In an ongoing effort to become more efficient and reduce fuel consumption, the Town of Weaverville has obtained its first police rated hybrid vehicle made by Ford. This is the first hybrid specifically designed with police work in mind. Based on the Ford Explorer, Weaverville Police Department is the first agency in the region to place one in service. The new hybrids are expected to save hundreds of gallons of fuel per vehicle per year and are rated at 24 miles per gallon, which is almost double the mileage of most police fleet vehicles.

Up until now, the Weaverville Police Department relied on a patchwork of old “unmarked” sport utility vehicles that were not designed nor properly equipped for police work in inclement weather. Not only did these vehicles consume a lot of fuel, but they were parked most of the time since they were not satisfactorily suited for police work. Further, they were not quickly identified as a police vehicle if someone needed help, nor could they act as a deterrence to would-be violators since they were “unmarked”. Since the new Police Hybrid is an all-wheel drive, the old SUVs will be sold and actually reduce the number of fleet vehicles creating additional savings in insurance and maintenance.

Along with the new highly efficient hybrid, a classic black & white design was incorporated to bring greater visibility and will make it instantly recognizable as a police vehicle. Additionally, the new car doors have been “wrapped” with white plastic material and not painted white. This is a cost-effective way to increase visibility, the wraps can later be removed when the vehicle is sold thereby increasing its value.

The Town of Weaverville hopes to eventually transition to an all Hybrid fleet in the future.

~ Submitted by the Weaverville Police Department

In 2019 the North Carolina General Assembly adopted the long debated and worked upon Chapter 160D which is the first major recodification and modernization of municipal and county development regulations since the early 1900’s. The changes to the statutes as a result of 160D affect the language of local ordinances, the options for local decision making processes, and administrative practices related to development regulations. It is anticipated that text amendments to the Town’s zoning ordinance will be necessary as portions of 160D denote mandatory legislative changes for local jurisdictions. In the coming months staff, working in conjunction with Town Council and the Planning and Zoning Board, will be working to ensure that the Town’s land development regulations are compliant with state statute as a result of these recent changes.

Additional information related to the new Chapter 160D of the North Carolina General Statutes may be found at the following link provided by the University of North Carolina School of Government.

https://www.sog.unc.edu/resources/microsites/planning-and-development-regulation/ch-160d-2019

~ Submitted by Weaverville Planning Department

The Town wishes to introduce you to Firefighter Billy Murphy. Firefighter Murphy is a member of Weaverville Fire's Rescue Company 8. He has worked in fire services for seven years and has been a member of the Weaverville Fire Department for the last two years. Firefighter Murphy has lived in Western North Carolina for 15 years and he calls Weaverville "his home". Firefighter Murphy spends his my free time outdoors doing many of the outdoor activities offered in our area. He states, "I really enjoy being a part of the Weaverville Fire Department and look forward to serving the Town of Weaverville and it’s citizens for years to come".

Thank you for your service Firefighter Murphy!  

Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 9:30am

Weaverville Town Hall Community Room

30 South Main Street, Weaverville

Alison Arnold, an NC State Agricultural Extension Agent, will discuss and lead a conversation about how you can apply Integrated Pest Management principles to your home garden. 

“Quick fixes,” such as chemical controls (both organic and conventional) for pest management, do not always provide a long term solution and can also impact beneficial insects and other non-targeted organisms. It’s time gardeners begin to make pest management choices utilizing a strategy of methods that provide long term environmentally supportive results. 

 

Alison is responsible for all consumer horticulture topics in Buncombe County including the Buncombe Master Gardener program. 



~Submitted by Garden Club of Weaverville

Make your leap day 2020 memorable by signing up for the 8th annual  Chilly Challenge 8K Race & 1-Mile Chili Chase Fun Run and Chili Cook-off  in Weaverville, NC!     Runners will enjoy a brisk scenic run and post-race celebration that includes a tasty chili lunch, live music and fantastic prizes. For runners and walkers of all ages, this event is hosted by the North Buncombe Middle School PTO and presented by TS Orthodontics to raise funding for the school. 

The chip timed 8K race takes place on a rolling hills course with start and finish on the school campus.   Sign up by February 15th and save! The 8K entry fees are $35 for adults and $20 for students. The 8K fees increase $5 on February 16th. The 1-Mile Chili Chase entry fee is $15. Runners will warm up after the race with a chili lunch including cornbread and fixings. Free t-shirts are guaranteed for all participants who register by February 5th.  Spectators can purchase a chili lunch for $5. For more detailed event information and to register, go to  www.chillychallenge.com.

Mark those calendars, recruit your running buddies, and plan to RUN, EAT & CELEBRATE with us!