Passing a stopped school bus can be a costly mistake. A motorist convicted for passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina can face a fine of up to $200. The result is also 5 points on your license. A significant increase in your car insurance often follows. The penalties for the Class I Misdemeanor of passing [...]
In Asheville, we share our community with some pretty incredible critters. Our most iconic, the black bear, not only shares your love of the mountains – but they can be pretty fond of human food and festivity leftovers as well. So our friends at The NC Wildlife Resources Commission have some tips for you on how [...]
As the City of Asheville works to prepare a proposed fiscal year 2022-2023 budget, it’s a good time to pause, look back and assess the work and accomplishments towards the priorities of the past year. Council Identified Priorities for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Reimaging Public Safety Utilization of ARPA Funding Reparations Employee Compensation What is Reimagining Public Safety? Reimaging public safety means examining [...]
Each Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. That’s why the Asheville Fire Department recommends leaving the fireworks to the professionals. We are excited to [...]
Two recently-implemented community-centered initiatives started by the Asheville Police Department (APD) have gained traction throughout the city. The Dec. 1, 2020, launch of “TIP2APD” made it easier than ever for residents to make officers aware of issues impacting their neighborhoods. TIP2APD, a mobile application and texting tool, allows the public to share anonymous tips [...]
As rain from Tropical Storm Zeta moves eastward, Asheville Fire Department reports that flooding is receding in most locations. The Swannanoa River crested around 2 p.m. Thursday, and the French Broad River should crest around 8 p.m. Thursday. So while most roads have reopened there may continue to be road closures until the waters recede, perhaps [...]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Asheville Police Department (APD) is working in partnership with local agencies to bring attention to this issue and remind the community of domestic violence services in the Asheville area. APD statistics show a climb in domestic violence incidents in recent months. APD officers treat domestic violence calls as [...]
Updated information: The City of Asheville has now opened a survey to gather input from residents on how our public safety services can better promote racial equity and economic inclusion. Original announcement: In September, the City of Asheville will launch an extensive series of listening sessions with the community to help us reimagine the [...]
During their Aug. 25 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to reduce the speed limit on 43 City streets. The changes were made at the recommendation of City staff, who had received requests from the public to consider the speed limit changes. City staff performed appropriate traffic-engineering studies along the various streets designated for speed limit changes. So [...]
A new mode of school is now in session for Asheville students, but officers with the Asheville Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) say the same safety measures apply. “Students and school buses on the roads haven’t just been gone for the summer — it has been even longer,” said APD Traffic Safety Unit Sergeant Scott [...]
As students, parents, caregivers, and teachers prepare to dive into a new school year that looks quite different from any other, the Asheville Police Department Computer Crimes Unit detectives want to offer safety reminders to students and families. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social interaction opportunities for kids, teens and adults are a bit thinner than [...]
The 2020 hurricane season is upon us, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above average amount of activity. According to NOAA forecasters, the outlook predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The average [...]