Local News

McDowell County -- October 4, 2023: The McDowell County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a shooting incident

Asheville: October 2, 2023: Asheville Police Department's investigation continues into a fatal vehicle accident that

Asheville -- October 2, 2023: The Asheville Police Department has a specially marked SUV with the existing design in pink tones and some additional decals as well in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Raleigh -- September 28, 2023: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's Office:

Macon County -- September 29, 2023: The public's assistance is being requested by the Macon County Sheriff's Office in locating a missing man.

City of Asheville: Is that a chill in the air or something more? Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) casts a spell on the city with kooky, spooky, and scary events throughout October.

Raleigh -- September 2023: Press Release North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's Office 

Raleigh -- September 27, 2023: Press Release North Carolina Governor Cooper's Office 

City of Asheville -- The City of Asheville Announces the following:

Buncombe County -- September 27, 2023: Buncombe County Health and Human Services is assisting Eblen Charities with processing applications for heating assistance. Due to the increase in the number of requests received and the overwhelming need for this assistance, partners in Buncombe County are working together to address all requests for this assistance.  

This is a result of a combination of factors including the cessation of other funding sources for energy assistance, extreme cold weather, and complications related to NCDHHS moving to a direct payment system for energy providers such as Duke Energy. These factors combined have resulted in an unanticipated extra administrative need for agencies processing these requests.

If you have requested this assistance:
Please be assured that staff are working to process these requests and will be in contact with you as soon as your request is reviewed.

For those who need this assistance:
If you are in need of energy assistance and have not previously applied, please visit https://epass.nc.gov/ and select Apply for Energy Assistance

There are additional financial supports for our community members:

Housing Rental Assistance Program
Financial assistance is available to support our community members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need help with rent, mortgage, or utilities. Click here for more information.

The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP)
The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP) launched in November of 2022, and Permits & Inspections is still accepting applications through Wednesday, Feb. 15. The SRP provides financial assistance to repair failing septic systems of qualifying homeowners who do not meet the income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income ($64,250 for a family of four). Learn more here.

Free Tax Assistance at Local Libraries
County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will offer free tax preparations for taxpayers of low and moderate-income, with special attention to those aged 60 and older. More information on this opportunity can be found here.

Affordable Parking Program
Buncombe County is pleased to offer people who work in Downtown Asheville the opportunity to apply for one of a limited number of reduced-rate monthly parking passes at the 40 Coxe Avenue deck. You must meet the eligibility requirements (listed below) in order to apply. The cost of the reduced rate passes is $40/month. Click here for more information.

Macon County -- September 26, 2023: Sunday morning two people were arrested after a traffic stop by law enforcement.

Rutherford County -- September 26, 2023: Detectives from the "Street Crimes Unit" of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office stopped a car on S. Broadway St. in Forest City last week. 

Rutherford County -- September 25, 2023: Rutherford County Sheriff's Officers attempted to stop a motorcycle on US Highway 221 South yesterday. 

McDowell County -- Vicky Ballard McKinney, 56, is accused of felonious possession of methamphetamine and breaking and entering by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office. A secured bail for $2,500 was given to McKinney.

McDowell County -- September 25, 2023: The McDowell County Sheriff's Office filed a felonious possession of methamphetamine complaint against Jeremiah Forster Cable, 37.