Van Duyn: I’m appalled at N.C. Senate budget process

Here’s the press release from the Terry Van Duyn campaign: We must support our public teachers and teaching assistants RALEIGH, N.C. — At 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning the North Carolina Senate passed their version of the 2014 – 2015 budget. The 21.2 billion dollar budget eliminates funding for 7,400 teaching assistants for our 2nd and […]

Buncombe budget calls for steady tax rate, new parking deck

Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene is recommending commissioners hold the tax rate steady this year and borrow $44.3 million for a new downtown Asheville building addition and parking deck. Her budget proposal, which she’ll present to the board of commissioners Tuesday, June 3, calls for keeping the county-wide property tax rate at 60.4 cents per […]

NC legislature approves fracking bill allowing state to issue permits

Here’s an excerpt from the Carolina Public Press article: North Carolina’s legislature, in a fast flurry Thursday, approved the state’s issuing permits for fracking for natural gas. Turning down a string of Democratic amendments, the North Carolina House gave the bill final approval on a 64-50 vote. Hours later the Senate agreed to the House […]

Meadows: No funding to attempt to cap greenhouse gas emissions

Here’s the press release from Congressman Mark Meadows, who represents the 11th district of Western North Carolina: Washington, D.C.— Congressman Mark Meadows’ (R-NC) proposed amendment to H.R. 4660 passed the House Thursday evening by a vote of 226-179. The amendment would prohibit funds from being use to negotiate, or enter into, a trade deal that […]

‘Yoga Rocks the Park’ events start in Asheville June 1

Since its launch in 2009, Yoga Rocks the Park (YRP), Nationally presented by activewear company, Liquido, who recently opened their North American Headquarters in Asheville, and locally presented by Wick and Greene Jewelers, has grown steadily from one small grassroots gathering with just 30 people in Denver, Colorado to one of the fastest growing, family-friendly, […]

GulfStream Communications and Ashvegas launch new website, Asheville Grit

Here’s the press release from GulfStream Communications, which also produces WNC Magazine: ASHEVILLE, NC – GulfStream Communications launched Ashevillegrit.com May 22, 2014. Asheville Grit is a curated, online collective comprised of independent Asheville-area voices and features opinions on arts, music, events, food, outdoors, and more in a new, free-form venue. Working together with Ashevegas.com, the […]

Carolina Public Press hosting series of meetups across WNC

Here’s the announcement via Carolina Public Press: Let’s talk unbiased, in-depth and investigative journalism in Western North Carolina — from Asheville to Murphy, from Boone to Brevard. Carolina Public Press’s award-winning staff will be visiting all 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina in the coming months to host a meetup with readers, donors, volunteers and […]

AC-T: What’s next for Caleb? Lots, but no trip to Asheville

Here’s an excerpt from the Asheville Citizen-Times article: So what’s next for newly crowned “American Idol” winner Caleb Johnson? Tons of work, but probably not a visit home to Asheville. Asked Wednesday when he’ll get back to his roots again, he said sadly, “You know, I don’t know. I don’t know. I have no idea. […]

RiverMusic to feature special beer and food pairings

Here’s the press release from RiverLink: RiverLink’s 2014 RiverMusic summer concert series kicks off May 30 at 144 Riverside Drive in the River Arts District with great music from two outstanding bands — West Coast funksters Orgone, and locals The Horse You Rode In On. RiverMusic is also celebrating Asheville’s great craft beer and food […]

Buncombe agency recommends $1.17 million for nonprofits­, denies Moogfest applicatio­n

The Buncombe County Culture and Recreation Authority recommended $1.17 million in grants to a list of 15 local nonprofit organizations — far less than the $3.86 million they requested, but more than twice as much as County Manager Wanda Greene is recommending as she prepares to craft the county budget for the next fiscal year.