Press release from the N.C. Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, remind Medicare beneficiaries about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in North Carolina. “Our health can change dramatically within a year’s time,” Commissioner Causey said. “If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, now is the […]
News Bulletins
American Airlines to launch AVL service to Boston, Chicago and DC in June
Press release from the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority: American Airlines and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) are growing together again! In anticipation of increasing interest in travel to the Asheville area, American is launching new daily nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), as well as new Saturday service to Boston Logan International […]
City of Asheville announces remote meetings for March 1-5
Press release from the City of Asheville: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following committees will hold remote meetings during the week of Monday-Friday, March 1-5. More information, including ways to view and participate, will be posted on the committee page and on the Boards & Commissions virtual meeting hub on the City’s Public Input page. All meetings […]
WNCCHS releases new video promoting COVID-19 vaccine
Press release from the Campaign for Southern Equality: Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) released a new video to promote the COVID-19 vaccine, which is now available at their Minnie Jones Clinic in Asheville. Currently WNCCHS is offering the vaccine to Group 1 Health Care Workers and Group 2 65 and older. Please visit […]
DMV credit card processing offline until further notice
Press release from the N.C. Department of Transportation: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles License Plate Agency offices across the state are unable to process credit card payments today due to a statewide computer software problem. The problem was discovered about 11 a.m. and was traced to the NCDMV credit card processing vendor. There is currently […]
Buncombe County offers community paramedicine to break overdose cycle
Press release from Buncombe County: Buncombe County Emergency Services is making strides in breaking the overdose cycle, connecting over 195 overdoses with peer support resources since the launch of the pilot Community Paramedic and Post Overdose Response Team. This unique and evolving healthcare model allows paramedics to operate in expanded roles to help our community […]
Haywood County to start teacher vaccinations March 4
Press release from the Haywood County Emergency Management Team: Key Updates: The Smoky Mountain Event Center has been a gracious host for the mass vaccination clinics over the last few weeks, but as event season ramps up, there will be some dates that the fairgrounds will be unavailable for clinic use. People are urged to […]
Buncombe GOP to hold convention March 6
Press release from the Buncombe County Republican Party: You are invited to attend the BCGOP County Convention on Saturday, March 6, starting at 8 a.m. at Brookstone Church, 283 Merrimon Avenue. The County Convention is open to all Buncombe County registered Republicans as of Jan. 31. Due to COVID-19, temperatures will be taken upon entering […]
Mountain BizWorks issues update on PPP funding for local businesses
Press release from Mountain BizWorks: A few key points: On Monday, the Biden Administration and SBA announced five upcoming changes to the Paycheck Protection Program to further strengthen its benefits and accessibility to very small businesses. A summary of these changes is below. The most substantive change will be a new formula for sole proprietors, […]
Haw Creek to self-fund park improvements
Press release from the Haw Creek Community Association: A new parking lot and kiosk are planned for the proceeds of a $25,000 community funding campaign begun today by the Haw Creek Community Association (HCCA). Recognizing Parks and Recreation Dept. capital funding demands face a wait time exceeding four years, Haw Creek residents have elected to […]
Asheville Parks and Rec announces 2021 summer camps
Press release from the City of Asheville: Asheville Parks & Recreation announces a fun and exciting camp line-up for summer! Our camps may look a little different this year, but we’re still bringing the fun for youth and teens at our camp locations. All programs will follow public health guidelines and include enhanced safety measures, […]
Buncombe K-3 students to return to full-week in-person schedule on March 8
Announcement from Buncombe County Schools: Good evening, BCS Staff and Families- We have two important updates to share with you. First, the Board of Education met for a special-called meeting this afternoon (2/25). The board voted to move students in Grades K-3 to Plan A, which includes in-person instruction five days a week. This transition […]
Transylvania County Courts Closing Early Due to COVID-19
Press release from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: Today Transylvania County court officials announced that adjustments are being made to the operations of the courthouse, courts, and clerk’s office Feb. 25 – March 2 due to an incidence of COVID-19 resulting in facility sanitation and quarantine of staff in accordance with public health guidelines. The adjustments are as follows: […]
Major Phases Starting on I-26 Widening in Henderson County
Press release from the N.C. Department of Transportation: The major construction project on Interstate 26 in Henderson County is entering a new phase with two significant impacts to drivers starting in March. Closing Butler Bridge Road over I-26 for 180 days starting March 15 Overnight closures of I-26 between exits in one direction for one week […]
HCPS rolls up its sleeves in vaccine clinic for educators
Press release from Henderson County Public Schools: The first 33 of Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) employees scheduled to receive COVID-19 vaccines in a clinic for educators rolled up their sleeves today. HCPS employees vaccinated today are those who have volunteered to work the weekend clinics, in order to directly support the public health of their […]
East Asheville Library Update: Final Steps and Preparations
Press release from Buncombe County: Construction on the new East Asheville Library facility is moving along and on schedule, however there are still some important steps to go before Buncombe County Public Libraries (BCPL) turns the final page on this project. New furniture, IT, and audio visual needs are being assessed, ordered, and installed. All […]
Reject Raytheon AVL stages a vigil and march at Biltmore Park
Press release from Reject Raytheon AVL: Event date/time: Friday, February 26, 5 – 6 pm Location: Corner of Long Shoals & Schenck Parkway, Biltmore Park entrance Contact: Jenny Andry, (828) 301-0053, JenniferRAndry@gmail.com Website: rejectraytheonavl.com The local coalition Reject Raytheon will hold a vigil and march at Biltmore Park to call public attention to the role played by Biltmore Farms […]
Rents in Asheville flat month-over-month
Press release from Apartment List: Our newest monthly rent report is showing rents starting to rebound, with our national index up by 0.7% month-over-month, the biggest monthly increase since 2019. The data continue to show significant regional variation, but the days of plummeting rents in pricey coastal markets appear to be coming to an end, […]
Find a Bear Den, Leave it Alone
Press release from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission: Find a Bear Den, Leave it Alone. Biologists at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are reminding North Carolinians that if they find a bear den to leave it alone. Black bears are very resourceful in finding places to shelter late December through April as cold weather lingers and […]
OnTrack WNC Announces Staff Change
Press release from OnTrack WNC Financial Education & Counseling: After 14 years, OnTrack WNC’s Deputy Director, Sarah Brown’s last day on staff at OnTrack WNC Financial Education & Counseling will be Friday, March 19, 2021. OnTrack WNC’s Executive Director, Celeste Collins, said “As anyone who has crossed paths with Sarah knows, she has done remarkable work with […]
Blue Ridge Public Radio and Foxfire Mountain Heritage Museum announce COVID-19 oral history partnership
Press release from Blue Ridge Public Radio: Blue Ridge Public Radio is partnering with Foxfire Mountain Heritage Museum to launch a campaign to collect oral histories about the COVID-19 pandemic in Appalachia. The goal of the project is to record our region’s experiences with COVID-19 and to bring together the Western North Carolina community during this time […]