Clint Parker

Buncombe County – Weaverville resident Ryan Houston shot a deputy last year. Yet, he was out on bond when he allegedly killed his girlfriend Malerie Crisp, assaulted a McDowell County man and stole his truck, then took another car, crashing it into newly retired Mars Hill Chief of Police Mike Boone, resulting in Boone’s death. Boone was a 32-year veteran of law enforcement, and Houston also lost his life in the incident.

Asheville – In a time when many residents are feeling the pinch of rising costs, Buncombe County Commissioner Chair candidate Van Duncan is stepping up with a plan that aims to ease the financial strain on homeowners. Following the recent decision by the Buncombe County Commissioners to increase property taxes, Duncan is advocating for a revenue-neutral tax rate after the 2025 property revaluation. This approach reflects his commitment to fiscal responsibility and the economic well-being of the community.

Asheville – Called “America’s Finest Home,” this week’s historical marker celebrates the area’s best-known tourist attraction, the Biltmore House. The marker, located off McDowell as you enter the estate, reads: “Designed for George W. Vanderbilt by Richard M. Hunt. Constructed, 1890-1895. Opened to the public, 1930. Three miles west.”

Dewitt Tipton rehearsing with the St. John in the Wilderness Choir. Photo courtesy of St. John in the Wilderness Church.

Buncombe County – Buncombe County businesswoman Dr. Glenda Weinert has announced her candidacy for the Buncombe County Board of Education Member at Large. Weinert will appear on the November ballot following her appointment to the position after the resignation of Amanda Simpkins in May 2024. With extensive experience in education, from early childhood to higher education, Weinert’s background and passion drive her commitment to seek a full term on the board.

North Carolina – The Electoral College, a unique mechanism for electing the President of the United States, has been debated since its inception, and the argument for its abolishment has been renewed in recent years. Despite the controversies surrounding it, the Electoral College remains an integral part of the American Republic. Understanding its importance in modern times to smaller and more rural states like ours requires delving into the Founding Fathers’ intentions, who designed this system to balance the diverse interests of its various states.

Asheville – Still in the Biltmore area this week, our next historic marker is located at the corner of Biltmore Avenue and Unadilla Avenue in Asheville. The marker reads: Established before 1793 as Union Hill Academy. Named for Rev. George Newton. Present Newton Academy School is the fourth building on this site.

Asheville – Drivers traveling on Interstate 26 East experienced overnight closures earlier this week as part of ongoing construction efforts by the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The closures, which began Monday and were set to continue through Wednesday, required detours that utilized U.S. 25 through Hendersonville.

The Shelton Laurel Massacre saw conflicting reports on the number of raiders involved, the presence of Colonel Allen, the identities of the victims, and the accountability of those responsible, highlighting the chaotic and brutal nature of the event.

Dan Slagle's presentation on the Shelton Laurel Massacre details the varying accounts of the number of raiders, Colonel Allen's involvement, the identities of the victims, the method of killing, and the accountability of Lt. Col. James A. Keith, who was eventually acquitted and escaped jail.