Smoking bans, Clay Aiken and vegan candy bars in the news

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Ban on smoking in public places?
WLOSer John “Punnyman” Le hung out at the Original Steakhouse, or something like that, to tell us that state lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban smoking in public places. Le, predictably, said some people like the law, while others don’t. The bill “lit up some strong opinions,” he said. Clever.

The greasy cook at the Leicester Family Restaurant said the state should stay out of it all. The folks at Little Pigs BBQ told Le they went smoke-free several years ago. Le said the steakhouse put up glass between smoker’s and non-smokers. Le said a House committee could vote on the smoking ban next week.

Rangers say it was arson
Forest rangers tell WLOSers that a 2.5-acre fire in Swannanoa at the Cliffs new, controversial development called High Carolina was arson. The fire was set intentionally on Tuesday afternoon during dry, windy conditions, the rangers said. The fire burned up some construction equipment along with the brush and woods.

The new Cliffs development, one of the biggest ever in Buncombe County, has had significant opposition from some residents upset about the construction on the mountainsides.

Police report raises questions
WLOSers said a police report raises new questions about an alleged hate crime reported at the pub/restaurant called 81 Main in Canton.

The pub owner claimed that he was duct taped to a chair by two men in ski masks. The men also poured a flammable liquid around the place and lit a rag on fire and shouted racial slurs at the pub owner, Arun Krishnan.

WLOSer Terrie Foster said the police report showed that an officer drove by the pub and peered inside a back window just eight minutes before the pub owner called 911 to report his attack. Foster talked to pub employees who said cops were hassling them. A bartender told Terrie that his bossman had no motive to try to burn down his business.

Henderson County checks on sexual predators
WLOSers said cops in Henderson County checked to be sure that registered sex offenders lived where they said they did. WLOSers also talked to state Rep. Charles Thomas of Buncombe County, who is co-sponsoring a bill require a minimum 25-year sentence for anyone convicted of felony sex offense. Sheraldo said the bill might be introduced next week.

In other news…
The city of Ashvegas remembered abused children down at Carrier Park, where some 35,000 daffodils were planted last year in honor of the children… Clay Aiken of American Idol fame will play Aug. 11 at the Biltmore Estate, WLOSers said. Kenny Rogers will perform Aug. 3… The Leicester man who fired and hit a deputy on Thursday was charged with attempted murder… Smoke from electrical work at North Buncombe High School set off a fire alarm, but there was no fire… WLOSers said a bill in the General Assembly would ban spanking in schools… Asheville police are setting up checkpoints to check to be sure people are wearing their seatbelts. They’ll get tickets if they’re not buckled up… State lawmakers will meet with city and county officials to decide whether or not to float a bill that would increase the local sales tax… And a local company called Tree Huggin Treats won a national award for its organic/vegan Crispy Cat candy bars.

Outdoors
Weather-guesser Bob Caldwell took us on a trip he’s been on many times before – a trip up the tram that takes WLOSer engineers up to the WLOSer tower atop Mount Pisgah. The shaky tran is a fun and dependable ride for WLOSers, Bob said. At the top, you’re a mile high, Bob said, with a commanding viewe of the mountains.

Bob probably took this trip one last time since he’s planning on retiring this summer.