Karrigan Monk

2 weeks ago | blackmountainnews.com | Karrigan Monk

Cuts are being made across all departments as Black Mountain works to balance its budget. The town manager has recommended cutting Fourth of July fireworks. Water and trash rates are proposed to increase. BLACK MOUNTAIN – As budget talks continue in Black Mountain, cuts are being made across departments. At a May 1 meeting, Town Manager Josh Harrold said, as the budget exists right now, the town would be using more than $362,000 from the fund balance to balance the budget.

3 weeks ago | blackmountainnews.com | Karrigan Monk

The Swannanoa post office was damaged during Tropical Storm Helene. The postal service said the location will not reopen. Residents are organizing a campaign to have a post office in Swannanoa. A post office is part of what identifies a community, according to Swannanoa resident Dan Slagle. Slagle worked at the Swannanoa post office from 1978 until he retired in 2003. Now, he’s organizing a postcard campaign to advocate for Swannanoa having its own post office again.

3 weeks ago | blackmountainnews.com | Karrigan Monk

Blunt Pretzels has established a new nonprofit in Blunt Kitchen. The goal of the nonprofit is to help with food relief efforts after Tropical Storm Helene. A fundraiser for Blunt Kitchen will be held at Blunt Pretzels May 3. SWANNANOA – In the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, the Swannanoa community came together to help each other, including at Blunt Pretzels.

3 weeks ago | blackmountainnews.com | Karrigan Monk

The city of Asheville is increasing wholesale water rates 33%, amounting to a $275,000 increase for the town of Black Mountain. The town would need 10 additional wells to make up for what the town buys from Asheville. There is a proposed increase in solid waste reduction fee and the water rate for Black Mountain residents. BLACK MOUNTAIN - The city of Asheville is increasing the price of water for wholesale customers for the second year in a row, impacting the town of Black Mountain.

3 weeks ago | blackmountainnews.com | Karrigan Monk

Cousins Cuban Cafe has expanded its dining room. Owner Betty Sperry said the restaurant "symbolizes family."Cousins Cuban Cafe is located at 108 Broadway Ave. in Black Mountain and is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every day except Wednesday. BLACK MOUNTAIN – For owner Betty Sperry, Cousins Cuban Cafe is all about family. “This restaurant, to me, has been such a blessing because, first of all, it’s a family restaurant that symbolizes family to me,” Sperry said.