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FLAGSTOCK: John Rich Working on Major Concert for UNC Frat Bros

Country music star John Rich said on the Todd Starnes Show that he’s working to bring a major concert to the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill to honor the fraternity brothers who saved the American flag from being desecrated.

The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi were pelted by rocks and bottles in the middle of the campus quad as they protected Old Glory from a rampaging mob of pro-Hamas agitators.

“What I was really struck about was that those boys were concerned about the flag touching the ground,” Rich told Starnes. Todd’s new book shows Americans how to stop the Communists from taking over the country. Click here.

“Anybody that’s ever been trained properly about the American flag, which used to be a prerequisite in this country to know how to handle the flag, is you never under any circumstances, let the flag touch the ground,” Rich said. “And that’s what they were doing. They were keeping it up off the ground. They were keeping its dignity and its respect intact.”

Rich says he’s been in touch with the fraternity and he wants to honor the young men by throwing a huge concert.

“We’re talking right now about, doing a major music event and man, I don’t know how big it might get,” he said. “I think it could be absolutely huge. I may invite some other artists to come with me. How cool would it be to have Lee Greenwood show up and sing God Bless the USA right there with those frat boys? I think it’d be incredible.”

Rich says he believes the actions of those young could spark a nationwide surge of patriotism.

“I hope we see that replicated all across the nation,” he said. And matter of fact, I think they have gone so far over the edge with the left and with these these protests. I think it’s going to ignite a tidal wave of patriotism in our young people in this country.”

TODD: [01:07:22] So I know all about you, but I was just shouting and at and celebrating with these fraternity guys over at USC North. UNC Chapel Hill. What what was your take on that?

JOHN RICH: [01:07:34] Yeah, man. I mean, that was quite. I watched that video several times, and what I was really struck about was that those boys were concerned about the flag touching the ground. Yeah. So anybody that’s ever been trained properly about the American flag, which used to be a prerequisite in this country to know how to handle the flag, is you never under any circumstances, let the flag touch the ground. And that’s what they were doing. They were keeping it up off the ground. They were keeping its dignity and its respect intact. And I thought, man, I’ve got to try to reach out to these guys and find them. So I went on Twitter and said, hey, if anybody can help me find these guys, I’d love to do a free concert for them at some point and celebrate their love of the flag. And everybody can come around and have a big moment together. I said we should call it flag stock. I think that would love it. The perfect time. So they actually hit me back and, we’re talking right now about, doing a major music event and man, I don’t know how big it might get. I think it could be absolutely huge. I may invite some other artists to come with me. How cool would it be to have Lee Greenwood show up and sing God Bless the USA right there with those frat boys? I think it’d be incredible.

TODD: [01:08:43] It would be one of the one of the biggest moments, I think, of the year. That would be pretty spectacular. And you got to let us know about this, John, because we’ll bring the radio show down and, well, broadcast live from campus. This is that’d be incredible. Isn’t this? I mean, it’s a great thing, though, because it’s it’s as if, you know, we’ve been pounded in the ground over and over and over again. And yet here, these young boys, coming out, they’re young men. And they were getting pelted with rocks and bottles. And you’re right, John, they would not let that flag touch the ground.

JOHN RICH: [01:09:13] Well, it reminded me of the story I learned a long time ago when. They were bombing. The British were cannon balling the Patriots. And this is where the Star Spangled Banner anthem came from. And under no circumstances would the Patriots allow the United States flag to fall. And by the time that battle was over, the flag was being held up by dead bodies. The dead bodies of our patriots had been pushed up against that flagpole, piled up the flag, pushed down in between their arms and legs. And that’s what was holding it up at the end of that battle. So when I saw those young men holding that flag up, I thought, you know what? They’re tapping back into the original feeling and and point of being an American in the first place. The flag stands for everything that we have good in our country. And so I was so knocked out by them. We’re going to do something huge for them. I’m just telling you right now, I’m, I hope that this patriotic moment those boys had. I hope we see that replicated all across the nation. And matter of fact, I think they have gone so far over the edge with the left and with these these protests. I think it’s going to ignite a tidal wave of patriotism in our young people in this country.

TODD: [01:10:30] I’m with you. And and I know that Lee Lee will be there. I mean, he’ll get the truck and he’ll drive all over right now. So it’s going to be a great concert. And, John, you let us know and we will promote the heck out of that. But we also, John, we also got to praise this, Chancellor, this interim chancellor, Lee Roberts. This guy went out there personally and put it put himself in harm’s way to stand up for that flag. And my hat is off to that man. Lee Roberts is his name.

JOHN RICH: [01:11:00] Yeah. I mean, if more people would do that, I think you would see a mass exodus out of a lot of these woke schools. And you’d go, I’m sending my kid to a place where they respect the flag. Just simple as that. You know, I can’t imagine being a parent that saved up all their money for their kid to go to college, only to turn on the TV and see this horrible stuff happening where their kids are going to college. A lot of these schools, I’m sure you’ve seen are now canceling their graduations. Think about what these college students have been through since 2020. You know, they were told you have to take a vaccine or you can’t come to class. You have to take your classes online. You have to wear a mask everywhere you go. Oh, now we’re going to cancel your graduation. Oh, now they’re tearing down the American flag, and you can’t even walk on campus. Especially if you’re Jewish. You can’t walk on campus. So they have been through absolute hell from the United States government under Biden and these crazy leftists. And I’m telling you right now, I think the result of this will be a huge explosion in patriotism and conservatism amongst our young men and women in this country.

THIS ARTICLE IS COURTESY OF TODD STARNES, DAILY BROADCASTER ON WHKP RADIO FROM 12 NOON TIL 3:00 PM.

 Sixty-seven of Henderson County Public Schools’ highest-achieving graduating seniors were honored Thursday, May 2nd, during the 2023-24 Top Scholars Banquet at Blue Ridge Community College and sponsored by AdventHealth. Held annually for 20 years, the Top Scholars ceremony recognizes academic and athletic successes and strong leadership of seniors at the top of their classes.

“HCPS is proud to honor these 67 scholars who have gone above and beyond throughout their high school careers. They have set themselves apart from the crowd,” said Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “These young men and women have excelled, not only academically, but also in service to their schools and communities. We know they will positively impact the world around them.”

This year, the top three students from Henderson County Career Academy and Henderson County Early College, the top 15 students from Hendersonville High, North Henderson High, and East Henderson High, and top 16 students from West Henderson High were honored.

As a group, this year’s cohort of Top Scholars received $1,191,000 in college grants and scholarships, had an average 4.37 GPA and 27.1 ACT score, and volunteered at more than 85 organizations and nonprofits in Western North Carolina, the Upstate, and beyond. Fifty-three of the 67 Top Scholars are originally from North Carolina, and 49 plan to continue their education in the state.

The 2024 Top Scholars from each school: 

East Henderson High:

 Alexander Mckinnley Bressler; Madison Jade Corn; Raegan Brooke Edwards; Adessa Shae Fisher; Jeffrey Tanner Floyd; Haley Rebecca Heatherly; Patricia Evie Holbrook; Benjamin Connor Hunnicutt; Daniel Attila Lajos; Chloe Brooke Lively; Lindsey Grace Osborne; Kavya Rajesh Patel; Ayden Bryce Sumner; Wyatt Nathaniel Taylor; Riley Kenneth Wilkie.

Henderson County Career Academy 

Aileen Marisol Carcamo; Joshua Cole Leng; Alexander Lucas McDonald.

Henderson County Early College

Daryna Lobach; Jarely Ramirez Bermejo; Jennifer Robles Hernandez.

Hendersonville High

Noelle Elizabeth Benjamin; Aiden Bailey Chacon; Kai Elisabeth Clark; Catherine Beck Egolf; Greta Rene Gardo; Kacee Mae Glynn; Jackie Hernandez; Bradyn Elliott Hubert; Eden Olivia Johnson; Ella Katherine McClintic; Alessa Jordan Osteen; Bryson Cartwright Reid; Ramsey Brown Ross; Joseph Javier Sanchez; Andy Sun.

North Henderson High 

Sarah Joy Gilbert; Elizabeth Margaret Graham; Aidan Gregory Macdonald; Luis Andres Magana-Fabian; Leiann Brooke Marshall; Avari Reece McMinn; Ryan Brody Paitsel; Allyson Grace Peatman; Bailey Elizabeth Rowe; Echo Schwab; Chloe Olivia Smith; Peyton Renee Taylor; Ava Mariel Vanness; Emily Laine Weaver; Talia Grace Webster.

West Henderson High 

Emory Taylor Atwell; Leland Cosmo Biskup; Amerie Malingin Delfin; Lindsay Nicole Hall; Carson McCoy Hood; Ellory Addison Johnson; Kaylie Shea Phillips; Livia Grayson Price; Morgan Elizabeth Rawlins; Aidan Daniel Reynolds; Emily Robin Rhodes; Rourke Owen Sullivan; Noah James Toler; Jenna Noelle Watson; Benjamin Madison Weaver; Roy David Whitaker.

Money, Not Need, Really Drives 'Certificate of Need' Requirements

CON laws increase health costs and diminish choice. Lawmakers should repeal them.

Via Unsplash

As the 2024 legislative session begins, we’re continuing to focus on policy changes that can rein in runaway health costs. One area that’s ripe for reform: the state’s certificate of need (CON) laws, which force health care providers to obtain state approval before they can open or expand their facilities and services. A “government permission slip,” as others have rightly noted, the CON requirement stifles competition, granting monopolies to certain hospitals and health care businesses.

North Carolinians are left with limited health care access, fewer choices, and higher costs. “CON laws are about money—more for some and less for others,” a recent editorial sums up.

Here are the fundamental questions underlying CON policy: Should bureaucrats determine which health care services are available to North Carolinians, and where? Or should those decisions be driven by consumer need and the health care marketplace?

We affirm the latter.

Paradoxically, North Carolina’s certificate of need laws are based largely on the idea that they help control costs. Yet years of data dispel that view, with a majority of studies finding CON regulations are linked with more spending. In states with CON laws, health care costs are 11% higher than in non-CON states, research finds. The policy is pure protectionism, with patients paying more than they should so certain health providers can have less competition.

Opposition to CON laws extends to the upper echelons of medicine and government. CON policies “have failed to achieve their intended goal of containing costs,” the American Medical Association concluded. Both the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission oppose CON laws.

So, why are these policies still on the books? In North Carolina, the state’s influential hospital lobby has a vested interest in retaining CON programs. After all, for hospital monopolies, competition and choice are bad for business.

The national landscape—and momentum for change

But times and attitudes are changing. Currently, 35 states have CON laws in place, according to the National Council of State Legislatures, while “12 states have fully repealed their CON programs or allowed the programs to expire.” Already in 2024, the issue is generating plenty of action: As of mid-March, lawmakers in 28 states (including most other Southeastern states) had introduced legislation addressing CON laws.

2024 State Legislation Addressing Certificate of Need Programs

Source: National Academy for State Health Policy. Based on data as of March 13, 2024.

Building on earlier reforms, North Carolina lawmakers last year passed a number of CON modifications under the state law expanding Medicaid. Shifts include removing psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment facilities from CON requirements and raising the cost threshold for equipment warranting a CON review. Additional changes will occur over time.

Such reforms align with the will of North Carolina voters. In polling we commissioned last spring, 56% of voters said CON laws didn’t make sense.

They don’t. So, sensible reform, both incremental and wholesale, is needed to move North Carolina out from under heavy-handed bureaucratic oversight of health care and its attendant, surging costs.

CON laws worsen the very problem they were intended to remedy. State lawmakers should reform—and ultimately repeal—them.

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Carolina Partnership for Reform is a public benefit organization. We conduct policy research and educate the public about freedom-based reforms to promote individual liberty, increase economic growth, and improve education in North Carolina.

Pertussis, better known as Whooping Cough, is spreading rapidly across Henderson County.

Since April 3, county health officials have tracked 51 cases.

“I’m petrified,” Whitley Drugs Pharmacy Manager Travis Smith said Wednesday, May 1. “There’s a reason we have vaccines for it. There’s a reason we start them early. It can be deadly to a young child.”

Officials say it could -- and likely will -- spread further before seeing a slowdown in cases.

“We had a prior outbreak back in 2017-18,” Henderson County Health Director Steve Smith said. “That ended up being 95 cases. I think it’s very possible we get into that range with this most recent outbreak. It’s a fundamental element for pertussis. It’s highly contagious, so it spreads very easily.”

“We’ve gotten quite a few prescriptions from the health department,” Travis said. “That’s something I don’t normally see. I’ve seen more of them. I’ve talked to more patients as a result.”

Infants, pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised are most vulnerable. That is why schools and daycare centers can act as a super-spreader spot for the disease.

“There’s concern all over the place,” Travis said. “These kids are in a close proximity. This is not a 3,000-square-foot room; it’s a tiny room for all the kids here.”

Pharmacists like Travis Smith suggest that someone should have their T-Dap shot every 8 years at the latest. A complicated part of sorting the cough out is it’s similarity to the flu.

“Its symptoms are very similar to something as common as a cold like a runny nose, mild temperature, or a cough or something like that,” Smith said.

Health officials stress the importance of the vaccination.

While those who got the shot can still become infected, the symptoms are milder.

“Our vaccine rates have been dropping,” Travis said. “I don’t do a lot of T-Dap boosters or shots, and I probably should be. T-Dap vaccines are something we can get our whole lives. We should keep up with that. But we don’t see it a lot. It’s an antibiotic that I try to keep on the shelf anyway. I try to keep a pretty large supply.”

“I think we’re in an environment now where we would urge you to connect with a health care provider earlier than maybe you would otherwise,” Smith said. “There are always some background cases in the community with Pertussis. I don’t think it ever really goes away.”

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS'Concern all over the place' as Whooping Cough cases rising rapidly in Henderson County (wlos.com)

 

 

 

 

Group of Chapel Hill, Carrboro Elected Officials ‘Strongly Condemn’ UNC’s Police Response to Protesters
Posted by Brighton McConnell | May 1, 2024 | International, Local Government, UNC

Group of Chapel Hill, Carrboro Elected Officials ‘Strongly Condemn’ UNC’s Police Response to Protesters
A group of Chapel Hill and Carrboro town council members issued a joint statement on Wednesday, criticizing the UNC administration’s response to pro-Palestine demonstrators during an encampment protest and subsequent rally on Tuesday.

A signed letter from four Chapel Hill and four Carrboro elected officials said the group strongly condemns the “use of aggressive police tactics” against the students and other community members — calling it “unnecessary” and an “overreaction.” The collection of council members pointed to the importance of free speech and academic freedom for those who participated, saying they believe students should not face penalties or violence for “peacefully engaging in protected free speech.”

UNC said Tuesday it had campus law enforcement — including several officers from other UNC System schools — clear the site of a four-day-long encampment protest because the organizers had violated campus policy through erecting tents, accessing university buildings overnight, and materially disrupting campus operations. Thirty-six people were detained, according to UNC media relations, with six people charged with trespassing and 30 cited for trespassing. The university said 16 of those detained are Carolina students and described the others as people not affiliated with the school.

Later on Tuesday, a subsequent rally organized by UNC Students for Justice in Palestine led to another clash with police. After demonstrators moved from the steps of South Building to the central flagpole, some took down the United States flag and replaced it with a Palestinian flag. That sparked a swift response from campus police, including a group who emerged from South Building with UNC Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and pushed through the students to replace the American flag. Videos from the scene show officers throwing demonstrators to the ground, pulling people’s hair and using pepper spray.

The group of Chapel Hill and Carrboro town council members said they remain committed to working with UNC leaders “to ensure the safety of all students and community members as they exercise their right to free speech and peaceful protest.”

Town Council members in both Carrboro and Chapel Hill are aware of the arrests of peaceful protestors on UNC’s campus yesterday morning. We strongly condemn this overreaction by the UNC administration. Chapel Hill and Carrboro Police were not involved in this action. We, the undersigned, believe that, in taking this unnecessary step, UNC administration created an environment that inevitably resulted in an escalation of force, including the use of pepper spray against its own students. This use of aggressive police tactics against students and community members invites aggressive responses, and only serves to escalate an already tense situation.

Moving forward, we strongly urge UNC to abide by the recently published guidance from the ACLU to University leaders designed to protect the free speech and academic freedom of all involved. Specifically, the ACLU offered the following guardrails:

1. Schools must not single out particular viewpoints for censorship, discipline, or disproportionate punishment.

2. Schools must protect students from targeted discriminatory harassment and violence, but may not penalize people for taking sides on the war in Gaza, even if expressed in deeply offensive terms.

3. Schools can announce and enforce reasonable content-neutral time, place, or manner policies on protesting activity, but they must leave ample room for students to express themselves. These rules must be applied consistently and without regard to viewpoint.

4. Schools must recognize that armed police on campus can endanger students and are a measure of last resort.

5. Schools must resist the pressures placed on them by politicians seeking to exploit campus tensions.

We stand ready to work with the University to ensure the safety of all students and community members as they exercise their right to free speech and peaceful protest.

We additionally urge DA Nieman to dismiss the charges against all those arrested and to prioritize restorative justice rather than punitive measures. UNC students should not face penalties – or violence – for peacefully engaging in protected free speech.

Signed,

Theo Nollert, Chapel Hill Town Council

Melissa McCullough, Chapel Hill Town Council

Paris Miller-Foushee, Chapel Hill Town Council

Karen Stegman, Chapel Hill Town Council

Danny Nowell, Carrboro Town Council

Jason Merrill, Carrboro Town Council

Catherine Fray, Carrboro Town Council

Eliazar Posada, Carrboro Town Council

Jeff Nieman, the district attorney for Orange and Chatham counties, later shared his own statement responding to the request to dismiss all charges. He said while both peaceful protesters and law enforcement officers have the right to act free from threats of violence, his office will only make decisions on the arrested protesters’ cases “once we have received and reviewed all the evidence in these cases.”

“I have stated publicly, and privately to some of these same officials,” said Nieman, “that if we determine that crimes have been committed and properly enforced, we would proceed with the cases that meet that standard. I can understand why some public officials may feel compelled to speak out on matters of public interest. However, a prosecutorial decision should never be made prior to collection and thorough review of all the relevant evidence. That evidence is still being compiled; therefore, it’s impossible for anyone to make a reasoned determination as to how best to proceed in these matters.”

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Grand opening last fall, the Laura E. Corn Mini Golf will be reopening on May 10th to kick off the first full season of affordable family fun at the newly reimagined course at Edwards Park. The course will operate on a modified weekend schedule and then transition to extended hours, open every day of the week starting on May 25th. 

Named in honor of Laura E. Corn, a beloved longtime member of the mini golf staff and a cherished community figure, this 18-hole mini golf course promises fun and excitement for all ages. The ADA-accessible course is designed for everyone to enjoy. It features challenging holes and themed elements showcasing the rich history and attractions of Hendersonville, Henderson County, and neighboring communities. 

Location:  
Edwards Park – 904 N. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792  

Admission:  

Adults (18 and older) $3 per round  

Youth (3-17) $2 per round  

Toddlers (2 & under) Free with a paying adult  

Operating Schedule: 

MODIFIED SCHEDULE: May 10, 2024 – May 24, 2024  

Open Friday - 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM  
Open Saturday & Sunday – 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM  

REGULAR SCHEDULE: May 25, 2024 – September 1, 2024  

Open daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM  

MODIFIED SCHEDULE: September 2, 2024 - October 6, 2024  

Open Friday - 3:30 - 9:00 PM  
Open Saturday & Sunday – 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM  

The last tee time is 9:00 PM, and players must be off the course by 9:30 PM. The operating schedule is subject to change and the course may be closed due to inclement weather. On-street parking is available on Locust Street adjacent to the park. 

Beyond the mini golf course, Edwards Parks provides additional amenities including a concession stand and restrooms open during course operational hours, a playground and musical playground features, and a bike corral and bike repair station. 

For more information on Edwards Park and ongoing updates, visit www.hvlnc.gov/edwardspark. 

 The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville welcomes the public to witness the unveiling of 20 new works of bear art! The Annual Bearfootin’ Art Walk program will hold the reveal event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 on the outdoor Welcome Center Stage at 201 South Main Street.  

The reveal will focus on stories about each bear’s creation, providing behind-the-scenes insight on what inspired the artist and the mission of the nonprofit beneficiary chosen by the sponsors. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chair for comfortable enjoyment of the event.  

New this year, the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville has partnered with the Blue Ridge Community College Collision Repair Refinishing Technology Department to provide the automotive finishing for the Bears. Their state-of-the-art facility trains students in proper vehicle repair and replacement procedures to bring an automobile back to its pre-accident condition. “Working with Blue Ridge has been an amazing experience” said Terrye Jacobs, Downtown Event Coordinator. “Program instructor, Brian Foster, has been an incredible partner, encouraging community participation from his students in taking care of our bears!  We are excited to build a great partnership with this program, with their crew on site at the Reveal to help kick off the summers’ Art Walk!” 

After the reveal, the bears will take their post on Main Street to bring joy to passersby until the auction in October. Since 2016, over $400,000 has been distributed to nonprofits from the Bearfootin’ Auction. The virtual auction is scheduled to conclude on October 26, 2024, with virtual bidding opening in September (stay tuned for more details). 

Special thanks to the co-Masters of Ceremony of the event, Bryan Byrd, HendoEmcee and Lew Holloway, Community Development Director with the City of Hendersonville. Additional information about the 2024 Bearfootin’ Art Walk can be found at downtownhendersonville.org. 

The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville are a 501c3 organization focusing on the vibrancy of downtown Hendersonville's Main Street and 7th Avenue Districts. The Friends produce the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Rhythm & Brews, Bearfootin’ Artwalk & Auction, Garden Jubilee, holiday events and more of your favorite downtown activities. Find out how to get involved at downtownhendersonville.org! 

Join the City of Hendersonville Water and Sewer Department in celebrating Drinking Water Week! Led by the American Water Works Association, Drinking Water Week is a decades-long tradition across North America. This year, it takes place from May 5-11, recognizing the indispensable role water plays in our lives.

Starting Wednesday, May 1, 2024, residents are invited to pick up complimentary 'Mountains on Tap' water bottles at the City Operations Building, located at 305 Williams Street. Stay hydrated and show your appreciation for clean drinking water by snapping selfies with your 'Mountains on Tap' bottle and uploading them online for a chance to be highlighted on Hendersonville’s social media at the end of Drinking Water Week! Supplies are limited with a limit of one water bottle per person.

To upload your photo, please visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfHendersonville4/StayHydratedBeCelebratedOnSocialMedia

In Hendersonville, we're using Drinking Water Week to educate the public about the critical importance of clean, safe water for public health and the environment. Not only do we provide drinking water that surpasses all state and federal standards, but we also continually strive to adopt new methods for delivering the highest-quality drinking water. We honor the tireless efforts of water professionals who work day and night to ensure the delivery of quality tap water and to build resilience for the future.

WHKP RADIO is seeking a replacement for our program scheduler. This position requires presence at our WHKP Broadcast House at 1450 7th Avenue East in Hendersonville Monday through Fridays from 9 AM until 1 PM and at other hours when special programming is to be scheduled. Computer skills are necessary to work in this position. Current occupant of this position will stay and train the new person that is hired for this position. Please contact Richard Rhodes at 828-388-1450 to schedule an in-person interview.