“Anyway, Asheville was a lifetime base camp, but I just realized it will absolutely never be the same or even close to what it was to me ever again in my lifetime.”
Letter: Connect the dots on storm, climate and war
“This monstrous hurricane is the natural result of our society’s addiction to oil and its endless wars to feed our habits. We are in a vicious cycle of death and destruction.”
Letter: FEMA misinformation must stop
“Stop the self-serving lies — FEMA seems to be doing an excellent job in the face of (now two) natural disasters.”
Letter: Church creates welcoming hub after storm
“Pastor Sam and Pastor Erin have reached back into recent history to create a safe and welcoming place for all to be nourished.”
Letter: Witnessing the disaster unfold from afar
“Existing in a world that is normal when your community is falling apart feels like it’s stretching your soul in opposite directions.”
Letter: A look at Edwards and Rudow, post-Helene
“Whether Rep. Edwards or Caleb Rudow wins in November, their roles and profiles will be greatly elevated by the long and difficult roads necessary to care for our communities and to implement our recovery and rebuilding. May they both be up to the task.”
Cut that out
Letter: Choose candidates who support public schools
“Public School Strong endorses only qualified candidates who pledge to support fully funded and inclusive public education.”
Letter: Democratic candidates offer know-how, experience
“We need the Democratic, practical and logical approach to governing, including for climate change and the transition to an environmentally conscious policy that works on being prepared for chaotic events like our Hurricane Helene and also promotes clean and renewable energy.”
Letter: Where is help for elderly public housing residents?
“I am writing to inform the public of the dire public health situation present at public housing complexes in Asheville after Tropical Storm Helene.”
Out of sorts
‘A city of heroes’: Helene showed the collective power of Asheville
Editor’s note: The following is the text of Asheville Fire Chief Michael Cayse’s speech at the Oct. 22 candlelight vigil held at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville to honor those affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Good evening, Asheville. My name is Mike Cayse, I have the pleasure of being the fire chief for this […]
Letter: Vote no to amend state constitution
“The proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting noncitizens from voting provides a purported solution to a problem that does not exist.”
Letter: HCA stepped up for WNC through disaster
“Everyone should applaud how HCA stepped up for our region when we all needed a major medical facility as Helene struck.”
Letter: We’re pulling together at Givens Estates
“All of these staff members are heroes, and we love and appreciate, appreciate, appreciate them!”
My Story: Getting trees off roofs and feeling community support
“I worked from High Point and kept answering phones and coordinating help — finding out which tree crews with cranes were where and getting that information to anyone with a tree on their house.”
Famous last words
Letter: Neighbors’ response restores faith in people
“We were both amazed and appreciative for our neighbors for reaching out to everyone inquiring and sharing of each other’s status and needs, and information on where to find food, water, gas and cell service.”
My Story: Neighbors DIY it to source water for East End/Valley Street
“By Sunday, it became clear that our water infrastructure wasn’t going to improve anytime soon, and our neighbors needed a way to flush their toilets. We decided to gather creek water using buckets and bins from a friend’s property and bring it back for our neighbors.”
Letter: WNC’s hardworking ethos helped after Helene
“Rather than moan and wait on the government, people used their own equipment, their own gasoline and their own sweat to address a serious situation.”
Letter: Together, we’ll overcome Helene’s destruction
“The needs remain massive, but by the grace of God, the response has been immense as well. So grateful for all the first responders and volunteers who inspire and encourage us every day.”