Two projects requiring special-use permits are on the agenda at the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment, including a proposed Level 2 Planned Unit Development on 104.19 acres for a spa resort.
The story behind Asheville’s reputation as a bonsai destination
“The way [my bonsai] are constructed, it’s not based on what I was taught or what the books tell you to do,” says Arthur Joura, bonsai curator at The N.C. Arboretum. “It’s based on what I’ve seen in my own experience and run through the filter of my knowledge of art.
Mental health-support specialist dispatched on some Sheriff’s Office calls
The co-responder unit from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services will focus on mental health calls, welfare checks and involuntary commitments.
As state inspects Mission for CMS, hospital makes changes to emergency department
About a dozen investigators have been interviewing hospital physicians, nurses and staff, reviewing hospital communications, patient records and other documents, and analyzing systemic safety procedures to ensure minimum standards of care, according to multiple sources.
Fiber internet coming to Buncombe County’s rural communities
High-speed fiber internet is on its way to several rural communities in Buncombe County, thanks to a $3.3 million state grant. Nearly 1,000 households will receive fiber internet service over the next two years, according to Buncombe County Director of Economic Development Tim Love.
From CPP: Yancey County Pride display sparks wider debate over book bans and LGBTQ representation in libraries
The community conflict reflects a larger trend statewide of community members trying to remove or restrict access to certain books in public schools and libraries.
From CPP: Teams battle wildfires in Western NC
Amid an ongoing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Western North Carolina is experiencing a surge in wildfires and elevated wildfire risk that endanger both communities and public lands.
Whatever it takes: Meeting the needs of individuals with autism
“Families can meet others and not feel so alone on their autism journey,” says Caroline Long Tindall, CEO of St. Gerard House. “Young adults are becoming part of their community and giving back — the community is getting to know how valuable individuals with autism are.”
WTF: Housing vouchers and assistance programs
Finding affordable housing has become a formidable challenge for many Asheville residents. However, housing vouchers can bring rent down to a manageable amount. In the latest edition of Xpress’ WTF feature – short for “Want the Facts?” – we explore the application process and eligibility requirements for housing vouchers and other forms of housing assistance.
Local leaders: Reduce Buncombe’s tourism marketing budget
“I did not realize that we were so far ahead of everybody else in North Carolina,” said state Sen. Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe. “All of these other cities do a great job of marketing themselves, and they don’t spend as much money as we do.”
HCA lawyer blasts North Carolina Attorney General’s investigative demand as ‘legally improper’
“Mission has not breached the APA [asset purchase agreement],” the letter said, referring to the contract governing HCA’s 2019 purchase of then nonprofit Mission Health for $1.5 billion. “Mission is now, and always has been, in full compliance with that contract and often exceeds its obligations under the APA.”
Neighborhood backlash derails North Asheville emergency shelter
At first glance, the dispute between Grace Episcopal and the Facebook group members seems a clear-cut case of how social media can effect change: A concerned resident encouraged like-minded people to contact the church, they did, and the church declined to serve as a host site. Viewed through a different lens, however, the incident highlights the potential for harm that can result from jumping to conclusions — and then broadcasting them via social media.
Reparations commission sets up new project management plan
In her first move as facilitator, Vernisha Crawford implemented a more rigid meeting process designed to allow more commission members an opportunity to speak while keeping meetings on schedule, things the 25-member commission had struggled to do at times.
New 24-hour restroom coming to downtown
The new amenity, which will be located at the intersection of Rankin Avenue and College Street, aims to offer residents, visitors and the unhoused a safe, clean place to go when nature calls.
Tourism tax money buys massages, $250 shirts, dinners costing thousands
Explore Asheville spent more than $88,000 on a golf tournament in July, flying three stars from the MTV reality show “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” to Asheville and paying $3,591 for VIP transportation, $3,800 for personal bodyguards and amenities that included a $300 golf lesson at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
Opinion: Is there anything we can do about Mission and HCA?
We deserve better. We deserve the kind of healthcare Mission used to provide, before HCA, when the hospital was considered one of the top health systems in the United States, a magnet for some of the finest physicians in the country, and a source of community pride.
WNC Scary Stories: A ghost at The Southern Porch
My husband is definitely one of those who is skeptical of ghosts. But now he’ll tell you he’s sort of convinced.
WNC Scary Stories: Dot’s china cabinet
When Whitney Ponder bought her first home in Asheville, she inherited some of the previous owner’s furniture. Unbeknownst to her, the late owner’s spirit may have also lingered.
WNC Scary Stories: The mysterious coffin
Even though West Asheville’s neighborhood isn’t known as a haunted destination, it definitely has one unexplained story.
WNC Scary Stories: Haunting on Griffing Boulevard
Joan Calder retells hearing spirits while babysitting at a home off of Kimberly Avenue in 1968.
31 seconds: Life inside a gang
James Mitchell, a former member of the Nine Trey Bloods, discusses his time as a gang member and how he is actively working to combat gang violence in Asheville.