“What we’re particularly concerned about is the fine particles from open burning that we expect we’re going to see more of,” AB Air Quality Agency Director Ashley Featherstone said.
New Stories
Wellness roundup: Emergency trauma team helps parents, children process Helene
Group brings international experience to help Waldorf school families process post-Tropical Storm Helene through music, art and dance.
Asheville City school board delays decision on staff bonuses for post-Helene volunteer work
Unsure of exactly how much it would cost, the Asheville City Board of Education voted 7-0 Nov. 12 to table a decision on bonus payment for nearly 200 district staff members who volunteered their time in the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Smart Bets: Oral history exhibit
The new mini exhibit, “In the Spotlight: How Older Adults in Western North Carolina Serve their Communities,” runs through Feb. 1, 2025, at the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center.
What’s new in food: Restaurants begin to reopen post-Helene
Asheville Independent Restaurants is supporting local food and beverage businesses through the transition. Also this week: Chef-made, take-home Thanksgiving meals; holiday bake sales; donate a local turkey; dining out for Project HOPE in Hendersonville and more local food news.
Women in Business: Sustainable and creative
“I don’t think you should have to sacrifice whimsical patterns, color and structure to dress easier on the environment,” says Megan Authement, owner of Clad.
FEMA to start working with homeowners in flood zones on buyouts of destroyed homes
Local homeowners who lost their homes or sustained serious damage in Helene’s floodwaters can begin applying to a federal program that may buy the home outright, or pay to have it elevated or rebuilt at a higher level.
Letter: Thanks to all the Helene heroes
“This has been a spiritual experience that none of us will ever forget. COVID separated us; Helene united us!”
My Story: Helene, Howland Road and the Scooby van
Xpress asked readers to share their experiences of Tropical Storm Helene. This is one of those stories.
Women in Business: Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart
“Owning a business is a spiritual experience that’ll challenge all of your beliefs and sense of self,” says Jesse Rosenblum, owner of Liminal Sōma.
Letter: Respect the research on infill housing
“The simple truth is that unnecessary restrictions on supply push prices up. That’s what a commonsense understanding of supply and demand would suggest. That’s what studies show happens in the housing market.”
Letter: Tax assessor’s dismissal was justified
“He should not receive any county benefits going forward. And the county should not be afraid of a legal challenge.”
Women in Business: A sense of identity and belonging
“One thing I urge any aspiring entrepreneur to do is ask for help when there is something overwhelming them,” says Eva Rodriguez-Cué, owner of Haywood Famous.
Golden Agers: Garden is volunteer’s happy spot
Master gardener, jewelry maker finds the perfect spot to put down roots.
