Save the Emerald Lounge: venue hosts fundraiser shows May 2 & 3

Though the Emerald Lounge remains in financial trouble and risk of closure, owner Christina Brunell-Fortini told Asheville Scene that she plans to keep the establishment, even though she has listed the venue for sale as a fallback option. Two benefit shows will take place this weekend to help support the continuance of the iconic downtown […]

Debated: The race for District Attorney

The results of the May 6 Democratic primary will send either incumbent District Attorney Ron Moore or challenger Todd Williams to the fall election unopposed. Both men are North Carolina natives; both attended UNC Chapel Hill. Moore has been DA since 1991. In the past several years, however, he’s come under scrutiny in connection with […]

Passing Judgment: A word with the 28th District Court candidates

In the May 6 primary, two of the three candidates for district court judge will move on to the fall election. 28th District Court Judge Ed Clontz faces two seasoned opponents: J. Matthew Martin, a former associate judge in the Tribal Court in Cherokee, and Thomas Amburgey, a Buncombe County assistant district attorney.

Buncombe County District Attorney debate: Challengin­g questions before May 6 primary election

In front of a crowded, chandeliered courtroom on the fifth floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse, incumbent District Attorney Ron Moore fought for the continuation of his elected position in a debate with challenger Todd Williams on Friday, April 11. Three debates were held during the evening: a debate between Moore and Williams for District […]

Asheville City Council: Housing Trust Fund, ordinance adoptions and circus ban considerat­ion

On April 8, Asheville City Council members voted unanimously to pass a resolution to adopt a Housing Trust Fund recommendation to fund Biotat LLC’s Oak Hill Commons Project, as well as an ordinance adopting the new 2014-15 Fees and Charges Manual. Council also considered a request that city officials ban circuses that use exotic animals from […]

French Broad Chocolate Lounge announces move to new location

“For six years, residents and visitors of our fair city have come for chocolate and fellowship to French Broad Chocolate Lounge at 10 South Lexington Avenue. This, our original location, has served us very well, despite the building’s age and unique quirks. The summer of this year, 2014, will be our last in this spot! We have signed a 10 year lease to relocate French Broad Chocolate Lounge around the corner on Pack Square! This spring, we are renovating the first floor of the historic Legal Building, formally SunTrust Bank, to be our permanent home.”

Portrait of CIBO: Council of Independen­t Business Owners rallies Asheville business community

The Council of Independent Business Owners has been called a lot of things over the years.

Few could argue that the nonprofit — whose members serve on such powerful public bodies as Asheville’s City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission, the Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Agency’s board and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners — lacks influence. But how far does it reach? And does the group still have the kind of impact that it did in the past?