Company that acquired Morris Broadband looking to expand service in Henderson County
The company that recently acquired local internet service provider Morris Broadband is looking to expand access in Henderson County.
Tony Carter, general manager for Morris Broadband, said that since the acquisition by Altice USA, the company has started “an aggressive plan to expand broadband throughout the county.” He provided the update Wednesday to the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.
He mentioned Crab Creek, Hoopers Creek, Tuxedo, Edneyville and parts of Mills River as current targets for expansion.
Altice has brought in a team of 15 individuals to go through the county and map out which parts do not have good service, he explained.
Henderson County still waiting for guidance on COVID relief funds
During Wednesday’s budget workshop, commissioners expressed frustration about the money.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, also called the COVID-19 Stimulus Package or American Rescue Plan, is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress.
Over $33 million in COVID-19 relief funding is designated for Henderson County and its municipalities. Henderson County’s share is $22.7 million; $4.14 million for the city of Hendersonville; $2.45 million for Fletcher; $2.17 million for Mills River; $990,000 for Flat Rock; and $680,000 for Laurel Park.
Municipalities were originally supposed to see funds roll in around mid-May. The money had not started to arrive as of Wednesday’s budget workshop.
John Mitchell has been named interim Henderson County manager, a position that could lead to a permanent contract.
He will begin his new post on July 1. He is currently the Business and Community Development director for the county.
The news was announced at the end of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday. Chairman Bill Lapsley explained that Mitchell’s hiring is under a six-month probationary period.
Once that time is up, board members will decide if they will offer an extended contract.
Mitchell s salary as interim county manager is at an annual rate of $170,000, plus a $500 per month travel allowance, according to Henderson County Attorney Russ Burrell.
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Ryan Mitchell, a second-grade teacher at Mills River Elementary, is the 2021 Henderson County Teacher of the Year. Mitchell received the honor at an award luncheon Thursday.
Students lined up throughout the parking lot that afternoon at the school to celebrate Mitchell. Cheering children waved streamers and chanted Mitchell s name as he walked throughout the parade.
Mitchell expressed gratitude to his fellow staff members and the students of HCPS for making it through a tough school year.
“I feel thankful to be around the students and co-workers I have; I don’t think we would have made it through this year without each other,” Mitchell said after Thursday’s celebration. “There are so many great people here and I really feel like it is not just an award for me, but an award for us for all we’ve gotten through this year.”