APD inviting public “to share input on department’s future” on Oct. 2

Full announcement from the Asheville Police Department: As part of a strategic planning process that will outline primary goals and objectives for the next three years, the Asheville Police Department is inviting the community to an input session to be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside […]

President Obama signs disaster declaration for July floods in WNC

Full announcement from the White House: The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of North Carolina and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides during the period of July 3-13, 2013. Federal funding is available to state […]

Asheville City Council: more agricultur­e, a festival search, and downtown crime

At tonight’s meeting, Asheville City Council approved new rules allowing urban farming and produce sales throughout the city. Council also approved starting the search for a summer event to replace Bele Chere. On a less optimistic note, the public and city officials discussed increasing issues of crime, policing and homelessness in Asheville’s core.

Homeless, nonprofits­, APD vie over downtown policing

At a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18, city of Asheville staff and police officers met with homeless activists and local nonprofit representatives to discuss a new law enforcement approach that focuses on more arrests in the city’s downtown. Responses varied, ranging from concerns about the impacts of a failing system to criticisms of the Asheville Police Department’s new strategy.

Foundation Fair for local nonprofits Oct. 11

Press release Full announcement from the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers: On October 11, nonprofits in Western North Carolina will have the opportunity to meet and talk with foundation representatives at the 2013 Foundation Fair, hosted by the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers. The North Carolina Network of Grantmakers (NCNG) hosts the Foundation Fair each […]

Former Rep. Heath Shuler headlining Leadership Asheville’s annual luncheon

From UNC Asheville: Heath Shuler, senior vice president of federal affairs for Duke Energy Progress, will deliver the keynote address at Leadership Asheville’s fifth Annual Luncheon on Thursday, September 26, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. The celebration of last year’s Leadership Asheville 31 class also will include the presentation of […]

United Way releases ‘Voices for the Common Good’ report

From United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County: ASHEVILLE – United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has released a report “Voices for the Common Good: Asheville Speaks Out on Education, Income and Health,” shedding light on the challenges people see in our community and the solutions they believe will address them. United Way developed […]

WNC Alliance calls for public to weigh in on changes to Nantahala Forest plan

From the WNC Alliance Dear friends and supporters of WNCA, The Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest needs your voice in the current plan revision process to speak up for roadless area protections, old-growth forest protection, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, scenery, water quality and economic benefits of the Nantahala-Pisgah. There are more than 1.1 million acres of land […]

North Carolina Police Benevolent Association endorses Mike Lanning for Asheville City Council

Mike Lanning’s Asheville City Council campaign has announced that the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association has endorsed his candidacy. Enclosed in the announcement is a scanned image of a letter from NCPBA President Randy Byrd, announcing the endorsement and declaring “we will ask our members, their friends and families, and all citizens who respect the […]