Fire crews continue to battle numerous WNC wildfires, including blazes at South Mountains State Park and Chimney Rock State Park. According to the NC Forest Service, as of 2:45pm Sunday, the Chestnut Knob wildfire at South Mountains State Park  was 2,850 acres with 15% containment. Planned actions include structure and burnout along Rich Mountain Road. At Lake Lure, the Party Rock Fire just before 5pm Sunday, was 3,457 acres with 15% containment. Planned actions include structure protection, burnout operations and contingency planning. Evacuations are in place with Shelters Open. The cause of both fires are under investigation. Governor Pat McCrory will be in Lake Lure this morning for a WNC wildfires update.

Lenoir-Rhyne University has been awarded a $100,000 capital improvement grant from Timken Foundation of Canton. The award will support the construction of the Alex and Lee George Hall, the addition to the Minges Science Building. The first phase of the project includes the construction of a new 35,000 square foot wing, which will double the size of the current science building.

Asheville Police Friday issued two warrants in the homicide that occurred early Thursday at the Deaverview Apartments. Authorities are looking for 23-year-old Frederick N.Simpson,Jr. and 25-year-old Travoscia H.Brown for 1st Degree Murder in the shooting death of 40-year-old Travis Dominick Mayfield. Both Simpson and Brown should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about the death of Mayfield or the whereabouts of Brown or Simpson is asked to call the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110 or Buncombe County Crimestoppers at 828-255-5050.