County Commissioners to Consider Adoption of 53-Cent Tax Rate

Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene will present a budget ordinance to the Commissioners at their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 20 based on a 53-cent tax rate.

Swim Season Is Here: Make it a Safe One!

With the warmer weather and the close of school, pools are being prepared for their busy season. It is important to remember that though these pools offer us a cool break from the warm summer sun, they do carry a risk with them.

Garden Chores for June

Don't forget your garden chores for June to keep your plants happy and healthy!

Where Does Your Stormwater Go?

Stormwater runoff doesn't just occur at the parking lots of the malls or large retail stores. Stormwater runoff also occurs in the residential setting.

Taking Care of You to Better Care for Others

Many of us are faced with taking care of older relatives and friends or young children. Most of us who care for others forget to take care of ourselves.

Garden Safety

Buncombe County Cooperative Extension gives some tips for working safely in your garden.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Andy Otto for the picture of his cat, Sassafras.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Julie Carter of Asheville for her Devil's Food Strawberry Splits recipe!

If the winter months have left mildew growing on your concrete driveway, there are some easy steps to follow in getting it back in shape for the upcoming months. Here is what you need:

• 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent
• 1 quart chlorine bleach
• 3 quarts warm water
• 1 mixing bucket
• safety goggles
• rubber gloves
• stiff broom
• garden hose and running water

1. Add the bleach to the water first, then add the detergent. Even though this is a mild solution, wear safety goggles, rubber gloves and have plenty of ventilation. Never mix bleach with ammonia since the combination of the two creates a lethal gas similar to mustard gas.
2. Apply the solution to the affected areas using the broom. Leave the mixture on long enough for the black or green stains to turn white, but don't let it dry – 15 minutes should be enough time.
3.  Rinse the entire area with fresh water.

To prevent mildew from returning, prune and thin trees and shrubs that shelter the concrete surfaces. This formula can also be used on any (non-colorfast) painted or washable surface – inside or out.

The Asheville Police Department will implement a system beginning July 1 to reduce false alarms in the city. The department will grant alarm owners two “free” false alarms and then will assess monetary penalties for each subsequent false alarm in any given twelve month period. As the number of false alarms increases, the penalty for each subsequent false alarm increases up to a maximum of $500 per incident after ten incidents in a twelve month period.

Brochures describing this new false alarm reduction effort are being mailed to every known alarm owner in the City. Citizens who have questions about the false alarm system, want to request a brochure or who need an alarm permit can contact the city’s Alarm Coordinator at 259-5969.

Complete Story

Hiking and backpacking adventures can be lots of fun -- or not! Your overall fitness has a big impact on your comfort level during, and after, a hike or backpacking trip. Weekday couch potatoes who try to become weekend warriors often end up injured or completely exhausted. Here are a few tips guaranteed to make your next hiking and backpacking trip safer and more enjoyable for you and those around you.

• Be realistic: If you’ve been sitting around for months, planning a 20-mile day hike or a two-week backpacking trip is a recipe for a serious injury, a heart attack or worse.
• Practice the activity you want to do: The best way to get in shape for hiking is to walk up hills – even little hills. Walking up stairs can be a good substitute. 
• Warm up your muscles: Pushing too hard before your muscles have warmed up is one of the quickest ways to get injured. Start by gently swinging your arms and legs. 
• Know your limits: A real hero is the one who says it’s time to turn back. Learn to gauge your endurance level and start heading home before you are exhausted.

For more information, see Ten Fitness Tips for Hiking Trips.

Saturday, June 24 from 9am - 1pm there will be a rabies shot clinic at Owen Middle School in Black Mountain. With summer just around the corner, this is a good time to be thinking about protecting your pets from rabies and other harmful illnesses.

Rabies shots and microchips will be available at this clinic. A rabies vaccination for your cat or dog will cost $5 per animal. For the three year rabies vaccine, the owner must show written proof of the current one year vaccination. Microchips for dogs or cats over 2 months cost $20. All animals must be restrained or in a carrier. 

Proceeds from the shot clinic help underwrite expansion of existing programs and services for the Asheville Humane Society animal shelter. For more information call 236-3885.