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Black Mountain residents pull together to preserve tree’s legacy
Nobody in Black Mountain knows exactly how old “Robo Oil Tree” was. Experts believe the white oak emerged some time in the 18th century just feet from what would become the first roads that brought colonial settlers into the Swannanoa Valley. What’s certain is the tree was beloved...
Town Awarded $317,054 Grant for Stream Rehabilitation Project
Town of Black Mountain Awarded $317,054 Grant for Stream Rehabilitation Project. Black Mountain, NC –The Town of Black Mountain is pleased to announce that its Stormwater Department has been awarded a $317,054 grant from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Stream Flow Rehabilitation Program (StRAP). This funding will support a critical stream rehabilitation project focused on addressing erosion issues along Flat Creek.
Celebrating 70 years: Remembering Asheville's downtown festival, Bele Chere
From 1979-2013, downtown Asheville held a festival every summer known as "Bele Chere." Stemming from ancient Scottish dialect, Bele Chere means "beautiful living." For more than 30 years, the festival, which consisted of food, music and street vendors, showcased all things Asheville, and it grew to one of the largest downtown festivals in the Southeast.
Elevated bacteria levels found in French Broad River; public urged to avoid water for now
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Environmental non-profit Mountain True urges people to avoid swimming in the French Broad River at this time. People are advised to hold off from getting in the water for 24 to 48 hours, or until the water is less muddy. Samples show high bacteria levels...
This Week in Montreat – July 28, 2024
Thank You for a Wonderful Summer at Montreat Conference Center 07/26/2024. Richard DuBose, president of Montreat Conference Center, writes a weekly message to Montreat. An excerpt of this weeks message is below. To read his full message, click the "Read More" button below the excerpt. As the summer draws to...
Historic move: new group says HCA must sell Mission, Western NC's main health care system
ASHEVILLE - In a historic move, elected officials, doctors and others have formed a group with the goal of compelling the sale of Mission Health by HCA Healthcare, a for-profit company and the nation's largest health care entity whose $1.9 billion purchase of the nonprofit Mission led to a serious decline in health care for Western North Carolina, said the group, Reclaim Healthcare WNC. ...
Tombstone Tales: 1st female legislator in the South buried in Asheville
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — EDITOR’S NOTE: Everyone has a story — some more well-known than others. Across Western North Carolina, so much history is buried below the surface. Six feet under. With this series, we introduce you to some of the people who have left marks big and small on this special place we call home.
Asheville Motorists Brace for Weekend I-40 Closure Due to Bridge Rehabilitation Project
As reported by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), another round of construction is set to snarl weekend traffic in Asheville with the rehabilitation of the I-40 bridge. Motorists should prepare for a stretch of I-40 East to be closed from the I-240 East/I-26 West interchange (Exit 46B) to Hendersonville Road (Exit 50) starting 8 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Monday, if the weather plays along.
NCDOT: Interstate 26 major shift, I-40 bridge work postponed to early next week
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Two interstate projects that were supposed to take place this weekend have been pushed to early next week by rain, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. A major shift in the Interstate 26 widening project originally scheduled for July 25 has now been...
Ferncliff: Leading the Way as America’s First Green Industrial Park
Asheville – The terms green and sustainable are seldom terms used when talking about an industrial park. We know we need them for manufacturing and commerce, but it is heartbreaking to see a beautiful piece of land leveled for industry. When it comes to the Ferncliff Industrial Park in Mills River, NC, though, these terms are synonymous. NC Secretary of Commerce Tony Copeland called it “America’s Most Beautiful Industrial Park.”
Western North Carolina shifts to eCourts to expand access; local attorney reacts
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Eleven Western North Carolina counties made the transition to eCourts this week, with the purpose of shifting to digital court records being to expand access to justice. There are different elements of eCourts, including eFiling, which allows attorneys to file court documents online to the...
Asheville's Homelessness board will likely dissolve as work of new CoC begins
ASHEVILLE - The Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee, which for 16 years has worked to address homelessness in Asheville, voted July 25 to recommend dissolution of its board in an effort to consolidate work with the newly restructured Continuum of Care. The decision, though expected, seemed somewhat emotional for some members. There was a brief bout of applause after the vote, a few muttered "wow's," and expressions of gratitude for work that has stretched more than a...
Buncombe, Asheville homeowners may qualify for grant funds
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Eligible Buncombe County homeowners have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for housing-related costs. Now in its fourth year, the inquiry process for the 2024 Homeowner Grant Program has opened up to the public, a release from Buncombe County government says. The website buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant will be accepting inquiries through Sept. 30 or homeowners can call (828) 250-5500. You must call or submit an inquiry to determine eligibility. Phone support is available in any language.
Buncombe County seeking Economic Development Coalition Board member
Are you a Buncombe County resident with interest in the strategies and goals of economic development? Have you carried leadership roles with progressive responsibility in Advanced Manufacturing with a multinational manufacturing enterprise in Buncombe County? Do you offer professional expertise in STEM fields of engineering, concepts of Industry 4.0, research and development, and automated manufacturing production environments? The Economic Development Coalition Board is seeking a Manufacturing Executive and Site Leader for board service with commitment to expanding economic opportunity through manufacturing growth in Buncombe County.
Which restaurants opened and closed in Henderson County last quarter?
As the third quarter of the year is ramping up, the Times-News is looking back at the restaurants in that opened and closed in Henderson County last quarter, as well as a look ahead at what’s on the horizon. Opened Auction House Food & Drink Hall ...
City builds Asheville Fire Department Community Responder Program and refines homelessness services information page
As a part of its Fiscal Year 2025 budget, the Asheville City Council included 8 permanent positions for the Community Responder Team, in alignment with Homelessness Strategies and Reimagining Public Safety priorities. With the understanding that homelessness is a crisis, not a crime, Asheville Fire Department (AFD) Community Responders will...
Public Comment Opportunities for French Broad River Plan Scheduled
The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Elevate 2050, will be kicking off the first phase of public input opportunities for the plan in August. The MTP is a federally-required transportation plan for urbanized areas with a population over 50,000 and helps to guide transportation...
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