David Ford

Dec 2, 2024 | wfdd.org | David Ford

As post-Helene recovery efforts continue, state Department of Transportation workers remain busy reconstructing Interstate 40 along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. That roughly 9-mile stretch of highway could reopen as soon as next month. After Helene’s deluge of rain, the Pigeon River was flowing through the gorge at heights of 35 to 40 feet. The force of the water soon began eating away at the road-fill section of I-40, taking out the majority of eastbound lanes as well as some westbound.

Nov 25, 2024 | wfdd.org | David Ford

For millions of North Carolinians, Thanksgiving is a time to share gratitude with loved ones and celebrate with plenty of food and drink. But for the roughly 17% of Triad residents living in poverty, this holiday can be a sad reminder of what they’re missing. Several nonprofit organizations are hoping to change that. In Winston-Salem, The Shalom Project will provide 125 boxes of easy-to-prepare Thanksgiving meals to those who pre-ordered them.

Nov 19, 2024 | wfdd.org | David Ford

After decades leading Piedmont Opera, Artistic Director Jamie Allbritten plans to step down from the podium. Allbritten is well-known in artistic circles for his supreme musicianship, encyclopedic knowledge of opera and his gifts as an educator. But he considers himself a lifelong student who appreciates the many lessons learned collaborating with great artists. "I never like to say, 'No, just do it this way,'" says Allbritten.

Nov 14, 2024 | wfdd.org | David Ford

The guild of makers behind the annual Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair is taking steps to help artists from western North Carolina who were impacted by Helene. The Piedmont Craftsmen’s Guild currently includes more than 70 artists based in the mountains, and shortly after the storm passed, the phones began ringing.

Nov 12, 2024 | wfdd.org | David Ford

In the aftermath of Helene, Legal Aid of North Carolina has been helping survivors with a wide range of legal issues at no cost. This week, the statewide nonprofit law firm will host two community clinics to offer in-person support to those affected. As soon as roads were cleared, Legal Aid workers arrived in the hardest-hit areas in western North Carolina. Immediate needs included disaster unemployment issues and later, appealing rejections by federal assistance programs.