The Raleigh News&Observer reports that natural-gas reserves in North Carolina may be a fraction of what’s been estimated recently: Fracking was originally billed as the golden key to unlocking a 40-year supply of natural gas and reversing North Carolina’s dependency on other states for energy. Proponents said it was the state’s ticket to an economic […]
News Bulletins
Power of the Purse luncheon: Gloria Steinem speaks, $252,000 grants awarded to WNC nonprofits
From the press release from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina: (May 21 – Asheville, NC) – Gloria Steinem addressed a sold-out crowd of 1,100 at the 8th annual Power of the Purse luncheon today. The event took place at The Crowne Plaza resort in Asheville and included the announcement of $252,000 in grants […]
Public hearing about eugenics compensation bill scheduled for today at 2 p.m.
From the press release: RALEIGH – A session of the N.C. House of Representatives has been scheduled for 2 p.m. today, causing the delay of a previously scheduled Judiciary Committee meeting at the same time that includes a public hearing regarding H947, the Eugenics Compensation Program bill. The bill currently has 53 co-sponsors in the […]
Autumn Skye Baird receives Elmer & Irene Hooper civic leadership scholarship
Irene Hooper presented to Autumn Skye Baird the Elmer & Irene Hooper Civic Leadership Scholarship Award on May 18 at the graduation ceremonies of Blue Ridge Early College in Glenville. From the press release: Established in memory of Elmer Hooper by his wife Irene Hooper, and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, the fund provides financial […]
Gov. Perdue issues statement on executive order about fracking
FROM N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue: “North Carolina needs a strong set of standards in place before we allow fracking here. If done safely, fracking can be part of a larger energy solution to create jobs and help lower energy costs. Before we permit anyone to ‘frack’ in North Carolina, however, we must hear from all […]
Memorial Day approaches, city and county pools open soon
Buncombe County pools will open to the public beginning Memorial Day Weekend. The pools open for the season when schools are out for summer break & remain open daily until school begins in August. Pool hours: Monday – Friday (Noon – 5:45 p.m.) Saturday (11 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.) Sunday (1 – 6:45 p.m.) The […]
ECO hosts forum on fracking, Thursday, May 31, in Hendersonville
FROM the ENVIRONMENTAL & CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION (Hendersonville) full press release Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is currently illegal in North Carolina, but that could change in a matter of days. Fracking is a method of horizontal drilling that’s used for the exploration and production of shale gas that involves the high-pressure injection of water and chemicals […]
UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library to host travelling show on Marion Manufacturing
From UNC Ashevile news services: “Woven Together: Marion Manufacturing and McDowell County,” a Western North Carolina traveling exhibition telling the story of the Marion Manufacturing textile mill, will open on June 4 in Blowers Gallery in UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library. Marion Manufacturing employed more than 600 people in the 1920s, and was integral to most […]
Citizens capture downtown purse theft suspect
Release from the Asheville Police Department On Monday, 05-21-12, at approx. 10:04 pm, Officers with the Asheville Police Department received a call in reference to a fight in progress near the intersection of Patton Ave. and Coxe Ave. Upon arrival officers observed two subjects physically detaining our suspect, 26 year old Christopher Richard Word, and […]
West Asheville open studios stroll set for June 9-10th
Join us for our open studios. Come in for a behind the scenes look at one of Asheville’s most vibrant art communities. West Asheville is home to a progressive group of artists and artist supported businesses. We will be opening up our spaces to the public June 9th and 10th from 10 am. to 6 […]
Flash flooding along Flat Creek near Weaverville reported UPDATED
According to WLOS and reports from the Buncombe Emergency Operations Center, there are people in need of evacuation along Flat Creek near Weaverville in northern Buncombe County. The EOC is asking for boats to assist people at this time. UPDATE: The Skyland and Swannanoa Fire Departments have sent boats to assist, along with Asheville and […]
Salmonella outbreak count up to 83, says Food Poison Journal
The Salmonella Paratyphi B outbreak caused by tainted starter culture in Smiling Hara tempeh is still climbing, say officials. 83 people had been sickened by salmonella as of Friday afternoon, of which 62 are Buncombe County residents. “The total count includes cases of people who visited or otherwise had connections to Buncombe County and were […]
Mountain BizWorks announces it will close Hendersonville field office
From the press release from Mountain BizWorks: Asheville, NC – May 21, 2012: Today, Mountain BizWorks announced that it will close its Hendersonville field office on May 31 in conjunction with the closing of its Sylva field office on June 30. According to CEO Shaw Canale, “this is a strategic decision where we are not […]
Public forum on fracking to be held Thursday in Hendersonville
From the press release: (HENDERSONVILLE, NC, May 21, 2012) – Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is currently illegal in North Carolina, but that could change in a matter of days. Fracking is a method of horizontal drilling that’s used for the exploration and production of shale gas that involves the high-pressure injection of water and chemicals […]
Former Asheville School headmaster of external affairs receives school’s highest honor
From the press release from the Asheville School: ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 21, 2012) The Asheville School Board of Trustees recently honored former Assistant Headmaster for External Affairs, Raymond G. Cruitt, with the school’s Award of Merit – the highest honor the school bestows. Cruitt, who served atAsheville School from 1984 to 2002, received the award […]
Asheville Green Drinks hosts Bruce Niles May 23 for launch of local Beyond Coal initiative
FROM ASHEVILLE GREEN DRINKS (full press release) Join Bruce Nilles, the Sierra Club’s Senior Director of the national Beyond Coal Campaign, to help launch Asheville Beyond Coal! Named by Rolling Stone as one of American’s 100 Agents of Change, Bruce Nilles has a decade long history of fighting the coal industry and winning. Since 2002, […]
Mission Hospital introduces new stroke technology to help patients
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 21, 2012) – Mission Hospital recently introduced cutting edge stroke technology that will significantly improve the outcomes of patients suffering from a stroke. The Solitaire FR is an example of the new generation of revascularization devices intended to restore blood flow to the brain in patients suffering acute ischemic stroke. These devices […]
Free Christian health class begins June 14
From the press release from Park Ridge Health: Hendersonville, N.C. (May 21, 2012) – Community members are invited to a free , eight-week lifestyle transformation class hosted by Park Ridge Health at The Health Adventure in Biltmore Square Mall. Discover the “8 Laws of Health” – Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook and […]
Politics Now: GOP’s not worried about securing 10th District win
Here’s an excerpt of the Asheville Citizen-Times column by Jon Ostendorff: Almost as soon as the ink dried on the primary election results, the Republicans started tossing bombs at Democratic nominee Hayden Rogers in the 11th Congressional District. That’s a sign they are worried about him. And they should be. He’s a conservative Democrat with […]
Changes to Asheville’s transit system launch today; bus fare is free through June 8
For more in-depth coverage of the issues surrounding the changes to the transit system, check out Xpress’ previous cover story here. Xpress also has more on Strive Not to Drive Week here. Here’s the press release from the city of Asheville: Asheville Redefines Transit launch Monday, May 21 Ride fare free for the first three […]
Fletcher Community Park selected as best park in WNC
From the press release: Fletcher, NC – Fletcher Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce that the Fletcher Community Park has been selected “Best Park in WNC” for the fourth year in a row by WNC Parents Magazine Family Choice Awards.” This is a great honor for our Park, the Fletcher community and a reflection […]