ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Here’s a look at the top local news stories from 828newsNOW this week.
2 lanes of I-40 in Pigeon River Gorge to reopen Saturday: The stretch of Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge near the North Carolina/Tennessee line is set to reopen — one lane in each direction — some time Saturday. READ MORE
The Oscars are Sunday: What will win, should win and where to watch – 828reviewsNOW: The 97th Academy Awards will be televised beginning at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 2. Before the stars hit the red carpet, read our analysis of who’s going home with Oscar gold and why. READ MORE
828newsNOW launches morning news podcast: The 828 Morning Commute is a great way to catch up on what’s happening in the Asheville area. Every weekday morning, the 828 news crew will bring you bite-sized episodes with the latest local headlines, developing stories, culture and events in the 828. READ MORE
Tombstone Tales: Reverends who shaped Shiloh: Annie Logan Owens (1900-1996) was the daughter of the man who founded New Shiloh and pastored its church. Along with her husband, Rev. Frank Owens Sr. (1899-2001), the couple was partly responsible for the development of the neighborhood. READ MORE
Curious gorge: ‘The Monkey,’ ‘The Gorge’ – 828reviewsNOW: Headed to the movies? Check out these reviews first. READ MORE
Strangeville: Colonel Sanders’ Asheville motor court: Did you know Col. Sanders once sold his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken to motorists at Sanders Court in Woodfin? READ MORE
Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer and Black Mountain native, dies at 88: Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose intimate vocal and musical style made her one of the top recording artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after, died Monday. READ MORE
WNC Nature Center set to reopen March 17 after storm damage: The WNC Nature Center will reopen to the public on March 17, after being closed for several months because of severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The storm significantly damaged infrastructure, including roads and the main bridge leading to the Nature Center. READ MORE
Mardi Gras Parade returns to Asheville on March 2: The vibrant Mardi Gras Parade will return to downtown Asheville on Sunday, March 2, promising a day filled with festivities as the community gathers to “Let the Good Times Roll” with Animalia fun. READ MORE
Burnt Mountain Trail to be closed for about 2 months: Beginning March 3, Burnt Mountain Trail in DuPont State Recreational Forest will be closed to all visitors, the North Carolina Forest Service said in a statement. READ MORE
Concert to Save the Woods unites 13 bands for Five Points forest conservation: Local activist group Save the Woods has organized a concert in its latest effort to raise awareness about potential forest development in north Asheville. READ MORE
Pet Connection: Mr. Wernstrom: Mr. Wernstrom is a mixed breed pup looking for his forever home. READ MORE
MANNA FoodBank, downtown businesses to benefit from wine event: “Stroll. Sip. Splurge!” is the tagline for this local event. But fun is not the only goal. The Wine Walk’s founder has motivations beyond jaunting and drinking. READ MORE
State asks how you would spend $1.4B hurricane revitalization grant: Public input is being welcomed by state officials for the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Action Plan, but the public comment period is limited. READ MORE
1 person fired after patient found dead in Mission Hospital bathroom: Mission Hospital has fired one person and launched an investigation after a patient was found dead in a bathroom, a Mission Health spokesperson said. READ MORE
Construction begins on new Haw Creek Road sidewalk: Construction is underway on a new sidewalk along New Haw Creek Road, a project that will add about a mile of pedestrian infrastructure to one of Haw Creek’s main thoroughfares. READ MORE
Buncombe County issues burn ban amid fire danger conditions: The Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a temporary ban on open burning due to extreme fire danger conditions, including low humidity and strong winds. READ MORE
Sunny reopening at Veterans Healing Farm, newly minted telehealth station: Mills River was bustling with happy faces under late February sunshine as the community celebrated a grand reopening after Hurricane Helene. READ MORE
Road Report: NC 9 to be closed nightly next week: Crews are set to begin repairing a one-lane section of N.C. 9 next week, according to a Facebook post from Broad River Fire and Rescue. READ MORE