The Asheville School district selected Fehrman after Rick Cruz withdrew from the job due to a family medical emergency.
New Stories
School staff and advocates speak out during budget hearing
The red-clad advocates filled the commission chambers and two overflow rooms, with about 25 speaking during the county’s budget hearing. They said the 10.3% increase for both Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools in the proposed $423.6 million fiscal year 2023-24 budget was far below the level needed to meet local education’s needs.
Citizen group coalesces around police support
Shared concerns about crime and an understaffed Asheville Police Department fostered an unusual alliance in today’s partisan times. An advocacy group called Asheville Coalition for Public Safety formed in October, bringing together community members of all political stripes who are concerned about crime, mental health, drug use and the unhoused population.
Creatives of color see little change in arts equity efforts since 2020
Sekou Coleman, Jenny Pickens and Lau Malintzin discuss what’s changed and what’s stayed largely the same over the past three years.
Asheville woman writes a guide for terminally ill and their loved ones
“Dying is a big thing, and I want the details of it to be as easy as possible on my family as it can be,” Kae Mance, who has stage 4 breast cancer, says.
Fresh Dish: Katie Button on ramps, Spanish pastries and raw oysters
“One thing about ramp tops is you can puree and then freeze them in portions and have them for the rest of the year,” says Katie Button. “So it’s not just about enjoying them in the moment.”
Incoming Asheville schools superintendent withdraws from job
Once again, Asheville City Schools is without a superintendent. Rick Cruz has decided not to take the job as new ACS superintendent due to a “family medical emergency,” according to an email from Dillon Huffman, ACS spokesperson. “It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that I will no longer be able […]
Local artists work to raise awareness about domestic and sexual abuse
“I want people to know that they have a community, that they have resources,” says singer and producer Allison “A.G.” Hammond. She emphasizes that domestic violence and sexual abuse are directed not only at women in heterosexual relationships. “It’s all across the board.”
Around Town: Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 25 years
A 25th anniversary concert celebrating the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus. Plus, the 26th annual Bluff Mountain Festival; The Big Secret returns; and more.
Wellness roundup: Buncombe County reveals next steps for opioid settlements
According to the Opioid Settlement Strategic Planning Report, goals for fiscal years 2024-26 include reductions in overdose-related visits to area ERs, the jail population incarcerated for substance use-related charges and the number of behavioral health-related EMS dispatches.
What’s new in food: Mother expands to South Slope
Mother, after establishing its first bread and wine retail shop in February 2022, has just opened its second location: a community market and café concept on the South Slope at 244 Short Coxe Ave.
Letter: A pitch for prudent tax policies
“Higher taxes spent on nonproductive programs continue to drive taxpaying residents out of the city.”
Letter: What really caused the mill’s dank odor
“The infamous dank odor referred to is typically due to mercaptans, which are also sulfur compounds with a rotten eggs, boiled cabbage odor.”
Letter: Does tourism bureau have blinders on?
“I only read about one more hotel being built, but nothing to help the tourists and locals find parking. This is a tourist area, so make it tourist-friendly.”
