Staff Reports

Buncombe County to Reinstating Permit and Development Fees

As the calendar flips to 2025, Buncombe County is set to bring back residential and commercial permitting and development fees that were temporarily waived following Hurricane Helene. This change, effective January 1, will mark the end of a fee-free period initiated by the North Carolina General Assembly to aid recovery efforts. Understanding the Fee Reinstatement […]

Hendersonville Fire Department Honors Outstanding Members at Annual Awards Ceremony

The Hendersonville Fire Department honored Firefighter John Perez as Firefighter of the Year and Battalion Chief Dustin Nicholson as Officer of the Year during an awards ceremony that celebrated their exceptional contributions and commitment to community service.

Golden Hour Hosts Special Dinner Celebrating Resilience and the Arts

Golden Hour is set to host a memorable evening on January 11 at 6:30 PM, inviting guests to indulge in a family-style wood-fire dinner titled “Keeping the Fire Alive: A Golden Hour Dinner.” This event promises to be a celebration of resilience, the arts, and, of course, golden flavors. Chefs Jacob Sessoms and Kevin Chrisman […]

Attorney General Josh Stein Celebrates Local Heroes with Dogwood Awards

Attorney General Josh Stein presented the Dogwood Award to four exemplary individuals from eastern North Carolina, including District Attorneys Ernie Lee and Scott Thomas for their efforts against the fentanyl crisis and community safety, respectively; Congressman GK Butterfield for his long-standing public service; and Detective Brandon Peebles for his contributions in law enforcement and youth coaching, inspiring others to positively impact their communities.

Harley-Davidson of Asheville Roars Back to Life After Hurricane Helene

Harley-Davidson of Asheville is back in business, ready to welcome riders with open arms and a freshly renovated showroom. A Community Staple Reopens Located in Swannanoa, this dealership has long been a hub for motorcycle enthusiasts in Western North Carolina. After enduring the storm’s impact, which left many local businesses in disarray, Harley-Davidson of Asheville […]

Rennie Harris Puremovement: A Hip-Hop Dance Experience in Asheville

Rennie Harris Puremovement will perform "Nuttin' But A Word" at the Wortham Center on January 17 and 18, 2025, showcasing the cultural significance of street dance while offering community engagement through hip-hop dance classes and a master class, all aimed at celebrating hip-hop culture and its impact on society. Tickets are available for adults and children, with group rates offered.

Stars Servin’ Up Love: A Celebrity Tennis Event to Benefit Western North Carolina

The "Stars Servin’ Up Love" charity tennis event, hosted by the City of Asheville and Explore Asheville, aims to support local nonprofits by donating 100% of net proceeds to organizations like Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and the Always Asheville Fund, while engaging the community through a silent auction and showcasing local talent, all set for February 2, 2025, with tennis legends and celebrities participating.

SECU Foundation Launches $1.75 Million Disaster Relief Package for Western North Carolina

The SECU Foundation is stepping up its support for communities affected by Hurricane Helene with a new disaster relief package totaling $1.75 million. This initiative aims to provide essential assistance to residents facing temporary housing challenges, financial hardships, and food insecurity. The funding will be distributed among three key organizations. Baptists on Mission will receive […]

New Leadership at Claxton Elementary: Corey Simons Takes the Helm

Asheville City Schools is making waves with the appointment of Corey Simons as the new principal of Claxton Elementary School. With over 17 years of experience in education, Simons is set to bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the role. A Warm Welcome from the Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent of […]

Blue Ridge CC Celebrates Adult High School & High School Equivalency Graduates

Graduation ceremonies often evoke a sense of accomplishment, but the recent event at Blue Ridge Community College was particularly poignant. On December 16, 2024, 48 graduates from the Adult High School (AHS) and High School Equivalency (HSE) programs gathered in the Thomas Auditorium, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys. Empowering Education for All […]