The Army Corps of Engineers has ordered CSX to stop mining the Nolichucky riverbed for material used in railroad repairs, according to a copy of a letter shared by The Southern Environmental Law Center, which has sued over the issue.
First round of lead tests for Asheville water customers comes back with encouraging results
“Out of 159 samples taken from mid- to late-November, nine had detectable levels of lead on the first draw,” said Water Resources spokesperson Clay Chandler.
Carmen Atwater discusses the impact Helene has had on local bees
“Fall is already a nectar scarce time of year, and the storm was immediately followed by our first frost, so it really was a triple whammy,” says Carmen Atwater, founder of Feral Farms.
BCS swears-in new board members, elects chair
A study to determine the feasibility of the consolidation of Buncombe County’s two public school districts continues on schedule despite Tropical Storm Helene.
Golden Agers: Music as a constant companion
From jamming with an old-time band to performing at open mics and occasionally playing at fundraisers, Billy Bober thrives on the energy of performing. “It’s what keeps the power and flow of music alive for me,” he says.
Pop-ups revive holiday spirit for local retailers
Through festive downtown initiatives, Asheville businesses lend support to local shops set adrift by Tropical Storm Helene.
Destroyed athletic facilities leave local sports leagues searching for new homes
Flood waters from Tropical Storm Helene decimated many of the City of Asheville’s premier outdoor athletic facilities, and officials don’t know when — or if — they will be repaired and restored.
City brings slander lawsuit against ParkMobile
“ParkMobile knows that it is spreading misinformation. ParkMobile knows that it is in the wrong. And ParkMobile has had every opportunity to stop. Yet ParkMobile refuses,” the lawsuit says.
From CPP: Asheville’s economy still reeling from impact of storm, water loss on tourism
October was a total loss for many restaurants and hotels, a month that usually promises the biggest profits of the year, thanks to leaf-peepers and other seasonal tourists.
City expects $39 million Army Corps of Engineers-led filtration system at North Fork Reservoir to start running Friday
The city and the Corps planned to start testing the system this week, and Asheville Water Resources spokesperson Clay Chandler said it should be operational by Friday.
Asheville businesses pick up the pieces post-Helene
Asheville business owners dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene have a simple message for local customers: We’re still here, and we need your support.
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners makes history with new chair and member
Buncombe County board sees a woman chair and a Black woman commissioner for the first time.
Unstoppable: Serving the community is a key priority
“In an odd series of events, we had actually decided to open a food resource area and onboarded our first mental health intern right before the hurricane hit,” says Amy Upham, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride.
Unstoppable: Self-care is important
“Seeing our clinicians regularly at comfort sites, in our bright teal T-shirts, helps foster a sense of trust and creates a safe space to chat or cry,” Mary Waller, development director of All Souls Counseling Center,
Unstoppable: Talk to friends and family about mental health
“There is an emotional life cycle of a disaster and many of us in our community are still in the ‘disillusionment’ stage,” says Cammy Sky Holt, communications director of Black Mountain Counseling Center.
Unstoppable: Clearing trees and developing new bonds
“We have real concerns about how the downed debris could impact the severity of wildfires,” says Lang Hornthal, co-executive director of EcoForesters. “We also know that nonnative invasive species will take advantage of this newly created growing space and will be a big problem come spring.”
Owners of historic homes face unique challenges of restoring storm-damaged properties
Many residents face the daunting task of cleanup and repair post-Helene, but those with historic houses have an added layer: preserving the area’s past for the future.
Amid retirement, community health remains top of mind for former MAHEC member
“Helping others is simply who I am,” says Jaquelyn Hallum, former director of Health Careers and Diversity Education at Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). “Retirement hasn’t changed that — it’s just given me the freedom to focus on what matters most.”
Food distribution nonprofits provide post-Helene safety nets for WNC farms
Nonprofits dedicated to providing food to the community have relied on COVID-era programs and knowledge to help WNC’s farms survive the impact of Tropical Storm Helene.
Coalition takes aim at Helene-damaged homes
Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair, aka ARCHR, in collaboration with PODER Emma Community Ownership, Mountain Housing Opportunities, Community Action Opportunities and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.
New Soil & Water supervisor talks Helene recovery
Blair Thompson is joining the Buncombe Soil & Water Conservation District board at a time when its work is in the public mind due to Tropical Storm Helene.