The total fiscal 2020-2021 city budget proposal stands at $184.6 million, a 3% decrease from last year’s total of $190.3 million, and will continue funding for existing services while limiting new programs, service enhancements and initiatives. The property tax rate would remain the same under the proposal, and no fee increases are recommended.
Author: Molly Horak
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May 23 marks state’s new largest rise in COVID-19 cases
The record daily increase of 1,107 cases is up from a previous high of 853 cases on May 16. The bump came just one day after restaurants, breweries, personal care services and pools were permitted to reopen at 50% capacity as the state moved into Phase 2 of its three-part reopening plan.
Asheville City Council considers housing incentives on May 26
Council members will consider approving multiple incentives for projects at 11 Collier Avenue and 2 Restaurant Court. The first would receive a Land Use Incentive Grant of more than $383,000, while the second would get a LUIG of more than $289,000, as well as a $1 million loan from the city’s Housing Trust Fund.
Buncombe to require face coverings in all indoor public facilities
A new county policy to require the wearing of face coverings at all indoor public facilities will go into effect on Tuesday, May 26, at 7 a.m., announced Brownie Newman, chair of the Buncombe Board of Commissioners, during a May 22 press conference. The county commissioners passed a resolution directing staff to develop the policy […]
Restaurants, salons set to open May 22 as NC begins Phase 2 reopening
Restaurants, pools and personal care services — including salons and barber shops — will be allowed to open at 50% capacity, while child care facilities, day camps and overnight camps can open with “enhanced cleaning and screening requirements.”
Retail businesses weigh options as COVID-19 restrictions lift
For some store owners, the highly anticipated May 9 move of North Carolina into Phase 1 of reopening was a signal that an end to their financial woes might be in sight. Others felt the move came too soon and remained closed to protect the safety of their staff and customers.
Buncombe reports first COVID-19 death from long-term care facility
Four nursing homes and long-term care facilities in Buncombe County are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, announced Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, the county’s interim health director, at a May 18 press conference. The county has not yet disclosed the names of two of the facilities reporting outbreaks.
Buncombe reports COVID-19 outbreaks in two long-term care facilities
County officials said Aston Park Health Care Center and Deerfield Retirement Episcopal Skilled Nursing Home both had active outbreaks of the disease, defined by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services as two or more lab-confirmed cases in staff or residents. They did not share the specific number of cases reported for each outbreak.
Mission Health resumes elective procedures, maintains visitor restrictions
To date, 34 patients with COVID-19 have visited a Mission facility for treatment, said Dr. William Hathaway, the system’s chief medical officer, during a May 11 press conference. Two individuals with the coronavirus are currently receiving care at Mission, which he said has sufficient capacity of ventilators, personal protective equipment and intensive care beds.
Buncombe revises tourism limits as state moves into Phase 1
The county, which had previously prohibited all leisure travel, will now limit reservations to “staycations” for Western North Carolina residents with an 828 area code. Occupancy is restricted to 50%, and visitors who are not part of the same family or household cannot occupy adjacent rooms.
A key element in state plans for easing restrictions gears up
Local contact tracers describe the methods used for notifying a person they’ve tested positive for COVID-19 — and what comes next. As the state formulates a plan to slowly ease restrictions on public life, contact tracing will be a key part of the strategy, and hundreds of new workers will be needed to help handle the load.
Conscious Party: Craft After Dark
WHAT: An after-party to benefit the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design WHEN: Thursday, August 10, 8-10 p.m. WHERE: 67 Broadway WHY: Following the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design’s fundraising dinner, the public is invited to attend Craft After Dark: an after-party and open house showcasing exhibits and local artistic talent. Eight artists will […]
No vacation from hunger: Addressing summer food insecurity in WNC’s rural communities
Food access can be a huge challenge for families in WNC’s hard-to-reach rural areas — especially during summer break when children are not receiving school lunch assistance.
Conscious Party: My Sistah Taught Me That fashion show
WHAT: The second annual My Sistah Taught Me That fashion show WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 6, 3-5:30 p.m. WHERE: Celine’s on Broadway WHY: From dance performances to marching down the catwalk, the girls of My Sistah Taught Me That have dedicated the last few months preparing for their second annual fashion show fundraiser. “This year, the […]
Semper Fi Fund and NOC introduce service members to the outdoors
Press release from the Nantahala Outdoors Center: WHO: Twenty-two service members from the Semper Fi Fund’s Team Semper Fi Program take on new challenges in their recoveries with the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. WHAT: Semper Fi Fund and Nantahala Outdoor Center inaugural outdoor pursuits camp in the scenic and peaceful Nantahala National Forest. Service […]
North Carolina Stage Company announces 2017-18 season
Press release from North Carolina Stage Company: The North Carolina Stage Company in downtown Asheville, North Carolina announces its 2017-2018 Season. Voted best local theatre by the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Poll on ten different occasions, North Carolina Stage Company has been producing professional theatre for Asheville residents and visitors since 2001. The upcoming […]
Festival celebrates story 450 years in the making
Press release: One of the most important yet least-known chapters of American history took place just north of Morganton, NC. You can celebrate this 450-year-old piece of Carolina history at the Remembering the Encounter: 450th Festival on Saturday, August 5 from 2pm-8pm at Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton. Burke County is home to the site of the first […]
Mahindra locates North American sales headquarters to Henderson County
Press release from Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development: Hendersonville, NC — Mahindra Vehicle Sales and Service, Inc. (MVSS) announced their North American office headquarters today in Henderson County, North Carolina. Mahindra has an established reputation for their farm equipment brand in the US, and is gaining attention for their internationally-recognized presence in the automotive […]
Trauma Intervention Program of WNC seeks volunteers
Press release from Trauma Intervention Program: The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina, a national nonprofit organization, works with local public safety officials in Buncombe County and the city of Hendersonville to provide emotional and practical support of citizens experiencing trauma 365 days per year, 24 hours a day. A TIP Chapter is a […]
Johnson Farm hosts two end-of-summer events for kids
Press Release from Johnson Farms: As summer winds down and families prepare for the new school year, Historic Johnson Farm celebrates the last of summer fun with two long-standing events. The LEGO Blast Competition to be held on Thursday, August 3 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. is open to rising 2nd through 6th grade […]
Health Care demonstration and rally will be held July 29
Press Release: On July 29, local affiliates of the Women’s March will hold a demonstration at Vance Monument in coordination with Our Lives on the Line, a massive nationwide day of action to lift the voices of the millions of Americans whose health care will be ripped away if Congressional Republicans continue with their plan to give […]