Merry Christmas!

Where does the County's money, including your tax dollars go? Read on to find out.

Give your cut holiday tree another life by recycling it.

USB drives are popular for storing and transporting data, but some of the characteristics that make them convenient also introduce security risks.

A spur of the moment decision to buy a pet for your child for Christmas will affect you for many years to come.

If you are heating with wood to try to save money on the cost of heating your home, keep in mind that there are some safety precautions that need to be followed.

The holiday season is in full swing and you probably feel as if you’re being pulled in a hundred different directions as you rush to get everything done. When stress kicks in, it’s easy to let healthy habits fall by the wayside.

Can you give a dog a home? Maybe a cat? How about a kitten? These animals need your help.

Congratulations to Samantha Trimble of Enka for her Candy Cane Fudge recipe!

Help a homeless pet - there are some goods that the Asheville Humane Society is always looking for:

• Science Diet cat, dog, kitten, and puppy chow
• Canned Dog & Cat food
• Inexpensive Loop Leashes
• Blankets and towels to keep our animals comfy
• Toys for our animals, to keep them entertained
• Books on dog and cat breeds
• Newspapers for our kennels and bleach for cleaning kennels
• Peanut Butter
• Garbage Bags (45 Gallon, Tall Kitchen & Waste Basket)
• Gift certificates to Staples, Office Depot, Office Max, Kinko's, Wal-Mart
• Stamps for postage
• Paper Towels
• New or Quality Used Pick-up Truck

The Humane Society also occasionally receives donations of office equipment; these are wonderful! If we don't need a specific donation, we may be able to help you find a local animal group that can use it. If you donate goods to us that have cash value, your donation may be tax-deductible.

For more information, call 253-6807.

Buncombe County Government Offices will be closed on December 24, 25, 26 for the Christmas holiday, and January 1 for New Year's. 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be closed:

• Wednesday, December 24 - Sunday, December 28
• Closing at 6pm on Wednesday, December 31 
• Thursday, January 1

The Landfill & Transfer Station will be closed:

• Close at 1pm on Wednesday, December 24
• Thursday, December 25
• Thursday, January 1
• The Landfill and the Transfer Station will remain open both December 26 and January 2.

Household Hazardous Waste Day and Electronics Recycling at the Buncombe County Landfill will be closed:

• Friday, December 26
• Friday, January 2

Should you receive an email that you think may be fraudulent, forward it to the FTC at spam@uce.gov and to the abuse desk of the sender's ISP.

Also, if the email appears to be impersonating a bank or other company or organization, forward the message to the actual organization.

The FBI is offering rewards for information leading to the apprehension of the Most Wanted Fugitives. Check each fugitive page for the specific amount of award. 

See the FBI's Most Wanted

Take the last 12 days of 2008 to make sure you have these 12 items in your home:

• Smoke Alarm -on every level of your home.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarm -- placed in hallways throughout the house.
• Fire Extinguisher -- install an ABC type Fire Extinguisher and know how to use it.
• Fire Escape Ladder -- if you have more than one floor, make sure you have at least one escape ladder.
• Family Disaster Supplies Kit -- make your own or purchase one already made up.
• Pet Disaster Supplies Kit -- pet food, medicine, etc.
• Weather Radio -- stay informed on the weather 24 hours a day
• First Aid Kit -- the first five minutes of a medical emergency are critical so keep a kit in the house, car, boat etc.
• House Numbers -- make sure you have your house number clearly posted so first responders can find you in an emergency.
• Flashlight -- this is an important tool in any emergency or just when the power goes off.
• Emergency Phone Numbers -- don't have to search in the middle of an emergency--post them on your refrigerator today.
• Extra Batteries -- without power, don't be without batteries.