Asheville Local Frequency: Cool Temps, Water Outage, Solar Program Launch, and More

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, May 22, 2025. As we step into a cooler-than-average stretch heading into Memorial Day weekend, make sure to keep a jacket handy if you’re heading out. Today’s high is expected to be around 73, but a light breeze will keep us feeling comfortable all day long. If you live or work on Caledonia Road, be aware: the City of Asheville has scheduled a water interruption from 9 AM to 5 PM today for essential valve and hydrant upgrades. The affected area runs from Springdale Road to Pelham Road, and nearby neighborhoods may also notice low water pressure or discolored water. Once the work wraps up, just run your tap until the water clears before using it. For those who haven’t yet, you can sign up for city alerts to stay in the loop about future maintenance. Looking to connect with others or support a loved one? Buncombe County Social Work Services is hosting Social Seniors today from 9 AM to 5 PM. This is a great opportunity for older adults to gather, share stories, and enjoy activities together. And in city developments, Asheville continues to tackle regional challenges head-on. The debate over the Jackson County Library splitting from the regional system remains a hot topic, with county officials weighing the costs and community impacts. Meanwhile, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is under review for not returning funds to over 900 former inmates, sparking conversations about transparency and accountability. On the environmental front, big news for energy-conscious residents: North Carolina is preparing to launch EnergizeNC, a new solar program for low-income households. With $156 million in funding, the program aims to make clean energy more accessible and affordable, which could have a real impact on Asheville families later this year. A quick heads up on Williamsburg barbecue: Moe’s Original BBQ in Hendersonville is officially reopened after months of repairs following last year’s storms. Foodies and families alike are already flocking in for classic Southern barbecue and plenty of community spirit. Finally, if you’re looking for something to do, check out the city’s website for a full list of events, from local art shows to live music. And don’t forget, this is the first year of post-Helene end-of-grade tests for local students. Schools have rolled out new tutoring programs and support strategies, so give local teachers and students a little extra encouragement if you see them out and about. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.