Asheville Local Update: Immigration Concerns, Food Drives, and Holiday Events

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Sunday, November 16. Let’s kick things off today with a look at our community pulse, starting with an update on local safety. Asheville and Buncombe County officials have reassured residents after reports emerged that our area may be a target city for increased federal immigration enforcement. Sheriff Quentin Miller clarified that the county has not received any official communication from Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Border Patrol regarding planned activity, emphasizing that their priority remains protecting public safety and maintaining trust within the community, especially for families potentially impacted by these federal operations. Mayor Esther Manheimer echoed these sentiments and shared that the city is working closely with state leaders to keep residents informed as the situation develops. Now to a positive development on the economic support front. Buncombe County’s SNAP benefits are expected to resume their regular schedule after federal funding was extended through next September. The county’s food drive, supporting MANNA FoodBank, is surging, with over 8,500 pounds of food gathered — that’s more than 7,000 meals donated by neighbors for neighbors. If you would like to help, donations are still being accepted at county libraries, Lake Julian Park and during the Asheville Holiday Parade on November 22. Additional food resources and assistance remain available for those facing nutritional challenges. Turning to health news, Mission Hospital and other local facilities run by HCA Healthcare continue to grapple with fallout from recent regulatory action and ongoing legal challenges. While HCA reported a rise in admissions and revenue this year, the company is still working to address impacts from last year’s hurricanes, staffing shortages and ongoing reviews regarding patient care. Mission Hospital faced its third “immediate jeopardy” sanction under federal health programs, highlighting concerns raised by both local families and state officials. Despite these difficulties, HCA says it is prepared to handle changing conditions and to maintain healthcare access in Asheville. For those seeking fun and creativity today, head to New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village, which welcomes families to a hands-on ornament making event with local ceramic artist Kelsey Schissel. The event runs from noon to five and includes a chance to win a $100 gift card. It’s the perfect opportunity to create a holiday memory you’ll treasure for years to come. While the Asheville Art Museum’s Native America: In Translation exhibit has just wrapped up, there’s no shortage of cultural excitement this season. Starting soon, the North Carolina Arboretum hosts Trolls: A Field Study — featuring twelve interactive troll sculptures on their first North American visit. This whimsical outdoor adventure is open daily, with the only fee being for parking, and promises delight for kids and adults alike. Look This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.