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 Old Beechwold Historic District 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 Columbus, 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.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“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”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“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!!”
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 Goodale 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 Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Columbus or visit Thurber House, 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.
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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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, 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.
Governor Josh Stein today (Feb. 3) requested $1.07 billion in state funding to support urgent rebuilding needs in western North Carolina.The move came while legislators are investigating continued mismanagement in the state Office of Resilience and Recovery. More than $750 million has been spent by the NCORR since its inception after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and its expansion after Florence in 2018. Hundreds of projects statewide are still not finished after contractors were ordered to stop work. (See related story)Stein&rsquo...
Governor Josh Stein today (Feb. 3) requested $1.07 billion in state funding to support urgent rebuilding needs in western North Carolina.
The move came while legislators are investigating continued mismanagement in the state Office of Resilience and Recovery. More than $750 million has been spent by the NCORR since its inception after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and its expansion after Florence in 2018. Hundreds of projects statewide are still not finished after contractors were ordered to stop work. (See related story)
Stein’s budget request includes funds to strengthen the economy, get people back into homes faster, repair infrastructure, support farmers, fix private roads and bridges, remove debris, and help school children stay at grade level.
“The people of western North Carolina have suffered tremendously since Helene swept through,” Stein said. “I appreciate what the General Assembly has done so far, but it’s time for us to step up and get them the money they need right now to rebuild. We can’t forget western North Carolina – and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the state shows up for them.”
Stein made his budget request at MANNA Food Bank, which works with over 300 community-based nonprofit food assistance partner agencies in 16 western North Carolina counties.
“MANNA has been an essential resource for the people it serves, and its work has become even more critical since Hurricane Helene struck,” said Stein. “As these organizations continue the daily work of supporting their community, we have a responsibility to support them.”
The governor’s budget request includes funding in a number of categiories, including economic development, infrastructure and local government support.
Two grant programs totaling $150 million would be set aside for businesses that suffered physical damage or significant economic loss, while $30 million in grants would go to small towns and counties to rebuild downtowns and other business districts.
VisitNC’s Economic Development Partnership division would receive $15 million to “support North Carolina’s tourism industry and to attract travelers and new businesses to the area.”
Revenue replacement grants of $100 million would go to local governments whose resources were exhausted by disaster response, as they work to keep water and sewer services going, pay law enforcement, and support school operations.
A major criticism directed toward former Gov. Roy Cooper and former President Joe Biden – and at Stein even before he took office – was a lack of housing.
Thousands of homes were destroyed in Helene’s flooding, and thousands of victims are still living in tens and campers after being denied assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unless they agreed to sell their property and move elsewhere. President Donald Trump ordered the backlog of requests for assistance to be cleared as quickly as possible when he visited North Carolina after his inauguration. Trump also deployed National Guard troops and the Army Corps of Engineers within days of his visit, after Biden, Cooper and Stein announced that no further work was needed.
Stein’s request includes $150 million for a “Helene Home Construction and Repair Program” to immediately start rebuilding the estimated 5,100 homes; $25 million to support people struggling to afford rent, mortgage, or utility costs because their home or livelihood was affected; $10 million for Back@Home, a program that supports people who are without homes and provides them with case management support; $50 million in incentives for affordable housing construction; and $25 million to fill in gaps for home repairs that are not covered by FEMA.
Hundreds of miles of roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure were damaged or destroyed during the storm. Complicating matters was that many of the bridges and roads in the hardest hit areas are privately owned, and provide the only way in or out of some properties. The governor’s request includes $75 million for private roads and bridges repair. While $12 million has been requested for debris removal, $25 million would be used to “clean up local parks and greenways”. $10 million would be assigned to “provide backup power for emergency operations and other critical infrastructure,” and $4 million to repair septic systems.
Farmers would receive $124 million in assistance, including $15 million for grants to farmers for verified uninsured losses to crops, livestock, aquaculture, and infrastructure; $100 million to help farmers clear debris and repair their land and waterways so they can resume production, and $19.4 million to prepare for the wildfire season and mitigate future risk of wildfires and flooding.
Stein received some criticism from lawmakers within minutes of the announcement Monday, since $2 million was requested for “college students who are struggling to pay tuition, fees, or emergency expenses that might force them to drop out of school at UNC Asheville, Appalachian State University, and Western Carolina University.” Another $34.2 million would go to districts that lost 15 or more days of school, so the systems could provide summer instruction and other support services.
Another $20 million would fund food banks in affected areas.
State legislators have already freed up millions in Helene relief, over Cooper’s veto, to jumpstart debris removal and infrastructure repair in the hardest hit areas.
POLK COUNTY, N.C. —Here is the latest on the fires burning in Polk County, North Carolina.Monday morning update: Black Cove FireThe N.C. Forest Service estimates the fire is 2,076 acres and is 0% contained.Fire Departments are focusing on structure protection, as the N.C. Forest Services is focusing on putting in the fire lines.Upon further assessment by the N.C. Forest Service Sunday there have been a ...
POLK COUNTY, N.C. —
Here is the latest on the fires burning in Polk County, North Carolina.
Monday morning update:
Black Cove Fire
The N.C. Forest Service estimates the fire is 2,076 acres and is 0% contained.Fire Departments are focusing on structure protection, as the N.C. Forest Services is focusing on putting in the fire lines.
Upon further assessment by the N.C. Forest Service Sunday there have been a total of 1 home destroyed, 2 structures damaged and 1 outbuilding destroyed.
The cause of the fire was a downed power line. There are no injuries.
Deep Woods FireThe N.C. Forest Service estimates the fire is 2,545 acres and is 0% contained.Fire Departments are focusing on structure protection, as the N.C. Forest Services is focusing on putting in the fire lines.
Upon further assessment by the N.C. Forest Service Sunday there have been a total of 1 home destroyed, 2 structures damaged and 1 outbuilding destroyed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. There are no injuries.Fish Hook FireThe Fish Hook Fire has burned 190 acres in the Lake Adger area and is at 50% containment. Three houses were deemed totally losses and one structure was damaged according to Polk County Friday night.
Firefighters are working to contain fires in Polk County, North Carolina.
Officials say they plan to nearly double their resources today to work to get these fires under control.
Here is the latest information:
Most updated evacuations here
North Carolina Forest Service
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The N.C. Forest Service is hosting a Community Meeting Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Womack Building, 40 Courthouse Street, Columbus NC 28722 to discuss the Black Cove, Deep Wood and Fish Hook fires.
Polk County Wildfire Update, 12:00pm Sunday, March 23, 2025
The N.C. Forest Service, Polk County Emergency Management and more than 50 Fire Departments across the State are fighting three separate fires in Polk County.
Black Cove FireThe N.C. Forest Service estimates the fire is 1,239 acres and is 0% contained. Fire Departments are focusing on structure protection, as the N.C. Forest Services is focusing on putting in the fire lines.
Upon further assessment by the N.C. Forest Service Sunday there have been a total of 1 home destroyed, 2 structures damaged and 1 outbuilding destroyed.
The cause of the fire was a downed power line. There are no injuries.
Deep Woods FireThe N.C. Forest Service estimates the fire is 1,802 acres and is 0% contained. Fire Departments are focusing on structure protection, as the N.C. Forest Services is focusing on putting in the fire lines.
Upon further assessment by the N.C. Forest Service Sunday there have been a total of 1 home destroyed, 2 structures damaged and 1 outbuilding destroyed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. There are no injuries.Fish Hook Fire
The N.C. Forest Service estimates the fire is 199 acres and is 50% contained. Fire Departments are focusing on structure protection, as the N.C. Forest Services is focusing on putting in the fire lines.
Upon further assessment by the N.C. Forest Service Sunday there have been a total of 3 homes destroyed, 1 garage destroyed and 1 structure damages.
The cause of the fire was a downed power line. There are no injuries.
Due to increased fire risk, there is a statewide ban on all open burning. Polk County has a very strict burn ban in place.
A Polk County Shelter is available at 75 Carmel Lane Columbus, NC.
The North Carolina Forest Service says that reported 4th wildfire was another part of the Black Cove Fire. Firefighters are working to contain three blazes.
The Black Cove Fire has burned 1,239 acres. It is 0% contained. An evacuation has been issued for 5079-7265 Holbert Cove Road and Fox Paw Lane.
The Deep Woods Fire has burned 1,713 acres. It is 0 percent contained.
The Fish Hook Fire has burned 199 acres. It is 50 percent contained. Evacuation orders in this region have been lifted.
Polk County Shelter is available at 75 Carmel Lane Columbus, NC.
Officials will hold a community meeting Sunday at 2pm, at 40 Courthouse Street in Columbus, NC.
What you need to know about the fire burning at Table Rock
Gov. Henry McMaster declares a state of emergency due to Table Rock wildfires
The North Carolina Forest Service says a 4th wildfire has appeared around Green River Cover Road.
Polk County Government officials have issued an evacuation order at Green River Cove Road address from 1091-1528 and all of Lady Slipper Trail - saying residents need to evacuate immediately.
Polk County Shelter is available at 75 Carmel Lane Columbus, NC
The Deep Woods Fire has burned 1,002 acres and is at 0% containment. This fire is located off Deep Woods Lane and Piney Gate Road which is off Holbert Cove Road. The cause of this fire is unknown and is currently under investigation.
One house was deemed a total loss, two structures were damaged, and one outbuilding was lost, according to Polk County.
This area is under a mandatory evacuation.
The Fish Hook Fire has burned 190 acres in the Lake Adger area and is at 50% containment. Three houses were deemed totally losses and one structure was damaged according to Polk County Friday night.
The Black Cove Fire, which originated off of Green River Cove Road, has burned 1,083 acres and is at 0% containment.
For pet and livestock evacuation and boarding, contact the Polk County Animal Control. You can donate to firefighters and affected residents at Foothill Community Church and Friendship Baptist Church.
Officials say to stay out of evacuated areas and respect no fly zones and burn bans.
The Deep Woods Fire has burned 332 acres and is at 0% containment. This fire is located off Deep Woods Lane and Piney Gate Road which is off Holbert Cove Road. The cause of this fire is unknown and is currently under investigation. One structure has been damaged and one structure has been lost as of Thursday night.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas:
Evacuees can go to the Polk County Shelter at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus.
The Fish Hook Fire has burned 190 acres in the Lake Adger area and is at 40% containment. Six structures have been lost as of Thursday night.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas:
The Black Cove Fire, which originated off of Green River Cove Road, has burned 583 acres and is at 0% containment. No structures have been damaged or lost as of Thursday night.
These fires have caused smoke to drift east toward northern Spartanburg, Cherokee, York, and Union counties.
The Black Cove Fire, which originated off of Green River Cove Road, has burned 418 acres and is at 0% containment. No structures have been damaged or lost.
The Deep Woods Fire has burned 216 acres and is at 0% containment. This fire is located off Deep Woods Lane and Piney Gate Road which is off Holbert Cove Road. The cause of this fire is unknown and is currently under investigation. One structure has been damaged and one structure has been lost.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas:
Evacuees can go to the Polk County Shelter at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus.
The Fish Hook Fire has burned more than 100 acres in the Lake Adger area. Six structures have been lost.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas:
Polk County Government
North Carolina Forest Service and Polk County Emergency Management are managing these fires in unified command. Dry weather, steep terrain and winds overnight are making fire control efforts challenging.
Charlotte-based Columbus McKinnon will acquire Richardson, Texas-based Kito Crosby Limited from funds managed by global investment firm KKR in a transaction valued at $2.7 billion. Columbus McKinnon expects the deal to close this calen...
Charlotte-based Columbus McKinnon will acquire Richardson, Texas-based Kito Crosby Limited from funds managed by global investment firm KKR in a transaction valued at $2.7 billion. Columbus McKinnon expects the deal to close this calendar year, pending regulatory approval.
Shares of Columbus McKinnon declined about 40% in Tuesday morning trading after news of the deal and the company reported quarterly earnings of 56 cents per share, lower than the analysts’ estimates of 74 cents. Shares were trading for about $21.65 at 11:15 a.m., after trading between $29 and $45 over the past year.
As part of the deal, New York investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is acquiring a 40% interest in Columbus McKinnon.
Both Columbus McKinnon and Kito Crosby produced more than $1 billion in revenue last year, and each has about 3,500 employees. Columbus McKinnon’s key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, light rail workstations and motion control systems. It has manufacturing sites in 25 countries, with half of its employees in the U.S.
Kito Crosby products are involved in the lifting and securement industry. Its brands include Kito, Crosby, Harrington, Gunnebo Industries and Peerless.
As a combined business, Columbus McKinnon expects to have annual revenue of $2.1 billion and adjusted pretax income of $486 million. Columbus McKinnon estimated $70 million in annual cost savings through the deal.
The combination improves scale and product scope and increases Columbus McKinnon’s geographic reach, particularly in Asia, while complementing Columbus McKinnon’s existing strength in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, according to a release.
Columbus McKinnon moved its headquarters to Charlotte from a suburb of Buffalo, New York, in 2022, bringing about 100 jobs.
“This is an important next step in further strengthening Columbus McKinnon’s position as a scaled, holistic provider of intelligent motion solutions in materials handling. We’ve long had a great respect for Kito Crosby’s strong portfolio of offerings,” says Columbus McKinnon CEO David Wilson in a release.
“Through this strategic combination, we’re creating a company that is extremely well-positioned to deliver real-world solutions for customers, with favorable tailwinds from megatrends, including reshoring, infrastructure investment, modernization of aging industrial facilities, and rising automation needs due to labor shortages.”
Kito Crosby has manufacturing plants that serve more than 50 countries. KKR has owned the business since 2013. Revenue has more than doubled since then, while the payroll has quadrupled with expansion into new products and markets. In 2024, Kito Crosby generated $1.1 billion in revenue.
As a result of Clayton Dublier’s investment in Columbus McKinnon, it is expected that Mike Lamach, Nate Sleeper and Andrew Campelli will join the board of directors upon closing.
Columbus McKinnon will fund the deal with debt financing of $3.05 billion from J.P. Morgan and an $800 million convertible preferred equity investment from Clayton Dublier
The Clayton Dublier investment include a 7% coupon, payable in cash or payment-in-kind at Columbus McKinnon’s option, and a conversion price of $37.68. CD&R does not have a stake in the company. BlackRock Fund Advisors is the company’s largest owner.
Advisors
For Columbus McKinnon, J.P. Morgan Securities is acting as the financial adviser, and DLA Piper and Hogan Lovells are acting as legal advisers. Evercore and Goldman Sachs are acting as financial advisers for Kito Crosby and KKR, while Kirkland & Ellis is acting as legal advisor. Debevoise & Plimpton is acting as legal adviser for CD&R, with Guggenheim Securities acting as its financial adviser.
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