On Sept. 6, 1951, thousands of dead fish floated down the highly polluted French Broad River.
Stand Proud
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Pomp and Circumstantial Evidence
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Council to hear updated Flatiron proposal; solidify districting work session
Mayor Esther Manheimer will be governing from afar during the June 25 meeting of Asheville City Council.
New Mission execs tout initial growth, promise continued investment
While returning repeatedly to messages of growth and their commitment to long-term investments in the region’s health care infrastructure, the CEO and CFO for HCA Healthcare’s new North Carolina division also responded to questions about the company’s business model, staffing and morale in a June 20 meeting with local media.
Commissioners OK $455.5 million county budget
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved the proposal — including over $334.5 million in general fund spending, the portion primarily funded by property taxes — in a 6-1 vote at its June 18 regular meeting. Only Commissioner Mike Fryar cast his vote in opposition to the plan.
The money race: Democrats outgunned in WNC congressional contests
Both WNC congressmen, Reps. Patrick McHenry and Mark Meadows, represent districts that are staunchly Republican. But most of the money they used to run their campaigns and boost GOP candidates in more competitive races came from outside of North Carolina.
Buncombe shares early goals for tourism dollars
The county’s strategic thinking on tourism, explained Director of Intergovernmental Projects Tim Love, has focused on “the circulation of tourists to our unique, eclectic and vibrant community destinations.” That mission is driving Buncombe’s current input on the Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Management & Investment Plan.
ASAP hosts its 11th annual Farm Tour
Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, closed-toe walking shoes, cash and a camera: These items are all on the “items to bring” checklist provided by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project to people embarking on the 11th annual ASAP Farm Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23. But the real key to a successful tour, according to tour coordinator Robin […]
New documentary explores our troubled waterways
In the Center for Cultural Preservation’s latest documentary, Guardians of Our Troubled Waters: River Heroes of the South, filmmaker David Weintraub investigates the history of figures such as French Broad crusader Wilma Dykeman and the roles they played in fostering environmental change.
Veterans’ Mural Project takes shape beneath VA
Formerly known as the Tunnel Art Project, the over 250-foot mural occupies a real working tunnel connecting two main buildings of the Charles George VA Medical Center. Lead artist Jim Stilwell draws inspiration from the hospital’s residents and visitors.
Meditation centers in demand for peace, chance to disconnect
Local centers report that the silent meditation retreat business is booming. Ranging from a single day to a full two weeks off the grid, the retreats eliminate unnecessary external stimulation by emphasizing meditation, maintaining an inward focus — and, yes, disconnecting from all tech devices.
Berry Temple United Methodist Church announces closure
On Sunday, June 30, the Berry Temple United Methodist Church will hold its final service. According to its pastor, the Rev. Darryl Dayson, the institution has struggled with attendance for the last two decades, with current membership down to just 13 congregants The congregation formed in 1887 as part of the now defunct Allen High […]
Take the Money and Run
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Asheville Archives: Father’s Day launches in WNC, 1912
On June 16, 1912, the city celebrated its first Father’s Day. Shortly thereafter, another day of observance was proposed: Mother-in-Law Day.
‘Today is our day’: Hendersonville celebrates first Pride event
Though Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk’s proclamation of June 15 as the city’s first Pride day drew opposition leading up to the Saturday celebration, the festivities went off without a hitch. Many in the large crowd hailed the event as a harbinger of a major cultural shift in the small city.
Slashville
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
On the trail of Thomas Wolfe and the Fitzgeralds
Part biography, part travel guide, Bruce Johnson’s latest book highlights key landmarks and locations the three literary icons visited or frequented during their respective stays in Asheville in the 1930s.
News Briefs: New police chief, updated Flatiron proposal
Updated Flatiron proposal to return to City Council Developer Philip Woollcott and building owner Russell Thomas will make another appearance in front of Asheville City Council members on Tuesday, June 25, to gain approval for an updated version of the Flatiron Building project. The original plan would have converted the building into an 80-room boutique […]
Vote on county budget set for June 18
County Manager Avril Pinder recommended no substantive changes to Buncombe’s fiscal year 2019-20 budget following a June 4 public hearing, and board members are scheduled to vote on the spending plan. The budget contains over $9.1 million in general fund capital spending, roughly $7.58 million of which will be financed through debt.
TDA holds first Community Leadership Council meeting
The first meeting of the Community Leadership Council — convened by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority — provided a new forum for familiar kudos and criticisms of the area’s tourism industry. Nearly 40 invited community members, including elected officials, municipal staffers, nonprofit employees and business folk, accepted the TDA’s request to participate in the […]