The letters to the editor, commentaries and online comments published in Xpress over 2024 yield insights into readers’ concerns that hit close to home.
Tag: Tropical Storm Helene
Showing 1-21 of 50 results
Letter: Shop local and divest from Israel’s violence
“Year-round, choose to boycott companies that do business with Israel and support local artisans and small businesses trying to survive in the hurricane’s aftermath.”
Western North Carolina mayors reflect on tumultuous 2024
WNC mayors weigh in on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and other issues that shaped 2024 — and take a look ahead to 2025.
My Story: Sending hugs and healing
“It’s a small thing, but my hope is that people will find a shiny amethyst or rose quartz crystal while wandering through town. It’s a message that everything is going to be all right.”
Historic Biltmore Village church to rebuild after first-time flooding
The Cathedral of All Souls maps its future after Tropical Storm Helene left destruction in its wake.
Buncombe County evictions march on post-Helene
Michael Coates chose to buy a generator to keep his insulin cold rather than pay rent. His landlord evicted him. Hundreds more fear they could face the same fate.
Letter: Help derail cynical power grab of a bill
“It is a 131-page mashup of a bill, cynically named, ‘Disaster Relief.’ I can only guess the disaster referred to was their shellacking by North Carolina voters!”
Letter: Nuclear war would dwarf Helene
“Survivors will be without law and order, without medical care, without food, and suffering from radiation sickness. There will be no help.”
Letter: Focusing on things that matter
“As parents, teachers, employers, employees and citizens, what we do at the local level has consequences for our community, state, nation and the world.”
Letter: Three cheers for Chandler at water department
“Although there are many, many heroes deserving of recognition and acclaim during these weeks, none stand out quite like Clay Chandler and his people at the Water Resources Department.”
Asheville businesses pick up the pieces post-Helene
Asheville business owners dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene have a simple message for local customers: We’re still here, and we need your support.
Owners of historic homes face unique challenges of restoring storm-damaged properties
Many residents face the daunting task of cleanup and repair post-Helene, but those with historic houses have an added layer: preserving the area’s past for the future.
Green roundup: Storm delays Woodfin’s Riverside Park improvements
Despite minimal damage from Tropical Storm Helene, improvements to Woodfin’s Riverside Park and a manufactured whitewater Taylor’s Wave are delayed while waiting for water levels to fall.
Waterway protectors reflect on Helene, look to the future
Erica Shanks was in Milwaukee, Wis., for a water and climate conference Sept. 26, but all she could think about was the weather back home. She needed to get home.
Nonprofit groups address fundraising, volunteer challenges in wake of Helene
Many local nonprofits are facing challenges as money and volunteer hours pour into groups with a more direct role in storm recovery efforts. These groups are trying to address the issue in creative ways, including reaching out to donors and volunteers outside WNC for help.
Letter: We should ditch standardized testing
“If we want to continue and give our youths the best lives possible, why are we torturing them with this idea of standardized tests defining their lives?”
Letter: Why so hard to apply for disaster nutrition program?
“The locations should have been multiple, the phone lines should have been accessible, and the deadline should have been longer than seven days.”
Warren Haynes releases new album, organizes Helene benefit
On the heels of a new album release and with 2024 Christmas Jam canceled, the Asheville native is coordinating a Nov. 24 all-star concert at Madison Square Garden to benefit storm recovery in Western North Carolina.
Asheville City school board delays decision on staff bonuses for post-Helene volunteer work
Unsure of exactly how much it would cost, the Asheville City Board of Education voted 7-0 Nov. 12 to table a decision on bonus payment for nearly 200 district staff members who volunteered their time in the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Letter: Thanks to all the Helene heroes
“This has been a spiritual experience that none of us will ever forget. COVID separated us; Helene united us!”
My Story: Helene, Howland Road and the Scooby van
Xpress asked readers to share their experiences of Tropical Storm Helene. This is one of those stories.