ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Here’s a look at the top local news stories from 828newsNOW this week.
Woman brings free books to Appalachia as modern ‘packhorse librarian:’ Kirsten Turner is the founder of 21st Century Packhorse Librarian, an initiative designed to replicate the Great Depression-era librarians by bringing literature to mountain folk in need.
257 roads still closed almost 3 months after Helene: More than 1,400 roads were closed after the storm 11 weeks ago. Some 257 remain closed, including portions of major routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Interstate 40, U.S. 19 and several state highways such as N.C. 215 and N.C. 226, according to the North Carolina Department of Transporation website.
Here’s where to get help removing Helene debris from your property: The Private Property Debris Removal Program is designed to help qualified property owners who cannot move Helene disaster debris to the right of way for pickup and lack adequate debris removal insurance. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.
More ways to get FEMA help in Asheville area: So far, FEMA has approved $273 million for 139,000-plus households and individuals beginning their recovery and $292 million in public assistance funding to support community recovery.
Number of homeless students soars after Helene slams Asheville Area: Reports put the number of students in the county without permanent homes at more than 1,300.
Rotary Club of Asheville offers disaster relief grants: Rotary Clubs around the U.S. and Canada and individuals have contributed more than $150,000 to support this initiative, which will provide grants of up to $5,000 to eligible organizations in the community.
Buncombe County launches Helene recovery grant: The county is taking applications for its Helene Recovery Housing Assistance Grant, which will provide financial support for rent, mortgage or utility payments.
Officials address stories of people living in tents in wake of Helene: Buncombe County Emergency Services and FEMA staff conducted field assessments in several areas to assess the living conditions of displaced residents following Hurricane Helene, county officials said.
Community expresses concern after snipers spotted at parade: Festivalgoers in Black Mountain were startled Saturday, Dec. 7, when they spotted a sniper squad on top of a building during the Holly Jolly event.
518-acre Buck Creek Fire 100 percent contained: Significant rainfall extinguished the remaining heat on the Buck Creek Fire, the U.S. Forest Service said late Tuesday afternoon. The 518-acre wildfire is now 100 percent contained. No houses were lost or damaged in the fire that is burning east of N.C. 80 in the Lake Tahoma area of Marion.
Second Gear rebounds from Helene, reopens in new spot: Second Gear’s building on Riverside Drive was destroyed when Tropical Storm Helene barreled through the River Arts District in late September. The 20-year-old outdoor gear and consignment shop reopened Tuesday afternoon in Westgate Shopping Center.
Holiday fire safety tips: Holiday fire safety is crucial to ensuring a joyful and accident-free season. Here are some tips to keep your home safe during the holidays
Tombstone Tales: Host of the ‘Father of American Methodism’ buried in Asheville: Daniel Killian (1752-1836), a pioneer who settled the Beaverdam Creek area of North Asheville, hosted the founder of the American branch of Methodism in his home nearly a dozen times.