listen live
Tyler Sams

ON AIR STAFF
Tyler Sams
full schedule

on the air
clear sky 53° Mar 28's Weather
Clear
HI: 56° LOW: 51°
Your Forecast

News

 Among the first teams to put cleats to grass Monday for the start of football practice was North Henderson. The Knights hit the field at 8:00 am, streaking the morning dew as they began preparations for what they hope will be a bounce-back year.

"We had probably the best offseason since I've been here," noted head coach Jim Beatty. "Got bigger, stronger, faster in the spring with weight training and had great turnouts for the summer. Kids are dedicated, been showing up, and I think they're hungry."

Last year left a sour taste in their mouths as the Knights battled the injury bug en route to a 3-7 record. Among the injured was three-year starting quarterback Jaxon Willis, who has now moved on to the college ranks. Replacing him is senior Mason Fowler.

"He's done all the work we've asked him to do," praised Beatty. "He's come in the mornings to work on his technique, throwing mechanics, and all that stuff. And then he's done a great job this offseason you know leading and getting us ready."

Fowler won't be going at it alone, though. The Knights believe they have three running backs ready to contribute, led by Zion Fauntleroy-McDaniel who paced the team with 218 yards in 2022. Mason Gasperson, a junior, was right behind him with 164 yards.

Those three will have to hit their stride out of the gate as North Henderson faces county rival Hendersonville in the first game of the season.

"We've got to get on a roll early," stressed Beatty, whose schedule follows up with Rosman, Owen, and West Henderson before conference play begins. "We're going to have to be able to run the ball this year. We've got three good tailbacks and the offensive line is experienced, so we've got to run the ball."

On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights will hope to improve on a 31.3 points per game mark. Several starters return, including linebackers Keith Payne and Zach McCraw.

A big factor, literally and figuratively, upfront will be Reese Meadows. "He's really come a long way. He's starting to fill in and just doing things we knew he was capable of doing," said Beatty.

The Knight and Bearcats start their respective seasons on August 18th at North's Glenn C. Marlow Stadium.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSNorth Henderson bringing experience into 2023 | WLOS

 

 The Hendersonville Police Department is reaching out to the public to help find a lost animal's owner.

The department wrote on Facebook that officers had found a sheep in the Wolfpen community on 64 East around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, Aug. 1.

The sheep is safe and sound with Hendersonville police at the moment, but they're asking the public to spread the word to help find its owner.

Anyone who knows anything about the sheep's rightful owner can call dispatch at 828-697-3025.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSDo 'ewe' recognize this sheep? Hendersonville police looking for animal's owner | WLOS

 Saturday’s severe thunderstorms caused widespread damage across Western North Carolina and the Upstate, including downed trees and powerlines that left thousands of people without power.

News 13 received responses from many viewers who thought a tornado caused their damage. However, none of the severe thunderstorms on Saturday were tornadic. Many of those storms did produce straight-line winds, which can be as damaging as a tornado.

Tornadoes involve rotating winds within a thunderstorm. Straight-line wind is a term used by meteorologists to describe any wind within a thunderstorm that is non-rotating. This includes unidirectional winds and downbursts, an outward burst of strong winds at or near the surface.

Damage patterns provide some clues to the type of storm. For example, if several trees came down by straight-line winds, they would lie in the same direction in nearly parallel rows. A downburst would produce damage in a radial pattern.

Tornado damage is more scattered. For example, trees falling in different directions indicate the thunderstorm had rotating wind.

Straight-line wind damage is much more common than tornado damage.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSWas it a tornado? Here's the difference between a twister and straight-line winds | WLOS

Heads up, stargazers! August will be a great month for moon lovers. That's because two supermoons are on the way.

The first one will be here to kick off the month on Tuesday, Aug. 1, called the "Sturgeon Moon." Peak illumination will be around 2:30 in the afternoon. For Western North Carolina, the best chance to see the full moon will be after moonrise -- just after 9 p.m. Tuesday evening in the southeastern sky.

Sturgeon is considered a supermoon because it appears slightly brighter and bigger than normal. In fact, supermoons are about 16% brighter than an average full moon. This is because the moon is closer than normal at 222,159 miles away.

A few mountain showers will be possible Tuesday afternoon which could result in some cloud debris in the sky around moonrise However, visibility shouldn't be an issue to catch a glimpse of the full moon.

According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the Sturgeon Moon is named as such because "the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer."

The next full moon comes at the end of the month on Aug. 30. This will be considered a "Blue Moon" since it is the second full moon of the month.

This time, the moon will be even closer. A blue moon won't happen again until May 2026.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSLook up! Double dose of supermoons in store for August | WLOS

 Hospitals across North Carolina are reporting a slight uptick of COVID-19 cases.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) data, every region but the mountains, Region 6, recently saw a slight increase in COVID hospitalizations.

In Henderson County, AdventHealth Chief Medical Officer Teresa Herbert says those being admitted for other conditions have also tested positive for COVID. Dr. Herbert expects a new COVID booster for fall.

“We are expecting there will be a new monovalent COVID vaccine coming out this fall that will protect against the XBB strains that have been circulating," Herbert told News 13. "Right now, the XBB strains are highly contagious but they're not causing serious illness."

Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax will release the new vaccine that targets the omicron subvariant. Health officials caution it will be an uphill battle to get people to consider another booster vaccine.

As students head back to the classroom, area health departments and doctor's offices are encouraging parents to check their child’s health records.

Immunizations offer a shield of protection for the entire community. Health officials say during the pandemic,many didn't keep up with their vaccination records. That puts everyone at risk.

“I am concerned our immunization rate has fallen significantly, not just here but across the country," Dr. Herbert said. "So, I'm worried for the winter we'll start seeing an increase in vaccine preventable illnesses."

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) and Measles are just two examples of diseases preventable with immunizations. Many mountains health departments are offering clinics leading up to the start of school with walk-in availability to ensure your child gets immunized.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSNC hospitals see slight rise in COVID cases, new booster vaccine anticipated for fall | WLOS

 

 Vibrio, a bacteria found in salty water and raw or undercooked shellfish, has killed three North Carolina residents so far this summer.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) issued a statement about the deaths on Friday, July 28, and explained the dangers of swimming in saltwater or brackish water with open wounds or cuts.

Vibrio cases in North Carolina are rare, according to state health officials, with most cases reported during the warmed months -- between June and September. However, reports of the bacteria have increased over the decades, with its geographic range spreading up the East Coast as water temperatures rise.

Health officials say the three most recent Vibrio-related deaths happened in July 2023.

"Two of the three cases had scratches that were exposed to brackish water in North Carolina and another east coast state," a news release said. "The third case also had brackish water exposure in North Carolina, however, the individual also consumed personally caught seafood that was not shared nor commercially distributed."

No links have been found between the cases and the areas where they were likely exposed to the bacteria, and the public health investigation remains ongoing, NCDHHS said.

According to NCDHHS, since 2019, eight of the 47 reported Vibrio cases among North Carolina residents have been fatal. While healthy individuals typically develop mild illness, Vibrio infections can be severe or life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease.

State health officials say if you start to see signs of a skin infection after contact with brackish waters or seawater, you should contact your health care provider.

Other symptoms of Vibrio infection can include:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach pain
  • vomiting
  • nausea
  • fever
  • chills

 

NCDHHS recommends the following steps to reduce your likelihood of exposure and infection:

  • If you have a wound (including from a recent surgery, piercing or tattoo), stay out of saltwater or brackish water, if possible. This includes wading at the beach.
  • Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it could come into contact with saltwater, brackish water or raw or undercooked seafood.
  • If you sustain any type of wound while in salt or brackish water (e.g., cutting your hand on a boat propeller or crab pot) immediately get out of the water and wash with soap and water.
  • Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water after contact with saltwater, brackish water or raw seafood.
  • Thoroughly cook all shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOShttps://wlos.com/news/local/gallery/vibrio-infections-kill-3-north-carolina-residents-bacteria-2023-summer-symptoms-saltwater-shellfish-open-wounds-beach-seafood?photo=3

NC License Plate Agency, located at 145 Four Seasons Mall Hendersonville, will be closing early three days next week.

Monday, July 31st will be regular hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (August 1, 2, & 3) our hours will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

On Friday, August 4th, we will resume regular hours, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

 

 On May 30, 2023, the Henderson County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a residential breaking and entering in the Hutch Mountain Road area of Henderson County. The incident involved the theft of valuable property, including three vehicles, one utility trailer, numerous firearms, and various other items. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office Property Crimes Unit, recognized for its expertise, was immediately deployed to conduct a comprehensive investigation, gather evidence, and conduct interviews.

Through an intensive and diligent investigation, the Property Crimes Unit successfully recovered a substantial portion of the stolen property, including two vehicles and twenty-two firearms. Additionally, the detectives were able to identify and locate five individuals connected to this incident, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.

The following individuals have been formally charged in connection with the crimes related to this incident:

  •             Austin Evenson Bower (Age 34) - Henderson County Resident
    •             Felony Breaking or Enter of a Building (X4)
    •             Felony Conspiracy (X2)
    •             Felony Breaking or Entering a Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Larceny After Break/Enter (X3)
    •             Felony Larceny of Firearm (X14)
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Firearm (X15)
    •             Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense
    •             Felony Larceny
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Goods/Property
  •             Dakota Alex Searcy (Age 27) - Henderson County Resident
    •             Felony Breaking or Enter of a Building (X2)
    •             Felony Larceny After Break/Enter
    •             Felony Breaking or Entering a Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Conspiracy (X4)
    •             Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Firearm (X3)
    •             Felony Attempt to Obtain Property by False Pretense
  •             Cheyenne Dakota Pressley (Age 27) - Henderson County Resident
    •             Felony Conspiracy
    •             Felony Breaking or Entering a Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Obtaining Property by False Pretense
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Firearm
    •             Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
  •             Nathan Christopher Hiles (Age 49) - Buncombe County Resident
    •             Felony Breaking or Enter of a Building
    •             Felony Breaking or Entering a Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle
    •             Felony Conspiracy
    •             Felony Possession of Stolen Firearm

Detectives have also obtained the following warrants on Douglas Ricky Harris (Age 49) - Buncombe County Resident

  • Felony Breaking or Enter of a Building, 
  • Felony Breaking or Entering a Motor Vehicle, 
  • Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle, 
  • Felony Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle 
  • Felony Conspiracy.

Harris is presently WANTED by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on the above warrants, anyone with information as to his whereabouts is ask to contact the HCSO at 828.697.4911 or use the “Submit A Tip” on the Sheriff’s Office Mobile App.

Sheriff Lowell Griffin commends the diligent efforts of the Henderson County Sheriff's Office Property Crimes Unit and expresses gratitude to the community for their cooperation during this investigation. The Sheriff's Office will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the law and protect our citizens from criminal activities.

Spartanburg — (WLOS) As they have every season since their inception in 1995, the Carolina Panthers began training camp Wednesday on the campus at Wofford College. New head coach Frank Reich was on that first team 28 years ago, but even three decades doesn't change the early challenges of players fighting for roster spots.

"Like those old Ali vs Frazier, you know. There's a tempo that you fight with," Reich said. "Sometimes you turn the tempo up, sometimes you turn the tempo down. And sometimes you're just trying to get out of the round and survive. And sometimes you've got 'em on the ropes and you put your foot on the gas. So, that's kind of the way we look at it."

Reich isn't the only prominent new face on the Panthers. Top overall draft pick Bryce Young, who was officially labeled "QB1" by Reich today, entered his first training camp.

"I wouldn't say it was nerves today, more just being anxious," Young explained. "I was excited to be back out here. You go a couple of weeks without it, you start to miss it. Being out here in this environment, amazing environment, amazing fans."

Promoted Links
How Malware Infections Can Wreck Your Life
topantivirusoffers.com
"Bryce will fool you now, because he's got this quiet demeanor," laughed Reich. "But I like the way Scott [Fitterer] said it, this is a grown man."

By all accounts Young looked sharp in his debut in front of Panthers fans. He completed his first three passes in team drills, two of which went to offseason acquisition Adam Thielen. He also connected on four of his last five, although a string of three misses was mixed in during group drills.

The highlight of the day was a nearly 40-yard completed to D.J. Chark where Young split coverage.

Story courtesy of WLOS-TV 13

 The Hendersonville Police Department is asking for feedback on the services the agency provides to the community. A short survey will be available online for the next two months where community members can give input on their interactions and observations of the department.

“We are committed to serving with excellence and one way we accomplish this is seeing how well we are doing and what we can do to improve,” said Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand. “The survey gives us an opportunity to gauge how the public views the quality of service we are providing.”

Chief Myhand explained the department launched a PowerEngage community engagement system last year that asks callers and those directly interacting with staff on calls to provide feedback via text surveys specific to their incident or report. This online survey is not tied to a specific police response, has a broader set of questions, and is open to any community member who would like to give input.

The survey is being conducted as part of the police department’s Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation process.

Visit https://publicinput.com/hpd2023 to provide feedback before September 30th. A survey in Spanish is also available at https://publicinput.com/hpd2023spanish.