In Candid Statement, Black Mountain Police and Fire Address Public Safety Building Concerns
Marge Farrington•August 13, 2026News
View AllNewsIn Candid Statement, Black Mountain Police and Fire Address Public Safety Building Concerns
Black Mountain -- August 13, 2026: In an unusually candid public message, the Black Mountain Police Department and Fire Department addressed growing debate regarding severe structural issues facing the town's Public Safety Building. Spanning more than 15 years and multiple unacted-upon engineering evaluations, the deteriorating facility has reached a critical juncture impacting local first responders and public safety operations. To ensure full transparency and keep the community fully informed, WNCTimes is sharing the statement released by the department below.
'DeFlock Henderson County': Local Petition Fueling Growing Backlash Against Surveillance Cameras
Henderson County -- August 13, 2026: A grass-roots movement in Henderson County is calling on local leaders to stop funding automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, reflecting a growing nationwide friction between law enforcement technology and citizen privacy rights.
August 13, 2026
NCDHHS Reaffirms Commitment to Childhood Vaccines Following New Executive Order
Raleigh -- August 12, 2026: Following an Executive Order issued on Aug. 10, 2026, regarding childhood immunizations, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has reaffirmed the critical role vaccines play in protecting children and public health. State health officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to consult with pediatricians or primary care providers regarding recommended immunizations.
August 12, 2026
Prysmian Announces Historic $1 Billion Fiber Expansion in Claremont, Adding 385 High-Paying Local Jobs
Catawba County -- August 12, 2026: In a landmark economic win for Catawba County, Prysmian North America is launching a major $1 billion expansion of its fiber and glass manufacturing operations in Claremont. The project represents the largest industrial investment in the county's history, doubling the facility's optical manufacturing capacity and adding 385 new jobs.
August 12, 2026
Downtown Foot Patrol Leads to Drug Arrests on Haywood Street
Asheville -- August 11, 2026: A late-night foot patrol by the Asheville Police Department in downtown Asheville led to the arrest of two individuals wanted on open warrants, as well as the seizure of illegal narcotics late Sunday evening.
August 11, 2026Sports
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SportsBlue Ridge Pickleball Takes Center Court at Harrah's Cherokee Center
WNC Sports News -- August 10, 2026: Downtown Asheville is gearing up for a major sports gathering as Blue Ridge Pickleball takes over Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville from Wednesday, Aug. 12, through Sunday, Aug. 16. The five-day event offers something for players of all ages and skill levels, featuring introductory clinics, open play sessions, tournaments, and community activities.
Friday Night Lights Return: Western North Carolina Gears Up for the 2026 High School Football Season
WNC Football News -- Auguset 9, 2026: The lights are coming back on across Western North Carolina. High school football teams throughout the mountains are returning to practice fields, coaches are preparing their players, and communities from Asheville to the far western counties are getting ready for another season of Friday night football.
August 9, 2026
Weaverville's Karlyn Pickens Continues to Shine as Professional Women's Softball Reaches New Heights
WNC Sports -- August 3, 2026: Professional women's softball continues to gain momentum across the United States, and one of Western North Carolina's own is helping lead that rise. Weaverville native Karlyn Pickens has quickly become one of the brightest young stars in professional softball after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026
August 3, 2026
Western North Carolina August Mountain Sports & Races Guide
WNC Sports News -- July 28, 2026: August brings prime mountain weather across Western North Carolina, making it one of the most action-packed months on the regional sports calendar. From dog-friendly greenway runs and high-elevation road races to epic endurance mountain biking and city-wide cycling celebrations, outdoor athletes of all experience levels can find an event in the Blue Ridge.
July 28, 2026
WNC Summer Sports Roundup: Baseball, Soccer Camps and Local Competition Keep the Season Rolling
WNC Sports News -- July 20, 2026: While football season is quickly approaching, summer sports continue to thrive across Western North Carolina. From professional baseball in Asheville to American Legion competition and youth soccer camps, athletes of all ages are keeping local fields, diamonds and parks busy as communities prepare for the transition into fall sports.
July 20, 2026Business
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BusinessHenderson County Economic Development Partnership Brings New Children’s Book to Local Classrooms
Hendersonville -- August 8, 2026: A new children’s book created in Henderson County is taking an early approach to workforce development by introduci...
Raccoon Creek Bike Park Expected to Bring Families, Visitors and Business to Haywood County
Haywood County -- August 3, 2026: Haywood County is making a long-term investment in both its residents and its economy with the opening of Raccoon Creek Bike Park, a new outdoor recreation destination designed to serve local families while attracting visitors from across the region.
August 3, 2026
Starbucks and JD Sports Now Open at Tanger Outlets Asheville
Asheville Business News -- July 22, 2026: ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Tanger Outlets Asheville has expanded its lineup of retailers and dining options with the...
July 22, 2026
Summer Tourism Fuels Western North Carolina's Economic Recovery
WNC Business News -- July 16, 2026: As visitors return to the mountains for summer vacations, Western North Carolina businesses are seeing encouraging signs that the region's economic recovery continues to gain momentum. While challenges remain for many communities still rebuilding from Hurricane Helene, tourism once again serves as one of the strongest drivers of local business activity.
July 16, 2026
$10 Million Craft Catalyst Initiative to Support Asheville Artists and Small Businesses
Asheville -- July 14, 2026: Asheville's nationally recognized arts and crafts community is receiving a major economic boost following the launch of ...
July 15, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentAsheville, Buncombe County & Regional Weekend Event Guide (Aug 14–16)
Entertainment News -- August 12, 2026: As late summer rolls through Western North Carolina, the mountain region is filling up with live music, art studio tours, evening light installations, and outdoor community gatherings. Whether you are staying close to downtown Asheville or taking a scenic weekend drive into neighboring Haywood, Henderson, or Macon counties, there are plenty of verified daytime activities and evening shows happening from Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16. Below is your complete weekend rundown.
Grammy-Winning Producer William Orbit Dies at 69
Entertainment News -- August 8. 2026: William Orbit, the Grammy-winning British producer and electronic music pioneer whose work helped shape some of the most recognizable pop and alternative music of the past four decades, has died at the age of 69.
August 8, 2026
August Is the Last Hurrah of Summer: Outdoor Entertainment Across Western North Carolina
WNC Entertainment -- August 4, 2026: August marks the final full month of summer in Western North Carolina, making it the perfect time to get outside ...
August 4, 2026
Western North Carolina Outdoor Event Guide
WNC Events -With the end of July marking the peak of midsummer, locals and visitors alike are eager to soak up the mountain air before autumn arrives. To help you fill your schedule, here is your comprehensive entertainment guide to outdoor festivals, open-air concerts, and mountain traditions happening across Western North Carolina this weekend, next week, and next weekend.
July 24, 2026
What's Happening This Week in Western North Carolina: Entertainment
WNC Entertainment -- July 20, 2026: Looking for something to do this week? Western North Carolina offers plenty of entertainment from now through Thursday, with live music, theater, art exhibits and community events taking place across the mountains.
July 20, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestyleFall Yard Preparation in Western North Carolina: What to Do Starting in August
Prepare now and enjoy fall later with practical lawn, planting and landscaping tips for Western North Carolina — including ideas for small yards and homeowners on a budget.
Prepare Now, Relax Later: August Is the Perfect Time to Get Your Home Ready for Fall and Winter
It may still feel like summer across Western North Carolina, but August is one of the best times to begin preparing your home for the cooler months ahead. Waiting until the first cold snap or the peak of leaf season often means longer wait times for contractors, higher demand for firewood and heating fuel, and fewer appointment options. Taking care of a few important tasks now can save time, money, and stress later.
August 3, 2026
Back-to-School Season Brings Communities Together Across Western North Carolina
WNC Back to School -- August 3, 2026: As students across Western North Carolina prepare to head back to the classroom, communities throughout the region are once again coming together to help ensure every child starts the school year with the supplies needed to succeed.
August 3, 2026
School Supply Drive for Students in Buncombe County Foster Care July 22 - July 31
Buncombe County Government -- July 17, 2026: Buncombe County Social Work is collecting school supplies for students in the Western North Carolina foster care system. Donated supplies will be distributed to the families who are supporting school-aged children in foster care, including 325 students in our county, and any additional supplies will be given to in-need families who are involved with prevention services. Local supplies will be distributed in August, in partnership with Biltmore Church
July 17, 2026
Paws and Pictures: Lake Junaluska Teams Up With Sarge's Animal Rescue
Waynesville -- July 15, 2026: In a heartwarming effort to help shelter dogs find their forever homes, Lake Junaluska has partnered with Sarge's Animal Rescue. To kick off the collaboration, several adoptable dogs recently visited the lake for a special outdoor photo shoot, showcasing the pups enjoying the beautiful, natural scenery.
July 15, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsOutdoor Entertainment Guide: Late Summer & September Events Across WNC
WNC Entertainment: August 10, 2026 -- Ready to make the most of late summer and early fall in the mountains? Western North Carolina’s outdoor event calendar is overflowing from now through September. From long-running traditions like Shindig on the Green and the NC Apple Festival to lively street concerts and community fairs, we’ve rounded up the top outdoor gatherings, music series, and festivals you won't want to miss.
Fire Towers You Can Visit in Western North Carolina
WNC Times Outdoor News -- August 3, 2026: After learning about the important role fire towers played in protecting North Carolina's forests, many readers may be wondering where they can see one for themselves.
August 3, 2026
What Are Fire Towers? The Historic Mountain Sentinels That Once Protected Western North Carolina's Forests
WNC Outdoors -- August 3, 2026 If you've ever hiked to the top of a mountain in Western North Carolina and discovered a tall steel tower rising above the trees, you've probably wondered what it was built for. These structures, known as fire towers or fire lookout towers, were once one of the most important tools for protecting North Carolina's forests from devastating wildfires.
August 3, 2026
When Bees Hijack the Hummingbird Feeder: Understanding the Mid-Summer "Nectar Dearth"
WNC Outdoors -- July 27, 2026: If you’ve stepped out onto your porch or into your garden in Western North Carolina recently to check on your hummingbird feeder, you might have noticed some uninvited guests: bees. Dozens of them, swarming the red plastic ports, jostling with the hummingbirds, and leaving many outdoor enthusiasts wondering what on earth is going on.
July 27, 2026
Washburn Marina Reopens - A Major Milestone in Lake Lure's Recovery!
Lake Lure -- July 16, 2026: Update Town Of Lake Lure" We are excited to announce that the Town of Lake Lure, NC has received all required Town and Rutherford County approvals for the newly rebuilt Washburn Marina. The Certificate of Occupancy (CO) was issued this afternoon, and seasonal slip renters may now begin using their boat slips!
July 16, 2026