Leslee Kulba
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.
Unsheltered Homelessness Increases by 50 Percent in Asheville’s Latest Point-in-Time Count
This year's point-in-time count of Asheville's homeless population followed a nationwide trend with increasing numbers. Hurricane Helene tripled the numbers.
Tesla Service Center Slated for Flat Rock
Politics and hoopla aside, Tesla cars have a sleek design, they ride smoothly, they're low-maintenance, and everything about them incorporates thought and innovation. So, anybody still interested in buying or holding onto one might appreciate that a Tesla Service Center could open this year in Flat Rock.
Council Clash: Roney vs. Hess on Policing and Community Safety
Asheville City Councilwoman Kim Roney opposed five agenda items related to police enhancements, citing concerns over civil liberties, while Councilman Bo Hess defended the measures, emphasizing public safety, resulting in Roney voting against all proposals.
Navigating Water System Challenges: Insights from Asheville’s Finance Director
A recurring cause for concern among Asheville citizens is how bad the water system is, when the next grand trunk will break, when the next treatment plant will fail, if going without water a few weeks a year is the new normal, how much a reliable water system would cost, and if such a thing is within the realm of fiscal feasibility.
A.I. in Healthcare: Urgent Need for Governance and Oversight
A decade or two ago, it would have been outlandish to foresee that untamed use of AI, cybersecurity breaches, ersatz medications, and snake oil sales on social media would be among the greatest threats to people seeking healthcare.
License Plate Cameras: Enhancing Public Safety or Invading Privacy?
Asheville City Council discussed plans for installing eleven stationary license plate cameras to enhance public safety, clarifying that these cameras will not be used for speed enforcement and emphasizing their role in identifying stolen vehicles and assisting law enforcement despite concerns about potential misuse and targeting of protected populations.ir trepidation.