Community activist Rob Thomas shares what he is grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Ahead of Thanksgiving, COVID-19 spreads across North Carolina
On Nov. 22, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 4,514 new cases of COVID-19 across the state, marking the latest record for the most cases recorded in a single day.
Racial equity focus of recent city discussions
From the fate of the Vance Monument to a proposed affordable housing complex on land acquired through urban renewal, city officials move forward with longstanding projects.
From EdNC: ‘Pre-K is absolutely crucial for student success’
“Over and over, the pre-K program in Polk County — a district known for high student performance — is lifted up as the best of our best,” writes Mebane Rash in this look at Polk’s program for education journalism nonprofit EdNC.
On gratitude: Carl Mumpower
“A message of hope? America’s success equation is liberty + opportunity + responsibility = prosperity. More people than not understand we can’t leave out pieces and produce the same outcome.”
Vance Monument Task Force recommends removal
Members of the Vance Monument Task Force voted 11-1 on Nov. 19 to remove the monument from the center of downtown Asheville, marking an end to 12 weeks of intense public comment and community division.
COVID-19 compounds housing crisis
With Asheville’s only day shelter for people who are homeless undergoing renovations, and overnight options unable to admit those in need of short-term shelter due to the pandemic, “For people experiencing homelessness, this is going to be a brutal winter,” says Eleanor Ashton of nonprofit Homeward Bound.
As COVID-19 metrics worsen, NCDHHS launches county alert system
The system uses per-capita case rates, the percent of positive tests and a composite hospital score to pinpoint viral hot spots. State health officials also released additional health recommendations for individuals, business owners and public officials residing in high-risk counties.
From NC Health News: More farmworker women are bringing their children to work during the pandemic
Throughout this year’s agricultural season, migrant farmworkers have struggled to find child care for young kids who would usually spend their days in classrooms.
Commissioners to rule on rezoning for Arden vacation rentals
County staff and members of the Planning Board have given opposite recommendations to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for a rezoning request to expand a vacation rental operation in Arden.
Challenges of training service dogs amid a pandemic
For the last seven years, Robin Greene has worked as a volunteer puppy raiser for the nonprofit Southeastern Guide Dogs. After relocating to Western North Carolina in March, she launched the organization’s Asheville chapter. Training a puppy amid a pandemic, she says, is extremely challenging.
Charitable organizations swamped with donations
For many area nonprofits, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a unique problem: Too many donations are coming in to secondhand resell stores, leaving staff scrambling to process a flood of items.
Regional businesses share success with nonprofits
For many WNC nonprofits, business support and partnerships comprise a significant part of their budgets. And while Asheville has a comparatively large number of nonprofits per capita, area businesses rise to the need.
Fire torches warehouse at MSD Woodfin facility
The cause of the Nov. 10 fire remained unknown as of press time. According to a Facebook post by the West Buncombe Volunteer Fire Department, all of the county’s fire departments and personnel from neighboring counties were called to the scene.
From AVL Watchdog: Billy Graham’s legacy threatened by family split
The evangelist’s grandchildren say his son’s pro-Trump politics brings “shame.”
Word on the Street establishes permanent home at Edington Center
The arts-based after-school program centers the leadership and creativity of Black and Brown youths ages 13-19.
Communicating COVID: How WNC counties are delivering the message
In North Carolina, local health departments are not required to publicly post or share COVID-19 data, leaving it up to each local entity to decide if, when and how to do so. And while WNC counties are making vital pandemic-related information public, they’re not all taking the same approach.
Biz briefs: Catalyzing success, business comings and goings
Ten entrepreneurs of color with existing businesses have been selected for Mountain BizWorks’ inaugural Catalyst Cohort. Plus, business openings and updates.
Dogwood trust board talks funding, strategic priorities
Amid internal upheaval following the sudden departure of CEO Antony Chiang, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty, the $1.5 billion foundation held its first annual meeting virtually on Oct. 28. Highlights included funding updates and a discussion about organizational transparency.
Local resident creates care bags during COVID-19
Unable to volunteer at local nonprofits because of COVID-19, local resident Madelyn Schmidt launched her own initiative to assist those in need during the pandemic.
Key takeaways from Buncombe’s 2020 elections
Xpress has compiled election night summaries for each of the contests previously included in our general election voter guide. The Buncombe County Board of Elections will not officially certify results until Friday, Nov. 13, and the state board will not issue certification until Tuesday, Nov. 24.