🌱 Moms March To Support Gun Ban + Officer Shooting Investigation

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Asheville Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cooler with occasional rain. High: 68 Low: 49.
• Tuesday: Warmer with some sun. High: 76 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. On Saturday, the Asheville Moms Demand Action Group organized a march to express support for banning assault weapons. The local chapter of Moms Demand Action is demanding that their local officials reinstate the assault weapons prohibition in North Carolina, which was lifted in 2004, because they are tired of and fed up with all the horrific shootings and other gun crimes. Local group leader Mary Graden expressed her belief that lawmakers are prioritizing the funding they’re getting from certain PACs, especially the NRA, over the lives of the people in North Carolina, especially the children. Graden claimed that when the assault weapons ban was lifted, there was an increase in the purchase of guns used in most mass shootings. Organizers say anyone who wants to get involved can contact their congressman by texting FEDUP to 644-33. (WLOS)
2. Officer Jamil Hawes, a police officer with the A-B Tech Police Department and a former Asheville High School football and track standout, was killed in a motorcycle accident. Hawes left behind Courtney, his wife of one year, and his 7-year-old son, Mahki. A GoFundMe page was started to raise money to help assist and support his wife and son. Hawes decided to join the police force to follow in the footsteps of his sister Keisha, who served as both his biggest inspiration and supporter. He also wanted to do his part to improve the lives of those in need. (WYFF4 Greenville)
3. The officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 7 close to the downtown jail is being investigated, according to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. After receiving a request to investigate the incident, the agency started an investigation into the early morning shooting that left Ricky Ryan Houston, 40, of Weaverville, hospitalized. The Sheriff's Office is withholding information about Houston's injuries as well as the identification of the cop who shot Houston. Houston was arrested on May 10 and charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm, and multiple other offenses. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond with a court date of May 31. According to Sarver, the officer is on paid administrative leave while recovering from injuries. (Citizen Times)

Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Monday, May 15

• WNC Farmers Market At WNC Farmers Market (8:00 AM)
• Bright Star At Asheville Community Theatre (2:30 PM)
• Ghost Comedy Bus Tour At LaZoom Room (7:00 PM)
• Asheville Amadeus Mostly Mozart At Parker Concert Hall (7:30 PM)

Tuesday, May 16

• Black Mountain Pickleball At Cragmont Assembly Lassiter Family Center (Black Mountain) (9:00 AM)
• Peer Job Fair At Goodwill Career Center (10:00 AM)
• North Asheville Book Club At North Asheville Library (2:00 PM)
• LEGO Builders Club At Pack Memorial Library (3:30 PM)
• Policy On Tap + WomanUP in Action, Part II At Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Save the date! Asheville Beer Week is back! The week-long Asheville and Western North Carolina-centric event will take place May 19–27 and will showcase the local craft beer and beverage industries. This is a multi-day celebration that will be filled with old favorites and new events, such as beer dinners, film screenings, collaborative releases, meet-and-greets with brewers, and friendly brewery competitions. For a list of events and activities, visit https://www.exploreasheville.c... (Visit Asheville via Facebook)
• BeLoved Asheville continues the construction of its sixth home in the Beloved Village. For each wall they raise, they also raise the hopes and dreams of our community. For each house they build, they also build a foundation of love and compassion. For those who feel led to contribute, visit their Facebook page with a listing of their resources where you can donate. (BeLoved Asheville via Facebook)
• A big thank you and congratulations to each Asheville City School educator that was honored at the “Teacher of the Year and Instructional Assistant of the Year” banquet Thursday evening at the Crest Center. We appreciate what they do for our school communities and celebrate their hard work, extraordinary commitment, and dedication! (Asheville City Schools via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!