
Buncombe County News: Heating Assistance, Measles Notifications, Early Voting

Remembering James Van Der Beek
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NewsBuncombe County News: Heating Assistance, Measles Notifications, Early Voting
Heating Bill Assistance: Applications Open for Eligible HouseholdsThursday, February 12, 2026Applications are now open for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) for households

Measles Outbreak: Buncombe Cases Rise to 7, Vaccinations Available
February 12, 2026: Buncombe County health officials announced another confirmed case.
February 12, 2026
Asheville Police Arrest Man in Child Exploitation Case
Asheville -- February 12, 2026: A joint operation between the Asheville Police Department (APD) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has led to the arrest of a local man following a months-long investigation into child exploitation.
February 12, 2026
WNC Pizza Week Returns: 7 Days of Slices, Deals, & Dough-lightful Fun!
Asheville's favorite pizza celebration is back! Discover participating restaurants, specialty pies, and exclusive deals during the 2nd annual WNC Pizza Week.
February 11, 2026
Asheville's Homeless Count Rescheduled; Begins Today After Storm Delay
The City of Asheville's 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count for homelessness begins today, Feb. 10, after being rescheduled from late January due to Winter Storm Fern. The annual census, which is...
February 10, 2026Sports
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SportsSuper Bowl LVIII: Did Asheville Bettors Cash In On Chiefs' Victory?
Local online sports betting platforms saw a surge in activity for the Super Bowl. We'll explore how Western North Carolina residents fared, highlighting both big wins and heartbreaking losses.

UNC Asheville Mourns the Loss of Head Track Coach Joel Williams
Asheville -- February 9, 2026: The UNC Asheville community and the wider North Carolina sports world are mourning the passing of Joel Williams, the head track and field coach for the Bulldogs, who died on Saturday, February 7, 2026, following a battle with cancer.
February 9, 2026
Asheville Hoops Heats Up: January 2026 Basketball Preview
Get ready for slam dunks and three-pointers as we preview the top basketball matchups happening in Asheville this January. We'll highlight key players and teams to watch as the local season gets underway.
February 3, 2026
WNC College Hoops Heats Up: Key Rivalries & Home Games This Week
Western Carolina and UNC Asheville face crucial matchups this week in college basketball. Don't miss the Ingles I-26 Rivalry food drive at UNCA's game against Gardner-Webb.
January 27, 2026
WNC Sports: Hardwood Battles and Post-Season Prep
WNC Sports -- January 15, 2026: WNC Sports Weekly: Hardwood Battles and Post-Season PrepIt has been an action-packed week for Western North Carolina a...
January 15, 2026Business
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BusinessCanton Weighs Data Center Moratorium After Heated Public Hearing
Canton officials are considering a temporary pause on new data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. Yesterday's public hearing revealed strong community concerns about noise, environmental impact, and energy consumption.

The "Factory" for America: Why Baxter’s Marion Layoffs Signal a New Era in Medicine
Marion -- February 6, 2026: Baxter Healthcare Corp. confirmed yesterday that it has laid off approximately 90 employees at its North Cove manufacturing facility. While the reduction represents 3% of the local workforce, the story behind the cuts reveals a massive shift in how American hospitals operate—a shift that started right here in McDowell County.
February 6, 2026
Jackson Reaches $17.85M in Drug Price Fix Settlement; Novartis Sued
NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson secured a significant settlement from Lannett and Bausch for generic drug price fixing. The state is also suing Novartis and Sandoz, alleging further price collusion that harmed Western North Carolina residents.
February 4, 2026
Asheville to Host PGA Tour Event; Tourism Spending Reaches $2.5B
Asheville is set to host its first PGA Tour event in over 80 years with the Biltmore Championship, slated to be a major economic driver for the region. The event is projected to generate up to $30...
January 31, 2026
Ingles Demolition Underway in Swannanoa After Hurricane Helene
Demolition has started at the Swannanoa Ingles location following extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. This article details the timeline of events leading to the demolition and what the future holds for the site.
January 29, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentRemembering James Van Der Beek
The entertainment world is in mourning following the loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor who became a household name as the earnest Dawson L...

Blue Ridge Barn Finds: Artists Transforming Rural Spaces into Galleries
Explore the trend of artists converting barns and rural spaces in Western North Carolina into unique art galleries and studios. Discover how these artists are revitalizing rural communities and offering visitors a distinctive art experience beyond the traditional gallery setting.
February 11, 2026
South Slope Mardi Gras Parade Route & Time Announced by Asheville
Asheville City officials have released the official date, time, and parade route for the annual South Slope Mardi Gras celebration. Find out where to catch the beads and brass bands this year!
February 11, 2026
Laughter Across the Blue Ridge: WNC Comedy Guide for Feb & March
WNC -- February 10, 2026: While Asheville often steals the spotlight, the comedy scene across Western North Carolina is proving that you don’t have to head to the city to find a stage and a mic.
February 9, 2026
Beyond the Music: Discover Downtown Asheville's Unique Shows 70% confidence now watch this
Step away from the usual music scene and explore unique entertainment options! This weekend, enjoy theater, comedy, and performance art downtown.
February 7, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleCity of Asheville Invites Public to View and Provide Input on Riverfront Recovery Designs with Design Workshop, Survey, & Community Events
The City of Asheville is partnering with Design Workshop to revitalize the riverfront area. Residents are invited to participate in surveys and community events to provide input on the designs.

The Healing Mountain: Asheville Reclaims Its Title as the East’s Wellness Capital
Asheville -- February 8, 2026: For over a century, Asheville has been whispered about in the same breath as "restoration." In the 1900s, it was the "G...
February 8, 2026
Asheville YMCA Offers Free Health Fair for Seniors February 9th
The Asheville YMCA is hosting a free health fair for seniors on February 9th, offering valuable resources and screenings. This event aims to promote healthy aging and connect seniors with local healthcare providers.
February 4, 2026
Cabin Fever Busters: WNC Weekend Blizzard Activity Guide
Don't let the blizzard ruin your weekend! This article provides a list of fun, safe, and engaging activities to enjoy indoors during the winter storm, from virtual events to family games.
January 30, 2026
State Shifting NEVI Strategy to Put EV Charging Stations Where Needed Most
Raleigh -- January 28, 2026: Press Release North Carolina Department of Transportation: North Carolina transportation officials are hoping a strategic shift will allow them to buildout electric vehicle charging stations in more places where they are needed.
January 28, 2026Outdoors
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Outdoors60s are Back! Asheville's Spring Tease Arrives Next Week
After a chilly spell, Western North Carolina is set to enjoy unseasonably warm temperatures next week, climbing into the 60s. We'll explore what this means for local gardens and outdoor activities.

Late Winter & Early Spring: Embracing the WNC Outdoors
WNC -- February 8, 2026: As the chill of February begins to give way to the subtle awakening of March, Western North Carolina transforms. This transitional period offers a unique window to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains—where the crisp air of winter meets the first hints of spring green.
February 8, 2026
Hurricane Helene Recovery: $290M Boost for WNC Forests, Wildlife
The U.S. Forest Service and NC Wildlife Commission inked a $290M deal for Hurricane Helene recovery. This influx of funds will restore damaged ecosystems and support wildlife habitats in western North Carolina.
February 6, 2026
Asheville Outdoor Activities & More: Feb. 3–8, 2026
Asheville-- February 3, 2026: Asheville offers a variety of ways to enjoy nature, creativity, and community this week. While most activities are outd...
February 3, 2026
Western NC Outdoor Events for February 2026
WNC -- February in Western North Carolina offers a unique blend of winter's chill and the first hints of spring. From mountain towns celebrating the beauty of ice to the quirky traditions of forecasting rodents, here are the major outdoor events planned for the region this month.
January 24, 2026