Buncombe County response agencies host community briefing in Black Mountain

Press release from Buncombe County: ASHEVILLE – Buncombe County Government and response partners will hold a Community Briefing  in Black Mountain at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Speakers will include agencies directly involved in rescue and recovery efforts. WHO: Buncombe County Government WHAT: Community Briefing WHEN: Sunday, October 6. 2024, 4:00 PM Eastern […]

NC Emergency Management shares debris cleanup guidelines

Press release from NC Department of Public Safety: RALEIGH — In the coming days and weeks, clearing debris will become an important focus of our recovery efforts. That will include separating debris into the following categories: 1) large appliances; 2) construction debris; 3) vegetative debris; 4) hazardous waste; 5) electronics; and 6) household waste. Debris needs to be separated into these […]

FernLeaf Community Charter School decimated by Hurricane Helene

Press release from FernLeaf Community Charter School: Fletcher, NC – FernLeaf Community Charter School has suffered a total loss of its Creek Campus location following the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. The storm brought unprecedented rainfall and destruction to the region last week. FernLeaf is a Kindergarten through 12th grade school […]

Biltmore launches WNC disaster relief fund

Press release from Biltmore: Asheville, N.C. (October 7, 2024) — Amidst immeasurable challenges following the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, Biltmore remains steadfast in a commitment to support employees and the Western North Carolina community on the path to rebuilding. While the estate remains closed due to storm damage, as well as technology infrastructure, power, […]

No injuries found amid reports of WNC chemical contamination in floodwaters, mud

By Katie Myers, Blue Ridge Public Radio This coverage is made possible through a partnership between BPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. After multiple viral posts on social media concerning potential chemical exposure, volunteers and residents engaged in Helene cleanup have begun to worry that a PVC pipe manufacturer in Asheville may have spilled […]

Biden cabinet member to assess Hurricane Helene damage, meet business owners in Asheville

Press release from U.S. Small Business Administration: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, will travel to Asheville, North Carolina to assess damage from Hurricane Helene, meet with survivors, and tour a local SBA Business Recovery Center. Accompanied by U.S. Representative Kathy Manning […]

Statement from Buncombe County election services director Corinne Duncan Oct. 7

From Buncombe County Election Services: Buncombe County Election Services Director Corinne Duncan is reassuring our community that Buncombe County will vote. All staff and board members are accounted for and despite personal hardship, the Election Services team has been organizing to make sure this community has a voice in choosing the people that represent us […]

Haywood County Helene update for Monday, Oct. 7

Press release from Haywood County: Points of distribution in Haywood County are in need of propane and cleaning supplies to support those affected by Helene. Drop-Off Location: Woodland Baptist Church, 545 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville For large donations (18-wheelers, etc): Call the Call Center at 828-356-2020 Please note: We cannot accept clothing, toys, or gently used […]

Bipartisan State Board unanimously approves measures to help WNC voters

Press release from N.C. State Board of Elections: RALEIGH — The bipartisan State Board of Elections on Monday unanimously approved a long list of emergency measures to help Helene victims vote in the 2024 election and ensure election officials can provide accessible, safe, and secure voting options for residents of Western North Carolina. The 5-0 […]