Escaped Vance County Inmates Captured by SBI Tactical Team in Asheville
Marge Farrington•June 9, 2026News
View AllNewsEscaped Vance County Inmates Captured by SBI Tactical Team in Asheville
Asheville -- June 9, 2026: A multi-agency manhunt ended early Tuesday morning in Western North Carolina as two inmates who escaped from the Vance County Detention Center nearly a week ago were taken into custody.
Man Indicted for Murder, Arson in Deaths of Elderly Saluda Couple
Polk County -- June 9, 2026: A Polk County grand jury has officially indicted a 42-year-old man in connection with the tragic deaths of an elderly couple whose bodies were discovered following a house fire last month.
June 9, 2026
NCDHHS Announces $10 Million for EMS Workforce Through NC Rural Health Transformation Program
Raleigh -- June 8, 2026: Press Release North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's Office: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced that it will provide $10 million to 39 local EMS agencies through the NC Rural Health Transformation Program. The funds awarded by the NCDHHS Office of Emergency Medical Services for Mobile Integrated Health will strengthen the EMS workforce and expand rural communities’ access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services.
June 8, 2026
Did you feel it? Weaverville Quake Stirs Early Morning Residents
Weaverville -- June 8, 2026: An early morning tremor near Weaverville lightly shook parts of Buncombe County and the Asheville area on Monday, waking some residents and sparking widespread community discussion. While the minor earthquake caused no reported damage or injuries, it prompted a flurry of "Did you feel it?" reports and shared curiosity among locals.
June 8, 2026
Barnardsville Man Sentenced as Habitual Felon for Armed Robbery
Buncombe County -- June 8, 2026: A Barnardsville man has been sentenced to more than a decade in state prison for drug trafficking and robbery charges in Buncombe County Superior Court. John Wesley Burleson received a sentence of 10 to 13 years after pleading guilty to trafficking opium/heroin and robbery.
June 8, 2026Sports
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SportsNorth Carolina Celebrates “Summer of Soccer” with Major Events Investments Across the State
Raleigh -- North Carolina Governor Joshe Stein's Office Press Release Jun 3, 2026: As thousands of fans gathered in Charlotte over the weekend for the U.S. Men’s National Team Send-Off Match ahead of the FIFA World Cup, North Carolina stepped further into the global soccer spotlight through a series of major events and international team partnerships supported by the state’s Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund (MEGA Fund).
Mountains on the Move: Upcoming Local Sports & Outdoor Events in WNC
WNC Sports -- June 7, 2026: While the professional and collegiate sports calendar takes a brief summer breather, Western North Carolina’s outdoor venues and community spaces are gearing up for a busy stretch. From local cycling meetups to massive regional youth tournaments, the mountains are coming alive with athletic energy this June.
June 7, 2026
WNC Sports Action Coming Up This Weekend
WNC Sports -- June 3, 2026: With high school and collegiate spring seasons officially in the rearview mirror, Western North Carolina sports enter their distinct summer rhythm. While the traditional regional stadium lights may be quieter, the upcoming weekend (June 5–7) proves the mountain sports scene has plenty on the calendar. From historic milestones on the diamond to grueling mountain endurance tests, here are the top sports events to watch across WNC this weekend.
June 3, 2026
WNC Sports Roundup: Champions Rising, Stadium Upgrades, and Summer Legacies
WNC -- May 28, 2026: It is officially that beautiful, chaotic sweet spot of the mountain sports calendar. High school legends are cementing their legacies, local fields are getting massive facelifts, and summer league culture is officially heating up across Western North Carolina. From the track to the diamond, here is what’s making waves in our neck of the woods this week.
May 29, 2026Summer Tradition: How Asheville City SC Unified Mountain Soccer Culture
Asheville -- May 23, 2026: When the high school gymnasiums lock their doors for the summer and regional collegiate programs enter their offseason, sports fans across Western North Carolina traditionally face a quiet stretch.
May 23, 2026Business
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BusinessBuncombe TDA Proposes $27 Million Post-Helene Recovery Budget; Heavy Focus on Marketing
Buncombe County -- June 6, 2026: The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) has unveiled a proposed $27.05 million operating budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Presented by Ed Silver, Vice President of Business Development for Explore Asheville, the spending plan pivots financial strategy toward regional economic recovery following Tropical Storm Helene. The proposal represents an increase from the previous year’s $25.9 million budget, placing an aggressive emphasis on rebuilding the region's hospitality sector.
National Park Service Announce a Leasing Opportunity for Bluffs Lodge at Doughton ParK
Blue Ridge Parkway -- June 3, 2026: The Blue Ridge Parkway announced today a leasing opportunity for the Bluffs Lodge, a historic motor lodge located at milepost 241.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Laurel Springs, N.C. The Request for Proposals process invites interested individuals, businesses and organizations to submit proposals for the rehabilitation and long‑term operation of this property.
June 3, 2026
Help Shape Future Funding: Final Post-Helene WNC Business Response Survey Now Open
City of Asheville -- May 31, 2026: Asheville businesses, Riverbird Research, a division of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, is conducting a final assessment of our region’s economic landscape.
May 31, 2026
'Biz Hero Solutions Lab' Comes to Asheville to Offer Heavy-Hitting Strategy Over Standard Networking
Asheville -- If you are a Western North Carolina entrepreneur or nonprofit director, you already know the routine: you attend a networking mixer, exchange a few business cards, chat about the weather, and head home with the exact same operational headaches you had when you walked in.
May 27, 2026
HCC receives $25,000 Workforce Development Grant from Duke Energy
Haywood County -- May 20, 2026: Haywood Community College was recently awarded a $25,000 grant to increase awareness about their electrical and trades programs through additional marketing and outreach from a generous Duke Energy grant.
May 20, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentMountain Sunshine & Main Street Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to WNC’s Packed Summer Weekend
WNC Entertainment News -- The mountain summer is out in full force, and the weekend of June 12–14, 2026, is serving up a spectacular lineup of open-air events. If you are looking to map out a perfect road trip, WNC’s small towns are stepping into the spotlight with everything from traditional Appalachian strings to out-of-this-world street festivals.
Free Family Fun: GRINDfest 2026 Pack Square Park Saturday!
This article will emphasize GRINDfest's appeal as a free, all-day block party offering a wide array of family-friendly activities, delicious local food trucks, and pop-up vendors. It will guide readers on how to best enjoy a full day of entertainment without an entry fee.
June 8, 2026
Sound Waves in the Blue Ridge: Asheville's June 2026 Concert Lineup
Asheville Entertainment News -- June 2, 2026: Summer in Western North Carolina officially arrives this month, bringing warmer mountain nights and a packed live music calendar. From intimate listening rooms to major arena stages, downtown Asheville and the surrounding areas are hosting an eclectic mix of national touring acts and regional favorites.
June 2, 2026
Summer's Sneak Peek: The Ultimate WNC Entertainment Guide for May 29–31
WNC Entertainment -- The final weekend of May brings a spectacular transition to Western North Carolina. As spring melts completely into early summer, the mountain region is wide awake with major outdoor music festivals, open-air community concerts, local plant markets, and river adventures.
May 25, 2026
Live & Loud: Your WNC Memorial Day Weekend Concert & Music Guide
WNC Entertainment -- While community street festivals and heritage days fill the afternoon hours this Memorial Day weekend, Western North Carolina’s entertainment scene takes over when the sun goes down. From major outdoor stadium rock and indoor theater revivals to professional rodeos, roller derby bouts, and local creek-side picking sessions, here is your definitive regional guide to the evening live music and ticketed entertainment hitting stages across every single county in WNC this holiday weekend.
May 19, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleLocal Veterans Organizations Unite to Honor Legendary Korean and Vietnam War Hero Colonel Joseph Clemons
Henderson County -- June 7, 2026: Three local veterans organizations—the Western NC Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206, and the VFW Post 5206 Auxiliary—have joined forces to honor the extraordinary life and military career of the late Colonel Joseph Clemons. A permanent tribute has been unveiled at the Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans Center, located at 900 N. Main Street, Hendersonville.
Veterans Disability Claims Clinic and Resource Expo Announced for Western North Carolina
Cherokee County — In a major coordinated effort to support regional military veterans, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Department of Military & Veterans Affairs has announced the 3rd Annual EBCI Regional Veterans Disability Claims Clinic & Resource Expo.
June 7, 2026
Understanding North Carolina’s Strict Rabies Mandate
When you take your pet to the veterinarian, you are usually presented with a comprehensive menu of recommended shots—distemper, parvovirus, bordetella, and leptospirosis, to name a few. To many pet owners facing rising veterinary costs, it can be tough to distinguish between a clinic's standard checklist and genuinely critical healthcare.
June 5, 2026
Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home
Asheville -- June 4, 2026: Asheville Airport Press Release June 2, 2026: Asheville Regional Airport Invites Western North Carolina Artists to Create the Gateway to Home Two Landmark Public Art Commissions Available in New AVL Terminal — Submission Deadline June 22
June 4, 2026
Cook Presents Fourth Book in Series at Pre-Release Party
Asheville -- June 4, 2026: Tyler Cook, Asheville resident and author, will release his sixth book, ‘Remnant’, at a special release party on June 6 at 10 a.m. at the Avery’s Creek Community Center.
June 4, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsProfile Trail on Grandfather Mountain Reopens!
Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Jume 7, 2026: The Reopening of Profile Trail on Grandfather Mtn on June 6, 2026. Happy National Trails Day! Start at the Grandfather Mtn State Park Parking Area and restrooms on NC 105 (across from The Pedalin' Pig). The trail and parking area closed after damages from Helene.
Redesigning Owen Park Workshop: Community Invited to June 16 Workshop
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Press Release: Buncombe County Parks & Recreation invites residents to review conceptual design alternatives for Charles D. Owen Park. The drop-in style workshop will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at the Bee Tree Fire Substation in Swannanoa.
June 8, 2026
The Town of Waynesville Announces Grand Opening of Dog Park June 9, 2026
Waynesville -- June 5, 2026: The Town of Waynesville is proud to announce the grand opening of its newly rebuilt and relocated Dog Park on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The event marks a significant milestone in the community's ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene and the continued restoration of parks and recreation amenities impacted by the storm.
June 5, 2026
Redesigning Owen Park Workshop Buncombe County June 16, 2026
Buncombe County Government News -- May 31, 2026: Buncombe County Parks & Recreation invites residents to review conceptual design alternatives for Charles D. Owen Park. The drop-in style workshop will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at the Bee Tree Fire Substation in Swannanoa.
May 31, 2026
A Milestone for Recovery: Historic Curtis Creek Campground Reopens in Old Fort
Old Fort -- May 27, 2026: In a major milestone for Western North Carolina’s outdoor community, the United States Forest Service has officially announced the reopening of the historic Curtis Creek Campground. Located in the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, the beloved recreation site is welcoming campers back exactly 20 months after suffering extensive damage from Hurricane Helene.
May 27, 2026