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Navigating our Helene coverage
Stay strong and stay well, Asheville. | Photo by @matty.media
Morning, Asheville. Today, we’re switching things up and using this space to give you some tips on how to best navigate our coverage of Hurricane Helene and its impacts across WNC. We know there’s constantly new information being shared, and we’re doing our best to connect you with all you need to know.
Here are the articles we’re updating regularly to give you the info you need to support your own recovery + to find ways to help others.
Read up on the information shared in this week’s Buncombe County news briefings. On Monday, there will be a new article with details from next week’s briefings — if you navigate to our homepage, you’ll be able to find it there.
Learn more about the missions of nonprofits who are meeting community needs during this crisis, and find out how you can donate to keep the work going.
As the community’s needs change, so do volunteer opportunities. Use this list to find organizations asking for your time and energy to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Check out this collection of fundraisers from local businesses to help support their staff, as well as facilitate recovery + rebuilding.
Beyond updating the above articles, we’ll continue to bring you additional stories and information on supporting WNC at this time. If you have any questions or topics you’d like to see covered, you can reach us by replying to this newsletter or sending us an email.
Category
Community
Updates + need-to-know information
While working on reopening, ACS sites have aided with distribution efforts. | Photo via Asheville City Schools
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Details on Asheville City Schools reopening
Asheville City Schools superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman shared that every ACS campus has nonpotable water, although service and pressure vary. “However, I am fully confident that ACS can reopen for all students starting on Oct. 28,” she said.
Before ACS campuses reopen, there’s still work to be done — including testing bus routes, securing sufficient food and resources to cook with nonpotable water, and allotting time for staff to return and prepare for students.
The biggest need continues to be securing drinkable water for students and staff. Based on guidance from FEMA, ACS is able to provide enough water for school to resume with shortened days. ACS, Buncombe County Schools, the incident management team, and seven local charter schools are working collaboratively to distribute drinking water to all public school students.
ACS had previously explored drilling wells at schools, with one successfully drilled at Hall Fletcher Elementary. However, Dr. Fehrman explained that ACS is changing its focus to securing drinkable water through donations, bottled water, and its partnership with Buncombe County Schools. She said that after students return, ACS will strategically look into wells as a backup option.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m., city, county, and state leaders are hosting a candlelight vigil in Pack Square Park, offering the community a space to come together in remembrance of all that’s been lost due to Hurricane Helene. (Mountain Xpress)
Drink
After assessing samples, the boil water advisory has been lifted for Town of Weaverville water customers only. It’s very important to note that the boil water notice remains in the City of Asheville and the boil water advisory remains across the county. In Black Mountain, however, the water can strictly be used for flushing only.
Civic
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Buncombe County Election Services will continue to offer 80 Election Day polling places. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Buncombe County Board of Elections made changes to 16 sites, moving them to new locations within their precinct or transferring them to existing locations in a nearby precinct.
Community
This morning, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m., One World Brewing West is hosting Thrive Asheville and Dr. Ryan Reynolds for Building Together, a talk on community collaboration and regeneration. Dr. Reynolds is a co-founder of Gap Filler and has years of experience uplifting the creative community of Christchurch, New Zealand after devastating earthquakes. RSVP to attend.
Shop
Platos Closet is hosting a Take What You Need event, offering clothing, shoes, and blankets to anyone who needs them. The event starts tomorrow, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and will run through Saturday, Oct. 19, or until items are gone.
Arts
Make your own art to support the River Arts District Artists Foundation. Head to The Whale’s West Asheville location today, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. to create art that will be sold via its Instagram story, with proceeds donated to local artists, studios, and galleries.
Open
Grove Arcade is now open downtown. The building’s restaurants will be open as well, but check social media for any updates or changes to hours. Additionally, Grove Arcade will host displaced artists from Marquee and WEDGE Studios in the coming weeks — more info on that coming soon.
Finance
If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Experts identified these top credit cards for anyone looking to pay down debt with no interest until 2026.*
Category
Open
New initiative spotlights local business
The initiative’s goal, says Executive Director Hayden Plemmons, is to “help facilitate healing and encourage support for our local businesses as we work toward recovery.” | Photo by @andre.daugherty.photo
As resources return and businesses begin to navigate the post-storm landscape, some local spots are ready to reopen. So the Asheville Downtown Association is organizing Doors Open Downtown — an initiative to fill the streets and shops of the city again.
The concept is simple. Tomorrow, Oct. 19 and on Saturday, Oct. 26, downtown businesses can display a red balloon on their doors to indicate that they’re open and encourage folks to reconnect and support.
Then, on Thursday, Oct. 31, downtown will come alive for a Halloween Block Party. From 4 to 7 p.m., you and the little ones can trick-or-treat at participating businesses, listen to live music, enjoy kids’ activities and restaurant specials, and bring your pup to a dog costume contest.
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Grace + Molly
A reminder that early voting is underway here in NC. Now through Friday, Nov. 1, polls are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the last day of early voting, Saturday, Nov. 2, polls are open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Same-day registration is available during the early voting period, and voters are welcome to cast their ballot at any of the approved locations.
