Drug commish field trip Asheville’s Pisgah View Apartments public-housing complex is a quiet place in the afternoon when school’s in session. But as members of the Asheville-Buncombe Drug Commission took a short walking tour of the place following their brief Sept. 26 meeting at the complex’s community center, the beautiful autumn day belied the dangers […]

Naming no names The mystery Web site lives on, and a lengthy media appearance by its sponsor hasn’t offered many clues as to its origins. The site — www.ncipprg.com — purports to provide “expert evaluation” of the effectiveness of North Carolina’s state legislators as prepared by the little-known North Carolina Independent Public Policy Research Group. […]

Campaign Calendar • Wed, Sept. 20: Congressional candidate Heath Shuler will appear at the 11:30 a.m. Critical Issues Luncheon of the Leadership Asheville Forum at the Country Club of Asheville. The public is welcome; reservations are required (contact Terry Wooten at woot683@bellsouth.net or 683-0910). A $16 cost covers lunch — and there is a request […]

The other 9/11 A half-decade after hijacked planes plowed into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania countryside, the mention of Sept. 11 still has the power to evoke strong feelings. It spurs recollections of images seared into the mind: plumes of smoke from the collapsed towers or news clips of victims’ […]

We’re gonna have a TV party Immediately after first episode of Biker Billy Cooks with Fire airs — when dozens of men who once thought themselves macho are holding ice cubes to their tongues in a vain attempt to stave off the inferno of a meat loaf made with peppers ranking around 90,000 Scoville units […]

Heath Shuler Age: 34Residence: WaynesvilleOccupation: Small-business ownerEducation: B.A. psychology, University of TennesseeParty: DemocratPolitical experience: History of community leadership, tireless work ethic, successful small-business owner; most importantly, will return the honesty and integrity to Congress that it so desperately needs. 1. What should Congress do about the federal budget deficit, now at an all-time high? A […]

Early primaries can sneak up on voters like a spring shower. In Western North Carolina, a virtual storm front appears to be heading our way this election season, and the primary will offer the first hints as to which way the wind might blow in November. On Tuesday, May 2, voters will choose the Democratic […]

Campaign Calendar • Rutherford is rallying: The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce has invited all four candidates for Congress from the 11th District (two Republicans and two Democrats) to a “Meet the Candidates” forum on Monday, April 17 April, at 6 p.m. in the County Annex Building. After speeches and rebuttals by the candidates, questions […]

“We are prepared to do whatever it takes to stop Shuler — as long as it doesn’t require any money.” — attack blogger Jason Woodmansee There are any number of reasons for disliking politicians. In the case of local Democratic congressional candidate Heath Shuler, who hasn’t yet been elected to anything, one might dislike him […]

Green realtors Last September, the Asheville Board of Realtors announced a new program for environmentally conscious members. By completing 36 hours of classes on how to advise clients on environmental issues, realtors can earn an Environmental Consultant Certification, known as an ECO. The courses cover a range of environmental topics, such as green building, indoor […]