Western
Asheville's employment growth leads state
May 2, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
The Asheville metro led the state in job growth in March, growing 3.6%, more than double the historic rate. The tourism industry was the main factor behind the improvement.
Bill to raise Haywood County lodging tax stalled in committee
May 2, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
A bill that would raise Haywood County's lodging tax from 4% to 6% is stalled in a Senate committee as a senator from Franklin says he wants unanimity from local leaders before helping it gain passage. Two Maggie Valley aldermen oppose the increase.
Flat Rock purchasing golf course for $1.2M
May 1, 2013
(The Times-News, Hendersonville)
Flat Rock will buy Highland Lake Golf Course for nearly $1.2 million from Course Doctors Inc. and plans to convert the property into a park that will include a playground and walking trails.
Regulators close Lenoir bank
April 29, 2013
(Associated Press)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. closed Lenoir-based Parkway Bank, which had three branches and $108.6 million in assets. Regulators arranged for Easley, S.C.-based CertusBank NA to purchase the bank's $103.7 million in deposits and $99.2 million of its assets.
Group opposes proposed Transylvania biomass plant
April 29, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A coalition called People for Clean Mountains is opposing a proposed biomass plant in Transylvania County, saying it could hurt the region's efforts to market itself for outdoor recreation. The plant would convert household garbage and agricultural waste into energy.
Ingles emphasizes fresh produce in new store
April 26, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Ingles Markets' new Mills River store highlights its push to emphasize fresh produce and local products more.
Hendersonville attorney sentenced in embezzling case
April 26, 2013
(The Times-News, Hendersonville)
Former Hendersonville attorney Sam Neill was sentenced in Superior Court to serve three to five years in prison for embezzling about $2.5 million from clients. The prison term runs concurrently with a federal sentence issued last year in the case and means he will serve six to eight years total.
Lake Junaluska conference center plans $40M revamp
April 25, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center is planning a $40 million, 10-year master plan in hopes of attracting more visitors. The final phase would include a new civic center on the lake.
Jackson County seeks tourism identity
April 25, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
After merging two tourism agencies earlier this year, Jackson County has hired a Virginia consultant to help it identify a branding strategy for tourism.
UNC Health, Pardee Hospital extend management agreement
April 25, 2013
(The Times-News, Hendersonville)
UNC Health Care will manage Pardee Hospital for 15 more years after extending an agreement.
High Country home prices fall in first quarter
April 23, 2013
(The Watauga Democrat)
High Country home sales rose during the first quarter, but prices fell 12% to a median of $185,000 despite fewer homes on the market.
Appalachian State chancellor to step down
April 19, 2013
(The Watauga Democrat)
Appalachian State University Chancellor Ken Peacock will step down from his post as soon as his successor is found. He has led the Boone school for nine years.
Macon plans $1.1M baseball complex
April 18, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
Macon officials are going forward with plans for a $1.1 million baseball complex after agreeing to purchase a 50-acre tract. Eventually walking trails, a playground and disc golf course could be added.
Bill to strip Asheville of water system passes House
April 16, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A bill that would take Asheville's water system from the city and establish a regional sewer district passed the state House on Monday and is expected to clear the Senate as well.
U.S. 441 reopens after Smokies landslide
April 16, 2013
(Associated Press)
A stretch of U.S. 441 in the Smoky Mountains that was closed for three months because of a landslide has reopened. The road is a key connector between tourists in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Restitution in Asheville Ponzi scheme to be determined
April 15, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A judge is expected to determine Monday restitution in an Asheville financial-fraud case that left $13 million in losses. A federal judge already sentenced Bill Bailey, who ran Southern Financial Services, to 32 years in prison.
Nantahala development finally gets a boost
April 11, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
A development along that Nantahala River that sold all 40 of its lots within two days eight years ago finally is seeing movement in those homes being built. Nearly a dozen homes in the Mystic River development are being built after only one was built in the past eight years.
Asheville joblessness rate dips below 8%
April 11, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Asheville's unemployment fell to 7.8% in February, down from 8.4% the previous year. Tourism and retail led the job growth.
Special tax district for downtown Asheville may be shelved
April 10, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A $6 million budget shortfall in Asheville may mean business leaders nix an idea to create a special-tax district downtown that would raise taxes 7 cents per $100 of property value for purposes such as graffiti cleanup and security.
Developer may withdraw Watauga project bid
April 9, 2013
(The Watauga Democrat)
Templeton Properties may withdraw its $18.9 million bid to buy the former Watauga High School property from the county and redevelop it into a mixed-use community that includes apartments because of complicated development rules.
