4 hospital systems face off over expansion in Asheville area
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Four major health systems are competing to build or expand hospitals in Buncombe County after the state determined the region needs 129 additional acute-care beds. According to the 2025 State Medical Facilities Plan (SMFP), published annually by the North Carolina Department of Health...
Asheville business owners bring joy to kindergarteners with free teddy bears
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The owners of a local pawn shop in Asheville spread joy to children in the community on Tuesday with a free teddy bear giveaway. Tonia and Alan Sheppard, the owners of Alan's Jewelry and Pawn, visited Johnston Elementary School to gift each kindergarten student a teddy bear.
Police Department Recognized for Reducing Risks by the NC League of Municipalities
Contact: Chet Effler, Public Safety Risk Management Consultant for the North Carolina League of Municipalities, [email protected]. Black Mountain Police Department Recognized for Reducing Risks. Black Mountain, N.C. — The Black Mountain Police Department was formally recognized for completing the Law Enforcement Risk...
Biltmore Village McDonald’s gets closer to reopening with installation of new roof
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — One of the world's most unique McDonald's locations is getting closer to reopening after it was devastated by hurricane floodwaters in September 2024. More than one year after Hurricane Helene, the McDonald's in the Biltmore Village area of Asheville is one step closer to recovery...
Post Helene Stories from Asheville’s Neighborhoods
Individuals reflect on the days and weeks after the storm. This series of short videos highlights key themes that were shared during neighborhood interviews in the spring and summer of 2025. Stronger Together: Stories from AVL’s Neighborhoods Post Helene. Individuals reflect on the days and weeks after the storm,...
High school student dies in WNC crash, school district says
Henderson County Public Schools officials confirmed that the crash victim was a North Henderson High School student.
Two students struck by vehicle while waiting for bus in North Carolina
NORTH CAROLINA — Two students were struck by a vehicle Thursday morning while waiting for a school bus in the T.C. Robertson District of Buncombe County. According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, an intermediate school student and a middle school student were waiting at the intersection of Bradley Branch...
Waynesville Shoney’s ‘permanently closed’ citing staffing issues
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — It appears the Shoney's restaurant in Waynesville is closed for good after "many months of staffing issues," according to a note left on the establishment's door. According to Google, the restaurant at 3334 Asheville Road is listed as "temporarily closed." However, a note taped to...
One person arrested following drug bust in North Carolina
NORTH CAROLINA — A Buncombe County man is facing multiple drug charges after a traffic stop Thursday led to a significant drug seizure. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office reported that members of the Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT) and the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force...
Asheville, NC-based Earth Fare Looks Back On Helene, Continues Relief Efforts
One year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Asheville-based Earth Fare executives say the storm tested both the company and the community – and revealed the strength of partnerships forged during crises. Laurie Aker, director of marketing, described the experience as “literally like we were in...
