Latest news with #WesternNorthCarolina


Associated Press
15-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
South Carolina's Best in Glass: The American Glass Company Takes 2025 Best of South Carolina Award
SPARTANBURG, SC, UNITED STATES, July 15, 2025 / / -- The American Glass Company, a trusted name in residential and commercial glass installations throughout the Upstate, has been recognized as a 2025 Best of South Carolina winner. This accolade celebrates the company's longstanding commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service in custom glass solutions, ranging from shower enclosures and mirrors to storefronts and windows. Built on a legacy of third-generation glass craftsmanship, The American Glass Company has built its reputation on blending traditional expertise with modern precision. Serving communities across South Carolina, as well as those in Western North Carolina and Northern Georgia, the company is a go-to resource for those seeking glass installations that are both functional and visually striking. 'What sets us apart is our dedication to treating every project—big or small—with the same level of care and professionalism,' said a team member. 'Our team takes pride in delivering custom work that not only meets but exceeds expectations. This award is a reflection of that commitment, and we're honored to be recognized by our community.' The Best of South Carolina Award is a testament to The American Glass Company's consistent delivery of tailored glass solutions that elevate spaces and foster lasting client relationships. Their portfolio includes a wide range of services, including shower glass and hardware, window installations, storefronts, and custom mirrors, all completed with a precision that reflects their deep-rooted craftsmanship. Looking ahead, The American Glass Company plans to expand its reach and continue innovating in glass design and installation, while maintaining the personal touch that has earned them local loyalty. With this recognition, they reaffirm their role as a leading provider of glass services in the region. They're clearly the best in glass! For more information click here! The American Glass Company The American Glass Company +1 864-721-3082 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Inmate fatally shoots North Carolina officer before being caught in stolen vehicle, sheriff says
A detention officer was fatally shot with his own gun Monday as a federal inmate escaped from custody at a medical clinic in western North Carolina, a sheriff said.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NC Gov. Stein signs bill into law sending another $500 million to WNC for Helene relief
State lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly passed another disaster relief bill June 26 to aid recovery in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The September 2024 storm killed more than 100 people and caused an estimated $60 billion in damage. Since Helene hit, state lawmakers have approved nearly $2 billion in spending for the recovery effort. Gov. Josh Stein signed the bill into law at a press event at Chimney Rock State Park in Lake Lure. The popular park reopened June 27, exactly nine months after Helene pummeled Western North Carolina. There, Stein urged people to plan a trip to Western North Carolina, announcing a new tourism initiative with the hopes of attracting more visitors to a region dependent on tourism. 'Nine months ago, (Tropical Storm) Helene devastated western North Carolina's economy," Stein said in a June 27 statement. "Let's make sure our neighbors know we haven't forgotten them." This latest bill moves $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund, of which $500 million will be used to fund road and bridge repairs, help farmers and local governments recoup losses in the wake of Helene, and help pay for other disaster-related needs. A House version of the bill had previously asked for $60 million for small business grants, but the provision didn't make it into the bill's final version. In Asheville, several restaurants and other small businesses have closed after Helene severely disrupted the region's tourism industry. The bill also provides funding to private colleges and universities, like Montreat College and Lees-McRae College, with each receiving $1.5 million. But lawmakers excluded Warren Wilson College, which suffered $12 million in Helene-related losses, according to the college. 'We look forward to having an opportunity to work with legislators to help them understand the extent and gravity of the damages to the College,' Warren Wilson College President Damián J. Fernández said in a June 27 statement. 'We sincerely request that they reconsider providing support to Warren Wilson when the legislative session reconvenes.' Key funding measures include: $75 million for private road and bridge repair $25 million for farm infrastructure loss $15 million for N.C. Forest Service wildfire preparation and equipment $15 million for streamflow rehabilitation $5 million to Visit NC for tourism marketing $10 million to repair, modify or remove Helene-damaged dams $3 million for landslide hazard mapping $8 million for public school infrastructure and building repair $70 million in matching funds for Federal Emergency Management Agency programs $20 million for Helene flood mitigation grants $18 million for nonprofits working on Helene recovery $70 million for local government capital program grants $18 million for volunteer fire departments and rescue squads $2 million each to Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University $2 million UNC Asheville and the North Carolina Arboretum More: NC House lawmakers pass $464M in Helene aid, well short of governor's request More: Stein signs disaster bill that will send more than $500 million to WNC for Helene recovery More: Gov. Stein vetoes bills seeking to expand state, local cooperation with ICE: What's next? Jacob Biba is the Helene recovery reporter at the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jbiba@ This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: NC Gov. Josh Stein sends $500 million to WNC for Helene relief with bill

Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said. Stein also signed into law before the ceremony's crowd another state Helene recovery bill finalized by the General Assembly on Thursday that sends $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. And Stein announced a new tourism campaign to encourage travel and spending in the North Carolina mountains. 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm. State officials say the storm caused more than 100 deaths in North Carolina and generated roughly $60 billion in damages and needs. The Associated Press


Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Home to North Carolina iconic attraction reopens after Hurricane Helene's devastation
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (AP) — An iconic tourist attraction in an area of western North Carolina among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene reopened to the public on Friday, nine months after the storm brought historic flooding, destruction and loss of life. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and other officials attended a reopening ceremony at Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 25 miles (40.2 kilometers) southeast of Asheville. The main portion of the park will now be open again from Fridays to Mondays to visitors who make reservations, Stein's office said. Stein also signed into law before the ceremony's crowd another state Helene recovery bill finalized by the General Assembly on Thursday that sends $700 million to the state's Helene relief fund and appropriates $500 million of that. And Stein announced a new tourism campaign to encourage travel and spending in the North Carolina mountains. 'Today's reopening is a huge achievement,' Stein told attendees. 'Chimney Rock is just one of the many places that make western North Carolina unforgettable.' Last September's storm swept away the ornate stone and concrete bridge across the Broad River to reach the portion of the park that contains the 315-foot (96-meter) high geological formation that's shaped in keeping with the park's name. The park, which also features hiking trails and other amenities, usually attracts 400,000 people annually. A road had to be paved and a temporary bridge made from old railroad cars was laid over the river. The reopening provides needed encouragement to those in adjoining Chimney Rock Village, where a third of the hamlet's businesses were destroyed as river waters removed buildings from their foundations. 'It almost wiped us off the map,' village Mayor Peter O'Leary said on Friday. 'The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival. We had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.' Some village businesses are reopening. Before Friday's bill signing, the General Assembly already had appropriated or reallocated more than $1.6 billion for Helene recovery. The new Helene law is the fifth relief package approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly since last fall. The Democratic governor said Friday that he's still seeking direct aid for small businesses and more funds for affordable housing. But he was still pleased with the legislature's action. 'We have a lot of work to do, but it's also good to take stock and recognize that today is a good day,' Stein said. The governor is also seeking more federal funds for Helene recovery beyond the billions already received by the state and by those harmed by the storm. State officials say the storm caused more than 100 deaths in North Carolina and generated roughly $60 billion in damages and needs.