News from the latest Buncombe County e-Zine. You can subscribe to their weekly newsletter by clicking the eZine tab at www.buncombecounty.org:

Reward Offered for the Mountain’s Most Wanted
You could be eligible for a cash reward if you provide information that leads to an arrest! The following subjects are currently wanted by local authorities.

Comment Line: Share Your Ideas About Transportation
Mountain Mobility is offering a comment line for passengers or their caregivers who would like to share comments, suggestions, concerns, or ideas for improvements regarding the transportation services of Mountain Mobility.

Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage!
In the winter it is not always convenient to carry the kitchen scraps out to the compost pile. Some people solve that problem by composting indoors with earthworms.

Spring Garden School: Eat Local – Grow Your Own
Register by March 15.

Tree Seedling Sale – February 25 – 27
Don’t miss out on our hardwood and pine seedling sale!

You Can Quit! Help is Just a Phone Call Away…
Are You Ready? You can re-learn life without tobacco. There are different ways to quit, and the North Carolina Quitline can help.

Pack Square Park – One Year Later
Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville is really shaping up.

Newfound Watershed Stakeholder Meeting – March 1
Stockpiling Forage to Extend the Grazing Season: Monday, March 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the Newfound Community Center, 3 Morgan Branch Road in Leicester.

Combating Moles
Whatever the reason for the obsessive tunneling, homeowners often find the ridges and mounds enough of a nuisance to seek a remedy.

Pets of the Week
Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but I would love to have a home of my own!

Recipe of the Week – Spinach, Chicken, and Wild Rice Soup
Congratulations to Monica Gaston of Asheville for her Spinach, Chicken, and Wild Rice Soup recipe!

News from the latest Buncombe County e-Zine. You can subscribe to their weekly newsletter by clicking the eZine tab at www.buncombecounty.org:

You Dump It, You Drink It. Recycle Used Motor Oil
Used motor oil from a single oil change can ruin a million gallons of fresh water – that is a year’s supply for 50 people!

Women Need to Get Heart Healthy
Did you know that almost two-thirds of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have NO previous symptoms?

Buncombe Green — Share Your Ideas
The County is looking for green ideas that work for you.

New Carbon Monoxide Requirements for Landlords
As of January 1, 2010, landlords are required to provide one operable carbon monoxide detector per rental unit per level.

The Census is Coming
The 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour will be traveling to Asheville on Saturday, March 13!

Recycle Your CFL’s Today
Don’t forget to recycle your CFL’s (compact fluorescent light bulbs)!

Adopt Cats & Kittens FREE – February 12 – 14
My “Furry” Valentine Adoption Weekend Offers Fee-Waived Cats and Kittens and a chance to win a year’s supply of cat or kitten food!

SAVE A LIFE Neuterathon – Male Cats Only $20!
If you are a resident of Buncombe County, you can get your male cat neutered, plus a rabies shot for only $20! Reserve your spot now…

Great Backyard Bird Count – February 12 – 15
Calling all bird-watchers — amateurs and experts, young and old, we need your help!

Tips for Driving in Snow
Driving in bad weather can be downright dangerous. Snow and ice on the roads, strong winds, and dense fog can strike almost anywhere.

Special Olympics Bowling Tournament
Support Special Olympics Buncombe County athletes and have a great time at the Semi-Annual “Spare Me” Bowling Tournament.

Pet Pictures of the Week – Do You Have Room for One of Us?
Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but I would love to have a home of my own!

Recipe of the Week – Meat and Taters Casserole
Congratulations to Betty Israel for her Meat and Taters Casserole recipe.

News from the latest Buncombe County e-Zine. You can subscribe to their weekly newsletter by clicking the eZine tab at www.buncombecounty.org:

Free Tax Assistance Starts February 1
Taxes are complicated. Do you need help? Tax Assistance begins the first week of February and will continue through April 15th.

Certain Zicam Cold Remedies Linked to Loss of Sense of Smell
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia).

Woodstoves: Tax Credits, Safety, Efficiency and More
Heating efficiently with wood requires three things: a good stove; a good source of dry, seasoned, wood cut to the right size for your stove; and a dedication to making it work.

Backyard Composting
It won’t be long before many WNC gardeners will be ready to get out and start working up that garden soil. When you shove your shovel into the ground, are you faced with sticky red clay, rather than the nice loamy soil you envision?

Deadline to Order a Rain Barrel – March 22
Plan ahead and order your rain barrel today!

Easily Create a Home Recycling Center
Wondering where you are going to find space to store recyclable items? You don’t need an extravagant recycling center. Here are three steps to create a recycling center in your home.

How to Get Help in a Crisis
Many families and individuals are struggling to make ends meet and are facing increasingly hard times.

“I Refuse to Get Old!” – Essay Contest for Seniors
The Friends of the Black Mountain Library are sponsoring an essay contest for people over the age of 50.

When Is It Best to Prune Shrubs?
A nice winter day will send a lot of gardeners out with the pruners. But is it the best time to prune your shrubs? It depends on the plant.

Pet Pictures of the Week – Do You Have Room for One of Us?
Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but they would love to have a home of their very own!

Recipe of the Week – Creamy Rigatoni with Spinach
Congratulations to Jeremy McBride of Asheville for his Creamy Rigatoni with Spinach recipe!

News from the latest Buncombe County e-Zine. You can subscribe to their weekly newsletter by clicking the eZine tab at www.buncombecounty.org (it’s located about 1/4 of the way down the page):

Is It Carbon Monoxide Poisoning or the Flu?

Did you know that many times the minor symptoms of CO poisoning are misdiagnosed or confused with the typical flu symptoms?

Buncombe County Photo Contest

The County is looking for pictures of citizens enjoying our County!

Waste Pro Asks Customers to Keep Blue Bags Separate

Waste Pro, Buncombe County’s new garbage hauler, is asking all customers to separate blue bagged recyclables from garbage.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

The potential for frozen pipes increases dramatically when temperatures drop below freezing for the amount of time that we have been experiencing.

Is Your Car Ready for Winter?

What do you need to check on your car to make sure that it will be reliable through the winter months? No one wants to get caught in the snow with a car that won’t go!

E-Conservation Program Helps Local Homeowners Stay Warmer, Cheaper

Local residents can receive discounted home energy audits through the E-Conservation program, administered through the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension.

Census 2010 – What to Keep Personal

With the 2010 U.S. Census starting soon, many people are concerned about their privacy and protection of their personal information.

Want to Learn Knitting or Quilting? Here’s Your Chance

Always wanted to learn to knit or quilt? Here is your chance and registration is only $5!

Appointments Available Now for H1N1 Vaccine

Appointments are now available for anyone who would like to receive the H1N1 vaccine at the Buncombe County Health Center.

Garden Chores for January

Garden chores in January? Of course! We have to start getting ready for spring!

Spotlight: Ornamental Peppers

Are you tired of poinsettias, and are looking for something different to add a splash of color this winter? Consider ornamental peppers.

Pet Pictures of the Week – Want Unconditional Love? Adopt One of Us!

Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but I would love to have a home of my own!

Recipe of the Week – Crock-Pot Italian Lentil & Vegetable Stew

Congratulations to John Norton of Candler for his Crock-Pot Italian Lentil & Vegetable Stew recipe!

News from the latest Buncombe County e-Zine. You can subscribe to their weekly newsletter by clicking the eZine tab at www.buncombecounty.org (it’s located about 1/4 of the way down the page):

Where Does the Money Go? The 2009 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) provides a wide overview of the financial activities of Buncombe County for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

Don’t Forget, Property Tax Deadline Approaches January 5, 2010 is the LAST day to pay your Buncombe county Property Tax before the 2% interest is added on January 6, 2010.

Recalls & Product Safety News All those gifts you and/or your children received for Christmas… are they safe?

What’s The Difference — Cold, Flu or H1N1? Ever wonder if your sniffle is the flu?

U.S. Census is Coming Filling out the Census should be really easy this year – it has been shortened to ten questions that should take about ten minutes.

Buncombe County Property Tax Listing Deadline Buncombe County Property Tax Listing must be completed and returned by 5 p.m. January 31, 2010 to avoid a late listing penalty.

Tired of Spending Too Much on Winter Heating? Are you looking for ways to reduce your monthly utility bills? Come to this free workshop!

Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security Many computer users rely on laptops and PDAs because they are small & easily transported. But while these characteristics make them popular & convenient, they also make them an ideal target for thieves.

News from the latest Buncombe County e-Zine. You can subscribe to their weekly newsletter by clicking the eZine tab at www.buncombecounty.org (it’s located about 1/4 of the way down the page):

No Smoking Begins in January
	New rules effective January 2010.
Don’t Forget, Property Tax Deadline Approaches
	January 5, 2010 is the LAST day to pay your Buncombe county Property Tax before the 2% interest is added on January 6, 2010.
It’s Easy & Free to Recycle Your Tree!
	Give your cut holiday tree another life by recycling it.
Pop-up Advertisements Offering Anti-virus Software Pose Threat to Internet Users
	An ongoing threat exists for computer users who, while browsing the Internet, began receiving pop-up security warnings that state their computers are infected with numerous viruses.
Pets as Presents
	A spur of the moment decision to buy a pet for your child for Christmas will affect you for many years to come.
H1N1 Vaccine Update
	The Health Center does not plan to hold additional H1N1 vaccine clinics through the holiday season; however most of our remaining vaccine has been distributed among local medical providers.
Preventing H1N1 During the Holidays
	Special holiday get-togethers, and traveling itself, bring people close together but also provide an ideal way for illness to spread.
Pets of the Week
	Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but I would love to have a home of my own!
Recipe of the Week – Candy Cane Fudge
	Congratulations to Tanya Banks of Asheville for her Candy Cane Fudge recipe!

Agenda for the December 1, 2009 Buncombe County Commissioners meeting is online at www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/ArchivedAgenda/20091201/20091201.htm. Commission meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville beginning at 4:30 p.m. They are also televised and can be seen online and on the County Government Channel 2.

Public hearing and meeting times about the proposed amendments to the Buncombe County Zoning Ordinance will be held on September 22, 2009 and October 5, 2009, according to these signs at the Weaverville Library (and throughout the area).

• Zoning Amendment Public Meeting:  September 22, 2009, 6:30 p.m., Beaverdam Fire Department (450 Beaverdam Road, Asheville)
• Zoning Amendment Hearing: October 5, 2009, 9:30 a.m., 30 Valley Street, Asheville

For more information contact Buncombe County Planning: (828) 250-4830

Some additional links and documents about the proposed amendments and zoning ordinance:

• Proposed Amendment, Zoning Ordinance (pdf, 455kb)
• Buncombe County Zoning FAQs
• Weaverville/Beaverdam Zoning Map (pdf, 3.5MB)

The agenda for today’s (Tuesday, September 15, 2009) Buncombe County Commissioners meeting is online at http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/ArchivedAgenda/20090915/20090915.htm

Commission Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville beginning at 4:30 p.m. They are also televised and can be seen online and on the County Government Channel 2.

Congratulations to English teacher Jenny Wood, North Buncombe High School Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010 and North Buncombe district finalist for Buncombe County Schools Teacher of the Year.  The Buncombe County Teacher of the Year will be announced September 21. More information and other district finalists from Buncombe County Schools:

BCS 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year Finalists
Buncombe County Schools is proud to announce that finalists have been chosen for the 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year Award.  Teachers were selected representing each of the county’s six school districts:

• REYNOLDS: Meredith Stanley, Haw Creek Elementary
• OWEN: Amanda Venturella, Owen Middle
• ERWIN: Lorraine Orenchuk, BC Early College
• ENKA: Erica Battle, Enka Middle
• NORTH BUNCOMBE: Jenny Wood, North Buncombe High
• TC ROBERSON: Christopher Semper, TC Roberson High

“First to be chosen by peers as their school’s best is quite an honor – to represent their district is even more exceptional! As superintendent I am not only proud of these six recognized professionals but all of the dedicated classroom teachers within our system,” says Dr. Tony Baldwin, Superintendent.

Candidates were selected by reviewing their submitted portfolios and by a committee interview process.  In the last phase of the selection process, finalists will be visited in their classrooms and also be asked to present speeches.

The BCS 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year will be announced at the annual banquet on Monday, September 21 at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel.

The agenda for the Tuesday, September 1, 2009 Buncombe County Commissioners meeting is online at http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/ArchivedAgenda/20090901/20090901.htm.

Commission Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville beginning at 4:30 p.m. They are also televised and can be seen online and on the County Government Channel 2.

From Buncombe County News:

New County Zoning Ordinance In Review

The proposed amendment to Chapter 78 of the County Code of Ordinances “County Zoning Ordinance” has been sent to the Beaverdam and Limestone Community Councils for consideration on whether the proposed amendment is consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.  The County Planning Board will also be reviewing the proposed ordinance text and maps.

The Board of Commissioners adopted county-wide zoning in May of 2007. However, the Court of Appeals overturned the ordinance earlier this year.  The proposed amendment would expand zoning throughout the County when it is adopted by the Board later this year. During the interim period, only those areas zoned prior to May of 2007 (Limestone and Beaverdam) will remain zoned.

To find out more about the County’s work on zoning, check out the Frequently Asked Questions section of the county’s website.  Find your zoning designation and see the text of the proposed ordinance all online.  For more information about zoning, contact the County Planning office at 250-4840.

• County Zoning Ordinance (pdf)
• Proposed Zoning Map for Weaverville (pdf)

The agenda for today’s (Tuesday, August 18, 2009) Buncombe County Commissioners meeting can be viewed at http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/commissioners/ArchivedAgenda/20090818/20090818.htm.

Commission Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville beginning at 4:30 p.m. They are also televised and can be seen online and on the County Government Channel 2.