News

 The City of Hendersonville’s Strategic Housing Plan Steering Committee invites the community to attend and participate in the 2024 Affordable Housing Summit.

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, a free event will be held from 5:30 PM to 7:45 PM at the Hendersonville High School auditorium located at 1 Bearcat Blvd. The evening will feature acclaimed housing policy expert and author, Shane Phillips. The summit is open to non-profit service providers, members of the business community, government leaders, affordable housing advocates, community members, and anyone committed to expanding and improving housing in Henderson County and across the WNC region.  

This program is FREE and open to all. Current residents and those seeking residency in Hendersonville and Henderson County are encouraged to attend. 

Featured speaker Shane Phillips is a researcher, public speaker, and consultant on housing policy and affordability. He manages the Housing Initiative within the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, focusing on research, policy analysis, and education, and he co-hosts the UCLA Housing Voice Podcast, a biweekly interview show that translates emerging research for a non-academic audience. He’s the author of The Affordable City, published in 2020, which advocates for a three-pronged approach to solving the housing crisis — Supply, Stability, and Subsidies — and offers more than 50 recommendations for advancing those priorities. Outside of his role at UCLA, Shane has presented to audiences across the U.S. and abroad, written for major publications including the Los Angeles Times and Atlantic, taught at the University of Southern California, and worked with local governments and organizations to identify context-specific solutions to their housing challenges. Originally hailing from Seattle, he earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Washington and masters degrees in public administration and urban planning from USC.   

Visit www.hvlnc.gov/housingplan for updates on the summit as well as information on the City of Hendersonville’s strategic housing plan development process. 

 In preparation for the arrival of the Ecusta Trail and to improve pedestrian and bike connectivity, the City of Hendersonville will be completing a series of improvements on the south side of Downtown Hendersonville. Milling and repaving work will begin next week followed by new pavement striping, bike lane and signal installation, and sidewalk improvements occurring later in the year. 

The first step in the process will be milling and repaving West Allen from Main to Church, Caswell from King to Church, and South Main Street from Allen to South King Street. The milling and repaving are scheduled to start early on Monday, April 22 and continue until late evening on Tuesday, April 23. Main Street from Allen to Barnwell will also be closed on Friday, April 19, to remove obstructions ahead of the paving and sidewalk improvements. The paving schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions. 

Temporary pavement markings will be added to the streets until permanent markings are completed. Bike lanes will be striped on the west side of South Main giving Ecusta Trail and other cyclists a dedicated path to reach the Hendersonville Welcome Center and downtown Hendersonville. 

Additional improvements including pedestrian and bike signals, lane delineators, ADA concrete curb ramps, and sidewalk improvements will be ongoing and completed by City of Hendersonville Public Works staff throughout the summer and fall of 2024. 

To learn more, visit

https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/projects/south-main-street-bike-and-pedestrian-improvements.  

 Keith Evans, his wife Rhonda, their two kids, and four grandkids weren’t at their home on Goodwood Lane in Clear Creek last Friday when it went up in flames.

“We had gone to the school because they were having a spring fling for the kids,” Keith said.

As they arrived at Clear Creek Elementary on April 12, Keith saw the fire department pulling away with sirens on.

“I said 'they’re going somewhere in a hurry,'” Keith recalled. “Then the phone rang. That’s when we realized it was our house. My phone was ringing. It was my neighbor saying that there were flames coming out of my windows. I asked if it was at my house, and he said yes.”

Less than five minutes down the road from the school, an electrical wire caused flames to erupt throughout the Evans' home.

“I heard [my wife] say ‘Our house,’” he said. “Our house? Then when the tears started flowing down her face, I knew something was wrong.”

“We were standing down at our neighbor’s house,” Rhonda said. “Watching the flames come up, you just go into a shock and you’re numb.”

The fire started in the attic and went on to destroy the structure that the Evans family had called home for 35 years.

Their son was the only one home at the time, and he escaped safely.

“He was in the bathroom,” Keith said. “When he came out, the fire was too much. It was a big blaze. Saturday, we met the fire marshal here. That’s when it really kicked in for me.”

The family’s dog and many belongings were not able to recover from the flames.

“Sometimes, you get tears coming out of your eyes,” Rhonda said. “Other times, you’re standing somewhere and then see something that makes you break down again.”

However, all eight family members and their three cats are safe.

Between their local church, American Red Cross, Salvation Army and the surrounding community, the family knows they’re not alone in their recovery.

“We just know that we’re not going to be homeless because we’ve had so many people already reach out and tell us that if they had to put cardboard on the floor, then we got a place to stay,” Keith said. “Knowing that we got the support and we’re not alone for this. That means so much.”

Whenever and however Keith and his family get back on their feet, he hopes it happens in Henderson County.

“I love it out here,” Keith said. “I don’t know about the kids. They say we lost all our memories. I told them that we should start new memories -- wherever we are.”

To help support the Evans family in a fundraising effort, click here.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHenderson County family's home of 35 years destroyed in fire; How you can help (wlos.com)

 A 19-year-old faces a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting at a Columbus apartment complex last week.

Court documents say Alex Bennett, 20, died after being shot at Ashley Meadows Apartments on April 11, 2024. A second person was also taken to the hospital with injuries.

William Campbell now faces several felony charges, including second-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and discharging a weapon into occupied property. He's also accused of misdemeanor gun and drug charges.

As previously reported, Polk County deputies said the incident started as an argument.

Dannyn Cunningham, Bennett's cousin, spoke with News 13, calling on anyone with information about the shooting to contact them.

"We're asking for any details of what this alleged dispute was," Cunningham said.

Cunningham said Bennett's parents, who both live in South Carolina, are too devastated to speak, so she is serving as the family's advocate in hopes of getting more information.

"It's been very confusing. Alex was such a kind-hearted, sweet-natured young person," Cunningham said. "We're also confused as to what could have possibly happened that this kid thought it was warranted to shoot him."

Charging documents show Campbell is also accused of shooting James Rickman in the leg.

District Attorney Andrew Murray confirmed 19-year-old William Campbell was indicted on Monday, April 15, for second-degree murder by a Polk County grand jury. Jail records confirm Campbell remains in custody on a $230,000 bond.

Warrants say that Campbell fired shots in apartment #200 – Room E "while it was actually occupied by Dwight 'Alex' Bennett, James Rickman, and Cameron Horne."

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS19-year-old faces 2nd-degree murder charge after Columbus apartment complex shooting (wlos.com)

 Henderson County authorities have confirmed a suspect from Tennessee died following an officer-involved shooting incident over the weekend.

A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said that at about 6:07 p.m. Saturday, April 13, deputies responded to a disturbance at North Mills River Campground where it was reported a man had a gun and was threatening people. Once units arrived on the scene, a chase ensued with the suspect, later identified as Brook.

Officials said Brook crashed his van, followed by shots being fired from the van, which led to an exchange of gunfire between Brook and responding deputies.

The sheriff's office said Brook died at the scene and that his next of kin has been notified.

Per protocol with officer-involved shootings, the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation. News 13 has reached out to the NCSBI for further information on the investigation and has yet to hear back.

In their update on Monday, the sheriff's office said no additional information would be released at this time in order to "preserve the integrity of the investigation." The sheriff's office has not yet responded to requests for an incident report or 911 calls related to Saturday's deadly exchange.

News 13 learned on Monday that Brook had a prior record.

Documents obtained from Calvert County Circuit Court in Maryland show Brook pleaded guilty in February of 2020 to illegal possession of a firearm, second-degree assault and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle stemming from charges in 2019.

Court records also indicate Brook had another case open against him as well as a 2020 bench warrant for his arrest.

A January 2021 Facebook post from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office showed Brook was wanted for second-degree escape and two probation violations.

--

The location of the shooting has not been confirmed by the sheriff's office, but near an area littered with evidence on North Mills River Road, a News 13 crew spotted a pile of what appeared to be dog food.

A flyer, sent to the WLOS newsroom from a person close to Brook, said that it is believed Brook's dog, "Dumbo," was with him during the incident and is now lost.

The emotional, medical assist dog is listed as a black and tan Shephard mix.

If you have any information, you are encouraged to call (423-335-4017).

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSSuspect in officer-involved shooting died at the scene, authorities say (wlos.com)

 A popular program helping veterans visit monuments in the nation's capital is starting back soon.

Since 2006, Blue Ridge Honor Flight has taken veterans to visit monuments in Washington, D.C. to honor their service.

GUARDIANS HELP VETERANS ON HONOR FLIGHT VISIT TO WAR MEMORIALS

Their next flight will be on April 27, leaving from Asheville Regional Airport.

Originally focused on Word War II veterans, the flight now includes three veterans from World War II, seven Korean War veterans, over 80 Vietnam War veterans, and Gold Star family members.

On Saturday, April 13, Blue Ridge Honor Flight held two orientation meetings, one in Hendersonville and the other in Asheville. The meetings allow veterans to meet their guardians who will be accompanying them while on their tour of the nation's capital. In addition to getting familiar with each other, the meetings also laid out what to expect on the journey.

President and Founder Jeff Miller says that once back home, the organizers are calling on the public for a big welcome home.

“We deplane at this huge hangar and the veterans come out, lead in by bagpipes and stuff and people can be there to clap and welcome the veterans home, give them something proper, give them a good, fresh positive memory to kinda push down the bad ones," Miller explained.

BLUE RIDGE HONOR FLIGHT TAKES VETERANS ON EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER IN D.C.

If anyone is worried about the construction at the airport, organizers says on April 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. they’ll have free parking and shuttle service at Gate 7 at the Ag Center. Anyone who wants to can come and give the veterans a warm welcome home.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSBlue Ridge Honor Flight taking to the skies again April 27; warm welcome planned back home (wlos.com)

During the most recent Henderson County two-week Superior Court Criminal Trial Session, which began the week of April 01, 2024, two defendants were tried and convicted of underlying felony drug charges and for being Habitual Offenders. One defendant was tried and convicted of Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest and with being a Habitual Offender. Also, in the middle of a trial, a defendant changed his plea from not guilty to guilty of Assaulting and Inflicting Serious Injury to his previous girlfriend. In addition, a defendant plead guilty to Felony Possession of a Weapon, two counts of Attempted Trafficking in Methamphetamine, and being a Habitual Offender. The following are several highlighted cases where the defendants were convicted by a jury or by entering guilty pleas this trial term:

Jesse James Montgomery, 33, of Hendersonville, was convicted after a two-day trial of Possession of Methamphetamine and being a Habitual Felon. According to court and trial records and the sentencing hearing, on February 16, 2022, a Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle that had an expired registration. The defendant was located in the passenger seat. The defendant was found to have active warrants and was placed under arrest.  A consent search of the vehicle was conducted and a rolled-up dollar bill containing a small amount of Methamphetamine was located on the floorboard underneath where the defendant was seated. The substance was analyzed by the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory and determined to be .18 grams of Methamphetamine. After a jury found the defendant guilty of Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and being a Habitual Offender, the defendant was sentenced to 36 months minimum and 56 months maximum in prison by the Honorable William (Bill) Bill Stetzer.

James Kenneth Davidson, 46, of Hendersonville, was convicted after a two-day trial of Possession of Methamphetamine and being a Habitual Felon. According to court and trial records and the sentencing hearing, on August 15, 2021, a Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle knowing the female driver had an order for her arrest. The defendant was located in the rear passenger seat when the vehicle was stopped. The deputy noticed a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the car and witnessed a glass pipe. Next to the defendant was a black bookbag that the defendant claimed.  A search of the bag revealed a corner baggie of a controlled substance and a used glass pipe. The substance was analyzed by the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory and determined to be 1.68 grams of Methamphetamine. The defendant elected to represent himself at trial. Halfway into the trial, the defendant appeared to feign a medical emergency and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. The trial was halted for the afternoon. The defendant was treated and released from the hospital within hours and failed to appear for his trial the following day. The Court determined that the defendant had willingly waived his right to be present for his trial and the trial proceeded without the defendant being present. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury found the defendant guilty of Felony Possession of
Methamphetamine and for being a Habitual Offender. The defendant was sentenced during the second
week of trial after being located and arrested in Avery County, N.C. by a Joint Task Force Fugitive
Recovery Team. The defendant was sentenced to 45 months minimum and 66 months maximum in
prison by the Honorable Bill Stetzer.

Thomas Siegler, 63, of Hendersonville, entered a plea of guilty to two counts of Attempted Trafficking in
Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and being a Habitual Offender.
According to court records and the sentencing hearing, on November 28, 2021, a Henderson County
Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle for a bad brake light and the registration being obscured. The
defendant was a passenger in the vehicle. While conducting the traffic stop, a drug K-9 was deployed
around the vehicle and the K-9 alerted to drugs. A search of the vehicle and occupants located a
cigarette pack in the pocket of the defendant that contained multiple baggies of a controlled substance.
In the trunk area of the vehicle was a safe containing additional controlled substances and a gun. The
substances were analyzed by the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory and determined to be a
trafficking level amount of 19.63 grams of Methamphetamine. The defendant was sentenced to 120
months minimum and 156 months maximum in prison by the Honorable Bill Stetzer.

Butch Heatherly, 30, of Hendersonville, reversed course on the second day of his trial and pled guilty to
a Felony Assault Inflicting Serious Injury. According to court and trial records and the sentencing hearing,
on April 06, 2022, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service to a residence on
Sugarloaf Road. Upon arrival, a sheriff deputy found a female victim with swelling and bleeding around
her left eye and mouth and with a missing tooth and a possible orbital fracture. After a preliminary
investigation, the detective determined that the defendant, Butch Heathery, had punched the victim, his
then girlfriend, multiple times in the face during an argument. The defendant was quickly located and
placed under arrest.

The Honorable Bill Stetzer accepted the tendered guilty plea as charged on the
second day of trial. The jury was sent home and a sentencing hearing ensued. Upon conclusion of the
sentencing hearing, the defendant was sentenced to a minimum of 16 months and a maximum of 26
months in prison, the sentence was suspended, and the defendant was placed on 36 months of
probation. While serving his probation, the defendant must serve ninety days in prison, six months of
home confinement, maintain sobriety throughout the entire 36 months of probation, successfully
complete Safelight’s Abuse Prevention program, and pay restitution to the victim in the amount of
$23,750 for needed dental work and incurred medical bills.

 Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) will host its second annual FIRST LEGO LEAGUE® Challenge Event, on Saturday, April 13th, 2024.  Students from 13 of the district’s schools representing the HCPS Robotics Club, along with participants from five Buncombe County Schools and the Hendersonville Boys & Girls Club, will showcase their skills and innovation.

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE® Challenge Events are renowned for fostering teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving among participants. Students, coaches, and volunteers say these events are among the most inspiring and exhilarating experiences they've ever had.

“It's such a unique opportunity for our students to make new friends, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas, all while being immersed in technology,” said Dr. Marcie Wilson, Director of Student Achievement for HCPS.

The events introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts to students through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Wilson said participants gain practical problem-solving skills while contributing to building a brighter future through guided robotics programs that promote collaboration between students and teachers.

The event will be held at North Henderson High School, located at 35 Fruitland Rd., and is free and open to the public. Activities will run from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with the spectator event kicking off at Noon. Attendees can expect an afternoon filled with excitement and innovation as students showcase their critical thinking, coding, and design skills across three engaging divisions.

 For years, the Veterans Healing Farm in Hendersonville has been helping those who served in wars in Afghanistan, Vietnam and even World War II.

Now, their methods could be going overseas.

“They find ways to combine what they love and how they can serve others,” Yuliy Morosov, of Hart Rehabilitation Center of Kryvyi Rih, said. “As early as we start, the more successful we will be in the future.”

That’s what brought four people from the center, which is in Ukraine, to Hendersonville. The group came to see how the farm uses methods like gardening and beekeeping to help veterans in the healing process.

“They’re coming here to learn from the Veterans Healing Farm about what we do to help our veterans,” executive director of the farm Alan Yeck said. “I think it’ll be a steep learning curve for them and their veterans when this war is over and their veterans come home. They will not have experienced this before.”

The delegation toured the facility Wednesday while meeting volunteers and hearing their stories about how the farm has helped them.

“It’s great when people who didn’t participate in the war are ready to do something together,” Morosov said. “Ukraine is not ready. We should be honest with this. That’s why it’s important for us to do everything we can.”

Those with the farm were not only honored to have the coalition come to them but also impressed at their proactive approach to helping those after the war.

“The thing happens, and then people try to figure out what [the problem] is,” Yeck said.

“Now, they’re expecting post-traumatic stress disorder. They’re expecting traumatic brain injuries. A veteran suffering with a family, then the whole family suffers. Our model includes the family, so that way, it’s a healing unit beyond just the veteran.”

“When hundreds of thousands of veterans come back, there will be huge groups of people adjusting for a long time,” Morosov said. “It will be another step for surviving. Not only to just win the war, but to do our best to build the country.”

After Wednesday, the group will head further up the East Coast to tour more facilities before returning home.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSUkrainian delegation turns to Hendersonville nonprofit for insights on healing war vets (wlos.com)