Chase Davis

Mar 22, 2024 | mountainx.com | Chase Davis

TDA President Vic Isley plans to go full speed ahead in promoting tourism NEW STRATEGIES: Vic Isley, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority president and CEO of Explore Asheville, says the TDA is implementing several new strategies to bring in more tourism, including a new destination app.

Mar 20, 2024 | mountainx.com | Chase Davis

With over 34 years of experience in fire safety, few people understand the inner workings of a fire department quite like Asheville’s recently hired chief, Michael Cayse. “Regardless of what community you are in or the size of your department, the mission of a fire department is always the same,” Cayse says. “Every community may have different interests and goals, but in the end, our job is to help citizens in their times of need, whether that need be a medical issue, a fire or a rescue.

Feb 21, 2024 | mountainx.com | Oby Arnold |Chase Davis |Greg Parlier

Up, Up and Away: Buncombe County’s living wage keeps climbing Volume / Issue February 21, 2024 Cover Design Credit: Scott Southwick Cover Photography Credit: iStock According to Just Economics of Western North Carolina, which has been calculating the local living wage since 2008, a single person working full time in Buncombe County needs to make $22.10 per hour to afford basic expenses. Other organizations, including Living Wage for US and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, show an...

Feb 20, 2024 | mountainx.com | Chase Davis

Native salamander species nears endangerment LOW NUMBERS: Scientists estimate there are only a few hundred Hickory Gorge green salamanders left in the wild. Photo by Todd Pierson, courtesy of the Center for Biological Diversity The Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, found exclusively in a 14-mile-long gorge southeast of Asheville, is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Feb 14, 2024 | mountainx.com | Chase Davis

Council approves downtown restroom project after heated debate MIXED PRIORITIES: Council member Antanette Mosley, who voted against the restroom project, said that she has had community members call her saying the city cares more about where people use the restroom than the education of Black children. Screenshot courtesy of the City of Asheville Tension was high at the Feb.