Asheville Launches Major Stormwater System Assessment: What Residents Need to Know
Staff Writer•March 17, 2026
Asheville Arts Scene Thrives Despite Challenges
News
View AllNewsAsheville Launches Major Stormwater System Assessment: What Residents Need to Know
The City of Asheville is embarking on a comprehensive mission to map and evaluate its underground infrastructure. This week, officials announced the s...
Foot Pursuit Leads to Fentanyl Trafficking Arrest in Rutherford County
Rutherford County -- A suspected fentanyl dealer is in custody following a foot chase through Spindale on March 11, 2026. The arrest was the result of...
March 17, 2026
Governor Stein Kicks Off Rural Listening Tour
Today Governor Josh Stein kicked off his rural listening session series. He met with business leaders, local elected officials, and other leaders to h...
March 17, 2026
McDowell Man Charged After Assaulting Female & Injuring Officer
Christopher Robert McKinney of Marion faces felony charges after allegedly assaulting a woman and seriously injuring Lieutenant Gioia Holland during a domestic violence call in Old Fort. McKinney was initially denied bond due to the domestic violence nature of the incident.
March 17, 2026
FEMA Extends Critical Housing Support for Helene Survivors
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — FEMA has officially extended critical housing support for Western North Carolina residents still recovering from Tropical Storm Hele...
March 17, 2026Sports
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SportsVance Charter, Wilson Prep Claim State Basketball Crowns; Baseball and Soccer Teams Off to Strong Starts
**Vance Charter** and **Wilson Prep** basketball teams brought home **1A state titles** on **March 11**, showcasing the talent and hard work found in local high school athletic programs. For...
Cherokee Braves Crush Competition, Capture 2A Basketball Crown
The Cherokee High School girls basketball team delivered a dominant performance on March 12, 2026, in Winston-Salem, crushing Pamlico County 76-15 to secure the 2026 NCHSAA 2A State Championship....
March 16, 2026
Reel in the Cash: $20K Up for Grabs at 2026 Cherokee Trout Tournament!
Get ready to cast your lines and chase tagged trout in the Qualla Boundary! With a $20,000 prize pool, the 2026 Opening Day Trout Tournament is an angler's dream come true.
March 12, 2026
Buncombe, Hendersonville County High School Teams Score Wins
Greater Asheville-area high school teams delivered a series of exciting victories on March 11, showcasing the growing rivalries and community spirit. These wins highlight the dedication and skill of...
March 12, 2026
Catamounts Tennis Serves Up Spring Break Action in Orlando!
The WCU Women's Tennis team is trading textbooks for tennis balls this week in sunny Orlando! Get the scoop on their matches against Quinnipiac and Penn as they fine-tune their game before returning home.
March 12, 2026Business
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BusinessAsheville Considers Fee Hikes for Water, Waste, and Parking Services
Asheville residents and business owners could soon face higher bills for essential city services, as the city considers increasing fees for water, solid waste, and parking. The proposed increases...
WNC Environmental Summit Friday, March 20, 2026 Haywood Community College
HAYWOOD COUNTY -- Haywood Community College Annouces WNC Environmental Summit Friday, March 20, 2026 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Haywood Community College Auditori...
March 17, 2026
WNC Economic Outlook: Tourism Recovery &Workforce Housing Hurdles Define Spring 2026
Record revenues for craft breweries, distilleries, and downtown businesses in Buncombe, Hendersonville, and Haywood counties are being fueled by a 15 percent surge in tourism. But the swell of...
March 16, 2026
Buncombe County to Overhaul Development Rules, Schools Amidst Appeal Surge
Anticipating a flood of property value appeals after recent reassessments, Buncombe County is also moving forward with capital projects and development rule changes affecting businesses and...
March 10, 2026
GE Aerospace Invests $48M in Asheville, Boosting Jet Engine Production
GE Aerospace is investing $48 million in its Asheville facility to ramp up production of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) for jet engines. The investment will modernize the plant and create new opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
March 9, 2026Entertainment
View AllEntertainmentAsheville Arts Scene Thrives Despite Challenges
Asheville's vibrant arts and culture scene continues to thrive as of Friday, March 13, 2026, offering diverse entertainment for residents and visitors. The WNC Times remains committed to...
The Scoop on Pi: The Hop Ice Cream Café Celebrates the ‘Beauty of the Irrational’
This Saturday, March 14, The Hop Ice Cream Café invites the community to embrace their inner math geek—and their sweet tooth—for a celebration of Pi D...
March 13, 2026
Asheville’s Iconic "Downtown After 5" Returns for 2026: Multicultural Lineup Unveiled
The Asheville Downtown Association has officially pulled back the curtain on the 2026 Downtown After 5 (DTA5) season. This year, the beloved free conc...
March 13, 2026
Groove by the River: Riverside Concerts Return to Olivette This April
Chatt Hills Music brings back its Riverside Concert Series to the scenic Olivette Riverside Pavilion for a sixth year. We delve into what makes this outdoor music experience unique, focusing on the venue's ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere.
March 12, 2026
Murphy's Braden Rumfelt Charges Into the 'American Idol' Top 20
Braden Rumfelt, a singer from Murphy, NC, has advanced to the Top 20 on 'American Idol'. This article explores his journey from local Western North Carolina stages to national television, highlighting his connection to the community.
March 10, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleApril Culture Hunt: Your Guide to WNC’s Spring Scavenger Hunts
Spring has officially arrived in the mountains, and with it comes a series of interactive ways to explore our community. Whether you are looking to en...
Get Hands On with Heroes on Wheels at Truck City AVL
City of Asheville -- Ever wonder how food, packages, and recycling move to their final destinations? Or how water lines are repaired, streets are plow...
March 15, 2026
Spring in the Mountains: Your 2026 Western North Carolina Easter Guide
Easter weekend in Western North Carolina (April 4–5, 2026) is more than just a holiday; it’s the official grand opening of the mountain spring season....
March 15, 2026
The Spring Break "Save-cation": Low-Fuel Adventures in Western North Carolina
The calendar says "Spring Break," but the signs at the gas pump are saying "Stay Put." If you are a Western North Carolina resident watching gas price...
March 15, 2026
Buncombe County Schools STEAM Day: Science & Free Family-Friendly Fun!
Nesbitt Discovery Academy will host Buncombe County's STEAM Day, a celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Families can enjoy interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and robotics demonstrations at this free event.
March 11, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsThe Trail That Started It All: Fishing the Nation's First Fly Fishing Trail in 2026
Jackson County -- In 2009, Jackson County made history by launching the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®—the first of its kind in the United ...
Lake Lure Welcomes Back the Collegiate Rowers!
Town of Lake Lure -- We are pleased to share that collegiate rowing teams will soon return to Lake Lure for spring training. This week Columbia Univer...
March 15, 2026
Weekend Nature Fix: Best WNC Hikes for Spring Wildflower Peeking
Escape the city this weekend and discover the early blooms of spring! We've compiled a list of easy-to-moderate hikes around Asheville perfect for spotting wildflowers like trillium and bloodroot.
March 9, 2026
Heartbreak Ridge Reborn: Old Fort's Outdoor Access Restored!
After an 18-month closure due to Hurricane Helene, the Lower Heartbreak Ridge Trail is finally open. This article explores the trail's reopening and its vital role in connecting Pisgah National Forest to Old Fort, boosting the local outdoor economy.
March 3, 2026
WNC "Blood Moon" Guide: How to See Tomorrow’s Rare Total Lunar Eclipse
Don't miss the rare blood moon Tuesday morning! We'll highlight the best locations around Asheville with unobstructed western views for optimal eclipse viewing, ensuring you catch this celestial spectacle before sunrise.
March 2, 2026