One Step Closer - Lake Lure's Phase Two of the Lake Reopening Process
Marge Farrington•May 15, 2026News
View AllNewsOne Step Closer - Lake Lure's Phase Two of the Lake Reopening Process
Town of Lake Lure Update -- May 15, 2026: Town Council approved “Phase Two” of the Lake Lure Reopening Process. The following are the Phase Two guidelines: The Washburn Marina ramp will be open to permitted motorized vessels effective Saturday, 5/16/26 Temporary towing restrictions are lifted under existing Lake Use Regulations.
Loving Held Without Bond in Buncombe Triple Homicide Case
Devan Oneal Loving, 28, of Buncombe County, is being held without bond at the Buncombe County Detention Facility following his extradition from Tennessee. Loving faces three counts of first-degree murder, one count of felony conspiracy to commit murder, and one count of abduction of a child in connection with a triple homicide in Fairview. The decision to hold Loving without bond underscores the gravity of the charges and sets the stage for the initial legal proceedings in this high-profile case.
May 15, 2026
Search Continues for Gunman After East Asheville Shooting
Asheville Police are actively searching for a suspect following a shooting in the Haw Creek area on Thursday, May 14, 2026, which left two people injured. Investigators have confirmed a crime scene outside Spruce Hill Apartments as the search for the at-large gunman intensifies.
May 15, 2026
Next Chapter for Canton: Gov. Stein Announces $3.5 Million for Resilient Infrastructure
Canton -- May 15, 2026: Highlighting a vision where economic independence and manufacturing return to the heart of Haywood County, Governor Josh Stein and N.C. Secretary of Environmental Quality Reid Wilson visited Canton on May 14 to showcase how state investments are actively fortifying local public utilities against future storms.
May 15, 2026
Canton to Host Special Community Screening of “Papertown” Documentary
Canton -- May 14, 2026: The town of Canton is inviting the public to a special pre-premiere screening of the documentary film “Papertown,” offering a moving look at the community's resilience following the closure of its century-old paper mill.
May 14, 2026Sports
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SportsRemembering Brandon Clarke: A Legacy of Grit and Kindness
Memphis -- May 12, 2026: The sports world and the Memphis community are in shock following the sudden passing of Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke. News of his death at age 29 was confirmed earlier today, Tuesday, May 12, leaving teammates, fans, and the basketball community at large reeling from the loss of a man widely regarded as a "gentle soul."
Friday Night Lights Get a New Look: Girls’ Flag Football is Officially Sanctioned in NC
NC -- May 12, 2026: Last Wednesday, May 6, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) made a historic call: Girls’ Flag Football is now an officially sanctioned varsity sport. This isn’t just a club or an exhibition anymore—starting in the fall of 2026, high school girls will be competing for official NCHSAA State Championship trophies.
May 12, 2026
Weaverville’s Karlyn Pickens Selected No. 1 Overall in 2026 AUSL Draft
Weaverville -- May 5, 2026: Weaverville native Karlyn Pickens, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) College Draft. Her selection by the Carolina Blaze on Monday, May 4, 2026, marks the culmination of a journey that began on local fields in Western North Carolina.
May 5, 2026
Asheville Tourists to Honor Local Service Workers at 4th Annual Travel & Hospitality Night
HomeTrust Park hosts its 4th annual Travel and Hospitality Night on May 5, offering local industry professionals a discounted evening of baseball. This event is a special thank you to those who keep Asheville's tourism thriving, with tickets just $5 including all fees.
May 4, 2026
WNC College Sports: The Final Push
WNC -- May 1, 2026: It is a historic and high-stakes weekend for our local college athletes as they head into post-season play and critical conference matchups.
May 1, 2026Business
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BusinessEconomic Resilience and Strategic Recovery: The State of WNC Business in May 2026
WNC Business -- May 13, 2026: Across the ridge lines of Western North Carolina this May, the narrative is shifting from emergency response to strategic economic "reset." While the outdoor recreation sector has long been the calling card of the Blue Ridge, it is now serving as the primary engine for the region’s broader business recovery.
Honoring Resilience: Small Business Week Spotlight on WNC
North Carolina -- May 4, 2026: Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week in North Carolina. This week-long celebration honors the more than one million small businesses that form the backbone of the state's economy, with a particular focus this year on the grit and resiliency of entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina (WNC).
May 4, 2026
Asheville and North Carolina Breweries Shine at 2026 World Beer Cup
Asheville -- April 30, 2026: Asheville's reputation as a premier brewing destination received significant international validation this week, as local breweries secured prestigious medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. Diatribe Brewing Company, Wicked Weed Brewing, and Hi-Wire Brewing were honored at the globally renowned competition, underscoring the city's brewing prowess on a world stage.
April 30, 2026
Hendersonville Business Growth: Legacy Markets Expands and HiViz LED Invests Millions
Hendersonville Business News -- April 30, 2026: The Hendersonville business landscape is seeing significant movement this week, marked by a major acq...
April 30, 2026
Asheville's Tourism Evolves: Beyond Craft Beer & Mountains
Asheville's tourism sector is undergoing a significant evolution, moving beyond its established reputation for craft beer and mountain scenery. The region is adapting to new visitor demands and economic pressures, including recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in 2024, by emphasizing experiential and diversified offerings.
April 29, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentWNC Entertainment Guide: What’s Happening This Weekend (May 15–17)
WNC Entertainment -- From the heart of downtown Asheville to the rolling pastures of Fairview, Western North Carolina is alive with music, theater, and community spirit this weekend. Whether you are looking for a high-energy dance floor or a quiet afternoon of local craft, here is your complete guide to the best entertainment the mountains have to offer.
Braden Rumfelt Voted Out of American Idol Season 24
American Idol -- May 5, 2026: The lights dimmed on Braden Rumfelt’s American Idol journey during Monday night’s high-stakes episode, but the North Carolina native left the stage having reached an incredible milestone as a Top 5 finalist.
May 5, 2026
WNC Let’s Go to the Movies: April 25 – April 30, 2026
WNC -- Spring is in full swing across the Blue Ridge, but the real heat is happening inside our local theaters this week. From the high-energy debut ...
April 25, 2026
Lend a Hand to Our Local Misfits at the Boho Hippie Festival
Maggie Valley -- Ready to soak up some sun and good vibes for a great cause? Misfit Mountain is officially recruiting volunteers for the 2026 Boho Hippie Festival! Located right in our backyard at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, this event is a vital way for this 501(c)3 rescue to connect with the community.
April 21, 2026
Braden Rumfelt Hits the Top 7: The Murphy Native Keeps Moving
American Idol -- April 21, 2026: The lights on the American Idol stage are a long way from Murphy, but Braden Rumfelt is looking more at home there every week
April 21, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestylePaying it Forward: Brother Wolf Turns Community Support Into $500K for Animals
Asheville -- May 15, 2026: Animals shape human lives in such beautiful ways. They steady us. They give rhythm to our days. They provide a deep and safe connection. They bring us joy. They ask for very little and return something that is difficult to name, yet easy to recognize the moment it’s gone. To care about animals is, in a very real way, to care about one another.
Empower Your Community: Join the Asheville Fire Department’s CERT Program
Asheville -- May 11, 2026: As Hurricane Preparedness Week comes to a close, the focus shifts toward a vital question: are you ready to help your neighbors when it matters most? While we often think of disaster response as the job of professionals, the Asheville Fire Department is offering a way for residents to play a hands-on role in community safety through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
May 11, 2026
Celebrate Mom: Asheville's Mother's Day Weekend Events
This article highlights special brunches, unique gift markets, and relaxing activities perfect for celebrating mothers in Asheville. Discover ways to make Mother's Day truly memorable for the special women in your life.
May 8, 2026
Forest Bathing Trend: Hendersonville Finds Peace in Nature
Hendersonville, North Carolina, is increasingly becoming a hub for residents and visitors seeking tranquility through forest bathing, a low-impact wellness practice known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese. This mindful immersion in forested environments offers a unique approach to reducing stress and improving overall well-being, drawing participants to the region's abundant natural landscapes.
May 5, 2026
Hendersonville Farmers Market Opens Today
The Hendersonville Farmers Market is officially set to return for its 2026 season on Saturday, May 2nd, promising fresh local produce and artisan goods to the community. Shoppers can expect over 40 local vendors every Saturday through October, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Maple Street.
May 2, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsNature’s Neighborhood: Why Local Parks Are WNC’s Best Kept Secret
WNC -- May 12, 2026: When we think of outdoor adventure in Western North Carolina, our minds often jump to the grand vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway or the deep wilderness of the Great Smokies. However, we often overlook the incredible gems right in our own backyards. Local parks are the unsung heroes of our communities—they are accessible, budget-friendly, and require no advanced planning or expensive gear.
Canton's Riverfront Renaissance: Pigeon River Beckons Summer Fun
Canton -- While the French Broad often gets the regional spotlight, the Pigeon River offers a more intimate, community-focused summer experience. From the quiet headwaters at Lake Logan to the bustling activity at Canton Recreation Park, the river is fully open for the season and ready for adventure.
May 3, 2026
Stewardship in the Pisgah: Balancing Flood Risk with Forest Health
Pisgah Forest -- April 23, 2026: In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the landscapes of the Appalachian Ranger District in the Pisgah National Forest wer...
April 23, 2026
Your Guide to the 2026 Synchronous Firefly Lottery
Great Smoky Mountains -- It is one of nature’s most exclusive "light shows," and for many in Western North Carolina, it’s a bucket-list experience. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has officially confirmed that the 2026 synchronous firefly viewing event at Elkmont will run from May 20 through May 27.
April 22, 2026
Blue Ridge BoundL Craggy Gardens and Waterrock Knob Visitors Centers Reopen
Blue Ridge Parkway -- April 17, 2026: Spring in Western North Carolina isn’t just about the valley floor turning green; it’s about the gradual climb of life back up to the peaks.
April 17, 2026