Author: Xpress Contributor
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Exploring the Swannanoa Gap
The route through the Swannanoa Gap — where present-day Old U.S. 70 and Mill Creek Road intersect — was first carved out by Archaic Indians as they came up out of the Appalachian foothills and followed Swannanoa Creek on the way to hunting and gathering opportunities in the mountains. Later, Buncombe County’s first white settlers climbed through the gap as they moved into the area. Historian Dan Pierce shares the gap’s history and culture, as well as suggestions for exploration.
From CPP: Program supports WNC farmers and offers food relief during pandemic
With farmers losing access to customers and many people facing food insecurity during pandemic, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project offers a solution.
Help protect water quality in WNC’s national forests
“Right now, the U.S. Forest Service is drafting the next forest management plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests … and, unfortunately, the current draft is inadequate in a few very important ways when it comes to protecting water quality.”
WNC’s Latino farmworkers feel COVID-19 impacts
As “congregate living settings,” migrant farmworker camps have been listed as high-risk locations for virus transmission — not just by counties throughout Western North Carolina, but by state health officials and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Asheville hip-hop pioneer MC Huggs remembered for his talents and generosity
Fellow local hip-hop artist Michael “Foul Mouth Jerk” Capra pays tribute to his late friend, who laid the foundation for Asheville’s rap scene.
From CPP: Governor: Masks mandatory in NC; Phase 2 restrictions extended
Masks will be required in public places on honor system except when eating or drinking. Businesses that don’t require masks may be cited.
From North Carolina Health News: As COVID-19 threatened western N.C., a new approach to fighting it in long-term care
Well before COVID-19 hit Western North Carolina, Henderson County formed a strike team to respond to outbreak in long-term care facilities. As the months wore on, the team proved invaluable to staff and residents at Cherry Springs Village, an assisted living facility in Hendersonville.
J Hackett on wounds old and new
J Hackett spoke with Xpress on June 2 about his experiences as a black community leader during the coronavirus pandemic and, now, the protests and grief experienced locally in response to George Floyd’s death on May 25 at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis.
From CPP: Asheville police action at protest medic station draws outrage
Police chief describes strike against medic station as preemptive because water bottles have been thrown on previous nights.
From CPP: Media coalition sues Cooper, cabinet agencies for COVID-19 records
Carolina Public Press and other news media organizations filed a lawsuit May 28 to obtain public records relating to state’s tracking and handling of COVID-19 crisis.
A portrait from Hot Springs during COVID-19
As of May 25, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, there are zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hot Springs. However, the town is still following statewide protocols to help flatten the curve of coronavirus infections, and businesses such as Laughing Heart Lodge have borne the impacts.
Hispanic family tests positive for COVID-19
No one ever plans on getting sick, says Lucy Ortiz, a mother of six in Henderson County. Four members of her family have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, including her 17-month-old son.
McGrady notes political differences on face coverings
‘I had to laugh when I heard a staffer quip that he never expected wearing or not wearing a mask would become a partisan fashion statement,’ observes state Rep. Chuck McGrady, R-Henderson.
From CPP: Asheville homeless sheltered in civic center, move to motel
Homeward Bound and city of Asheville coordinate to place homeless residents during pandemic at motel, as innovative stopgap at civic center winds down.
From CPP: HCA files first annual report since acquiring Mission
On May 1, Greg Lowe, president of HCA’s North Carolina Division, shared the Nashville, Tenn.-based health care giant’s summary of its first-year performance with four parties.
From CPP: Western NC counties adjust 2nd primary plans due to pandemic
Adjustments for a second round of primary voting in NC congressional District 11 could be preview of what whole state will face in November.
From CPP: NC death records: Many dying with symptoms like COVID-19
Investigative reporters reviewed thousands of death certificates statewide to reveal a complicated picture of who is dying from illness related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From CPP: Buncombe launches online emergency platform during pandemic
Carolina Public Press reports: Buncombe County’s newly launched opt-in program, Community Connect, will allow residents to create accounts and provide first responders with such potentially lifesaving information. Flinn led the creation of the program.
Parenting in the age of social distancing
“I slowed my pace, and after I stopped nagging — I mean, yapping — we all felt more relaxed.”
From CPP: Coronavirus forces changes in forest plan public meeting schedule
All meetings on the U.S. Forest Service schedule of open house sessions planned for March across Western North Carolina have been cancelled, with the 90-day comment period underway.