Leslee Kulba
Landslide Repairs Continue on Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a pleasant, peaceful retreat for tourists and locals. Repairs from hurricane damage are now expected to keep roads closed through this tourist season in some places, and longer in others. The NPS extends its appreciation to those who wait patiently.
Legal Action Challenges AmeriCorps’ Unlawful Program Cuts
AmeriCorps pulled FEMA relief crews out of Asheville, citing DOGE cuts to their agency. NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson responded by joining other attorneys general and states in suing AmeriCorps.
Local BnB Hosts Step Up Accommodating for Relief Workers
Hurricane Helene is the gift that keeps on giving. That is, stories of unexpected goodness keep cropping up and probably will for some time. This undertold story of heroes and helpers comes from the local short-term rental industry.
Budgetary Pressures Expected to Drive Up Buncombe Tax Rate!
Hurricane Helene tore a hole in Buncombe County's budget. Due to the uncertainties that plague requests for federal funding, county taxpayers will likely be held responsible.
Aluminati Guitars: Crafted Excellence with a Purpose
Aluminati Guitars, founded by luthier James Little, innovatively uses aluminum to create sustainable guitars that adapt to environmental changes, while also integrating local materials and supporting the community, as exemplified by their new Floodcaster model made from wood sourced from a flood-affected inventory.
Asheville’s Resilient Animal Shelters Rise Above Hurricane Helene
The outpouring of love for furry friends in Asheville's shelters during and after Helene has left stories upon stories that warm the heart and melt tears. Folks interested in keeping the good work flowing are invited to visit or bwar.org or ashevillehumane.org
Norfolk Southern Restores Train Service to Asheville Following Significant Storm Damage
Six months after Helene, Asheville businesses that ship or receive large bulky items, like grain or stone, again have access to the convenience and affordability of freight trains. It will be awhile before direct shipments to and from the east resume.
New Board Members Appointed to Enhance Downtown Asheville’s Cleanliness and Economic Growth
Scott Fowler, owner of Brucemont Communications, and Melina Arrowood, COO at Mission, are among the newly appointed board members of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District, focusing on community engagement and support.
Asheville’s Parkinson’s Support Group Thrives Post-COVID
Parkinson's disease has been described by sufferers as "a beast." People slow down, get rigid, and develop tremors. Then, the pills that help them get around cause their bodies to twist and seize up. In later stages, they lose control of their autonomous system. Exercise and socialization can help, but they're too weak for that. There's even a nationwide shortage of movement disorder specialists.
Tick Populations Rise in Region Following Hurricane Helene and Recent Deer Population Growth
Asheville prepares for the emergence of Brood IV cicadas in 2025, while concerns rise about invasive species and the impact of Hurricane Helene on local insect populations and ecosystems.