Wednesday, May 13, is a code green air quality forecast day for the valleys of Asheville and Buncombe County. No health impacts are expected when air quality is in this range. For the ridge tops, it is a code yellow air quality forecast day. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities. This forecast is based on ozone levels. […]
News Bulletins
Henderson County year-round schools to align with traditional calendar in 2020-21
Announcement from Henderson County Public Schools: HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (May 12, 2020) – Bruce Drysdale and Hendersonville elementaries will operate on the traditional calendar for the 2020-21 school year, scheduled to begin August 17, instead of their typical year-round “Flex Calendar.” The Henderson County Board of Public Education voted unanimously at its May 11 board meeting […]
Mountain BizWorks to launch COVID-19 relief fund for tourism-related small businesses
Announcement from Mountain BizWorks: Mountain BizWorks is pleased to share a new COVID-19 relief resource that will be available soon — the Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund. Sign up at tourismfund.org to be the first to get updates, application guidelines, answers to frequently asked questions, and more. This fund will help Buncombe County-based tourism-related small […]
Students petition for in-person graduation ceremonies
According to a press release from Change.org and a separate email from a petition organizer, students in Western North Carolina and other parts of the state are launching online petitions urging school officials to hold off on making a final decision about the format of graduation ceremonies for 2020 high school seniors. The high school […]
2020 Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games cancelled
Press release from City of Asheville: The Asheville Parks & Recreation Department announced today that the 2020 Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games, originally scheduled to begin in April then postponed to June, have officially been cancelled. All registered participants will be issued a refund of their registration fees. North Carolina State Games are tentatively scheduled for fall […]
Hendersonville City Council to hold electronic special meeting on May 18
Press release from City of Hendersonville: The City Council of the City of Hendersonville will hold the following electronic special meeting: Date: May 18, 2020 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Operations Centers – Assembly Room 305 Williams St. Hendersonville NC 28792 Purpose: The purpose of the special meeting is as follows: -To receive a USDA Letter of […]
Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders kicks off virtual fundraising campaign
Announcement from Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders: Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED), in partnership with Education and Insight on Eating Disorders (EDIN), have joined together for a ‘Zero K’ virtual campaign. In an effort to build awareness and raise funds, the nonprofits have developed this on-line event to encourage participation […]
NCDOT to open new exit ramp from I-26 to Brevard Rd.
Announcement from NC Department of Transportation: N.C. Department of Transportation officials expect to open a new exit ramp from Interstate 26 West to Brevard Road this evening. The new ramp is a major component of the $47.4 million improvement project on Brevard Road (N.C. 191) that will increase safety and mobility on I-26 and Brevard […]
Concerned citizens initiate Endangered Species Act lawsuit over proposed Dollar General
Announcement from South Carolina Environmental Law Project: Opponents of a proposed Dollar General in a mountain valley just south of Brevard, North Carolina have filed a formal notice of intent to sue the store’s developer, Transylvania County, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality over violations of the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) and its […]
WCCA to host drive-by food distribution events for families in need
Announcement from Western Carolina Community Action: On Tuesday, May 12, 2020 from 11AM to 3PM, WCCA will host a drive-by food distribution event for children and families currently enrolled in the agency’s Head Start and Early Head Start education programs. Families can visit the following locations to receive food bags: King Creek Children’s Center […]
City of Asheville shares bear safety tips for springtime
Message from the city of Asheville: Distributed in partnership with N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Black bear sightings have become increasingly common throughout the state, including Asheville. Spring is especially a time people may encounter bears emerging from winter hibernation, as the bears begin moving through residential areas searching for food. With more people staying home […]
Black Mountain College partners with UNCA to present Faith in Arts Instagram takeover
Announcement from Black Mountain College: Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center is partnering with UNC Asheville for a multi-day Faith in Arts Instagram takeover, presented in the spirit of the forthcoming Faith in Arts Institute. This takeover will feature emerging and established scholars, theologians, and artists exploring the themes of faith and arts within […]
Air quality forecast for Asheville, Tuesday, May 12: Moderate (YELLOW and GREEN)
Tuesday, May 12, is a code green air quality forecast day for the valleys of Asheville and Buncombe County. No health impacts are expected when air quality is in this range. For the ridge tops, it is a code yellow air quality forecast day. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities. This forecast is based on ozone levels. […]
Cradle of Forestry cancels Blue Ghost Tours
Announcement from FIND Outdoors: Pisgah Forest, NC – The Cradle of Forestry, in consultation with the US Forest Service, has made the decision to cancel this year’s “In Search of the Blue Ghosts” tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the timing of the blue ghost phenomena, the tour will not be rescheduled for […]
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office holds candlelight vigil ceremony as part of police week
Press release from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office: In honor of National Police Week the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Asheville Police Department and Fletcher Police Department are joining together and holding a Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday May 13th, from 8 to 10 p.m. to honor Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the […]
WNC Regional Air Quality Agency to meet May 18
Agenda from the WNC Regional Air Quality Agency Board: Agenda 5-11-20 by Daniel Walton on Scribd
CGVAMC observes Mental Health Awareness Week with virtual speaker
Announcement from Charles George VA Medical Center: The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System – which includes Charles George VA Medical Center and three Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Rutherford County, Hickory and Franklin – continues to be vigilant, deliberate and effective in its efforts to protect Veterans and staff during the COVID-19 […]
Buncombe County Libraries ease into Phase 1 of reopening
Announcement from Buncombe County Libraries: Buncombe County has modified its Stay Home-Stay Safe emergency order to transition into Phase 1 of easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. Buncombe County Libraries are currently making plans for phased reopening activities in a cautious manner. “While the Governor has given the go-ahead for libraries to reopen at 50 percent capacity, […]
SC blood center provides free COVID-19 antibody testing to donors
Announcement from the Blood Connection: GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA (May 11, 2020) – The Blood Connection (TBC), a local non-profit, community blood center is offering COVID-19 antibody testing to all donors at no cost, beginning Monday, May 11. The test, which will provide blood donors with a positive or negative result, will be included in the […]
Asheville Police Department requests assistance to locate Sarawila Villatoro Weir
Update from Asheville Police Department: UPDATE (May 11, 2020): Sarawila Villatoro-Weir has turned herself in to authorities. She is currently being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. Message from Asheville Police Department: The Asheville Police Department (APD) is requesting assistance to locate Sarawila Villatoro Weir. Weir has open warrants for […]
Henderson County to host online education celebration
Announcement from Henderson County Education Foundation: Hendersonville, NC – The Henderson County Education Foundation (HCEF) is bringing good news to the community with an online Education Celebration, Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 PM. Each year, HCEF holds an Education Celebration event to honor Henderson County’s Teachers & Principal of the Year and to induct individuals […]