County Makes Proposal to City in Water Negotiations

Although Buncombe County Commissioners strongly support the idea of an independent water authority, they are prepared to agree to a municipal water system in an attempt to resolve the water agreement conflict.

Commissioners Increase School Funding

The County Commissioners recently approved a FY2007 budget that includes a $4 million increase in funding for City and County schools. This funding adds an additional $138 in support for each student.

Commissioners Begin Zoning Process

Buncombe County Commissioners have begun the process of implementing Open Use Zoning in all areas of the County and modified Limestone Zoning standards in the Metropolitan Sewerage District Primary Service Area.

Fireworks at Lake Julian

Come celebrate the 4th at Lake Julian - the fireworks begin at sundown. If you can't make it to Lake Julian, read on for a list of other places you can see fireworks.

Fireworks – Related Injuries Often Involve Children

Every year around Independence Day, between 6,000 & 10,000 people are injured by fireworks accidents severely enough to visit the ER. Do you know how to stay safe?

Storm Season Begins

It's already here with one storm behind us. Alberto is history but there will be more. County government is prepared to keep you informed before, during and after the storm.

Pet Food Drive at Your Local Library!

Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales (and Kibble)! A pet food drive at your local library!

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Joel Vess of Asheville for the pictures of his cat, Snickers.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Tina Lunsford of Asheville for her Pecan Cobbler recipe!

Summertime is here and many families hit the road for vacation trips. Traveling can be a challenge when it comes to healthy eating; however, a little planning can help your family fuel up without the extra calories and can even be easier on the wallet.

• Bring food with you. The best way to have control over food is always to bring your own. Whether it’s a simple bag of snacks or a fully stocked cooler, bringing your own food saves money and time and improves your nutrition.
• Stock up at a supermarket. For the best value and variety, make pit stops at a local grocery instead of a fast food restaurant or convenience store. Many supermarkets are only a few blocks from the highway, so shopping can be quick and efficient. Produce stands and farmer’s markets can also be nutrition bonanzas!
• Choose wisely at the gas station. Believe it or not, you can even find some decent food and beverage choices at a truck stop or convenience store. Skip the candy bars and snacks at the counter (designed for impulse buying) and check out the possibilities in the snack aisle and beverage cases.

For more helpful tips for eating well on the road, visit http://www.myeatsmartmovemore.com/library/eat_well_road_trips.pdf.

This time of year there are many occasions that occur when we feel we need to provide a gift to the recipient. It is also a time when our budget can be strapped after taxes, winter utility bills, or vacation planning so it is important to remember that it's not always the price of the gift that's important.

Here are a few gifts that may work for your special occasion:

• fresh fruit in a colander or other kitchen gadget
• note cards and a book of stamps
• gift card from a favorite store
• gardening gloves with a plant or flower seeds
• teacup with box of herbal tea
• gel pens and pretty stationery
• basket filled with deli cheese and fruit
• magnifying glass
• basket filled with kitchen gadgets
• colorful sticky notepads
• special soaps and bath puff
• home baked cookies
• a pound of nuts
• a hanging basket of flowers
• a lawn ornament

We don't see it much in North Carolina, but cocoa bean hulls are sometimes sold as landscape mulch. It might smell wonderful, but a caution has been raised recently about danger posed to dogs.

If you are a dog owner you probably know that chocolate can be deadly to dogs. Since some dogs are prone to digging and chewing on things like chunks of mulch, this product could pose a serious danger, especially to puppies.

With canning season starting it is important to know that your gauge and gaskets are working correctly on your pressure canners. Call the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Office at 255-5522, to make an appointment to check your gauges and gaskets.

We'll be checking most Friday mornings this summer, but may be able to fit in a check on other days of the week as well.

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics recycling day at the Landfill will be cancelled on June 30, 2006. These collections will resume as normal on Friday, July 7, 2006 from 9am - 3pm.

For more information, call General Services at 250-5460.