Interest in naturally grown, additive-free food seems to be at an all-time high (see “Natural Selection,” Feb. 2 Xpress). For a lot of folks, that translates into homegrown. And for an increasing number of farmers, it means shifting gears. Those two often-overlapping groups are the target audience for the annual Organic Growers School; this year’s … Read more
A long-term plan to make Asheville more pedestrian-friendly won approval at City Council’s Feb. 22 formal session, but an attempt by two Council members to add teeth to the proposal was thwarted. The Asheville Pedestrian Plan Update analyzes the city’s needs for amenities that encourage walking, such as sidewalks and greenways. Implementing the extensive list … Read more
WCU set to grow Western Carolina University recently announced plans for its ambitiously titled Millennial Initiative, a comprehensive regional economic-development strategy that Chancellor John W. Bardo has called “a defining moment in the university’s 115-year history.” In a nutshell, WCU has purchased 344 acres adjacent to its Cullowhee campus; the Millennial Initiative calls for that … Read more
Who needs Dr. Science? I generally don’t succumb to the temptation to write letters to editors, but after Richard Rice’s letter [“Unsolved Mysteries of the Day”] in the Feb. 23 issue, I couldn’t help myself. I just happen to be able to answer his questions! Richard asked, “If four lanes on I-26 south and north … Read more
Since the earliest days of the republic, Americans have taken great pride in the vision of a broadly middle-class society. While we hold no aversion to wealth and success, we reject the idea of a permanent, idle aristocracy — a prominent feature of the countries many of our forebears left behind. Similarly, while we stop … Read more
Residents of Asheville and surrounding communities may not realize that they live in one of the safest areas in America. Our violent-crime rate is fully one-third lower than the statewide average and even further below the national average. Those are impressive statistics, and our police, district attorney, courts, educators and employers all deserve our gratitude … Read more
