Western North Carolina News

Rutherford County approved for FEMA Funds

“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.”

“The Mountain State Fair has become such a special tradition for so many families, and that was evident by the smiles you could see on people’s faces and the laughter you would hear walking around,” said fair manager Jeff Barham. “Being able to provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together, learn about agriculture, share delicious fair food and enjoy some of the music and entertainment on the grounds is one of the greatest rewards of putting on the fair each year.”

Mission Health’s Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) celebrated four decades of providing critical air medical care across Western North Carolina and surrounding areas. Since the program began in 1986, MAMA crews transported over 31,000 patients, bringing high-quality healthcare across the region. 

Asheville Botanical Garden, a free-entry public garden, will remain rooted at UNC Asheville for decades to come under a new 50-year ground lease. 

Rutherford County tourism revenue remains below last year’s pace, but officials are pointing to stronger late spring lodging collections and continued investment in Chimney Rock recovery, outdoor recreation and destination marketing.

Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley and state Rep. Jake Johnson (R, 113th District) are calling for faster, more predictable construction permitting as builders warn that delays are driving up costs across North Carolina.

University of North Carolina Asheville Associate Professor of Music Toby King was named the new Chair of the UNC System Faculty Assembly.  In his new role, King spoke to the first Board of Governor Meetings this week. This is a prestigious honor, King is one of only two members of the UNC Asheville faculty appointed to this leadership position. His tenure as Chair runs from 2026-2028. 

Showtime’s Legit BBQ of Benson, captained by Kevin Peterson, secured a first-place win and $2,000 grand prize at the 2026 Got to Be NC Whole Hog Cookoff at the N.C. Mountain State Fair.

HCA Healthcare announced plans to invest more than $32 million in Mission Health facilities across Western North Carolina to strengthen patient safety, quality, and care capabilities throughout the region.

Proposed misdemeanor ordinance restricts firearm discharge, while state law expressly protects an exception for self-defense

“The N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame is a prestigious group of folks who have given so much of their time and energy to support the Mountain State Fair livestock shows. Both Cameron Greene and Mark Mills are deserving of this honor,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

HCA CEO Sam Hazen joined a roundtable of WNC Healthcare leaders to discuss issues

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and North Carolina’s Forest Service (NCFS) signed a nearly $65 million, 10-year Good Neighbor Agreement to support Helene recovery efforts. Under the agreement, NCFS will reduce hazardous fuels across areas of wildland-urban interface impacted by the storm and develop strategies to address non-native and invasive species that can thrive in the aftermath of landscape disturbance. The new agreement will increase the pace of forest restoration and bring new jobs to Western North Carolina.

Balkcom releases first ad

Mission Health highlighted its continued partnership with Western Carolina University to strengthen the healthcare workforce across Western North Carolina.

Fall Asheville Park Events And Classes

G20 calls back memory of Asheville’s history as diplomatic hotspot.

G20 meeting expected to generate $20 million in economic impact.

Cooper released criminals into Catawba County

Liberal union protests hospital for unrelated political issue

UNC Asheville signage

The North Carolina State Board of Elections finally settled the immediate dispute today over early voting in Jackson County, in western North Carolina, for the general election.

his week, the University of North Carolina Asheville announced  that a new paper led by Associate Professor of Biology Melinda R Grosser, Ph.D. , and undergraduate student Jenna Vidaud was published today in the peer-reviewed Journal of Bacteriology by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).identify a promising new target for fighting Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of antibiotic-resistant infections in the U.S. 

“The Mountain State Fair has become a time-honored tradition in Western N.C. for its blend of agricultural exhibits, favorite exhibits and entertainment, plus a few new attractions each year to add to the fun,” said Jeff Barham, general manager of the N.C. Mountain State Fair. “With 14 free entertainment acts, a full midway, rows of delicious food, livestock shows and display farm animals, plus arts and crafts, music and dancing, the Mountain State Fair has something for everyone.” 

Four nurses recognized for excellence

Speaker Johnson endorsed Jennifer Balkcom

President Trump endorsed Jennifer Balkcom

"Universities are often considered transactional in nature. A student enrolls, a class is completed, a degree is awarded. But transactional is not who we are. Western Carolina University, I would argue, is transformational. We transform lives, families, communities, industries and so much more." - Chancellor Kelli R. Brown. 

“Chelsea Walsh is ready to hit the ground running and continue the strong conservative leadership the people of House District 117 deserve,” said NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons. “This is an important seat, and we are confident voters will have a strong Republican choice in November who will fight for Western North Carolina families.”