N.C. Department of Transportation launches its 2020 Watch for Me N.C. awareness campaign

Press release from N.C. Department of Transportation: Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists in western North Carolina from Murphy to Mount Airy will see increased safety information as the N.C. Department of Transportation kicks off its 2020 Watch for Me NC awareness campaign. Last year, 241 pedestrians and 19 bicyclists were killed on North Carolina roadways. Drivers, […]

Deputy Ryan Hendrix’s funeral service scheduled for Friday, Sept. 18

Press release from Henderson County Sheriff’s Office: Please be advised of the following information regarding the funeral services for Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Hendrix. The 2pm services this Friday, at Mud Creek Baptist Church, will be for law enforcement officers, first responders and family members only. Visitation for the public to pay their respects […]

Mission nurses after union vote

Mission nurses overwhelmingly approve unionization

Press release from National Nurses United: It’s a new day at HCA’s Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, for registered nurses, for their patients, their community, and as a message to nurses and all workers across the South. In the first private sector hospital union election win in North Carolina, the largest at any nonunion […]

UNC Asheville experiences largest drop in enrollment among UNC campuses

Press release from University of North Carolina System: Despite the unprecedented challenges of this academic year, the UNC System welcomed a record-setting class this fall. This marks the third year in a row that the University has reached record-high enrollment. There are now 242,464 students enrolled across the UNC System — an increase of 1 […]

Buncombe County Health and Human Services to host Facebook Live community update at 3 p.m.

Press release from Buncombe County Health and Human Services: Buncombe County will be providing a Community Update today at 3:00 pm via Facebook Live @Buncombegov. The Spanish version will be aired via Facebook Live @BCHHS. Today’s speaker is Stacie Saunders, Buncombe County Public Health Director.

Buncombe high schoolers to continue remote learning through December

Announcement from Buncombe County Schools: Tonight, the Board of Education held a Special Called meeting to reconsider Return to Learn plans for this semester. After some discussion, regarding students in grades 9-12 and Buncombe Co. Early College, the board voted that these students will remain remote through December. More scheduling details will follow soon. Please […]

Asheville architects partner with downtown businesses to create outdoor spaces

Press release from AIA North Carolina: On September 26, Architects from the Asheville Section of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will be showing off their design partnerships with local businesses in Asheville.  To help aid in the recovery of Asheville’s businesses, and to look for ways to improve social distancing, AIA Asheville has been […]

Asheville Police Department seeking help to identify suspect in an armed robbery

Press release from Asheville Police Department: At approximately 11:30 a.m. on September 15 the Asheville Police Department (APD) responded to a report of an armed robbery on Biltmore Avenue near the intersection with Aston Street in the downtown area. The victim reported that a male suspect stole his backpack that contained photography equipment and other electronic […]

Robert Thomas is 2020 Peacemaker in WNC

Press release from Rachael Bliss: Asheville — Robert Thomas, a 33 year old native of Asheville, has been named WNC’s 2020 Peacemaker by WNC 4 Peace, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 and other local peace activists.  An experienced Community Leader by the inequities of the Criminal Justice System, he is a former Justice involved individual himself and understands the […]

Asheville Police Department responds to shooting on Scott Street

Press release from Asheville Police Department: At approximately 8 p.m. on September 15 the Asheville Police Department (APD) responded to a report of gunshots in the area of Scott Street. As officers were arriving on the scene, they received information that a victim had been shot. The victim, a juvenile, was found to have suffered five […]

Vance Elementary School announces task force meetings, updates on renaming process

Press release from Asheville City Schools: Good Morning Media Partners, I hope your Wednesday is off to a wonderful start.  Below you will find our latest communication regarding the renaming of Vance Elementary School.  As you will see, a task force – made up of current Vance students, Vance alumni, teachers, staff members, families, future […]

Buncombe County School Board will hold special session to discuss return to the classroom

Meeting notice from Buncombe County Public Schools:  There will be a Specially-Called Meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Education on September 16, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the Minitorium at 175 Bingham Road, Asheville, NC 28806. Please visit the Special Called meeting agenda at this link. Due to the current health emergency directives, visitors […]

Buncombe County’s Sept. 17 COVID-19 testing canceled due to inclement weather

Press release from Buncombe County Health and Human Services:  The Thursday, September 17th  COVID-19 Community Testing Site at the Buncombe County Sports Complex is cancelled  following the National Weather Service’s forecast  for heavy rains and stormy conditions. The public will be notified of these details via Buncombe County Government media channels. Notification of weather-related cancellations […]

New I-26 signal system helps drivers find alternate routes

Press release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation:  New directional signs from Hendersonville to Asheville sprouted this year as part of an innovative signal system designed to guide drivers around major incidents on Interstate 26.  N.C. Department of Transportation crews installed signs and upgraded signal systems along I-26 alternate routes such as Asheville Highway […]

City of Asheville launches affordable housing initiative

Press release from the city of Asheville:  Twenty-five landlords in Asheville now have a chance to be part of an innovative solution to the affordable housing crisis in our area. Thrive Asheville, an initiative of UNC Asheville that brings together local community advocates, policymakers, and professionals from diverse perspectives to find equitable solutions to our […]

Buncombe Tax Dept. warns residents against ‘distraint warrant’ scam

Alert from Buncombe County: Staff at the Buncombe County Tax Department have received complaints of an ongoing scam targeting area residents. Letters like the one attached have been sent claiming to be from the Tax Processing Unit of Buncombe County Public Judgement Records. The letter attempts to scare residents to respond by stating “levying procedures […]

Asheville Humane Society waives cat and kitten adoption fees thru Sept. 22

Announcement from Asheville Humane Society: Asheville Humane Society is OVERFLOWING with felines in need of loving homes! With over *385* cats and kittens currently in our care (in our Shelter, Adoption Center and foster homes), we need your help to make space and save lives! We are waiving adoption fees for all cats and kittens […]

Sunrise Community to offer free recovery event series for those struggling with mental health, substance use

Press release from Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness: September is National Recovery Month, a time when communities across the country come together to host recovery rallies and other awareness-raising campaigns to celebrate the potential for people struggling with mental health and substance use challenges to recovery. In recognition of National Recovery Month, Sunrise Community […]

UPDATE: Hepatitis A vaccine event postponed

Update received Sept. 16 from the Henderson County Department of Public Health: With tomorrow’s weather forecast calling for heavy rainfall, the Health Department has decided to postpone its Sept. 17 Hepatitis A vaccination event to a later date to be announced. Hepatitis A vaccines are available via appointment at the Health Department, 1200 Spartanburg Highway, […]

Mills River to unveil 2040 comprehensive plan in public workshop series

Press release from the town of Mills River: MILLS RIVER, North Carolina – The Town of Mills River embarked on its first comprehensive plan in early 2019. The Town is now ready to present its findings for public review and comment. September 16, 2020 marks the beginning of a series of public workshops, the feedback […]

Blue Horizons Project seeks applicants to guide region’s transition to renewables

Press release from Green Built Alliance: With more than two years of success in meeting the goals outlined for its community-focused campaign, Blue Horizons Project is excited for the next phase in its evolution and an expanded involvement in the region’s efforts to transition to 100 percent renewable energy in the next two decades. Following […]