It's been nearly a month since the deadline for candidates to file for Buncombe County races, so it's time once again to fire up the Xpress Campaign Calendar. We invite candidates and campaigners to send us information on events that are open to the public. Xpress will list them, along with important voter information, both […]
The Green Scene
A December 2008 coal-ash spill in Tennessee appears to have spurred North Carolina legislators to increase oversight of 12 dams that hold back the toxic material — two of them in Buncombe County. Gov. Bev Perdue signed Senate Bill 1004 into law July 31. The legislation requires Department of Environment and Natural Resources staff to […]
YWCA after-school program
YWCA after-school program The Asheville City Schools Foundation is partnering with three after-school programs to provide trained, volunteer academic coaches to assist students academically, as well as provide a mentoring relationship. Volunteers will be matched with a student at one of the partnering sites: Delta House, Youthful Hand or YWCA. Each of these programs is […]
Asheville City Council preview: Aug. 11 meeting
If you are a smoker, a vandal or just a nuisance, you will be a topic of Tuesday’s Council meeting.
Asheville firefighter charged with shooting bicyclist
Asheville police charged Charles Alexander Diez, an Asheville firefighter since 1992, with attempted first-degree murder after he allegedly fired on cyclist Alan Simons with a .38 caliber handgun on July 26. The bullet ripped through the lining of Simons’ helmet and, according to police, came within less than an inch of striking him in the […]
URTV attorney responds to Council committee
A letter from the Van Winkle law firm asks the Boards and Commissions Committee for facts to back up allegations by critics.
URTV in Asheville and Buncombe County
In these management agreements, the City of Asheville and Buncombe County lay out the terms of operation for public access channel URTV, including how and by whom URTV services can be used and the obligations of each party. Click here to read the city agreement. Click here to read the county agreement. • In this […]
Cyclists protest shooting, call for better conditions
Sporting signs (and children in bike seats) about 15 cyclists rode around downtown Asheville Friday to protest the alleged shooting of a local cyclist — and the dropping of an attempted murder charge against the accused gunman.
Video-a-Go-Go: The local video roundup
This week: a salute to local brews, a comedic road trip, secret garbage-truck footage, Asheville Aerial Arts, “wangstas” and more …
Murder charge dropped in cyclist shooting case
A grand jury has dropped the charge of attempted first-degree murder against Charles Alexander Diez, the Asheville firefighter accused of shooting a cyclist. Diez is now facing a felony assault charge that carries a much lower potential penalty.
Nurturing dreams
If it weren't for Mountain BizWorks, Monte's Sub Shop co-owner Daniel Ruiz says he wouldn't be in business today. That's a sentiment shared by many of the 3,000-plus alumni who've received loans, taken courses, attended workshops and received technical assistance through the organization since its founding, 20 years ago, as the Mountain Microenterprise Fund. Riding […]
Bob Barker, PETA protest treatment of Cherokee bears
Former game-show host Bob Barker, known far and wide for uttering the line "C'mon down" to contestants on The Price is Right, says that's exactly what tourists won't be doing in Western North Carolina as word continues to spread about what he and fellow animal-rights activists see as inhumane treatment of bears on the reservation […]
Johnson resigns as Buncombe GOP chair
Buncombe County Republican Party Chair Tim Johnson, who was recently elected vice chair of the state party, stepped down from his local leadership post July 31, with county Vice Chair Robert Malt taking over as local chair. Stepping up, stepping down: Buncombe County Republican Party Chair Tim Johnson resigned July 31 to move to Durham, […]
Accused gunman released on bond, cycling community outraged
The release of Asheville firefighter Charles Alexander Diez, charged with shooting cyclist Alan Simons July 26, has the local cycling community "outraged," according to one leader. Facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, Diez was let out on bond. Around midday on July 26, police say, Diez angrily confronted Simons, who was riding along Tunnel Road […]
The Green Scene
You've probably never heard of the Appalachian elktoe mussel, but some local folks have — and they're trying to help the little mollusk survive. On the North Toe River just downstream from Spruce Pine, crews have removed the remnants of an old dam, hoping to re-establish the fish populations the endangered species depends on. The […]
Poult and piglet set to return to Urban Trail
The Urban Trail, a tour through downtown Asheville punctuated by dozens of bronze sculptures and an accompanying plaque detailing local history, remains incomplete 18 years after its inception. But there may be an end in sight.
WNC Alliance launches new I-26 Connector Web site
The WNC Alliance has launched a new Web site to help keep local communities updated on the latest information regarding the controversial Interstate 26 Connector project.
Sheriff will suspend deputy accused in road rage incident (with video)
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will suspend an off-duty undercover deputy accused in a road rage incident – without pay – for an unspecified period, Sheriff Van Duncan announced today. Duncan said that the deputy’s remarks to 911 dispatchers had been unprofessional.
Shooting has cyclist community “outraged” as accused gunman released on bond
The alleged July 26 shooting of cyclist Alan Simons by Asheville firefighter Charles Alexander Diez has the local cycling community “outraged,” according to one leader. Diez is out on bond, facing charges of attempted first degree murder.
Buncombe County Commissioners preview: Smoke if ya got ‘em edition
When they return from their summer hiatus on Aug. 4, the members of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will tackle a number of issues on the agenda, including a smoking ban in all county facilities and all county-owned property.
Xpress wants your opinion (columns, that is)
Got something to say, dear readers? Xpress is putting out an open call for well-written commentary pieces on relevant local issues.