New Stories
Letter: Arguments against Raytheon plant fall flat
“How far must one live from Gaffney, S.C., in order to avoid culpability for spelling and grammatical errors committed by Bic pens?”
Asheville Archives: Residents protest new construction on public land, 1891
Local resident E.J. Armstrong began work on constructing a pavilion on Court Square (today’s Pack Square) in 1891. The initial project was met without resistance; but as the size of the structure became apparent, citizens called for its removal.
Letter: Modernize but don’t close branch libraries
“Please keep our small local branches and modernize them for future use!”
Letter: Capital of WNC has problems
“Moving out of this mess in 30 days. Y’all can have it. Going somewhere clean and quiet.”
County considers $500K boost to One Buncombe Fund
While the initial round of One Buncombe money was split between emergency assistance for individuals and low-interest loans to small businesses, the new $500,000 would go entirely toward grants of up to $5,000 for business owners.
Letter: New, consolidated library would better serve community
“Our community deserves all that the others have. It is up to each of us to embrace the future, even if it means change.”
Letter: Why did property taxes go up so much?
“The overall tax rate did go down some, but due to my taxable value going up — my total taxes are up 13.76%, and I’m sure theirs also significantly went up.”
TDA holds in-person annual meeting
More than 180 guests attended the event at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Q&A with Bigfoot hunter Joneric Bruner
Joneric Bruner and his father, John, are at the heart of Marion’s beloved WNC Bigfoot Festival.
Council approves COVID relief spending categories
Starting Friday, Sept. 24, local organizations can submit projects in the following categories for grants from the federal funds: affordable housing, care for aging residents, climate change, city infrastructure, domestic violence prevention and assistance, food systems, homelessness services, public engagement, revenue losses, small business recovery and workforce development.
Letter: Pandemic intensifies need for Medicaid expansion
“By refusing to expand Medicaid despite this increased need from North Carolina families, our state budget and residents’ health remains compromised.”
WECAN Man project spotlights diverse neighborhood
JP Chalarca discusses his new oral history project, which tells the stories of people who live and work in the West End Clingman Avenue Neighborhood.
Asheville Motor Speedway’s legacy endures
More than two decades after the speedway closed, some of its most passionate supporters gauge the historical significance of “The River,” as well as the opportunities available to modern racing fans and drivers.
Local artist honors Black female domestic workers
In 16 paintings, local artist Connie Bostic pays tribute to the many local Black women who cared for white children in the first half of the 20th century.