Three turned out to be the magic number for the Regional Water Authority of Asheville, Buncombe and Henderson. Senate bill 1381, ratified July 13, will pump $37.04 million into a North Carolina grant program for water, sewer and gas infrastructure improvements. It also caps individual grants at $3 million, total, over a three-year period — … Read more
Touring Flat Rock One of this region’s many charms is the number of historic towns that make for fascinating day trips or get-away weekends. One such destination — Flat Rock — may be particularly worth checking out this weekend. Besides the usual attractions (the Flat Rock Playhouse and the home of acclaimed poet Carl Sandburg), … Read more
Reality pales by Hanke’s comparison I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the work of Ken Hanke, and to make sure you understand what a treasure you have in this man. I am not a rabid movie fan. At least, not of current films, although like most cinema buffs, I have … Read more
Asheville, it seems, has become everybody’s favorite place. Any town that can top the “best of” lists of both Rolling Stone and Money magazines is unique, indeed. This very specialness, however, places our fair city squarely at a crossroads — or, perhaps, in the crosshairs of the American juggernaut called progress. America has swallowed a … Read more
I’ve seen the bumper sticker often; the other day it was on the back of an SUV: “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” The slogan usually makes me feel bad. It tells me that I’m ignorant and inattentive, because I’m rarely outraged. Don’t get me wrong: I have known outrage in my life … Read more
