“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.”
New Stories
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.”
Buncombe County Schools to reopen to students Oct. 25
All 45 of the district’s schools now have nonpotable water, power and internet service, BCS Superintendent Rob Jackson told the Buncombe County Board of Education at an emergency meeting Oct. 18.
Local couple launch private air force operation to reach rural communities
Since Tropical Storm Helene devastated the region, Taylor Knipp and her fiancé, Adam Smith, have transformed the Harley-Davidson of Asheville dealership in Swannanoa into an ad hoc private air base running daily rescue, reconnaissance and resupply missions to some of the hardest hit areas in Western North Carolina.
Crashes, drownings, exposure, trees, blunt force: Medical Examiner’s list paints grim picture of causes of Helene deaths
According to the agency, Buncombe County suffered 42 deaths, the highest toll of the 21 counties listed. Yancey County had the next highest, with 11, followed by seven in Henderson County.
Buncombe County Commissioners delay reappraisal deadline
Assessing storm damage and calculating Tropical Storm Helene’s effect on market prices prompts county to postpone property appraisal deadline.
ACS backs off drilling wells, works to reopen schools Oct. 28
Superintendent Maggie Fehrman told the Asheville City Board of Education at its meeting Oct. 14 that she still wants to explore drilling wells to increase the district’s resiliency, but is shifting her focus to obtaining enough drinking water to reopen schools by Monday, Oct. 28.
From CPP: No place to stay. Helene deepens housing crisis in Western NC.
Asheville and other areas in Western North Carolina already have largely unaffordable housing markets for many residents, and Helene threatens to make the problem worse.
County provides road map for Asheville restaurants to reopen
Asheville restaurants can apply to reopen for business while they are without water due to Tropical Storm Helene. But some say the process of setting up a temporary water source is a nonstarter.
WNC’s brewing industry is down but not out
Asheville Brewers Alliance director Karis Roberts says amid the destruction of Tropical Storm Helene, local breweries are finding ways to collaborate and stay hopeful.
‘Citizen-only voting’ referendum on NC ballot this fall
The General Assembly passed House Bill 1074, which would change the wording of the state constitution to clarify who is allowed to vote in state and local elections, but it requires majority approval from voters.
Helene Resource Directory for week of Oct. 14
Our staff has compiled a list of important information for readers to know in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation. Please be aware that things are changing rapidly, and some of these listings may be out-of-date by the time you read this. If you know of any information that should be included in future […]
After Helene, disabled folks and seniors still vulnerable and in need of water in WNC
Every day since Helene, volunteers with Asheville’s Flush Brigade gather at the parking lot of the Gold’s Gym on Fairview Road, disperse buckets, and climb into water tank-laden trucks to check in on different apartment complexes in the city.