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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has opened applications for the Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as of Thursday, Jan. 2.

The state has also allocated extra Disaster Energy Assistance funding for the 25 counties that were severely affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding aims to help impacted households with heating costs and repairs during winter.

Eligible households in Helene-impacted counties can apply for these additional funds starting on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

These counties include:

• Alexander
• Alleghany
• Ashe
• Avery
• Buncombe
• Burke
• Caldwell
• Catawba
• Clay
• Cleveland
• Gaston
• Haywood
• Henderson
• Jackson
• Lincoln
• Macon
• Madison
• McDowell
• Mitchell
• Polk
• Rutherford
• Transylvania
• Watauga
• Wilkes
• Yancey

Eligible households can apply for both LIHEAP and the additional Disaster Energy Assistance funds. Those who have heating systems that require repairs, are inoperable, have been disconnected or are at risk of disconnection are also encouraged to apply.

Assistance will be based on circumstances and need.

To qualify for Disaster Energy Assistance, a household must have the following:

• At least one U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• An income at or below 60% of the state median income
• Resided in one of the 25 disaster-declared North Carolina counties
• Been impacted and/or suffered a loss due to Helene

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSDisaster energy aid applications available for 25 Helene-impacted NC counties

News 13 is issuing WEATHER WARN DAYS for Friday and Saturday due to the likelihood of an impactful winter storm across the Carolinas....by Jason Boyer. 
Right now, we don't know exactly when it starts and ends,nor how much snow adds up for all locations, but the odds are we're going to get a couple to several inches in many areas by the time the storm wraps up.

 STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV 13 ASHEVILLE

Thousands of dollars in damage from Helene means a months-long setback for the Ecusta Trail.

The first section of the 19-mile-long greenway was supposed to open at the end of 2024.

Some people are still enjoying some parts of the trail.

Ecusta is still an active construction site.

“You can’t go very far without seeing the impacts of Helene,” Henderson County Engineer Marcus Jones said. “Even today, it’s been three months. We’re having to rebuild shoulders and pavement sections. There was probably about fifty trees [fallen] across the trail.”

That totals about $406,000 in damages.

“The project is funded with federal grants,” Jones said. “It’ll impact federal tax dollars. Currently, there are no local property tax dollars in this project.”

Things could’ve been worse. The trail’s new drainage system was ready before the historic flood.

“We have purposefully redesigned and upgraded the drainage system for the trail,” Jones said. “The drainage system did well in a storm event that was multiple times more than what it was designed for. There are six bridges on this trail section and none of them were affected by Helene. We’re fortunate. That’s a really good way to look at it.”

Still, the storm potentially set the project back by six months.

“June of this year,” Jones revealed. “However, that’s a conservative estimate. I think we should be able to beat that. People, not only friends of the Ecusta, but everybody I talk to is very understanding of the situation.”

While the county doesn't have the resources to enforce it, Jones is asking the public to stay off the trail to speed that timeline up.

“We just want to make sure folks stay away from construction equipment and the damaged sections. Really, it’s a better idea to just stay away from the trail," Jones said.

STORY COURTESY OF WLOS CHANNEL 13 ASHEVILLE

(WLOS) — State officials have released a list naming the 104 people in North Carolina who were killed by Hurricane Helene.

Following a records request, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) provided News 13 with the identifies of these North Carolinians who lost their lives.

This comes over three months after Helene – one of the country's deadliest hurricanes in the 21st century – struck Western North Carolina.

The names are as follows:

Vicki Lynn Allen
James Ernest Andrews
Keith Max Arvey
Robert Bruce Athey
Marsha Lynn Ball
Cathy Jo Blackburn
Lisa Peeler Brady
Billy Joe Calloway
Patricia Craine Carey
James Ryan Carroll
Brian Hilbert Carter
David Allen Carver
Molly Ashleigh Chandler
Rocco Vincent Chieco
Kathleen Egitto Chieco
William Carl Cordell
Angela Leigh Craig
Sandra Elizabeth Craig
Ronald Jesse Craig
Robert Jack Davis
George Frank Dixon
Judy Gail Dockery
James Olver Dockery
Madge Louise Downs
George Wesley Drye
Michael Warren Drye
Nora Drye
Micah Ashton Drye
Christopher Sylvester Haywood Dunbar
Patricia Elaine Fleming
Thomas Mitchell Freeman
Luna Jade Gaddis
Brian Christopher Gaddis
Chase Edward Garrell
Tony Ray Garrison
Janicke Therese Glynn
Gabriel Gonzalez Gonzalez
Jacqueline Lum Goodrich
May Colette Greene
Melissa Sue Guinn
James Harbison
Gordon Dean Hargrove
Cheryl Lynn Hart
Jody Nyle Henderson
Joseph Charles Hoyle
Lula Bell Jackson
John David Keretz
Omar Farooq Khan
Jessica Lynn Kirby
Charles James Lau
Melissa Marlene Lawrence
Victoria Rose Leger
Julie Ann le Roux
Jeffrey Alan Mackay
Shirley Maureen Mains
Juan Martin
Phyllis Ann Matheson
Michael Gene Matheson
Angela Ruth Maybin
Elizabeth Rose Mayes
Lyn Dale Mcfarland
Norman McGahee
Patrick Andrew McLean
Calvin Michael McMahan
Jeffrey Lee Merry
Nick Hartwell Mitchell
Jimmy Issac Moore
Timothy Lee Moore
Sean Michael O’Connor
Freddie James Pack
Teresa Kim Pack
Knox Emerson Petrucci
Lisa Renee Plemmons
Todd Joseph Proffitt
Michelle Lynn Quintero
Patricia Ruth Radford
Nola Lee Ramsuer
Robert Lee Ramsuer
Shirley Anne Ray
Brittany Rosann Robinson
Sandra Lynn Rogers
Robert Butch Ross
Robert Brandon Ruppe
David Eric Russell
James Michael Scroggs
Anastasiia Novitnia Segen
Dmytro Segen
James Scott Sieminski
Lois Edith Souther
James Willard Souther
Kim Kutscher Stepp
Bobby Dewayne Stokely
Susan Strickland
Anthony Ernest Taylor
Bruce Eugene Tipton
Danny Van Huffman
Michael Gordon Whitehouse
Charlene Wilber
Lucas Odhran Wisely
Felix Alexander Wisely
Evelyn Lorrine Wright
Daniel Lunnie Wright
Samira Jordan Zoobi
Christopher John Zserai

This list from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services does not include age, cause of death or location of death.

STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV, ASHEVILLE.

 James Weddington “Jimmy” Freeman, 76, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at his home.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County, Jimmy was a graduate of Hendersonville High School, served in the US Navy, and was a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge. He will be fondly remembered as the owner and operator of Freeman’s News Stand and Freeman’s Catering, where he employed his love of cooking to provide for countless D.A.R.E. events, first responder events, and parties. He was also known as quite a jokester, always ready to engage with his quick wit and infectious sense of humor.

Jimmy was the son of the late Raymond Robert and Elizabeth Bryant Freeman. He was also preceded in death by his twin brother, Johnny Freeman.

Surviving are his adopted family who served as his caregivers: Amanda Jamison and husband Razz, and her children: Devin (Nikki), Caz’rae, Jos’lynn, Grantt, and Lauryn; and her grandchildren: Elena, Kenneth, and Anthony; Amanda’s mother, Renee Van Hoy; brother, Raymond Robert “Bob” Freeman, Jr.; nephew, Raymond Robert Freeman, III; great-nephew, Raymond Robert Freeman, IV; and great-niece, Molly Freeman.

Jimmy Freeman was a long-time friend of WHKP and all of the people there.  His Dad, Bob Freeman, founder of Freeman's News stand and leader in the local Republican Party, was a close friend of former WHKP owner and morning show host, Kermit Edney.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, January 6, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, of which Jimmy was a longtime member. Rev. Steve Scoggins will officiate. Burial will follow in Fruitland Cemetery on Townsend Road.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the church.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville.

Shuler Funeral Home is honored to assist Jimmy’s family with his arrangements.

PICTURE COURTESY TIMES-NEWS

The Bull City's new leader has been named and will take over when current city manager, Wanda Page retires and the end of the year.

Monday night, Durham City Council appointed W. Bowman 'Bo' Ferguson as the next city manager. Ferguson is currently serving as a deputy city manager.

According to a news release from the city, Ferguson has been in his current position since 2013 had has been responsible for leading four departments, which includes the Police, Fire, Emergency Communications, and the Community Safety Departments. Outgoing city manager Page created the Public Safety portfolio in 2021.

"I am honored and humbled to be appointed as Durham's next city manager," Ferguson said. "Since 2013, I have enjoyed being a part of this amazing community, where I've worked, lived, and raised my family. To have the opportunity to serve as city manager in the city that I'm so deeply committed to, is a dream come true for me. I've been a witness and a participant in Durham's transformation over the past decade, and I'm excited to see us continue to build on our progress and ensure all our residents can benefit from and participate fully in Durham's successes."

Ferguson's city manager appointment is effective January 1, 2025, at a salary of $297,000.

Ferguson served as City Manager for Hendersonville from 2008 until 2013.

 Burntshirt Vineyards is helping communities in western North Carolina rebuild, one bottle of wine at a time.

Each time someone buys from that collection, a percentage of the proceeds goes to local fire departments.

There is a Rock Bottom red wine, Lake Lure white wine and Bat Cave red wine.

The Hendersonville Fire Department celebrated the achievements of two members at its annual awards ceremony held on December 14, 2024. Firefighter John Perez was presented with the Firefighter of the Year Award and Battalion Chief Dustin Nicholson was presented with Officer of the Year. 

“These awards hold a deep significance because they are decided by our team,” said Hendersonville Fire Chief D. James Miller. “To be recognized by the very people who work alongside you is a powerful testament to camaraderie and excellence. It’s not just about serving our community; it’s about uplifting one another and celebrating the dedication within our ranks.” 

Fire Engineer John Perez joined the Hendersonville Fire Department in January 2024, bringing extensive experience from the Henderson County Rescue Squad and Fletcher Fire Department. His impressive skill set includes swift water rescue, high-angle technical rescue, dive rescue and recovery, search and rescue, and Winter Alpine Seach and Rescue (WASAR). 

In addition to his technical expertise, Engineer Perez is a valued member of the department’s Peer Support Team, a role he embraced at the request of his peers. He has contributed to multiple job fairs, completed his probationary training in just six months - half the allotted time - and earned a promotion to Engineer. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Engineer Perez is deeply committed to giving back. He volunteers at Camp Promise, a free camp for youth with neuromuscular disorders, and supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). 

Fire Battalion Chief Nicholson began his career with the Hendersonville Fire Department in 2008, following a decade of service at the Hendersonville Water and Sewer Department. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, serving as Engineer, Lieutenant, and Fire Captain. 

Chief Nicholson holds an associate degree in Fire Science and is a graduate of the UNC Charlotte Fire and Rescue Management Institute certificate program. He plays a vital role in the department, overseeing fire hydrant maintenance and coordinating all apparatus maintenance and repairs. Additionally, he contributes to numerous committees, including the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG) Committee, the Truck and Equipment Committee, and serves on the Peer Support Team. 

Chief Nicholson’s dedication extends beyond Hendersonville, as he also serves as Fire Chief of the Green River Fire & Rescue Department, protecting the community where he lives and raises his family. 

Congratulations to Firefighter Perez and Battalion Chief Nicholson for their outstanding achievements. Their names will be added to the Firefighter and Officer of the Year plaques currently showcased at Fire Station 2.   

Help for Self-Employed and Artists
If you are self-employed, FEMA may be able to provide funds to repair or replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment required for your job. This help is available to a wide variety of applicants, including farmers, artists, musicians, mechanics and many other occupations.
Eligible Occupational Tools
Occupational tools are tools and equipment required for self-employment or not provided by an employer but required for employment. Examples of essential tools include:
• Computers required by an employer or for self-employment when you are responsible for the replacement of the computer. Technology and equipment involved in the creation of art, music, photography etc.
• Tools and equipment such as power tools, tractors, plows, seeders, planters, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers, utility vehicles, lawnmowers, etc.
• Art materials, paint, brushes, canvas, clay, musical instruments, theatrical tools such as movable flooring, drapery, makeup, costumes as well as sound and lighting equipment.
• Uniforms required for work when you are responsible for replacement of the uniforms.
This assistance may be available if the items were damaged by the disaster, you do not have another working item that can meet this need, and the loss of the item was not covered by insurance.
Required Documentation
To be eligible for self-employment assistance, you must provide documentation that proves you are self-employed, such as federal tax return documents, and meet the general eligibility criteria for FEMA assistance.
Self-employed survivors should provide FEMA with:
 Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits.
 Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items.
 A written statement that explains the items are needed for self-employment.
To find out if you are eligible, apply to FEMA:
•
 Go online to disasterassistance.gov/.
 Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
 Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 every day from 7 a.m. to midnight. ET. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
 Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For operating hours and addresses, go online to the DRC locator: fema.gov/drc.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go online to: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

There are several organizations willing to assist with disaster recovery for the cultural arts. There is a free webinar: Introduction to Emergency Preparedness for Performing Arts Organizations January 14 at 2 p.m. register at https://lyrasis.zoom.us/webinar Click on the following links for more information:
Heritage Emergency National Task Force
National Coalition for Arts Preparedness & Emergency Response.

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), FEMA’s federal partner in disaster recovery, may also be able to help. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Five centers are currently open in North Carolina from Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Disaster loan information and application forms can be obtained by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

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Volunteer attorneys from the Disaster Legal Services program of the North Carolina Bar Association and staff attorneys from Pisgah Legal Services will offer free legal assistance Saturday on FEMA claims, appeals and landlord/tenant issues to Henderson County residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The volunteer attorneys will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Henderson County Disaster Recovery Center in the Blue Ridge Commons center at 2111 Asheville Highway in Hendersonville, according to information from county officials. Walk-ins are welcome and one one-hour appointments are available.