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Buncombe County Commissioners Back UNC Health and AdventHealth for New Hospital Beds

Buncombe County Commissioners Back UNC Health and AdventHealth for New Hospital Beds

Buncombe County Commissioners have expressed support for both UNC Health and AdventHealth in their competition for 92 new hospital beds. This decision comes as four hospital systems—Mission Health, AdventHealth, Novant Health, and UNC Health—are vying for state approval to add these acute care beds. The commissioners initially backed AdventHealth in May but have now also unanimously approved a motion supporting UNC Health's application. UNC Health is proposing to build its first hospital in Asheville, the $747 million UNC Health West Medical Center, which would be located at the current site of the Westgate Shopping Center. The final decision on the allocation of these beds will be made by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, considering proposals from all four applicants.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Trump admin moves to end protections for 'pristine' national forest land

Trump admin moves to end protections for 'pristine' national forest land

The U.S. Forest Service may rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Critics worry it will open 45 million acres of "pristine" forests across the country to logging.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Asheville leaders push police department to end contract with Flock

Asheville leaders push police department to end contract with Flock

Asheville police say they have safeguards that help protect the public, but some City Council members are calling for an end to the Flock contract.
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Person Injured in Bear Attack in Asheville, North Carolina

Person Injured in Bear Attack in Asheville, North Carolina

A person sustained injuries in a bear attack that occurred on Tuesday night in Asheville, North Carolina. The Reems Creek Fire Department confirmed the incident, with multiple agencies, including Buncombe County EMS and the Asheville Fire Department, responding to the scene. The extent of the individual's injuries and their current condition remain unknown. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission has been notified of the incident and is expected to release further information regarding the attack on Wednesday. This event highlights the ongoing interactions between wildlife and human populations in the region.
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Buncombe County Commissioners Shift Support to UNC Health for 92 New Hospital Beds

Buncombe County Commissioners Shift Support to UNC Health for 92 New Hospital Beds

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has unanimously voted to support UNC Health's application for 92 new acute care hospital beds in Western North Carolina. This decision marks a change from their previous endorsement of AdventHealth in May for the same beds. Four major healthcare groups—Mission Health, AdventHealth, Novant Health, and UNC Health—are currently competing for approval from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for these beds. UNC Health is the only applicant that does not currently operate licensed acute care beds in Buncombe County. If approved, these 92 beds would be part of UNC Health's proposed $747 million UNC Health West Medical Center, planned for the site of the Westgate Shopping Center in Asheville. Commission Chair Amanda Edwards highlighted that the project could bring additional healthcare resources, including more medical residents, and enhance the quality of healthcare for the region.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
WNC businesses get more time to repay Helene loans

WNC businesses get more time to repay Helene loans

Over 800 Western North Carolina small businesses get six more months of interest-only loan relief after Tropical Storm Helene.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Some Western NC students are back in school, but others still on vacation

Some Western NC students are back in school, but others still on vacation

Some Western NC schools have already reopened, but others are still out on vacation.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Buncombe board approves 191 townhomes near Asheville Regional Airport

Buncombe board approves 191 townhomes near Asheville Regional Airport

Buncombe County approved 191 townhomes near the airport while delaying two other major apartment proposals.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Opinion: Time to weigh in on which hospital systems can best serve our community

Opinion: Time to weigh in on which hospital systems can best serve our community

A survey on which of the four hospital systems in WNC can best serve our community.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Bear safety tips for Western North Carolina after bear attack

Bear safety tips for Western North Carolina after bear attack

A black bear swatted at a Western North Carolina man after entering his home. Here's how to stay safe if you encounter one.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Downtown Asheville luxury condo, HGTV winner, breaks record with $3.1M sale

Downtown Asheville luxury condo, HGTV winner, breaks record with $3.1M sale

A downtown Asheville condo once featured on HGTV sold for over 3.1 million, setting a new local sales record.
Asheville Citizen-Times Asheville Citizen-Times
Buncombe releases sidewalk plans for growing county population

Buncombe releases sidewalk plans for growing county population

Buncombe County is drafting its first pedestrian plan. Projects would add 16 miles of sidewalks and improve safety for residents.