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ABOLISH STANDARD TIME IN FAVOR OF YEAR ROUND  DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME   

THESTATE MAY WANT IT...BUT IT'LL TAKE AN ACT OF CONGRESS   

The state can  control or abolish daylight saving time...but Congress and the federal government control stanard time and the time zones 

Henderson County's State Representative Chuck McGrady tells WHKP.com that this year's session of the General assembly will be the "short" session, so it's not likely that such legislation will come up this year---unless it's attached to some other bill.  And he says he's not hearing much talk about it in the legislature, but is getting some comments from those locally in agriculture who have feelings on it one way or the other.  And he agrees...the state is limited in what it can do with standard time, that abolishing it would likely require an act of Congress. 

WHKP.com has asked Congressman Mark Meadows what he's hearing on this, and what his feelings on it are, since an act of Congress would be required...and we'll share his comments when we get them.   

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Lawmakers in Florida are tired of the whole "fall back" and "spring forward" rigamarole. So they've approved a bill to keep Daylight Saving Time going throughout the year in their state.

It took the state Senate less than a minute Tuesday to pass the "Sunshine Protection Act." There were only two dissenters. (The House passed it 103-11 on February 14.)  The bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott -- but it's far from a done deal after that,   ven if the governor approves, a change like this will literally take an act of Congress.   

But if all is approved, Floridians -- who'll set their clocks ahead one hour this Sunday when Daylight Saving Time begins -- won't have to mess with it ever again.   

Florida will then join Hawaii and most of Arizona, the two places that are exempt from the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The Act established the system of uniform Daylight Saving Time throughout the US.
A time whose time has passed?   

Efforts to kill off daylight saving time are nearly as old as the time shift itself. And many of the commonly offered rationales for daylight saving time (yes, it's "saving," not "savings") no longer hold true.Ffor instance, one reason Congress used in enacting daylight saving time is that it saves energy.   

A 2008 US Department of Energy study reported that daylight saving time reduces annual energy use by only about 0.03%. And a study that same year from the University of California-Santa Barbara found it might even increase energy consumption.   

Another study found the clock changes can raise the risk of accidents by sleep-deprived motorists.

IN SEPERATE INCIDENTS   

Drug Arrest – Henderson County

March 17, 2018

On March 7, 2018, members of Henderson County Sheriff’s Office’s Crime Suppression Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Brooklyn Avenue and Airport Road. The driver was Donald Allen Jones, age 36 of 406 Jack Street in Hendersonville. During the traffic stop, several bags of methamphetamine, along with various items of drug paraphernalia, was located within the vehicle. Jones was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and/or Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia.

Jones is currently being held in the Henderson County Jail under an $8,600.00 secured bond.   

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Felony Breaking & Entering Arrest

March 19, 2018

On March 15, 2018, at approximately 5:00pm, 911 operators received a call reporting a breaking and entering in progress on Wickins Drive in the Mountain Home community. As responding deputies neared the address, they saw a person leaving the area in a vehicle that matched the description given by the 911 caller. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Asheville Highway and arrested Felicia Hamilton, age 19 of 139 Pine View Drive in Horse Shoe. Deputies located stolen property from the breaking and entering as well as a handgun Hamilton had concealed on her person.

Hamilton was charged with:

(F) Larceny of a firearm
(F) Breaking and entering
(F) Possession of stolen property
(M) Carrying a concealed weapon

All the stolen property has been returned to the victim and Hamilton was also served with a probation violation and an order for arrest stemming from a 2017 felony narcotics charge. Hamilton remains at the Henderson County Jail under a $66,000.00 secured bond. Her next court date is April 19, 2018.

THIS SATURDAY: "A MARCH FOR OUR LIVES"   FROM HHS TO THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE

Students, parents and others plan to gather at 11 a.m. outside the Hendersonville High School auditorium and march on Main Street to the Historic Courthouse. After that, there will be a congregation at Sanctuary Brewery “for anyone and everyone who wants to express their opinions”, according to organizers. 


“I just think there were a lot of students and people in the community who wanted to stand up in Hendersonville,” said one organizer.

. “I met a group of students in Hendersonville who were eager to march but a lot of them didn’t want the responsibility of leading it. I think it’s important. I have worked hard to keep it about school safety vs. making it about the gun divide.”

A Facebook post and a March for Our Lives website indicate around 120 people have said they plan to march.

A school “wallkout” planned for West Henderson High School last week never developed due to school being closed because of snowy weather. The “walkout” was planned to support and encourage school safety.   

The organizer of this coming Saturday’s walk said, “We just want all community members to feel welcome and feel free to say whatever they want to say.” .

"UBER HAS VOLUNTARILY DECIDED NOT TO PICK UP PASSENGERS AT THE AIRPORT"

News 13 reported Monday that:

Ride service Uber is balking at a policy change at Asheville Regional Airport. In wake of the change, Uber will no longer pick up passengers at the airport, leaving some traditional cab companies excited about the prospect of operating without the competition.

"Uber has voluntarily decided not to pick up passengers at the airport," said Tina Kinsey, of Asheville Regional Airport. "You would have to speak to Uber corporate about their feeling behind this, but they are certainly welcome."

The policy changes include a $2.50 per passenger pickup fee for taxi companies. Meanwhile, a $3.50 fee would be charged to Uber, which would come out of the driver's pocket. A lot near the baggage claim is now designated for ground transportation companies at the airport.

“We are committed to continued constructive dialogue with airport officials and hope to find a solution moving forward that both works for Uber drivers and is convenient for airport passengers,” Uber spokesman Bill Gibbons wrote in a statement to News 13.

Meanwhile, it's not exactly business as usual for cab companies.

"We're kind of excited that Uber is not complying, so we've got the airport to ourselves," said Craig Mercier, of Checker Cab.

In an email Uber sent to drivers, the company explained Asheville Regional Airport had imposed new rules for ground transportation providers and Uber drivers may not pick up passengers at this time.

"It's a very diverse community and to say that only cab drivers are able to pick up, I don't think it's a really smooth move," an Uber driver who wanted to remain anonymous said.

"And we are disappointed they made this decision," Kinsey said. "We've been told they are ceasing operations here. We are certainly willing to continue to talk to them. We welcome them to operate at the airport within our parameters."

Kinsey said creating the ground transportation lot is a way of cutting back traffic congestion at the airport, which has seen record growth the past four years.

"And what that means at busy times is a lot of congestion on the front curb of the terminal. And so a lot of that included ground transportation providers," Kinsey said.

Meanwhile, drivers like Mercier hope they'll see more business if Uber's not a player.

But when it comes to changes and the road ahead, he's not exactly in the driver's seat.

"This is how we feed our families," Mercier said. "I mean, when somebody changes the rules, you have to comply no matter whether you understand them or not."

PARDEE LIFTS FLU RESTRICTIONS. 

MISSION LIFTED FLU RESTRICTIONS SOME WEEKS AGO.  

WINTER ILLNESES HOPEFULLY WINDING DOWN   

IT'S BEEN A TOUGH WINTER   

As flu seasons winds down, there are still cases around...seven in North Carolina to start the month of March.

N.C. Flu-Associated Deaths*
7
New Flu Deaths 03/04/18-03/10/18

305
Total Flu Deaths This Season (starting 10/1/17)   

*Influenza-associated Deaths –This number is based on reports submitted by providers to the North Carolina Division of Public Health. An influenza-associated death is defined for surveillance purposes as a death (adult or pediatric) resulting from a clinically compatible illness that was confirmed to be influenza by an appropriate laboratory or rapid diagnostic test with no period of complete recovery between the illness and death. Deaths that occurred on or after 10/1/2017 will be reflected in this report for the 2017-2018 season.

Flu season in North Carolina usually runs from about October 1 into the Spring, with the peak coming in December and January

In addition to flu, an out-break of whooping cough impacted local children earlier in the winter.

Thankfully, both flu and whooping cough cases appear to be on the wane.

LIKELY TO BE 10-25 PER CENT HIGHER THIS SPRING THAN A YEAR AGO   

Average retail gasoline prices in Hendersonville and Asheville have risen 2.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.52/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 259 gas outlets in the Hendersonville-Asheville area. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.54/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Asheville during the past week, prices yesterday were 27.4 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are unchanged versus a month ago. The national average has increased 2.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 25.3 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on March 19 in Asheville have ranged widely over the last five years:
$2.24/g in 2017, $1.92/g in 2016, $2.36/g in 2015, $3.41/g in 2014 and $3.67/g in 2013.

Areas near Asheville and their current gas price climate:
Spartanburg- $2.27/g, up 6.2 cents per gallon from last week's $2.21/g.
Knoxville- $2.34/g, up 8.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.26/g.
Greenville- $2.30/g, up 8.2 cents per gallon from last week's $2.22/g.

"Gas prices remained mostly in check over the last week, yet the national average pushed higher as seasonal factors continue to weigh on the market, led by jumps at the pump in some Great Lakes states over the weekend," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "The national average now stands at its highest level in over a month and is likely to continue moving higher in the weeks ahead as demand continues to recover from the winter blues and the transition to summer gasoline kicks into high gear. Overall, gas prices this spring will come in some 10-25% higher than a year ago, removing billions of dollars from other areas of the economy that will instead be funneled to the pump."

ON THE BUSY ASHEVILLE HIGHWAY NEAR FIVE POINTS   

Perhaps it’s the change in seasons, but more motorists are definitely on the road in the Hendersonville area. And the number of traffic accidents seems to be increasing with the growing number of cars and trucks on the road. 

In fact, in one 24 hour period over this past weekend, Hendersonville police reported a total of 8 wrecks in the city...2 of them involved personal injuiry...6 of them involved property damage only.  

One young driver crashed into Cecil Pryor’s car lot on the busy Asheville Highway Saturday morning. Thankfully, the driver was reportedly not injured and no one on the car lot was hurt...but Cecil said at least two of the cars involved were totaled.   

It was not known over the weekend what caused that crash, if speed was a factor, or if charges were filed.

That was less that half a block away from the planned new Hendersonville High School campus, with site clearance already underway on the nearby Boyd property for that new school.

AT JUMP OFF ROCK AND ON CHIMNEY ROCK 

 JUMP OFF     

Henderson County Churches Uniting will host an Easter sunrise service with the Rev. Mary Apicella, pastor of Providence Baptist Church, at 7 a.m., April 1 at Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park.

Carpools will run from First Congregational Church parking lot at the corner of Fifth Avenue West and White Pine Drive.

Arrive prior to 6:30 a.m. to join the carpools, which will bring everyone back to First Congregational Church, where breakfast will be served.

ON THE ROCK...AT CHIMNEY ROCK   

Celebrate the glory of Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure.

Chimney Rock’s nondenominational annual Easter sunrise service has become a legendary event in Western North Carolina, attracting more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast.

Gates for the 63rd annual event will be open from 5-6 a.m. so that guests can make their way to the top of the park.

This year’s service will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 7:30 a.m.

Admission to the Sunrise Service is free. Guests are invited to stay and enjoy the Park all day.

A breakfast buffet will be offered at the Old Rock Cafe following the service for $10.99 for adults and $6.99 for children under 10; drinks are not included.

Guests who would like to return to the park after breakfast can show their Old Rock receipt and bulletin at the Ticket Plaza to receive free admission for the day.

Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com/event/63rd-annual-easter-sunrise-service/ for more information or call 800-277-9611.

AT FLETCHER'S BILL MOORE COMMUNITY PARK   

Join the Fletcher Parks and Recreation Department at Bill Moore Community Park (Formerly named Fletcher Community Park) on Saturday, March 24th, for the Town of Fletcher’s Easter Eggsplotion! This event will feature children inflatables, a bubble station, face painting, crafts, photos with the bunny and more! New this year, Hands On! Children’s Museum and Henderson County 4-H will be providing activities at the event!  

Our annual egg hunt, for children 11 & under, will feature over 10,000 eggs! To participate, all children must be able to walk on their own. Participants should take note, this year’s egg hunt schedule will have different times for different age groups. All egg hunts will take place on the soccer field. Please see the schedule below.

Egg Hunt Schedule
Ages 2 & under – 11:30 a.m.
Ages 3-4 – 11:50 a.m.
Ages 5-6 – 12:10 p.m.
Ages 7-8 – 12: 30 p.m.
Ages 9-11 – 12:50 p.m

All activities will run from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Chick-fil-a and a hot dog stand will be available f or purchase!
This event is sponsored by State Farm Agent, Diane Bauknight, United Federal Credit Union, and Hendersonville Pediatric Dentistry.
For more information on Fletcher’s Easter Eggsplotion!, please visit www.FletcherParks.org or call (828) 687-0751.

THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO WALK WITH THE CROSS   

HENDERSONVILLE: First United Methodist Church will lead its traditional one-mile community walk with the cross through downtown Hendersonville on Good Friday, March 30, starting at 11:30 a.m. in the church parking lot.

“Each year, Christian pilgrims walk the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) in Jerusalem. We feel called to do the same on the streets of our beloved Hendersonville. Come join us on this pilgrimage,” says Rev. Mark Ralls, Senior Minister.

The event is open to all, including families with children. Rain or shine, the procession begins at the Buncombe Street church parking lot, then moves in silence down Main Street, returning to the church via Washington Street. Arriving at the church’s Barber Christian Life Center, walkers will continue their observance with the Good Friday Service at noon in the church’s Christian Life Center.

The community is invited to a reception prior to the Crosswalk beginning at 11 a.m. to enjoy freshly baked Hot Cross Buns, a traditional Easter sweet roll decorated with a sugar glaze in the shape of a cross.

First United Methodist Church is located at 204 Sixth Avenue West, Hendersonville. Parking is available in the Buncombe Street lot. For more information, 828-693-4275 or visit www.fumchvlnc.org.