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 Robert M. Bashford House 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 Madison, 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.
“When the time arose to find a live-in care facility for my uncle, I was”
“I wish there was 10 stars for the excellent care, dedication to our mom and”
“Mary Witherspoon is amazing! She has cared for both my parents and is a”
“ABC is a great company that cares about their employees. The pay is good”
“I like working at ABC because I get a chance to help other.”
“Hi my name Amiya and I have been working for ABC for almost 4 months”
“Everyone is nice and friendly when you have an issue they are quick to respond”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them”
“I have to brag on Stephen and the Always Best Care team. They are always”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Always Best Care team! Working”
“Jaye has been a great caregiver for my Mom. Jaye writes detailed care notes about”
“We would like to give a shout out to some of the caregivers. We are”
“We are thankful to have Ms Loretta as a caregiver, she’s very giving, a sweet”
“We have used Always Best for 2 years for my Dad before he passed &”
“Great staff members to work with from the beginning. Meaning, the recruiter, hiring manager, receptionist,”
“We used Always Best Care Senior Services to assist with 24/7 care in the home”
“Sara Bynum is the best example of a CAREGIVER! Caring is her specialité..She is always”
“Our family has been pleased with ABC services, thankful for a company to be able”
“I’m in need of a caregiver for my son and Always Best Senior Care is”
“I am writing for my mother Alice Pearce. We are very happy with the care”
“Caregivers (Raina & Aiyana) are very caring and helpful to my father's needs,”
“Caring staff. Patient portal for family. Quick replacement/fill in caregiver.”
“Britiany has been caring for my mom almost 4 years. She is so kind and”
“My husband's caregiver Taylor is so very patient with him. She does her work without”
“When the time arose to find a live-in care facility for my uncle, I was referred to Stephen Carlson with ABC. I am so grateful to Stephen for taking me to tour the available facilities so promptly, making introductions, answering my questions, and doing it all within the framework of what would work best for my uncle in his current situation. It was very hard to make the final decision but Stephen was so kind, patient, and helpful during this difficult time. It would have been nearly impossible for me to have made it through this uncharted territory without his compassionate assistance. You have my sincere thanks for all the time and help!”
“I wish there was 10 stars for the excellent care, dedication to our mom and our family. Words truly cannot express our gratitude, for everything Stephen Carlson has done to assist us. His knowledge, caring, and dedication to finding the right place has truly been remarkable. Thank you.”
“Mary Witherspoon is amazing! She has cared for both my parents and is a part of the family now. Highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“ABC is a great company that cares about their employees. The pay is good and everyone in the office is extremely helpful. It’s easy to get time off, (just let them know 2 weeks ahead of time). We have monthly in-service & education is offered in person or via zoom. We are given the tools we need to succeed.”
“I like working at ABC because I get a chance to help other.”
“Hi my name Amiya and I have been working for ABC for almost 4 months now. I really love this job because it’s very flexible especially since I’m a full time college student. It’s really hard to find jobs like this and if you need days they don’t mind as long your attendance isn’t bad. They are also very understanding. It’s really a great job and I love helping people.”
“Everyone is nice and friendly when you have an issue they are quick to respond”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”
“I have to brag on Stephen and the Always Best Care team. They are always out in the community lending a helping hand and giving back. That is so important for a company to do when they're trying to build trust. I really appreciate Stephens kind and caring nature especially when it comes to those that need his assistance. Thank you ABC keep up the good work!”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Always Best Care team! Working here has been an immensely rewarding experience. The positive and collaborative atmosphere within the company has made every day enjoyable. I am grateful to have a supportive management team who values the contributions of each team member and fosters a culture of mutual respect. My coworkers are not just colleagues; they are like family. Together, we create a dynamic and uplifting work environment. Always Best Care truly prioritizes the well-being of their employees, clients, families, and community which is reflected in the quality of care we provide to our seniors. The commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the organization. I wholeheartedly recommend Always Best Care as both a fantastic place to work and a reliable service for seniors in need.”
“Jaye has been a great caregiver for my Mom. Jaye writes detailed care notes about Mom's day so that we know what is going on even if we live out of town. She goes the extra mile to get Mom out in the sun when the weather is nice and she paints Mom's fingernails, which Mom enjoys. Jaye doesn't hesitate to contact us if Mom needs something or if she has questions. We feel lucky to have her.”
“We would like to give a shout out to some of the caregivers. We are thankful to have Ms Loretta as a caregiver, she’s very giving, a sweet person, and she works very hard to help us. Such a blessing for Mike and myself. Taylor has such a contagious smile and is so calming for Mike. Always willing to help out however he can. A blessing to us. Tena jumps right in right away as she arrives and is so caring , willing to do whatever task to help ensure all is taken care of and cared for while she’s here. What a blessing Tonya has been for Mike, a contagious caring attitude and willingness to step in and takeover with all things while she’s here. So thankful she’s been put on our caregiver schedule.”
“We are thankful to have Ms Loretta as a caregiver, she’s very giving, a sweet person, and she works very hard to help us. Such a blessing.”
“We have used Always Best for 2 years for my Dad before he passed & now 2 years for my Mom. They are the best! Laura J. With Always Best is phenomenal. She is always pleasant & prompt. She is always willing to go a step beyond to help my Mom in every way with the best attitude!”
“Great staff members to work with from the beginning. Meaning, the recruiter, hiring manager, receptionist, and scheduler. Schedulers are magnificent at finding and replacing hours if needed All staff (including caregivers) REALLY care about thier clients. ????”
“We used Always Best Care Senior Services to assist with 24/7 care in the home of my mother in law. We had used 4 different agencies prior to Always Best, they were exceptional. The quality, compassionate care of the care givers was unmatched and if there was ever a call out - a substitute was sent with in 2 hours. Such peace of mind! I was so impressed with the organization that I ended shifting trajectories in my career and now I am an employee. It was the best decision I ever made! I don't know what took me so long to change! I can not say enough good things about the organization as a consumer and an employee. The Loy family does an amazing job of leading a team of kind, compassionate, caring care givers who give exceptional service.”
“Sara Bynum is the best example of a CAREGIVER! Caring is her specialité..She is always prompt, cheerful, patient, industrious, generous, personable, organized, and, additionally, has a delightful sense of humor. I can't sing her praises loud enough!”
“Our family has been pleased with ABC services, thankful for a company to be able to rely on for my Dad's care.”
“I’m in need of a caregiver for my son and Always Best Senior Care is one of the companies that I contacted. Although they were unable to provide services to us (through no fault of their own) mallory trip time to refer us to a company, including phone number to contact for services. She was very helpful, kind, and attentive to our needs. I appreciate the time they took to assist me the best way they could.”
“I am writing for my mother Alice Pearce. We are very happy with the care provided by Jaye. She goes above and beyond in providing loving care for our mother. She always has a good handoff with the previous caregiver and the subsequent caregiver, making sure they know how mother is and what she needs. Mother loves a shower and Jaye is thoughtful in fitting them in when mother wants one and always has her presentable for family visits. She is a good cook and is sensitive to what mother will enjoy, so her appetite is better on Jaye's shift. She is a good communicator with the family and always puts in informative shift notes. She has technical skills. Recently, the facility got a new wifi and she updated the equipment so it all worked. I usually get those calls and she fixed everything without my involvement. She is very flexible and will stay late and take on extra shifts at the last minute. We are indeed fortunate that she is caring for our dear mother.”
“Caregivers (Raina & Aiyana) are very caring and helpful to my father's needs,”
“Caring staff. Patient portal for family. Quick replacement/fill in caregiver.”
“Britiany has been caring for my mom almost 4 years. She is so kind and patient and willing to help in any way she can. We value Britiany and think of her as family now. We have been so pleased the way in which Always Best Care has worked with us.”
“My husband's caregiver Taylor is so very patient with him. She does her work without supervision. We are proud to have her in our home. Sincerely, Jack & Lou”
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 James Madison 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 L'Etoile Restaurant or visit Harold C. Bradley 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 Madison, 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 Madison, 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 Madison, 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.
MARSHALL - Residents from throughout Western North Carolina and elsewhere are showing out in full force to provide help...
MARSHALL - Residents from throughout Western North Carolina and elsewhere are showing out in full force to provide helping hands however they can in downtown Marshall, where businesses and residences were devastated by Tropical Storm Helene.
The News-Record & Sentinel was in downtown Marshall Oct. 2, where a number of local residents had set up shop providing emergency assistance, food and water.
Tricia Haler and Morgan Yeakley set up shop outside right outside of the Madison County Courthouse in the days following the destruction.
"This is all personal effort and local business effort. This is the only coverage we have. We're doing first aid, water, food, snacks, PPE, some coffee, and we've got some emergency medical equipment," Yeakley said.
More:How to find help: Madison County emergency resource guide in the wake of Helene flooding
"It came together organically. Tricia and I on Sept. 30 started asking around about how to get involved."
Yeakley's husband owns Red Shed Woodworks, which was on hand assisting with the cleanup.
"(Haler) and I walked up like 8 miles on Monday, up and down dragging stuff up through mud up to our knees," Yeakley said.
Then, Amos with Nanostead, a small-scale sustainable design and building contractor located at 806 Walnut Creek Road, got involved with the efforts as well.
More:Even after neighbor's death, Marshall's Rollins community still inspired by support
Nanostead, next to Community Housing Coalition, is coordinating shuttles to downtown, and other efforts.
Yeakley said she has been very encouraged by the community's rallying around their neighbors in need.
"I've lived in this town for 22 years, and seeing people and we've all come together, and we all care, and we're all just giving each other's showers and food and laundry services," Yeakley said. "It's amazing. It's just such an awesome community."
Blake Barker works at Buchi, a drink manufacturer along Derringer Drive in Marshall. Barker, who has worked at the business for seven years, said it was important for him to help out.
"I wanted to be down here with the people I love and help out," Barker said.
Renee Panter, a Mars Hill resident, started showing up to downtown Marshall Oct. 1.
"This is my community," Panter said. "My friend Lisa's cooking up some burgers and hot dogs, so I'm bringing her some propane. I figured I would come and do what I can."
Amid the devastation, some residents were doing their best to encourage volunteers to remember the effects of exposure to toxic chemicals.
Marshall resident Rachel Bennett is working with Nanostead to issue PPE and other protective gear, including boots and masks, to assist volunteers in their cleanup efforts.
"This is a really groundroots organization that we started Oct. 1, just a couple of neighbors of mine. We put it out there and just started organizing," Bennett said.
"We were supposed to get a big shipment of gloves, coveralls, masks, respirators, but we aren't. So, we're hoping to get more. Those are the big things because we're in cleanup right now. We need thick things."
According to Bennett, one of Nanostead's main efforts right now is to centralize and streamline volunteer efforts and distribution.
"Community Housing Coalition has been our hub, and then Beacon of Hope has been the hub for Hot Springs, and we've been communicating between the two," Bennett said.
"The huge thing is talking with the people and them communicating their needs so we can fund it, because we want to make sure we're buying the right things. Right now, it's boots, and it's hard to get people to put on gloves, because when you're in this, you're like, 'I'm already exposed.'"
Bennett said the volunteers need "full coverage," including gloves, respirators and boots.
Additionally, Bennett said a local resident performed a soil test Oct. 1 and is still awaiting the results.
While there may not be boots, masks and gloves for everyone, the town of Marshall continues to see residents show out and offer their help.
Magon Hof, a Marshall resident who grew up near the downtown area, was assisting Oct. 2 with the cleanup of Marshall Town Hall, which was destroyed in the flooding.
"I grew up here. I used to walk these streets as a kid with my Granny, and we'd go to Bowman's, which is now destroyed," Hof said. "For me, it's just, you know, you grew up here. So you want to do what you can to help."
MARS HILL - While Madison County's housing and infrastructure being a callback to generations past is part of what gives the county its unique charm, safety and sanitation always comes first.Madison County Board of Commissioners Chair Matt Wechtel and Vice Chair Michael Garrison detailed the county's plans for a new Madison County Judicial Complex, with Wechtel conceding that the county courthouse, built in 1908 and one of the oldest in operation in the state, has "outlived its life expectancy by about 50 years."Garri...
MARS HILL - While Madison County's housing and infrastructure being a callback to generations past is part of what gives the county its unique charm, safety and sanitation always comes first.
Madison County Board of Commissioners Chair Matt Wechtel and Vice Chair Michael Garrison detailed the county's plans for a new Madison County Judicial Complex, with Wechtel conceding that the county courthouse, built in 1908 and one of the oldest in operation in the state, has "outlived its life expectancy by about 50 years."
Garrison, Wechtel and Madison County Board of Commissioners candidates Judy Major and Barbara Zimmerman met Sept. 23 at Mars Hill University's Broyhill Chapel for the second of two candidate forums moderated by Connie Buckner and coordinated by former League Of Women's Voters member Rosie Chandler.
But with courthouse operations being back in downtown Marshall, Garrison and Wechtel said a new courthouse is now in the design phase.
According to Wechtel, the county had geotechnical engineers inspect the potential courthouse site. As for the project funding, the Board of Commissioners chair said Sen. Ralph Hise has made a "very firm commitment" to fund the new courthouse.
"That building was neglected for many of those years," Wechtel said. "We've spent a ton of money trying to get that building up to par. It wasn't ADA compliant in many ways. It was an unsafe building, because there was only one way in and one way out in the event of a drastic event.
"There was no way really to separate jurors from defendants. There's always the possibility that a juror could see the defendant coming in in handcuffs. That's not a good thing. That's grounds for immediate repeal. So, there's a whole lot of things that have to be addressed with our current courthouse. We've got a Band-Aid on it now. The judge's chambers upstairs didn't even have hot water, for probably a decade or more."
In February 2022, the county commissioners formed a courthouse work group to outline plans for the courthouse after the county received $3.8 million in funding in Gov. Roy Cooper's biennium budget, Senate Bill 105.
Then, in October 2023, the county poured in a number of renovations at the courthouse after Lord Aeck Sargent architect Karen Gravel said a space-needs team concluded that the most appropriate model for the courthouse is the "bare minimum" model.
Among the repairs and renovations were new flooring and interior paint, mold remediation, a new metal stairway for emergency egress and a retractable ladder, all of which were recommendations that came from recommendations presented to the commissioners by Madison County and Yancey County District Attorney Seth Banks.
During the renovations, the courthouse was closed for three months, and county court operations were moved to the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Madison County Center near the fairgrounds on Carolina Lane in Marshall.
Garrison, like Wechtel, pointed to the lack of maintenance on the courthouse, adding that the decades of no upkeep mean the price of the new building will be higher.
"We started out with a nonpartisan group, they all came together and decided that this old courthouse just wasn't going to continue to suffice, which was already defined in the 1970s," Garrison said. "So, it was no new news, we just finally had to step up and say we're going to deal with it."
According to Garrison, the county has identified an engineering and design build firm and sent out a request for qualifications for a master plan on the new facility.
"They're also working on a bigger footprint in our community of how that courthouse and that public service complex is going to look," Garrison said.
According to Wechtel, the courthouse will need to be moved, as there is no way to maximize square footage and parking spaces at its current location in downtown Marshall.
That raises the issue of what to do with the current courthouse.
According to Garrison, the public will have a voice in deciding the fate of the courthouse, and said, "ultimately, it will be up to the community to decide what they want to do with it."
Judy Major, a Democratic candidate for Madison County Board of Commissioners, said she would like to see the current courthouse be used as a Madison County history museum.
But another consideration for the commissioners is the courthouse being on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result, Wechtel said, the county is limited in the alterations it can make to the building.
"But if we build the complex that our current board envisions, it'll be a complete governmental services complex," Wechtel said.
Under that arrangement, the county would be able to declare four surplus properties that the county would sell at a later date.
Those four buildings, according to Wechtel, are:
"I would love to see somebody in this county that has a private funding source take over the maintenance of that building," Wechtel said. "Nothing would make me happier, because the older a building gets, the more it costs to maintain."
In the Mars Hill candidates forum, Barbara Zimmerman, a Laurel community native, advocated for the idea of establishing the courthouse as a surplus property, citing the example of Laurel Elementary School, which closed in 2016 due to a lack of enrollment and the failing septic system. The school was declared surplus by the Madison County Board of Education and later transferred to the county commissioners.
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Zimmerman said community members have been instrumental in raising funds for the Laurel Community Center, and said she would be in favor of something similar happening with the courthouse. She added that she'd like to see the county hand the courthouse over to a nonprofit organization.
"We've made major repairs to that building, and kept it, and something like that can be done for the courthouse," Zimmerman said. "Absolutely, we can form a nonprofit to turn the courthouse into an arts/history/cultural center. We can do that, and the county can give it to us. I believe there's enough people that would be interested in that that we can form a dynamic group of people to take that building on, and we can turn it into something great.
"So yes, I hope the county doesn't sell the courthouse to the highest bidder. I hope they give it to a nonprofit that we would be able to form."
Following a thrilling Week 4 shootout against North Carolina, James Madison will host Ball State in its final non-conference game of the regular season. This game will kickoff at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.Ball State enters this game with a 1-2 record with a two-game losing streak. It holds a 2-1 record against the ...
Following a thrilling Week 4 shootout against North Carolina, James Madison will host Ball State in its final non-conference game of the regular season. This game will kickoff at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Ball State enters this game with a 1-2 record with a two-game losing streak. It holds a 2-1 record against the spread and has gone over in each of their first three games.
James Madison has a 3-0 record, including a 70-50 win over North Carolina. The Dukes have a 2-1 record against the spread and have gone under in two games.
Forecasts for the game appear to be favorable. The temperature will be 77 degrees, and rain is not expected. Winds are projected to be mild so scoring and gameplay should not be impacted.
Here's my Ball State vs. James Madison prediction.
Ball State Football
Mike Neu's ninth season as head coach of Ball State is largely in line with his previous seasons. The Cardinals hold a 1-2 record and have averaged 25.3 points per game and 4.7 yards per play. They have a 39.1% Success Rate on offense but have been content to average a pace outside of the top 100 at 29.6 seconds per play.
Whether it is a function of game script or the actual plan, Ball State has relied upon the passing game more than the running game. The Cardinals average 37 pass attempts per game and 218.7 passing yards per game. Kadin Semonza leads the offense with 658 passing yards and seven touchdowns while completing 70.5% of his passes. As a team, Ball State has a 36.7 passing success rate while dispersing the ball effectively between five receivers.
Braedon Sloan leads the team with 210 rushing yards and two touchdowns. As a team, they have a 43% rushing success rate and have averaged 3.3 yards per attempt. The offensive line has helped out by generating 3.09 line yards per attempt.
To say that opposing offenses have been efficient against the Cardinals defense may be a slight understatement. Ball State has allowed 44.3 points per game and an FBS worst 8.9 yards per play. Their 49.2% success rate allowed is tenth worst, nationally, and opponents have scored 4.75 points per opportunity.
James Madison Football
Following Curt Cignetti was never going to be an easy task, but early results point towards James Madison making another great hire in Bob Chesney. The Dukes have a 3-0 record while averaging 37.7 points per game and 6.9 yards per play. They have a 42.7% success rate and have scored an average of 4.38 points per opportunity.
Redshirt sophomore QB Alonza Barnett is the centerpiece of the offense for the Dukes with both his arm and his legs. He's averaging 247.3 passing yards per game while completing 62.2% of his passes. He has a 41.8% passing success rate and is averaging 10.0 yards per attempt.
Barnett also makes a meaningful impact as a runner. He's leading the team with 203 rushing yards and two scores on 31 attempts.
Transfer RB George Pettaway leads the RB room for James Madison with 201 rushing yards and a touchdown. As a team, they're averaging 189 rushing yards per game with an average of 4.9 yards per attempt. The Dukes have 43.% rushing success rate behind an offensive line that is generating 2.98 line yards per attempt.
The defense is allowing an average of 21.0 points per game and 5.5 yards per attempt, but those numbers are somewhat skewed by a shootout win over North Carolina in which they allowed 55 points. In their two previous contests they allowed an average of 6.5 points per game. They allow a 37% success rate and 3.63 points per opportunity. Their havoc rate is slightly below average at just 16.2%.
Ball State vs James Madison
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Ball State and James Madison match up statistically:
According to the PRO Report, both sharp money and big money bets have been tracked to back James Madison and have caused the line to move up to 20.5 from the open at 17. As of this writing, 52% of bets and 96% of moneys has been bet in favor of James Madison.
Additionally, sharps have come out to bet the over and have moved the line up a full point. Approximately 52% of bets and 85% of money has backed the over.
At first glance, the total appears to be an intriguing way to play this game. However, a play on the total largely comes down to expectation of Ball State's contributions. While the North Carolina game showed that the James Madison defense is capable of allowing points, overmatched opponents have found almost no success against them. And Ball State is an overmatched opponent.
Because of the possibility that a win may come down to James Madison getting 50 points on its own, my preferred play is to take a side.
Similar to the sharps, I see this as a fairly one-sided matchup where James Madison will have the chance to hold onto the ball with consistent success and Ball State will struggle to move the ball. I have this number at 26 so I'm taking the favorites laying 20.5 and would take them all the way to 24.
Pick: James Madison -20.5 (Play to 24)
How to Watch Ball State vs James Madison Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, Virginia |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 28 |
| Kickoff Time: | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
Ball State vs James Madison Betting Trends
Ball State vs James Madison Weather
MARSHALL - Madison County residents are gearing up for what weather experts say could be the worst flooding the area's seen in years.As of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Madison County Emergency Management declared a State of Emergency for the county, Madison County Emergency Management announced in a Facebook post.Addi...
MARSHALL - Madison County residents are gearing up for what weather experts say could be the worst flooding the area's seen in years.
As of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Madison County Emergency Management declared a State of Emergency for the county, Madison County Emergency Management announced in a Facebook post.
Additionally, the organization announced that effective 4 p.m. Thursday, Madison Early College High School, located at 5734 U.S. 25-70 in Marshall would be used as a county evacuation shelter for displaced residents.
Hot Springs Elementary School would be designated as a transportation staging area. The school is located at 63 N. Serpentine Ave. in Hot Springs.
Residents are urged to call the Madison County Emergency Operations Center for transportation to the County Evacuation Center.
The Emergency Operations Center's phone number is 828-649-1955.
The town of Marshall urged residents and business owners to evacuate the downtown area where the French Broad River flows alongside downtown and Blannahassett Island areas "before they are isolated by flooded roads coming in and out of town" in a post just before noon Thursday, Sept. 26.
"The same encouragement continues for residents of Rollins Road and Island Road," the town of Marshall said in the Facebook post.
"Madison County is setting up a shelter for residents in need later this evening. We will update when more information is available regarding shelter. For now, residents and businesses should make immediate preparations to evacuate to higher ground."
In the post, the town of Marshall pointed to the current forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Water Prediction Service, which forecast a river crest in Marshall of 19 feet, as of 1:45 p.m. Thursday.
"This would be the third largest flood on record, after 1916 (22 feet) and 1902 (21 feet)," according to the town of Marshall.
"While the crest is not expected until Friday, we expect roads to become impassable sooner."
Marshall residents are no stranger to flooding, as floods in April 2019 caused significant damage to housing and governmental infrastructure throughout the town.
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Also, the town of Hot Springs declared a state of emergency through the town's Facebook page just before 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
The post also recommended a voluntary evacuation for Hot Springs residents, particularly those along Spring Creek and the French Broad River.
"Please understand this evacuation order is voluntary," the town said in the post. "However, fire department members will not risk their own safety to come and get you if you do not evacuate. As the winds increase, coupled with the saturated ground it is highly likely we (and the entire region) could lose power for a potentially extended period of time.
"Now is the time to prepare. Be aware that the river is very high already with much more rain on the way and it is possible that areas that do not typically flood may. If you live along a creek, please be mindful that flash flooding is expected in this area and make a plan to evacuate in case that becomes necessary."
To view the National Weather Prediction Service's forecast for river crest along the French Broad River in Marshall and Hot Springs, visit this website.
The National Weather Service's updates are available here.
This story was updated to add a video.
North Carolina came into Saturday's matchup with James Madison with a 3-0 record. Yet how impress...
North Carolina came into Saturday's matchup with James Madison with a 3-0 record. Yet how impressive that mark was with victories over Minnesota, Charlotte and North Carolina Central was questionable.
Actually, the Dukes answered that question definitively by going into Chapel Hill as 12.5-point underdogs and stunning the Tar Heels, 70-50. In an utterly bananas game, both teams combined for over 1,000 yards of offense in just three quarters and each squad scored a touchdown on a blocked punt.
So far in this game, James Madison has:Made a 50-yard FGRecovered a UNC fumbleBlocked a punt for a TDHad the kicker and longsnapper connect for a 2-pt passHit a 69-yard TD passRecovered a surprise onside kickThe first quarter isn't over yet.
— Tanner Spearman (@tannerspearman) September 21, 2024
JMU quarterback Alonza Barnett III threw for 388 yards and five touchdowns, adding 99 yards on 13 carries with another two scores to lead James Madison (3-0). Receiver Omarion Dollison caught three passes for 125 yards and a touchdown, while Cam Ross notched seven receptions for 107 yards and one score. George Pettaway added 87 yards rushing.
North Carolina appeared to right itself by taking a 14-11 lead late in the first quarter on a 28-yard TD run by Omarion Hampton. But the Dukes quickly went back on top, 18-14, with Barnett and Dollison connecting on a 69-yard scoring pass.
James Madison with a surprise onside kick and they get it! pic.twitter.com/iQnn80Vkcg
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 21, 2024
JMU coach Bob Chesney stayed aggressive by calling for an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff, which the Dukes recovered. Two plays later, Barnett hit Dollison for a 50-yard pass which led to a 2-yard TD run by the sophomore QB and a 25-14 lead.
The Tar Heels closed the deficit to 25-21 on their next possession, finishing off a 75-yard drive with a Jacolby Criswell scoring pass to Bryson Nesbit. Yet the defense couldn't come with a stop, allowing the Dukes to put together its own 75-yard drive which ended with a six-yard TD throw to Ross.
Criswell threw for 475 yards in a losing effort, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Kobe Paysour had four receptions for 93 yards and J.J. Jones added five catches for 86 yards. Hampton led the Tar Heels with 139 yards rushing and three scores.
JAMES MADISON WITH A PICK SIX AND THEY HAVE FIFTY THREE POINTS… IN THE FIRST HALF!!!!!!!!! AGAINST NORTH CAROLINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/6Hpu9IDBuF
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 21, 2024
James Madison added two more touchdowns before halftime, one on a pick 6, to go into the locker room with a 53-21 lead. That's the most points JMU has ever scored in a half and the most North Carolina has ever allowed in a half.
UNC scored a touchdown late in the third and added two in the fourth to presumably make the final score less embarrassing. Yet the Dukes got yet another score — giving Barnett five TD passes for the day — to put 70 points on the Kenan Memorial Stadium scoreboard.
Next Saturday, UNC travels to Duke for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff. James Madison hosts Ball State at 1 p.m. ET.
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