Latest news with #HendersonCounty
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tyson Foods to invest in Kentucky facility; faces strike in Texas
Tyson Foods will invest nearly $23.5m in a facility in the US state Kentucky facility to meet 'increased market demand' for protein. The US meat giant is planning to expand its site in Robards, Henderson County. The project involves adding new equipment and upgrading the current facility to boost production capacity and expand product variety. Construction is slated to begin this year and finish by spring 2026. Tyson, meanwhile, is facing worker discontent further south in Texas where a workers at a beef-processing site are preparing to strike. Staff at the site in Amarillo who are members of the Teamsters union, representing 3,200 workers in slaughtering and processing, voted 98% in favour of strike action, demanding 'higher wages and improved benefits'. Union president Al Brito said: 'Last year, Tyson's CEO made 525 times that of the median worker. This facility is essential to the beef supply chain but if Tyson's corporate leadership doesn't start demonstrating some basic humanity, we will be forced to take action.' Just Food has approached Tyson for comment. The union said it lodged several unfair labour practice (ULP) charges against Tyson, accusing the company of breaching labour laws. It claimed that over the past month, Tyson's management had coerced injured workers into withdrawing claims. The union also alleged the company misled workers by stating workers would lose their jobs for participating in a strike over claims of unfair labour practices. In January, Tyson was part of a nine-member group of US poultry processors that had agreed to settle a wage dispute stretching back more than two decades. The meat giant and the eight other defendants agreed to pay $180.8m to plaintiffs in the latest settlement round, although Tyson Foods and the rest of the group have not admitted liability. According to the court document, the nine processors 'conspired to suppress the compensation paid to workers at poultry processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills and complexes over a nearly twenty-year period'. "Tyson Foods to invest in Kentucky facility; faces strike in Texas" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USDA extends deadline for Helene-damaged farms in Western NC to apply for funds
ASHEVILLE - The United States Department of Agriculture extended two critical cost-share programs to help Western North Carolina farmers recover from Tropical Storm Helene, the agency announced June 13. After Helene swept through the state, bringing historic flooding that battered farms in low-lying river valleys, Henderson County's agriculture community alone lost between $135 to $150 million, Cooperative Extension Director Terry Kelley estimated in January. A recent report from the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, an Asheville-based nonprofit, showed 86% of 300 surveyed farmers experienced damage to their operations in WNC and 70% to their land or waterways. The average recovery cost, it said, was $40,000. Now, the USDA through its Farm Service Agency is extending the deadline to Aug. 4 for local growers and nonindustrial private forestland owners to apply for assistance through two programs: The Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. Here are some details from the USDA on how to apply and who is eligible. The Emergency Conservation Program, administered by the Farm Service Agency, offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to repair and restore farmland impacted by natural disasters, including hurricanes. The program helps farmers and ranchers "rehabilitate damaged land, restore agricultural production, and prevent further environmental degradation," according to the agency's website. Approved practices include: debris removal from farmland grading, shaping and releveling permanent fence restoration restoration of conservation practices emergency soil erosion control measures dairy relocation field windbreaks and farmstead shelterbelt restoration Farmers who apply and are approved for the program can receive up to 75% of the cost of these restorations, according to a USDA news release. The maximum cost share is $500,000. Local growers can receive advanced payments up to 25% of the cost before the restoration is completed. These payments must be spent within 60 days, the release said. Helene's impact on local agriculture: Few relief options for Henderson County farmers — local growers face $135 million loss Any farmer or rancher who has suffered damage to their farmland due to a natural disaster is eligible for the program, according to USDA's website. Producers who lease federally owned or managed lands, including tribal trust land, are also eligible. The damage must "significantly impair the land's agricultural productivity or pose a threat to land or water resources," the website says. The program is for restoring farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Conservation concerns on the land that predate the natural disaster are not covered. Helene's impact on small WNC farms: 'Our farm wiped off map from Helene:' ASAP reports impact to small Western NC farmers To apply for the conservation program, producers must submit a request for assistance to their local Farm Service Agency office. The process includes a damage assessment, documentation of the disaster impact, and a description of the proposed conservation measures. To expedite approval, FSA has waived the need for on-site inspection for all non-engineering work. Find the closest Farm Service Agency office in WNC at The Emergency Forest Restoration Program helps non-industrial private forest owners restore forest health damaged by natural disasters, according to USDA's website. To qualify, the private forest must have tree coverage that existed before the natural disaster. Helene damage must harm the natural resources on the land and significantly affect future land use if not remedied. Unlike the conservation program for farmers, payments are not provided upfront. Up to 75% of the cost to implement emergency conservation practices can be provided, however the final amount is determined by the committee reviewing the application, according to the website. The maximum cost share is $500,000 per person for a single natural disaster. The land must be owned or leased by a nonindustrial private person or entity to qualify. Approved disaster recovery includes: debris removal, such as down or damaged trees, to establish a new stand or provide for natural regeneration site preparation, planting materials and labor to replant forest stand restoration of forestland roads, fire lanes, fuel breaks or erosion control structures fencing, tree shelters and tree tubes to protect trees from wildlife damage wildlife enhancement to provide cover openings and wildlife habitat To expedite the process, the USDA has waived the requirement for owners to get approval before conducting debris removal, fence repair and hazard tree removal. To participate in the program, the restorations must meet USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service or state forest agency standards. Forestland owners must also keep records of all restoration costs, including personal labor. Owners should check with their local FSA office to find out about program sign-up periods. More: 190,000 acres of Forest Service land impacted by Helene: What's the plan for downed trees? More: Federal spending cuts kill "massive" plan to plant 10,000 trees in Hendersonville Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@ and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: USDA extends deadline for Helene-damaged farms in Western NC
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials encourage safety on East Texas lakes after recent drownings
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Lake Tyler Marina owner Brent Allen is ready for summer visitors but he wants people to take the steps to make sure everyone has a fun and safe day at the lake. Two children drown in Henderson County lake after boat loses power 'This has absolutely been the worst year on in recent memory for accidents on lakes in East Texas,' Allen said. In Henderson County, two young children drowned after getting trapped underneath their capsized boat and a 43-year-old man also drowned while swimming to his floatation device. 'We've answered to a number of different water-related incidents, all of them very tragic,' Smith County Emergency Services District 2 Assistant Chief Charles Clanton said. Smith county emergency service district 2 said it's important to always keep a life jacket on and have extras on hand. 'Having throwables very close by and ready to deploy in the event that someone is overboard or some type of an emergency occurs,' Clanton said. Anyone on kayaks and paddle boards, he recommends staying in safe areas and creating a plan for how to get back on their craft if they fall or flip over. Another piece of advice is to keep a whistle and light on these vessels. 'Everything from light to sound devices, whether it be a whistle or horn or whatever, something to get attention and to get assistance,' Clanton said. Another issue the summer season presents is pop-up showers where, in just minutes, the lake can go from sunny and clear to rainy and choppy after rain starts pouring. 'Put a little wind on the water and create some waves, very dangerous situation,' Clanton said. 'You have to think about that and be prepared for it.' For families swimming on the shoreline, he recommended having someone watching the water so everyone at the lake can enjoy the cool waters safely. 'A profound sense of awareness is so important and really keeping an eye on those that are a high probability to have issues, small kids, maybe those that are elderly and disabled,' Clanton said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
‘Opportunity to Better Myself': Henderson County Jail educational initiative helps foster rehabilitation
ATHENS, Texas (KETK)– The Henderson County Jail announced their launch of a in early June to help inmates foster rehabilitation and skill development. By partnering with NCIC Correctional Services, the jail has the ability to give inmates tablets 'equipped with a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance personal growth, career readiness, and life skills.' Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse explained that in even in just a few weeks they have seen glimpse into the future of the successes this program will bring to the inmates. Officials encourage safety on East Texas lakes after recent drownings KETK news had the opportunity on Wednesday morning to talk to Hillhouse and two inmates about the program and the positive impact it has on their lives. 'The shorter classes we've already had 2,234 inmates take those classes and complete them; we've had 96 of the 130-hour re-entry program classes be completed and 66 of the GED classes be completed,' Hillhouse said. Health, well-being and recovery Professional development Vital life skills Academics and programs Every day jail trustees, 41-year-old DuBayonne Shortridge of Malakoff and 44-year-old Richard Duncan of Athens, wake up each morning to work at the fairgrounds and after coming back to the jail they work on courses in this program with the hopes of becoming better people. 'It provided an opportunity to better myself mentally and advance myself educational wise,' Shortridge said. 'I can become a better person because of it hopefully.' Duncan said that these programs keep him motivated during incarceration, not only to gain incentives, but to also grow professionally and personally. 'In these programs, you have lot of quizzes, so I have learned that I am actually pretty smart,' Duncan said. 'You get 130 hours on your tablet for completing this program and it makes you feel good that you've completed it.' These courses like Duncan completed are what this program is all about and why Hillhouse launched the program in the first place. These courses give inmates the necessary skills so they do not end back up in jail once they are released the first time. 'Basically try to stop recidivist,' Hillhouse said. 'We see the same people over and over again and if we can get them some training, get them some education, try to get them headed on the right path maybe they can start making better choices in life and be productive citizens in society.' Not only does this program offer academic courses but also family based ones such as parenting. 'Some of the parenting courses that they offer have made me want to be a better person and not be on the wrong side of the law when I get out,' Shortridge said. 'That way I can be a more positive influence for those I am responsible for raising, they don't follow in these parts of my footsteps.' Cherokee County grieves passing of retired sheriff Hillhouse emphasized that listening to Shortridge and Duncan's experience with the courses only makes him more excited for the future of the program. 'I want it to grow, you know we've only had it for a couple months, but I see good things coming from it and we just want to make better people,' Hillhouse said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Parts of Interstate 26 closed overnight in Henderson County
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) — Multiple overnight closures are underway on the westbound lanes of Interstate 26 this week. According to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, the closures will be in effect throughout the week, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., though start times may change based on traffic flow in the area. Drivers have been asked to plan ahead and follow detour routes. Officials added that the closures are weather-dependent and can change. A full closure for the westbound lanes of I-26, from Exit 44 to Exit 40 will be in effect. Drivers can detour by taking I-26 at Exit 44 at US-25 North or Hendersonville Road to NC-280 West or Airport Road and reenter the interstate at Exit 40. The westbound lanes of I-26 from Exit 49 to Exit 44 will be closed to drivers. Drivers can detour by taking I-26 at Exit 49B at US-64 North or Asheville Highway to and reenter the interstate at Exit 44. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
