Local News

Raleigh -- NCDHHS --According to the  Division of Public Health, there were 3,150 heat-related hospital emergency department visits reported from May 1 to Aug. 10, due to the combination of heat and humidity — particularly during periods of extreme heat. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging precautions, especially on hot days.

NC -- (AP) — A coalition of 22 Democratic-led states has sued the Trump administration over its decision to ease restrictions on coal-fired power plants.
In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency eliminated the agency's Clean Power Plan and replaced it with a new rule that gives states more leeway in deciding upgrades for coal-fired power plants.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, says the new rule violates the federal Clean Air Act because it does not meaningfully replace power plants' greenhouse gas emissions.
"We know what our energy future must look like, and we won't get there by following President Trump's misguided proposal," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said. "Because we're prepared to confront the climate crisis head-on, we're prepared to confront President Trump head on in court."
The lawsuit was filed by attorneys general in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
They were joined by six local governments: Boulder, Colorado; Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia and South Miami, Florida.
The EPA's analysis of the new rules predicts an extra 300 to 1,500 people will die each year by 2030 because of additional air pollution from the power grid. But EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in June said Americans want "reliable energy that they can afford," adding he expected more coal plans to open as a result.
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Raleigh -- Press Release North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services  

NC- (AccuWeather)With the dog days of summer upon us, many residents may head to their local beaches or lakes to cool off from the heat. Some may want to take their furry friends to splash around in the water. But before diving in with your pets, beware of toxic algae that could be lurking in the water and is deadly to canines.

BRYSON CITY — Priceless crucifixes – one 7 feet tall that serves as a grave memorial – were destroyed at St. Joseph Church Aug. 7.  

Henderson County Sheriff's Office Report -- On Thursday August 8, 2019 Investigators with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office charged Darryl Keith McMahan of Custom Monument (14 Heritage Park Dr., Fletcher NC) with twenty four (24) counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretense.

McMahan had been the subject of an ongoing investigation after the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office begin receiving reports that patrons of his business (Custom Monument) had paid for gravestones/monuments and never received the them.

McMahan is currently incarcerated in the Henderson County Detention Facility under a $192,000.00 secured bond.

This is an ongoing investigation with more charges forthcoming.

Anyone who has been a victim of McMahan and has not filed a report is ask to contact the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office at 828.697.4596

*Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

Ahsheville,NC -- (AP) A former North Carolina police officer has pleaded guilty to beating a black pedestrian in a case that sparked outrage after graphic video of the encounter surfaced.

Press Release -- Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy - The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservacy purchased 187 acres in Haywood County near the Pigeon River to protect a corridor for wildlife grazing and movement. Encircled by the Pisgah National Forest and adjoining the NC Welcome Center on I-40, the Wilkins Creek property is very near a large box culvert under the interstate, which provides a way for wildlife to travel safely from one side of the highway to the other.

Asheville -- Military.com reported the following story August 6, 2019 By Amy Bushatz