Statement from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released the following statement from NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. In less than a week, we went from exceeding 5,000 new cases reported in one day to exceeding 6,000. This is very worrisome. […]
News Bulletins
Food drive to accompany Lake Julian Festival of Lights on Dec. 8
Press release from Buncombe County: A popular drive-thru holiday light show that already raises funds for local Special Olympics athletes will also collect nonperishable food items for area families in partnership with MANNA FoodBank – and visitors will receive a complimentary admission to see the illuminated wonderland in exchange for a donation. On Tuesday, Dec. […]
Friends of the Henderson County Public Library hosts children’s books sale
Press release from the Friends of the Henderson County Public Library: The Friends of the Henderson County Public Library wants more children to have books for Christmas. It is offering a special discount on children’s books at its new bookstore. From Tuesday, Dec. 8, through Tuesday, Dec. 22, a box of children’s books is only […]
Wilderness signs credited for decrease in Haywood search and rescues
Press release from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation: More than a year after informational safety signs were installed at Graveyard Fields in Pisgah National Forest, Haywood County Emergency Services recorded a 50% decrease in search and rescue calls on federal land in the county. Overall, 90% of search and rescue calls in Haywood County occur […]
Asheville reminds businesses about outdoor safety requirements
Press release from the City of Asheville: More businesses and organizations are operating outdoors this year due to COVID-19. The City of Asheville reminds those with outdoor areas to do their part to operate safely. Beyond wearing a mask and other public health measures, businesses that choose to operate outdoors must follow all building and […]
Mountain BizWorks and Outdoor Gear Builders announce second Waypoint Accelerator cohort
Press release from Mountain BizWorks: Mountain BizWorks and Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC today announced the 9 companies participating in the second annual Waypoint Accelerator program, which launches December 3 and continues through March 2021. Waypoint Accelerator provides promising new outdoor startups with focused support and resources to help them start, grow and thrive. “As […]
Santa comes to Mills River Dec. 12
Press release from the Town of Mills River: The Mills River Fire Department, in partnership with the Mills River Parks and Recreation Department and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, will be bringing Santa Claus to Mills River neighborhoods on Saturday, Dec. 12. Santa will be traveling through town on a big red fire truck to bring holiday cheer to […]
Buncombe COVID-19 task force issues update
Update from Buncombe County: The Multi-Agency Task Force convened yesterday to continue enforcement of the executive orders and the most recent local declaration. The Task Force consists of public health officials, sheriff’s deputies, the Asheville Police Department and city and county Fire Departments and fire marshals. This team observed businesses in response to complaints logged […]
APD seeks help locating two suspects in Gay St. homicide
Press release from the Asheville Police Department: Detectives with the Asheville Police Department (APD) have identified and charged two people in the murder of a 17-year-old male on Nov. 30 on Gay Street. Dionate Whitson, 18, of Asheville, has been charged with first-degree murder. The APD is seeking the public’s assistance to locate Whitson. He […]
N.C. State Board of Elections to conduct hand recount of Supreme Court contest
Press release from the N.C. State Board of Elections: On Dec. 2, Democrat Cheri Beasley requested a hand-to-eye recount in a random sample of precincts in the N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice contest. State law permits a candidate to request a sample hand-to-eye recount within 24 hours after the initial recount. Counties across North Carolina […]
BCSO seeking help to locate Lester Junior Vaughn
Press release from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office: The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate a missing person from Buncombe County. Lester Junior Vaughn is age 56, approximately 5’ 6” and 165 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair. Mr. Vaughn was last seen on Dec. 1 around 12:00 p.m. near his residence […]
Haywood County issues biweekly COVID-19 update
Press release from Haywood County Public Health: In the three days since the last press release on Dec. 1, Haywood County Public Health has received notice of 79 new cases of COVID-19. As of 5 p.m. Dec. 3, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recorded a total of 1,286 cases in […]
N.C. DOT seeks input on transportation investments, trails plan
Press release from the N.C. Department of Transportation: NC FIRST Commission Launches CRAFTS Tool The NC FIRST Commission is seeking public involvement as it works to finalize future revenue and investment recommendations to the Board of Transportation. The Commission recently launched a web tool called CRAFTS that lets people explore revenue and finance solutions to […]
Madison County Arts Council hosts holiday sale through Dec. 19
Press release from the Madison County Arts Council: For over a dozen years, the Madison County Arts Council has hosted a holiday sale in downtown Marshall. This year, everything looks different. “With COVID-19 still in the air, we needed a safe way to host this year’s sale,“ remarked Laura Boosinger, Executive Director. “We worked with […]
Arden Rotary Club passes Petsmart donation to local charitable organizations
Announcement from the Arden Rotary Club: Because of an incredible gift of around 2,000 stuffed animals from PetSmart to our club we are able to distribute, in a Covid safe environment, to these local organizations: Children First Sleep tight kids Caring for Children Steadfast house ABCCM Sharing House First WNC Edneyville Community Food Pantry The list […]
Buncombe County Schools to remain under Plan B through February
Press release from Buncombe County Schools: Video and photos from Dec. 3’s Board of Education meeting are now available. Here’s the BCS Board Briefing for our last regular board meeting of 2020. Among the important action taken, the board voted on a Return to Learn plan. Those details are below. Return to Learn Update (12/03/2020) […]
Multiple grants allow Jackson County NAACP branch to continue efforts on top 2020 priorities
Press release from the Jackson County NAACP chapter: Last December the Jackson County Branch of the North Carolina NAACP received a $5000 grant from NC Wins to hold a one-day workshop at Western Carolina University, facilitated by Dr. Dana Murray Patterson, Director of the WCU Office of Intercultural Affairs. Participants included business, religious, academic, and […]
Deadline for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program is Dec. 11
Press release from Buncombe County Government: Livestock, vegetable, fruit, nursery, Christmas tree, and other producers are eligible for financial assistance from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2). The CFAP 2 program provides direct payments to agricultural producers. Producers should contact the Madison/Buncombe FSA Office at 828-649-2712 extension 2 to file an application. The final date to […]
Asheville Area Arts Council awards $251,000 to 36 local nonprofits
Press release from the Asheville Area Arts Council: The Asheville Area Arts Council has awarded $251,000 in business interruption grants to 36 local nonprofit arts organizations through the North Carolina CARES for the Arts grant program.Arts organizations were among the first to have to close their doors, and many have suffered substantial losses. Asheville Area […]
Free flu shots for the uninsured during National Influenza Vaccination Week
Press release from The Free Clinics: The Free Clinics (TFC) will be offering free flu shots to community members who do not have health insurance on Tuesday, December 8 from 4:00-7:00 pm at their offices at 841 Case Street in Hendersonville. The walk-in clinic is scheduled to take place during National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 6-12), […]
New Hendersonville Superintendent sworn in
Email from Hendersonville County Schools: Dr. John M. Bryant was officially sworn into office this morning at the Historic Courthouse in downtown Hendersonville. Holding the Bible for Dr. Bryant during his oath is his wife, Lisa K. Bryant.