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Hundreds gather in Asheville, many voicing opposition to proposed ‘Roadless Rule’ rollback

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Hundreds gather in Asheville, many voicing opposition to proposed ‘Roadless Rule’ rollback


Hundreds of people gathered in Asheville to share their thoughts on the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed rollback of the “Roadless Rule.”

This rule established prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction and timber harvests on nearly 60 million acres of national forests and grasslands, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

MountainTrue, the Sierra Club and other nonprofits organized the public hearing. The organizers will send the audio recording from the meeting and the written comments to the federal government.

“When the rule was created, the federal government held 600 public meetings. Now that the government is rescinding the rule, they’re holding no public meetings and it’s being done in a rush,” said MountainTrue’s resilient forests director Josh Kelly.

Kelly said anyone was welcome to the event, even people who want to see the rule rescinded. However, everyone News 13 spoke with before the event said they’re against rescinding the “Roadless Rule.”

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PROPOSED ROLLBACK OF USFS ‘ROADLESS RULE’ PROMPTS ASHEVILLE ROUNDTABLE

“We should not be subjected to cutting up the forest, mining up the forest,” said Pat Davis, a Hickory resident.

“When they run these roads in, they start logging … We’re going to have all this runoff. It’s going to destroy basically the last strongholds of these trout. They are in those national forest areas,” said Roy DuVerger, a Whittier Resident.

SEPT. 21, 2025 – Nantahala National Forest in Topton, N.C. (Photo credit: Suzanne Thomas)

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture press release, rescinding the roadless rule would allow for fire prevention and responsible timber production.

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But Kelly said rescinding this rule would have negative impacts.

“The impact would mean much more taxpayer dollars spent on and wasted on building roads into the most inaccessible and rugged parts of our national forest,” said Kelly.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE RESTRUCTURING RAISES QUESTIONS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA FORESTS

It would also result in erosion and damage to fish and wildlife habitat, according to Kelly.

He said affected areas in western North Carolina include the South Mills River, the Black Mountains and Tusquitee Bald.

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This public hearing is the first of a series of community events across WNC this month aiming to provide citizens with the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed rollback of the “Roadless Rule.”

Click here for more information about the upcoming events on MountainTrue’s website.



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North Carolina attempted murder suspect arrested in Myrtle Beach

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North Carolina attempted murder suspect arrested in Myrtle Beach


The Myrtle Beach Police Department announced Monday the arrest of a man wanted in North Carolina.

Officers arrested Leko Jones, 46, who was wanted by authorities in Burlington, North Carolina, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

Jones is charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault by strangulation.

The arrest resulted from a coordinated effort between the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Patrol Division and Investigations Division, working alongside the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

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Investigators said they safely located Jones and took him into custody.



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E. 4th Street in Washington to close July 14-15 for sewer line replacement

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E. 4th Street in Washington to close July 14-15 for sewer line replacement


A section of E. 4th Street in Washington will close next week for sewer line replacement work.

According to the city, E. 4th Street from Hudnell Street to Aycock Street will be closed to local traffic on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.



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Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years

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Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years


PINE KNOLL SHORES, Carteret County — A longtime Pine Knoll Shores public servant is preparing to begin a new chapter after nearly two decades with the town.

Ryan Thompson announced he will leave his full-time role with the Town of Pine Knoll Shores on August 12 after 18 years of service.

Thompson said he first came to Pine Knoll Shores in 2008 and has served the town in several roles, including police officer, chief of police, assistant town manager and most recently interim town manager.

In a message shared by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department, Thompson said serving the community has been the greatest honor of his professional career.

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Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years

He reflected on working alongside first responders through several hurricanes and coastal emergencies over the years, including Irene, Arthur, Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias, Ophelia and Debby.

Thompson also highlighted the community’s response after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina in 2024. He said Pine Knoll Shores helped raise nearly $20,000 to support people impacted by the storm.

Thompson said Pine Knoll Shores has also been a special place for his family. His son served as a part-time firefighter with the Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department, and his wife served as the town’s tax collector.

Although he is leaving his full-time role, Thompson said he is not saying goodbye to the town.

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He will begin serving as a public safety risk management consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. He said the new role will allow him to work with cities and towns across the state to help support public safety and local governments.

Thompson also said he will remain with the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department as a part-time police officer.

He said he will also continue helping the town during its transition as Pine Knoll Shores begins the search for its next police chief and works through the town manager transition.

Captain Eric Tellefsen will become interim chief of police after Thompson’s departure.

Thompson said he is confident in the department’s leadership team and thanked the Pine Knoll Shores community for its trust, support and friendship over the past 18 years.

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