Given that state and local governments around the country are struggling with their finances due to the economy, it came as little surprise when county staff informed the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners at its April 7 meeting that, as per the board’s instruction, they’re pursuing federal stimulus money for a variety of uses.
The census, that constitutionally mandated national head count that takes place every ten years, doesn’t kick off until this time next year. But beginning April 6 of this year, a prep team will hit the streets of Western North Carolina to make sure all addresses are accounted for when it comes time to mail questionnaires … Read more
Sure, the consultants from HDR Engineering, the company helping draft Asheville’s new Transit Master Plan, are experts. That’s why the Raleigh-based firm is on the job. But get a roomful of regular bus riders together, as the city did on April 2, and you find out quick who the real experts are. A hundred or … Read more
In 2006, Maya Angelou—poet, playwright, author and more—spoke at Mars Hill College to a full house of 1,500 people. She returns to the small WNC campus April 16, just a few days after marking her 81st birthday (April 4). An evening with Maya Angelou: Eminent poet, playwright, best-selling author, professor and more returns to the … Read more
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Our VOICE, Buncombe County’s rape crisis center, has planned a host of events. The group served more than 1,000 individuals last year with counseling and crisis intervention, case management, medical and court accompaniment, and prevention and education programming. The message? Join the community in raising our voice against … Read more
At a special April 3 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved 5-0 a moratorium on 14 “undesirable” land uses in the unincorporated areas of the county. The move comes in the wake of a recent court decision that overturned the county’s zoning ordinance. Stumping for zoning: Erin Polzeretsky, president of the North Buncombe … Read more
McCormick Field’s peanuts and Cracker Jack will likely take a back seat to hot dogs this baseball season—which will be made from locally pastured pork and organic ingredients. Meats and treats: The Hickory Nut Gap Farm store in Fairview. The farm’s latest offerings are an assortment of meat products. Photos by Jonathan Welch The Asheville … Read more
