WLOS led off the 11 p.m. news with the "breaking news" of a "major fire" at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant on Hendersonville Road in Biltmore Village. More information coming...

In other news...

Haywood Regional Medical Center passed a government inspection, the first step in getting back Medicare and Medicaid funding that had been pulled over concerns about nursing care and other issues. Russ Bowen had the complete story.

There are brush fires in Madison, Graham and Haywood counties Thursday.

People are complaining about smoke and ashes coming from Asheville Mortuary Services. The crematorium says it did have a smoke problem, but they've fixed it. I did this story last month for Mountain Xpress. WLOSers offered nothing new.

Three men pleaded guilty to a home invasion that went down last November in Weaverville.

A wreck snarled traffic on Interstate 26 Thursday after a drunk driving suspect wrecked his truck near Biltmore Square Mall. The guy ran, but police caught him.

And David Pierce, a well-known track coach in Henderson County, is back to good health after recovering from a severe blow to the head last year when he was hit by a falling tree. Pierce said doctors said it's a miracle that he's come as far as he has.

More and more students around the country have been protesting policies they say allows clothing and apparel made in sweatshops around the world to be sold on campuses.

Earlier this month, Appalachian State University students protested with a rally and a sit-in. There was recently a protest at the University of Montana.

The movement seems to be spreading. Maybe that's just an impression from what I've seen. But this paragraph from the story about the Montana protest is worth noting:

Similar actions recently took place at Appalachian State and Penn State. The Penn State sit-in resulted in 31 arrests, while at Appalachian State there were six. The last time this sort of event happened at UM was during the Vietnam War, said Rita Munzenrider, director of University Relations. “If you’re keyed in you would know this is happening around the country,” Pritchard said.

So when are UNC Asheville students going to take notice? How about Western Carolina University students?

I love the music festival season that's starting up. Here are a few tidbits I've heard/noticed:

The Lake Eden Arts Festival is coming in just a couple of weeks and promises an eclectic mix, as usual. You'll hear everyone from Arrested Development to David Wilcox to Habibe Koite & Bamada. One interesting change - all tickets must be purchased in advance. There are no ticket sales at the gate.

The wonderful Asheville Music Jamboree is just a month away. Word on the street is that Govt Mule will play one day, which has been announced, but that Warren Haynes will play solo on a second day. The other announced bands are: Burning Spear, Keller and The Keels, Dumpstaphunk, James McMurtry and The Lee Boys. That's a rocking line-up, and the setting is beautifully chill.

Vortex Music Festival is a new one this year, coming June 27-28 at the Asheville Civic Center. The line-up so far includes Toubab Krewe, Dubconscious, Perpetual Groove, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band and Strut, SeePeopleS, Stephanie's Id and plenty more.

Night Skye Entertainment, the organization responsible for the Vortex Music Festival, seeks to highlight local talent as well as provide a broad spectrum of musical genres to enlighten, inspire and celebrate individual creativity through sound. From the electronica of John Kelley and Telepath to the roots rock of Laura Reed and Deep Pocket, the festival offers something for every Asheville music lover and beyond. In addition to the event's unique lineup of stellar regional bands, Vortex offers something for the common good as well; this year's inaugural event will sponsor three nonprofit organizations, including Child Abuse Prevention Services, NCAHA and Manna Food Bank. In addition, the event will be broadcast live by 105.9 The Mountain, so that everybody can enjoy the music if they can't make it to the show, and can feel free to donate to any of the above nonprofits as well.

So it's great music for a good cause. Tickets go on sale starting April 20.

Loyal reader funkymono has the scoop (thanks, man!):

Here's the scoop on the new Mexican place in Woodfin: it's called Curras Dom, and it's certainly more in the Limones vein of Latin restaurants as opposed to La Carreta or El Chapala (not that there's anything wrong with those last two, of course). The decor is quite nice, the service impeccable, and the menu is far beyond the standard order-by-number fare at many area Mexican restaurants, with the entrees taken from the various areas of Mexico where the owner's family hails from.

My companion and I didn't have a full dinner (entrees average $18 or so, by the way), but we had a yummy quesadilla appetizer, although I couldn't begin to tell you what was in it. But the best part: the avocado margarita. Yum. I first heard of this drink elsewhere several years ago and tried to reverse-engineer it with no luck, but the real thing is quite nice. It doesn't really have an avocado flavor, but instead the avocado lends it a nice creamy texture. Very good, and for $7 not terribly pricey.

The restaurant is in the Woodfin section of Merrimon. Heading north away from Downtown, pass Beaver Lake on your left and the Food Lion shopping center on your right. It'll be just past that...on your left where place called HB's Drive In used to be. It's a small place and the sign out front isn't huge, so keep an eye out.

Tonight. Grey Eagle.

From the New York Times' "great homes" section:

Tuckasegee, N.C

WHAT: A four-bedroom five-and-a-half-bath 8,000-square-foot stone house built in 2003 on eight acres in the style of a Scottish castle.

HOW MUCH: $4,000,000

PER SQUARE FOOT: $500

SETTING: This property in the forested hills southeast of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 50 minutes from Asheville, N.C., and 10 minutes from Cashiers and Highlands, towns known for cultural events like concerts and theater productions.

COMMON SPACES: The most dramatic space is a great room with rafters rising up to a cathedral ceiling that has stained-glass windows. The kitchen is commercial-sized and has a gas log fireplace; it opens up to a veranda. The house’s century-old pine floors are three inches thick. The upper level has a barroom with a pool table and a stone fireplace.

PERSONAL SPACES: There are two bedrooms on the main level, each with its own sitting area, full bath, fireplace and outdoor area. The master suite, on the upper level, has a fireplace, sitting area and bath, as well as an office. A top level has the fourth bedroom with its own bath, fireplace and sitting area.

OUTDOOR SPACE: Spiral stairs lead down from the house to an English perennial garden; there is a hot tub on the deck.

AMENITIES: These include a three-car garage and six fireplaces. The property was designed to maximize energy efficiency: the stone floors have radiant heat, the insulation is Icynene and there are eight separate heating and air-conditioning zones. The lower level has a studio workshop with its own entrance and a wine cellar. An additional adjoining 43-acre parcel with a horse barn and tack room that is available for sale separately. TAXES: Not yet assessed

CONTACT: Lori Dean, Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty (978) 340-0441; www.mountainsothebysrealty.com.

Quick little photoshop by loyal reader Bill. Thanks Bill!

More photos here.

The Charlotte paper has the story:

State NAACP leaders said Wednesday that federal courts in North Carolina have not freed enough inmates under new laws meant to reduce the disparity in prison sentences between African American and white drug offenders.

The civil rights group sent a letter to the federal Bureau of Prisons saying hundreds of crack cocaine offenders prosecuted in North Carolina may qualify for immediate release, but remain behind bars.

The issue stems from the U.S. Sentencing Commission's decision to retroactively shorten sentences for crack cocaine offenders.

Supporters argue stiffer penalties for crack are discriminatory because crack defendants are more likely to be African American and powder cocaine defendants are more likely to be white.

Since March, federal courts around the country have freed more than 3,600 crack offenders or reduced their sentences. But in North Carolina, they have shown leniency to just 27 inmates.

The Rev. William Barber II, president of the N.C. branch of the NAACP, said it is clear the courts are "foot dragging."

Court officials in North Carolina acknowledge starting slower than some other states, but say cases are now moving more rapidly.

"I don't see anybody dragging their heels," said Louis Allen, federal public defender for the Middle District of North Carolina, which stretches from Winston-Salem to Durham.

The issue centers around laws first adopted in 1980s that mandated a minimum five-year prison sentence for possessing 5 grams of crack cocaine, about the equivalent of five sugar packets. A suspect would have to possess 500 grams of powder cocaine to get the same sentence.

Under the new guidelines, inmates can petition the court for a reduced sentence. Judges can approve or deny the petitions based on factors such as the inmate's criminal history or behavior in prison.

In the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina, which covers Charlotte, 414 inmates have applied for early release.

So far, nine have been freed and one had his sentence reduced. Eight petitions have been rejected by the court.

Barber, the NAACP leader, said he is upset because federal courts in other states released hundreds of inmates the first week the new guidelines took effect last month.

Court officials in North Carolina say they understand the frustration, but note that the state has one of the highest caseloads in the country to review.

At least 1,461 inmates prosecuted in North Carolina are eligible to apply for a reduced sentence, the federal government says.

"We are all doing the best we can," said Frank Johns, clerk of the U.S. District Court for Western North Carolina. "Hopefully, the system is responding as quick as it can."

Originally, Upstate developer Jim Anthony didn't plan to include a golf course in his Cliffs at Keowee Springs luxury real estate community in Pickens County.

We all know that there are plenty of great golf courses around here. Now there's a fancy golf school coming to upstate South Carolina nearby. The Greenville newspaper has the story:

Now he's not only got an 18-hole golf course ready to open at the development along the shores of Lake Kewoee, he's also planning a golf academy there.

Anthony's company, The Cliffs Communities Inc., said Thursday the International Institute of Golf would open this summer under the leadership of Steve Bann and Dale Lynch, well-known golf trainers from Australia with a client roster of top professionals.

An amenity for residents and guests of Anthony's eight Cliffs communities in the Upstate and western North Carolina, the golf academy will include the latest computer, video and motion-analysis technology, Cliffs Communities said in a news release.

It will also have an outdoor driving range with a short game practice green and an indoor practice area with hitting bays, putting studio and movement room, the real estate development company said.

Bann and Lynch have coached Professional Golf Association tour professionals Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, K.J. Choi, Aaron Baddeley, Robert Allenby and Richard Green throughout their careers, The Cliffs Communities said.

Here's the story:

An Appalachian State University student is organizing a music festival to be held in August that he hopes will rival other major music festivals in the region.

James S. Hunt, a senior management major, is hoping students come out in large numbers to see artists such as Sam Bush and Yo Momma’s Big Fat Booty Band at “Music on the Mountain,” a day-long music festival August 23 which will host local and national acts.

The mission statement of the festival aims “to establish an entertainment company with the ability to create and promote large scale events, such as Music on the Mountain, while still upholding a high regard for an ecological friendly mindset. Our festival will offer both national headliners and local bluegrass artists, with non-profit organizations receiving a portion of the proceeds.”

The idea for the music festival came about as an idea to bring good bands to the area, as well as promote a particular cause.

Sixty percent of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit North Carolina Green Power, the Appalachian State University Energy Center and the High Country Conservancy.

“We wanted to bring high-quality live entertainment to Boone and also draw attention and financial support to the development of renewable energy sources in North Carolina,” Hunt said.

The music festival will take place at The Old Fairgrounds on Roby Green Road from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.

There will be two stages at the festival. The main stage will have five bands and each band will perform 90-minute sets, with 30 minute set breaks in between each band.

The second stage will also have five bands but with only 30 minute sets.

“The second stage is being offered by ASU’s sustainable development center and is 100 percent solar powered,” Hunt said.

The Music on the Mountain festival will build on the musical tradition of Western North Carolina, which has its roots in blue grass, soul and acoustic sound.

Tickets are $30 for Appalachian students; however, the price will increase to $35 at some point during the summer, Hunt said.

“It’s really a great deal for students, especially considering the quality and amount of bands they’re going to see,” Hunt said. “Eighteen of the $30 is going directly to charity, which is really great.”

Hunt hopes students get interested in this opportunity and encourages anyone with questions to contact him at jhunt2244@gmail.com.

That's the proposal:

LAWNDALE, N.C. -- A town in northern Cleveland County could be home to the newest lake in western North Carolina under a proposal, which is under review by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

The 1300-acre lake would be built along a 10-mile stretch of the First Broad River.

Butch Smith, director of the Cleveland County Water District, said planning on the reservoir began more than 10 years ago.

The First Broad River, which serves as the primary water source for much of Cleveland County, was virtually dry during the region’s last drought in 2002.

Smith said the water crisis five years ago proved the need for a larger water source.

“We need something down the road that’s going to carry a long time,” Smith said.

Opponents of the proposed reservoir said the project would lead to drastic changes in the rural community dominated by forests and farmland.

Investors have been buying land that could become lakefront property, said Byron McMurry, a fourth-generation farmer who lives near the site of the proposed lake.

“If a reservoir is here I would dare say it would get into the tens of thousands of dollars per lot,” he said.

McMurry said he believes the water district’s 21,000 customers would be better served with a smaller reservoir.

A larger water source could attract more industry and employment opportunities to the region, said Don Melton, Board Chairman for the Cleveland County Water District.

WYFF has the story:

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Eight people were sentenced to time in prison after pleading guilty to poaching a protected species of plant in North Carolina. U.S. Attorney Gretchen Shappert and Blue Ridge Parkway Chief Ranger John Garrison announced the arrests Wednesday.
A release from Shappert's office said that the poachers targeted galax, an indigenous plant that grows near the Parkway between N.C. State Highway 80 and Mount Mitchell State Park. Galax is sold to warehouses where its leaves are in turn sold to florists. Galax leaves are priced at from 1 cent to 5 cents per leaf.

Investigators said that during the operation that led to the arrests, they seized more than 50,000 galax plants.
The men and women arrested were from 23 to 35 years old. Most of them were from Burnsville, N.C. Six of them pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 30 days in jail, fined and banned from federal land for two years. Two others, who were second-offenders, received sentences of six-months in prison and were banned from federal land for two years.
Investigators said that Federico Solis and his wife, Carmen Reyes, had three duffel bags containing about 30,000 galax leaves when they were taken into custody.
There have been a total of 12 arrests and 42 citations for galax poaching in Western North Carolina since January 2008, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Nice Mountain Xpress story here about the newest addition to the wonderful tailgate market scene here in Ashvegas. This weekend marks the opening of the new City Market downtown. Check it out:

Before the morning chill disappears from the air this Saturday, while some of us are still sweetly dreaming, farmers will unfurl their shade tents and set out their tender spring harvests. Bakers will assemble racks and pile them with fragrant loaves, fresh from the oven. Cheese makers will graciously uncover samples of their most delicate and striking varieties. Crafters will prop up their works of art, and musicians will fill the air with festive sounds.

Get ready to add a new outing to your weekly to-do list: This Saturday, April 19, will see the opening of the Asheville City Market, at the corner of Eagle and South Charlotte streets downtown. The market will be an attraction for locals and visitors alike, a place to see and be seen, a vibrant weekly happening.

New tailgate market: The Asheville City Market opens for business April 19.
“The market is restricted to producer-only vendors,” says manager Mike McCreary, “meaning that whoever is handing you a product—whether it’s a muffin, cheese, produce or a piece of handcrafted clothing—that hand had something to do with producing that product.”

The market will also draw producers from a fairly restricted area, generally within 60 miles of Asheville. All of this seeks to ensure that the products offered are as fresh as possible and that the benefits of selling at the market accrue directly to the small farmers and artisans of neighboring counties.

It also means customers will have the pleasure of meeting those producers.

The Asheville City Market has been in the planning stages for nearly two-and-a-half years. Alan Salmon of Wildwood Herbal in Weaverville, who’ll be selling his produce and perennial flower starts, has served on the Planning Committee during that time. And the idea for the market, he says, goes back further still.

Here's the link to the proposed redesign of the Citizen-Times web site, a redesign that's overdue. Note the emphasis on interactivity - the blogs, the comments, reader-submitted photo galleries, social networking sites, etc.

The one glaring omission, to me, is a prominent display of video - a feature that newspapers have been stressing for a couple of years. Where is the video player?

Take a look at this beta site and see what you think. I'm sure the newspaper will welcome your feedback.

Yes, it's that time. Even though the festival doesn't come around until September, it's time to prepare. Tickets sell out. Lines are long. There's much beer to drink.

The Brewgrass Festival web site says tickets are on sale now for the Sept 20th festival at MLK Park in downtown Ashvegas. The party goes from noon until 7 p.m.

Foothills Brewing is the featured brewer. The musical line-up includes Jim Lauderdale, the Biscuit Burners and Brushfire Stankgrass. Sounds like another good time. Get your tickets.

www.ashevillebeerblog.blogspot.com has info, too.

Loyal readers funkymono, News and Arwen dished on what they've heard regarding the restaurant scene in Ashvegas. Here it is. Thanks, y'all!

- Rumor has it there's a good new Mexican restaurant where BJ's drive-in was in Woodfin ...a nd they supposedly have a yummy avocado margarita, a concoction I've been dying to try for years.

- The old Trevi's in Biltmore Village will soon become a high-end Mexi joint: Rosie's Cantina, I think.

- I heard Caffiend has closed or is about to close. I was in there Tuesday morning and Matt told me, which seems like a pretty reliable source. Too bad, I like good coffee at 4 in the morning.

This photo is getting all kinds of farked. I found it at myconfinedspace.com, which has lots of other goodness.