May 26, 2016 – mountainx.com

Energy task force holds first meeting

May 26, 2016 by Virginia Daffron

The new Energy Innovation Task Force — which brings together representatives from electric utility Duke Energy, elected officials, the private sector, nonprofits and alternative energy providers — held its first meeting on May 13. In addition to the task force members, a sizable group of citizens and energy advocates also turned out for the public kickoff of the one-of-a-kind initiative, which aims to slow the growth of local energy demand and avoid the construction of a third natural gas generator.

McCrory vows veto as new coal ash legislation passes House

May 26, 2016 by Xpress Contributor

Contentious behind-the-scenes negotiations on coal ash spilled out into the open this week as the House took up and ultimately passed new legislation despite threats of a veto and lawsuit from Gov. Pat McCrory.

Letter writer: Compromise needed on ADUs

May 26, 2016 by Letters

“Can someone explain to me how it changes the complexion of my neighborhood if a tourist parks in my gravel lot and enters the rear ADU building instead of entering my home?”

Early voting for congressional primaries underway

June 6, 2016May 26, 2016 by Dan Hesse

Early voting began May 26 for a special primary for candidates in the 10th and 11th congressional districts and for North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice. Early voting will run through June 4, with polling places closed over Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30.

Farm & Garden: Hendersonville hosts 23rd annual Garden Jubilee Festival

May 26, 2016 by Virginia Daffron

Hendersonville invites garden enthusiasts to kick off the summer with the town’s 23rd annual Garden Jubilee Festival on May 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 170 vendors will line historic Main Street, offering a dizzying variety of plants, garden art, tools, outdoor furniture, planters, wind chimes and birdhouses.

ABSFest celebrates 10 years of bucking the status quo

May 26, 2016 by Tiffany Narron

This year, more than 35 performers will take the stage, and workshops are geared toward newcomers and old hats alike. (Aerial art with Sadie Hawkins and beginner ukulele with Mab, Just Mab are just two of the options for those looking to take a class.)

Mountain Sports Festival hones its focus

May 26, 2016 by Dan Hesse

The 16th annual Mountain Sports festival is a marriage of music and sports that caters to participants and spectators alike. The festival village, located at Carrier Park, will feature bands, beer, food and, of course, viewing access to a variety of sporting events.

Misfit: Asheville is going to the dogs

May 30, 2016May 26, 2016 by Abigail Hickman

“Tattoos, though, aren’t the only thing every second person in Asheville seems to own. What about dogs?”

In Asheville and beyond, death is a topic worthy of the living

May 28, 2016May 26, 2016 by Nicki Glasser

Until he cared for his dying daughter two years ago, Said Osio could not have imagined having a conversation about death. As her caregiver, he realized, “There is a belief in our culture that if we talk about death with someone who is ill, it’s in a way acknowledging defeat.” Osio co-directs Third Messenger, an informal … Read more