Local News

Asheville --  Press Release Bear's Smokehouse BBQ Hosts Grand Opening with "To Hell with Helene" Celebration. After months of dedicated service providing over 1 million meals to Asheville and surrounding areas in partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK), Bear's Smokehouse BBQ is gearing up for an exciting grand reopening on Saturday, March 29.

McDowell County --  Press Release: McDowell County Sheriff’s Office: Community Impact Team charged 43-year-old Heather Renee Holmes,
of Marion, with felony Possession of Methamphetamine. She was given a secured bond of $2,500. 

Haywood County --  U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina Location: Less than one mile southwest of Cruso, North Carolina 
Start date: March 26, 2025 

Transylvania County --  Below is a Press Release from the Transylvania County Government Date: March 27, 2025: Transylvania County Government Forest Fire Update 

Mitchell County --  Mitchell County detectives were investigating Robert Hileman for a prior breaking and entering (B&E) in Mitchell County and had a warrant for him for felony larceny that the Spruce Pine Police Department had issued. 

North Carolina --  In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which displaced hundreds across North Carolina and underscored the state’s ongoing housing crisis, lawmakers have introduced a package of bipartisan bills aimed at dramatically increasing the state’s housing supply.

Haywood County -- The Haywood County Government Declared a State of Emergency: The following Proclamation is issued by the Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners. Below is a copy of the declaration, followed by updated information this morning. 

WNC --  Western North Carolina is grappling with an outbreak of wildfires that have scorched thousands of acres across multiple counties, triggered mass evacuations, and severely impacted air quality. Fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, the fires have intensified in recent days, prompting swift action from state and local emergency officials.

Raleigh --  Press Release: North Carolina Governor Stein's Office: Today, Governor Stein issued a State of Emergency to expand the state’s capacity to respond to the wildfires burning in western North Carolina.