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DKos Asheville Open Thread: Invasive Species Week, Helene, Chuck Edwards office jammed, Mardi Gras [1]

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Date: 2025-03-01

This space appears each weekend with links to news and opinion from Asheville and Western North Carolina, and the floor is open for comment and discussion. Wishing all a good day from this still beautiful part of the world.

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Around 100 residents filled the lobby inside the Buncombe County Health and Human Services building on Feb. 25, waiting to speak with members of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards‘ staff. Meanwhile, roughly 30 more constituents hoisted signs outside the building, expressing their frustration and anger over a number of issues.

Edwards did not attend the planned office hours.

Elon Musk, the tech billionaire whom President Donald Trump has entrusted to oversee the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was front of mind for many who showed up. They objected to the control Musk has exhibited over federal operations and the steep cuts he has made to various departments and programs.

“Deport Musk,” read one sign outside the building.

Other messages urged Edwards to oppose proposed cuts to Medicaid, protect Medicare and Social Security, and stand up to misinformation about Tropical Storm Helene.

Parts of western North Carolina are under "extreme" fire danger for the next several days due to dry conditions and high winds.

According to the North Carolina Daily Fire Danger map, powered by North Carolina State University, Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, Polk, and Madison counties are under extreme fire danger on Feb. 28. Conditions are not expected to improve until next week.

OPEN BURN BAN ISSUED IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY DUE TO 'EXTREME' FIRE DANGER

According to the map, in "extreme" conditions, wildfires start quickly, spread rapidly, and burn intensely.

Areas west and east of the central mountains are currently under a "very high" fire danger.

Dry, windy conditions have prompted several mountain agencies to issue burn bans or advisories.

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Department of Transportation officials prepared for the reopening of Interstate 40 in Haywood County with a preview and speaking event on Thursday, Feb. 27.

The section of I-40 is set to officially reopen with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction through the Pigeon River Gorge on Saturday, March 1.

"The travel lanes are severely reduced,” NCDOT Division 14 Staff Construction Engineer Nathan Tanner said Thursday. "The speed limit has been reduced to 35 miles per hour. They'll be separated by a nine-by-nine-inch concrete curb that is anchored into the asphalt. Traffic can expect longer travel times and possible delays due to traffic backups and cueing."

Thursday, Feb. 27, marks five months since Helene hit WNC, but for many areas, five months doesn’t feel that long ago. Especially for areas hit the hardest like the River Arts District in Asheville.

Terry Smith at Squeaky Wheel Potters’ Studio said it feels like the storm hit yesterday. The studio has sat above the French Broad River for the last 14 years.

Smith said when the storm hit, they were constantly trying to get water that was coming down the hill out of their building while also worrying about water coming up the hill.

He’s worked at the studio for the last 7 years and said they used to see people constantly coming by.

ASHEVILLE - The Mardi Gras season is in full swing, and Asheville revelers are ready to celebrate.

Mardi Gras, which translates to "Fat Tuesday," is on March 4. In Christian traditions, it marks the last day of consuming rich, fatty foods before the Lenten fasting period.

On March 2, the Asheville Mardi Gras organization will host its 18th annual family-friendly parade, and local businesses will entertain with festive events.

Here's what to know to get into the Mardi Gras spirit.:

• Mardi Gras pre-parties

• Asheville Mardi Gras theme: Animalia

• Parade route

• Parade road closures and parking

• Mardi Gras royalty and post-parade procession

• More Mardi Gras events in Asheville

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope your weekend is good and strong.

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