John C. Campbell Folk School Will Celebrate Its 100th Anniversary with a Year of Events

The John C. Campbell Folk School celebrated its 100th anniversary with events honoring its history and engaging the community. Key activities included a Fall Festival and reopening of the Log Cabin Museum. Executive Director Bethany Chaney emphasized resilience through challenges and a commitment to sustainability as the school looks toward its future role in Appalachian culture.

The Role of Drone Technology in Assessing Hurricane Damage

Shamrock+ deployed drone technology in North Carolina to aid recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene's devastation. Partnering with federal agencies, they utilized aerial imaging for efficient damage assessment while addressing environmental concerns related to debris management. Their experience from past disasters informed their strategies, enhancing safety and data accuracy during recovery operations.

Regenerating Asheville Unveils New Community Hub for Sustainability

On November 18, 2025, Regenerating Asheville celebrated the grand opening of its Regen Hub, a community space designed to promote sustainability and equity within the French Broad Watershed. The hub will facilitate collaboration, workshops, and resource sharing, fostering local initiatives in areas like water management and food. The soft opening on February 28 featured networking opportunities and community engagement, with a focus on building partnerships for lasting impact.

Engaging with Art: How “viewshed” Reflects the Spirit of Black Mountain College

The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center will host the exhibition "viewshed" from April 4 to August 16, 2025, showcasing the lasting influence of Black Mountain College on contemporary art through interdisciplinary engagement, historical dialogue, and innovative artistic practices by various artists.

An Epic Drama: The Lehman Trilogy

The North Carolina Stage Company will present "The Lehman Trilogy," directed by Charlie Flynn-McIver, from March 13 to April 6, 2025, featuring acclaimed actors and exploring the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers in American capitalism.

Baseball Juggernauts Getting into Full Swing

Local baseball powerhouses T.C. Roberson and Asheville are in full swing in the new season, with A.C. Reynolds and West Henderson less consistent but also providing highlights.

Buncombe County Reappraisal Notices Going Out

Given that any complex rating scale is going to be unfair, Buncombe County's assessor's office is going to great lengths to be as kind as possible to survivors of Helene while upholding state statutes. The 2025 assessment was delayed, and owners will now receive tax bills based on the condition of their property on January 1.