News

Telco Community Credit Union Named One of North Carolina's Best Credit Unions
by Forbes
Telco Community Credit Union is proud to announce it has been recognized by Forbes
as one of America's Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2026. Telco was one of only five
North Carolina credit unions to receive this prestigious honor.

The annual ranking, compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, is based on
feedback from more than 26,000 consumers nationwide and an analysis of over 1.2
million online reviews. Credit unions were evaluated on member satisfaction, trust,
customer service, digital services, and financial guidance.
& quote;

This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to putting our members first," said
David Burnette, President and CEO of Telco Community Credit Union. "We are honored
that our members continue to place their trust in us, and we remain dedicated to
providing exceptional service and financial solutions that help our members and
communities thrive."
Serving Western North Carolina for more than 90 years, Telco Community Credit Union
proudly serves individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in its 21-county field
of membership. Telco remains committed to its mission of helping members achieve
financial success while making a positive impact throughout the communities it serves.

 Forbes and Statista evaluated institutions based on consumer recommendations and
satisfaction across key areas, including trust, customer service, digital services,
financial advice and fee transparency, while also incorporating online customer reviews
collected between February 2023 and March 2026

 A man is dead following a paraglider accident that happened on July 15 in Hendersonville at the Hendersonville Airport.

According to a Henderson County Sheriff's Office incident report, 60-year-old Ryan Mark Nelson of Hendersonville was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident happened at 9:15 a.m. July 15, the report said.

Two witnesses talked to the sheriff's office about the fatal crash at the scene. The sheriff's office is still investigating the crash.

News 13 also reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration, which said it was made aware of the fatal crash, but said the powered parachute isn't considered an aircraft by the FAA.

"The powered parachute was an ultralight vehicle, which does not meet the criteria necessary to be defined as an aircraft. The FAA defers the investigation of the accident to local law enforcement," the FAA told News 13.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS.

 North Carolina is seeing a rise in cyclosporiasis cases as dozens of states across the country report an increase in the intestinal illness that can cause intense, "explosive" diarrhea.

The state has reported 307 cases of cyclosporiasis and 13 hospitalizations between May 1 and July 14, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

There has not yet been a singular product identified as the source of the current cyclosporiasis cases in North Carolina, but officials are working to identify any sources of exposure. To date, the increase in cases in North Carolina has not been linked to outbreaks in any other states, the NCDHHS confirmed.

State health officials have also determined that most of the cases in North Carolina do not appear to have a common source.

What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness that is caused by consuming food or water containing the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, due to contamination from feces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People infected with Cyclospora who have symptoms typically experience watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes "explosive" bowel movements, per the CDC. Other symptoms can include bloating, stomach cramping, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, gas and nausea.

According to the NCDHHS, the time between infection and symptoms is typically about one week. The illness can be treated, however, with certain antibiotics. There is no vaccine available to prevent cyclosporiasis.

Although most foodborne illnesses can be prevented by pasteurization or by cooking foods to at least 165 degrees, cyclospora usually impacts fresh herbs and produce, according to the NCDHHS. As a result, this can make prevention more of a challenge.

Food and health experts advise all people to follow standard food safety handling recommendations, including safe preparation, cooking and storage methods.

According to health officials, the parasite Cyclospora can travel from the field to the plate, so be sure to clean fresh produce well. This means rinsing produce before peeling it, gently rubbing produce while running it under water, and drying it on a clean cloth or paper towel.

Additionally, the NCDHHS recommends removing the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage, and using a clean vegetable brush to scrub firmer produce such as melons.

Health experts recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after handling produce.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS

CFWNC’s Melvin R. Lane Fund Awards $1.3 Million to Human Service Nonprofits

(July 2026) – Eight nonprofits serving Western North Carolina will receive $1,320,000 over three years from the Melvin R. Lane Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC). The program empowers and strengthens organizations dedicated to providing essential support services for individuals in need, youth, the elderly, and those facing mental and/or physical challenges.

The grants are:

$180,000 over three years to Bounty & Soul to grow and diversify funding by creating a grants and impact position focused on deep engagement with communities and funding partners.

$180,000 over three years to Food Connection to support long‑term growth by hiring a Hub Manager to conduct daily operations and enable senior leadership to focus on fundraising, strategic planning, and sustainability.

$180,000 over three years to Just Economics to advance strategic planning, strengthen fundraising and financial planning infrastructure, and support leadership transition to ensure long‑term stability, adaptability, and growth.

$150,000 over three years to REACH of Haywood County to build a stronger, more sustainable fundraising program by hiring a Development Officer and utilizing donor management software to expand revenue streams and improve donor communication and results reporting.

$120,000 over three years to Rutherford Housing Partnership to increase long-term efficiency and sustainability through a unified cloud-based management system, upgraded tools and equipment, and stronger internal processes to support growth, coordination, and data-informed decision making.

$180,000 over three years to Safelight to improve financial planning by hiring an additional finance staff member to support day-to-day operations while strengthening internal systems and infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

$150,000 over three years to The Haven of Transylvania County to hire a Development Director to transition fundraising from a reactive approach to a strategic, proactive model that strengthens long-term financial stability and supports organizational growth and program expansion.

$180,000 over three years to Western North Carolina Community Health Services to build long-term sustainability and visibility by increasing development staff, implementing strategic fundraising initiatives and events, mobilizing an engaged Board, and deepening donor relationships.

"We are deeply grateful to the Melvin R. Lane Fund for making this investment in Food Connection's future and to CFWNC for their partnership and support,” said Marisha MacMorran, Executive Director, Food Connection. “As we build our new central food hub, we're creating the infrastructure to rescue more food, strengthen our regional food system, and serve more WNC neighbors. A dedicated Hub Manager is critical to that vision, providing the leadership and coordination to oversee daily operations and maximize the impact of this new facility. This investment is about much more than a single position—it is helping us build the capacity to expand our reach, deepen our partnerships, and ensure that more nutritious food gets to the people who need it most."

These three-year grants are made possible through a trust, created by Melvin and Georgianna Lane, longtime residents of Henderson County. Lyn Fozzard, daughter of Melvin R. Lane, created the Melvin R. Lane Fund at CFWNC in 2000. Her son, Peter Fozzard, oversees the Fund and manages it with family and community members serving on the Lane Advisory Board. The Lane Fund grant program builds capacity and improves operations so human service nonprofits can help more people. This is important and necessary work, and CFWNC is honored to support the Lane family in carrying on this legacy.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina works with families, businesses, and nonprofits to strengthen communities through the creation of charitable funds and strategic grantmaking. A permanent charitable resource, the Foundation manages over 1,300 funds and has facilitated more than $456 million in philanthropy since its founding in 1978. Learn more at www.cfwnc.org.

# # #

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Former Jay M. Robinson High School track and field standout Cameron Tucker won this year's North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year award, and with that award came a $1,000 grant.

This grant could be donated to a youth organization of the award recipient's choice, and for Tucker, it was an easy one. According to a July 13 news release, he chose the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County - and for a very good reason.

It turns out, his older brother, Carl Tucker Jr., a former UNC Chapel Hill and University of Alabama football player, is the athletic director at the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County.

"I always wanted to be like him," Cameron Tucker said in the release. "Watching him play on those big stages made me want to work harder."

That drive led the younger Tucker to earn the state's top athletic award this year. He signed with the University of South Carolina on a track and field scholarship.

Earning the state's top award was something he had always dreamed of, according to the release.

"I knew I wanted to win Gatorade Player of the Year," Cameron Tucker said in the release. "It's a really prestigious award. Nobody at my school had ever won it before, so I worked hard every day trying to make it happen."

Carl Tucker said in the release that while he was proud of seeing his younger brother excel to win the state's highest award, he was even more proud seeing him choose the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County to give the grant to.

"I'm extremely proud of him,...," Carl Tucker said in the release. "...not just because he won the award, but also because he thought about giving back. Knowing this is possible because of Cameron makes it even more meaningful."

According to the release, the donation will help purchase updated athletic equipment and support the Club's participation in local Parks and Recreation leagues.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County and its programs, visit bgchendersonco.org or call 828-693-9444.

STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV13

by Dean HensleyMon, July 13, 2026 at 8:30 AM

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and his wife, Teresa, have sold all of their McDonald's restaurants.

According to a July 13 news release, Edwards said the sale ends a five-decades long chapter of his life, since he started as an employee at McDonald's when he was 16 years old. He ended up purchasing that same McDonald's years later, the release said.

Chuck and Teresa Edwards owned McDonald's restaurants in Henderson, Transylvania and Haywood counties. According to the release, they sold their restaurants to their longtime friends who are also McDonald's franchisees - Christine and Chris Nevant of Asheville. The release didn't give a total dollar amount for the sale and also didn't specify how many restaurants Chuck and Teresa owned.

The release said the decision allows the Edwards family to fully transition from business ownership and devote even more attention to public service.

"McDonald's changed the course of my life," said Congressman Edwards in the release. "It taught me the value of hard work, personal responsibility, teamwork, and serving others. Those lessons have shaped every chapter of my life — from running a small business to serving in the North Carolina Senate and now representing the people of Western North Carolina in Congress."

Before purchasing the restaurants with her husband, Teresa Edwards worked as an office manager for a local construction company, according to the release. Together, the couple built and operated their McDonald's business for many years, creating jobs and serving thousands of customers throughout the region.

When Chuck Edwards was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2016, Teresa assumed day-to-day leadership of the businesses, while her husband fulfilled his legislative responsibilities.

"There is no question that Teresa made this possible," Edwards said. "She carried the responsibility of managing our business for nearly a decade while I served in elected office. Her dedication, leadership, and countless sacrifices gave me the opportunity to serve our communities. I couldn't be more grateful."

Edwards said selling the business was "a natural next step as his responsibilities representing Western North Carolina continue to grow."

"Serving the people of Western North Carolina has been the greatest honor of my professional life," Edwards said in the release. "While leaving a business that has meant so much to our family is bittersweet, this transition allows us to dedicate even more time and energy to the work of serving our communities and fighting for the people of our mountain region."

In the release, the Edwards family expressed gratitude to the employees, customers and communities who supported their restaurants through the years.

STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV13

 The City of Hendersonville is hosting a free community splash day at Sullivan Park, located at 712 Martin Circle, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This free event is designed to help everyone beat the summer heat and enjoy a day of fun in the sun.  

From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., a portion of Ashe Street (from Martin Circle to Parkview Drive) will be transformed into a Splash Zone, featuring spraying fire trucks and water activities provided by the Hendersonville Fire and Water Departments. The event is made possible with support from the City’s Public Works Department, which assists with event setup, and the Hendersonville Police Department, which helps ensure a safe environment for those in attendance. Children and families are encouraged to wear clothes and shoes that can get wet, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen for this high-energy, rain-or-shine event. 

In addition to the splash zone, there will be free refreshments for kids – including hot dogs and treats – while supplies last.  

A mini-street festival will include non- profits and local organizations offering activities for kids and information for adults to showcase housing, health, and safety resources in the community.   

Parking is available across the street from the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County and is accessible via Oriole Drive. Additional on-street parking will be available on south Ashe Street and in the William H. King Memorial Park parking area off Robinson Terrace. Ashe Street from Martin Circle to Parkview Drive will be closed to vehicles for the event with no parking in the event area after 8:00 a.m.  

Event Reminders: 

Wear clothes that can get wet, bring a towel, and don’t forget sunscreen 
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 
Leave pets safely and comfortably at home 
No alcohol or coolers allowed 
Parking is available across from the Boys & Girls Club, accessible via Oriole Drive 
Additional on-street parking will be available on South Ashe Street and in the William H. King Memorial Park parking area off Robinson Terrace 
Non-profit partners and local organizations will be on-site with additional community resources and kid-friendly activities 
 

For more information, please visit www.hvlnc.gov/SplashDay  or follow the City of Hendersonville on social media. 

Exciting Summer evenings in downtown Hendersonville continue with Rhythm & Brews, presented by Horizon Heating & Air. Returning to South Main Street on July 16, headliner Canaan Cox will bring his dynamic performance to his hometown, while Highway 52 will kick off the evening's entertainment.

Held on the third Thursday of each month from June through October, Rhythm & Brews offers free live music in the heart of downtown. Attendees can enjoy great performances, local craft beer, cider and wine, a variety of food trucks, and activities designed for the whole family.

Headliner: Canaan Cox is a country music artist, actor, and dancer who blends contemporary country, pop, and R&B into his sound. Cox is a North Henderson graduate who went on to Catawba College for musical theatre before making his way to Nashville in 2016. He has since toured internationally while directing, producing, and editing his own music videos. 

Opening Act: Highway 52 is a favorite among local music fans known for its blend of acoustic, blues, and Americana sounds. The band features four accomplished musicians—Bill Loftus on guitar, harmonica, and vocals; Michael "Country" Carver on guitar and vocals; Paul McIntire on electric violin; Joel Batty on fiddle and mandolin and Lauren Bandy on standup and electric bass. Together, they create a rich and engaging musical experience with a repertoire that includes blues classics, Americana favorites, eclectic covers, and original songs.

Opening acts will kick off each evening at 5pm. followed by the headliner performance from 7:30-9pm.

As Hendersonville's premier outdoor concert series, Rhythm & Brews showcases a diverse mix of musical styles and performers. From soul and rock to bluegrass, country, and funk, each concert delivers a unique experience while highlighting both nationally touring acts and talented regional musicians.

For the youngest in the family, Mike’s on Main Street will provide kid-friendly fun at the Kid’s Zone. While the kids stay entertained, adults can relax and enjoy the Rhythm & Brews beer, cider, and wine garden, featuring a selection of locally crafted beverages from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Bold Rock Hard Cider, Guidon Brewing Co., Oklawaha Brewing Co., Dry Falls Brewery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Flat Rock Cider Company.

Please leave your pets and coolers at home. Chairs are allowed on the Wells Fargo side of the event near the Kids Zone. There are several free and paid parking options available near the show, with the closest paid parking in the private lot at Barnwell and Main (access only from King Street), and free on-street parking outside of Church and King Streets.

The concert series is made possible through the generous support of We Sell WNC, Parks Ford, Spinx, Van Winkle Law Firm, BGW Advisors, Mast General Store, Mini Batch Bakery, Four Seasons Plumbing, Rock Creek Containers, Yoga and Massage, The Salty Landing, The Community Foundation, WTZQ, Mountain Inn & Suites, and Discover Hometown Magazine.

All net proceeds from adult beverage sales will benefit the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville 501c3 nonprofit, whose mission is to identify, preserve and enhance the key factors that contribute to the authentic small town urban character of historic downtown Hendersonville.

For more information, visit downtownhendersonville.org.

After 70 years of broadcasting from Mount Pisgah, WLOS-TV relocated its broadcast transmitter site to Pinnacle Mountain.

The transition was officially scheduled to take place on Monday, June 22, to provide better reliability and allow year-round access for engineering crews.

The station has moved from Mount Pisgah to Pinnacle Mountain.

Pinnacle Mountain offers state-of-the-art broadcast equipment and safe, year-round access for engineers, which wasn't always possible on Mount Pisgah.

The new setup enables WLOS to broadcast in NextGen TV, delivering improved video and audio.

Because the signal origin has changed, viewers who receive the channel over-the-air with an antenna may experience signal loss until they rescan their televisions to update their channel mapping.

THIS STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV13

Governor Josh Stein has announced a $126 million investment along with 96 new jobs for rural North Carolina, including Hendersonville.

According to a news release, as a result of the grants, investment in the funded projects is expected to exceed $126.2 million from private and public sources.

BORGWARNER EXPANDING SITE IN HENDERSONVILLE, ADDING NEARLY 400 JOBS

“North Carolina’s small towns continue to attract investment because they are great places to live, raise a family, and do business,”Stein said in a news release. “Thesegrants contribute to our state’s positive momentum by making necessary infrastructure improvements that will bring good-paying jobs and help communities thrive.”
Hendersonville has received a grant from the Building Reuse Program, which provides local governments with grants to renovate vacant buildings, renovate and/or expand buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and renovate, expand, or construct health care facilities that will lead to the creation of new jobs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties, as well as in rural census tracts of Tier 3 counties.

According to the release, Hendersonville has received a $1,862,000 grant to support infrastructure improvements at BorgWarner.

Upgrades to the facility will include a 20,000-linear-foot looped extension of a 12-inch water main. The looped extension is expected to enhance available fire flow for the sprinkler system and provide service continuity by establishing a redundant water feed to the site, according to the release.

BORGWARNER TO CREATE NEARLY 200 JOBS WITH NEW HENDERSONVILLE FACILITY

As previously reported, BorgWarner is expected to bring 378 new jobs to Henderson County by expanding its Hendersonville facility by 140,000 square feet, increasing its footprint from 220,000 square feet to 360,000 square feet.

Other projects in rural North Carolina include:

The Building Reuse Program is divided into two categories: the Vacant Building Category, which the City of Lexington, Gaston County and Rockingham County received. The Rural Health Category is the second category, which the Town of Taylorsville received.
The Industrial Development Fund Utility Account program, which Caldwell County received
The Rural Downtown Economic Development program is divided into two categories: Public Buildings, which the Town of Badin received, and Public Infrastructure, which the City of Asheboro received.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS.