County Offices Open Tuesday

Buncombe County Government offices will open Tuesday, September 30 on a regular schedule.

Buncombe County Solid Waste is now helping citizens remove unwanted mobile homes in a responsible and nonpolluting manner.

Don't drive around - visit the NC Gas Prices website to see which gas stations currently have gas.

If you have hemlock trees, fall is a good time to inspect trees for Hemlock Woolly Adelgids and treat with organic sprays or systemic insecticides.

Do you pay attention to what (or how much) you drink each day?

We learned in the fall of 2004 that hurricanes can affect WNC. Your County Government is more prepared than ever and we've thought about your pets too!

Over 33 million people on our planet have HIV/AIDS. Join area citizens in the 2008 walk.

Don't miss out - it's FREE to enter the Scarecrow contest and admission to the festival/craft show is also FREE.

Bring out your inner ham and share books with children. Training rescheduled to October 9th.

While most people know that there is a huge overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats in this country, what they don't know is that our communities are also full of unwanted horses.

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

Congratulations to Jennifer Holt of Leicester for her Vegetarian Meatloaf recipe!

Not all potatoes are created equal -- especially when it comes to controlling blood sugar. So what’s the superior choice for people hoping to sweep aside diabetes?

It’s the nutritious sweet potato, according to John La Puma, MD, author of ChefMD’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine. This spud may actually help stabilize blood sugar and lower insulin resistance.

Sweet and Steady

Unsteady blood sugar is a big-time risk factor for diabetes. And, because of their high glycemic index, white potatoes -- be they russet or Idaho -- can send blood sugar levels soaring and then crashing.

Sweet potatoes, on the other hand? They have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes. And the carotenoids in sweet potatoes may help your body use insulin better -- although further study is needed to confirm this.

Source: RealAge.com

Use your favorite chili recipe; heat thoroughly and pack in thermos with cup top. In a separate plastic bag, pack corn chips and shredded cheese. Crumble the chips in bottom of thermos cup and add shredded cheese with warm chili. The chili will melt the cheese. Also include other shredded veggies like carrots.

For more ideas, contact Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.

US-CERT (United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team) is aware of public reports indicating an increase in the instances of fake antivirus software circulating. These software applications are malicious code, not legitimate antivirus applications. These instances of malicious code are noted as being distributed through spam email messages containing malicious links, instant messages containing malicious links, private messages on social networking sites, infection from other malware, and from visiting compromised websites.

Quite often, this malware attempts to convince users that there is something wrong with their systems. This leads to an attempt persuade the users into purchasing an illegitimate antivirus application. If the user purchases the bogus software, the attacker may be able to obtain personal and credit card information for use in additional scams and fraudulent activity.

US-CERT encourages users to perform the following preventative measures to help mitigate the risks:

• Install legitimate antivirus software from a trusted vendor, and keep its virus signature files up-to-date.
• Do not follow unsolicited web links found in email messages or instant messages.
• Use caution when visiting un-trusted websites.
• Do not install un-trusted software.

Source: US-CERT.gov

Buncombe County Parks Greenways & Recreation Services has picnic shelters that are available on a rental basis:

• Buncombe County Sports Park ($50 a day)
• Lake Julian Park ($50 large shelter / $35 small shelter)

For more information, visit the Buncombe County Parks, Greenways & Recreation Services website or call 250-4260.