The Tax Department Has Moved

The Buncombe County Tax Department is now open in its new location at 35 Woodfin Street across from the YMCA in downtown Asheville.

Election Services Has Moved

The offices of Election Services are open in their new location at 35 Woodfin Street.

Public Safety Training Center Groundbreaking - Oct. 12

On October 12, the Buncombe County Commissioners will hold a ground breaking ceremony for the new Public Safety Training Facility.

One Stop Early Voting Has Begun

Avoid the lines - vote early for the 2010 General Election starting October 18 at any of the early voting sites.

Shred Those Old Papers FREE on Oct. 23

If you have stuff like old tax records or bank statements lying around, you can shred them on Oct. 23 for free.

You’re Invited to Ladies Night Out!

On Ladies Night Out you can receive a breast exam, mammogram, pap smear to test for cervical cancer, and tests for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar - all free if you meet income guidelines.

Winter Preparedness for Individuals & Families

Before the watches & warnings are issued, prepare a winter storm plan that will enable you & your family to survive for up to 72 hours without any outside assistance.

Scarecrow Festival Winners

Art Space Charter School’s scarecrow creation, “Mona Lisa,” won the Grand Prize of $500 for Best in Show at the Scarecrow Festival.

The Blue Ridge Parkway at 75

Come join us for "The Blue Ridge Parkway at 75 - National Treasure, Economic Force, Fragile Resource" with guest speaker Daniel W. Brown.

Bowling Tournament to Benefit Special Olympics

Get ready for a pin smashing, ball slinging, foot sliding good time at the Annual Spare Me Bowling Tournament.

Pets of the Week - Precious Pups & Cute Kitties!

Check out these adorable dogs! And don't forget... cats 6 months and older are free and kittens are a 2 for 1 adoption fee.

Recipe of the Week - Caramel Popcorn

Congratulations to Peter Walker of Arden for his Caramel Popcorn recipe!

Learn how to become a foster and/or adoptive parent; find out more about children who need a family now; talk to families who have fostered and adopted; bring your own kids for arts & crafts activities, face painting and light snacks.

Come to the WNC Foster/Adopt Fall Festival on Saturday, November 13 from 2 - 5 p.m. (Drop in any time!) The Festival will be held at Crowne Plaza (off of I-240 on Resort Drive between Sam’s Club and Westgate Plaza) and admission and parking are free!

Complete story

Did you know that Buncombe County is on the social media sites Facebook and Twitter?

Find us by going to buncombecounty.org and clicking the icons at the upper left or directly at www.facebook.com/buncombegov  or www.twitter.com/buncombegov.

Garlic is easy to grow in Western North Carolina gardens and October is the time to plant it.

Make sure to plant garlic in fertile, well drained soil, high in organic matter. The pH should be 6.0 to 7.0. Break the bulb into individual cloves. Plant cloves 1 to 2 inches deep, pointed end up, about 3 inches apart. Do not fertilize now.

This fall you will probably see several small leaves begin to grow. Don't worry about them, they won't mind the cold. If you like, you can put an inch or two of straw mulch around the plants to help keep down weeds and prevent winter soil heaving. In spring when you see the first signs of new growth, apply a light dose of 10-10-10 fertilizer, or a complete organic fertilizer.

Harvest your garlic next summer when the tops begin to die down. Hang bunches of bulbs in a dry, shaded location to dry thoroughly before storing. More information on growing garlic.