Helen Chickering

Asheville

Host and Reporter, WCQS-FM at Blue Ridge Public Radio

@BlueRidgePublicRadio #scicomm @aldacenter alum #publicradio announcer & reporter @BlueRidgePublicRadio (tweets are my own)

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Articles

Asheville reopens portions of riverfront parks damaged by Hurricane Helene

2 weeks ago | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the city of Asheville has reopened several popular parks and greenways along the French Broad River, offering residents renewed access to outdoor spaces nearly eight months after Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. According to a press release from the city, fully reopened areas now include Amboy Riverfront Park, Craven Street Trailhead Park, Jean Webb Park, and the Craven Street Bridge Boating Access Area.
$48M for broadband internet targets NC digital divide, including in Mitchell Co.

2 weeks ago | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

More than 14,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina are one step closer to reliable internet access. Gov. Josh Stein has announced a $48 million investment in broadband expansion through the Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program. The funding will support projects in 22 counties, including Mitchell County, where 84 homes and businesses are set to have access to high-speed internet for the first time.
New novel revives the story of a forgotten Black community in Western North Carolina

1 month ago | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

A new historical novel is drawing attention to a little-known post-Civil War community that once thrived in the mountains near Hendersonville. Happy Land, by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, is based on the real story of a settlement founded by formerly enslaved people in the 1870s. The Kingdom of the Happy Land was located along the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Its founders came from Cross Anchor, S.C., pooling their resources to buy land and build a self-sustaining community.
Today's the deadline for FEMA/Western North Carolina Helene disaster aid applications

2 months ago | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

Today, April 7, is the final day for North Carolinians with uninsured damage or loss from Hurricane Helene to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agency has been involved in disaster recovery efforts across North Carolina since the storm struck in September 2024, providing aid for temporary housing, home repairs or replacement, and repairs to private roads and bridges. Applications must be submitted by the end of the day.
Key section of Swannanoa River Road reopens in Asheville

2 months ago | wunc.org | Helen Chickering

A key corridor in Asheville is back in service as of Friday afternoon, as Swannanoa River Road (N.C. 81) reopened between Biltmore Avenue and Bleachery Boulevard. The reopening follows six months of cleanup, restoration and construction after Hurricane Helene flooded the Swannanoa River and destroyed much more than just the road itself. The corridor was heavily damaged — including water lines, traffic signals, overhead cables and other infrastructure.
100 days in, Stein talks WNC recovery, wildfires and what’s next

2 months ago | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

As his first 100 days in office come to a close, Stein talks about rebuilding, federal aid, and the long road ahead after Helene. Next week marks 100 days in office for North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. In an interview with BPR, Stein said much of his early focus has been on helping Western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene and preparing the region for the growing risk of wildfires. Below are excerpts from Host Helen Chickering’s conversation with Stein.
Updates: Wildfires prompt Swain and Polk evacuations; More than 6,000 acres burn in WNC

2 months ago | bpr.org | Helen Chickering |Jose Sandoval

This afternoon, Buncombe County officials warned residents of a small fire in the area. "Currently, there is a 2 acre wildfire in the Dix Creek / Leicester area of Buncombe County," the statement said. "Crews are on scene and the public is asked to avoid the area."Because of dry conditions and high winds, residents are asked to remain vigilant in fire prevention. A statewide burn ban remains in effect. For emergency alerts in Buncombe County, text BCAlert to 99411.
NC winter storm state of emergency; WNC expected to see minor impacts

Feb 18, 2025 | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency as officials prepare for a winter storm set to arrive Wednesday, bringing snow, ice, and frigid temperatures to much of the state. While the heaviest impacts are expected in central and eastern North Carolina, Western North Carolina will be under a winter weather advisory beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday.
New Helene recovery pop-up events for farmers, agricultural producers in WNC

Jan 29, 2025 | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

Farmers and agricultural producers across Western North Carolina are getting support this week as recovery fairs open to help those struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Helene. These events come as state leaders push for additional federal support to address the damage. Following former President Donald Trump’s visit to Western North Carolina earlier this month, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the challenges farmers are facing.
Struggling to make ends meet: WNC service workers face Helene's fallout

Jan 16, 2025 | bpr.org | Helen Chickering

Hurricane Helene didn’t just flood homes and disrupt daily life — it upended much of Western North Carolina's tourism and service industry, leaving workers and small business owners scrambling to make ends meet. In a recent interview with BPR’s Helen Chickering, journalist Mark Barrett shared insights from his Mountain Xpress reporting, revealing the financial struggles, resilience, and uncertainty faced by those who rely on tourism for their livelihoods.