Day: May 1, 2002

A hodgepodge of issues faced the Buncombe County commissioners last week — from a pitch for a veterans memorial to tactics that would limit the state’s ability to snatch money away from the county. But the item that drew the most people to the board’s April 23 meeting had to do with stream buffers and, … Read more

The owner of an Asheville lumber company was appointed last week to fill a seat on the Regional Water Authority of Asheville, Buncombe and Henderson. On a split vote, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners chose Ed Metz, president of Westall-Chandley Lumber Co., to fill the seat vacated by Gary Semlak, who resigned March 19 … Read more

The simple words of a well-worn hymn tumbled out of the teenager’s mouth in what seemed the unlikeliest of settings — the formidable confines of the Swannanoa juvenile detention center. “Amazing Grace,” 16-year-old Calvin sang softly, his voice taking flight with the melody. “How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once … Read more

In Buncombe County, parents who don’t want to leave their middle-schoolers home alone after school have precious few options. The SOS program (which stands for Support Our Students) offers free after-school activities for 82 students five days a week, says Director Laura Williams. The YWCA of Asheville operates the state-funded program, with sites at North … Read more

“We believe ultimately everyone will be ‘saved’ — everyone will come to the same conclusion.” — Hare Krishna teacher Prithu Das Maybe it’s the energy vortex that’s rumored to hover above downtown Asheville’s Flat Iron Building. Maybe it’s the odd intersection of three mountain ranges. Whatever the reason, pilgrims of every stripe are cropping up … Read more