WHKP once again 'took to the road' with a SATURAY afternoon LIVE BROADCAST with host Tyler Sams and WHKP's Advertising Manager, April McMurray broadcasting from Hendersonville Nissan in a big-wrap up of their BIG CINCO de MAYO SALES EVENT.
Your firm can get on the reserved list of WHKP LIVE BROADCASTS by checking in with April McMurray (
FAIRVIEW, N.C. (WLOS) — Three people were found dead Thursday evening after deputies responded to a welfare check at a home in Fairview. Two suspects – including the 16-year-old daughter of two of the deceased victims – have been charged with murder, authorities said.
“They’re charged with a Class A Felony, that has potential in the state of North Carolina, either the death penalty or life imprisonment,” Major John Ledford with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said during a press conference Friday, May 8.
Patrol deputies with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office were called to 18 Ashworth Drive around 7:15 p.m. Thursday, May 7. When they entered the home, they found three people deceased, the sheriff's office said. Authorities confirmed the three victims were found with gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified as 41-year-old Travis Eugene Grant, 42-year-old Kimberly Michelle Grant and 66-year-old Sharon Harwood Grant. Authorities said Travis and Kimberly Grant were married, and that Sharon Grant was Travis' mother.
Detectives later determined that 16-year-old Star Grant, who lives at the Ashworth Drive residence, was missing and unaccounted for. On Friday morning, May 8, authorities said the teenage girl was located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, accompanied by an adult male.
Star Grant and 28-year-old Devan Loving, the man authorities said she was found with in Gatlinburg, were identified as the suspects. They are both charged with three counts of first-degree murder, as well as one count each of felony conspiracy to commit murder, Buncombe County authorities confirmed during a press conference on Friday, May 8.
Star Grant is the daughter of Travis and Kimberly Grant, law enforcement officials confirmed.
“Information we have received, she is the daughter of the couple and the granddaughter of the deceased, older deceased person,” Ledford said.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office released a mugshot of Loving late Friday. The Tennessee sheriff’s office said it had no information or mugshot for Grant, citing that she is a juvenile and would be in custody at the Sevier County Juvenile Detention Center.
Despite her age, Star will be charged as an adult. Additionally, the nature of her relationship with Loving is not known at this time.
According to court records, Loving has a prior history with law enforcement. In March 2018, he was charged with simple assault; however, the charges were dropped by the district attorney.
Court records say Star Grant was adopted by the 41-year-old victim, Travis Grant, in 2019. Previous court records also state that Travis was married twice before, once to one of the other victims, Kimberly Grant, for whom records say they divorced in 2004.
Star Grant and Devan Loving will face an extradition hearing in Tennessee before being brought to Buncombe County, local authorities confirmed.
Thursday’s disturbing discovery came after two other welfare check calls earlier this week, the sheriff's office said.
“The deputies responded out there, went to the residence. Through their time there and investigation, they did not develop enough information to force entry into the residence. We have to be able to articulate exigency there and the information at that time just did not exist,” BCSO Captain Dustan Auldredge said during Friday's press conference.
So far, it’s not clear what the suspects were doing in Tennessee.
“That’s what the investigation will determine, why they were in Gatlinburg. The two defendants who are charged are both Buncombe County residents,” Major Ledford said.
As for how long the suspects were in Tennessee, Auldredge said it is believed they were there “more than a few days,” but the total length of time is still under investigation.
STORY COURTESY OF WLOS TV-13
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A Hendersonville man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the early-morning hours of May 8.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Kevin Wayne Bryan, 63, was pronounced dead on the scene after troopers arrived at U.S. 64, just West of the Hendersonville city limits at 6:57 a.m.
The Highway Patrol reported that a Toyota 4runner traveling East on U.S. 64 traveled left of center and off the left shoulder of the roadway. After traveling off the roadway, the vehicle struck a tree and came to rest.
The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle, the Highway Patrol said in its report.
One person is dead after a vehicle chase ended in a crash in Polk County Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol said 31-year-old Willie Gist of Spartanburg, South Carolina, died after a single-vehicle crash along Hunting Country Road.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post a deputy initiated a traffic stop around 1:30 p.m. on Landrum Road when the driver of the suspect vehicle fled.
A chase ensued through the city of Landrum, according to the sheriff’s office.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the driver of the suspect vehicle lost control in a curve, ran off the road to the right and went down an embankment. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff's office said Hunting Country Road was closed between Carriage Row and Cherokee Hill Lane as crews responded to the scene. Troopers confirmed that the road has since reopened.
STORY COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS.
Haley Caroline Marshall, a rising senior at East Henderson High School, has been named Apple Ambassador for the 2026 North Carolina Apple Festival. Marshall will attend all four days of the festival and will also represent the festival at the NC Mountain State Fair. In addition to these responsibilities, the Apple Ambassador and first runner-up are awarded the Evelyn Lutz Hill Memorial Scholarship, which honors Hill’s longtime service to the North Carolina Apple Growers Association.
Haley is the daughter of Jason Marshall and the late Ashley Marshall. She will receive a $2,000 scholarship upon her graduation from high school in May 2026. She will also graduate with her Associate’s Degree from Blue Ridge Community College. Upon graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university to study Early Childhood Education.
“It is a true honor to be named the 2026 North Carolina Apple Festival Ambassador. I have always dreamed of being part of the Apple Ambassador float, and I remember riding on the Pat’s School of Dance float as a young dancer, which makes this moment even more special,” Marshall said. “Being able to go from that experience to now serving as Ambassador feels like a meaningful accomplishment, and I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent our community.”
This year’s first runner-up is Brenlee Addison Rhodes, daughter of Teri and Brent Rhodes, a student at Hendersonville High School. She will receive a $1,500 scholarship and will also participate in events at this year’s festival.
Julie Ann Smithson of East Henderson High School; Olivia M. Bridges of Hendersonville High School; and Jacqueline Ramirez Guevara and Caitlyn Julieanne Murphy of North Henderson High School were also chosen to represent their schools for interviews and to join Marshall and Rhodes at the festival and on this year’s Apple Ambassador float.
The Apple Ambassador program is open annually to rising seniors in Henderson County. Applicants are required to submit transcripts, a list of activities, letters of recommendation, and an essay on the Apple Festival and the importance of the apple industry to the region. The Apple Ambassador is selected through this application process and an interview.
The 80th North Carolina Apple Festival, presented by AdventHealth, will take place Labor Day weekend (September 4–7, 2026) in downtown Hendersonville and will celebrate eight decades of honoring apple growers and the agricultural heritage of Henderson County and beyond.
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Cody Merriman, a fourth-grade teacher at Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School was named Henderson County Public Schools’ 2026 Teacher of the Year on Tuesday at the annual award luncheon sponsored by AdventHealth and Boyd Chevrolet.
Mr. Merriman is known for creating a dynamic, student-centered classroom where strong relationships and engaging instruction drive student success. By combining hands-on learning experiences with thoughtful integration of technology, he ensures that all students can connect with content in meaningful and lasting ways. “I believe students learn best when they feel valued, supported, and actively involved in the learning process,” he said.
“Mr. Merriman exemplifies the very best of public education,” said HCPS Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “His commitment to building relationships, fostering student engagement, and continuously refining his practice reflects a deep dedication to both his students and the teaching profession. He represents the excellence we strive for across Henderson County Public Schools.”
A graduate of Old Dominion University, Mr. Merriman holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and brings 14 years of teaching experience to his role, including 11 years with Henderson County Public Schools. His passion for teaching was sparked early on by an inspiring high school English teacher and later solidified through his work with children, where he discovered the lasting impact educators can have on students’ lives. He is a National Board Certified Teacher, having most recently renewed his certification in December 2025, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional excellence and growth.
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Merriman plays an active role in strengthening both his school and the broader community. He manages his school’s social media presence to celebrate student success and connect families with resources, serves on the yearbook committee, and helps lead the school’s talent show and after-school running club. As co-chair of the Better Together Committee, he promotes multicultural awareness and inclusion, and he is currently leading the development of a school-wide student leadership initiative.
“My goal as an educator is to create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, grow, and believe in their potential,” Mr. Merriman shared. “When students know they are cared for, they are more willing to engage and succeed.”
Following Tuesday’s ceremony, Mr. Merriman returned to Glenn C. Marlow Elementary for a surprise celebration. Fourth-grade students greeted him outside the school with posters, pom-poms, and even a sign featuring his face, while the entire school lined the hallways to cheer him on. High-fives, applause, and chants of “Go Mr. Merriman!” filled the building in recognition of his impact on the school community.
“Mr. Merriman is the kind of teacher every student hopes to have,” said Principal John Hart."His passion for teaching, commitment to his students, and leadership among his peers make a lasting impact on our entire school community. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized as Henderson County Teacher of the Year—an honor that is truly well deserved.”
Like all school-level honorees, Merriman was nominated by his peers and selected through a competitive process that included interviews with a panel of educators, administrators, and community members.
As the 2026 Teacher of the Year, Merriman will receive a commemorative plaque, $1,000 gifted by AdventHealth Hendersonville, and $4,500 gifted by Boyd Chevrolet.
Clemson University officials said Saturday night's George Strait COUNTRY MUSIC concert brought the largest crowd in stadium history.
Officials said 90,037 fans were in attendance to see the King of Country. This total surpassed the stadium record of 86,000 in 1999 when the football team played Florida State University.
The last concert held in Death Valley was in 1999 and just so happened to be headlined by George Strait, according to the university.
MURPHY, N.C. (WLOS) — A 23-year-old singer from western North Carolina has officially been eliminated from Season 24 of "American Idol."
Murphy native Braden Rumfelt, who made it to the Top 5 of the competition reality show last week, was voted out during the live semifinals episode on Monday, May 4. He was eliminated alongside fellow contestant Chris Tungseth.
The Top 3 contestants of Season 24 are Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson and Jordan McCullough.
Rumfelt took the stage Monday night to perform a cover of "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims, with "Dancing with the Stars" dancers Witney Carson and Jan Ravnik joining him on stage during his performance.
The western North Carolina singer also sang a duet cover of Queen's "The Show Must Go On" with Paris Bennett, a former contestant of American Idol during its fifth season.
The grand finale is next Monday, May 11th at 8 PM on WLOS--TV13
STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV13.
The 34th Garden Jubilee, presented by Stuller Power Solutions, is set for Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 from 9am to 5pm over Memorial Day weekend. With more than 150 plant and craft vendors filling Main Street, Downtown Hendersonville will once again be transformed into a vibrant garden-inspired destination.
The event features a wide variety of local and regional nurseries, orchards, and artisans offering everything from annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs, trees, and vegetables to rare plants and unique handmade goods. Visitors can also explore the newest gardening tools and landscaping ideas at the Lowe’s Outdoor Experience, located at the south end of the festival.
Local shops and restaurants throughout downtown will be open to welcome visitors for shopping and dining. On Saturday, May 23, the Hendersonville Farmers Market will also be taking place nearby from 8am to 1pm. at the 7th Avenue Historic Train Depot, just a short walk from the festivities.
The Garden Jubilee Speaker Showcase kicks off on Saturday, May 23 and continues through the weekend, beginning each day at 10:15am. at the Historic Courthouse Plaza on Main Street. Attendees can enjoy presentations from nationally and regionally recognized speakers covering a range of engaging gardening topics. New for this year, Sunday will include storytelling for the first time, bringing a new dimension to the program.
The Speaker Showcase schedule includes:
Saturday, May 23
10:15am Opening Remarks with Stuller Power Solutions
10:30am The Shady Ladies of Raymond’s Garden Center – Perennial Crushes: Old Flames
& New Flings
11:30am Scott Beuerlein – How to Become a Better Gardener Faster
12:30pm Jordana Chalnick – Horticulture at Biltmore: A World Class Garden in our Backyard
1:30pm The Shady Ladies of Raymond’s Garden Center – If I Had a Nickel…Things You Hear at a Garden Center
2:30pm Scott Beuerlein – If Some is Good, More is Better, Plant Diversity Forever!
Sunday, May 24
10:15am Opening Remarks with Stuller Power Solutions
10:30am Jordana Chalnick – Perennials at Biltmore: Beauty Through the Seasons
11:30am Storyteller Sherry Lovett – Isla’s Love & Sweet William
12:30pm Hillary Thompson - Soil3 - How to Improve Soil Health - Soil Science for the
Southern Gardener
1:30pm Pamela & Randy Knowles – The Buzz About Honeybees: Nature’s Tiny Masterpiece
2:30pm Storyteller Sherry Lovett – Lusmore & Wild Mountain Thyme
All net proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville, a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to identify, preserve and enhance the authentic small town urban character of historic downtown Hendersonville. In recent years, the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville has supported downtown with over $50,000 in direct business support through the façade and pivot grant programs.
GETTING AROUND:
Event setup will occur on Friday, May 22 starting at 2pm. Vehicles remaining on Main Street after 2pm will be subject to towing to allow for vendor setup.
Paid parking is conveniently available in public and private lots surrounding the event, including the downtown parking garage at the corner of 5th Avenue and Church Street. For a detailed parking map, please visit www.hvlnc.gov/parking.
Public Restrooms will be open at 5th Avenue West across from the Parking Garage, at the Welcome Center at 201 S Main Street, and also portable restrooms on the west side of every block from 1st Avenue to 4th Avenue.
For more information on the Garden Jubilee please visit www.gardenjubilee.org, email garden@downtownhendersonville. org or call 828-233-3205.
Western North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards is reportedly under investigation by the U.S. House Ethics Committee over improper behavior allegations, according to new reporting by CNN.
CNN reported that "two sources familiar with the matter" confirmed the investigation against the Republican representative is due to claims of improper behavior. The investigation was originally said to be over "unspecified allegations," Axios reported.
The sources said the House Ethics Committee was recently contacted by a witness who described having witnessed "improper behavior." CNN said the precise nature of the improper behavior is unknown at this time; however, the news outlet labeled the claims as "allegations of sexual harassment." It is also unclear whether the committee has confirmed any of these allegations.
Axios reported Thursday that the Republican congressman and members of his staff received emails from a House Ethics Committee lawyer, authorizing the investigation.
According to Axios, a lawyer from the committee said Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) had authorized ethics staff to investigate "allegations involving Representative Chuck Edwards." Axios reported that Ethics investigations can take months or even years to complete.
Rep. Edwards currently represents North Carolina's 11th Congressional District and is running for re-election this November. The Republican congressman is set to face off against Democrat Jamie Ager, a Fairview farmer and small business owner.
"I welcome any investigation, given the professionalism my staff has demonstrated and my commitment to serving the people of Western NC. Given the current political environment we are facing in our nation, it comes as no surprise that others with their own political agendas will attempt to raise false accusations in order to create news stories," Edwards' team said in a statement to News 13.
"It's not common to get these kinds of investigations, but it's not entirely uncommon either," said Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University. "There was one just last week into Alma Adams, a Democratic member of Congress in the Charlotte area. So, this kind of thing does happen. The details still need to come out. But there's an old adage in politics that says, 'If you're explaining, you're losing.' And obviously, Chuck Edwards is going to be doing some explaining."
News 13 reached out directly to the House Ethics Committee, to which a representative said they have no comment.
STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV 13
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