Mission Hospital invests more than $10 million in pay increases
The majority of Mission Hospital’s full-time, part-time and PRN (as needed) employees will receive an additional $10 million in pay increases beyond the standard annual merit raises. “These increases reflect HCA Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to investing in our people and ensuring Mission Hospital remains a place whe
Long-time kindergarten teacher named 2026-2027 District Teacher of the Year
Asheville City Schools announced that Shambra Watkins, a veteran kindergarten educator with 29 years of experience and a Cougar Alumni Class of 1988, has been named the 2026-2027 Asheville City Schools District Teacher of the Year. A legacy educator, Watkins’ path was paved by her parents, a teacher and an...
Private equity is reshaping Asheville’s vet clinics: ‘They’re circling me like a vulture’
A new query seems to come every day. An email pings in Otto Sharp’s inbox, or the phone rings at Swannanoa Valley Animal Hospital, and though the company on the other end may change, the gist is always the same: Ever thought about selling?. “They’re circling me like a...
Florida entrepreneur’s job promises for NC mountains looking like a mirage
In February of 2025, just months after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the North Carolina mountains and destroyed entire livelihoods, Chris McKendree stood in front of a congregation at the Burnsville Town Center and made a promise to “put jobs in the community” and “money in the banks,” with his latest business ventu
Flooding destroys Henderson County raspberry crop, costing farm about $400k in revenue
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Heavy rain from Monday night is continuing to impact local farmers, with some saying the damage feels eerily similar to what they experienced during Helene. The Rhodes family lost 12 acres of crops during Helene and never expected to see floodwaters return to their...
New marker proclaims start of cross-state trail at Kuwohi
In 2009, Danny Bernstein was looking for a new hiking challenge. Having just finished all 850 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Asheville-based hiker and outdoor writer set her sights on completing the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which stretches across the state of North Carolina from the Great Sm
8 inches of rain trigger flooding across Asheville area
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After several days of soaking rain that flooded roads, triggered landslides and washed out vulnerable infrastructure across Western North Carolina, forecasters say the threat of widespread flooding is beginning to ease — though afternoon thunderstorms and localized flooding remain possibl
‘Why won’t you try to wait?’: Asheville residents question proposed property tax increase
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — On Tuesday, May 26, the City of Asheville held a public hearing on its proposed budget. "Our aim is to deliver to the community the services that they deserve and pay for and we think this balanced budget will do that," said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer.
12-foot-deep sinkhole among rainstorm damage in WNC counties
Following Monday night's rainstorm, emergency crews in two western North Carolina counties reported road closures due to flash flooding and debris in the roadway.
Buncombe County man sentenced up to 7 years for armed robbery, carjacking
Asheville resident Theodore Anthony Brooks, 21, has been sentenced to 60-84 months for robbery following an August 2025 armed carjacking. He also received a concurrent term of 12-14 months for the firearm offense. On Aug. 15, 2025, Brooks and a co-conspirator used a woman to lure a victim to an...
