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A year ago, Owen Middle School Coach Chris Brown said that with football and track teams to look after he really wasn’t up to coaching the softball team. Fifteen middle school girls disagreed and never let him know what it feels like to lose a softball game as a coach. The Lady Warcolts boasted a 12-0 record and were regular season and French Broad Middle School Conference Champions. With many of the players having played together on various local traveling teams, the team’s undefeated season was the result of a true team effort. “When you watch fastpitch softball, they’ll talk about how good the pitcher is,” he said. “For us, our whole team had something to contribute and I would be missing the full picture if I said our success was mostly because of our pitching.” [full story]

Suffering through the devastation caused by a hurricane is an experience that no one hopes to endure during his or her lifetime. Owen High School sophomore Isaac Sandoval has twice faced the uncertainties, devastation, and desperation caused by this natural disaster. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch forced Sandoval and his family from their home in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Fortunately, the U.S. residency that his family had applied for eight years earlier was granted in 1999 and Sandoval settled into the comfort of New Orleans. “I was very young when we left Honduras, so I really considered New Orleans to be my home,” he said. “But after six years of living there I never thought I would have to go through the same thing again.” [full story]

Sometimes making good on an old promise can be expensive. But a promise is still a promise. The Black Mountain Board of Aldermen made a commitment 15 years ago to expand sewer capabilities within the town limits. This year the board intends to fulfill the vision of the local leaders who came before them. Expansion projects on the east side at McCoy Cove and south of I-40 on Blue Ridge Road will begin simultaneously this year. Another line on the west side, the Tabernacle line, is scheduled to begin next year. The proposed projects are largely responsible for the 133 percent, $1.4 million, increase in the water fund of the proposed budget. [full story]

The Old Depot Association continues to make slow but steady progress with plans to improve the area. The area to be improved is located between the depot and antique railroad caboose. Plans include a patio garden to enhance the area. “Jill Haney is doing a sketch for us,” Gay Baker, improvement committee member, said. “Hopefully within 10 days we will have her sketch and can add our ideas to hers. Dan Howachyn, Black Mountain Iron Works, will create an arch for the area’s entrance. We are focusing our attention on the brick sales. Each brick will become a permanent part of the patio garden. You can engrave a name or personal inscription in each brick and remember a loved one in a special way. They are great for births, weddings, anniversaries, and any special occasion. We encourage local organizations and businesses to buy bricks to show their support also.” [full story]