Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) is reporting the first COVID-19 associated death in a Buncombe County resident. The elderly individual died from complications associated with the virus on March 28, 2020 at Mission Hospital. To protect the privacy of the family, no further i…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the receipt of newspapers carries no real risk of catching the Covid-19 virus.

The Board of Directors for Dogwood Health Trust recently approved the allocation of $10 million to address COVID-19 needs throughout the 18 county and Qualla boundary region of Western North Carolina.

Buncombe County has issued a “Stay Home – Stay Safe” Supplemental Declaration that goes into effect Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 8 p.m. The intent of this supplemental declaration is to further minimize all opportunities for exposure and transmission of COVID-19 across the jurisdiction. This …

It wasn’t long after N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper removed barriers to unemployment insurance that the system used to process online applications couldn’t keep up with the demand.

Welcome to the new normal — living amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic.

As Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to affect people around the world, UNC Asheville’s top priority is the health and safety of the community. The University is committed to providing accurate information on a timely basis. UNC Asheville has been notified by the Buncombe County …

With schools closed to in-person instruction, many children across North Carolina are getting their daily meals from school districts and community partners.

In accordance with guidelines issued by Buncombe County officials, Asheville Outlets will temporarily close beginning Friday, March 27 through Wednesday, April 8 with plans to reopen as soon as the present ban has been lifted. Essential retailers who remain open include Dollar Tree, Sportsma…

Effective Thursday, March 19, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) branches statewide will temporarily transition to drive-thru only for the majority of its services to reduce the possibilities of transmission of the coronavirus to members, their families and SECU employees. Members who need…

A coalition of regional funders has come together to support an Emergency and Disaster Response Fund activated and administered at The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC).

Charlotte Street Computers has partnered with Asheville’s Go Minis Portable Storage, implementing a number of measures to ensure a continuation of service while reaffirming the importance of social distancing.

N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper has announced that 2-1-1 is the number to call for assistance and resources related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is announcing additional modifications to its operations in support of federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. As of March 22, and in order to best provide for social distancing as called for in state and CDC guidance, the Parkway will impose …

Carolina Day School Upper School English teacher Susan White has been selected as the Grammar Teacher of the Year by The Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar (ATEG), an Assembly of the National Council of Teachers of English. Congratulations, Susan!

Plagues and pestilences have always been with us. (In middle school, I thought it was my science teacher.) The world, however, did not agree, so here are the brief stories of the six worst.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced Monday afternoon that the closure of all public K-12 schools has been extended until May 15.

In light of new information today regarding the presence of community spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina, local jurisdictions should enforce the more stringent Order of Abatement of Imminent Hazard issued by the Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, which states that…

These are unprecedented times for the YMCA, the nation, and the world. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, the YMCA of Western North Carolina is adapting to adjust operations.

A Fletcher area woman was surprised with a Publishers Clearing House cash prize on Wednesday afternoon.

COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has hit North America. While this is bad news for most Americans and Canadians, it’s great news for scammers who are cashing in on our anxiety about the disease. As the outbreak worsens, BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports abo…

Vaya Health’s 24/7 Access to Care Line remains available to western North Carolina residents experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis while the agency responds to the novel coronavirus.

The A-B Tech Small Business Center is facilitating a free webinar titled, Preparing Your Business for the Threat of the Coronavirus, from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.

A tidy and organized home can feel like a refuge at the end of the day. If your home has become cluttered and disorganized, take the time to declutter and sort it out.

Due to the serious public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos will be temporarily closed for a two week period effective at 6 a.m., Wednesday, March 18.

For the safety of its volunteers and to help our community flatten the curve of the pandemic, the Botanical Gardens’ Visitor Center and gift shop will be closed through March 31.

Effective Sunday, March 15th, the Buncombe County Detention Center Lobby will be closed to the public amid the growing concerns of COVID-19 and only essential Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Detention staff will be allowed to enter the Detention Facility. The Magistrates’ Office lobby a…

Inviting as the Appalachian Trail is on its 70-mile route through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I tend to favor park trails away from the AT in order to achieve a greater sense of solitude. But somewhat surprisingly, the AT leg from the busy Clingman’s Dome area south to Silers Bald o…

It was a busy morning at the recently opened Asheville Humane Thrift Store as shoppers came in to look at an extensive selection of goods during the grand opening celebration March 10.

Cleaning your home this spring? Don’t neglect these three things.

Last week, The North Carolina Arboretum received updated guidance from UNC System Interim President Bill Roper related to the ever-evolving situation of COVID-19 or the coronavirus.

With the threat of COVID-19 lingering in the area, North Carolina has closed its schools for two weeks. It’s difficult to keep children entertained at home for so long — so here are eight ideas activities that will keep the little ones from going stir crazy and make spending time indoors fun…

Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) released a statement on Monday that Macon County Public Health had announced a presumptive positive case of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in a person who visited Buncombe County last week.

Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing today at 2 pm. At that briefing, Governor Cooper will announce a new executive order in response to COVID-19 that closes restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout a…

It will take all of us working together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Buncombe County. To prevent community members from congregating in close contact scenarios, measures that increase social distancing are important to implement now. Research shows that communities that aggressively …

Governor Roy Cooper requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration grant a disaster declaration for business owners in North Carolina facing economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19.

To serve all members of our community, Buncombe County Health and Human Services will begin operating two drive through COVID-19 testing sites, starting Tuesday, March 17th.

Healthy Kids Running Series, an inclusive and fun youth running experience where kids (ages 2-14) celebrate their success and develop an active healthy lifestyle, is accepting registrants for its five-week spring series. The season’s first race will begin on Sunday, March 22 at 3:3 p.m. at t…

Some components of the Interstate 26 Widening project are happening earlier than anticipated.

Come by the Asheville Mall during the Girl Scout Block Party on Saturday, March 14. Drop-in between 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.; we will be beside of the Food Court. The entire community is welcome.

For the sixth consecutive year, the WNC Cheese Trail celebrates local food and makers during the Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest — scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2020 on the grounds of Highland Brewing located in Asheville, NC. Early entry tickets begin at 12 noon and general admission begins…

University of North Carolina Asheville Chancellor Nancy J. Cable was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), the leading national association dedicated to advancing the vitality and excellence of higher education in s…

If a Blue Ridge Mountain wedding is in your future, the second annual Say “I Do” to Hendersonville Bridal Show kicks off the planning process, Saturday, March 21.

PubCorps, the local nonprofit community-building initiative that makes it easy for breweries, restaurants, and pubs to host volunteer events, launched in 2019 with a mission to eliminate childhood hunger in Western NC. And they’re showing no signs of slowing down in the new year.

Dietrich Vollrath, professor and chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Houston, and author of the new book, “Fully Grown: Why a Stagnant Economy is a Sign of Success,” will give a free public talk at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Student Union…

St. Patrick’s Day Pop-up in the Heart of River Arts District

A large blue sign points the way to Mother Ocean Seafood Market in the Merrimon Square shopping center, which co-owners Sam Kosik and Greg Kilpatrick are planning to open for business in the coming weeks.

 Presenting sponsors Symmetry Financial and Native Kitchen and Social Pub present Break the Silence 2020, a fundraiser for Our VOICE. This year activist, author, actor and co-founder of the Time’s Up Movement Amber Tamblyn will be in Asheville for a powerful address on her role in anti-sexua…

The Asheville Christian Academy girls soccer team outdueled Hickory Christian last week 3-1 in frigid mountain conditions. With a blustery wind and temperatures in the low 30s, the Lions were led by the sizzling play of goalkeeper Elizabeth Harrington. A critical penalty shot save by Harring…

Mix up your 2020 resolutions with a commitment to your physical and mental well being that simultaneously allows you to enjoy the natural offerings of North Carolina.