From Carolina Public Press: A hearing has yet to be scheduled, but the debate has already started over statewide energy policy legislation introduced last week by Rep. Mike Hager (R-Rutherfordton). Hager’s Affordable and Reliable Energy Act would rollback legislation passed in 2007 requiring electricity producers to include renewable sources in their energy production portfolio. Hager, […]
Author: David Forbes
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Homeward Bound houses 500th person
From Homeward Bound: On Wednesday, March 13, 2013, Homeward Bound of Asheville moved its 500th person out of homelessness and into permanent housing. Jody Brackett, 36, has been staying in transitional housing the past several months, following a stroke in October. Prior to that, he worked as a caretaker for a family member in Waynesville. […]
UNCA to help middle schools implement new Common Core standards
From UNC Asheville: UNC Asheville faculty will begin intensive work this summer with teams of teachers from Asheville City and McDowell County Schools to help the schools implement new state standards, provide more intellectually rigorous instruction, and support teaching of “big ideas.” The project, “Teaching Enduring Understanding: Literacy Across the Curriculum,” will be undertaken in […]
Asheville BID Board blasts Council over skepticism, delays
At a meeting Thursday morning, March 14, members of the downtown Asheville Business Improvement District board harshly criticized Asheville City Council for delaying approval of the BID’s proposed bylaws and expressing “disappointment” that the board hadn’t also submitted a detailed budget. Many board members said they were almost ready to walk away from the project.
APD Chief Anderson apologizes for handling of son’s car crash
Asheville Police Department Chief William Anderson publicly apologized today for “a poor decision” in directing the APD, rather than the State Highway Patrol, to handle the initial investigation of a March 9 accident involving his son, Chad Anderson.
Carolina Public Press: Bills limiting Asheville’s authority advance despite terse questioning
From Carolina Public Press: RALEIGH — Deep disagreement within Asheville’s legislative delegation on two bills that that would strip the city of its extraterritorial jurisdiction and its right to annex and that would eliminate a funding stream for capital improvements were front and center at a meeting Thursday of the House Government Committee. The bills […]
City of Asheville wins Spirit of North Carolina award
Announcement from United Way: ASHEVILLE – The City of Asheville has been named a Spirit of North Carolina Award winner for its commitment to supporting United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. The award was given at the United Way of North Carolina annual meeting in Pinehurst. The Spirit of North Carolina Awards for Campaign […]
Donors support Main Street enhancements in Hendersonville
From the Community Foundation of Henderson County: Hendersonville, N.C., March 13, 2103: Randy Romeo, Board Chair of the Community Foundation of Henderson County recently presented a check to the Mayor and City Council Members for the City of Hendersonville to support Main Street Enhancements. Chair Romeo said, “Much of our community, from all points of […]
City of Asheville distributes annual 2012 water quality report
From the city of Asheville: ASHEVILLE – The City of Asheville has released its 15th annual Water Quality Report, a federally-mandated “report card” designed to educate customers on what is in their drinking water. The City of Asheville is pleased to report that the city’s drinking water continues to surpass all US Environmental Protection Agency […]
Goodbye Bele Chere, hello “creative economies”
This year’s Bele Chere will be the last — at least, the last run by the city, as Asheville City Council members agreed during a March 12 budget session to end their financial involvement. As part of an overhaul in the way government deals with arts and festivals, city staff are also studying a proposal that sets up a “creative economies” chief, instead of a traditional arts administration staff. Photo by Max Cooper.
Power down: Residents contest Progress Energy rate hike
Public sentiment at a March 6 hearing conducted by the North Carolina Utilities Commission overwhelmingly opposed Progress Energy’s proposed rate hike.
LIVE: Twitter coverage of the March 12 Asheville City Council meeting
Follow live Twitter coverage of the March 12 Asheville City Council meeting and pre-meeting budget session, beginning at 2 p.m.
Asheville City Council preview: Arts and education
Starting in a special budget session this afternoon, Asheville City Council will contemplate a possible overhaul of the way the city deals with arts and festivals. At its formal meeting tonight, Council will appoint members of the school board.
LGBT Elder Advocates host March 17 social
From Land of Sky: Asheville,North Carolina March 17, 2013: The LGBT Elder Advocates will host a St. Patrick’s Day Social from 12:30pm – 2:30pm, Sunday, March 17th at the Land of Sky Regional Council located at 339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140. The Public and media representatives are invited to attend and meet members, friends […]
Public Safety Basketball Tournament March 16
From the Boys and Girls Club of Buncombe County: Come watch the NC Highway Patrol vs. Asheville Police Dept vs. Asheville Fire Dept vs. Buncombe County Detention Center vs. other Public Safety Teams compete in a basketball tournament to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Buncombe County! Spread the word about this Family friendly […]
Density, money, state politics on Council’s radar for this year
At their retreat yesterday, Asheville City Council members discussed a variety of topics facing the city, focusing especially on density, budget issues, the effect of state legislation, and even a possible overhaul in the way city government deals with the arts.
APD: realtor arrested on drug sale charges
Full announcement from the Asheville Police Department: On March 5th 2013 Officers of the Asheville Police Department Drug Suppression Unit purchased illegal narcotics from Benjamin Falcon a Realtor with Town and Mountain Realty. Falcon was being investigated by the Drug Suppression Unit after information was received stating that Falcon was supplying Realtors with illegal drugs. […]
ECO Workshop offers course on edible landscaping
Press release from the Environmental & Conservation Organization – Hendersonville (HENDERSONVILLE, NC, February 23, 2013) – Looking for an investment with a great return? It may be no further away than your own yard. Fruit and nut trees offer valuable nutrition, save hundreds of dollars and provide a wonderful habitat for birds and other animals. […]
Back to the Future: Two men, two buildings, two feuding local governments
This year, both Asheville City Hall and the Buncombe County Courthouse turn 85. The two classic buildings are both undergoing renovation or expansion, part of an effort to keep them a center of civic life for the next 85 years. A look at their history, their future, and the end of the old feud that created them. Photos by Max Cooper.
Crowd shows up to object to Progress rate hike
At a five-hour hearing conducted by the North Carolina Utilities Commission last night, every speaker except those representing the Council of Independent Business Owners and Biltmore Farms objected to rate hikes proposed by Progress Energy. The speakers’ reasons for opposition ranged from the impact of the rate increases on the working poor to projected environmental damage. Photo by Max Cooper
Fingers to the wind
Once the Asheville High School marching band left, few observers remained as City Council members got an early look Feb. 26 at the budget and legislative challenges they face this year. The meeting was short, dominated by a litany of staff and board reports. Money The city's financial situation is, according to staff, holding steady, […]