Black Mountain, NC Local News and More

Convicted felon’s claims of innocence to Excel College students clash with court records

In Nicholas Dimitris’ telling, his journey from Asheville pastor and real estate developer to federal inmate 26895-058 resulted from threats by the FBI and government prosecutors. He portrays himself as an innocent victim. It’s a story Dimitris has told to successive classes at Excel College, a small Christian school...

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Asheville Citizen-Times

Predicting Reynolds vs Asheville top NCHSAA football playoff second-round games

The NCHSAA football playoffs are in full swing. The second round begins on Nov. 13. Staff writer Zachary Huber (76-20) of the Times-News predicts the top eight games for this week in Western North Carolina. Game of the Week Reynolds (4-7) at No. 2 Asheville High (9-1) When : 7 p.m., Nov. 13 Quarterback Tay Williams threw for 227 yards and five touchdowns while completing 11 of 13 passes in Asheville High's 40-17 win over Reynolds in Week 8. Wide receivers Jams Skyes and Kaydan Whiteside combined for seven catches, 200 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the victory. Reynolds has struggled to score this season. It's doubtful that the Rockets will be able to keep up with one of the most high-powered offenses in Western North Carolina. Huber's prediction: Asheville High 42, Reynolds 21 Watch on NFHS: Reynolds at Asheville High Stream North Carolina HS football games live on NFHS Network LATEST FOOTBALL RANKINGS: Entering second round of NCHSAA football playoffs, who joined WNC Super 10 Rankings? West Henderson (6-5) vs. No. 1 Franklin (10-0) When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 13 Quarterback Anderson Terrell completed 14 of 17 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 53 yards

Smoky Mountain News

Wildlife wonders: WNC Nature Center

Each time Kate Frost wanders into the WNC Nature Center in Asheville, she can’t help but be overjoyed by the animals she sees and the unforgettable experiences she takes with her. “Every time I get a chance to go to a wildlife park,” Frost said, “it’s [for] the children...

828newsnow.com

Firehouse Subs serves up more than great sandwiches in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — In Western North Carolina, community means looking out for neighbors and supporting those who serve. For Firehouse Subs, that spirit of service is part of the brand’s identity. Known for its hearty sandwiches and firehouse-inspired roots, Firehouse Subs has built a reputation around satisfying meals and a broader commitment to helping communities.

Asheville, NC · 21h

biltmorebeacon.com

Veterans Restoration Quarters serves as a lesson in resilience

When Hurricane Helene destroyed the Veterans Restoration Quarters building in Asheville, it upended an already vulnerable community of former service members. But in the days and weeks after the storm, the displaced veterans shined as beacons of resilience — even as they lost everything. “They were more concerned about...

WLOS.com

Fire officials urge security at vacant Asheville buildings as cold weather approaches

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Several vacant buildings in Buncombe County have caught fire this year, including the future Salvage Station site on Lyman Street, the former White Duck Taco location and the Mountaineer Inn. Witnesses believe people seeking shelter started some of the fires. Larry Pierson, deputy chief of...

Asheville, NC · 13h

biltmorebeacon.com

Roney’s decisive victory shows her ability to build consensus

The line that drew the loudest cheer at Mayor-elect Kim Roney’s very loud victory celebration Tuesday was one that directly addressed voter frustration with the status quo. “We’re going to get some stuff freaking done!” Roney said to the packed house at the Gray Eagle Music Hall.

Food & Wine

He Skipped School to Eat Street Food — Then Built a James Beard Award-Winning Restaurant

Meherwan Irani used to skip school for street food. Now the chef behind the James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani, Spicewalla founder, and No. 1 Best Indian Cookbook in the World author is spilling secrets — including the ones aunties leave out of their recipes. He shares the culture shock of landing in Myrtle Beach, the uproar he faced over putting country ham in dal, the jugaad mindset, and why honoring a dish’s history doesn’t mean cooking it the same way forever.

Myrtle Beach, SC · 2d

828newsnow.com

Empty shoes to honor lives lost on Asheville-area roads

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Empty pairs of shoes will serve as a reminder of lives lost on North Carolina roads when law enforcement officers, safety advocates and community members gather in Asheville on Sunday, Nov. 15. The remembrance comes as traffic deaths have declined in Buncombe County and across...

Buncombe County, NC · 2d

unearththevoyage.com

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10 North Carolina Fabric Shops Where Quilters Lose Track of Time Among Walls of Bolts

You pull into a plain little parking lot, expecting a quick stop for a spool of thread. Then the door swings open, and suddenly you are surrounded by color stacked floor to ceiling, and your afternoon quietly disappears. North Carolina is full of these unassuming quilt shops that turn a...

Wilmington, NC · 2d

Asheville Citizen-Times

Once slated for housing in Asheville, city-owned property to become park

A vacant acre of city-owned property in the River Arts District — once targeted for affordable housing to support Asheville’s creative workforce — is now set to become a “vibrant, nature-led preserve featuring passive recreation and art.” Asheville City Council will vote Tuesday, Nov. 10 on a long-term lease for 91 Riverside Drive , known as the “Ice House” property due to the historic brick smokestack of the former Asheville Ice & Storage Co . As presented to Council Nov. 5 , the lease with Asheville-based nonprofit RiverLink would run for 15 years at $1 annually. Rachel Taylor, the city’s economic development division manager, told Council that the property faced major obstacles to development, including a brownfields agreement, a nearby railroad right-of-way, and the required preservation of the smokestack. The lease would let RiverLink take on site maintenance and provide value to the public while Asheville considered more permanent options. The property lies in Asheville’s 100-year floodplain, Taylor noted, and will face impacts from other projects like the Interstate 26 Connector , expansion of the Wilma Dykeman Greenway , and reconstruction of the city’s French Broad River parks . “That 15-year timeline allows the city to retain site control while

WLOS.com

After Helene destroyed her salon, Asheville business owner rebuilds with a new vision

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — When Helene flooded Caitlyn Patch's salon in Biltmore Village, the damage went far beyond the loss of a business. Six employees lost their jobs overnight, and Patch was left trying to figure out what would come next. The water inside her original salon on Thompson...

828newsnow.com

Veterans Day ceremonies, closures planned for Western North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — There will be several of Veterans Day ceremonies and events for Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Western North Carolina. According to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Day’s roots go back to Nov. 11, 1918, when the armistice ending major hostilities of World War I went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It symbolized the end of “the war to end all wars.”

takemetotn.com

This 10-Acre North Carolina Sanctuary Lets You Meet Rescued Farm Animals Living Their Best Life

Somewhere just outside downtown Asheville, a goat is waiting to follow you around like a tiny, bearded tour guide. Nobody will charge you a dime to meet him, either. The pigs here may play it cool, and the geese may try to boss you around, but every animal on this property was rescued and now gets to live a calm, cared-for life. It is the kind of North Carolina outing that fits neatly into a free afternoon, works for kids and grandparents alike, and leaves you feeling like you did something good just by showing up.

spectrumlocalnews.com

Buncombe County voters approve bonds for open space and affordable housing

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — On Nov. 3, voters approved two new bonds that will pay for open space conservation, greenway development and more affordable housing. Casey Watkins and Daniel Sapp expect Beacon Bike Park in Swannanoa to open this coming spring. “Projects like this are super important for revitalization,...

Buncombe County, NC · 2d

WLOS.com

Mayor Manheimer, Council Member Smith bid farewell after election defeat

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said goodbye during Asheville City Council's Nov. 10 meeting, closing out more than a decade of leadership in the city. “I know that all of you love this city as much as I do, and you're going to do great work...

Asheville, NC · 22h

biltmorebeacon.com

Fish losses delay fall trout stocking

The loss of about 70% of the trout at Armstrong State Fish Hatchery has pushed back the start of North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest trout stocking season by a month. Stocking began Nov. 2, with all designated streams expected to receive at least 35% of their originally planned allotments thanks to help from a private hatchery.

828newsnow.com

Reems Creek Road eyed for $116 million upgrade

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A $116 million proposal could bring some big changes to Reems Creek Road in northern Buncombe County, including wider lanes, paved shoulders and improvements to curves and hills along the route. But first, the project has to compete for state funding, and residents have until...

Buncombe County, NC · 1d

828newsnow.com

Asheville Council weighs nearly $7M for I-26 upgrades

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council will consider revising a nearly $7 million agreement Tuesday, Nov. 10, to pay for bicycle, pedestrian and other improvements along the I-26 Connector. The proposal is one of several items on a busy agenda that also includes millions in Tropical Storm Helene...

biltmorebeacon.com

Asheville jewelry studio makes metalsmithing more accessible

For some people, working at a jeweler’s bench offers more than a creative outlet. It provides a chance to slow down, focus and find a sense of calm. A new grant program at Ignite Jewelry Studios in downtown Asheville aims to make that experience available to people who might not otherwise be able to afford it.