Carolina Moment: Local glassblower makes 1K Christmas ornaments each year
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — For nearly three decades, Asheville has been home to glassblower and lampworker Jason Probstein, an artist whose hands have shaped thousands of ornaments, nightlights, vases and delicate glass vessels that end up in homes and galleries across the country. Probstein has been working with...
For first time since Helene, Buncombe’s unemployment rate is on par with statewide average
Buncombe County’s labor market is continuing to improve after taking a hard hit from Hurricane Helene. About 5,300 people in Buncombe County were unemployed in September, for a jobless rate of 3.7%. That’s down from 4.2% the previous month, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. It’s...
UNC Asheville Woods Development Debate is an Education for Students in New Master’s Program
The inaugural cohort of the University of North Carolina Asheville’s new master’s program in environmental resilience arrived on campus at a fraught and fortuitous moment. The university’s announcement of the program last April came amid growing uproar over its plan to develop 45 acres of wooded campus. By the time...
Going green in space: UNC Asheville develops lightweight solar panels for greenhouses
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A new approach to solar energy and recycling could soon change the way food is grown. At UNC Asheville, researchers are developing lightweight solar panels that can be built directly into greenhouses. “Traditionally, plastics have a pretty bad rep for their role in the environment...
Teen Was Reported Missing After Not Showing Up to Thanksgiving Dinner. Now Police Say...
Authorities in Buncombe County, North Carolina, say the death of 18-year-old Joseph Rose is now being investigated as a homicide after preliminary autopsy findings prompted investigators to change how the case is classified. In an update posted Dec. 16, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said early autopsy results...
Car drives off with pump attached at WNC gas station, hazmat responds, officials say
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - Officials with the Asheville Fire Department said crews and hazmat are responding to a gasoline spill at a gas station on Friday. Officials report crews responded to an Exxon gas station on Charlotte Street around 2 p.m. A car drove away with the pump nozzle...
Tommy’s Restaurant Under New Ownership, Kitchen Being Renovated
WEAVERVILLE, NC — Tommy’s Restaurant is under new ownership at 247 N Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787, where new owner Martin Ramirez said he is keeping the restaurant open while remodeling the kitchen. Ramirez told Business Debut he is focused on upgrading the back-of-house without interrupting service. Ramirez,...
Thanks to Teachers: Brenda Holsombach
When you walk into Pleasant Gardens Elementary School, usually, the first person you meet is Brenda Holsombach, who works in the front office as a secretary and teacher’s assistant. After twenty-eight years on the job, she is about to retire, leaving behind a full heart and plenty who will miss her.
Landlords can apply for Helene recovery aid through Renew NC
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Rental property owners whose buildings were damaged by Tropical Storm Helene may now apply for assistance through the Renew NC Small Rental Rehabilitation Program, state officials said. The program is designed to help eligible landlords repair, reconstruct or replace small rental...
WNC homeowners get more time to apply for Helene housing recovery
Western North Carolina homeowners now have an additional month to apply for state-funded disaster recovery assistance. Gov. Josh Stein announced Friday that the deadline for the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program has been extended to Jan. 31, 2026. The extension comes in response to requests from local...

















