Polk County Athlete Dies In Crash (Polk County, NC)
A multi-sport athlete from Polk County High is dead from injuries in a car crash. State troopers say the car went airborne before hitting a tree off Pea Ridge Road in Mill Spring. Markell Lipscomb died at the scene. One coach told WLOS-TV that Lipscomb played football, basketball and ran track. Two other teens were injured.
Deputy's Ex-Girlfriend Seeking Money From Catawba (Catawba County, NC)
The ex-girlfriend of a former sheriff's deputy is seeking 750-thousand-dollars from Catawba County. Jason Reid has been accused of placing a GPS device on the woman's car so he could track her without her knowledge. The device was found five months after the two reportedly split. Reid was indicted on charges stemming from the investigation at the end of June. He's the son of sheriff Coy Reid and lost the May primary in an effort to take his father's place.
Forbes: Asheville In Real Estate Boom (Asheville, NC)
Asheville is listed as one of 25 markets in the country in an early real estate boom. A study posted on Forbes.com says strong economic growth is causing an increased housing demand in some markets. A market is considered to be in a possible boom once the average home price exceeds the local income price by at least 15 percent. Asheville comes in at number 25, while Charleston is the only other city on the list in the Carolinas.
Accused Bank Robber Turns Himself In (Weaverville, NC)
A 77-year-old man is being accused of holding a Weaverville bank up at gunpoint. Ralph Husby turned himself in a day after allegedly getting away with more than 14-thousand-dollars in cash from the HomeTrust Bank. Security footage shows the suspect pulling a handgun out to threaten the clerk. He remains in jail and is expected in court today.
Trash Provider Seeks Rate Increase (Asheville, NC)
A trash service provider in Buncombe County is requesting a rate increase. Waste Pro has advised the county it wants to up the monthly rate by 17 percent due to higher salaries and equipment costs. The company serves unincorporated Buncombe County. Commissioners are expected to discuss it at tomorrow night's meeting.
Clingmans Dome Closing For Repairs (Great Smoky Mtns Nat'l Park, NC)
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is temporarily closing this week. Repair work begins once again at the Clingmans Dome observation tower on Tuesday and it won't re-open until July 27th. The landmark was also closed a month ago for rehab work on the tower ramp. The tower stands at the North Carolina-Tennessee line, where tourists can see up to 100 miles over the surrounding area.