Broken Ground: Storm damage strains WNC farms
- Volume 31
- / Issue 12
Cover Design Credit:
Caleb Johnson
Cover Photography Credit:
Cindy Kunst
Along with the countless homes and businesses washed away and damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, Western North Carolina’s farms took a brutal beating in the disaster. Though it’s too early for a full assessment of the 13,500 farms in WNC’s storm-impacted regions, a bird’s-eye view tells a story of vast devastation.
arts
Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters’ new album was made the old-fashioned way
With a goal of combining the vibe of a concert performance with the sonic quality of a recording studio, the musicians gathered in one room to record the album’s 12…
food
Jamie McDonald partners with World Central Kitchen on the South Slope
In the wake of the storm, Bear's Smokehouse BBQ transformed into the Asheville hub for the international meal distribution organization.
living
WNC farms face the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene
From loss of infrastructure, crops and market outlets to erosion of precious topsoil, WNC's farms are struggling to pick up the pieces left behind after the storm.
news
NC Trusted Elections Tour addresses voting laws and election security
“We know that voters are often confused and that can lead to uncertainty and distrust,” explains Jennifer Roberts of the Carter Center, who co-organized the NC Trusted Elections Tour. She…Small towns find ways to aid businesses suffering financially after Helene
As small towns throughout Western North Carolina face an October without tourists, local nonprofits and community members are finding ways to help financially struggling businesses.Hot Seat: Race for chair of County Commission heats up
Commissioner Amanda Edwards, ex-Sheriff Van Duncan talk policy differences, ethics and politics as the general election race for the top seat in Buncombe County enters its final month.Buncombe County Schools to reopen to students Oct. 25
All 45 of the district’s schools now have nonpotable water, power and internet service, BCS Superintendent Rob Jackson told the Buncombe County Board of Education at an emergency meeting Oct.…Buncombe County Commissioners delay reappraisal deadline
Assessing storm damage and calculating Tropical Storm Helene's effect on market prices prompts county to postpone property appraisal deadline.ACS backs off drilling wells, works to reopen schools Oct. 28
Superintendent Maggie Fehrman told the Asheville City Board of Education at its meeting Oct. 14 that she still wants to explore drilling wells to increase the district’s resiliency, but is…‘Citizen-only voting’ referendum on NC ballot this fall
The General Assembly passed House Bill 1074, which would change the wording of the state constitution to clarify who is allowed to vote in state and local elections, but it…After Helene, disabled folks and seniors still vulnerable and in need of water in WNC
Every day since Helene, volunteers with Asheville’s Flush Brigade gather at the parking lot of the Gold’s Gym on Fairview Road, disperse buckets, and climb into water tank-laden trucks to…
opinion
Letter: You can’t go home again
"Anyway, Asheville was a lifetime base camp, but I just realized it will absolutely never be the same or even close to what it was to me ever again in…Letter: Connect the dots on storm, climate and war
"This monstrous hurricane is the natural result of our society’s addiction to oil and its endless wars to feed our habits. We are in a vicious cycle of death and…Letter: FEMA misinformation must stop
"Stop the self-serving lies — FEMA seems to be doing an excellent job in the face of (now two) natural disasters."Letter: Church creates welcoming hub after storm
"Pastor Sam and Pastor Erin have reached back into recent history to create a safe and welcoming place for all to be nourished."Letter: Witnessing the disaster unfold from afar
"Existing in a world that is normal when your community is falling apart feels like it’s stretching your soul in opposite directions."Letter: A look at Edwards and Rudow, post-Helene
"Whether Rep. Edwards or Caleb Rudow wins in November, their roles and profiles will be greatly elevated by the long and difficult roads necessary to care for our communities and…Cut that out
Letter: Choose candidates who support public schools
"Public School Strong endorses only qualified candidates who pledge to support fully funded and inclusive public education."Letter: Democratic candidates offer know-how, experience
"We need the Democratic, practical and logical approach to governing, including for climate change and the transition to an environmentally conscious policy that works on being prepared for chaotic events…Letter: Where is help for elderly public housing residents?
"I am writing to inform the public of the dire public health situation present at public housing complexes in Asheville after Tropical Storm Helene."Out of sorts
