Outside groups recruit local poll observers

Every election Corinne Duncan has worked since joining Buncombe County Election Services in 2015, she says, has felt more intense than the one before. Ever more people are voting, requesting information from the office she now directs and scrutinizing the electoral process. And an increasing number of citizens, Duncan continues, want to take an active […]

Buncombe County seal

Commission­ers to hear early childhood education update

The presentation, available on the Board of Commissioners agenda prior to the Sept. 6 meeting, focuses on the nearly $3.75 million awarded from the county’s early childhood education fund in fiscal year 2021-2022. Across 21 funded projects, according to the presentation, 71% of goals were met, with most shortfalls coming in enrollment, attendance and staffing targets.

Buncombe County seal

Buncombe proposes $815K for COVID-19 housing, utility assistance

Public comment on a grant application for federal coronavirus relief identified help with rent, mortgage and utility bills as the county’s greatest need. The Board of Commissioners is set to vote on a plan that would direct the aid, which will likely not be available until January, toward that purpose at its regular meeting of Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Morgan’s sheriff bid canceled in emergency meeting

The Buncombe County Board of Elections announced in a hearing that Michael Morgan, who had filed to run for Buncombe County sheriff, was disqualified due to his conviction on a felony charge. The board apologized to Morgan, explaining that the state constitution explicitly disallows convicted felons from serving as sheriff, though filing forms don’t make that clear.