Report from Self Financial: Women’s labor force participation has grown significantly in the last 70 years; while men still outnumber women in the workforce, the gap has narrowed considerably. More women than ever are pursuing higher education, and in fact, women have earned the majority of college degrees for the past few decades. Despite this […]
News Bulletins
Bi-weekly COVID-19 update for Haywood County
Press release from Haywood County Emergency Management Team: In the week since the last press release on Nov. 24, 2020, Haywood County Public Health has received notice of 195 new cases of COVID-19. As of 5 p.m. Nov. 30, 2020, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recorded a total of 1,207 cases […]
Haywood County reports 41st & 42nd COVID-19 deaths
Press release from Haywood County Government: Haywood County Health and Human Services is reporting the county’s 41st and 42nd COVID-19 deaths. COVID-19 was listed as the underlying cause of death (the disease that initiated the events resulting in death) for both individuals. Both were residents of Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation and died at Haywood […]
U.S. Cellular announces return of The Future of Good humanitarian program
Press release from U.S. Cellular: On Giving Tuesday, for the sixth consecutive year, UScellular kicks off The Future of Good program highlighting young people who are helping create positive change in their local communities. Through The Future of Good, UScellular champions many causes, including the fight against hunger and homelessness, the protection of the environment […]
Affordable Care Act “Obamacare” open enrollment ends Dec. 15th
Press release from Pisgah Legal Services: Only a few days remain for people in need of health insurance to sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance, also known as “Obamacare.” Open Enrollment for 2021 coverage ends December 15. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its Enrollment Partners of WNC, are offering free assistance to […]
SoundSpace @ Rabbit’s music rehearsal facility sets Dec. 5 Grand Opening
Press release from Victory Lap Publicity: SoundSpace @ Rabbit’s, Asheville’s first public access music rehearsal studio is set to open its doors on Saturday, December 5th. The project, spearheaded by resident Asheville musicians Claude Coleman, Jr. of the rock outfit Ween, and Brett Spivey, will transform the historic Rabbit’s Motel into a multi-use facility and soul food kitchen for local and touring artists […]
Asheville Outlets hosts four December blood drives
Press release from Leary Public Relations: Help others this holiday season by donating blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drives being held at Asheville Outlets this December! Schedule an appointment on: Thursday, December 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, December 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 30 from 10:00 a.m. […]
Precautions taken over deputy in court security who has tested positive for COVID-19
Correction from Sheriff’s Office: A jury trial did start today. As stated in the initial release, no Deputies working at the courthouse today posed a risk to the public. Press release from Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office: A Buncombe County Sheriff’s Deputy working in Court Security has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual began showing mild symptoms […]
Blue Ridge Humane Society earns 4-star rating from Charity Navigator
Press release from Blue Ridge Humane Society: Blue Ridge Humane Society’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. The 4-star rating is the highest level awarded by Charity Navigator. Since 2002, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible […]
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hold special meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10
Press release from the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners: Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has been called beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020, to be held at A-B Tech Woodfin Campus, 24 Canoe Lane, Asheville, NC 28804, for the Commissioners’ Budget Retreat. […]
Housing assistance available for Buncombe residents affected by pandemic-related losses
Press release from the Buncombe County Government: Attention Buncombe County residents: If you are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, Buncombe County’s COVID Housing Assistance Program may be able to help. “We understand the effects of the pandemic have strained family finances, making the holidays particularly tough,” said Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “Financial assistance […]
Duke Energy electric vehicle charging pilot program approved in North Carolina
Press release from Duke Energy: The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) last week approved an electric vehicle pilot program for Duke Energy in North Carolina, the largest such program approved in the state. “This pilot will support electric vehicle adoption in North Carolina, which can drive economic and environmental benefits in the state. It […]
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries announces change to Code Purple
Press release from Western Carolina Rescue Ministries: Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) announces modifications to its involvement with Code Purple. Created nearly 12 years ago, Code Purple occurs when the weather forecast dips below freezing (32 degrees). The concept was created to give homeless individuals a safe, warm space to spend the night during life-threatening, […]
Wildlife Commission seeks public comment on proposed 2021-22 rule change
Press release from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has opened the public comment period for proposed changes to agency regulations related to wildlife management, inland fisheries and game lands for the 2021-2022 seasons. The comment period will be open through Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Comments may be submitted online, emailed […]
Asheville rent index up 3.1% since start of pandemic
Press release from Apartment List: Welcome to the December 2020 Asheville Rent Report. Asheville rents increased over the past month. In this report, we’ll evaluate trends in the Asheville rental market, including comparisons to cities throughout the state and nation. Asheville rents increase sharply over the past month Asheville rents have increased 1.0% over the […]
Hotel development regulations removed from Planning and Zoning Commission’s December agenda
Press release from the city of Asheville: The City of Asheville Department of Planning and Urban Design will be postponing the public hearing on the revised hotel development regulations, which was originally scheduled for the Dec. 2 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. City staff will present the updated information at the Jan. 6 meeting of […]
Buncombe and Haywood more distressed, Transylvania and Polk less, in new economic tier rankings
Press release from the North Carolina Department of Commerce: The North Carolina Department of Commerce released the county tier designations for 2021 today. The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development. The 2021 rankings comply with the methodology prescribed by the North Carolina General Assembly […]
Buncombe County Schools announces remote learning, optional teacher workday, for Tuesday
Press release from Buncombe County Schools: All Buncombe County Schools will operate under a remote learning plan today, Tuesday, December 1, and this will be an optional teacher workday. This is due to overnight precipitation and below-freezing temperatures that have made roadways very slick across our county. Students will learn independently/asynchronously today. By 10 am, […]