Haywood Regional Medical Center celebrates National Radiologic Technology Week

Press release from Haywood Regional Medical Center: National Radiologic Technology Week is celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of Radiologic Technicians across the nation. The celebration takes place each year during the week of Nov. 6 thru 12, which celebrates the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895.  The […]

Governor McCrory announces North Carolina chosen to host 2018 World Equestrian Games

Press release from the governor’s office: Governor Pat McCrory joined state and local economic development leaders today to celebrate a major economic development announcement that North Carolina was unanimously chosen to host the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring. Administered by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the WEG occurs […]

Forest fires close WNC sections of the Appalachian Trail

Press releases from National Forests in North Carolina: Fire activity on the Nantahala Ranger District have resulted in trail and closures as follows: The Appalachian Trail from the Nantahala River to Burningtown Gap is closed due to a new fire that started Thursday afternoon. The Tellico Fire is actively burning in that area. The closure […]

Brewing for Greenways Collaboration: Wedge and New Belgium brew a traditional German ale to benefit greenways

Press release from the organizers: Wedge Brewing and New Belgium Brewing have teamed up for a neighborhood brewing collaboration to benefit greenway non-profit, Friends of Connect Buncombe (FOCB) with a take on the traditional German ale, a Dunkelweizen. On Tuesday, November 15, join the breweries for a release party at the Wedge that starts at […]

Buncombe County Health and Human Services cautions public to protect against norovirus

Press release from Buncombe County Health and Human Services: There have been reports of norovirus-like symptoms circulating in Buncombe County recently. Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) officials want you to know that simple steps can protect you and prevent the spread of norovirus within our community. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, […]

Water Resources Development Grant Program awards grants in 9 counties including one for Black Mountain

Press release from N.C. Department of Environmental Quality: Governor Pat McCrory announced today that more than $945,000 in grants has been awarded for nine projects that will help North Carolina communities restore streams, reduce flooding and erosion, aid in stormwater management, provide recreational opportunities and benefit the state’s water resources. “Our natural habitat is what […]

7,000-acre conservation easement established in Box Creek Wilderness

Press release from Box Creek Wilderness: One of the largest conservation easements donated by an individual in the history of North Carolina was recently recorded in Rutherford and McDowell counties. It permanently protects the 7,000-acre Box Creek Wilderness, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Marion, N.C. Tim Sweeney, Cary resident […]

Rep. Turner receives award from YMCA

Press release from the representative’s office: At the YMCA of Western North Carolina annual meeting Thursday night Representative Brian Turner (D) Buncombe was presented with the NC Alliance of YMCA’s Mission Forward Legislator Award. The Mission Forward award is presented to the legislator who through public policy has advanced the YMCA’s mission and cause. Rep. […]

Air quality forecast for Thursday, Nov. 3: Moderate (YELLOW)

Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, is a code yellow air quality forecast day for the valleys of Asheville and Buncombe County. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities.  WNC Regional Air Quality Agency 125 South Lexington Avenue, Suite 101 Asheville, NC 28801 Phone: 828.250.6777 Air Quality Forecast for Thursday, 11/03/2016

INVESTMENT IN THE RIVERBANK: Woodfin Riverside Park is an existing part of what may someday be a sizable greenway connecting a system of parks and other green spaces along a transportation vein throughout the county.

Big project, big debt: Woodfin voters to decide future of greenway project with higher taxes in the balance

The question that may surprise and even confuse some Woodfin residents as they dutifully mark their ballots is: Should the 6,300 residents of the town of Woodfin take on an additional $4.5 million in debt to pay for a greenway, parks and other public works projects along the stretch of the French Broad that flows through […]

Update: Air quality forecast for Wednesday Nov. 2: Moderate (YELLOW), burn ban in effect

Due to extremely dry weather conditions, there is no burning in Buncombe County until further notice. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, is a code yellow air quality forecast day for the valleys of Asheville and Buncombe County. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities. Originally posted at 3 p.m. as burn ban announcement.  WNC […]

Asheville City buses to provide free transportation on election day, Nov. 8

Press release from the City of Asheville: Anyone who is registered to vote and wants to vote should be able to vote. That’s the basis of an Asheville City Council resolution authorizing a fare-free public transportation day on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. The measure was approved at the Oct. 25 City Council meeting.   […]

Air quality forecast for Monday Oct. 31: Moderate (YELLOW)

Happy Halloween! Monday, October 31, 2016, is a code yellow air quality forecast day for the valleys and ridge tops of Asheville and Buncombe County. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities. WNC Regional Air Quality Agency 125 South Lexington Avenue, Suite 101 Asheville, NC 28801 Phone:  828.250.6777 Air Quality Forecast for Monday, 10/31/2016 […]

Faith leaders and communities plan prayerful processional to stop violence against people of color

Press release from the Center for Participatory Change: Faith leaders and communities will gather for a prayerful processional on All Saints Day to confess and lament the disproportionate violence against black and brown bodies sweeping the nation. Following a procession, with pauses for prayer in significant places along the route, the group will call for […]

Nantahala National Forest wildfire summary at close of weekend

Press release from National Forests in North Carolina: Elevated fire activity on the Nantahala National Forest has prompted fire management officials to transition from district management to a Type 3 organization. The transition, effective today, enables more effective management of several fires simultaneously under the umbrella of one incident commander.       Additional resources […]

WNC Farmers Market awarded grant from Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority

Press release from the N.C. Department of Agriculture: The  Western N.C. Farmers Market has been awarded a $380,000 grant from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority. The market will use the grant to help pay for a planned renovation of the retail Market Shops building, which is designed to encourage increased visitation, particularly during winter months. “The […]

ABCCM requests votes for Transformation Village: help end homelessness with a $25,000 Neighborhood Assist Grant

Press release from ABCCM: Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry’s Transformation Village initiative, which when built will house hundreds of homeless women, children and intact families, is one of 200 national finalists for a $25,000 grant from the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program, and needs your votes to be in the top 40 to receive the […]

North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association provides Halloween pet safety information

Press release from NCVMA: The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA) is providing Halloween Pet Safety tips and information in light of the holiday on Monday. Making pet owners aware of the potential dangers of this holiday will ensure that every member of the family is able to celebrate safely. NCVMA president and local veterinarian Dr. […]

Update on Dick’s Creek fire near Sylva

Press release from National Forests in North Carolina Started: October 23, 2016 Cause: Under Investigation Containment: 80% Location: Southeast of Dicks Creek Road,                   Sylva, NC Fuel Type: Hardwood, Leaf Litter Terrain: Steep and Rugged Current Size: 374 Acres  Summary: Dicks Creek Fire incident leadership was transferred to Kelly Cagle this morning.  Cagle has […]

Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests announces fire restrictions

Press release from National Forests in North Carolina: The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests will implement fire restrictions due to the extremely dry conditions, high fire danger, and little chance of rain in the immediate forecast. Effective October 28, 2016, the following fire restrictions are in place for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests until […]