HUD extends foreclosure moratoriums in areas devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Press release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced it is extending through April 11, 2025, its foreclosure moratoriums for FHA-insured Single Family Title II forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster […]

Asheville Police investigating shooting on Livingston Street

Press release from Asheville Police Department: Asheville, NC (December 6, 2024):  The Asheville Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one man in critical condition and another person with minor injuries following an altercation that occurred on Livingston Street Thursday night. Officers responded to a report of a gunshot wound victim in the 200 […]

City Council Agenda – December 10

Press release from City of Asheville: The electronic agenda for the December 10, City Council formal meeting is now available by clicking on the link below.  If you have any questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 259-5601. http://www.ashevillenc.gov/council/meeting_agenda.htm PRIOR to the 5:00 formal meeting, City Council will be holding a special in-person worksession on Tuesday, December […]

BCSO investigating arson that destroys two trucks

Press release from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office: Investigators with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating an Arson at a business north of Weaverville.  Surveillance video posted on BCSO’s facebook page shows two trucks exploding into flames around 8:00 pm on November 30th at The Yard located on Cole Road off Clarks Chapel Road.  This is the second […]

EcoForesters post-Helene forestry panel discussion and Q&A

Press release from EcoForesters: EcoForesters, in collaboration with the USFS, USDA, Weyerhaeuser, and Society of American Foresters, will be hosting a panel discussion on our forests and resources for landowners post-Helene. Western North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Helene, leaving many landowners and communities asking “What next?” This event will bring forestry professionals together to […]

FEMA extends transitional sheltering assistance program for Helene recovery

Press Release from Haywood County: At the request of the state of North Carolina, FEMA is extending the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program through January 11, 2025. FEMA will continue providing hotel and motel rooms to Helene-affected families. The quickest way to apply for FEMA is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply by phone at […]

Helene recovery assistance programs, community canvassing, and FCC cart transition

Press release from Buncombe County: Open Burn Ban in Effect An open burn ban is in effect for Buncombe County until Saturday, December 7, at 9 a.m. This ban prohibits the burning of yard waste, debris, or land-clearing materials. Burning anything other than naturally occurring vegetation is always illegal.  The ban was enacted due to […]

Chief Justice Paul Newby appoints Chief District Court Judges in districts 9 and 43

Press release from North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: Chief Justice Paul Newby announced the following appointment effective December 4, 2024: Judge Donna Forga has been appointed to serve as chief district court judge for Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties (Judicial District 43). Judge Forga was first elected to the […]

Golden LEAF announces $2 million in funding at December meeting, celebrates 25 years, welcomes new Board member

Press release from Golden Leaf Foundation: Yesterday, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $2 million in funding to support workforce preparedness and job creation and economic investment projects. The Board awarded $378,200 to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $1,549,400 to support two projects through the SITE Program. […]

Code Purple announcement

Press release from Homeless Coalition: Purpose of Code Purple: Is to provide a coordinated effort among Asheville and Buncombe County shelters and other organizations to provide emergency overflow shelter to people experiencing homelessness. During Code Purple, participating shelters will provide more beds with fewer requirements than their typical programming. Code Purple sites will also work […]

Buncombe County Board of Elections completes partial hand-to-eye recount for NC Supreme Court Seat

Press release from Buncombe County: The Buncombe County Board of Elections completed a partial hand-to-eye recount of three randomly selected precincts and early voting sites on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 11:32 a.m. The recount showed zero discrepancies from the machine recount and this data will be submitted to the State Board of Elections. Republican candidate […]

The Asheville Area Business Association launches

Press release from AABA: The Asheville Area Business Association (AABA) is excited to announce its official launch, marking the beginning of a transformative effort to empower local businesses and foster meaningful connections across our community. As part of this milestone, AABA is hosting its inaugural event, bringing together influential community leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners […]

Warren Wilson College receives $10 million gift, the largest in its history

News release from Warren Wilson College: Warren Wilson College, a private liberal arts college in Swannanoa, N.C., has received a $10 million gift, the largest in the College’s history. Made by anonymous donors whose values around education and environmental sustainability align with the College’s, the gift will support the endowment, increasing it by nearly 20%. […]

FEMA hosts disaster response webinar for small businesses

News release from Explore Asheville: The Disaster Response: Small Business Resources, Insurance, and Claims session on December 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT, is a part of the ongoing Small Business Disaster Preparedness Series aimed at sharing critical information and resources for small businesses to successfully navigate disaster recovery situations and build […]

Bulk leaf collection for City of Hendersonville residents begins in December on a modified schedule 

News release from the City of Hendersonville: This week, the City of Hendersonville has kicked off bulk leaf collection service for City residents. Typically, fall leaf collection starts in October; however, due to hurricane Helene’s impacts and ongoing storm debris collection, leaf collection has been delayed and will follow a modified schedule running through the […]

Helene recovery updates from Buncombe County for Wednesday, Dec. 4

News release from Buncombe County: Open Burning Ban Issued Effective today, Wednesday, Dec. 4 at noon, the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning ban due to adverse atmospheric conditions including high fire danger, low humidity, and strong gusty winds. The ban applies to all open burning, including yard waste, debris, and […]

Buncombe County launches Helene recovery housing assistance grant

News release from Buncombe County: Buncombe County Residents impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for the County’s Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, providing financial support for rent, mortgage, or utility payments. Eligible applicants can get help to cover up to three months of bills, helping them in their path toward recovery from the storm. Applications […]