Day: August 12, 2009
This weekend on a shoestring
Start the weekend early. Thursday has a ton of not-to-be-missed events, from a local short film festival to Vendetta Creme in Saluda. Then ease on into the weekend. Got 5 bucks? Catch a punk show at the Boiler room or a rock band at Mo Daddy’s. Got 3 bucks? Check out a gospel festival or a Dead cover band. Got nothin’? Relax: there’s plenty to do for free, too.
Buncombe Commishioners: Back to the barricades
Board approves $3.1 million Pack Library renovation Commissioners expand county smoking ban County transfers Health Center operations to nonprofit It was a hot-button meeting for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. After a monthlong hiatus, the board reconvened Aug. 4 to confront a room packed with anti-zoning protesters and an agenda that included a proposed … Read more
Campaign calendar returns next week
It's been nearly a month since the deadline for candidates to file for Buncombe County races, so it's time once again to fire up the Xpress Campaign Calendar. We invite candidates and campaigners to send us information on events that are open to the public. Xpress will list them, along with important voter information, both … Read more
From Parkside to pilsner
A Pack Square building once slated for demolition now looks to find new life as a bar and restaurant. The Hayes & Hopson Building, which developer Stewart Coleman had planned to tear down to make way for his controversial Parkside condominium project, is instead being renovated and converted into Pack's Tavern. A pint at Pack: … Read more
Immigration by the numbers
Illegal immigrants' counterfeit documentation can be so plausible that small-business owners may not be able to tell what's legit and what is not, according to an Aug. 4 presentation by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials. In fact, said Special Agent Darren Vazquetelles, the department itself is barely staying on top of the counterfeit game. … Read more
Attempted murder charge dropped in cyclist shooting
A grand jury has dropped the charge of attempted first-degree murder against Charles Alexander Diez, the Asheville firefighter accused of shooting at a cyclist. Diez is now facing a felony assault charge that carries a much lower potential penalty. Currently free on a $200,000 bond, Diez was served a warrant Aug. 6 on a charge … Read more
Deputy accused in road rage incident suspended
An undercover deputy accused in a road-rage incident will be suspended without pay for an unspecified period, Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan announced Aug. 3. Duncan said the deputy, whose identity was not disclosed due to the nature of his work, had made unprofessional remarks to 911 dispatchers. "Some very teachable moments": Buncombe County Sheriff … Read more
