Local Politics · Asheville, NC
Incumbent Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer is running for a fourth term, facing two-term City Council member Kim Roney in the city's mayoral race. Manheimer's campaign emphasizes her experience securing Hurricane Helene recovery funding—Asheville sustained an estimated $1.1 billion in losses, with roughly $325 million directed so far—and she advocates expanding specialized crisis response while rebuilding police staffing. On housing, she points to zoning reforms and the city's $45 million in affordable housing bonds as key tools. Roney campaigns on change, citing what she calls 12 years of dissatisfaction under Manheimer's leadership.
Community News
Two years after Hurricane Helene struck in October 2024, communities in western North Carolina including Spruce Pine, Marshall, and Asheville continue rebuilding. In Spruce Pine, a historic train depot was torn down while DT's Blue Ridge Java restaurant reopened after taking 8 feet of floodwater; owners David and Tricia Niven financed reconstruction with savings and a loan. A water treatment plant and pedestrian bridge remain under replacement, some residents still live in trailers, and the local grocery store is closed. In Marshall, the arts center absorbed 6 feet 3 inches of water and its FEMA grant application has not been funded after two years. Residents report that federal recovery money remains slow to arrive, while Vice President Vance visited North Carolina on October 19, 2026, to pledge additional Helene recovery funding.
Public Safety · Buncombe County
A temporary ban on feeding black bears took effect Monday in Buncombe County, NC, after the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission received more than 800 bear-activity reports since May 1, resulting in five pet deaths and two resident injuries. The rule targets food used to attract bears; ordinary bird feeding is not automatically a violation, with intent being the determining factor. Violations carry Class 3 misdemeanor penalties including fines and court costs. A public hearing on making the rule permanent is set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech. If approved by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's Board of Commissioners, the rule would become permanent in January.
Transportation · Asheville, NC
Construction on a temporary bridge connecting Azalea Road to Gashes Creek Road in east Asheville begins this week, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The $4.1 million project aims to improve traffic flow for residents and visitors to the WNC Nature Center after Hurricane Helene damaged infrastructure in 2024. Drivers should expect sporadic lane closures on Swannanoa River Road or Azalea Road as crews unload heavy machinery, with significant restrictions planned throughout the winter. The temporary structure is expected to remain in place until a permanent bridge and dam are completed by summer 2027.
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Community News · Asheville, NC
As of Monday, Oct. 19, gasoline in the Asheville metro area (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties) averaged $3.69 per gallon, 25 cents below last week and 45 cents below last month. North Carolina's statewide average of $3.57 was the lowest among all 50 states, compared with a national average of $4.25. The drop followed Gov. Josh Stein's Oct. 9 signing of House Bill 3, the "Relief at the Pump Act," which temporarily suspends the state's 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax. Despite recent declines, Asheville-area prices remain about 89 cents higher than the same period last year.
Community News · Asheville, NC
Eblen Charities is hosting its 13th annual Winter Coat Giveaway on Oct. 20 and 21 at 23 Hamilton St. in Asheville, N.C., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. New and gently used coats, scarves, mittens, hats and other winter clothing essentials are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis with no registration required. Executive Director Brian Hall said the organization provided 10,835 winter coats and warm clothing items last year.
Social Events · Asheville, NC
First Congregational United Church of Christ in downtown Asheville, N.C., rings bells every Monday at 6 p.m. as part of "A Peals for Peace," a statewide initiative organized by the North Carolina Council of Churches. The weekly bell ringing aims to promote peace and unity during the period leading up to Election Day. Two more nights of bell ringing remain before the series concludes on Election Day.
