Judge Rules No Conflict Of Interest For Owens' Attorneys
A Buncombe County judge says there are no conflicts of interest between Robert Jason Owens and his defense attorneys. DA Todd Williams requested the separation of the attorneys from the accused killer earlier this week. Owens is facing murder charges in the disappearance of then 18-year-old Zebb Quinn. He is already serving time for a triple murder.
Flu Deaths Top 300 In North Carolina
The number of flu-related deaths in the state appears to be decreasing as the season winds down. Seven deaths were reported last week, bringing the total number to over 300 for North Carolina. The number of patients being seen for flu symptoms dropped almost ten percent month-to-month. Area hospitals have also begun lifting restrictions on visitors.
Flatiron Building Up For Sale
Downtown Asheville's Flatiron building is on the market for a list price of 16-million-dollars. The historic building was last sold in 1985 for under half-a-million-dollars. Some local business owners have shown concern over the pricetag and hope rent prices don't sky rocket. Broker Mike Bryant says the sale of the building has already garnered interest nationwide. It has been on the market for about three months.
Bomb Threat Forces Elementary School Evacuation
The Jackson County School System says one of its elementary schools was evacuated yesterday for a bomb threat. It took roughly three minutes to get everyone out of Scotts Creek Elementary School after someone reported the threat written inside a boys bathroom. The sheriff's department searched the campus and nothing was found. Superintendent Kim Elliott said all of the students were taken to another school nearby.
Grocery Stores Closing Across State
A number of grocery stores are closing in the state for restructuring purposes. Southeastern Grocers says seven Bi-Lo's will close, most of which are in the Charlotte area. Two of those affected are also in Black Mountain and Morganton. Close to 100 stores in the entire region will close while the company goes through financial restructuring.
Historic Inn Sells To Knoxville Couple
A Knoxville couple is expected to purchase a famous mountain inn on the Cataloochee Divide. The Swag is a rustic resort featuring cabins and log houses situated at a five-thousand-foot elevation near Waynesville. David and Annie Halsam Colquitt plan to take ownership of the resort before it opens for its next season near the end of April. They plan to preserve the property much the same way as it is now.