Leslee Kulba

Helpers Beg Commissioners for Assistance

Freezing temperatures were in the forecast, and disaster relief workers requested help from the Buncombe County Commissioners. Many residents remain without phone service, power, or even housing. Some charities are overextended while other help is sidelined, waiting for government approvals.

Helene Slowed Business, but Home Crafts Remains Optimistic

Marie Hendrix of Asheville NC Home Crafts talks about how the hurricane has impacted her supply chain and sales during what is normally peak season for handmade fiber artisans.

Buncombe County’s Path to Recovery with Tetra Technology

Buncombe County Commissioners contracted Tetra Technology for post-Hurricane Helene recovery, urging FEMA aid applications and financial donations while limiting physical donations and volunteer work.

From Curb to Site: Navigating Storm Debris Regulations

In the interests of health and safety, it is imperative that hurricane waste be removed from occupied areas as quickly and orderly as possible. At the last Asheville City Council meeting, Mayor Esther Manheimer and Solid Waste Manager Jes Foster went over some of the rules and dispelled rumors about who can do what, where.

Why the Blue Ridge Parkway Remains Closed: An Inside Look

This time of year, with its crisp, cool air, is normally a favorite for enjoying the outdoors in Western North Carolina. Leaders at state and national parks and forests were contacted to discuss when things might reopen and what is taking so long.

Mission Is Moving Mountains

Entrusted with critical care of the region's most vulnerable during an epic disaster, Mission HCA couldn't wait around to get running water, electricity, and sufficient personnel in the building. They moved swiftly thanks to HCA's Enterprise Emergency Operations Center, which is always set to mobilize for incident management.

From Mold to Carbon Monoxide: The Unseen Dangers Post-Flood

Buncombe County's Dr. Jennifer Mullendore and other government health officials are asking citizens to be mindful of scarcities in public health resources and be cautious as they move about in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Church Sees High Yields from Organized Response

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been delivering disaster relief for two centuries. It is now applying those years of institutional learning in Asheville by turning a house of worship into a command center that connects people in need with manpower, tools, and prayers for comfort.

Mission Hospital’s Lifeline: How Water Tankers Kept the System Running Post-Hurricane

After Hurricane Helene threw many North Carolinians into a chaos of water, water everywhere without a drop to drink, a brigade of shiny silver tankers circulating on I-26 was a strong symbol that engineering and human compassion would triumph over a potential sanitation nightmare.

Local Panda Expresses to Fundraise for Dysautonomia Research

Dysautonomia International has declared October 18 Dysautonomia Day. Organizations across North America will be raising funds to advance research and education, and Asheville's Panda Expresses are the only two signed up to participate in the area.