Asheville Craft Artists Rebuild, Chimney Rock Reopens, & a Rare Last Spring Moon

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, June 12th, 2025. We’re waking up to a pleasant 63 degrees in Asheville, with an expected high of 85 later today, so it’s a perfect time to get outside and enjoy our mountain air. Let's start with some good news for art lovers: tonight, the Center for Craft on Broadway Street is launching a visionary project to support forty local craft artists who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. The free event runs from 5:30 to 7:30, offering a unique look at the recovery efforts in Asheville’s River Arts District, which lost an estimated eighty percent of its iconic studios and galleries during last fall’s storm. The project aims to empower our creative community and jumpstart the revitalization of hard-hit neighborhoods, so whether you’re a craft enthusiast or just want a glimpse into Asheville’s resilience, it’s worth stopping by. Speaking of resilience, Chimney Rock State Park has announced it will reopen on June 27th, after nearly nine months of repairs following Helene’s devastating impact. Park officials are promising improved trails and new safety measures, and that’s going to be a major boost for summer tourism and anyone itching for a hike with a view. On a more cautionary note, the Asheville Police Department has issued a warning about a recent uptick in vehicle thefts and break-ins. Many of these incidents could have been prevented with a little extra vigilance, so make sure your car is locked and valuables are out of sight, especially if you’re heading out for one of Asheville’s evening events. In local government news, county leaders are calling on the North Carolina Department of Transportation to reconsider the I-26 flyover bridge project. There’s growing concern about traffic, environmental impacts, and the long-term vision for how our city grows. If you’re passionate about how Asheville develops, now’s the time to watch for public meetings and speak up. Education is in the spotlight as UNC Asheville just received its largest-ever private donation—a five million dollar gift that will help fund scholarships, faculty research, and new facilities. It’s a big win for local higher education and future Bulldogs. For those following the ongoing recovery efforts, Duke Energy has reenergized a key substation that was damaged by Hurricane Helene, promising more reliable service as storms become more frequent. And on Ferry Road, Buncombe County Commissioners are gearing up to vote next week on a major new development proposal for vacant public land, which could mean big changes for the west side of town. Finally, all eyes are on the sky as Asheville gets set for a rare last full moon of spring tonight—a once-in-a-generation astronomical event. Whether you’re catching it from your porch or with friends at a rooftop bar, it’s guaranteed to be a beauty. That’s your Asheville Local Frequency for June 12th. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.