It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mr. Candler Gravesite gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Candler, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“We were blown away and continue to be by the quality of service and care”
“ABC in Fletcher has an amazing team, and they made a huge difference for myself”
“After Many years of retirement from critical care nursing I have found the perfect employment enabling”
“I feel like I'm part of the family every time I'm there! A lovely bunch”
“I have had many dealing with Always Best Care during my professional healthcare career. ”
“I like working with Always Best Care Senior Services because the office staff are so”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
“We were blown away and continue to be by the quality of service and care that the team of ALWAYS BEST CARE provides our family. My parents were moving from out of state and were in immediate need of in-home care. Melisa was wonderful! She was able to help us line up the intake paperwork, clinical assessment and a caregiver within 24 hours of my parents’ arrival in to their new home. Millie and Bethany are tremendous support as their clinical nurse team with a very thorough assessment of both parents. Mary is their care coordinator and was very helpful with finding the perfect caregivers and coordinate the right schedule for my parents . Melisa, Nicole, Jennifer and Janet are also a tremendous asset as they handle and place the caregivers! Jim Smeaton, their owner should be proud of his company! We highly recommend them!”
“ABC in Fletcher has an amazing team, and they made a huge difference for myself and my mother. We had them as in-home caregivers for 10 months. They are responsible, flexible and just a solid group with whom to work. I could reach them by phone immediately almost every time I needed to contact them. They handled billing and insurance claims and kept the caregiver plans absolutely up-to-date. As well as the regular RN visits. Jan, Mary and Melissa rock in addition to our caregivers. My only reason for not giving five stars has to do with the systemic challenge of finding enough caregivers. And in our case, caregivers who are proficient with Parkinson’s patients.”
“After Many years of retirement from critical care nursing I have found the perfect employment enabling me to to care for others. Working with the staff at Always Best Care has been such a blessing and I love my clients that I work with.”
“I feel like I'm part of the family every time I'm there! A lovely bunch of ladies! The best quality care provider in the business!”
“I have had many dealing with Always Best Care during my professional healthcare career. They have always provided great care to the seniors they serve. Jim and his team are great to work with and always go above and beyond not only in serving seniors but supporting many events in the community. I would highly recommend ABC for any in home needs.”
“I like working with Always Best Care Senior Services because the office staff are so nice and understanding and I have gotten to know them on a level that I know they are here to help me, when I need help or have a questions. From day one when I have called, they have ALL been here to help guide me and they have been there every time I’ve had a questions. Working for ABC has been an honor because I really do love the company and we have some sweet clients. The ladies that work in the office are amazing and without them I do not think our company would thrive like it does. When I did an application, it was on accident and then I got a phone call asking me to come in and interview and honestly I’m so blessed. I love my job because it is my passion to help people and to do what I can to make their daily living better and easier. I honestly don’t think there is anything that needs to change about ABC. I have never worked for such an amazing company before”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Hominy Valley Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Miami Restaurant or visit Thomas Wolfe Memorial, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Candler, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Candler, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Candler, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
2BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A 45-year-old Candler resident will spend at least 25 years behind bars after being found guilty of child sex crimes.A press release from the Buncombe County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday that Christopher Vance Sheridan was found guilty after a seven-day jury trial in Buncombe County Superior Court. He was found guilty on four counts of Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult, three counts of Statutory Sex Offense with a Child by an Adult, one count of Incest under the age...
2
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A 45-year-old Candler resident will spend at least 25 years behind bars after being found guilty of child sex crimes.
A press release from the Buncombe County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday that Christopher Vance Sheridan was found guilty after a seven-day jury trial in Buncombe County Superior Court. He was found guilty on four counts of Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult, three counts of Statutory Sex Offense with a Child by an Adult, one count of Incest under the age of 13, and one count of Obstructing Justice.
An investigation was initiated in 2018 after Sheridan was accused of raping and inappropriately touching a victim, the DA's office said in a press release. The initial investigation was closed without charges "after the victim recanted following threats made to her by Sheridan."
Candler man sentenced to more than 25 years in prison for child sex crimes
BUNCOMBE COUNTY AUTHORITIES CHARGE MAN WITH MULTIPLE CHILD SEX CRIMES
"In 2021, the victim again disclosed to her mother and DSS that Sheridan was raping and touching her inappropriately after she spoke with a friend who had also been victimized by the defendant," the DA's release notes.
An investigation began once again and Sheridan was charged. The jury returned their verdicts Wednesday morning, Sept. 20.
“I thank ADAs Amy Collins and Justin Steen for their successful advocacy for justice on behalf of the juvenile victim in this week-long jury trial," District Attorney Todd Williams said in a release. "Their trauma-informed support of the victim who courageously took the stand to confront this sex offender provided the jury with the compelling evidence needed to put Sheridan in prison for over two decades."
At sentencing, Sheridan faced a maximum term of imprisonment of well over 25 years in prison and prosecutors argued that all of Sheridan’s sentences run consecutively to one-another for the maximum term of imprisonment to protect the public.
MAN CHARGED AFTER HIDDEN CAMERAS FOUND IN STARBUCKS BATHROOMS
Judge Jacqueline Grant consolidated all of the sex crimes into one judgment and sentenced Sheridan to serve an active term of 300-420 months imprisonment for the offense of Statutory Sex Offense with a Child by an Adult. Judge Grant added one consecutive active sentence of 9-20 months for Obstructing Justice, the DA's release noted.
"Christopher Sheridan targeted the most vulnerable in our community and is now being held accountable. Our Office remains dedicated to fervently pursuing all offenders and supporting survivors and victims of violence," Major John Ledford of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
Judge Grant further ordered Sheridan to register as a sex offender for life and to have no contact with the victim for the remainder of his life. He was also ordered to comply with Satellite Based Monitoring for a term of ten years upon his release from prison.
READ THE COMMENTS (2)
“The District Attorney’s Office thanks the jurors serving on this case for hearing and believing the testimony of the juvenile-victim and the iron-clad evidence presented by investigators that brought Sheridan to justice for his atrocious acts. I wish the victim and the victim’s family peace and healing and thank them for their cooperation in this case,” District Attorney Todd Williams said in a release.
The closure of the Canton paper mill is having a ripple effect across Western North Carolina.That's according to speakers at a June 1 forum in Buncombe County.“The ripple effects of the mill closure are greater than Canton proper, and the Pactiv mill,” said Erica Anderson, deputy director of the Land of Sky Council. “It's going to impact other industries, and I know everyone here is really working with that in mind as well down the road.”A town hall and listening session focusing on...
The closure of the Canton paper mill is having a ripple effect across Western North Carolina.
That's according to speakers at a June 1 forum in Buncombe County.
“The ripple effects of the mill closure are greater than Canton proper, and the Pactiv mill,” said Erica Anderson, deputy director of the Land of Sky Council. “It's going to impact other industries, and I know everyone here is really working with that in mind as well down the road.”
A town hall and listening session focusing on the May 25 closure of the Pactiv Evergreen Canton mill was held June 1 at the Enka-Candler Public Library, where panelists gave updates on the hardships the closure has sent through the community.
More:Canton paper mill bell sounds for final time, signaling an end after 115 years
More:Opinion: Closure of Canton paper mill is devastating blow for the people of Canton, WNC
Officials first offered information they had prepared on the effects of the shutdown, including the loss of 1,160 Canton jobs. Panel members took questions and discussed what local and state governments are doing to support businesses and workers impacted by the shutdown.
Anderson said Land of Sky's workforce development board is working in tandem with the Southwestern Workforce Development Board to find adequate financial assistance to displaced workers. Also in their crosshairs are the supply chains disrupted by the mill’s shutdown.
“We're still not sure what the impacts will be for our logging industry, for the forest products industry that covers all of Western North Carolina and parts of Upstate South Carolina,” Anderson said. “They all supply chips to the mill.”
Anderson also said the railway that transported these wood chips to the mill is looking at significant changes.
Drew Christy, director of Gov. Roy Cooper’s Western office, added that Blue Ridge Southern Railroad has been forced to lay off half of its staff, as 72% of all freight that came from Asheville to Canton went directly into the mill.
Christy said he is monitoring this ripple impact and encouraged locals to show their support to small businesses in the wake of the shutdown.
“I heard an interesting anecdote that there's a tool shop here in Candler that has already seen a 15% decrease in sales from all the truckers that aren't coming by to shop and buy tools,” Christy said. “So, we need to make sure that we all bypass the big box stores and shop local to help support our local businesses.”
Christy told the audience that both Cooper’s office and Attorney General Josh Stein are hard at work in their effort to hold Pactiv Evergreen accountable for failing to fulfill an agreement that led to economic incentives for the company.
In 2015, the state provided a $12 million grant to Pactiv Evergreen, on the condition it keeps at least 800 employees on staff at the Canton mill through the end of 2024. Stein and Cooper wrote an open letter to the company soon after the mill’s closure was announced demanding it returns the grant.
“The governor's office had a conversation with Pactiv Evergreen,” Christy said. “Let’s just say that that conversation was not very fruitful.”
More:Canton paper mill closing a 'regional crisis,' mayor says; Buncombe also affected
More:As smell, smoke clear with mill closing, real estate agents turn eyes on Canton
Christy assured the audience, however, that financial aid was available to impacted people, with or without the return of this grant money, and that Cooper’s offices are doing their best to secure more funding to further these programs.
Anderson said there are 13,000 job openings in the region, with an unemployment rate of only 2%, the lowest in N.C. However, the mill’s 1,160 employees were paid an average salary of $80,000, higher than the national and local average. While former mill workers may be able to find work, many have already encountered difficulties finding a salary that matches their needs. Programs listed by the panelists aim to provide a good starting point.
Some information Christy provided on funding and programming designed to provide assistance to impacted workers:
Another concern expressed by attendees and the panel was the future of Canton's wastewater treatment. The mill has been responsible for the treatment, and Pactiv Evergreen will be required to continue providing this for the next two years.
State Sen. Julie Mayfield said lawmakers representing Haywood are currently working to secure a $42 million package to support the town and school system in Canton as well as to fund the siting and building of a new wastewater treatment plant.
Christy added that the town has been in talks with Pactiv Evergreen to potentially extend the required two years of maintenance to the treatment plant. A new wastewater treatment plant will come with a hefty price tag and will require five to six years to complete.
“No amount of money is going to speed up the timeframe to get to it,” Christy said. “It's just going to take time. So, we've got to work with the town to figure out what to do at for these additional three-plus years after Evergreen is no longer obligated to operate.”
The panel encouraged those impacted by the mill's shutdown to take advantage of available resources. Canton’s website, Milltown Strong, is devoted to helping affected residents land on their feet and remain safe and healthy as they take their next steps. Cooper’s resources page provides further resources, as well as information on the grant money it expects to have returned by Pactiv Evergreen.
Iris Seaton is the Citizen Times News Reporting Intern. Email her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
ASHEVILLE — Buncombe County is now under a flash flood warning until 5 p.m. Jan. 9 for "life threatening flash flooding," as announced by the National Weather Service."At 12:11 p.m., emergency management reported flooding and swift water rescues in the Candler area," the alert said. "Between 2.5 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. ... Additional flooding remains possible on pretty much any tributary of the French Broad River, especially along Hominy Creek."Heavy rain is increasin...
ASHEVILLE — Buncombe County is now under a flash flood warning until 5 p.m. Jan. 9 for "life threatening flash flooding," as announced by the National Weather Service.
"At 12:11 p.m., emergency management reported flooding and swift water rescues in the Candler area," the alert said. "Between 2.5 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. ... Additional flooding remains possible on pretty much any tributary of the French Broad River, especially along Hominy Creek."
Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, according to the NWS. The weather service advises the following:
Heavy rain, very windy conditions and the threat of flooding will impact Western North Carolina through this evening, causing road closures and forcing some school districts to switch to remote learning for Jan. 9.
Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order Jan. 8 declaring a state of emergency ahead of the severe weather, waiving truck weight, size and hours of service restrictions so that vehicles carrying essential supplies can get their jobs done quickly, his office announced.
The Asheville Regional Airport has already received 1.45 inches by 7 a.m., according to meteorologist Jake Wimberley with the National Weather Service. Wimberley said the area could receive 1.5 to 2 inches through 7 p.m.
"A number of sites across the Southern mountains closer to the South Carolina border that are already at 2 to 3 inches of rain," Wimberly said. "Rain is going to continue through the morning and rainfall rates may still increase as thunderstorms move north into the area."
The NWS previously told the Citizen Times that Asheville will see an estimated 2.8 inches of precipitation from this storm system. To the south, in areas of Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood and Transylvania counties, there could be up to 6 inches of rain.
A flood watch is still in effect for all of the North Carolina mountains, except Madison, Swain and Graham counties, according to Wimberley. Flash flooding along small streams and minor or main stem river flooding is possible, according to the NWS.
A wind advisory has also been issued and extended across the North Carolina mountains from 10 p.m. Jan. 9 through 1 p.m. Jan. 10.
Near Asheville, the peak chance of thunderstorms Jan. 9 is between 9 a.m. and noon in Hendersonville and Brevard. But more "impactful" thunderstorms and the threat of severe weather is mostly going to be "upstate South Carolina and over toward Charlotte," Wimberley said.
The NWS is expecting a cold front to pass through with this weather system, and temperatures are expected to cool by this evening. Higher elevations near the Tennessee border should see precipitation change over to snow, with the highest peaks getting 2 to 3 inches, Wimberley said. However, Asheville is expected to stay too warm for any snow accumulation.
"One thing that has changed is the winter advisory that was in effect for some of the mountains has expired," Wimberley said, noting that the warning expired at 7 a.m. "There were some areas that got some ice accretion in the northern mountains, but temperatures are warming, they're already right at freezing and continuing to warm."
More info on storms Jan. 9:WNC 'dynamic storm system' will bring heavy rain, possible flooding to Asheville area
Some roads in the area have closed due to weather conditions, including the entire Blue Ridge Parkway for snow, ice and incoming weather, according to the park's website.
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the following roads are closed due to downed trees: Newfound Gap Road, Laurel Creek Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, Foothills Parkway West (the new section), Cherokee Orchard Road, Greenbrier Road, Tremont Road, Lakeview Drive and Little River Road from Sugar Lands Visitor Center to Metcalf Bottoms.
West Chapel Road between Hendersonville Road and Sweeten Creek Road is closed both directions in Asheville until 5 p.m., according to DriveNC.gov.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has already seen multiple reported incidents on the roads, as announced on social media. If anyone must drive, N.C. DOT advises the following:
Because of flooding from Hominy Creek, the Buncombe County Transfer Station and County Garage will close at 3 p.m. Jan. 9, according to a news release from Buncombe County.
"The Buncombe Landfill at 85 Panther Branch Road is open on its regular schedule until 4:30 p.m. for waste and recycling needs," the release said. "Loads requiring more than 30 minutes to unload must be in the landfill by 4 p.m."
About 362 Duke Energy customers in Buncombe County are out of power as of 1:30 p.m. Jan. 9 due to downed lines and trees having fallen on lines and poles, according to spokesperson Madison McDonald. She said that most of these outages are scattered across the county and power will be restored between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. tonight.
"We have crews actively out doing repairs," McDonald told the Citizen Times. "Our crews are going to continue work as long as it takes, and as long as it's safe to do so."
Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools will have asynchronous remote learning Jan. 9 due to severe weather conditions, as announced in emails sent to staff.
Jan. 9 will also be an optional teacher workday for Buncombe County Schools. Teachers will upload assignments to their Learning Management System by 10 a.m. for students to work on at their own pace, the email said.
Assignments must be completed and turned in within five school days, according to the BCS announcement.
"Ten- and 11-month staff may work or use accrued leave by logging their absence in Red Rover," the email said. "12-month staff may work or take leave with supervisor permission. Staff who are able to complete their job functions from home may work remotely, with supervisor approval."
Full list of school delays, closings:School closings, delays in Western North Carolina for Jan. 9
As severe weather continues to move through the area, some city parks have been closed due to flooding Jan. 9, including:
Certain Buncombe County schools will still provide lunch Jan. 9 between noon and 1 p.m.
"Families may come to one of the schools listed below with their students and join them in the cafeteria," the announcement said. "Adults are welcome to purchase a meal as well."
Schools serving lunch include:
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
ASHEVILLE - A new mixed-use commercial and residential development has been proposed just off of Smokey Park Highway with ambitious plans to bring a gas station, grocery store and over 340 units of housing to Candler.Some details about the "expected" commercial tenants of the development were included in the traffic impact analysis study for the project. The study shows that an Aldi is currently "expected" to be the tenant at the proposed 20,700-square-foot grocery store site.Aldi is a German-...
ASHEVILLE - A new mixed-use commercial and residential development has been proposed just off of Smokey Park Highway with ambitious plans to bring a gas station, grocery store and over 340 units of housing to Candler.
Some details about the "expected" commercial tenants of the development were included in the traffic impact analysis study for the project. The study shows that an Aldi is currently "expected" to be the tenant at the proposed 20,700-square-foot grocery store site.
Aldi is a German-based grocery store chain with over 2,000 locations in the United States. Trader Joe's is a subsidiary of Aldi.
If an Aldi were built at the Candler development, it would be the third Aldi in the Asheville-area. Currently, there are Aldi locations on Patton Avenue and Swannanoa River Road.
The Citizen Times reached out to Aldi, but did not hear back prior to deadline.
In neighborhood meeting notes about the development, representatives for the developer from Advantage Civil Engineering and Pulliam Properties responded to neighborhood concerns about the project, revealing some details about the gas station location.
In response to a question about what businesses would come to the site, the developer responded the gas station would have a "lease with Sheetz." The gas station will include a drive-through, six gas pumps and a convenience store.
In November, Sheetz told the Citizen Times they are "currently working through the planning process for three new store locations in the Asheville Market." The company said the goal is to bring a total of five stores to the area in the coming years.
Sheetz has locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. The closest North Carolina stores are in Hickory.
Store locations are typically open 24 hours a day and offer made-to-order food.
Sheetz spokesperson Nick Ruffner told the Citizen Times that "Sheetz is planning a store location off of Smokey Park Highway," but that "it is too early to provide additional details on this site at this time."
Other commercial locations are expected to include a fast-food restaurant and another "assumed as a bank," according to development documents. A 12,000-square-foot recreational community center is also included in the proposal.
The development, dubbed "Acton Hill," would be located just off Smokey Park Highway. Alongside the Aldi and Sheetz, the project would include the construction of 349 units of housing over the project's 40-acre site.
In total, 345 apartments and four townhomes have been proposed for the development. Apartments will be spread out between six buildings, while the townhomes will be built just off of Acton Woods Road.
New residential space will include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom options with a total of 501 residential parking spaces.
The residential side of the development, toward Acton Woods Road, will include a dog park, swimming pool, playground and a trail network.
Existing apartments and a cemetery on the development site will remain.
Two new traffic signals will be added to the development site as part of the proposal. Development documents indicate a preliminary 2031 completion date for the project.
The project site is currently occupied by Crossland Homes, a mobile home dealer, and is across the street from the Buncombe County Sports Park.
A traffic impact analysis study was done for the location, where the developments added traffic to the intersection of Brookside Circle and Smokey Park Highway was the only area found to "cause any significant detrimental effects" to traffic flow. A signal or circle were found to be "not feasible" at this intersection due to its proximity to another traffic light.
Because the development site is within city limits, the project will seek a conditional zoning review, which will require approval from City Council. The plan will first be reviewed by Asheville city staff during a March 18 Technical Review Committee meeting, according to the city of Asheville planning portal.
More:South Asheville Gold's Gym to close; Here's what we know
More:Cafe?, bar closes less than a year after opening to Leicester, West Asheville communities
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at WHofmann@citizentimes.com. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
CANDLER, N.C. (WLOS) — While many burn bans have been lifted in counties across Western North Carolina, that doesn’t mean brush fires disappear.One ignited earlier Thursday afternoon in Candler along Hookers Gap Road. It was contained in less than an hour and nobody was injured.However, those that live along the road still felt concerned.CREWS BATTLE TWO...
CANDLER, N.C. (WLOS) — While many burn bans have been lifted in counties across Western North Carolina, that doesn’t mean brush fires disappear.
One ignited earlier Thursday afternoon in Candler along Hookers Gap Road. It was contained in less than an hour and nobody was injured.
However, those that live along the road still felt concerned.
CREWS BATTLE TWO WILDFIRES IN MCDOWELL COUNTY; TRAVELERS URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS OF SMOKE
“I could see it just kind of fuming out right there out of the forest,” resident Marcello Della Barba said. “I was thinking if I had to gather my things or prepare to evacuate the area because it could be moving in.”
But fire units from Enka-Candler, Upper Hominy, West Buncombe and the North Carolina Forest Service were able to contain the fire from spreading further than three acres.
A one-story home, an outhouse and a wooden shed were in the vicinity of the flames, but only the shed sustained damage.
While a cause was not given, the situation is another reminder of the danger of the lingering dry conditions.
“You still need to be cautious,” Enka-Candler Fire and Rescue Chief Howard Beddingfield said. “The duff area underneath the exposed ground is still very dry even though we’ve had a little bit of rain. The weather is improving, especially for people in our area of expertise, but things are still dry.”
Some residents in areas surrounded by forests like Della Barba were pleased to see a burn ban in place in Buncombe County when it was.
FIRE BREAKS OUT AT FORMER KMART AFTER POTENTIAL ARMED PERSON REPORTED BUT NOT FOUND
“It made me feel good to see the burn ban in effect,” he said. “I had been seeing tons and tons of fires [along Hookers Gap Road].”
Whether the ban is in place or not, Chief Beddingfield said he believes people should be taking caution either way.
“For people living somewhere in the rural areas that has a lot of wooded areas to clear out the leaves around their home,” he said. “Things to do to protect them if they do have a fire.”
828-676-2939
