
| Montford group declares opposition to all I-26 plans |
In a statement issued Aug. 26, the Montford Neighborhood Association declared that each of the current proposals for the I-26 connector poses "a major threat to the quality of life in Asheville." The MNA asserts that the proposed design alternatives, including leading contenders 3 and 4b, have major flaws as… |
David Forbes |
09/02/09 |
| Shuler opposes health-care bill but says reform is needed |
Rep. Heath Shuler was in Asheville on Aug. 28, fielding questions from citizens on the radio and speaking to local businesspeople. He reaffirmed his opposition to health-care-reform legislation currently before the U.S. House of Representatives but said, "We've got to have reform." In the firing line: Rep. Heath Shuler fields… |
David Forbes |
09/02/09 |
| Buncombe Commissioners preview: Lawyers, flu and money |
Appointing a new county attorney, $2 million to design a “life safety tower” on the courthouse and bracing for the coming flu season all await the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners at its meeting Tuesday. Word came earlier this month that long-time county attorney Joe Connolly, who has occupied the… |
David Forbes |
08/31/09 |
| Shuler opposes health care legislation, but says “we’ve got to have reform” |
Rep. Heath Shuler was in Asheville on Aug. 28, fielding questions from citizens on the radio and speaking to local businesspeople. He reaffirmed his opposition to health-care-reform legislation currently before the U.S. House of Representatives but said, “We’ve got to have reform.” The whip for the caucus of conservative Blue… |
David Forbes |
08/28/09 |
| Rep. Heath Shuler’s comments on WWNC regarding Health Insurance |
Heath Shuler appeared on Matt Mittan’s talk-radio show today. Below is the combined series of live-Twitter transmissions by Xpress reporter David Forbes, who was in the studio. Rep. Heath Shuler: Tele-town halls “much more civil” than in-person public forums. — 3:38 pm Shuler: Health care a right for “certain populations”… |
David Forbes |
08/27/09 |
| One more step |
The last time the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners took one of the many steps required to reinstate zoning throughout the county, they faced a roomful of zoning opponents, many demanding a referendum. The shape of things to come (maybe): The proposed zoning map for Buncombe County, which the Buncombe… |
David Forbes |
08/26/09 |
| Firefighter accused in cyclist shooting no longer employed by city |
Firefighter Charles Alexander Diez, facing felony assault charges for allegedly shooting at cyclist Alan Simons's head last month, is no longer employed by the city of Asheville. City staff would not reveal whether Diez was fired or chose to leave. Diez's employment with the Asheville Fire Department ended on Aug.… |
David Forbes |
08/26/09 |
