Day: December 26, 2007
Forum recap
Although the MountainX.com forums have only been online for a little over a week, plenty of interesting discussions have already started. This is our weekly forum recap for the week of Dec. 26.
Watch your back
It wasn’t the best of years; it wasn’t the worst of years. During 2007, Asheville saw increases in many types of crimes: Homicides almost doubled compared to last year, and burglaries were also up. In addition, the city had more shootings, traffic fatalities and increased gang and hard-drug activity. Not all the news is grim, … Read more
Happy valley
Twenty minutes northwest of Asheville, Highway 63 winds up a series of switchbacks, surmounts a ridge and dips down the other side. Views open up as the Walnut and Newfound mountains loom blue in the distance. In season, the fields lining the roadside are thick with tomatoes, rank stands of burley tobacco, feed corn and … Read more
The little engine that shushed
Countless folk songs pay homage to the long, lonesome blow of a train whistle, a common note in any city with railroad crossings. But while a distant whistle may have the power to inspire traveling tunes, a train horn sounding right next to your home or workplace could make you wish you were traveling somewhere … Read more
Lock and load
On the bottom floor of the Asheville Police Department, Evidence Manager Lee Smith wheels out a large mail cart full of guns. He follows that with two restaurant-size trash cans. All three have dozens of rifle muzzles protruding from them. What a sight: APD Evidence Manager Lee Smith holds one of the more valuable weapons … Read more
The $286 billion meal
Every five years, with all the grace of an overburdened mule, a new Farm Bill plods through Congress piled high with price supports and agricultural subsidies, ethanol initiatives and conservation measures. As it does, each representative and senator has his or her own requests to add to it. Last month, Senate amendments—250 in all—caused the … Read more
Medford, deputies to remain behind bars
Former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford and three of his deputies, arrested Dec. 13 on federal extortion charges, will remain in custody until their trials. Before the fall: Former Sheriff Bobby Medford, at a campaign event last year during his last and failed run for the office. Photo By Jonathan Welch On Dec. 17, Magistrate … Read more
Veterans withdraw controversial poem
The board of directors of the WNC Veterans Memorial has announced that it’s withdrawing a controversial poem, instead proposing two new inscriptions for the memorial, which is slated to be erected in the renovated City/County Plaza. In a Dec. 17 press release, the group stated that it “wishes to avoid controversy regarding the Veterans Memorial,” … Read more
