Press release from Haywood County Health and Human Services: As of today, Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency have begun distribution of its first allotment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. About 1,000 doses of the vaccine were delivered in this first allotment. In accordance with CDC guidance, the first doses will be administered to […]
News Bulletins
Certain types of Sportmix brand pet food found to have high levels of aflatoxin
Press release from N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is issuing a warning to consumers to not purchase or let their dogs or cats consume certain lot codes and types of Sportmix brand dog and cat foods due to high levels of aflatoxin found in the […]
Haywood County Health and Human Services reports six more COVID-19 deaths
Press release from Haywood County Health and Human Services: Haywood County Health and Human Services is reporting six more COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total number now to 68. All of the deaths were people over the age of 75. At the time of their death, four were residents of Autumn Care of Waynesville, one was […]
City of Hendersonville plans virtual meeting to introduce police chief candidates
Press release from City of Hendersonville government: After an extensive search and hiring process, the City of Hendersonville has narrowed the Chief of Police applicant pool to two candidates. As one of the final steps in the selection process, the two finalists will have an opportunity to answer questions posed by local media representatives and the […]
Buncombe County to reevaluate restaurant capacity restrictions by Jan. 22
Press release from Buncombe County government: On Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, Buncombe County, City of Asheville, and Town of Montreat moved to add more stringent measures in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Buncombe County. The new local order takes effect on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at 5 p.m., and reduces the capacity for indoor dining in restaurants from 50% of […]
Shannon Spencer, executive director of Asheville Poverty Initiative, announces her departure from the nonprofit
Press release from Asheville Poverty Initiative: Please read this important message from Shannon Spencer, Executive Director of Asheville Poverty Initiative: Grace and Peace, Y’all, May this season of hope that comes to us in many traditions and names remind us of the joy and life that often comes in such unexpected ways. I write this […]
Individual contribution limit to North Carolina political campaigns increase to $5,600
Press release from North Carolina State Board of Elections: Effective Jan. 1, 2021, the contribution limit for North Carolina political campaigns will increase by $200, from $5,400 to $5,600. No individual or political committee may contribute more than $5,600 to a candidate committee or political committee in any election. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 163-278.13(b), at […]
Dogwood Health Trust funds more than $47 million in grants and community investments
Press release from the Dogwood Health Trust: The Board of Directors for Dogwood Health Trust announced today the release of their 2020 Annual Report, the first for the organization serving the 18 counties of Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary. The report highlights more than $47 million in grants and community investments made in 2020, along […]
NCDHHS shares updated rollout plan for COVID-19 vaccinations
Press release from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it had updated its vaccination plan to align with new federal recommendations issued last week. The changes simplify the vaccine process and continue the state’s commitment to first protect health care workers caring […]
Roy Wijewickrama appointed as chief district judge for Judicial District 30
Press release from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: Chief Justice Cheri Beasley announced the following appointment, effective Friday, January 1, 2021: Judge Roy Wijewickrama has been appointed to serve as chief district court judge for Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties (Judicial District 30). He was first elected to the court […]
Mission Health restricts visitation to level 3 at all locations
Press release from Mission Health: To protect our patients and staff, at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, Mission Health will be elevating our visitor restrictions to Level 3 at all locations, including Angel Medical Center, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, CareParters, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Mission Hospital McDowell and Transylvania Regional Hospital. Level 3 visitation was implemented at […]
Gary Everhardt, Lenoir native and former NPS director, dies at age 86
Press release from National Park Service: Former National Park Service Director Gary Everhardt passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020 following a battle with COVID-19 and just days after his beloved wife, Nancy died on December 23. He was 86 years old. “Our deepest condolences go out to Gary’s loved ones, friends and all whose lives he touched […]
North Carolinians can apply for energy cost assistance beginning Jan. 4
Press release from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced beginning Jan. 4, households can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) online at www.epass.nc.gov. Applying for these programs online is easy and convenient, as well as […]
Henderson County Health Department receives COVID-19 vaccine
Press release from the Henderson County Department of Public Health: The Henderson County Department of Public Health received its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine last week and will work to vaccinate front-line healthcare workers and other top priority groups in the weeks ahead. On Dec. 22, Henderson County received 1,000 doses of the Moderna […]
Asheville on-street parking payment to change regarding use of Passport app
Press release from City of Asheville: The City of Asheville is committed to offering safe and convenient payment options for our services, including our parking meters. In order to provide a mobile payment option at our parking meters, the City currently contracts with Passport Labs. This contract is set to expire Dec. 31. In order […]
COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Polk County
Press release from Polk County Health & Human Services Agency: On December 22nd Polk County Health and Human Services Agency (Polk HHSA) and St. Luke’s Hospital received initial doses of Moderna vaccine for COVID-19. Initial vaccinations began a few hours after receiving the vaccine within the healthcare and first responder workforce. For the past several weeks both St. Luke’s Hospital […]
Girl Scout troop collaborates with Nature Center, artist to help save red wolves
Feature contributed by Friends of the WNC Nature Center: An Intergenerational Effort to Save the American Red Wolf [ASHEVILLE, NC] When the Cadettes of Girl Scout Troop 1819 were earning their Outdoor Art Badge, they had no idea they would be inspired to begin a journey to help save the critically endangered American red wolf. […]
AdventHealth Hendersonville reinstates enhanced visitor restrictions following uptick in COVID-19 cases
Press release from AdventHealth Hendersonville: AdventHealth Hendersonville is reinstating its enhanced visitor restrictions in response to the significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases across Western North Carolina. Effective immediately, no visitors will be allowed in our main campus hospital, with limited exceptions. AdventHealth Hendersonville is expanding these restrictions to maintain the safety of […]
Hendersonville Stormwater Division launches stormwater asset inventory and assessment
Press release from the city of Hendersonville: Hendersonville, NC (December 22, 2020) The City of Hendersonville Stormwater Division has contracted with WithersRavenel to conduct a Stormwater Asset Inventory and Assessment within Hendersonville’s City limits and extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The information collected during this project will enable the City to: · Identify and assess the conditions of existing […]
2020 in review: N.C. State Board of Elections reflects on a “busy and historic” year
Press release from the North Carolina State Board of Elections: As 2020 ends, the State Board of Elections is looking back on a busy and historic year in North Carolina elections. County and state elections officials worked tirelessly to ensure registered voters could cast a ballot safely and efficiently amid a global pandemic. “Disinformation about […]
Mountain BizWorks receives “Open for Business” grant
Press release from Mountain BizWorks: Mountain BizWorks, a U.S. Treasury certified non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI), today announced that it has received an Open for Business grant from Wells Fargo Foundation. The grant enables Mountain BizWorks to further its programs to help local businesses survive and rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the […]