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This week at NBHS

Friday
4 pm - Girls' junior varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School
5 pm - Boys' junior varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School
6:30 pm - Girls' varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School
8 pm - Boys' varsity basketball @ Clyde A Erwin High School

Saturday
TBA - Varsity wrestling @ MAC @ McDowell
TBA - Coed Varsity Swimming @ State 3A Regionals @ Huntersville

Relay For Life meeting moved

Because of the threat of inclement weather, the kickoff to the 2011 Weaverville Relay For Life campaign will be held beginning at 4 pm on Tuesday (Jan. 25) at Weaverville Town Hall.

Proctors needed

North Buncombe High School needs proctors for exams Wednesday (Jan. 26) and Thursday (Jan. 27).

Morning exam proctors would need to be at the high school by 7:45 am. Afternoon proctors would need to be there by 11:45 am.

Anyone interested should call Vickie Smith, NBHS counseling secretary at 645-4332.

This week at NBHS

Monday
4 pm - Girls' junior varsity basketball @ McDowell High School
5 pm - Boys' junior varsity basketball @ McDowell High School
6:30 pm - Girls' varsity basketball @ McDowell High School
7 pm - Varsity wrestling vs. McDowell High School
8 pm - Boys' varsity basketball @ McDowell High School

Thursday
7:15 pm - Coed varsity swimming vs. Clyde A Erwin High School

Friday
4 pm - Girls' junior varsity basketball vs. T C Roberson High School
5 pm - Boys' junior varsity basketball vs. T C Roberson High School
6:30 pm - Girls' varsity basketball vs. T C Roberson High School
7 pm - Varsity wrestling @ Asheville High School
8 pm - Boys' varsity basketball vs. T C Roberson High School

Saturday
10 am - Varsity wrestling @ Enka JV Tournament (JV ONLY)

Perdue issues serious concerns over ABC privatization

Gov. Bev Perdue announced Thursday (Jan. 19) her desire to not privatize the stat's ABC system. Several local ABC officials have been outspoken critics of the possibility of privatization including Weaverville ABC Chairman Lou Accornero.

Here is a portion of the governor's release...

Gov. Bev Perdue announced her desire to keep North Carolina’s current Alcohol Beverage Control system while speaking at the North Carolina Association of County Commissioner’s Legislative Goals Conference on Thursday (Jan. 20) in Durham.

The decision comes after an independent review of the potential profitability of selling North Carolina’s control system, as well as the potential affects such a sale would have on the health and safety of North Carolina residents.

In her remarks, she said that because of state budget challenges, she has considered revenue options never on the table before, including the potential sale of ABC.

In the past year, a consultant company studied the ABC system and looked at the state’s options.

Following their initial report, Gov. Perdue decided to only consider options that would protect local and state tax revenue, and keep North Carolina as a “control state”. Additionally, the value of the sale would have to significantly offset the risk involved to the state’s health and safety.

Independent revenue estimates for a one-time sale have been valued at about $300 million.

The only way to raise enough money to make the sale practical for the state – one billion plus dollars – would be to open North Carolina up to liquor sales to a much broader range of stores, from neighborhood drug stores to large retailers.

“I don’t want to be the governor who has to hold my granddaughter’s hand as we walk past the liquor bottles on our way to the toy aisle in WalMart, or towards the cereal in Food Lion. That isn’t North Carolina. That isn’t who we are or what we want to become,” said Perdue.

Right now, North Carolina is tied for 44th in per capita liquor consumption, one of the lowest in the nation. And last year the state made a profit to the general fund of $200 million and local governments a profit of $51 million.

Town's public works receives praise

Woodfin Town Administrator Jason Young had several words of praise for the town's public works department at Tuesday's (Jan. 18) monthly aldermen meeting.

During the Jan. 10 snow storm and the aftermath, the department missed just one garbage cycle and kept the streets freshly plowed as the snow lingered in the area for much of the week.

"I would put them up against anybody," Young said of the department's performance.

Hero of the Week nominations

Just a reminder ...

Anyone who would like to nominate a North Buncombe individual or group for the Tribune's Hero of the Week program may contact the office at 252-5804 or send an email to wteditor@weavervilletribune.com.

Polar plunge to benefit Meals on Wheels

Release from Meals on Wheels

The Asheville Racquet Club will hold the 3rd Annual Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Meals On Wheels of Asheville-Buncombe County on Saturday, January 22, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 PM. Despite an already harsh winter and forecasted temperatures in the mid-thirties on Saturday, more than 20 individuals will brave the icy waters to help raise money to feed Buncombe County’s homebound seniors.

This year’s list of local celebrities for the Polar Bear Plunge includes Buncombe County Commissioner, David Gantt; Buncombe County Sheriff, Van Duncan; Meals On Wheels Board Chair, Brock Himan and Executive Director, Dianne Trammel; a team of radio personalities from Clear Channel Radio and Dennis Hulsing, owner of the Asheville Racquet Club. Hulsing has graciously donated the use of the Asheville Racquet Club’s swimming pool and club house facilities for the event and is currently the top fundraiser.

This is the 3rd year for the annual fundraiser to benefit Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County. Each polar bear raises money by collecting sponsorships contributed by friends, family and coworkers as they vie for the title of “Top Polar Bear”. Donations are taken online at: http://www.firstgiving.com/MOWABC/Event/2011PolarBearPlunge. A hot chili lunch will be served in the ARC clubhouse afterwards at a cost of $7 per person. The public is invited to attend and cheer on their favorite jumper. This year’s Polar Bear Plunge is sponsored by Ocean’s Flavor Foods and The Green Sage Cafe. The goal is $20,000 with 100 percent of proceeds going to help Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County.

For more information, please contact the Asheville Racquet & Fitness Club at (828) 274-3361 or Meals On Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County at 253-5286. Sponsorship information for individual jumpers is also available at www.mowabc.org.

Meals On Wheels of Asheville-Buncombe County currently serves nearly 500 homebound seniors a hot nutritious lunch 5 days a week. In addition to weekday meal delivery, Meals On Wheels offers a Pet Food Program, Ensure Program, Volunteer Connections and several other vital services designed to allow seniors to remain in their own homes, among familiar surroundings and age with dignity. For more information, please contact Terri Bowman, development director, at 253-5286.

Follow up on rabid cat in UNCA area

A release from the Buncombe County Health Department

Recently someone living in a neighborhood near UNC-A found a cat that appeared to be lost. They took the cat in from the cold; a simple, compassionate gesture that many animal lovers may relate to. Unfortunately, the cat later became ill and had to be euthanized. Last week test results revealed that the cat had been infected with rabies. Here is what we know:

The cat received an injury from an unknown animal about a week before becoming ill. Many well-intentioned individuals leave food outdoors for cats. Because they roam outdoors, these cats can easily come into contact with other wild animals which can transmit rabies to the cat and potentially be further spread to other cats or pets.

As a result of this one cat being taken in, six people are receiving post-exposure rabies vaccines to prevent infection, including five employees of the pet clinic where the sick cat was taken. This is done as a precaution because if contracted, rabies is fatal for humans.

“The Buncombe County Department of Health is working closely with the Asheville Police Department (APD) and Animal Control to increase surveillance and possibly capture feral cats in the immediate area where the rabid cat was recently discovered," said Marc Fowler, Environmental Health Director with the Department of Health. “Concerns about feral cats in the city limits may be referred to the APD at 252-1110.

Several animals are responsible for transmitting rabies in Western North Carolina including coyotes, foxes, skunks, groundhogs and bats. In a majority of cases rabies is carried by raccoons. All these animals are known to live throughout the state and Buncombe County, including the city limits of Asheville. They live on food found around trash cans and dumpsters everywhere, and also on pet food left outdoors for domesticated animals including cats.

This has been a difficult situation, but one we can all learn from.
• It is extremely important that pet owners have their dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated for rabies and for those vaccines to be kept up to date.
• If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to any other animal whose rabies status cannot be verified, that pet must be quarantined by a veterinarian for 6 months at the owner’s expense; or the pet must be euthanized.
• It is also important that food not be left outdoors to feed wild animals or feral cats. Kevin Calhoun with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department says, “Don’t feed wild animals. Feeding feral cats or wild animals brings the two together, increasing the potential for the spread of rabies.”
• Contact authorities if an animal is seen behaving unusually. This may mean that a wild animal is not afraid of humans; a nocturnal animal is seen wandering around during the day; a pet is uncharacteristically aggressive; or any animal is behaving in a drunken state or lethargic.

If someone is aware of unknown cats in their neighborhood, they should not feed them, and call Animal Control. In the Asheville city limits they should call 252-1110. In Buncombe County call 250-6670.

Rabid cat found in UNCA area

Health officials at the Buncombe County Department of Health announced Friday (Jan. 14) that a cat in the UNCA area was confirmed to have rabies. The cat, a short-haired, dark gray, very small female, with green eyes was taken in by someone in the community and was discovered to have rabies a few days later.

Staff with the Department of Health are working to identify people and animals in the affected area who may have been exposed to the rabid cat. Flyers are being distributed to homes of those who are most at risk of exposure.

Sue Ellen Morrison, Disease Control Manager for the Buncombe County Department of Health states, “Any person who may have come in contact with this cat between December 30th and January 6th should call their doctor immediately. They may also call the Disease Control Division of the Department of Health at 250-5109 for an exposure evaluation.” People living in this area should also be aware of exposure to any other animal that may have been behaving unusually. The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite from the animal or from contact with saliva that enters the eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

According to Morrison, “Rabies is a serious and preventable disease. It is important to prevent exposure to the rabies virus whenever possible. Once an exposure has occurred prompt treatment is essential. Rabies is fatal without this treatment.”

Residents with a concern about their pet’s exposure to this cat or exposure to other rabid animals in the area, should call their veterinarian immediately or REACH of Asheville, animal emergency facility at 665-4399.

Buncombe County Department of Health makes the following recommendations to the general public:

• Vaccinate your pets regularly according to North Carolina Law.
• Keep children and pets away from wild and strange animals.
• Don’t allow pets to run at large.
• If your pet comes in contact with a wild or strange animal, avoid contact with both animals. For City of Asheville residents call the Asheville Police Department at 252-110. Residents in Buncombe County should call the Buncombe County Sheriff’s office at 250-6670.
• Make sure trash can lids are on tightly and pet food is not left outside.
• For any animal bite the wound should be cleaned thoroughly (for at least 10 minutes) and then contact your doctor or Buncombe County Health Center at 250.5109.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. When contracted by humans, rabies is fatal unless early treatment is sought. There is no cure once symptoms develop, so immediate treatment is important to prevent the disease. In North Carolina rabies is most common in raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but has also been found in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, bats and other animals.

Event honoring Ricky Boone

From the Magic Beyond Belief theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Duane Laflin and Company will be presenting a two-hour, family-friendly illusion show at the Carol Belk Theater at UNCA on Jan. 21 at 7:30 pm. The illusionist is honoring the release of The Four-foot Giant and the Vanishing Wheelchair, the biography of magician, magic shop owner, and inspirational speaker, Ricky D. Boone. Boone's shop is located in Woodfin. He battles a rare illness.

Find out more about the book about Boone's life at here

NBHS basketball rescheduled

UPDATE: 1/14/11: North Buncombe will play at Asheville on Friday (Jan. 14). The Erwin game will be next Wednesday or Thursday. Also, swimming will take place Saturday (Jan. 15) in the Buncombe County meet and wrestling will re-schedule its match against Erwin for Thursday (Jan. 20).

UPDATE 1/13/11: The game will either be played Friday (Jan. 14) or some time next week depending on Asheville City Schools' schedule Friday.

Tonight's showdown between North Buncombe and Erwin has been canceled.
The earliest it might be played is now Thursday (Jan. 13), although an official announcement has not been made.
The BlackHawks are scheduled to meet Asheville on the hardwood on Friday (Jan. 14).

Mars Hill cancels classes for Tuesday, Jan. 11

Given the number of both commuter and residential students who are going to be affected by the weather, Mars Hill College will be canceling all classes tomorrow, Tuesday, January 11. Evening classes for Monday, January 10, in Mars Hill's ACCESS program are also canceled. Students not already on campus should be advised not to attempt the roads today and to pay careful attention to local forecasts before making any travel plans for tomorrow.

NBHS swim team falls to Reynolds

From a Jan. 4 meet

Team score
1. A C Reynolds 186
2. North Buncombe High School 127

Women Team Rankings
1. A C Reynolds 94
2. North Buncombe High School 74

Men Team Rankings
1. A C Reynolds 92
2. North Buncombe High School 53

NBHS will host Hendersonville, McDowell, Thomas Jefferson and Carolina Day on Tues. Jan. 11. 7:15 pm warm-up, 7:50 pm start at Mars Hill College Harrell Pool.

This week at NBHS

Tuesday
5 pm - Boys' junior varsity basketball @ T.C. Roberson High School
6:30 pm - Girls' varsity basketball @ T.C. Roberson High School
7 pm - Varsity wrestling vs. T.C. Roberson High School
7:15 pm - Coed varsity swimming vs. T.C. Roberson High School
8 pm - Boys' varsity basketball @ T.C. Roberson High School

Wednesday
4 pm - Girls' junior varsity basketball vs. Charles D Owen High School
5 pm - Boys' junior varsity basketball vs. Charles D Owen High School
6:30 pm - Girls' varsity basketball vs. Charles D Owen High School
8 pm - Boys' varsity basketball vs. Charles D Owen High School

News from Big Ivy

Here's a few notes about ways to get involved in the Big Ivy/Barnardsville area...

* Early Head Start is a free program for low-income pregnant women and families with children under three. The home-based program serves families throughout Buncombe County with weekly visits convenient to your schedule. You are your child’s most important teacher! Our in-home educators bring tools, ideas, information and activities to support parents in that role. For women, we offer information and support for pregnancy, labor & delivery, and the postpartum period. For all families, we also provide assistance in accessing community resources, and regular Play & Learn events where you can connect with other families and see your child interact and learn with peers. Transportation is provided for the Play & Learn groups! Call Laurian at 828-298-0808 to apply. Se habla español.

* Would you like to become a blogger for the Big Ivy Community? To learn more contact Bob at 626-3438 or bicc@barnardsville.com