New numbers reveal more about Asheville’s homeless issue

Asheville’s homeless population declined in what city officials are dubbing “a good year,” according to an annual count conducted in late January. However, while local programs may be having an impact, one of the officials in charge of administering them says that economic pressures and a lack of affordable housing continue to create a difficult situation.

Citizen-Times: ‘Lazy Environmentalist’ Dorfman will take over chamber’s entrepreneur efforts

From the Asheville Citizen-Times: ASHEVILLE – Josh Dorfman made his name nationally as “The Lazy Environmentalist,” but he’s worked hard launching businesses to bring green products to consumers. Now he wants to focus his energies locally, working with Asheville’s array of start-ups. “I’ve been involved in green business and entrepreneur start-ups for the last 10 […]

Citizen-Times: Sheriff Duncan endorses Ron Moore in DA’s race

From the Asheville Citizen-Times: ASHEVILLE District Attorney Ron Moore won a big endorsement Friday when Democratic Sheriff Van Duncan publicly backed him. Moore, the elected prosecutor in Buncombe County for the last 24 years, is facing a Democratic primary challenge from Asheville defense attorney Todd Williams. Duncan’s endorsement is unusual. Elected officials often do not […]

Tensions run high over tackling Asheville’­s graffiti

Local business owners raised their voices and things got, by the moderator’s own admission, “a little out of hand” at Friday morning’s Council of Independent Business Owners meeting when it came to the issue of graffiti. With the district attorney, city leaders and a state representative on hand, opinions differed — sometimes sharply — on possible solutions and who should foot the bill.

UNCA professor Mullen receives state teaching award

From UNC Asheville: Dwight Mullen, professor of political science and 30-year veteran of UNC Asheville’s faculty, has been named a recipient of the 2014 UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award. A gifted teacher, active scholar and engaged community leader, Mullen has consistently taught courses that have challenged and inspired his students, and held […]

ACA health insurance still available for some locals

While the sign-up deadline for health care under the Affordable Care Act passed March 31, some can still sign up, according to an attorney with one of the local nonprofits that has assisted WNC residents in doing so. People who dealt with technical difficulties or have a major life change can still get healthcare under the ACA. Also, due to North Carolina’s government refusing to expand Medicaid, many locals will not face a penalty for not having insurance.

Citizen-Times profiles Buncombe District Attorney’s race

From the Asheville Citizen-Times: ASHEVILLE – The campaign kickoffs could not have had more contrast. Challenger Todd Williams rallied a crowd outside at Wedge Brewing Company in the River Arts District. His speech notes flapped in the afternoon breeze as he paced the low stage. Incumbent Ron Moore greeted supporters on the top floor of […]

Citizen-Times: Buncombe ranked 3rd in domestic violence murders

From the Asheville Citizen-Times: ASHEVILLE – Killings resulting from domestic violence in Buncombe outnumbered those recorded in all but three other North Carolina counties last year, according to a report released Monday by the Attorney General’s Office. Buncombe authorities reported eight domestic violence deaths in 2013, which represented an increase from 2012, when three happened. […]

Asheville Green Drinks ‘moving beyond coal and coal ash spills’ event April 2

Join Asheville Green Drinks and the Sierra Club for its 497th edition on Wednesday April 2nd at 7 PM for a presentation on “Moving Beyond Coal & Coal Ash Spills.” Emma Greenbaum of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign will discuss the current status with coal ash spills, regulations, law suits, and plans for moving beyond […]

Buncombe County launches Triple P parenting program

Full announcement from Buncombe County Health and Human Services : Help us get the word out on a community-wide initiative to improve parenting practices. Triple P is one of the world’s most effective, evidence-based parenting programs, proven to reduce parenting stress, child misbehaviors and community-wide rates of child maltreatment. Behind the scenes, we have already […]