Dee Pridgen

828newsNOW News Editor Dee Pridgen thrives on making sense out of the chaos of a newsroom. She is a graduate of Troy University’s Hall School of Journalism and has more than 35 years’ experience as a reporter and editor.

Local
12 months ago
Canton License Plate Agency closed indefinitely, another operator sought

The License Plate Agency in Canton has been closed until a new contractor

Local
12 months ago
828 roundup: Federal firings, protests, Helene book and more

Here’s a look at the top local news stories from 828newsNOW this week.

Protesters gathered in front of the Veach-Baley Federal Building at noon Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Local
12 months ago
Protest gather in Asheville, rail against federal firings

Protesters, angered by the recent firings of thousands of federal employees, gathered in front of the Veach-Baley Federal Building

Local
12 months ago
Gov. Stein asks feds for $19 billion for Helene recovery

Gov. Josh Stein was in Washington on Thursday requesting money to help residents rebuild lives, homes, farms and businesses

Crime & Safety
12 months ago
Convictions stand: NC Court of Appeals dismisses Asheville journalists’ trespass case

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has dismissed the appeal of two journalists convicted of second-degree trespass in Asheville’s Aston Park after hours in December 2021.

Local
12 months ago
Frigid temps and brutal wind chills expected through Friday

Cold Weather Advisory issued for much of Western North Carolina, where wind chills of 5 to 15 below zero are expected

Local
12 months ago
Workshop, resource fair planned for Gerton/Bat Cave residents

Gerton/Bat Cave area residents can learn more about Helene recovery during two events planned for Monday

Local
12 months ago
Crews removing flood debris in Black Mountain

Crews have been in Black Mountain this week removing debris from flooded public areas, as well as removing items from the Swannanoa River.

Local
12 months ago
UPDATE: Missing 85-year-old Hendersonville woman found safe

Carol Ann Hanlon was last known to be at her residence on Ewbank Gardens Drive about 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Local
12 months ago
U.S. Forest Service chopped: 17 NC employees laid off in DOGE blitz

Several of the U.S. Forest Service employees who have been engaged in Helene recovery efforts in WNC have been terminated