Friday The Hendersonville Fire Marshall closed the doors of the Cascades Mountain Resort on Sugarloaf Road.The hotel was closed due to "serious violations"Guests in
the hotel were immediately evacuated.
Friday The Hendersonville Fire Marshall closed the doors of the Cascades Mountain Resort on Sugarloaf Road.The hotel was closed due to "serious violations"Guests in
the hotel were immediately evacuated.
The City of Hendersonville Environmental Sustainability Board awarded Hendersonville’s Water & Sewer Department the third annual Sustainability Hero Award at the April 3, 2025, City Council Meeting.
Environmental Sustainability Board Chair Virginia Tegel emphasized this year’s winner has shown “a long-standing record of prioritizing sustainability in all areas of operation, including water conservation, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.”
Some of this department’s accomplishments include the following:
The award also highlighted the efforts of specific Water & Sewer staff members Bo Stepp, Damian Bingham, Chase Dowdy and Stephen Bell. Bo Stepp, Damian Bingham, and Chase Dowdy initiated stream restoration practices to repair eroding streambanks to protect sewer infrastructure including recontouring the stream bank and planting native vegetation. Instead of taking the easy route, this crew built a durable, long-term solution that paid off during Hurricane Helene.
Laboratory Supervisor Stephen Bell took the initiative to start a recycling program at the Water Treatment Facility which he currently maintains while educating staff members on the importance of waste reduction. This has led to staff members carrying over these efforts of waste reduction in their own lives which is directly aligned with the mission of the Environmental Sustainability Board.
Past award recipients include Brandon Mundy, awarded in 2024 for implementing efficiency changes to the City’s brush collection program, route efficiency study, and implementing a tracking program for contaminated recycling and trash bins. Mike Huffman, the first award recipient in 2023 was selected for his work in water quality, stream and floodplain restoration projects, creating Hendersonville’s Stormwater Program, Trash Trout program, education, and rain barrel program.
For additional information about the Environmental Sustainability Hero Award, please visit https://www.hvlnc.gov/sustainabilityheroaward
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Photo of Water and Sewer Department members at City Council Meeting with Environmental Sustainability Board Chair, Virginia Tegel – From left to right (Chad Freeman, Bo Stepp, Chase Dowdy, Adam Steurer, Virginia Tegel, Stephen Bell, Damian Bingham, and Tim Sexton.)
City offices will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025, in observance of Good Friday. There will be no collection of garbage, recycling, and brush.
Collection for Friday customers will be delayed by one week with collection resuming on Friday, April 25, 2025. Holiday collection schedules are available on the City’s website at https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/public-works/garbage-collection
For water/sewer issues occurring on holidays, please use the afterhours number at (828) 891-7779.
City of Hendersonville Customer Service Windows Opening Late for Service Improvement Planning
On April 15, 16, and 17, the City of Hendersonville’s customer service windows in City Hall will open at 12:00 noon to allow our team to participate in strategic planning sessions focused on enhancing customer service. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to building our commitment to service excellence.
For assistance on the mornings of April 15, 16, and 17, 2025, please use the variety of payment options set up for your convenience:
We apologize for any inconvenience during this time and appreciate the ability to continuously work to better serve the community. Thanks for your understanding!
For over 40 years, Bounty of Bethlehem has been a cherished community tradition, offering a free Christmas Day meal to thousands in need. Now, this beloved event is seeking its next director to carry the mission forward in 2025.
Bounty of Bethlehem has brought together hundreds of volunteers, generous donors, faith-based organizations, and local businesses to ensure no one spends Christmas hungry or alone. The director plays a crucial role in overseeing the event’s planning, coordinating community support, and serving as the public face of the organization.
After leading the effort since 2020, outgoing director Annamarie Jakubielski has announced she will step down to focus on caring for an aging parent. While she describes the role as “one of the most fulfilling experiences” of her life, she recognizes fresh leadership will bring new ideas and expand community engagement.
“This event is deeply important to me, and stepping away is not easy,” said Jakubielski. “The engine of Bounty of Bethlehem thrives on community involvement, and I am confident that a new leader will continue to grow and strengthen this incredible tradition.”
The director does not work alone. A dedicated team of volunteers handles meal preparation, logistics, fundraising, and outreach. The director provides leadership, guides planning, and maintains key community partnerships. Additionally, strong alliances are well-established with the Salvation Army of Hendersonville and the Community Foundation of Henderson County.
While this is a volunteer position, it is a highly visible role and includes a stipend of up to $5,000.
To apply or nominate someone for the role, visit: https://bountyofbethlehem.org/
Authorities are responding after a chase involving a tractor-trailer passed through Brevard and Rosman Friday morning.
Details are limited at this time, but a spokesperson for the North Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed the chase involved a tractor-trailer, resulted in a crash, and caused injuries.
Cellphone video from a scene witness showed significant damage to at least one patrol vehicle. A second clip showed the back of a tractor-trailer off the roadway.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSTroopers: Tractor trailer leads chase resulting in crash, injuries
HENDERSON COUNTY, NC – Blue Ridge Community College celebrated the grand opening of its new automated greenhouse on April 10, 2025, during a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Henderson County Campus. The event, titled “Growing Bright Futures: A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,” brought together local leaders, supporters, faculty, and students to mark the completion of the cutting-edge, 4,320-square-foot facility designed to support agriculture education and workforce development across the region.
Funded by generous support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, The Cannon Charitable Interests, and Henderson County, the $1.79M state-of-the-art greenhouse will serve as a high-tech training ground for horticulture students and local agribusiness professionals, while also offering interdisciplinary learning opportunities for programs like information technology and engineering technology.
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide our students and graduates with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for successful careers while strengthening our local and regional workforce in an ever-evolving industry,” said Kelly Leonard, vice chairman of the Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees, during his introductory remarks.
Leonard acknowledged the contributions of numerous partners, including project architect Clark Nexsen, builder Cooper Construction, manufacturer Stuppy Greenhouse, and members of Blue Ridge’s own facilities, maintenance, and administration teams.
Special guest speakers included Marilyn Chism of the Golden LEAF Foundation, Kara Hemenway King of The Cannon Foundation, Chairman William “Bill” Lapsley of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, and Rachel Meriwether, Horticulture faculty instructor at Blue Ridge. Each spoke about the importance of the facility to the region and its workforce.
Meriwether had the honor of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new facility.
“Blue Ridge’s new automated greenhouse embodies the latest in agricultural technology, using smart systems, environmental controls, and predictive weather technology to create an optimal environment for learning and growth,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. “But this greenhouse isn’t just about plants - it’s also about people. Just as our students will utilize this greenhouse to nurture plants to their full potential, Blue Ridge Community College is cultivating a workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
Following the ceremony, guests were invited inside the greenhouse for student-led presentations. Horticulture students shared insights into landscape design, nursery production, pest management, and the future of Western North Carolina’s agriculture industry. Meanwhile, Cybersecurity students discussed the critical role of cyber defense in protecting the nation’s food supply, highlighting the interdisciplinary potential of the new facility.
“In Henderson County, Blue Ridge Community College is a vital partner in shaping the future of our residents and our local economy,” said Lapsley. “Here, students gain the education and training that will open doors to opportunity and a better life, while also supplying local employers with the skilled talent they need to thrive.”
Horticulture Technology student Marissa Deem spoke with guests inside the greenhouse following the ceremony. She explained that she currently works at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River and plans to continue this work following her graduation this fall.
"This new greenhouse is important because the one facility allows us to do different practices, namely production and research,” she said. “It's also very similar to the greenhouses used in the industry. It has a lot of advanced technology. If you work here, then you can take that experience elsewhere."
The new greenhouse, located just north of the Spearman Building on Blue Ridge Community College’s Henderson County Campus, stands over 25 feet tall and is designed with advanced features that support both education and innovation. The facility includes motorized shade curtains, automated irrigation and fertigation systems for precise water and nutrient delivery, real-time weather tracking, and integrated data systems. It also offers accessibility features, safety and first aid stations, forklift and utility vehicle access, and a backup power generator. Together, these elements make the greenhouse a premier learning environment for students and a model for modern agricultural education.
For more information about Blue Ridge Community College’s Horticulture and Information Technology programs, visit www.blueridge.edu/horticulture and www.blueridge.edu/it. Admissions for the summer and fall semesters is underway, with more information available at www.blueridge.edu/admissions.
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About Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training. To learn more about Blue Ridge Community College, visit blueridge.edu.
The public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the recently revitalized 7th Avenue District with hours of food, entertainment and local vendors.
The 7th Avenue Street Fest will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The event coincides with the opening day of the Hendersonville Farmers Market, which runs the same day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Maple Street.
The celebration marks the completion of a $4.2 million streetscape revitalization project, which included essential underground utility upgrades.
City leaders say the 7th Avenue Street Fest offers visitors a chance to explore the refreshed district and enjoy a variety of local vendors, live music and family-friendly activities.
The ArtScape Banner Reveal at 2:30 p.m. is expected to be a highlight of the celebration, showcasing newly displayed works from local artists, according to city officials.
Event Schedule:
The 7th Avenue Street Fest is free and open to the public.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS
New lanes are now open along I-26 in Buncombe and Henderson counties. Drivers will see four lanes from US-25 to Airport Road and three lanes from Airport Road to Long Shoals Road.
News 13 spoke to Mike Patton, the project's resident engineer, about what it took to get to this point and what still needs to be done.
A: "By opening more lanes, we bring more traffic to the interstate. Traffic was traveling somewhere and they would have been taking roads like US-25 or other side roads to avoid the traffic on I-26. So we're taking that traffic off of the smaller roads and putting it on a bigger one, and that helps everybody."
A: "COVID, material shortages, weather at times. The hurricane recently really put a hurtin' on us. We went through a lot in the last five years."
A: "We certainly hope it speeds everything up for everybody and makes it a whole lot easier to get to where you're going. This has been a long time coming, and it's been needed for a long time. Anybody who drives I-26 regularly can tell you we've needed this for 15-20 years."
A: "It started originally with the bridges. There are five overpass bridges that all had to be redone [and] three large bridges on the stretch of interstate here that had to be redone. Widening, making sure that we kept as much open as possible for the people still using the road while we were under construction – a lot of challenges like that."
A: "In Henderson County, we are almost finished. We will probably wrap this up and put a big bow on it by July. We still have some permanent striping to do – snowplow markers, rumble strips, that kind of thing. Construction will continue in Buncombe County for a little while. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a very tough location if anybody's seen that bridge. Adding the Exit 53 has prolonged that project a little bit, so they'll still be construction in Buncombe County for the next six months to a year."
A: "When I get a complaint, we try to address it right off the bat. The traveling public will often see things that we either haven't seen or don't see. I'll give you an example: We had some issues with some of the striping because of the way the sun hits it in the morning. You couldn't see it. So, we tried to immediately address that. But, if somebody hadn't called me and said 'hey' at six o'clock in the morning when the sun comes up, you can't see anything.' Then we might not have known about it for two weeks."
A: "It's a lot safer now and we appreciate everybody putting up with us during construction. I know it hasn't been easy for the traveling public and neither for us but I hope now that people can see the end product, they see what we were striving for."
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSNew lanes open on I-26 will ease traffic and improve safety, NCDOT resident engineer says
On Thursday, April 3, Heather Marie Maybin, 38, of Hendersonville, was found guilty of death by distribution after a four-day trial and sentenced to 66 to 92 months of prison, according to a press release from Henderson County District Attorney Andrew Murray.
“My office, along with our dedicated and professional partners, is committed to ridding our community of fentanyl by holding drug dealers accountable for these untimely and extremely tragic deaths,” said Murray.
Maybin was a known drug dealer and made her dealings over Facebook Messenger, according to the investigation and court trial record.
The press release said on Feb. 6, 2023, Maybin made a transaction of fentanyl sold for $40 in the Walmart Parking lot off Highland Square Drive.
The victim used a hypodermic needle to put the fentanyl in their body; they then lost consciousness and stopped breathing, the press release said. Dr. Patrick Lantz at Wake Forest Medical Center said the victim died of fentanyl toxicity.
According to the press release, The Henderson County Sheriff's Office solved the case by conducting witness interviews and viewing Facebook Messenger conversations, which were obtained with a search warrant.
Maybin is in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHendersonville woman gets 6 to 8 years for fatal fentanyl sale
AAA in Hendersonville reopened its doors Tuesday morning for the first time since Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction over six months ago.
The reopening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Chamber of Commerce officials in attendance.
Water damage from Hurricane Helene was left halfway up the walls of the building, leading to a complete interior renovation.
Tiffany Trunell, AAA regional sales leader, expressed the team's enthusiasm about returning to business.
"I have to give all the credit to the staff," Trunell said. "This entire team was commuting back and forth to Asheville every single day. [They were] committed to their own education, committed to being there for the community so we could be ready to reopen once we were rebuilt. So, it has been a long and hard six months but we are excited to be back now and ready to celebrate."
Customers can now visit the Hendersonville AAA location for membership, insurance, travel and banking services.
It is located at 638 Spartanburg Hwy Suite 20.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHendersonville AAA reopens after six-month closure due to Helene damages
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