“Our Swannanoa Library is a place where our children and many other children have discovered the joy of learning.”
New Stories
Letter: Rethink placement of disturbing window art
“I understand and respect artistic freedom and expression; however, I have to ask what the intent is of putting this on public display in our community?”
Swannanoa Library to remain open amid community outcry
The Swannanoa Library will remain open after an unexpected vote by Buncombe County commissioners on March 7 that reversed a previous decision to close the library branch.
BCS board rejects requests to remove nine books from district schools
One month after banning a book from all district high schools, the Buncombe County Board of Education unanimously agreed at its March 7 meeting to keep nine others available to students at Enka High School.
Uncovering The Orange Peel’s Black music roots
The Orange Peel has earned a reputation as one of the premier concert venues in the Southeast over the past two decades. But the musical roots of the building at 101 Biltmore Ave. stretch back to long before the current club opened in 2002.
Rockin’ for Rudy benefit show raises funds for local family
The March 10 benefit concert supports Sawyer Johnston, Serena Murison and their infant son Rudy, who was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disease.
Asheville board faces vote to close Montford school
Parents are decrying a proposal that Superintendent Maggie Fehrman says could help the district address a projected $4.5 million budget shortfall next school year — merge its two middle schools. Fehrman estimated the merger would save the district $1.8 million to $2.3 million per year.
Buncombe advances first-time candidates in March 5 primary
While the March 5 primary delivered few surprises at the top of the ticket, local races delivered some firsts for Buncombe County in an election that saw a far lower turnout than the previous presidential primary in 2020.
Tracey Morgan Gallery celebrates new location with inaugural exhibit
Tracey Morgan Gallery’s new home at 22 London Road in Biltmore Village launches with the inaugural exhibit, “What Came First.” The show opens Friday, March 8, 6-8 p.m. and continues through Saturday, April 20.
New crisis line targets substance use, mental health
The phone number 855-PEERS-NC is staffed by certified peer support specialists 24/7. Peer support specialists are people in recovery who have a mental health and/or substance use disorder and can provide nonclinical support based on their lived experiences.
Second STR listening session planned for March 18
The proposed regulations would ban new whole-house short-term rentals in the unincorporated parts of Buncombe County unless they were located within five commercial zones or in the county’s residential open-use zone. Existing short-term rentals would not be affected by the changes but would require a county permit.
Around town: Shakedown Sunday bids goodnight one last time
Shakedown Sunday comes to a close after five years; the ninth annual celebration of Zelda Fitzgerald; a three-month exhibition on an artist’s 30 years of linoleum prints; and more.
What’s new in food: Wings and more along the Ecusta Trail
Horse Shoe restaurant expands, offering over 25 house-made wing flavors; a dinner collaboration in West Asheville; a bake shop closes in Fairview and more.
Letter: More regulation needed for short-term rentals
“I’d be in favor of any regulations and especially the ability for neighbors to have some say in the number of people staying and the noise level permitted beside their homes.”
Letter: Support for rezoning in Haw Creek
“This property is within the city limits. Building homes there would decrease sprawl into more environmentally sensitive areas of Buncombe County.”