Local and State Headlines for Tuesday, May 29th, 2018

Fallen Tree Kills TV Anchor And Photojournalist (Polk County, NC)

A television news anchor and photojournalist from South Carolina covering the impact of heavy rains in Polk County are dead after a tree fell on their SUV.  Tryon Fire Chief Geoffrey Tennant says he had finished an interview with WYFF-Greenville anchor Mike McCormick only ten minutes before when the tree collapsed on top of the SUV on Highway 176.  McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer died at the scene.  The chief believes saturated ground caused the tree's root system to fail.  

Alberto Expected To Cause More Trouble In WNC (Undated)

Most of Western North Carolina is under a flash flood watch until Thursday morning.  The National Weather Service says heavy rainfall from Alberto is likely to persist off and on through tomorrow night.  A flood advisory has also been issued for the French Broad River across Buncombe and Henderson Counties.  More than 100 residents have already evacuated their homes in Polk County ahead of more rain.   

Lake Lure Lowered For Anticipated Rain (Lake Lure, NC)

Heavy rains are leading Rutherford County leaders to make a change for the safety of its residents.  Council members approved yesterday to drop the level of Lake Lure two-and-a-half feet ahead of more expected rains from the storm Alberto.  Residents are being warned that travel in and out of the area could be impacted, depending on the intensity of local rainfall.  

Catawba SWAT Standoff Ends In Arrest (Catawba County, NC)

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office says a man was arrested after a SWAT standoff yesterday.  WBTV reports that Curtis Lail barricaded himself inside a home on Highway Ten near Vale.  He allegedly fired a shot inside the home, but no one was injured.  His wife and two children were able to leave safely.  He was later charged with attempted murder.    

Andrews Man Arrested For Sexual Assault (Murphy, NC)

An Andrews man is accused of the sexual assault of a minor in Cherokee County.  Sheriff Derrick Palmer says the investigation began a few weeks ago with the help of the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center.  Thirty-three-year-old Ryan Hamilton was arrested at his home on charges of sexual battery and assault.  

Beer Lovers Unite In Asheville (Asheville, NC)

Beer lovers are convening in Asheville this week as part of the region's largest craft beer celebration.  The Eighth Annual Asheville Beer Week is going on now and lasts through Saturday.  A host of taprooms, with the help of the Asheville Brewer's Alliance, are holding tastings and dinners throughout the week.  It culminates on Saturday with the Beer City Festival on Roger McGuire Green.


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