North Carolina lawmakers on Thursday tasked county boards of election in the 13 most impacted counties from Tropical Storm Helene to open at least one early voting site for every 30,000 registered voters in their county.
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‘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 […]
Local governments ask for state, federal help to address Helene aftermath
Local governments throughout Western North Carolina are facing a number of critical needs in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, including temporary housing, infrastructure repair and debris removal.
Everything you need to know to cast your ballot — from voting early to replacing your ID
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about casting your ballot if you live in a county impacted severely by Helene.
Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters’ new album was made the old-fashioned way
With a goal of combining the vibe of a concert performance with the sonic quality of a recording studio, the musicians gathered in one room to record the album’s 12 songs.
With stubborn turbidity and concerns about water clarity growing, city amps up testing on the nonpotable water it’s delivering
Water Resources Department spokesperson Clay Chandler spent most of his time at the daily Helene briefing on Wednesday talking about the water testing program, but he said afterward it does not come in response to customer complaints.
City Council frees up $4 million to provide grants to residents and businesses
The majority of the funds — $3.4 million — will help residents with rent and down-payment assistance and home repairs. The city will seek nonprofit partners to administer the grants.
NC Trusted Elections Tour addresses voting laws and election security
“We know that voters are often confused and that can lead to uncertainty and distrust,” explains Jennifer Roberts of the Carter Center, who co-organized the NC Trusted Elections Tour. She and others are out to reassure voters.
Small towns find ways to aid businesses suffering financially after Helene
As small towns throughout Western North Carolina face an October without tourists, local nonprofits and community members are finding ways to help financially struggling businesses.
Trump makes a campaign stop in devastated Swannanoa to express sympathy to victims of Helene
Following a tour of flood-ravaged Swannanoa on Monday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump offered his sympathy to storm victims. He also took numerous opportunities to continue to slam recovery efforts by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
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.”
Hot Seat: Race for chair of County Commission heats up
Commissioner Amanda Edwards, ex-Sheriff Van Duncan talk policy differences, ethics and politics as the general election race for the top seat in Buncombe County enters its final month.
Jamie McDonald partners with World Central Kitchen on the South Slope
In the wake of the storm, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ transformed into the Asheville hub for the international meal distribution organization.
Asheville halts plans to dump debris in residential areas
The City of Asheville suspends dumping post-Helene debris, including trees, drywall, computers, televisions, pesticides and paint, in residential areas.
From CPP: Mill town in limbo. Helene leaves sale of closed Canton paper mill in doubt.
Tropical Storm Fred caused massive flooding in Canton in 2021. Then the mill closed, crushing the town. Now, the damage Helene wreaked on the mill and the town’s wastewater facility has the once-enthusiastic buyer — E.J. Spiritas Group — reconsidering its options.
The lives we lost: Helene took entire families, couples, children
Asheville Watchdog is bringing you the stories behind the staggering loss of life, the children, parents, grandparents, multiple generations of a single family, all gone in one of the worst natural disasters to hit the mountains of western North Carolina. This is the first installment.