Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Update on Senate budget, Vance
The proposed Senate budget released May 30 restores funding to state historic sites, according to this report from WRAL-TV. The sites, including Vance Birthplace in Weaverville, have been the target of potential state budget cuts during this year's budget process through the N.C. House and Senate. Gov. Bev Perdue will have to sign an agreed-upon budget from the General Assembly into law later this summer.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Coach sees program progressing
North Buncombe baseball finished this season 20-9 and claimed the Class 3-A Mountain Athletic Conference regular season crown. The BlackHawks also advanced to the third round of the Class 3-A NCHSAA playoffs for the second time in three years. The Tribune caught up with coach Wesley King for a few thoughts on the tough elimination game against South Point as well as his impression of the 2011 season.
South Point game was tough hard fought game, we ran into a great team one that has been ranked number 1 all season. Our guys worked so hard and executed everything that we had asked them to do we just could not push a run across, but South Point had a couple of outstanding plays that kept us from scoring first which I felt whoever scored first would win the ball game and that ended up being true.
Overall season was a tremendous success for our program. I felt this season was an unbelievable ride one that has sparked some much passion and desire to get better in our young kids, that they are ready to begin preparing now for next season. We are going to miss our four seniors (Will Brank, Holden Phillips, Sam Rector, and Christian Bridges) they gave so much to our program over the last few years that they will be missed. But moving forward our baseball program is on the rise and we have a lot of our guys back and we are ready to get back to work on the field, and in the weightroom to erase the feeling we had on May 20, 2011.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Vanessa Hudgens in Barnardsville
Vanessa Hudgens, best known for her roles in the popular "High School Musical" series, was in the Asheville/Barnardsville area over the weekend and spent at least a portion of her time zip-lining at Navitat Canopy Adventures.
A picture on Navitat's Facebook page shows her on the tour along with fellow actor and rumored boyfriend Josh Hutcherson. Hutcherson was last seen in "The Kids are All Right." He will have a lead role in next year's "The Hunger Games" that is currently shooting in the area.
A picture on Navitat's Facebook page shows her on the tour along with fellow actor and rumored boyfriend Josh Hutcherson. Hutcherson was last seen in "The Kids are All Right." He will have a lead role in next year's "The Hunger Games" that is currently shooting in the area.
More worries for Vance?
The N.C. Senate's proposed budget again puts some N.C. State Historic Sites in the crosshairs, including Vance Birthplace in Weaverville. Director Keith Hardison wrote a letter to supporters asking them to contact their representatives in the N.C. Senate. The $1,151,073 in newly recommended cuts, when combined with the cuts identified in the governor’s budget, constitute a reduction of 28 percent in the operating budget for the N.C. State Historic Sites, according to Hardison.
The proposed Senate budget would close the six-year-old Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City and the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex in Fayetteville, an important Civil War Sesquicentennial destination, according to a release from the James K. Polk site.
Significant reductions in the funding of Tryon Palace in New Bern will reduce hours and service to the public, beginning in July 2011, and would result in its closing to the public in fiscal year 2012-13.
Other possible closures in addition to Vance and Polk include Alamance Battleground, Aycock Birthplace, Fort Dobbs, Historic Bath, Historic Stagville and House in the Horseshoe. The budget, if adopted in its current form, could potentially close around one-third of the state's sites.
In April, an initial N.C. House budget also detailed cuts detailing a reduction of roughly 30 percent in the budget for state historic sites. An amendment to re-distribute $1.2 million for an affordable housing fund eliminated the House shortfall.
Citizens can examine the budget bill at the General Assembly website at ncleg.net.
The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget bill May 31.
Following that vote, the bill will be reconciled with the House of Representatives version of the budget proposal. A final version of the bill must then be signed into law by Gov. Bev Perdue.
The proposed Senate budget would close the six-year-old Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City and the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex in Fayetteville, an important Civil War Sesquicentennial destination, according to a release from the James K. Polk site.
Significant reductions in the funding of Tryon Palace in New Bern will reduce hours and service to the public, beginning in July 2011, and would result in its closing to the public in fiscal year 2012-13.
Other possible closures in addition to Vance and Polk include Alamance Battleground, Aycock Birthplace, Fort Dobbs, Historic Bath, Historic Stagville and House in the Horseshoe. The budget, if adopted in its current form, could potentially close around one-third of the state's sites.
In April, an initial N.C. House budget also detailed cuts detailing a reduction of roughly 30 percent in the budget for state historic sites. An amendment to re-distribute $1.2 million for an affordable housing fund eliminated the House shortfall.
Citizens can examine the budget bill at the General Assembly website at ncleg.net.
The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget bill May 31.
Following that vote, the bill will be reconciled with the House of Representatives version of the budget proposal. A final version of the bill must then be signed into law by Gov. Bev Perdue.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Can you go carless in North Buncombe?
It's an interesting question. Can someone become a pure pedestrian in a less metropolitan area like North Buncombe?
The website Walk Score uses an methodology based on an algorithm that awards points based on the distance to amenities in a variety of categories such as food, schools, shopping, etc. It does not compute such factors as pedestrian safety or design of pedestrian pathways nor does it take account for public transport (of which there is precious few in this area). Towns that have more centralized business and development districts also have opportunities for higher scores. The average Walk Score in Charlotte, for instance, is 41 because the town is much larger and spread out. Although there are plenty of neighborhoods in the Queen City with work, living, dining and shopping options within a mile or two of each other that far outnumber any in North Buncombe. Some of these neighborhoods have a Walk Score of 80 or above.
But with Woodfin adopting a long-term, comprehensive plan this week to construct a linked greenway, bikeway and sidewalk system throughout the town, and Weaverville continuing its goal of constructing sidewalks throughout the downtown area and beyond, some of these numbers suggest its theoretically possible that some people may be able to ditch the car now or in the future if they have the right circumstances.
The average Walk Score for Weaverville is 75, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot. Some areas around downtown have a Walk Score as high as 83. Woodfin has an average Walk Score of 40, meaning a resident is car-dependent but some errands can be accomplished on foot. The business corridor on Weaverville Road has a Walk Score of 34. Barnardsville, predictably, had the lowest average Walk Score in the area with 17, meaning almost all errands have to be accomplished on foot.
What does this mean? Well, probably nothing for those who have work, school or other commitments that take them to Asheville, Hendersonville or other areas on a daily or weekly basis. But for those who live and work in their own towns, it suggests that a car might not always be a necessity.
The website Walk Score uses an methodology based on an algorithm that awards points based on the distance to amenities in a variety of categories such as food, schools, shopping, etc. It does not compute such factors as pedestrian safety or design of pedestrian pathways nor does it take account for public transport (of which there is precious few in this area). Towns that have more centralized business and development districts also have opportunities for higher scores. The average Walk Score in Charlotte, for instance, is 41 because the town is much larger and spread out. Although there are plenty of neighborhoods in the Queen City with work, living, dining and shopping options within a mile or two of each other that far outnumber any in North Buncombe. Some of these neighborhoods have a Walk Score of 80 or above.
But with Woodfin adopting a long-term, comprehensive plan this week to construct a linked greenway, bikeway and sidewalk system throughout the town, and Weaverville continuing its goal of constructing sidewalks throughout the downtown area and beyond, some of these numbers suggest its theoretically possible that some people may be able to ditch the car now or in the future if they have the right circumstances.
The average Walk Score for Weaverville is 75, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be accomplished on foot. Some areas around downtown have a Walk Score as high as 83. Woodfin has an average Walk Score of 40, meaning a resident is car-dependent but some errands can be accomplished on foot. The business corridor on Weaverville Road has a Walk Score of 34. Barnardsville, predictably, had the lowest average Walk Score in the area with 17, meaning almost all errands have to be accomplished on foot.
What does this mean? Well, probably nothing for those who have work, school or other commitments that take them to Asheville, Hendersonville or other areas on a daily or weekly basis. But for those who live and work in their own towns, it suggests that a car might not always be a necessity.
Notes from around North Buncombe
* It's rooster time in Weaverville. Locally designed roosters are now in businesses throughout the Weaverville area as part of the Weaverville Business Association's "An Enchanted Animal Affaire" promotion. Maggie B's in Weaverville will hold a meet-and-greet with the artist of their rooster as well as a wine tasting tonight.
* Karpen Fields, which have been closed since 2010 for repairs, will re-open on Memorial Day on Reems Creek Road.
* The Town of Weaverville will continue hammering out its budget during a public session at 4:30 pm on Monday (May 23). Town employees will then hold a senior luncheon on May 27 to make up for the canceled luncheon last Christmas because of inclement weather.
* Echoview Farm just north of Weaverville will hold its second annual Memorial Day event next weekend. Kids' activities and more.
* The additions to Reynolds Village in Woodfin are progressing quickly. The first of six new buildings should be ready by later this summer, officials said this week.
What else is going on?
* Karpen Fields, which have been closed since 2010 for repairs, will re-open on Memorial Day on Reems Creek Road.
* The Town of Weaverville will continue hammering out its budget during a public session at 4:30 pm on Monday (May 23). Town employees will then hold a senior luncheon on May 27 to make up for the canceled luncheon last Christmas because of inclement weather.
* Echoview Farm just north of Weaverville will hold its second annual Memorial Day event next weekend. Kids' activities and more.
* The additions to Reynolds Village in Woodfin are progressing quickly. The first of six new buildings should be ready by later this summer, officials said this week.
What else is going on?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Police, fire reports from Weaverville
The following is a list of activities for the Weaverville Police Department in the month of April.
Felony charges: 4
Misdemeanor charges: 26
Drug charges: 18
DWI arrests: 1
Motor vehicle crashes: 23
Traffic surveillance incidents: 35
Citations issued: 41
Warnings issued: 71
Reports taken: 51
* The number of drug charges over the first four months of 2011 are up 165 percent in Weaverville over the same period last year (61 in Jan-Apr '11; 23 in Jan-Apr '10)
The following is a list of activities for the Weaverville Fire Department for the month of April:
Brush fire inside town limits: 1
Vehicle fire inside town limits: 1
Structure fire outside town limits: 1
Investigations inside town limits: 6
Investigations outside town limits: 13
Mutual aid outside town limits: 12
Fire alarm activation outside town limits: 2
Public assistance inside town limits: 8
Public assistance outside town limits: 6
Motor-vehicle accidents inside town limits: 9
Motor-vehicle accidents outside town limits: 9
EMS calls inside town limits: 21
EMS calls outside town limits: 23
Property loss inside town limits: $1,000
Property loss outside town limits: $20,000
Felony charges: 4
Misdemeanor charges: 26
Drug charges: 18
DWI arrests: 1
Motor vehicle crashes: 23
Traffic surveillance incidents: 35
Citations issued: 41
Warnings issued: 71
Reports taken: 51
* The number of drug charges over the first four months of 2011 are up 165 percent in Weaverville over the same period last year (61 in Jan-Apr '11; 23 in Jan-Apr '10)
The following is a list of activities for the Weaverville Fire Department for the month of April:
Brush fire inside town limits: 1
Vehicle fire inside town limits: 1
Structure fire outside town limits: 1
Investigations inside town limits: 6
Investigations outside town limits: 13
Mutual aid outside town limits: 12
Fire alarm activation outside town limits: 2
Public assistance inside town limits: 8
Public assistance outside town limits: 6
Motor-vehicle accidents inside town limits: 9
Motor-vehicle accidents outside town limits: 9
EMS calls inside town limits: 21
EMS calls outside town limits: 23
Property loss inside town limits: $1,000
Property loss outside town limits: $20,000
Monday, May 16, 2011
Farmer Jason coming to Weaverville
The Weaverville Library Friends are always organizing interesting events for the town's library. In August, they are hosting Farmer Jason, an event that should appeal to both old and young alike.
Farmer Jason, also known as Jason Ringerberg, headed up Jason and the Scorchers, a country/rock/punk hybrid that turned the Nashville music scene on its head in the 1980s. They've since disbanded and reunited for a smattering of gigs here and there, but during his downtime, Ringerberg began recording and touring as Farmer Jason, singing extremely catchy children-oriented ditties about farms, animals, nature and such.
On a side, I saw him perform in 2006 during the all-too-brief existence of the Mucklewain concert festival that brought some of the top acts in country/rock music to Middle Tennessee. His performance was a highlight of the day, and I can only imagine it will be even better indoors in an intimate space.
Farmer Jason will be at the library at 11 am on Aug. 27.
Farmer Jason, also known as Jason Ringerberg, headed up Jason and the Scorchers, a country/rock/punk hybrid that turned the Nashville music scene on its head in the 1980s. They've since disbanded and reunited for a smattering of gigs here and there, but during his downtime, Ringerberg began recording and touring as Farmer Jason, singing extremely catchy children-oriented ditties about farms, animals, nature and such.
On a side, I saw him perform in 2006 during the all-too-brief existence of the Mucklewain concert festival that brought some of the top acts in country/rock music to Middle Tennessee. His performance was a highlight of the day, and I can only imagine it will be even better indoors in an intimate space.
Farmer Jason will be at the library at 11 am on Aug. 27.
Playoff baseball
North Buncombe takes on Burns High School in the second round of the Class 3-A NCHSAA playoffs at 5 pm on Tuesday (May 17) at NBHS, weather permitting.
Old Buncombe County Genealogical meeting
The Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society will meet on Saturday, May 21, at 2 PM at the society library at 128 Bingham Road Suite 950 in Asheville. The speaker will be Lamar Marshall of Wild South who will present a program on “Indian Trails and Pioneer Roads.” Mr. Marshall has spent countless hours searching out, identifying and walking these old trail and roads throughout the area. He will include an explanation of the location of these paths in the context of today’s terrain. The program promises to be a fascinating view of the combination of today and yesterday. The public is welcome and invited to attend. There is no charge. Light refreshments will be served after the program. For more information and/or directions, call 828-253-1894 or 828-369-8030 or e-mail info@obcgs.com.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Preservation Hall closes
These guys were our former landlords and we will miss them. Here's a note from their website:
We are proud to have been a part of the effort to locate, and find new homes for, a variety of wonderful architectural items through our Preservation Hall business. Late last year we decided that it was time to consider retiring and so we listed our building for sale in January. We were stunned to receive an acceptable offer the same month, and we closed on the building late March.
We have moved all the great work we had in inventory from area artists to Sanctuary of Stuff, located 2 miles south of Weaverville at 440 Weaverville Rd., web site www.sanctuaryofstuff.com.
Our stock of Weaverville T-shirts is now carried by Curtis Wright Outfitters just south of us at 24 N. Main St., web site www.curtiswrightoutfitters.com.
The architectural items have been sold to our friends Tim & Nancy Hall at Underground Salvage, 66 E. Main St. in Brevard, North Carolina. They have had a salvage business there for over 20 years, and we highly recommend contacting them for your needs. Underground Salvage is open 7 days a week, year round, (Mon. - Sat. 9:30 to 5:30, Sun.1 to 5) plus they have a large warehouse full. Their contact information is phone (828) 885-2744, Tim’s cell (828) 553-4837, or email at undergroundsalvageco@gmail.com.
All three of these businesses are locally owned and operated by great people.
Again, thank you to our wonderful friends, suppliers, artists and customers. You welcomed us to this area a decade ago and helped grow our business. We hope to see you as we now relax a little and enjoy this beautiful part of North Carolina.
We hope that you have a great year and thanks again!
Darcy, Capri & Rob Willis
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