Dakisha “DK” Wesley will begin the position on January 12. | Photo via City of Asheville
The City of Asheville has announced the appointment of DK Wesley, the new city manager. Wesley will begin the position on Monday, Jan. 12, following Debra Campbell’s retirement — Assistant City Manager Ben Woody is serving as interim city manager during the transition.
Wesley comes to the position with 25+ years of experience in local government, most recently serving as an assistant county manager with Buncombe County Government for the past six and a half years.
What does a city manager do?
The City of Asheville operates under a manager-council form of government, where an elected city council determines policy and hires a professional, non-partisan city manager to handle day-to-day city operations, execute policies voted on by council, and ensure the entire community is being served.
Major responsibilities of the city manager are preparing, presenting, and implementing the city’s annual budget while leading a team of nearly 1,400 full-time employees across 27 departments.
ACS guidelines state that Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership + comprehensive care for all injuries. | Photos provided by Mission Health
Did you know? HCA Healthcare’s Mission Hospital has earned verification as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
The verification means Mission Hospital provides the highest level of trauma care based on national ACS standards. ACS guidelines state that Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive care for all injuries.
Mission’s board-certified trauma team is celebrating 30 years of specialized experience and dedication to providing care with skill + precision.
For the first time since Helene, you can see the stained-glass windows of Biltmore Village’s Cathedral of All Souls lit from within. Interior lighting in the historic sanctuary has been restored as repairs continue. Drive by between 5 p.m. and midnight to see the windows illuminated.
Open
Big Air Trampoline Park is now open on Hendersonville Road next to the Walmart. Kiddos can quite literally bounce off the walls at the indoor playground, with dodgeball courts, ninja courses, and climbing walls ready for play. Find 30+ more kid-friendly activities around Asheville.
Announced
After the Mayor of Flavortown finishes up a tequila bottle signing at the New Leicester Highway ABC Store this evening, he’s headed to Mountain Madre. Around 8 p.m., Guy Fieri will make an appearance at the downtown restaurant, which will be serving a special menu of themed cocktails.
Eat
Two West Asheville neighbors have teamed up for a delicious dinner service. Next time you’re sipping cocktails at Character Study, you can order dinner from Finest Deli across the street. Place the order from your phone, Friday-Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., and it will be delivered right to your table.
Number
$979,000. That’s how much grant funding from the NC Dept. of Commerce will be used to repair damaged sidewalks in Swannanoa along Whitson Avenue and in Beacon Village. See what other local projects earned Small Business Infrastructure Grants.
Concert
Robert Plant will play the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian on Wednesday, April 1. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Dec. 12 — ICYMI, tickets for Bob Dylan’s Sunday, April 19 show at the auditorium also go on sale Friday. Sounds like the legends love Asheville.
Outdoors
This weekend, the Geminid meteor shower will peak. It’s one of the most reliable celestial events to view this year, and if skies are clear, you could see up to 75 meteors per hour. The Astronomy Club of Asheville has all the info you need about the shower.
Seasonal
Happy almost New Year’s. We’re celebrating the countdown to 2026 with 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads on our advertising portal. Use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout — no long-term contract required.
Beauty
Particle Face Cream was engineered for men to tackle skin issues in one simple step — reducing eye bags, diminishing wrinkles, brightening dark spots, hydrating, soothing after shaving, and nourishing deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Use code CITY20 for 20% off today.*
Correction
We still want you to buzz on over to the Hive Holiday Social tomorrow, Dec. 11, to foster new friendships, enter raffles, and sip on cocktails — we just accidentally gave you the wrong address. Head to Ginger’s Revenge at 829 Riverside Dr. from 6 to 8 p.m. for the party.
GoFundMe’s 2025 Year In Help Report is out, showing a by-the-numbers look at how people supported each other through the fundraising platform. Among the “most generous places” in the US, ranked by the highest percent of repeat donors, Buncombe County reps the No. 4 spot.
The platform played a pivotal role in storm recovery, providing economic relief to families, small businesses, and nonprofits. About a year after Helene hit, more than $130 million has been raised on GoFundMe for those affected by both Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
If you want to keep spreading the generosity through our area, explore 50+ volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits and find something perfect for your skillset, whether your an outdoorsy type, animal lover, or a wizard with power tools.
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