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Pertussis, better known as Whooping Cough, is spreading rapidly across Henderson County.

Since April 3, county health officials have tracked 51 cases.

“I’m petrified,” Whitley Drugs Pharmacy Manager Travis Smith said Wednesday, May 1. “There’s a reason we have vaccines for it. There’s a reason we start them early. It can be deadly to a young child.”

Officials say it could -- and likely will -- spread further before seeing a slowdown in cases.

“We had a prior outbreak back in 2017-18,” Henderson County Health Director Steve Smith said. “That ended up being 95 cases. I think it’s very possible we get into that range with this most recent outbreak. It’s a fundamental element for pertussis. It’s highly contagious, so it spreads very easily.”

“We’ve gotten quite a few prescriptions from the health department,” Travis said. “That’s something I don’t normally see. I’ve seen more of them. I’ve talked to more patients as a result.”

Infants, pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised are most vulnerable. That is why schools and daycare centers can act as a super-spreader spot for the disease.

“There’s concern all over the place,” Travis said. “These kids are in a close proximity. This is not a 3,000-square-foot room; it’s a tiny room for all the kids here.”

Pharmacists like Travis Smith suggest that someone should have their T-Dap shot every 8 years at the latest. A complicated part of sorting the cough out is it’s similarity to the flu.

“Its symptoms are very similar to something as common as a cold like a runny nose, mild temperature, or a cough or something like that,” Smith said.

Health officials stress the importance of the vaccination.

While those who got the shot can still become infected, the symptoms are milder.

“Our vaccine rates have been dropping,” Travis said. “I don’t do a lot of T-Dap boosters or shots, and I probably should be. T-Dap vaccines are something we can get our whole lives. We should keep up with that. But we don’t see it a lot. It’s an antibiotic that I try to keep on the shelf anyway. I try to keep a pretty large supply.”

“I think we’re in an environment now where we would urge you to connect with a health care provider earlier than maybe you would otherwise,” Smith said. “There are always some background cases in the community with Pertussis. I don’t think it ever really goes away.”

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS'Concern all over the place' as Whooping Cough cases rising rapidly in Henderson County (wlos.com)

 

 

 

 

Group of Chapel Hill, Carrboro Elected Officials ‘Strongly Condemn’ UNC’s Police Response to Protesters
Posted by Brighton McConnell | May 1, 2024 | International, Local Government, UNC

Group of Chapel Hill, Carrboro Elected Officials ‘Strongly Condemn’ UNC’s Police Response to Protesters
A group of Chapel Hill and Carrboro town council members issued a joint statement on Wednesday, criticizing the UNC administration’s response to pro-Palestine demonstrators during an encampment protest and subsequent rally on Tuesday.

A signed letter from four Chapel Hill and four Carrboro elected officials said the group strongly condemns the “use of aggressive police tactics” against the students and other community members — calling it “unnecessary” and an “overreaction.” The collection of council members pointed to the importance of free speech and academic freedom for those who participated, saying they believe students should not face penalties or violence for “peacefully engaging in protected free speech.”

UNC said Tuesday it had campus law enforcement — including several officers from other UNC System schools — clear the site of a four-day-long encampment protest because the organizers had violated campus policy through erecting tents, accessing university buildings overnight, and materially disrupting campus operations. Thirty-six people were detained, according to UNC media relations, with six people charged with trespassing and 30 cited for trespassing. The university said 16 of those detained are Carolina students and described the others as people not affiliated with the school.

Later on Tuesday, a subsequent rally organized by UNC Students for Justice in Palestine led to another clash with police. After demonstrators moved from the steps of South Building to the central flagpole, some took down the United States flag and replaced it with a Palestinian flag. That sparked a swift response from campus police, including a group who emerged from South Building with UNC Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and pushed through the students to replace the American flag. Videos from the scene show officers throwing demonstrators to the ground, pulling people’s hair and using pepper spray.

The group of Chapel Hill and Carrboro town council members said they remain committed to working with UNC leaders “to ensure the safety of all students and community members as they exercise their right to free speech and peaceful protest.”

Town Council members in both Carrboro and Chapel Hill are aware of the arrests of peaceful protestors on UNC’s campus yesterday morning. We strongly condemn this overreaction by the UNC administration. Chapel Hill and Carrboro Police were not involved in this action. We, the undersigned, believe that, in taking this unnecessary step, UNC administration created an environment that inevitably resulted in an escalation of force, including the use of pepper spray against its own students. This use of aggressive police tactics against students and community members invites aggressive responses, and only serves to escalate an already tense situation.

Moving forward, we strongly urge UNC to abide by the recently published guidance from the ACLU to University leaders designed to protect the free speech and academic freedom of all involved. Specifically, the ACLU offered the following guardrails:

1. Schools must not single out particular viewpoints for censorship, discipline, or disproportionate punishment.

2. Schools must protect students from targeted discriminatory harassment and violence, but may not penalize people for taking sides on the war in Gaza, even if expressed in deeply offensive terms.

3. Schools can announce and enforce reasonable content-neutral time, place, or manner policies on protesting activity, but they must leave ample room for students to express themselves. These rules must be applied consistently and without regard to viewpoint.

4. Schools must recognize that armed police on campus can endanger students and are a measure of last resort.

5. Schools must resist the pressures placed on them by politicians seeking to exploit campus tensions.

We stand ready to work with the University to ensure the safety of all students and community members as they exercise their right to free speech and peaceful protest.

We additionally urge DA Nieman to dismiss the charges against all those arrested and to prioritize restorative justice rather than punitive measures. UNC students should not face penalties – or violence – for peacefully engaging in protected free speech.

Signed,

Theo Nollert, Chapel Hill Town Council

Melissa McCullough, Chapel Hill Town Council

Paris Miller-Foushee, Chapel Hill Town Council

Karen Stegman, Chapel Hill Town Council

Danny Nowell, Carrboro Town Council

Jason Merrill, Carrboro Town Council

Catherine Fray, Carrboro Town Council

Eliazar Posada, Carrboro Town Council

Jeff Nieman, the district attorney for Orange and Chatham counties, later shared his own statement responding to the request to dismiss all charges. He said while both peaceful protesters and law enforcement officers have the right to act free from threats of violence, his office will only make decisions on the arrested protesters’ cases “once we have received and reviewed all the evidence in these cases.”

“I have stated publicly, and privately to some of these same officials,” said Nieman, “that if we determine that crimes have been committed and properly enforced, we would proceed with the cases that meet that standard. I can understand why some public officials may feel compelled to speak out on matters of public interest. However, a prosecutorial decision should never be made prior to collection and thorough review of all the relevant evidence. That evidence is still being compiled; therefore, it’s impossible for anyone to make a reasoned determination as to how best to proceed in these matters.”

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Grand opening last fall, the Laura E. Corn Mini Golf will be reopening on May 10th to kick off the first full season of affordable family fun at the newly reimagined course at Edwards Park. The course will operate on a modified weekend schedule and then transition to extended hours, open every day of the week starting on May 25th. 

Named in honor of Laura E. Corn, a beloved longtime member of the mini golf staff and a cherished community figure, this 18-hole mini golf course promises fun and excitement for all ages. The ADA-accessible course is designed for everyone to enjoy. It features challenging holes and themed elements showcasing the rich history and attractions of Hendersonville, Henderson County, and neighboring communities. 

Location:  
Edwards Park – 904 N. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792  

Admission:  

Adults (18 and older) $3 per round  

Youth (3-17) $2 per round  

Toddlers (2 & under) Free with a paying adult  

Operating Schedule: 

MODIFIED SCHEDULE: May 10, 2024 – May 24, 2024  

Open Friday - 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM  
Open Saturday & Sunday – 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM  

REGULAR SCHEDULE: May 25, 2024 – September 1, 2024  

Open daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM  

MODIFIED SCHEDULE: September 2, 2024 - October 6, 2024  

Open Friday - 3:30 - 9:00 PM  
Open Saturday & Sunday – 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM  

The last tee time is 9:00 PM, and players must be off the course by 9:30 PM. The operating schedule is subject to change and the course may be closed due to inclement weather. On-street parking is available on Locust Street adjacent to the park. 

Beyond the mini golf course, Edwards Parks provides additional amenities including a concession stand and restrooms open during course operational hours, a playground and musical playground features, and a bike corral and bike repair station. 

For more information on Edwards Park and ongoing updates, visit www.hvlnc.gov/edwardspark. 

 The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville welcomes the public to witness the unveiling of 20 new works of bear art! The Annual Bearfootin’ Art Walk program will hold the reveal event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 on the outdoor Welcome Center Stage at 201 South Main Street.  

The reveal will focus on stories about each bear’s creation, providing behind-the-scenes insight on what inspired the artist and the mission of the nonprofit beneficiary chosen by the sponsors. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chair for comfortable enjoyment of the event.  

New this year, the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville has partnered with the Blue Ridge Community College Collision Repair Refinishing Technology Department to provide the automotive finishing for the Bears. Their state-of-the-art facility trains students in proper vehicle repair and replacement procedures to bring an automobile back to its pre-accident condition. “Working with Blue Ridge has been an amazing experience” said Terrye Jacobs, Downtown Event Coordinator. “Program instructor, Brian Foster, has been an incredible partner, encouraging community participation from his students in taking care of our bears!  We are excited to build a great partnership with this program, with their crew on site at the Reveal to help kick off the summers’ Art Walk!” 

After the reveal, the bears will take their post on Main Street to bring joy to passersby until the auction in October. Since 2016, over $400,000 has been distributed to nonprofits from the Bearfootin’ Auction. The virtual auction is scheduled to conclude on October 26, 2024, with virtual bidding opening in September (stay tuned for more details). 

Special thanks to the co-Masters of Ceremony of the event, Bryan Byrd, HendoEmcee and Lew Holloway, Community Development Director with the City of Hendersonville. Additional information about the 2024 Bearfootin’ Art Walk can be found at downtownhendersonville.org. 

The Friends of Downtown Hendersonville are a 501c3 organization focusing on the vibrancy of downtown Hendersonville's Main Street and 7th Avenue Districts. The Friends produce the Hendersonville Farmers Market, Rhythm & Brews, Bearfootin’ Artwalk & Auction, Garden Jubilee, holiday events and more of your favorite downtown activities. Find out how to get involved at downtownhendersonville.org! 

Join the City of Hendersonville Water and Sewer Department in celebrating Drinking Water Week! Led by the American Water Works Association, Drinking Water Week is a decades-long tradition across North America. This year, it takes place from May 5-11, recognizing the indispensable role water plays in our lives.

Starting Wednesday, May 1, 2024, residents are invited to pick up complimentary 'Mountains on Tap' water bottles at the City Operations Building, located at 305 Williams Street. Stay hydrated and show your appreciation for clean drinking water by snapping selfies with your 'Mountains on Tap' bottle and uploading them online for a chance to be highlighted on Hendersonville’s social media at the end of Drinking Water Week! Supplies are limited with a limit of one water bottle per person.

To upload your photo, please visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfHendersonville4/StayHydratedBeCelebratedOnSocialMedia

In Hendersonville, we're using Drinking Water Week to educate the public about the critical importance of clean, safe water for public health and the environment. Not only do we provide drinking water that surpasses all state and federal standards, but we also continually strive to adopt new methods for delivering the highest-quality drinking water. We honor the tireless efforts of water professionals who work day and night to ensure the delivery of quality tap water and to build resilience for the future.

WHKP RADIO is seeking a replacement for our program scheduler. This position requires presence at our WHKP Broadcast House at 1450 7th Avenue East in Hendersonville Monday through Fridays from 9 AM until 1 PM and at other hours when special programming is to be scheduled. Computer skills are necessary to work in this position. Current occupant of this position will stay and train the new person that is hired for this position. Please contact Richard Rhodes at 828-388-1450 to schedule an in-person interview.

 Mountain Credit Union is proud to announce the designation of Bob Cathey as Director Emeritus, in recognition of his outstanding contributions and leadership during his tenure on the Board of Directors.

Bob Cathey served as a Director of Mountain Credit Union from May 1984 through July 2022, and notably, as Chairman from May 1986 through July 2022. Throughout his tenure, Bob exemplified unwavering dedication, setting a high standard for his fellow board members, and advocating tirelessly for the members of Mountain Credit Union.

Joey Webb, Jr., Chairman of the Mountain Credit Union Board of Directors, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Bob Cathey's commitment to the mission and values of Mountain Credit Union has been exceptional. His leadership, wisdom, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our organization, and we are honored to recognize him as Director Emeritus."

The designation of Director Emeritus is conferred in accordance with a new amendment to Mountain Credit Union's Bylaws, acknowledging Bob Cathey's significant contributions and ensuring that he continues to be a valued member of the Mountain Credit Union community. With his family in attendance, the presentation of the resolution was made to Mr. Cathey during Mountain Credit Union’s 61^st Annual Meeting on April 25, 2024.

Bob Cathey expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating, "It has been a privilege to serve Mountain Credit Union and its members for nearly four decades. I am deeply honored by this designation and look forward to continuing to support the credit union in any way I can."

Mountain Credit Union extends its heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to Bob Cathey on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued involvement in shaping the future of the credit union.

About Mountain Credit Union:

Mountain Credit Union currently has branch offices located throughout Western North Carolina and serves anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Swain, and Transylvania Counties of North Carolina.

For more information, please visit www.mountaincu.org.

 Hendersonville Farmers Market will start its fourth season on May 4 on Maple Street at the Historic Depot in the 7^th Avenue District. Approximately 45 vendors are prepared to sell local food products including eggs, herbs, produce, plants, baked goods, coffee, meat, honey and more.  

Market Operations Continue During Streetscape: 

The Market will occur alongside the 7^th Avenue Streetscape project. This long-anticipated investment in the district involves new sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping, as well as water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure improvements. Recommended parking locations include Maple Street (accessed from 5^th Avenue), 5^th Avenue, the Henderson County Courthouse, and any of the Public Parking Lots around Main Street. Follow the ‘Bee-Line’ painted sidewalk for a quick and easy walk to Maple Street and enjoy the Market.  

About the Market & Opening Day: 

In addition to dozens of local producers and entrepreneurs, the lively atmosphere of Opening Day will be enhanced with music performances from Fiddlin’ Ryn & Friends, as well as the activities in the Kids’ Corner activity with Team ECCO sponsored by Mini Batch Bakery. Free 10-minute massages will be offered by Yoga and Massage all day.  

Most of the 2024 regular vendors will be familiar faces to frequent shoppers, along with some exciting new vendors. Caitlyn Farms will be at the market every Saturday with sustainably raised beef. 

7^th Avenue Businesses: Several favorite Market Vendors are also favorite businesses along 7^th Avenue that are impacted by the streetscape construction.  

Mini Batch Bakery: The physical bakery will not be open on Saturdays May through October, but will offer products via the Farmers Market. This includes their popular baked goods and beverages, as well as breakfast and lunch items like hot breakfast burritos, french toast sticks, egg tarts, bacon pastry twists, fruit yogurt parfaits with granola, chicken salad croissants, sandwiches, salads and more. 

Underground Bakery: The world famous Brezel Bus will be on site for the Market as well as additional offerings like pastries, breads, and other items available in-store. The physical business location will not be open during the Market. 

Homemade Pasta Noodles: Launa Tierney of Homemade Pasta Noodles will provide the on-site cooking demo on opening day!  

How to Shop: 

All vendors accept cash, and some have their own card readers for debit/credit. For customers who don’t have cash, tokens can be purchased to shop with vendors who don’t have a card reader. Shoppers can purchase tokens using a debit/credit card at the market information booths located near either end of the market. All vendors accept tokens purchased by debit/credit card. 

Double Your SNAP/EBT Dollars: 

Hendersonville Farmers Market is a SNAP/EBT retailer and will match dollar-for-dollar any SNAP/EBT spending at the market. SNAP/EBT shoppers can swipe their EBT card at the information booth to retrieve tokens. The tokens can then be used as cash with individual vendors for eligible items. This program is generously supported by our Farmers Market Sponsors, Friends of the Market, and Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s DUNCS Grant (Double Up North Carolina). The idea behind doubling SNAP dollars at farmers markets is that the incentives will attract more low-income shoppers and make their grocery dollars stretch further while simultaneously boosting local farmers' income. 

Hendersonville Farmers Market takes place each Saturday, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., at the Historic Train Depot on Maple Street from May through October, with two holiday markets slated for November 23 and December 7. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.  

Would you like to receive the Hendersonville Farmers Market vendor list in your email inbox each week, along with general updates from the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville? Email info@downtownhendersonville.org to join the e-newsletter. 

 Henderson County health officials says an outbreak of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has been reported.

A release from the Henderson County Department of Public Health on Thursday said the department has confirmed a current outbreak of 27 cases.

The health department is currently working to identify and notify those who may have been exposed. Officials say most cases are among school-aged children.

"Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and lungs," the health department said in their release. "It spreads easily when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but sometimes take as long as 21 days. It causes a severe cough that can last for weeks or months, sometimes leading to coughing fits or vomiting."

The health department said families are encouraged to make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.

"Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine, DTaP, decreases over time," the release said. "Older children and adults, including pregnant women, need to get a pertussis booster shot called 'Tdap' to protect themselves and infants near or around them."

If you need the Tdap vaccine, contact your healthcare provider or call the Health Department at 828-692-4223 for assistance.

For more information on pertussis, visit www.cdc.gov/pertussis/.

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHenderson County health officials report outbreak of whooping cough cases (wlos.com)