Top people of 2009
The year started off in a bizarre but ultimately
heartwarming fashion. Madison County resi-
dent Bennie Wint was rountinely stopped by
Weaverville police. However, the story began
taking a bizarre turn when he gave an alias, later
recounted and then told police a story that even
made CNN headlines. Wint took a swim off a
Florida coastline 20 years ago and was believed
to have never returned to shore. Thought to be
dead, Weaverville police eventually reunited
him with his family members.
Another bizarre story took place several
months later when Weaverville man Jim Reeves
complained he was unfairly taxed by the City
of Asheville on his way to a tax demonstration.
Reeves received a speeding ticket, only Reeves
received said ticket while riding his bicycle.
Charges were later dropped.
Other top people of the year included Weav-
erville resident Carmella Watkins who was rec-
ognized by “Glamour” magazine; Reems Creek
native and bluegrass pioneer Wade Mainer who
was recognized by the town as he turned 101
years old; Weaverville resident Dr. Walter Ziffer,
a Holocaust survivor who made a trip to his na-
tive Czech Republic; Jack and Sarah Gassaway,
who recognized the 75th year of Richland
Baptist Church, a historic Woodfin landmark;
Woodland Hills resident Sheila Dail, a flight at-
tendant on Flight 1549 that crashed in the Hud-
son River in New York City; and Weaverville
resident Geraldine Ray who shared her stories
of separate schools during segregation with area
school children.
But, our top person of the year is former Weav-
erville Mayor Bett Stroud. Stroud decided not
to run for a fifth term this year. During her 16
years in office, she helped transform the town’s
landscape with her dedication to tree planting
and other earth-friendly initiatives.
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4 THE TRIBUNE - December 31, 2009 - January 6, 2010 www.weavervilletribune.com
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