AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jennie G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

John Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Bob P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Craig R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I own a financial services business and share clients with Always Best Care. Recently, one of our shared clients experienced a fall which resulted in a broken hip. One of my first calls, after EMS, was to ABC. Mary Steiner responded immediately and offered to meet the client at the ER. She was wonderful and so very professional in the manner in which she handled the entire harrowing experience. She arranged for overnight care since the family had to arrive from out of town. I am so grateful for her genuine care for our client and stepping in during an emergency to help us handle the situation. I would recommend ABC for services because they absolutely go above and beyond with such a special touch. Robbie Chenault, Elevated Living Services”

Elevated L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working here! Jim truly cares about his clients and employees. The staff goes to great lengths to make sure that the clients are cared for. I am proud to represent Always Best Care.”

Sandra D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband was placed with always best care after leaving the hospital. he has received outstanding care from this company, The caretaker taking care of my husband did an outstanding job working with him , helping with daily care , cleaning, and his physical therapy, would recommend her and this company to anyone looking for home Assistant to take care of a loved one! Thank you always best care for being there for us and my family .”

Diane M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is one the best company’s to work for. Treats everyone like Family”

Danielle O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is very professional and they love the clients and their patients”

Javell F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“From the first day that I started it was an experience to learn your ways but with all the staff people that I became aware of oh my gosh it was wonderful. I have been very pleased with Mary, Melissa, and Danielle of letting me decide if my clients are a perfect match for me and them. I am pleased that I chose this company. Jim is doing a very good job of hiring a amazing staff in the office to work with. Thanks to all!”

Vicki B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely the best staff. They come to the house for 4 hours to take care of my dad and are so friendly. My dad loves the attention. Thanks so much for seeing to the needs of dad.”

Tom J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My mom and her husband are 80 and 92 years old. They’ve both had Covid, pneumonia, and heart issues among many other things. Always Best Care sent out a caregiver named Pat. Pat is incredible! She cooks homemade meals for them, grocery shops for them, goes to the post office, bank, and anywhere else they need, helps with showers, takes them to church, and visits them when they have to go to the hospital or nursing home. Pat truly cares about them! It’s such a blessing to have a caregiver who really cares! They love her and she loves them! Pat is truly amazing and we are so grateful that Always Best Home Care sent her to our family!”

Lu A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is a privilege to serve this company's clients and staff. I am impressed every day by the lengths that all will go to to make sure people's needs are met.”

Mary S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC Asheville was always prompt and responsive to our family needs. Mary was thoughtful and efficient in all communications.”

Joel A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has helped me grow so much as a person and it is truly the best company I have ever worked for.”

Melisa L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great home care agency who really cares about their clients. Highly recommended.”

Nate R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I wanted to say thank you to all the ladies that helped look after Mom. I'm so appreciative. And thank you for all the times you helped me over the phone. I surely am thankful for your services!”

Becky C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been a business peer of Jim Smeaton's at Always Best Care Senior Serivces for several years. Jim is one of my favorite leaders in the local buiness community. This is because of his ethical and service-oriented mindset. I have seen first hand that Always Best Care, who specialize in providing personalized, in-home care for seniors, is the best way to keep your loved ones independent and safe in the comfort of their own home in order to maximize their quality of life. Thank you Jim & team for all you do for our community!”

Jared B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve known Jim Smeaton and his company for several years. His energetic and genuinely caring spirit inspires Always Best Care which has an excellent reputation for always providing the best home care for it's clients. If your loved one needs support in living independently at home, you can't go wrong with Always Best Care.”

Mark W.
 In-Home Care Mars Hill, NC

How does In-home Senior Care in Mars Hill, NC work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Mars Hill, NC

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Mars Hill, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Mars Hill, NC 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Mars Hill, NC

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

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 Mars Hill,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.

 Caregivers Mars Hill, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

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Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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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.

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.

Latest News in Mars Hill, NC

Hazy skies: Air Quality Alerts, burn bans in effect for areas of NC due to wildfire smoke

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The skies across Western North Carolina are remaining hazy on Wednesday as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to move into the region.The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ground Level Ozone for all of North Carolina.Around 3:42 p.m., the DEQ updated air quality alerts from some are...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The skies across Western North Carolina are remaining hazy on Wednesday as wildfire smoke from Canada continues to move into the region.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ground Level Ozone for all of North Carolina.

Around 3:42 p.m., the DEQ updated air quality alerts from some areas of North Carolina being in a Code Red (unhealthy for all people) to a Code Orange (unhealthy for some sensitive populations, such as those with breathing issues).

AIR QUALITY ALERTS ISSUED FOR NORTH CAROLINA DUE TO SMOKE FROM CANADIAN WILDFIRES

An Air Quality Action Day means that Ground Level Ozone concentrations within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.

The Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency says due to the Code Orange Air Quality Alert, no open burning is allowed at this time.

NEW YORK CITY'S AIR POLLUTION AMONG WORST IN THE WORLD AS WILDFIRE SMOKE HITS NORTHEAST

"Open Burning is generally PROHIBITED on Air Quality Action Days," the website says. "Burning trash and other non-vegetative material is ALWAYS PROHIBITED."

Northerly winds have carried wildfire smoke hundreds of miles down south into the U.S., creating hazy skies and creating potential health problems.

During wildfires, particles from the smoke and ash can enter your body and harm your health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.

BREATHING IN WILDFIRE SMOKE COMPARABLE TO SMOKING 3 TO 11 CIGARETTES A DAY, STUDY NOTES

"Exposure to air pollutants in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs, cause inflammation, alter immune function, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, likely including COVID-19," the CDC adds.

AirNow, a partnership of several government and local agencies, encourages people to monitor their smoke map for current conditions across the U.S. and reduce outdoor exposure during unhealthy air quality times.

With First Fridays set to resume, Mars Hill acquires new buildings to meet needs

MARS HILL - In the Mars Hill Town Board of Aldermen's March 13 meeting, the board and residents spoke of the anticipation surrounding the return of Mars Hill First Fridays, a collaborative project between the town and a number of local businesses designed to spotlight local commerce in the town.The town also annou...

MARS HILL - In the Mars Hill Town Board of Aldermen's March 13 meeting, the board and residents spoke of the anticipation surrounding the return of Mars Hill First Fridays, a collaborative project between the town and a number of local businesses designed to spotlight local commerce in the town.

The town also announced it has purchased two Mountain View Road buildings - 55 Mountain View Road and 63 Mountain View Road , which Townn Manager Nathan Bennett said will be razed to meet traffic needs as a result of the county’s increased visitation.

In the board's February meeting, Bennett announced the town had bought the Robinson Building, located at 9 S. Main Street and 15 S. Main Street.

In the March meeting, Bennett relayed more news about additional property acquisitions, announcing the town had purchased two buildings on Mountain View Road, near the corner of Library Street, near Mars Landing Galleries, an art studio owned by Miryam Rojas.

Rojas also co-chairs Mars Hill First Fridays with James Huddle and a team of other local business owners.

Rojas and Huddle also outlined some of their requests to the town to properly carry out the event, including a request for money for temporary or permanent lighting along Mountain View Road.

"We actually put some metal landscape rods and some solar lights, but they're just not really sufficient enough to light up that sidewalk - which isn't really an issue until the later months when it gets darker, but we did ask for funding to help us to find a more permanent solution," Huddle said. "We've been really focused on trying to make sure people are safe during this event. People are spilling over in the streets. That's a good sign and a bad sign."

According to Huddle, the team asked for $1,350 for the light fixtures.

Rojas said another issue she'd like to see addressed by the town is the walkability along Mountain View Road.

"There's no protection - it's very narrow. Two people cannot walk side by side on it," Rojas said. "We have a lot of older kids who come and have ice cream and walk around town. It's just such a beautiful aspect - that it's so safe and wonderful for people to walk around.

"I just saw that there was something planned for a pedestrian plan. We're just hoping that there's some consideration, because with the First Fridays, because ... Mountain View Road is such an important link. We have the town building and the library in and of itself. This is a vital part to our First Fridays success."

Bennett said the town received a N.C. Department of Commerce grant to perform a "small area plan" in which a design engineering firm will assess North Main Street through Mountain View Road to include lighting and streetscaping.

The town planned to submit the proposal the week of March 20, Bennett said.

Huddle said the team is also hoping to incorporate more signage at this year's events to identify sections of the events, as the team plans to provide a food truck island at some point this year.

Bennett said he appreciated the input from the First Fridays team, as the acquisition of the three new buildings will allow the town more flexibility to host events.

"It will be something that we'll really work hard on throughout the year - and we'll be looking at you all for some input, and part of it is business owner input on how everyone wants the area used," Bennett said.

Rojas said she was excited about the town's acquisition of the Mountain View Road buildings.

"It's fantastic," Rojas said. "I would love to put my time and whatever, resources and brain, to (help brainstorm the best use for the buildings with the town)."

Mayor John Chandler thanked Bennett, Rojas and Huddle for their work, adding that many residents are looking forward to the return of the popular monthly event.

"You all did a great job, and everyone's looking forward to it," Mayor John Chandler said. "People were mad that (the events stopped) during the winter. It's been great for the businesses, including at Quill and Honey, and I'm sure for the other businesses, too."

Mars Hill First Fridays will return to downtown Mars Hill on April 7.

Madison County ski resort gets new owners; upgrades, year-round activities planned

MARS HILL - Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is one of only two ski resorts - the other being Cataloochee Ski Resort in Maggie Valley - located within an hour's drive of Asheville.The Madison County resort may have big changes coming this year, as the resort announced the business has changed owners, according to a press release issued through the resort's Facebook page.The new owners are Deborah and David Hatley, of Johnson City, Tennessee. The cost was $8.4 million, according to information from the Madison County Registe...

MARS HILL - Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is one of only two ski resorts - the other being Cataloochee Ski Resort in Maggie Valley - located within an hour's drive of Asheville.

The Madison County resort may have big changes coming this year, as the resort announced the business has changed owners, according to a press release issued through the resort's Facebook page.

The new owners are Deborah and David Hatley, of Johnson City, Tennessee. The cost was $8.4 million, according to information from the Madison County Register of Deeds.

According to the post, the Hatleys "have planned improvements, enhancements and added experiential amenities to add value to the existing structure, operations and activities" at the resort, located in the Wolf Laurel region of Mars Hill.

"We want to really celebrate and honor the legacy that the English family has taken such pride in creating over the years," said CEO Deborah Hatley. "(We also want to really celebrate) the authentic family-oriented service and opportunity to enjoy this exceptional part of the country year-round ... especially when the season permits the use of the mountains atop skis or a snowboard.

"We have something very special here, and want to enhance its beauty, functionality and comfort to see many more successful seasons on the mountain."

According to the release, the planned improvements will begin this year and will include an updated lodge, restaurant, locker rooms, retail, VIP lounge, operation systems and new rental equipment, as well as enhancements to the resort's snowmaking capabilities.

Visitors' reactions

Richard Jones lives in Georgia and has been a season pass holder for the last three years. He has been coming to the resort for the last six years.

Jones is involved with his son's Boy Scouts of America Troop 580, out of Lilburn, Georgia, and brings large groups of Scouts to visit the resort every year.

Jones said he felt the new owners' first priority should be snowmaking capabilities, as that would allow an expanded ski season.

Jones, who typically makes the trek from Georgia to the Mars Hill resort about six times a year, said he was excited about the Hatley's plans for updated rental gear as well.

While some visitors said they hoped the resort would offer alcohol, others said they would like to see a brewery on the premises.

"It would be nice to have an active restaurant that did serve some type of alcohol," Jones said. "I’m not sure a brewery is the right way to go, but that's just my opinion. Some of the best terrain in North Carolina no doubt, but they are really starting with very little."

Mars Hill resident Jonathan Spindler has been snowboarding at the resort for nearly 30 years.

"I hope they embrace the brewery vibe and have spot for beer and hopefully even live music," said Spindler, who sings in a local acoustic rock band, Burnt Reputation.

Spindler said while he has had a few season passes over the years, with the news of the resort's plans, he and a lifelong snowboarding friend will "definitely" buy a pass for the 2023-24 season.

"It can be the best resort in the state. It sure has the best terrain for it. It just needs proper snow-making equipment and actually blow snow whenever possible," Spindler said. "We do have unpredictable weather and it does get warm out of the blue. That is why they need to make it happen whenever possible because of the short winter season in WNC."

As an experienced snowboarder, Spindler said he would also like to see the resort hold competitions again.

"I hope they also put on some contests again or at least have a dedicated terrain park with jumps/rails, too," Spindler said.

Rob Blake and his family live in Charlotte but have a second home in Mars Hill.

"This is really good news for Wolf Ridge, Madison County, Wolf Laurel," Blake said. "This is what we have all been waiting for. Hopefully they can add Frisbee golf and a brewery to the plan as well. This mountain has incredible untapped potential."

Future plans

According to the release, the new owners have a host of future improvements and enhancements planned throughout the next five years, including:

Spindler said he's excited about the possibility of mountain biking at the resort and said he felt the resort should capitalize on visitors participating in activities such as mountain biking during the "off ski season."

The Mars Hill resident said he hoped the new owners would still run specials on lift tickets "and not price everybody out."

Spindler said he felt optimistic that the news of the new owners was good news.

"This is just fantastic news, and I can't wait to see what happens," Spindler said. "It's only going to be positives."

New veterans park coming to Madison County thanks to Mars Hill VFW, county commissioners

MARSHALL - Madison residents will soon have a designated spot to celebrate and honor current and former armed forces members, as the county commissioners approved a lease to the county Veterans of Foreign Wars for a veterans park in Marshall.The Madison County commissioners approved a 10-year lease to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for a piece of property in Marshall's Medical Park Drive facility, the road on which the Sheriff's Office, magistrate, county health department and Hot Springs Health Program sit.The vet...

MARSHALL - Madison residents will soon have a designated spot to celebrate and honor current and former armed forces members, as the county commissioners approved a lease to the county Veterans of Foreign Wars for a veterans park in Marshall.

The Madison County commissioners approved a 10-year lease to the Veterans of Foreign Wars for a piece of property in Marshall's Medical Park Drive facility, the road on which the Sheriff's Office, magistrate, county health department and Hot Springs Health Program sit.

The veterans park is planned for the middle tract of land, fixed between the Sheriff's Office and Hot Springs Health Program, according to BOC Vice Chair Michael Garrison.

The idea for the park comes from Chris Ledford, who has been commander of Mars Hill VFW Post 5483 since 2007.

Ledford said he first attempted to bring the idea for a veterans park to the commissioners 10 years ago. This time around, he worked with former Madison BOC Vice Chair Craig Goforth and former Interim County Manager Norris Gentry, as well as current BOC Vice Chair Michael Garrison.

According to Ledford, during his first attempt at establishing a veterans park in the county, he faced obstacles in finding a location, as the planned spot for the park, at the I-26 Welcome Center in Mars Hill, was owned by the state Department of Transportation.

Ledford said he and the team are working with architect Jason Gilliland from Site Design Studio for the site plans, which are still in the design stage.

When the plans are finalized, Ledford will then take the site plans to the commissioners.

But after all the hard work, the news of the veterans park finally getting off the ground is music to Ledford's ears.

"I'm extremely excited, because it has been a rough road," Ledford said. "I've tried to do this time and time again, but not many people really showed too much interest. Norris, Craig and Garrison have been instrumental in sitting down with me. The county itself, and the new commissioners, have been extremely helpful by donating the land. Everything just kind of clicked this time."

Plans

Ledford said the veterans park will "not be a memorial," adding that he and the design team will aim to make the park more lively than simply supplying a list of names on a monument.

"I'm really just wanting something that's going to look nice, and I want it to be powerful. I don't want anybody to come up over the hill and just see a bunch of tombstone-looking stuff with names on a piece of granite," Ledford said. "One of my plans is we will sell bricks, and people can put a name of a loved one who's a veteran. I want it to honor all veterans. I'm trying to do it to where people, if they have a loved one, or they were in the service, they can get a brick and that will all be displayed there."

According to Ledford, he and the team will aim to honor and recognize not only local veterans, but their families as well.

"When we get my plan all finished, there will be different sections of it, because it's a lot more than just veterans that are affected when people go off to war," Ledford said. "We're going to have a section for mothers, and call it the 'Gold Star' for mothers and fathers and people that have lost sons and daughters.

"I want it to be something powerful, to make people think about the sacrifices that people make for us to live in the country that we do. Of course, we want to remember the people that gave their all. Just because somebody is in the service sometimes, not everybody has to go to war. But when someone signs up and goes into the service, that's honorable."

According to the census bureau, the county had 1,462 veterans from 2017-2021.

But Veteran Services Coordinator Dan Jackson said the number of veterans is closer to 2,500, and he anticipates that number to grow as the county continues to expand.

"We have a flood of people coming into our county, and our population is growing. There are about 2,500 veterans in our county," Jackson said. "Our percentage in servicing them, so far, is quite good in relationship to some locations. We still have a long road ahead of us to take care of all of them."

Despite this number, Ledford said the Mars Hill VFW's engagement is dwindling, something that he hopes will change with the veterans park coming to the county.

"We're a small post," he said. "We don't have a whole lot of money. I don't expect it to be built overnight. But we've got it started anyway."

Ledford has served with the VFW locally since 2007, when there were more than 120 members. Today, the Mars Hill VFW Post has roughly 12 members. As such, the local VFW will most likely need to raise funds for the park.

"There's not many of us left, but we do try to do things for the community. We go to schools and do presentations trying to build patriotism," Ledford said. "We explain what each fold in the flag represents. We also try our best to take care of disabled veterans, if somebody needs a wheelchair ramp, or stuff like that."

Ledford, who served as a combat engineer with the U.S. Army in the first Gulf War, said the Mars Hill VFW Post 5483 is actively looking for new members, and hopes the park will attract new members to help continue to serve the community's veterans.

"I'm hoping that it will attract other veterans to maybe join the post," Ledford said. "I just wanted something to bring the community together."

For now, he is happy to be planning the county's first veterans park.

"I want this to be something positive that the whole county can be proud of," Ledford said.

For more information on Mars Hill VFW Post 5483, visit the post's Facebook page or call 828-450-3913. The post meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at the Beech Glen Community Center, 2936 Beech Glen Road in Mars Hill.

Madison planning board meeting on 53-lot Mars Hill major subdivision postponed

MARSHALL - Those anticipating attending the Madison County Planning Board's next meeting to gain information on three proposed subdivision projects - including one that will go before the board to be voted on for its final plat approval - will have to wait another two weeks.Development Services Director Brad Guth became ill and was forced to move the county Planning Board's Feb. 21 meeting.In that meeting, three different projects will be presented to the board.Landbank Acquisitions LLC will seek sketch plan approval for...

MARSHALL - Those anticipating attending the Madison County Planning Board's next meeting to gain information on three proposed subdivision projects - including one that will go before the board to be voted on for its final plat approval - will have to wait another two weeks.

Development Services Director Brad Guth became ill and was forced to move the county Planning Board's Feb. 21 meeting.

In that meeting, three different projects will be presented to the board.

Landbank Acquisitions LLC will seek sketch plan approval for a proposed 53-lot major subdivision project, Long Ridge Heights, to be located along 77 acres at 1311 Long Ridge Road in Mars Hill.

The proposed subdivision would be located on the westerly side of I-26 northbound, where Long Ridge Road and Forks of Ivy Road split off.

The proposed subdivision went before the board for a sketch plan review in its July 17 meeting. At that time, the project proposed 29 single-family homesites and was to be located at 1309 Long Ridge Road in Mars Hill.

Former Planning and Zoning Director Terrey Dolan said the proposed subdivision consists of two adjoining parcels, a 35.4-acre tract owned by Donald Walters, and a separate 8-acre piece at the very northern end tip, which is owned by Roy Ledford.

Grandview West

Rhino Site Developers, based in Raleigh, will present a preliminary plat approval on Grandview West, a 19-lot major subdivision proposed for 35 acres along Grandview Road.

Northside Estates

Developer CMH Homes will seek a final plat approval on a 13-lot subdivision located at the intersection of U.S. 19 East and N.C. 1521.

Additional biomass/event venue Land Use Ordinance language changes

The board will also consider additional language changes to the County Land Use Ordinance to reflect the county's two ongoing moratoriums - on biomass facilities and on event venues, or "commercial assembly" venues.

The board will consider eliminating the permitted use ‘assembly hall’ in the Residential-Agricultural (R-A) Land Use District and replacing it with a new term, "special event facility," and the associated definition and standards.

Following a number of complaints from residents about noise from wedding venues in Marshall and Hot Springs, the county set a six-month "commercial assembly" moratorium on event venues such as wedding venues and concert halls. The county extended that moratorium an additional four months on Dec. 28, 2022.

The Planning Board will also consider Land Use Ordinance amendments to address biomass facilities and data centers.

According to the meeting agenda, staff recommends adding both as special uses in the Industrial Land Use District.

The board will also elect a vice chair, as previous Vice Chair Alan Wyatt now serves on the county commission.

The Madison County Planning Board will hear public comments on these projects at its March 7 meeting, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison County Public Library's Marshall campus, located at 1335 N. Main Street.

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