Make that a Shirley Temple “Parents might tell their kids, ‘If you need a ride, call me,’ and that’s a great message,” says Leslie Kimball of the Century Council. But as far as the not-for-profit organization created to combat drunk driving and underage drinking is concerned, a safe ride for partying teens isn’t enough. “What … Read more
Mental illness — particularly depression — is second only to heart disease in its socioeconomic impact in our country, reports Susan Brooks of Asheville’s All Souls Counseling Center. “That includes lost work as well as dollars for medical care and medication,” she notes. “Depression that is untreated can lead to permanent disability, and there are … Read more
With no common ground found at a last-minute open meeting on June 28, the Asheville/Buncombe water dispute appeared headed to court. The Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County commissioners spent more than an hour discussing water issues before heading off to separate meetings to pass their respective budgets for the 2005-06 fiscal year (which … Read more
Fair compensation could save lives The health-care system that sustains so many sick people in Western North Carolina helped kill Devin [Gibson]. The system of “agency” temporary workers pays low wages and does nothing for child-care. It recruits from the very poor as a way to “help” them get on their feet. Are they helping … Read more
I hadn’t seen them since early March, when they paraded up our hill, single file, into my neighbors’ yard. The sun was disappearing below the horizon, and a wintry wind was blowing from the creek. A lone passing car briefly breached the enveloping silence. I remember the first time I heard that peculiar rushing just … Read more
For generations, North Carolina has had a reputation for clean government. And while there have been some notable (and well-publicized) exceptions, our overall reputation remains high. Times have changed, however, and the governmental process has grown much more complex. There are now many more lobbyists involved with the legislative and executive branches of our government, … Read more
