Press release from Western Carolina Rescue Ministries: Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) is the largest overnight emergency shelter which serves the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. Research indicates that our homeless population could be at a higher risk for infection of the coronavirus, as they often live in crowded conditions and […]
News Bulletins
Mills River Town Council member Richmond Meadows resigns
Press release from the Town of Mills River: At the conclusion of Mills River’s Town Council meeting on March 12, Councilman Richmond Meadows resigned from the Board. Originally elected in 2017, Meadows’ was a little more than two years into his four year term. Town Council will appoint a Mills River resident to fill this […]
March 19 public hearing for Biltmore Farms water quality cancelled
Press release from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality: The public hearing to gather comments on Biltmore Farms, LLC water quality certification, scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, has been cancelled based on the current guidance that gatherings of over 100 people should be avoided to help minimize the spread […]
N.C. State Health Plan offers emergency benefits in response to COVID-19
Press release from the N.C. Department of State Treasurer: State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, announced today that the State Health Plan (Plan) Board of Trustees (Board) authorized the Treasurer and executive administrator to take actions within their authority to preemptively address and quickly respond to COVID-19 for the benefit of Plan members without consultation […]
Asheville moves forward with Kenilworth and State Street bond projects
Press release from the City of Asheville: Spring’s warmer weather brings not only longer days — it jumpstarts the City of Asheville’s ability to make sidewalk repairs in preparation for paving season. After a rainy winter that hampered Public Works installations, such as on stormwater systems, contractors are mobilizing for work on two major thoroughfares […]
Hendersonville Symphony cancels all events until further notice
Press release from The Hendersonville Symphony: The safety and well-being of all our patrons and artists are of the highest priority for the Hendersonville Symphony. Based on the most current information and recommendations available and by mandate of the Governor of North Carolina concerning the COVID-19 and as our responsible effort to help control the […]
Buncombe County Schools remains open, announces virtual instruction program
Press release from Buncombe County Schools: Good afternoon, Buncombe County Schools Families & Employees: We want to update you on our latest efforts in response to COVID-19 and its effect on our state and region. We understand that there are rumors and misinformation circulating in the community and online. The Buncombe County Schools website and […]
Local courts to postpone most cases for at least 30 days
Press release from N.C. Chief Justice Cheri Beasley: RALEIGH – Chief Justice Cheri Beasley announced several directives today affecting the operation of the North Carolina court system aimed at protecting public safety during the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). In an order entered today, the Chief Justice has directed that local courts postpone most cases in district and superior court for at least 30 days. While the […]
Asheville Community Theatre announces COVID-19 cancellations
Press release from Asheville Community Theatre: The health and safety of everyone in our community is a top priority at ACT. From our patrons to our students, our volunteers to our staff, we want everyone to feel good – and so we have some cancellations to share with you. Governor Cooper has recommended that gatherings […]
Asheville state of emergency amended to limit gatherings on city property to 100 people
Press release from the City of Asheville: In concert with Buncombe County, on March 12, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a State of Emergency proclamation for the City of Asheville, based on the public health emergency posed by COVID-19. As part of the City’s State of Emergency, organized gatherings of 250 or more persons were […]
Asheville Symphony cancels upcoming events through April 4
Press release from the Asheville Symphony: The Asheville Symphony announced today it will be canceling its upcoming events in an effort to adhere to the CDC’s recommendation of social distancing and the City of Asheville. The following concerts and events have been canceled: March 17: LudwigVaniversary Kickoff Party at Pleb Urban Winery March 21: “Under […]
Asheville Mayor Manheimer signs State of Emergency proclamation, limiting organized gatherings, regarding COVID-19
Press release from the city of Asheville: In concert with Buncombe County, today Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a State of Emergency proclamation for the City of Asheville, based on the public health emergency posed by COVID-19. This State of Emergency proclamation applies to City-owned property only. The proclamation (attached) prohibits any organized group of […]
Cooper recommends events with over 100 people be canceled; urges remote work if possible to combat COVID-19 spread
Press release from the office of N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper: RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper today announced that North Carolina is taking proactive steps to protect the health and wellbeing of our state in the face of growing cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 around the nation and here in North Carolina. Included in today’s guidance is […]
Asheville City Schools cancels field trips and high and middle school athletics
Announcement from Asheville City Schools: As you may know, earlier today Buncombe County government officials declared a local state of emergency. Shortly afterward, the Governor publicly announced his position stating that, at the present, North Carolina schools should not close. In light of these decisions and with our students’ safety in mind, Asheville City Schools […]
NC Medicaid updates policies to address COVID-19
Press release from the Council on Aging of Buncombe County: NC Medicaid is implementing several policy changes in response to COVID-19 to slow the spread of the virus, support healthcare providers and protect more vulnerable North Carolinians. The policies, which will go into effect March 13, address pharmacy benefits, supplies and access to care and […]
The North Carolina Arboretum suspends all programs and events through April
Updated March 16 with a press release from the Arboretum: We appreciate your ongoing support as the situation of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to evolve. Over the past week, The North Carolina Arboretum has significantly increased its cleaning schedule, made several operational changes to provide additional protection for staff, volunteers and guests, cancelled mass gatherings and […]
Wortham Center adopts temporary ticket policy due to COVID-19 concerns
Temporary ticket policy from Wortham Center for the Performing Arts: Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our patrons, employees and artists. Staff members are closely monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19 by regularly reviewing CDC and WHO mandates, and have implemented prevention and control procedures such as diligently wiping down surfaces […]
City Council annual retreat agenda
From the City of Asheville:
UPDATE: Warren Wilson individual negative for COVID-19
Update on March 13 from Warren Wilson College: We had shared previously that we had one Person Under Investigation being tested per North Carolina Health and Human Services guidelines for coronavirus (COVID-19). Those tests results have come back negative. As of right now, there are no coronavirus cases confirmed in Buncombe County or at Warren […]
Ashley Featherstone named Director of Air Quality for WNCRAQA
Press release from Buncombe County Government: On March 9, the WNC Regional Air Quality Agency (WNCRAQA) approved the appointment of Ashley Featherstone as Director of Air Quality. She has been serving as interim director since November and working with the agency for 18 years. “Featherstone’s experience and existing knowledge of our region’s air quality needs […]
Sunrise Movement Asheville to hold rally in opposition to Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike
Press release from Sunrise Movement Asheville: Sunrise Movement Asheville, a local chapter of a national youth-led climate justice movement, will hold a rally in protest of Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike, which organizers stand strongly against. Organizers will also call for a moratorium on all fossil fuel projects in North Carolina, including the Atlantic Coast […]