ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Here’s a look at the top local news stories from 828newsNOW this week.
World-ranked tennis stars to play Servin’ Up Love benefit at Harrah’s: Harrah’s Cherokee Center is serving up an exciting fundraiser for Hurricane Helene relief this weekend: a celebrity tennis benefit. READ MORE
Crooked Creek Fire 100% contained, North Fork Fire still burning: The Crooked Creek Fire, which burned 220 acres in McDowell County over a two-day span, was caused by a fallen powerline, emergency officials said. READ MORE
Best of local food: Food mogul Stu Helm to announce 2025 Stoobie Award winners: Movies have the Oscars. Music has the Grammys. Food in Asheville has the Stoobie Awards. READ MORE
Ask the Expert: Mark your calendar for the 2025 WNC Build and Remodel Expo: As Western North Carolina comes together to rebuild and recover from the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, now is the time to connect with experts, get advice, and explore resources for your home. READ MORE
Färməsē owners opening new concept in Dilbar space after unexpected close: After Indian street food restaurant Dilbar closed last week, their prominent location on Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville was left vacant. READ MORE
City Council amends Asheville flood protection ordinance: The Asheville City Council has approved amendments to the city’s flood protection ordinance, updating regulations aimed at improving resilience against flooding. READ MORE
Bleachery Walmart sets February reopening date after storm shutdown: Love is in the air at Walmart. The Walmart Supercenter at Bleachery Boulevard has announced it will partially reopen to the public on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14. READ MORE
FEMA closes Disaster Recovery Center at Asheville Mall, opens 2 others: FEMA is closing its Disaster Recovery Center at Asheville Mall and opening two others in Buncombe County as area residents continue to grapple with issues related to Tropical Storm Helene. READ MORE
Damaged section of Swannanoa River Road reopens in east Asheville: The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported today that a prominent east Asheville roadway has been restored after it was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. READ MORE
Pratt & Whitney to expand operations, add 325 jobs in Asheville: Pratt & Whitney is set to expand its turbine airfoil manufacturing plant in Buncombe County, a significant vote of confidence in Western North Carolina, Gov. Josh Stein said Tuesday. READ MORE
California teen named suspect in McDowell High shooting hoax: Authorities are looking at a 16-year-old in Sacramento, California, as the source of a call warning of an active shooter at McDowell High last week. READ MORE
Just one public pool deemed safe for summer by Asheville Parks & Rec: It may be chilly now, but summer will be here soon enough. Unfortunately, not every public swimming pool will be coming with it. READ MORE
New Helene story from Gerton woman releasing this week: It was only a matter of time before the events of Hurricane Helene made it to the publishing houses. READ MORE