From the Community Foundation of Hendersonville: Hendersonville, N.C., Dec. 21, 2012: During this holiday season as many of us race around trying to find that perfect gift for people on our gift-giving lists, donors at the Community Foundation of Henderson County have discovered a way to give throughout the year. Caring donors from all walks […]
News Bulletins
EPA releases update on fracking study
From the Environmental Protection Agency: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today provided an update on its ongoing national study currently underway to better understand any potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Results of the study, which Congress requested EPA to complete, are expected to be released in a draft […]
Local group planning a public charter middle, high school; seeks public comment
Press release The Franklin School of Innovation A group of local parents and educators are preparing to take the first formal step toward opening a public charter middle and high school in the Asheville/Buncombe County area. Founder Michelle Vruwink, an education policy consultant and parent, said The Franklin School of Innovation will file a Letter […]
Six-week women’s career exploration group starts Jan. 23
Press release Women face numerous challenges managing a career in today’s labor workforce. With women comprising 46 percent of the U.S. workforce, having solutions for these challenges can create a solid foundation for planning a career that is a good fit both personally and professionally. With all the career options now available to women, it […]
RiverLink honors volunteers and businesses for efforts to improve French Broad
Here’s the message from RiverLink, via the nonprofit organization’s email newsletter: RiverLink announces 2012 RiverBusiness and CriticaLink Award winners Each year the RiverLink board of directors honors non-board members who serve as examples of exceptional volunteerism providing RiverLink with goods and/or services that have made a significant difference in RiverLink’s successful programming. The board is […]
Asheville Art Museum asks for support
Here’s the message from the Asheville Art Museum via its email newsletter. Click the link at the bottom of this page for more info. Dear Museum members & friends: As 2012 comes to a close, we’d like to express our deepest gratitude to you for making 2012 such a successful, inspiring and exciting year at […]
AC-T: 2012 warmest on record in Asheville
Here’s an excerpt from the Asheville Citizen-Times article: While a return to seasonably cool temperatures arrived just in time for the holidays, Asheville is on the brink of marking its warmest year on record. A combination of a mild winter last year, a very warm spring and slightly warmer than average summer sent 2012 soaring […]
Buncombe landfill will mulch your Christmas tree for free
Here’s the information via the Buncombe County website: After the holidays, the Buncombe County Landfill accepts real, fresh-cut Christmas trees at no charge from residents. Please remove all of the decorations, ornament hooks, lights, garland, and tinsel, as well as the stand. The trees will be chipped and turned into mulch, so make sure that […]
Progress, Duke Energy want lower solar-energy payments, News&Observer reports
From the Raleigh News&Observer “Progress, Duke want to slash payments for green energy,” by John Morawski At a time that Progress Energy is seeking a 14 percent rate increase for residential customers in North Carolina, the Raleigh power company wants to slash payments as much as 29 percent for electricity it buys from solar generators […]
Record wind gust recorded at Grandfather Mountain last Friday
Record wind gust recorded at Grandfather Mountain last Friday, the Associated Press reports (via the Asheville Citizen-Times. Officials at the mountain say the wind gusted to 120.7 mph for three seconds last Friday. That broke the record three-second gust of 114.7 mph set on Jan. 26, 2011. …
Asheville on Bikes: 1,800 bikes corralled in 2012, thanks to volunteers
Newsletter excerpt from Asheville on Bikes During this year’s six-month-long corral season, AoB expanded its corral services, adding dates like RiverMUSIC and Tour de Toubab. Corral numbers increased dramatically, thanks to volunteers’ efforts to educate the public on the availability of free, secure bike parking. Some individual events saw as much as 90% growth over […]
Two pedestrians killed in separate incidents Sat. evening—UPDATED
Press release from Asheville Police Department The Asheville Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is currently investigating two separate traffic fatalities. Both accidents involve a vehicle striking a pedestrian in the roadway. The first accident was reported at 6:08 pm at 314 Airport Road. The second accident was reported at 6:17 pm at 1073 Patton Avenue. […]
Diamond Brand donates $44,000 to community groups in 2012
Press release From Diamond Brand ARDEN, N.C. – In 2012, Diamond Brand once again demonstrated its pride in being a part of the Western North Carolina community, by supporting area charities with over $44,000 in donations and countless hours of service. Diamond Brand has manufactured goods in Western North Carolina since 1943 and opened Western […]
ACT: Jury says insurance not liable in Richmond Hill fire; owners “participated” in blaze
The Asheville Citizen-Times’ Clarke Morrison reports, A federal jury ruled that the former owner of the Richmond Hill Inn participated in the intentional burning of the historic structure nearly four years ago. The judgment in a lawsuit means the ownership group, The Hammocks LLC, won’t be able to collect on a $6 million insurance policy […]
Citizens-Times: Henderson County may play role in Asheville water system decisions
An effort to put a long-term solution in place for sewer customers in northern Henderson County may complicate a possible merger of water and sewer systems in Buncombe County, according to a Dec. 22 report by the Asheville Citizen-Times.
Christmas trees will be free mulch in Hendersonville Jan. 5
from Hendersonville Times-News Henderson County’s annual Christmas tree recycling event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 at Jackson Park. Trees will be chipped into mulch, a fragrantly fresh pile of chips will be available for free gathering and hot apple cider will be served by volunteers with the Environmental […]
Downtown Hendersonville to replace street trees
Press release from City of Hendersonville Main Street, Hendersonville: Some of the trees which the city says it must replace. (Photo by Bill Rhodes) The City of Hendersonville and Historic Downtown Hendersonville are preparing to begin construction on Phase III of the Main Street Infrastructure and Streetscape Rehabilitation project. One of the first and most […]
Severe drought returns to southwestern North Carolina
Here’s the press release from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources: RALEIGH – Severe drought has returned to North Carolina for the first time since February and prompted state officials to encourage people to pay attention in case local communities enact water saving measures. “At this point, public water supplies are fine in […]
Most highway construction in N.C. suspended for holiday period
Press release from NC DOT As families begin their travels this holiday season, the N.C. Department of Transportation is suspending most road construction activities on major routes across the state in hopes of making the trip a little smoother. Most construction projects along interstate, N.C. and U.S. routes will be suspended beginning at 4 p.m. […]
Over 100 new solar jobs in Fletcher, reports Hendersonville Times-News
from Hendersonville Times-News Zentric Inc. announced their plans today to consolidate and relocate operations of the company’s headquarters to Fletcher, according to a news release. The company plans to create 116 new jobs and invest $7 million in real and business personal property over the next few years. The location decision marks Zentric’s emergence from […]
Mission Health increases restrictions on visitations as flu precaution
Press release From Mission Health ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 20, 2012) – Mission Health is restricting visitors to its hospitals because of an increase in reported influenza-like illness throughout North Carolina. Only immediate family members over 12 will be permitted in patient care areas. This precaution is being implemented at Mission Hospital and all Mission Health […]