Asheville Regional Airport traffic jumped 7 percent in 2013

Full announcement from the Asheville Regional Airport: Asheville Regional Airport jumps 7 percent in passenger traffic in 2013 Asheville, NC – The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority reported a seven percent increase in passenger traffic for the 2013 calendar year, which was the third highest number of annual passengers reported in the past decade. While […]

Red Cross in “urgent need” of disaster volunteers for WNC

From the American Red Cross of the Western Carolinas: GREENVILLE, SC, February 3, 2014 – American Red Cross of the Western Carolinas has an urgent need for disaster response volunteers to serve Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. This winter’s unusually cold weather has increased demand for disaster services, especially those related to residential […]

WNC Nature Center Groundhog Day event Feb. 2

From the city of Asheville: ASHEVILLE – Asheville, NC –The Western North Carolina Nature Center’s female groundhog, Nibbles, will make her predictions about the remaining weeks of winter in Western North Carolina on Groundhog Day, Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the WNC NatureCenter. This year’s official celebrity Groundhog Whisperer is WLOS meteorologist […]

WCQS: city of Asheville threatening to end Pack Place’s lease

Reported by WCQS : The City of Asheville is threatening to terminate its lease agreement with Pack Place. A letter from city manager Gary Jackson claims “repairs and maintenance have been neglected for years” and there is “no indication of any hope to satisfy the necessary requirements.” The letter included an attached list of necessary […]

N.C. Treasurer Cowell discusses Asheville, state economy

The freezing temperatures didn’t stop North Carolina Treasurer Janet Cowell from laying out her take on the state of the economy, or prevent a crowd, including many local notables, from showing up to hear, and ask questions. She praised Asheville’s strong economy and “human capital” but noted challenges with infrastructure and state revenue. Photo by Alicia Funderburk

News and Observer: Blue Cross reverses course, will offer family coverage to same-sex couples in NC

From the News and Observer: Blue Cross and Blue Shield has reversed its policy of refusing health insurance to gay households under the Affordable Care Act and apologized for canceling family coverage of same-sex couples and domestic partners in North Carolina. The state’s largest insurer said Wednesday it will now offer family coverage for gays […]

Citizen-Times: teacher, environmental activist running for Congress against Rep. McHenry

From the Asheville Citizen-Times: Owen’s champion soccer coach who led an Erin Brockovich-style campaign to clean up industrial pollution in his neighborhood is now running for Congress. A high school social studies teacher, Tate MacQueen said he is seeking the 10th District seat out of a sense of obligation to neighbors, students, and fellow teachers. […]

Update on city trash, recycling delays due to weather

From the city of Asheville: ***UPDATE*** As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, some sanitation trucks are operating, but residents should still anticipate delays as crews catch up with backlogged pickup. Please leave cans by the curb.*** ASHEVILLE – Icy road conditions continue to delay garbage and recycling collection today, Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Residents from Tuesday, […]