Swine Flu -- Now Known as H1N1

Human cases of swine influenza virus infection have been identified in the United States as well as in other countries.

North Buncombe Trailblazer Up and Running

Mountain Mobility has expanded public transportation bus services to the North Buncombe area.

Changes at the Transfer Station

Did you know that the Transfer Station has new hours and accepts only residential household waste?

What YOU Should Know About Illegal Dumping

Illegally dumped waste looks pretty terrible. But did you know that it makes people feel bad, too?

Know What's Below. Call 811 Before You Dig

Calling before you dig keeps you and your neighbors safe!

Buyer Beware - Plant Ad Claims Not Always Accurate

As spring approaches, advertisements espousing miraculous plants to solve all your landscaping problems sprout as prolifically as crabgrass. If it sounds too good to be true... well, you know the rest.

Online Exhibit: Photographer George Masa & The Asheville Post Card Company

The NC Collection at Pack Memorial Library has assembled a digital exhibit featuring the photographs of George Masa & the Asheville postcards that resulted from some of Masa’s most popular images.

Lots of Dogs, Cats, Pups and Kittens Looking for Homes

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

Recipe of the Week - Paradise Delight

Congratulations to Cassie Durham for her Paradise Delight recipe!

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Many factors - from your genes to the foods you eat - affect your risk for stroke. Some of these you can control. One great way to control your risk is to right-size your portions.

Larger portions mean extra calories which lead to extra pounds. These extra pounds increase your risk for stroke. Larger portions, especially from fast food, can have high amounts of salt and cholesterol. For some people, too much salt can raise their blood pressure and increase their risk for stroke, while too much cholesterol can narrow blood vessels and lead to stroke.

To help prevent stroke try eating smaller portions, and eating slowly. Fill half of your plate with vegetables and fruits which are naturally low in salt and fat. You'll eat less and know you are doing your part to lower your stroke risk.

More information on right-sizing portions

It is more important now than ever before to save money around the house. Here are some tips to get you started with your savings:

• Simplify your possessions. There will be less to maintain, clean and repair.
  
  
• If furniture or appliances are needed, check the classified ads, try an auction, garage sale or second-hand shop.
  
  
• Learn how to refinish furniture. It takes time but is a less expensive way to acquire attractive furniture.
  
  
• Cut down on cleaning supplies by buying all-in-one cleaners.
  
  
• Follow instructions on amounts of cleaning products to use so there isn’t waste from using more than actually needed.
  
  
• Maintain your home. Make minor repairs before they become major ones requiring an expensive financial outlay.
  
  
• Wash walls instead of painting. It may be all that is needed to freshen them.
  
  
• Turn off the air conditioner and open windows in temperate weather.
  
  
• Turn off lights, TV, and appliances when they are not in use.
  
  
• Have a garage sale to get rid of unwanted items.

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.

Children wishing to hear a story read to them can call 251-KIDS (251-5437). It is accessible 24 hours a day, everyday. The story selection changes every week. Each story is about five minutes long and some include a few songs.

The Western North Carolina Regional Air Quality Agency has an ongoing
illegal open burning program. To learn more, visit the website, www.wncairquality.org and click on “Open Burning” from the “Rules & Regulations” drop-down list.

There is also a hotline where you can receive burning day information; dial 250-6777, and press #1.