
Black Mountain Police Department Announces Updated Operational Access Following Relocation
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NewsBlack Mountain Police Department Announces Updated Operational Access Following Relocation
Black Mountain -- April 22, 2026: The Black Mountain Police Department (BMPD) is continuing to adapt its operations following its emergency relocation from the Montreat Road Public Safety Building earlier this spring. Due to structural safety concerns at the original facility, the department has transitioned its administrative presence to the Givens Highland Farms community.

JCSO Traffic Stop Leads to Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Seizure
Jackson County -- April 22, 2026: A proactive traffic stop by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) resulted in multiple felony arrests and the removal of dangerous narcotics from the streets this week.
April 22, 2026
Fast-Moving Wildfire Shuts Down US 19E at Avery-Mitchell Line; Residents on High Alert
Avery-Mitchell County -- April 22, 2026: A fast-moving wildfire ignited early Wednesday afternoon near the Avery-Mitchell county line, prompting emergency evacuations and the immediate closure of a major regional thoroughfare.
April 22, 2026
Planned Power Outage Tonight for Maggie Valley and Jonathan Creek
Haywood County -- April 22, 2026: More than 3,000 Haywood EMC customers should prepare for a temporary loss of power tonight, Wednesday, April 22. The planned outage is scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. and is expected to last approximately two hours.
April 22, 2026
East Yancey Middle School Cleared Following "Hoax" Bomb Threat
Yancey County -- April 22, 2026: A morning of high tension at East Yancey Middle School ended with a sigh of relief as local authorities determined ...
April 22, 2026Sports
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SportsMountain Soccer on the Rise: A Regional Roundup
WNC -- April 20, 2026: Western North Carolina is currently experiencing a "soccer gold rush." From historic trophy wins to the growth of professional women's sports, here is what you need to know about the teams making waves in our backyard.

North Buncombe Hosts Asheville in Pivotal Conference Clash
A pivotal softball game that could significantly impact the Mountain 5A/6A league standings is set for today as North Buncombe High School hosts Asheville at 5:30 p.m. at North Buncombe's home field in Weaverville.
April 17, 2026
Choosing Asheville’s First Pickleplex: Aston vs. Roger Farmer
Asheville -- Aoruk 16, 2026: Asheville is ready to stop "sharing" and start "serving." This month—fittingly, National Pickleball Month—the City of Asheville officially launched its search for the home of the city's first dedicated pickleball complex.
April 16, 2026
Baseball Returns to the Blue Ridge: What to Expect in 2026
Asheville -- April 13, 2026: As the seasonal crowds return to Western North Carolina, the Asheville Tourists are stepping into a historic year at McC...
April 13, 2026
McCormick Field to Host Big South Baseball Championship
Asheville will host the Big South Baseball Championship in May 2026, a six-team double-elimination tournament determining the Big South's automatic bid to the NCAA Championship. The tournament is...
April 6, 2026Business
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BusinessThe Great Mountain Reset: Why Asheville’s Rental "Dip" is a Regional Bloom
If you caught the recent headlines reporting a staggering 45% drop in Buncombe County’s vacation rental occupancy, you might think our regional tourism engine has hit a brick wall. But for those of us watching the data across the rest of Western North Carolina, the view from the porch looks quite different.

Asheville Regional Airport Reaches New Milestone with Baggage Claim Opening
Travelers arriving at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) today, April 17, 2026, are the first to experience the latest upgrade in the airport's massive $400 million expansion project.
April 17, 2026
The Grocery Games: Is Competition Finally Coming to Haywood County?
Haywood County -- April 17, 2026: t is a conversation that regularly ripples through checkout lines and local community boards across Haywood County: "When will we finally get an Aldi?"
April 17, 2026
Vortex Doughnuts Permanently Closes: A Sudden End for a South Slope Staple
Asheville -- April 16, 2026: A cornerstone of Asheville’s South Slope district has unexpectedly turned off its fryers for the last time. Vortex Dough...
April 16, 2026
New Level II NICU at AdventHealth Hendersonville: A Milestone for Local Families
Hendersonville -In a significant boost to the region's healthcare infrastructure, AdventHealth Hendersonville has officially opened the first and only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Henderson County.
April 16, 2026Entertainment
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EntertainmentLend 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.

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, 2026
Remembering Patrick Muldoon (1968–2026)
Entertainment News -- April 20, 2026: The entertainment world is mourning the sudden loss of Patrick Muldoon, the charismatic actor and producer who c...
April 20, 2026
2026 Downtown After 5 Kicks Off with High Energy and "Stomp & Holler"
Asheville's beloved outdoor concert tradition returns to Pack Square Park today, April 17, 2026, officially launching the Downtown After 5 season.
April 17, 2026
WNC Let's Go to the Movies May 17 -23, 2026
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon, a high-octane thriller, or a thoughtful indie drama, the theaters across Western North Carolin...
April 17, 2026Lifestyle
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LifestylePack Memorial Library Mural: Asheville's Chance to Shape Public Art
A statewide mural project is coming to Pack Memorial Library, offering Asheville residents a voice in its design. Learn how you can contribute your ideas and volunteer for this unique public art initiative.

Blowing Rock’s New Thursday Tradition: A Midday Must-Visit
Blowing Rock -- April 20, 2026: As the mountain air warms and the summer season begins to draw visitors back to the High Country, the Blowing Rock Cha...
April 20, 2026
Rural Roots & Digital Memories: The Leicester History Project Wants Your Story
Buncombe County -- April 20, 2026: The barns, backroads, and kitchen-table memories of Leicester, Sandy Mush, and the French Broad townships are fina...
April 20, 2026
The Thirsty Island: Finding Our Way Back to a Connected WNC
WNC -- April 19, 2026: As we celebrate Earth Day 2026, Western North Carolina is facing a stark meteorological reality. According to the NC Drought M...
April 19, 2026
Mayor Peter O’Leary’s Spring 2026 Update: The Revival of Chimney Rock Village
Chimney Rock Village -- April 18, 2026: The Village is coming alive with activity this spring, marking the first full season of renewal since the dev...
April 18, 2026Outdoors
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OutdoorsYour 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.

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
High Stakes in the High Country: Transylvania Rescue Squad Handles Four SAR Calls in 36 Hours
Transylvania County -- April 14, 2026: The busy summer season has arrived early in the North Carolina mountains, and local rescue crews are already feeling the heat.
April 14, 2026
Tight Lines and New Realities: The Complete 2026 WNC Spring Fishing Guide
WNC -- April 13, 2026: As spring unfolds across the Blue Ridge, the rivers are calling. However, for 2026, "knowing before you go" isn't just a sugge...
April 13, 2026
WNC Parks Awarded Over $4 Million in Helene Recovery Grants
Western North Carolina -- April 9, 2026: A significant wave of revitalization is coming to the mountains as more than $4 million in grants has been gr...
April 10, 2026