Driver Arrested After High-Speed Chase (Maggie Valley, NC)
Maggie Valley Police are reporting that a driver hit speeds of 120-miles-per hour during a ten-mile chase on Thursday. John Murray drove off on Highway 74 after an officer tried to make a traffic stop. He made it to the Waynesville Walmart before hitting another car. Officers charged him with obstruction, excessive speeding and having no insurance.
Henderson County May Consider Alternative Site For Training Center (Henderson County, NC)
Henderson County officials may have an alternative site for its planned law enforcement training center. The current proposed site has garnered backlash from area residents who have concerns over the Balfour Parkway proposal. A petition against the proposal with more than two-thousand signatures is expected to be presented at the board of commissioners meeting on Monday. County Manager Steve Wyatt says discussions are ongoing for another potential site which hasn't yet been named.
Wildfire Now Burning Up To 50 Acres (Hot Springs, NC)
A wildfire along the Appalachian Trail continues to grow near Hot Springs. Park rangers say the blaze has grown to 50 acres from Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs. More than seven miles of the trail remains closed. The origin of the fire is believed to be "human-caused." Forest Service representative Bruce MacDonald said yesterday that it is about 30 percent contained.
Franklin High Looking For Security Upgrades (Franklin, NC)
Macon County's superintendent hopes the plan to install an alarm system and perimeter fencing at Franklin High School eases parent concerns of school security. The projects are expected to cost a combined 450-thousand-dollars. They must first be approved by the county.
Football Coach Resigns In Sylva (Sylva, NC)
A high school in Sylva is looking for a new head football coach. Smoky Mountain's Chris Brookshire submitted his resignation this week after two seasons at the helm. The Citizen-Times reported that Brookshire had the fourth-highest salary for a football coach in Western North Carolina. He is expected to announce his future coaching plans next week.
First Female Fire Marshal Named In Asheville (Asheville, NC)
Asheville has its first female fire marshal. Kelly Hinz was pinned in a ceremony on Wednesday night. The announcement was made during the Asheville Fire Department's annual awards ceremony.
Fraternity Suspended After Student Death (Charlotte, NC)
A UNC Charlotte fraternity is suspended during the investigation into a student's death this week. The Charlotte Party Charter bus left the school campus Tuesday night with close to 60 passengers and was on North Tryon Street when Polly Rogers fell out of an emergency window. The 20-year-old was hit by two cars after she fell out. The CMPD says some passengers on the bus were drinking alcohol.