Press release from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission: With Hatchery Supported Trout Waters set to open on April 4, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to continue to report any sightings of hellbenders (“water dogs”) to the agency. These reports have been a helpful source of information to biologists studying […]
News Bulletins
Buncombe County orders residents to stay at home for two weeks
A supplemental declaration issued by Buncombe County this afternoon ordered all individuals currently living within Buncombe County to stay at their place of residence. This order takes effect on Thursday, March 26 at 8 p.m. and will continue through Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 6 a.m. The order allows many essential activities, including outdoor exercise, […]
Montford Park Players postpones 2020 season
Letter from John Russell, Executive Director of Montford Park Players: Dear Friends of Montford Park Players, As I am sure you are already aware, Buncombe County Public Health recently announced the immediate closure of several different types of businesses in the interest of public safety. We think this is a good idea in order to […]
Town of Mills River accepting applications for Board vacancy
Press release from Daniel Cobb, Mills River Town Manager: During a special meeting Thursday, March 19, 2020 Mills River Town Council approved a process to appoint a resident to a recently vacated seat on the Board. Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 the Town will accept applications from interested individuals who are both a Mills River […]
North Carolina reports first COVID-19 associated deaths
From the office of Governor Roy Cooper: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths. A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late seventies and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in […]
Just Brew It 2020 postponed
Press release from Just Economics: Just Brew It 2020 is being postponed from the originally scheduled date of April 25th. While we are disappointed to postpone the amazing homebrew event, the safety of our community is our top priority. We have been in touch with the Wedge for some alternative dates later in the year […]
Pardee UNC Health requests donations of medical supplies
Press release from Erica Allison, PR Liaison for Pardee UNC Health Care: In preparation for an increase in patient volumes related to COVID-19, Pardee UNC Health is asking community organizations, corporations and individuals to donate much-needed medical supplies to help protect their health care workers. “The risk in caring for patients with COVID-19 for our […]
District 113 Rep. Jake Johnson appointed to bipartisan COVID-19 Task Force on Economic Recovery
Press release from the office of Rep. Jake Johnson: This past week, North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore appointed Representative Jake Johnson to the Task Force on Economic Recovery following the outbreak of COVID-19 or “Coronavirus”. Representative Johnson represents Polk, southern Henderson, and Transylvania counties in the North Carolina General Assembly. The committee meetings will […]
APD modifying patrol response procedures to minimize spread of COVID-19
Press release from Asheville Police Department: The Asheville Police Department (APD) remains dedicated to providing the highest level of public safety to everyone in Asheville. In an effort to protect those who are at risk, minimize the spread of COVID-19, and to maintain the health and safety of APD officers and personnel, APD is implementing several […]
Blue Ridge Community College postpones May 2020 commencement ceremonies
Press release from Blue Ridge Community College: Blue Ridge Community College is postponing its May 2020 Commencement ceremonies and Spring pinning ceremonies and exploring alternative ways to recognize our graduates. The ceremony was previously scheduled for May 9. “Commencement is the culmination of years of work for the class of 2020 and the most joyous celebration […]
Charles George VA Medical Center employee tests positive for COVID-19
Press release from Charles George VA Medical Center: On March 22, 2020, one Charles George VA Medical Center employee tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19). In accordance with CDC guidelines and the employee’s status, the individual is currently in-home isolation, mitigating further risk of transmission to other patients and staff. Due to privacy concerns, we cannot provide […]
Preservation Society matching MANNA FoodBank donations
Press release from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County: The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County Board of Directors and staff are matching donations to MANNA FoodBank up to $2800! MANNA FoodBank has adjusted their programming to meet the challenges of COVID-19 and will be distributing family food boxes through their partner […]
Pisgah Legal Services still helping those in need
Press release from Pisgah Legal Services: Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, remains open and continues to provide help for people with low incomes during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The staff is now working remotely, helping clients and taking new applications for assistance with critical needs […]
WCU Bardo Arts Center offers virtual opportunities
Press release from Western Carolina University: The arts have an incredible power to inspire us and bring us together. The arts do this in many ways – emotionally, intellectually, spiritually – just to name a few. Now more than ever, we must also look to the arts to inspire us and bring us together, virtually. We are […]
Pardee UNC Health COVID-19 update for March 24
Press release from Pardee UNC Health: Update for Tuesday, March 24, 2020 COVID-19 Cases As of 11:00 am, March 24, there are no confirmed cases at Pardee UNC Health. The Department of Public Health for each county will share known cases and case counts when those occur. Patient and Visitor Restrictions at Pardee UNC Health New, more stringent visitor restrictions for […]
Hendersonville City Hall closes to public during COVID-19 response
Press release from City of Hendersonville: Starting on March 25, 2020, Hendersonville City Hall will be closed to the public in an ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. “Limiting visitors to City Hall is a necessary step to protect the health and welfare of our visitors and employees,” said Mayor Barbara Volk. “We […]
Buncombe Democratic Party convention moved to digital April 25 event
Press release from Buncombe County Democratic Party: The Executive Council of the North Carolina Democratic Party met to discuss the best possible solution for 2020 County and District conventions. In light of the recent health crisis, the Executive Council has voted to postpone the dates of County and District conventions and to move all county conventions […]
Attorney General Josh Stein acknowledges HCA for “doing the right thing” on billing
Press release from the office of Josh Stein: Attorney General Josh Stein today released a statement in response to news that HCA has refunded patients’ unnecessary out-of-pocket costs. The Attorney General’s Office has received 58 complaints about issues at HCA since Jan. 1, 2020, including billing issues. After reviewing these complaints, Attorney General Stein wrote HCA […]
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries increases response to COVID-19
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. Last week, WCRM took preemptive action in response to COVID-19 by posting signs at entrances and in strategic places providing instruction on hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene […]
Sandburg Home announces closures to park restrooms
Press release from Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is announcing additional modifications to its operations, in support of federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. As of March 24, 2020, all public restrooms in the park are closed. Most park trails and grounds remain open, […]
Blue Ridge Parkway closes southernmost 14 miles
Press release from National Park Service: National Park Service officials announced today the southernmost 14 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, from Milepost 455 to 469, will close effective immediately in a continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and in coordination with travel restrictions […]