FROM DENR: RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) filed briefs [on Aug. 12] that would hold Duke Energy accountable for the cleanup of its 14 coal ash facilities throughout North Carolina and protect the public’s right to provide its input. The filings oppose Duke Energy and the Southern Environmental Law Center’s […]
News Bulletins
American-made outdoor gear store launches locally
From Wild American Gear: ASHEVILLE, NC, Aug. 24, 2015 – Stevin Westcott, former spokesman for the four national forests in North Carolina, today unveiled a new online store that features only American made outdoor recreation products. WILD AMERICAN GEAR TM , found online at www.wildamericangear.com, offers quality clothing and gear for hikers, bikers, joggers, anglers, […]
Preliminary success in the treatment of bats with White Nose Syndrome
[White nose syndrome] has killed at least 5.7 million bats since it arrived in North America in 2006. Some winter colonies have seen 100% fatality. The impact of this disease is unprecedented. Since bats are the primary predators of night-flying insects, we can expect to see significant ecosystem changes in the coming years. The little brown […]
Different Strokes! stages “The Shape of Things” with two casts
Local theater company Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective will open The Shape of Things on Thursday, Sept. 3. The play will be staged with two different casts “to explore gender bias and sexuality in regards to relationship intimacy and sacrifice,” according to a press release. Press release from the theater company: Next up in our […]
Mission Health’s Heart Center earns national award for cardiac care
From a press release: Mission Heart continues to receive national recognition for the outstanding cardiac care provided by its physicians and caregivers. Mission Heart has earned the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR ACTION Registry–GWTG Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2015. Mission Hospital is among just 319 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes […]
Diamond Brand hosts an outdoor demo day at Highland Brewing, Sept. 20
Diamond Brand Outdoors has planned a demo day with gear to try out, live music and more. The event takes place at Highland Brewing on Sunday, Sept. 20. Press release from event organizers: Diamond Brand Outdoors, Western North Carolina’s oldest and local outdoor gear shop, will be hosting an Outdoor Demo Day at Highland Brewing […]
“Keeping the Fires Burning” series launches with songcatcher Betty Smith, Sept. 17
Ballad singer, storyteller and traditional music preservationist Betty Smith is the first featured presenter in “Keeping the Fires Burning,” a series created by The Center for Cultural Preservation. Smith appears on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Patton Building Room 150 on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College. Press release from event organizers: […]
51 Coxe food-truck court and commissary announces grand opening
PRESS RELEASE from 51 Coxe: ASHEVILLE, NC – 51 Coxe is pleased to announce that it will hold a Grand Opening Celebration for its newly renovated Food Truck Court, Commissary and Beverage Service onsite at 51 Coxe Avenue at 4pm-6pm on September 11, 2015. We are happy to introduce our services for the food truck […]
Disability leads to American-only products e-commerce site
Announcement from Wild American Gear: Stevin Westcott, former spokesman for the four national forests in North Carolina, today unveiled a new online store that features only American made outdoor recreation products. WILD AMERICAN GEAR TM , found online at www.wildamericangear.com, offers quality clothing and gear for hikers, bikers, joggers, anglers, golfers and other outdoor recreationists. […]
Buncombe county property sales of note August 4-14, 2015
The biggest sale of the period was 421 Airport Road, an undeveloped piece of land across from the large shopping center near the Asheville Airport. Mr. Leon Lance sold the property for $3,204,000 (approximately twice its taxed value) to MPG Kernersville LLC, a business entity that has been linked to Walgreen’s. A likely outcome could […]
Kona Ice now serving Asheville
From Kona Ice: ASHEVILLE, N.C.– Bringing tropical tunes and cups of shaved ice everywhere it stops, Kona Ice is introducing Asheville to its distinctive blend of entertainment and gourmet frozen treats. The Kona Ice experience is unlike any other in the area. “The communities’ first taste of our cool treats and colorful truck will keep […]
Pisgah Brewing releases new sour beer, Aug. 28
From Pisgah Brewing Company: Pisgah Brewing Company is set to release its latest beer in their sour series, Pisgah Rouge – an Old Bruin Sour Brown Ale finished with Cherries- on Friday, August 28th at 6pm. Pisgah channeled the spirit of the Flemish brewers in this beer, aging it for many months in oak barrels with a secondary fermentation then […]
Habitat’s 2015 ReStore ReUse Contest finishing soon
Announcement from Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity: The Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village reminds residents that its fourth annual ReStore ReUse Contest ends on Monday, August 31 at midnight. For inspiration, visit the organization’s Flickr page and view albums from past year’s contests. The purpose of the contest is to […]
Smokies Telethon Tops $200,000 for 2nd Year
Press release from Friends of the Smokies: WAYNESVILLE, NC – Friends of the Smokies raised $202,351 Thursday through its 21st annual “Friends Across the Mountains” telethon thanks to hundreds of callers, online donations and help from sponsors Dollywood, Mast General Store, Pilot Flying J, and Tennessee State Bank. Since 1995, Friends of the Smokies’ telethons […]
Video: Citizen-Times hosts Asheville City Council candidate forum
On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Asheville Citizen-Times hosted a forum introducing the 15 Asheville City Council candidates. Link to video and list of start times included.
Gordon Smith announces intention to run for county commission
In the midst of a city council race in Asheville with an abnormally large number of candidates, next year’s local political races are already heating up. In the latest development on the 2016 county elections front, second term Asheville City Council member Gordon Smith is announcing a move toward candidacy for the Buncombe County Commission. Smith has focused heavily […]
Local solar company urges Duke Energy to support extension of renewable energy tax credit
Weaverville-based solar energy company Sundance Power Systems along with three other North Carolina rooftop solar providers has issued a public statement calling on Duke Energy to support an extension of the Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit. The credit is set to expire at the end of this year. While the N.C. House does include a […]
AAAC, Asheville Art Museum, Carolina Public Press among recipients of Community Foundation grants
From The Community Foundation Press Release Four Natural and Cultural Resources Focus Area Grants totaling $110,000 were recently awarded to the Asheville Area Arts Council, Asheville Art Museum, Carolina Public Press and NC International Folk Festival/Folkmoot by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Natural and Cultural Resources is a focus area for the Foundation, […]
John Wilson Community Garden in Black Mountain to hold Concert in the Garden
From The Dr. John Wilson Community Garden Press release The Dr. John Wilson Community Garden will host a concert in the garden on August 29. The evening will feature Aditi Sethi and Jay Brown with special guests Kiah Abendroth and River Guerguerian. A brief tour of the community garden will begin promptly at 6 p.m. […]
WNC Magazine calls for submissions for photo contest
WNC Magazine is calling for submissions to their annual “Images of Western North Carolina” photo contest, according to an email sent out by the publication. The deadline for submitting photo entries is September 30. The bi-monthly publication is looking for photographs and images depicting scenes from around the region that illustrate the natural beauty and […]
Vote for your favorite “Town for Craft Lovers” through Aug. 30
American Craft Week takes place Oct. 2-11 this year. In advance, craft week organizers are running a poll to determine America’s Top 10 Towns for Craft Lovers. You can vote once a day until Sunday, Aug. 30. Currently, the top four place holders are St. Petersburg, Fla.; Brattleboro, Vt.; Alexandria, Va.; and Asheville. Go here […]