News release from Buncombe County: At its Nov. 19 regular meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing for the small business economic recovery grant program, approved interlocal agreements for debris removal, approved economic household assistance for Helene recovery, and more. Interlocal Agreements for Storm Debris Removal The Board approved Buncombe County […]
News Bulletins
New public restroom to open downtown
Press release from the City of Asheville: The City of Asheville is excited to announce the opening of a 24/7 accessible public restroom in the heart of downtown. Located in the public space at the corner of College Street and Rankin Avenue, the prefabricated facility is designed to enhance downtown amenities, promote public health, and […]
Governor-elect Josh Stein Announces Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee
Press release from the office of Governor-elect Josh Stein: Governor-elect Josh Stein today announced that he has launched the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee to help advise his work to address the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The Committee is made up of leaders of all types from across the region who are closely […]
What we know so far about the employment impact of Hurricane Helene
Press Release from NC Department of Commerce: Here is what we know so far about the employment impact of Hurricane Helene: Job growth is -3.9% monthly (September – October) for Asheville metro. County unemployment data will be released on November 27. As of yesterday 26,756, statewide disaster-related unemployment claims. We don’t have current unemployment claims […]
Buncombe County Helene response and recovery updates – Nov. 19
Press release from Buncombe County: Private Property Debris Removal Application Now Open, New FEMA Hours & Environmental Health Updates Storm Debris As of this morning, over 180,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in Buncombe County. Currently, there are 39 trucks operating in Buncombe County, removing debris from all zones in the County. Private […]
Tropical Storm Helene recovery updates – Nov. 19
Press release from the City of Asheville: WATER UTILITY SERVICE The City of Asheville has lifted the Boil Water Notice for all water customers as of November 18. Water Resources lab staff finished sampling the distribution system early Sunday afternoon, and results have confirmed that the water supply is free from contaminants. Customers may resume […]
Recursos de recuperación de la Tormenta Tropical Helene – Nov. 19
Press release from the City of Asheville: SERVICIO DE AGUA La Ciudad de Asheville ha levantado el Aviso de Hervir el Agua para todos los clientes a partir del 18 de Noviembre. El personal del laboratorio de Recursos Hídricos finalizó la toma de muestras del sistema de distribución el Domingo por la tarde, y los […]
Study: Asheville parents pay $20k per year to support a child
Report from Alex Miller at Upgraded Points: Below are some highlights from Upgraded Points’ newly released data study looking at the most expensive U.S. locations for raising kids, with data specific to Asheville. Researchers calculated the percentage difference in the required living costs to maintain a modest but adequate standard of living for 2-adult households […]
Chemistry professor urges further evaluation of lead levels in Asheville’s drinking water
Editor’s note: This piece is written by Sally Wasileski who is a chair and professor of the UNC Asheville Chemistry department. Here are her views: Dear Members of the Media, County Government, and Elected Officials, I am writing as both a chemist and as a resident of Buncombe County, who works in and has a […]
Mission Hospital Opens South Asheville ER in Arden
Press release from Mission Health: Mission Health is pleased to announce that the new South Asheville ER is now open at 2512 Hendersonville Road in Arden. A campus of Mission Hospital, the 11,000-square-foot emergency room is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, 11 exam rooms, an on-site laboratory and diagnostic imaging services including CT and X-ray. Board-certified emergency […]
Code Purple Wednesday Nov. 20
Press release from Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition: A Code Purple is called for Wednesday, Nov. 20 Purpose of Code Purple: Is to provide a coordinated effort among Asheville and Buncombe County shelters and other organizations to provide emergency overflow shelter to people experiencing homelessness. During Code Purple, participating shelters will provide more beds with fewer […]
Buncombe County Helene response and recovery updates – Nov. 18
Press release from Buncombe County: Storm Debris Update Over 174,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in Buncombe County. Currently, there are 39 trucks Running in Buncombe County, removing debris from all zones in the County. The Private Property Debris Removal program is active with an official launch on Tuesday, November 19. The online […]
Victim assistance centers aid those impacted by Helene
Press release from North Carolina Department of Insurance: North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has announced that two Victim Assistance Centers (VAC) have been scheduled to open in Macon and Buncombe counties to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. A VAC will open in the Macon County town of Franklin on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The […]
Community leaders call for eviction moratorium in Western North Carolina
Press release from Just Economics: In an open letter addressed to Governor Roy Cooper, the Council of State, Chief Justice Paul Newby, and members of the North Carolina General Assembly, over 400 elected officials, clergy, business and nonprofit leaders and concerned individuals from 20 counties across western North Carolina are urgently calling for immediate action […]
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office looking for breaking and entering suspects
Press release from The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office: The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to identify and locate the people in this picture. They are suspects in a vehicle breaking and entering in Bent Creek and credit card fraud in Arden. Please contact Detective Ward at 828-250-4636 if you have any information.
Tropical Storm Helene recovery updates – Nov. 18
Press release from the City of Asheville: Boil Water Notice Lifted The City of Asheville has lifted the Boil Water Notice for all water customers as of 11 a.m. today, November 18. Water Resources lab staff finished sampling the distribution system early Sunday afternoon, and results have confirmed that the water supply is free from […]
Asheville police make drug trafficking arrest
Press release from Asheville Police Department: Asheville Police Department officers arrested a man on drug trafficking charges early Saturday morning while investigating a reported breaking and entering in west Asheville. Officers responded to a report of someone breaking into a motor vehicle on Crowell Road around 3:00 a.m. on November 16th. Upon arrival, officers located […]
Asheville has potable water
Press release from Asheville mayor Esther Manheimer: I am relieved and grateful to share that as of today, the Boil Water Notice has been lifted for all customers. This means customers can now resume normal water usage—a major step forward in our recovery efforts. Getting to this point was no small feat. It required the […]
Air quality forecast – yellow and green
Press release from Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality: Monday, November 18, 2024, is a code YELLOW air quality forecast day for the valleys of Asheville and Buncombe County. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities. For the ridge tops, it is a code GREEN air quality forecast day. No health impacts are expected when air […]
Western North Carolina veterans receive over $2 million in benefits
Press release from U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs: The Winston-Salem Regional Office (WSRO) has stepped up to support recovery initiatives for Western North Carolina by mobilizing resources and providing targeted assistance following recent natural disasters. We have prioritized claims for Veterans in the Western North Carolina region as they recover from the effects of Hurricane […]
Board of Elections certifies election results for Buncombe County
Press release from Buncombe County: In accordance with NCGS § 163-182.5, the Buncombe County Board of Elections met today to complete the certification of votes cast in the Nov. 5 presidential election. Results on election night are unofficial, canvass is the official process of determining whether the votes have been counted and tabulated correctly, resulting […]