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Old Fort mayor addresses town’s water, sewer problems

2 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

OLD FORT, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Mayor Pam Snypes has issued a public letter addressing persistent water and sewer issues in Old Fort, citing aging infrastructure and storm-related damage as key challenges. In the letter released this Friday, Snypes acknowledged residents’ frustrations over recurring leaks, service interruptions and boil water advisories — many of which have increased since Tropical Storm Helene overwhelmed the town’s systems.
Section of I-26 near Green River bridge to be closed

2 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will close a short section of Interstate 26 East near the Green River bridge beginning Sunday night, June 8. Crews with Flatiron-Dragados Construction will close the outside eastbound lane starting at 7 p.m. to install shoulder berm gutter, pour concrete and pave the area. The lane is expected to reopen by 6 a.m. Thursday, June 13, ahead of the weekend.
Pride Month in WNC blends celebration, activism

2 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Rainbow flags are flying high across the Asheville area as the community celebrates Pride Month with a full slate of events honoring LGBTQ+ identity, history and resilience. From downtown parades and drag brunches to art shows and panel discussions, local organizers said this year’s Pride is not only a celebration, but a call for inclusion, visibility and continued progress.
Caution: Hidden dangers may lurk in WNC waters after Helene

2 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Summer in Western North Carolina brings a burst of color as swimmers and tubers flock to local rivers, lakes and swimming holes. But officials are urging caution following Tropical Storm Helene. Asheville officials are warning residents that hidden storm debris and water contamination remain a risk in popular recreation spots. Flooding from the storm overwhelmed sewage systems and caused farm runoff, releasing harmful bacteria such as E.
Asheville’s Helene cleanup expands to parks, trails

3 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — More than 846,000 cubic yards of storm debris have been collected across Asheville in the ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, city officials said Thursday. Crews have cleared 280,639 cubic yards from waterways and removed debris from 594 private properties through the city’s Private Property Debris Removal Program. Contractors are close to completing the remaining punch list for debris in the public right-of-way.
Weekend weather alert: Thunderstorms likely

3 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Severe weather and unseasonably warm temperatures are expected to return to the region Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters said the main threat from any storms that develop will be damaging wind gusts, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours both days. Friday’s severe weather risk will be greatest west of Asheville, especially near the Tennessee state line, forecasters said.
Buncombe County sheriff disputes ‘sanctuary’ label from Sen. Tillis

4 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller is pushing back against U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis after the senator posted a map on social media labeling Buncombe and eight other counties as “sanctuary jurisdictions.”In a video message, Miller said the designation is false and harmful, and he has contacted Tillis’ office seeking clarification and a public correction.
Scam alert: Police say NC won’t text about traffic fines

4 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Black Mountain Police Department is warning residents to beware of scam text messages falsely claiming to be from state agencies regarding traffic tickets or toll fines. Police said North Carolina does not notify drivers of traffic violations or fines via text or email. Residents who receive such messages are urged not to reply and to block the number immediately.
Black Mountain police warn about ‘bank jugging’ trend

4 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Black Mountain Police Department is urging residents to stay alert for a type of criminal activity known as “bank jugging,” a technique in which suspects target individuals after they withdraw money from an ATM. While no incidents have been reported in Black Mountain, police said the crime has occurred in nearby areas, including Greenville, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia.
NCDOT to use rock from Pisgah National Forest to rebuild I-40

4 days ago | 828newsnow.com | Dee Pridgen

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation and its federal and state partners have selected two sites in the Pigeon River Gorge to extract and store material for rebuilding Interstate 40, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. The plan includes a nearly 33-acre site for extracting stone and an adjacent 11.5-acre area for storing overburden material, which will later be used to restore the extraction site.