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The Henderson County Education Foundation is hard at work, putting together yet another exciting line-up for 2024, as they are accepting nominations for the Education Foundation's Hall of Fame. This organization 

highlights and recognizes those outstanding individuals who have exhibited, and demonstrated utmost influence, while contributing to the world of education in the Hendersonville area. Those nominees may include, 

educators, teaching assistants, bus drivers, amongst other valuable positions within the school system which deserve to be honored through the foundation. Since 2003, 148 educators have been inducted. If you would

like to make a nomination, please visit Improving the educational experience of our students | HCEF Henderson County Educational Foundation, NC (hcefnc.org).

 

STORY BY WHKP'S TYLER SAMS.

 

Filing opens December for seats for various offices began December 4 and continues through noon the 15th.

Changes adopted by the Legislature made the Henderson County School Board a partisan election and moved city elections from odd- to even-numbered years. Filing began at noon December 4 and ends at noon Dec. 15.

Depending on the office sought, candidates will file their notice of candidacy and pay filing fees either at their county board of elections office or with the State Board of Elections at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The 2024 primary election is March 5. The general election is Nov. 5.

Here are seats on local governing board on the ballot next year and current occupants:

Board of Commissioners: Daniel Andreotta, District 2; David Hill, District 5.
School Board: Blair Craven, chair, unaffiliated; Republicans Kathy Revis and Robert Bridges; Democrat Stacey Caskey.
Hendersonville: Jennifer Hensley, Lyndsey Simpson.
Flat Rock: Nick Weedman (mayor), Tom Carpenter (district 1), Anne Coletta (district 2), David Dethero (district 3).
Fletcher: Keith Reid (district 2), Bob Davy (district 3).
Laurel Park: Carey O’Cain (mayor), George Banta, Kristin Dunn.
Mills River: Jeff Young, Randy Austin.
Saluda: Stan Walker, Melanie Talbot.
Federal and state offices on the ballot include:

U.S. House of Representatives (Districts 1-14)
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
State Auditor
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Insurance
Commissioner of Labor
Secretary of State
Superintendent of Public Instruction
State Treasurer
N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice (Seat 6)
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge (Seats 12, 14, and 15)
Superior Court Judge (various districts)
District Court Judge (various districts)
District Attorney (Districts 12, 29, 32, and 37)

 U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today introduced the No Representation Without Legal Immigration Act to prohibit anyone who is not a United States citizen from counting toward the population totals that determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The No Representation Without Legal Immigration Act would take effect following the 2030 decennial census and any censuses thereafter, and would achieve the following:

  • Prohibit the U.S. Census Bureau from counting non-U.S. citizens toward population totals that determine the number of representatives each state is given in the U.S. House.
  • Nullify President Joe Biden’s “Executive Order on Ensuring a Lawful and Accurate Enumeration and Apportionment Pursuant to the Decennial Census,” which ordered that illegal immigrants and non-permanent residents be counted in the total population used to determine the number of House seats for each state (Jan. 20, 2021).

“The No Representation Without Legal Immigration Act is a commonsense solution to restore and strengthen our democracy by making sure that only American citizens – not immigrants who are ineligible to vote – determine the number of congressional seats each state has,” said Congressman Edwards“Congressional representation affects our policies, our people and the course of our nation’s history. Americans deserve representation that accurately reflects the number of persons actually eligible to vote in each state.”

A 2020 Pew Research study found that according to the 2020 Census data, Texas, Florida and California would each lose one congressional seat, and Alabama, Minnesota and Ohio would each gain one congressional seat if unauthorized immigrants were not included in the population count.

Endorsements:

  • Heritage Action
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform

On Christmas Day, Bounty of Bethlehem opens its doors for all to dine in or collect a hot, fresh meal and providing volunteer opportunities to the community.

 

The community is invited to support Bounty of Bethlehem through financial contributions, donations of food or volunteering. 

 

All food donations should be brought to the host site, the Salvation Army, between 10 am and 4 pm. The collection of turkeys and hams takes place Dec.19-21. Single-serve desserts will be accepted Dec. 2-25.

 

This 40th year of the event - Bounty of Bethlehem  - is partnering with the Community Foundation of Henderson County to allow for tax-deductible contributions, Annamarie Jakubielski, director of Bounty of Bethlehem, announced.

 

In 2022, Bounty of Bethlehem served 2,189 meals, including deliveries to shut-ins, law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, to-go meals and guests who dined at the beautifully decorated Salvation Army location on Third Avenue East.

 

'FLAT ROCK — For the next three Saturdayls from 10 am til 1 pm the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site will celebrate “Christmas at Connemara” with free programs.

 

Each Saturday will feature a different topic and craft:

Saturday, Dec. 2: Wings and Whimsey fairies will delight audiences with reading of Carl Sandburg’s story “Corn Fairies” at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Zephyr the fairy is coming to tell a very special tale of the Corn Fairies by Carl Sandburg! Who better to tell fairy tales than a fairy? Stick around to make a corn fairy doll ornament.
Saturday, Dec. 9: Chimney Rock State Park staff will present a live animal show with Birds of Prey and other critters at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Afterwards, enjoy making a holiday bird feeder to hang.
Saturday, Dec. 16: Ronnie Pepper will inspire audiences with storytelling about heritage and holidays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Then, make a globe ornament filled with special finds for the tree.

Christmas at Connemara is supported by the National Park Service, the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Eastern National (the non-profit partner that operates the park store) and the North Carolina Arts Council.

In addition, tours of the Sandburg Home will feature holiday decorations in the simple style of the Sandburg family, with greenery, a Christmas tree and poinsettias. The Sandburg Home will be decorated for the season through Jan. 6. House tour tickets can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Tours are at 11 a.m., noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Due to the tour’s popularity, advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

A free park shuttle runs from the main parking lot on Little River Road to the farm area, Sandburg Home and grounds. Allow at least 20 minutes to walk or shuttle to any park program or building. The shuttle operates on the days and times the Park Store/Visitor Center and Sandburg Home are open: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These are also the only days that America the Beautiful and other nationwide park passes are sold in the visitor center. At other times get one here.

Visitors with mobility concerns are strongly urged to visit when the shuttle is running. Go here for limited accessibility options on other days.

 

Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) announces the “Celebrating 30 Years TOGETHER” campaign and logo today, as the district commemorates its 30th Anniversary of the merger that established today’s thriving HCPS family.

“Celebrating 30 Years TOGETHER” honors the collaborative work within HCPS that has propelled it to be one of North Carolina’s leading public school districts with innovative student opportunities, talented and dedicated staff, award-winning schools – and a proud community.

Current and former students, families, and staff are encouraged to participate in “Celebrating 30 Years TOGETHER” by visiting the 30th Anniversary website, https://30.hcpsnc.com, and sharing pictures and videos of their journeys through HCPS on social media with the hashtag #HCPS30YearsTogether or #HCPS30.

Although education in Henderson County dates back as far as 1797 to Mills River Academy’s one-room schoolhouse, the school district that currently educates more than 12,500 students in Western North Carolina was officially established in 1993 through the merger of Hendersonville City Schools and Henderson County Schools.

Since then, HCPS student enrollment has grown by 20%, becoming the largest employer in Henderson County. The district has multiplied and diversified its educational opportunities for students and broadened its impact on families through an expanded network of services and supports.

Over the years, HCPS students have benefitted from elevated programming and services, including the Spanish dual language immersion program at Bruce Drysdale Elementary, grade-level outdoor education and water safety programs, school-based health centers, robotics teams, robust work-based-learning opportunities and apprenticeships through local industry partnerships, universal no-cost meals during the school year, and “Meals on the Bus” mobile feeding sites in the summer.

Today, HCPS includes 23 schools, 11 of which have been built or renovated in the last 30 years. This includes the Innovative High School established in 2017 on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College, home to the Career Academy and Early College. Thirteen HCPS schools implement the Leader In Me whole-school student leadership model, including North Carolina’s first high school to earn the Lighthouse School designation by FranklinCovey Education.

With exceptionally high student graduation rates and nationally recognized percentages of teachers who are National Board Certified, HCPS has demonstrated a history of growing dedicated leaders at both the student and professional levels.

Since 2010, HCPS has been home to four Western Region Principals of the Year (2010, 2015, 2016, 2022) and one North Carolina Principal of the Year (2010) through the Wells Fargo North Carolina Teacher of the Year Program, and a North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year for the Western Region (2022).

“There is a rich history of education in Henderson County that we all benefit from and share. The merger of Hendersonville City Schools and Henderson County Schools in 1993 is the watershed event that created Henderson County Public Schools, laying the foundation for the many successes over the past 30 years. We want the community to celebrate alongside us as we honor our past and focus on our future,” said Superintendent Mark R. Garrett.

“Public schools have long been the backbone of this nation, this state, and this community. We are proud to serve every citizen of Henderson County as your Henderson County Public Schools. Here’s to the next 30 years!”

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An early morning fire claimed not only the home of one Mills River couple, but also their beloved pet as well.

GoFundMe that was created in support explained that Mason and Lily Crofut’s home ignited in flames early Monday morning, Nov. 27, with their belongings and animals inside.

While they rushed to get all of their animals downstairs and out of the house, they lost their two-year-old beagle, Fred.

Mills River Fire Chief Rick Livingston said that they were dispatched to the fire at 12:07 a.m. on Monday morning. The home on Boylston Highway in Mills River was in flames upon arrival.

“My first arriving unit found heavy fire, it was a two story home and we found heavy fire coming from the first floor, also the second floor,” Chief Livingston said.

He added that they were able to rescue the couples’ two goats; one of the goats, Norman, neighbors said actually woke the couple up to the fire.

While both Mason and Lily did make it out of the home without serious injury, they did lose an important member of the family.

“Our hearts go out to them," Chief Livingston expressed. "You know that dog was obviously just like a member of their family."

He said that one of the owners did have some first-degree facial burns.

“He attempted to go back inside the residence I believe to attempt to rescue the dog,” he said.

Chief Livingston said that he had moderate burns but nothing serious.

The home, Livingston described is a large burn that has been converted into a home.

“The living area was on the upstairs of the second floor area of the structure, it’s destroyed for the most part,” he explained.

He said that there is also heavy water and smoke damage to the first floor as well.

“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to them. It's something that in the fire service we hate to deal with, any loss of life, whether it’s pets or humans, either one,” the chief added.

He said that they have found what they believed to be the cause of the fire.

“It was a chimney fire which basically ignited the wall of the home,” he explained.

As the weather gets colder, Chief Livingston said that they typically see more structure fires from heating sources and that chimney fires are no exception.

He advised people to have their chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep.

Livingston also encouraged the community to help the Crofuts’ if they’re able.

“We’re closing in on the holiday time of the year, we just wanna help these folks all we can,” he expressed.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSCommunity rallies to support Mills River couple who lost home and pet in tragic fire | WLOS

 

Texas A&M hired Duke footbal coach Mike Elko to lead the Aggies on Monday, replacing Jimbo Fisher with his former defensive coordinator for four years in College Station.

Elko left the Aggies to take his first head football coaching job at Duke after the 2021 season and went 16-9 in two seasons. The Blue Devils had won just 10 games combined the three previous years.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WLOS) — After a 1-10 start to his first season at the helm, Panthers owner David Tepper announced Monday that head coach Frank Reich has been fired.

Special Teams Coordinator Chris Tabor will serve as the interim coach, Senior Assistant Jim Caldwell will move to Special Advisor working with the offense, and Offensive Coordinator Thomas Brown will take over play-calling duties.

 

The Panthers lost to Tennessee Sunday, leaving the team with a 0-6 road game record for the season.


“You think somebody’s gonna magically fix everything? No," Reich said. "We lost a close football game today. These games are winnable. That message doesn’t fly when you’re 1-10 but I know these games are winnable, I know we have the players and the coaches to do that so we regroup and get ready for this week.”

 

STORY AND PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOShttps://wlos.com/sports/content/panthers-frank-reich-owner-david-tepper-announces-head-coach-firing-after-dismal-season-start#

 

On November 24, 2023, at approximately 2:36 AM, Hendersonville Police Officers were dispatched to Orchard Bar & Grill at Henderson Crossing in reference to a disturbance involving gunshots in the parking lot.

Upon arrival, Officers located a deceased male on the ground in the parking lot who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. A firearm believed to belong to the deceased was located and secured by Officers.

The deceased male has been identified as 30-year-old Elijah Edward Timmons III of Asheville. The preliminary investigation has revealed that Timmons was engaged in an altercation with a suspect before he was fatally shot. The suspect remains at large; however, this is believed to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to public safety.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact Lt. Bonanno with the Hendersonville Police Department at (828) 697-3025. Tips may also be submitted through the Hendersonville Police Department App which can be downloaded from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store by searching “Hendersonville PD.”