As London plays host to the world during the Summer Olympics, Academic Year in America (AYA) is looking for Asheville area families to play host to the world by welcoming an exchange student into their home for 4 to 6 weeks. This year, AYA is bringing hundreds of high school students age 15 to 18½ […]
News Bulletins
American Red Cross urges public to give more blood during summer months
From the press release from the American Red Cross: BUNCOMBE COUNTY, August 9, 2012 – The American Red Cross is encouraged by a boost in donations since the organization issued an emergency appeal for blood donors. However, additional donations are needed to ensure an adequate supply is available through the end of the summer. “We […]
Mountain BizWorks secures $300,000 federal grant
U.S. Department of Treasury CDFI Fund Awards $300,000 to Mountain BizWorks Mountain BizWorks has been awarded $300,000 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. This grant is intended to help Mountain BizWorks secure investments of private loan capital from individuals and institutions in western North Carolina. Mountain BizWorks uses […]
Public invited to listen to conference call meeting of N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund Board
From the press release from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources: RALEIGH – People are invited to join next week’s conference call meeting of the board of trustees for the N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund, one of the state’s four funding mechanisms used to conserve important natural areas. The conference call will be […]
North Carolina ranks no. 8 among 20 worst states for power-plant air pollution, says nonprofit
PRESS RELEASE North Carolina Ranks Among 20 Worst States for Toxic Air Pollution from Power Plants Power Plants Are Huge Factor in North Carolina’s Overall Pollution Picture, Including Toxic Mercury Emissions RALEIGH, NC (August 9, 2012) – North Carolina is the 8th worst state in the nation when it comes to exposing residents to toxic […]
Rep. Shuler Endorses Rogers for Congress
Here’s the press release from the Rogers campaign: Brasstown, NC – Hayden Rogers, Democratic nominee in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, picked up a major endorsement today from current 11th District Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville). “During my time in Congress, I have witnessed firsthand how the erosion of common sense, statesmanship, and values in Washington […]
AC-T: Commissioners explain vote on sexual orientation protection
Here’s an excerpt from the Asheville Citizen-Times article: Two commissioners who voted against protecting Buncombe County employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation dismissed the idea Wednesday as unnecessary and potentially costly. A proposed rewrite of county personnel policies lists 11 different factors, from race to veteran status, that could not be considered when making […]
Chimney Rock hosts annual “Buzz on Bees” event Saturday, Aug. 18
PRESS RELEASE Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will host its second annual “Buzz on Bees” Saturday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park. “Buzz on Bees” is designed to bring public awareness to the importance of honey bees, the dangers they now face and what people can do to help […]
Fundraiser will determine the ‘Most Epic Tempeh Reuben’ in Asheville
From MANNA FoodBank: It started like all great ideas start: with too much coffee. One morning not too long ago, Tyler Hallock, owner of TopFloorStudio, June Thomas, a partner in Nine Mile Restaurant, and J. Clarkson, a staff member at MANNA FoodBank, were exchanging caffeine-laced messages on Twitter about their love for, and skills at […]
Sen. Kay Hagan to visit Minnie Jones Health Center in Asheville Aug. 9
Here’s the info from the office of Senator Kay Hagan: Greensboro, NC – In celebration of National Health Center Week, U.S. Senator Kay Hagan will visit the Minnie Jones Health Center in Asheville TOMORROW, August 9. Hagan will be joined during the visit by CEO Carlos Gomez and co-founder Minnie Jones. Hagan will be available […]
N.C. State conducts national study on genetically engineered mosquitoes
From the press release: Researchers from North Carolina State University have conducted the first nationally representative survey in the United States to gauge public opinion on the use of genetic manipulations to drive down mosquito populations and related diseases. While public support varies, depending on how the mosquitoes are characterized, a plurality opposes the effort […]
Animal Compassion Network seeks volunteers for the inaugural Dog Days Festival
Animal Compassion Network seeks volunteers for the inaugural Dog Days Festival, slated for Saturday, August 18, at Carrier Park. From Shawna Gilmore, ACN’s Volunteer Coordinator: Hello Rescue Partners / ACN Volunteers! Please take a moment to look over the “short list” of our HELP WANTED for the volunteer department at ACN. 1) Recruiting another dozen […]
Park Ridge Health golf tournament raises $55,000 for upcoming renovations
From the press release from Park Ridge Health: Hendersonville, N.C. (August 8, 2012) – The Park Ridge Health Foundation welcomed 120 golfers to its 13th Annual Partners in Health Golf Classic on Monday. The annual golf classic was held at Champion Hill Club and raised nearly $55,000 to support upcoming renovations at Park Ridge Health, […]
North Carolina named one of the “toxic 20 states” with the worst power plant pollution
From the press release: RALEIGH, NC. – A new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) will rank North Carolina as one of the “Toxic 20” worst states in terms of toxic air pollution from electric power plants. Using the latest federal Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data, NRDC will hold a phone-based news conference […]
Grand Bohemian gets Travel+Leisure World’s “Best” award
PRESS RELEASE Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville — a Kessler Collection boutique hideaway in Biltmore Village — was recently honored with a 2012 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Award, an outstanding distinction from the leading and most well-read travel publication in the United States. Landing a spot in the Top Large City Hotels category, Grand Bohemian […]
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission puts hold on S.C. nuke plant
From Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL): The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) acted today to put a hold on at least 19 pending reactor reviews – nine construction & operating licenses (including Duke Energy Carolinas William States Lee in Gaffney, SC), eight license renewal, one operating license, and one early site permit – in […]
Campaign trail: Fraternal Order of Police endorses Dalton for governor
PRESS RELEASE: The North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police announced today their endorsement of Walter Dalton for Governor. The organization, comprised of over 6,300 active and retired police and law enforcement officers from around the state, cited Dalton’s commitment to law enforcement issues throughout his career. FOP President Randy Hagler said, “Lt. Governor Dalton is […]
In 2007 shooting case, Appeals Court allows lawsuit against Asheville police to go forward
FROM THE ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES: The N.C. Court of Appeals ruled a woman who was shot while riding as a passenger during a car chase can move forward with her lawsuit against city officers who shot at the vehicle several times. Mary Ann Wilcox was hit by two bullets and suffered injuries to her liver, leg […]
Tools for Schools starts today at Ingles locations throughout WNC
From Eblen Charities: Summer is winding down which means thousands of students will again be filing through the hallways of schools all across our community. Refreshed, students and teachers will be excited and anxious to embark on another school year. Many, however, may find their book bags, back packs and classroom supply closets empty when […]
Lowering of U.S. and N.C. flags from August 7-10 in tribute to victims of Wisconsin shooting
From the Office of the Governor: Gov. Bev Perdue today ordered the United States and North Carolina flags to be lowered to half-staff on all state facilities from Tuesday, August 7, through sunset August 10 in tribute to the victims of the shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Citizens and local governments are encouraged to fly […]
Asheville student wins photo award
The Catawba Valley Community College Photographic Technology student Chris Wood recently received the first Carl Moser Memorial Scholarship from the Catawba Valley Camera Club. Presented by Catawba Valley Camera Club president Rick Bell, the scholarship honors noted Catawba Valley photographer Carl Moser who passed away earlier this year. He was one of the club’s founding […]