Mike Holcombe, water director from 1993-97, remains adamant that the city is downplaying what he says is the major cause — the decommissioned East Asheville Booster Pump Station.
New Stories
Weaving exhibition celebrates long-ignored history at Black Mountain College
Co-curator Julie J. Thomson discusses her four-year project and hopes for further research on the topic.
The city’s new urban forester has big plans for Asheville’s tree canopy
“People just don’t know what they can or cannot do,” says Keith Aitken, the city’s new urban forester. “We want to create a document or education program for people who move into steep slopes because I want people to come to me when they have a tree removal rather than doing it under the radar.”
Four of a Kind: Hali Macko on the local painting scene
The painter talks new projects and the city’s visual arts scene.
Protecting Buncombe children and families requires passion
“This is a really hard job,” says Rutha, who requested her last name be omitted for safety reasons. “So there has to be a desire to want to help people and to want to intervene and keep children safe and support families.” That desire has been tested lately, as the investigations division has struggled with staffing shortages, peaking in May when 11 of the department’s 29 positions were vacant.
Support wavers for BCTDA-Sports Commission merger
Despite a consultant’s recommendations to merge the Buncombe County Tourism and Development Authority and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, BCTDA President and CEO of Explore Asheville Vic Isley said at the Sept. 27 BCTDA board meeting she intends to vote to keep the Sports Commission independent.
Best Medicine with Morgan: Farewell to the original MedHead
After a year hosting “Best Medicine,” local comic Morgan Marie is saying goodbye. She is rejoined by the column’s original three guests: Eric Brown, Nora Tramm and Peter Lundblad.
Four of a Kind: Whitney Mongé shares insights on the local music scene
The singer-songwriter talks new projects and the city’s music scene.
Council approves Project Aspire despite concerns
Project Aspire, a vast mixed-use, mixed-income development set to reshape the city’s skyline, received the green light from the Asheville City Council at its Sept. 27 meeting. After nearly two hours of public comments featuring 37 speakers and discussions between council members and the developer, the council approved the rezoning for the project with a 5-2 vote, with council members Antanette Mosley and Kim Roney opposed.
Playbill Picks: Upcoming local theater highlights
If you’re a fan of local theater, Western North Carolina offers plenty of options.
City Council likely to approve 2024 referendum
As work wraps up from $74 million in bonds that voters approved in 2016, the Asheville City Council is considering putting another slate of bonds before voters next year. While no specific dates have been mentioned, it is anticipated that the proposed 2024 bonds will come before council for approval sometime this fall.
Four of a Kind: Olivia Nesnow discusses the local pottery scene
The potter talks new projects and the city’s craft scene.
Around town: Making things happen at Rare Bird Farm
Rare Bird Farm receives green light to hold events in Madison County. Plus, Blue Ridge Pride; a graffiti tour in the RAD; and more.
What’s new in food: Asheville food scene gets Lucky
Lucky’s Asheville Food opens food truck and concession stand. Plus, a new brewery in Weaverville; Pop Bubble Tea celebrates Chinese Mooncake Festival; and more.
Letter: Let’s not sleep on Merrimon Avenue issue
“The result has been beleaguered customers and woeful year-to-year store sales numbers now that motorists avoid the area if at all possible.”
Letter: Close the homeless floodgates
“The thought of being identified will send most of the homeless packing.”