Asheville NC : Local Scoop

First Place! Tourists Rock Riverdogs

2008-05-13T10:29:00.001-04:00

The Asheville Tourists got to work early and trounced the RiverDogs, gaining first place honors in the league's southern divisions.

Jeff Cunningham ripped a three run homer off the Riverdogs' pitcher Betances. Then David Christianson teed off with his first of two homers on the day -- making the score 5-to-0 in the first inning. His second home run shot increased Asheville's lead to 6-to-0. Chase Oleander's error gave the Tourists an opportunity to score again when Michael Mitchell singled to right, bringing home Lars Davis. A unearned run was recorded later in the game, giving Asheville the victory 8-to-0.

Unofficial 2008 Primary Election Results

2008-05-07T10:43:00.005-04:00

While the May 6, 2008 Democratic and Republican primary results are still unofficial, the Buncombe County Board of Elections has released the counts, from all 77 of the reporting precincts.

For Buncombe County, Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama captured nearly 55% of the popular vote; his opponent, Hillary Clinton, fell in second place with close to 44%. Obama also won the state of North Carolina with 56%, Clinton trailing with 42%.

In the local election for County Commissioner of Buncombe, the four nominees are: Holly Jones with 21%, K. Ray Bailey at 15%, Carol Peterson having 14%, and Bill Stanley with 12%.

Less than half of the registered voters of Buncombe county turned out to cast their ballot -- 62,730 citizens voted out of the 164,806 that were registered (38%). The primaries establish each party's nominee for that particular seat in each office. The general election, held on November 4, 2008, will determine the winner of each seat between the two parties.

For full election results details, visit the 2008 North Carolina Primary results page.

Tourists hold Pitch, Hit and Run Tournament

2008-05-01T14:17:00.003-04:00

The Asheville Tourists, will be having a Pitch, Hit and run Tournament for 7-to-14 year olds. The competition will take place at 1pm on Saturday, May 10^th at McCormick Field. Before the activities start, kids will be grouped according to age and both boys and girls will be put into one of four groups according to age.

The kids will be asked to throw as many strikes as possible with six baseballs, taking swings at baseballs on a tee and a timed base-running competition.

Those who win their group events will compete for tournament champion honors. Winners of individual events will also recognized and the best in each game will advance to sectionals. If they are good enough, they can advance all the way to the finals during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

Participation in the Pitch, Hit and Run tournament is free. Contestants only need to bring proof of age. For further info, call (828) 258-0428.

Asheville to see more air quality warnings this summer

2008-04-29T15:15:00.001-04:00

Asheville may have more days this summer of poor air quality. Changes to the official national air quality standard have lowered the amount of ozone in the air to constitute air quality warnings.

The EPA adopted the new standard to update measurements with new research on air quality and public health. It is expected that Asheville will see a substantial increase in "orange days." Forecasts started on April 15^th and will end on September 1^st. For updated daily forecasts, visit ncair.org.

On code orange days, children, the elderly and anyone with heart or respiratory disease such as asthma should limit their physical activity.

Scooter Sales in Asheville on the Rise

2008-04-25T14:03:00.002-04:00

The average price of gas in Asheville rose to a record $3.54 a gallon this week. This is driving many car owners to purchase scooters. The most popular models don't even require a driver's license to operate. Prices for new scooters are between $1,200 to $1,700.

Scooter sales in the area have increased 46% since our gas woes began, and it doesn't look like the craze will end anytime soon. With gas prices predicted to climb further this summer (some analysts predicting $5 a gallon) these vehicles are a definite option for everyone. There is no shifting involved and if you can ride a bike, then you can learn to ride a scooter in mere minutes.

In order for one of these bikes to be classified as a non-license requiring vehicle, the bike must have a motor smaller than 55 CCs and cannot exceed 30 miles per hour. It is also illegal to ride one on interstates or highways. If a scooter does not meet these requirements, then it is classified as a motorcycle. The law also requires helmets.

Clinton Stumps in Asheville

2008-04-23T12:40:00.001-04:00

Former "First Lady" Hillary Clinton will be trying to cut Senator Barack Obama's lead in North Carolina on Thursday by staging a speech at the Asheville Civic Center. On-stage with Hillary will be retired general Henry Shelton.

Doors will open for the speech at 6pm on April 24, 2008. She is trying to find some North Carolina support before the May 6^th primary as Obama still has the lead in delegates, states won and popular vote. Obama also leads in North Carolina by more than 15 points.

Asheville is Number 2 Arts Destination in America

2008-04-11T13:37:00.003-04:00

American Style magazine has named Asheville the “Number 2 Small City Arts Destination” behind Santa Fe, New Mexico. And though any resident who has been to Santa Fe might argue rightly for number one, it is still quite an honor for our town to be recognized— as well as a great leap from our number five ranking last year.

The award was based on the magazine's Annual Poll of 100,000 American Style subscribers. The June issue of the magazine will be on newsstands in May and will profile top art destinations in three categories, small cities, mid-sized cities and large cities.

Asheville Tourists' Regular Season Starts

2008-04-04T12:11:00.002-04:00

Asheville's minor league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists, have begun their regular season. There's plenty of time for people to grab a hot dog and join in the fun.

This year, roaming vendors will be selling food and beverages to folks in the stands. New box seats have been built right under the press box and two Sunday night games will have fireworks displays.

McCormick field hasn't changed much since it was built in 1924, but most people in Asheville see that as a good thing.

Another Million for Performing Arts Center

2008-03-31T16:20:00.001-04:00

The proposed Asheville Performing Arts Center has received another grant -- this time for $1 million from the Susanne Marcus Collins Foundation.

The Center's estimated cost is between $65 million and $85 million, depending on the place of construction. This grant will more than likely be used for further planning.

At this time, the Performing Arts Center has more than 200 contributors who have pledged up to three million dollars. The Center would replace the older Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, the current main venue for large concerts and events.

EPA declares Asheville's drinking water safe

2008-03-27T16:28:00.003-04:00

Asheville released its yearly report on drinking water safety. The report is required of the City by the Environmental Protection Agency. Water samples that were provided to the EPA were analyzed, and the agency found that Asheville's water is well above quality standards for municipal drinking water. The report is available on the water department website.

The report highlights details about the drinking water that comes out of Asheville Residents' taps as well as the city's water treatment programs and water sources. Locals will be getting a copy of the report with their next water bill. To get extra copies, you can call the city's customer service department at (828) 251-1122.

New Hotels On the Way for Downtown Asheville?

2008-03-26T12:00:00.003-04:00

Despite the recent downturn in the economy (or recession, depending on who you ask), real estate and hotel developers are turning a keen eye to downtown Asheville and are very eager to start putting up new hotels.

A plan was presented to City Council at the end of March that proposed the building of a luxury hotel with approximately 140 different rooms along with a parking garage. The plan also called for substantial space for offices and retail stores. If approved, the building would be constructed across from the Asheville Civic Center, on land owned by the city.

At last count, there were a total of five plans submitted to city council in the past several years. Other developers have submitted plans to renovate additional existing hotels.

With the recent uproar about downtown condos, these newly proposed hotels will surely meet with staunch opposition. One thing is certainly working on the side of the developers; even though Asheville is becoming evermore popular with tourists, the amount of available rooms in downtown hotels has been stagnant for the past two decades.

Local leaders will review the plans for the hotel across from the Civic Center this coming Spring.

Top Five Places to Stay While Visiting Asheville

2008-03-20T13:59:00.009-04:00

Haywood Park Hotel: This former department store was renovated and is now one of Asheville's premier hotels. It has a great location downtown and its 33 suites are individually hand-decorated. They offer valet parking, bell service, turndown service and free truffles from Asheville's Chocolate Fetish.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate: At this luxurious lodging, you can stay on the grounds of the number one tourist attraction in Western North Carolina. The prompt service, plush, comfortable rooms and fine dining all make this inn a spectacular experience. The Inn on Biltmore Estate also has a pool, concierge service and transportation all around the 8,000 acre estate.
The White Gate Inn: This historic bed and breakfast has all the charm and amenities of the finest hotels. The Inn has hot-tubs, beautiful rooms and lovely gardens. It is also closer to Asheville's historic downtown than any other Bed and Breakfast in the city.
Saluda Mountain Lake Retreat: For those who want the peace and quiet of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this lakeside retreat is for you. It offers modern amenities with rustic mountain charm. Most cabins offer wireless Internet access and hot tubs as well as beautiful views and a lake stocked with a variety of fish. Located just 30 minutes outside of Asheville, you can see everything the city has to offer; then relax in seclusion.
Renaissance Asheville Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown with scenic views of the Smoky Mountains, the Renaissance is well within walking distance of Asheville's eclectic shops and galleries. Mere moments away from the airport, fine restaurants, popular nightlife, the Biltmore and the Blue Ridge Parkway a stay at the Renaissance is truly an experience to remember.

Southern Living's Eco-Friendly House

2008-02-28T13:28:00.002-05:00

Southern Living has chosen eco-friendly community Whisper Mountain located just outside Asheville to build their 2008 Green Idea House.

The architect has drawn up a traditional farmhouse, and visitors will be given tours to learn about building green homes. The contractor is EcoBuilders and features will include solar panels, a gray water system and radiant-heated floors.

While the house is being constructed, on-site recycling is being implemented as well as the use of non-toxic materials and locally made building materials. The house's energy recovery ventilator draws in filtered air and removes humidity. Recycled metal will be used on the house's roof.

Bill Allison of Allison Ramsey Architects and Traci Kearns of Alchemy Design Studio designed the house locally.

For more information about the Southern Living eco-friendly house, call (877) 687-2626

Restaurants and Dining Events in Asheville : Big Game Banquet

2008-02-25T15:02:00.003-05:00

The tenth annual Lasher Family and Friends Big Game Banquet will happen on March 28^th at the Crest Pavilion on Crest Mountain from 6 until 9pm. Fare will include regional preparations of game meats from around North America, including bison & venison steaks, Louisiana crawfish boil, Pacific coast salmon, East Carolina quail and more! Guests will enjoy live entertainment from Bobby and Blue Ridge Tradition, presented by 99.9 KISS Country and magnificent wildlife displays by Wilderness Taxidermy and Outfitters.

Event proceeds will go to a scholarship fund, currently held by Eblen Charities and created by the Lasher Family. This scholarship benefits students pursuing a career in wildlife management and conservation. Also, the National non-profit organization, Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, will be raffling items to raise money for the organization. In 2007, FHFH and GameDinner.com worked together to feed over 2,500 meals of healthy, lean, hunter-donated venison to hungry people in Buncombe, Madison and Haywood Counties.

Ticket prices are $50 for adults, and $40 for kids. Reserved tables for eight are available for $360. To purchase a ticket or table, visit the GameDinner Store.

For those who can't get enough bison steak, also happening soon is a tasting event, being held by Asheville's Exchange of Restaurateurs and Women Chefs on Monday, March 3 at Stovetrotters Restaurant on Sweeten Creek Road. Food will include crab, buffalo steak and bread pudding.

The food-tasting event starts with cocktails and socializing time at 6:30pm followed by a meeting, bread tasting and baking demonstration.

Tickets are $20, and include a beverage of your choosing. Participants must register by next Friday. For information and registration for the Asheville's Exchange event, call (877) 927-7787.

Spring Dining at Asheville's Cafes and Outdoor Restaurants

2008-02-19T14:59:00.008-05:00

Spring is right around the corner, and Asheville offers cafés and outdoor dining at its best. Many restaurants offer outdoor dining during the spring, summer and fall.

Here are a few restaurants in Asheville that have wonderful outdoor atmosphere:

Over Easy Cafe downtown offers breakfast, brunch, and brunch. They take pride supporting local farmers and use organic ingredients whenever possible. They use free-range chicken eggs as well as antibiotic & hormone-free meat from Spring House Meats, Sunburst Trout, The Salmon Guy, and Wilshire Farms. They also only use organic coffee, which is roasted here in-town by Asheville Coffee Roasters.
The Corner Kitchen: When the Corner Kitchen opened for business, the house was one hundred and eight years old. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a delicious Sunday Brunch. The Corner Kitchen also offers scenic outdoor seating and an extensive wine list.
The Flying Frog Cafe, right in the middle of downtown, offers both affordable and upscale cuisine of the Bavarian and Indian variety. They have an enormous wine list with offerings from around the world.

By no means are these only restaurants in-town that offer outdoor dining; Asheville is full of them. Just take a walk downtown until you spot or smell something that strikes your fancy.

Asheville Tourists hold singing tryouts for pre-game National Anthem

2008-02-15T12:55:00.002-05:00

It's not American Idol, but you’ll still get to sing in front of a crowd (assuming you make it that far). The Asheville Tourists are looking for a few singers to sing the National Anthem before their games at McCormick Field.

On Saturday, March 29^th, the team's front office will be holding tryouts to find pre-game singers from 10am to 2pm. Anyone and everyone can attend, and singers are not required to register. The tryouts will be broadcast over the stadium's PA system. In the past, the Tourists have been quite impressed with Asheville citizens' vocal ability and are hoping to be equally impressed this year.

An Introduction to the Asheville Drum Circle

2008-02-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

If you're visiting Asheville for the first time and want an example of the city's unique culture, stop by Pritchard Park during a Friday night in the Spring, Summer, or Fall and see the Drum Circle. Anyone can join in -- all you need is a drum. The park is smack in the middle of downtown, and you will see old and young alike beating away in rhythm. Everyone gets involved and has a great time, from professional musicians to first-timers, the Asheville Drum Circle welcomes everyone.

The circle has survived numerous complaints from nearby condos and there was once a movement to have it shut down, but the weekly event survived, and is just as eclectic as ever. During the rest of the week, Pritchard Park is also used by many people to play chess, as well as hosting an outdoor silent movie series during the Summer months. For additional information on the circle, check out its page on myspace.com/ashevilledrumcircle.

Warren Haynes and Government Mule headline Asheville Music Jamboree

2008-02-09T12:53:00.001-05:00

Warren Haynes and Government Mule will be headliners for the Asheville Music Jamboree that runs from May 23-25 at Deerfield Retreat in Mills River.

Also booked for this year's music festival are Ivan Neville's Dumpstafunk, Burning Spear, The Lee Boys, former Drive By Trucker Jason Isbell, AQ, Afromotive, the Laura Reed Band, the New Familiars, Shannon Whitworth and many more.

Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday through the festival's web-site amjam.net. Advance weekend tickets will be sold for $125, which includes camping. Once advance tickets are gone, prices will go up to $140. Only 3,000 tickets are available in all, and are expected to sell out.

The Asheville Music Jamboree started last spring and had crowds of about 2,000 people.

Big Game Dinner at The Crest Center

2008-01-31T15:49:00.000-05:00

GameDinner.com and Highland Brewing Company held their Big Game and Beer dinner at Asheville's Crest Center on January 24^th, hosted by Joe Lasher, co-owner of M7 Event Solutions and founder of GameDinner.com. The meal paired various big game dishes with beers brewed by Highland. A percentage of the proceeds went to feed the hungry. The menu included:

Hors D’oeuvres Course
Deer, quail, bison, and duck and local cheeses.
Soup
Bison and Barley Stew in Toasted Boule with Chestnut Crackers.
Beer pairing: Tasgall Ale
Fish Course
Terrine served with wild salmon, cold-water scallops and Maine lobster with blue crab ceviche. Wild rainbow trout caviar was also available.
Beer pairing: St. Theresa’s Pale Ale
Salad Course
Butter crunch lettuce topped with coleslaw made from jicama, sunchoke and chayote with toasted sunflower seeds and a light vinaigrette.
Beer pairing: Kashmir IPA
Meat Course
Grilled elk strip steak, sauce chasseur and roasted marmalade.
Beer pairing: Gaelic Ale
Dessert Course
Cranberry spice cake with lemon sauce, whipped cream and cranberries. Served with a Cold Mountain shandy.
Beer pairing: Cold Mountain Winter Ale

Photographs can been found at the Photo Gallery. To get tickets for GameDinner.com's next event, visit their website at gamedinner.com.

Local Indie Film "Anywhere, USA" Wins Award at Sundance

2008-01-28T14:08:00.000-05:00

Anywhere, USA was filmed right here in Asheville and was originally entitled Asheville The Movie. The project has been lauded as one of the most original films at this year's Sundance Film Festival, taking the Spirit of Independence Award in the dramatic category.

It is the first film by Asheville Director and screenwriter Chusy Haney-Jardine. The final cut of the film is a raucous, homemade movie that encompasses Chusy's family and community. The movie stars his daughter -- Perla Haney-Jardine, as she was the only real actor in the project. Other actors were found by various casting trips to Wal-Mart. The entire film was edited in Chusy's Garage. There is a feeling that this isn't the last we'll hear about this talented local film director.

Les Claypool coming to Asheville

2008-01-24T16:07:00.000-05:00

Les Claypool will be playing at Asheville's The Orange Peel. Claypool is a singer, lyricist, bassist and former member of the alternative rock band Primus. This future Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's mastery of the bass guitar has distinguished him as a solo-artist since leaving the band. Claypool mixes finger-tapping, flamenco-inspired strumming, and slap bass to create his own unique style that has to be heard be believed.

The concert starts at 9pm on Saturday, March 1^st, 2008; tickets are $26 in advance and $28 at the door. They can be ordered online via Ticketweb.

Climate Change Could Bring Thousands of Jobs to Asheville

2008-01-23T16:32:00.000-05:00

Asheville's North Carolina Arboretum is very much more than a garden space to exhibit flowers and trees native to Western North Carolina. It is also a place that just might grow jobs for the local economy as well.

The North Carolina Arboretum's economic developer, Ron Gordon, spoke about the Arboretum's hopes to bring in more scientific research and other, more lucrative jobs to the Asheville area.

Gordon also serves as executive director for the Centers for Environmental and Climate Interaction. With an estimate of likely workloads from federal projects, he estimates that Asheville could get almost 1,000 new jobs over the next five years and perhaps 3,000 over the next 15.

The government will probably be forced to make decisions by this spring on which climate agency will take the lead on climate change studies. Asheville should be hoping for the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), currently located downtown in the Federal Building, to lead research.

Mr. Gordon and others hope for an expensive downtown facility that would bring NCDC scientists together with local academics and businesses. This collaboration may lead to spin-off companies marketing products built out of the NCDC's archives of satellite and weather data.

Asheville Native takes Bronze in World Cup Cycling Event

2008-01-23T15:28:00.000-05:00

Asheville native Lauren Franges assisted (along with her teammates) the US National Bicycle Team get a bit closer to the Olympic team this weekend.

The twenty-five year old Franges and her teammates Kristin Armstrong and Christen King won the bronze medal in the third round of the World Track Cup in Los Angeles. The Cup is one of the races that will determine the fastest women cyclists in the world and those that will represent the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games.

This was the first World Cup where the U.S. was able to medal as a team. “You can only go as fast as your slowest rider, so you have to be in tune with your other teammates,” Franges said. “Track is usually an individual sport, so in that respect, to be able to share the medal with my two other teammates, is a great feeling.” The team race is a new event for women on the world scene this year.

Franges lives in Asheville with her husband / former manager, Michael Tamayo. She has been a professional cyclist since she was 18.

I-26 Connector Project Approved by Asheville City Council

2008-01-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

The City of Asheville has finally settled on the long-delayed Interstate 26 Connector proposal. The new design plan features a smaller disruption to West Asheville than plans previously made by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The alternative plan will use much less land and will save the State upwards of $150 million. The major change is a viaduct, instead of the State's planned double-decker bridge.

Members of the City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday, January 15^th for the new plan and now are pressing the Department of Transportation to consider the alternative design. Dr. Carl Mumpower was the only member of council that voted no on the resolution.

Plans call for a bridge to be constructed over the French Broad River. This new bridge will connect Interstate 240 in West Asheville to Interstate 26 in North Asheville. Asheville City Council is holding its breath on the NC Department of Transportation's approval.

Projected costs have skyrocketed from $87.4 million in 1997 to $363.4 million today, with construction projected to begin in 2008. As of now, construction on the project will not start until at least 2013. The new proposal will be given to the NC DOT Friday, Jan. 18, 2008.

Buncombe County School calendars changed for snow days

2008-01-15T15:03:00.000-05:00

Asheville and Buncombe County School systems changed the 2007 & 2008 school calendar to make up for snow days missed during the first week of January, 2008. The last day of school is now June 2^nd, 2008 instead of May 30^th, 2008.

Snow and adverse driving conditions closed all Asheville and Buncombe County Schools on January 3^rd. Adding another day to the end of the school year will make up the missed day. North Buncombe students also missed January 4^th because of snow. Those students will attend the former Teacher Work Day and students in all other districts will not have classes.

Note: The following is from Buncombe County Schools.

Closings and Delay Information for Buncombe County

Bad weather and/or emergencies may require the closing of schools, delays or early release of students. If a change in schedule is made, the announcement will be broadcast by Asheville area radio and television stations after 6 a.m. the morning after. Our website and Weather Hot-line, (828) 255-5939, will be updated with the current information.

Announcements

If no announcements are posted on our website or broadcast on radio or television, the buses will run on their regular schedule and the schools will be opened at the regular time. If an isolated severe weather situation occurs, some schools may close or incur delays, while those unaffected schools will remain open. If more than two of our six districts are closed, then our entire system will close as well.

Early Release

If schools release students early due to weather or emergency, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive an ALERTNOW phone notification and announcements also will be broadcast on Asheville's radio and television stations.

One-hour delay: School buses will pick up students one hour later than usual.

Two-hour delay: School opening/bus routes will be delayed for two hours.

One-hour early closing: All bus routes operate one hour earlier than the normal time.

Two-hour early closing: All bus routes operate two hours earlier than the normal time.