E-Newsletter

Town of Weaverville

WNC Housing Recovery Program- Renew NC

Governor Josh Stein announced the State is accepting applications for a new program to repair or rebuild homes in western North Carolina that were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The program is the first of a series of recovery initiatives to be offered by the North Carolina Commerce Department’s Division of Community Revitalization under the program name Renew NC.

“Helene caused significant damage to thousands of homes across western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “There is a lot of work to do, and the Renew NC Housing program is the next step in helping western North Carolinians recover. If your home was damaged by Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for assistance depending on your income, so I encourage you to apply today.”

The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is a key initiative to address remaining long-term recovery needs of homeowners in western North Carolina and will prioritize low-to-moderate income (LMI) families. Later this year, two additional Renew NC Housing programs will be offered to address multi-family housing and workforce housing for ownership. Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization programs will also be launched in the coming months.

The Renew NC programs are funded through a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of the total $1.4 billion in CDBG-DR funding that was allocated to the state for western North Carolina recovery needs, $807 million is allocated to the Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program.

Governor Stein encourages all low to moderate income homeowners in eligible counties whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene to see if they are eligible and apply for housing repair or reconstruction at www.renewnc.org.

Homeowners from these eligible counties can apply: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (only from zip code 28214), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.

For homeowners seeking more information about the Renew NC Housing program, please visit www.renewnc.org or call 1-888-791-0207. Program staff can help determine if you qualify for assistance from the program.

Information about the administration of the Renew NC programs can be found at the Division of Community Revitalization’s website at: CommerceRecovery.nc.gov.



https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/06/16/governor-josh-stein-announces-western-north-carolina-homeowners-can-apply-single-family-housing

Safe Routes to School presents 'Community Walks'

You are invited to the first Summer Stroll Community Walk series. Our Safe Routes to School crew will meet up with you at a local coffee shop for a short, inclusive neighborhood walk. The walks will last about 30 minutes and are open to all, bringing together professionals, residents, retirees, and families with school-aged children. The goal is to encourage walking as a regular mode of transportation, foster social connections, and support small local businesses.

When: Wednesdays at 8:30 am

Where: Rotating coffee shops (feel free to pick the shop most conveniently located to you, or multiple if you feel inclined)

• July 16th @ City Bakery in Asheville
• July 23rd @ High Five Riverside in Woodfin
• July 30th @ Well Bred Bakery in Weaverville
• August 6th @ Dripolator in Black Mountain
• August 13th @ Panacea Coffeehouse in Waynesville

What to expect:

• 5-minute welcome, intros, and safety brief

• 30-minute group walk on a safe neighborhood route

• Return to the coffee shop to linger, chat, and support local business

• Kids will have an opportunity to win a treat by being the first to finish their provided “bingo card”.

Contact info: Ada McGovern, Safe Routes to School, Land of Sky ada@landofsky.org (828) 251-7447

Elevate 2025 the Region's Long-Range Transportation Plan

Public Comment Open for Elevate 2050, the Region’s Long-Range Transportation Plan

The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO) is seeking public input on the draft Elevate 2050 Plan, which outlines a vision for transportation in Western North Carolina over the next 25 years. The public comment period is open through August 15, 2025.

Elevate 2050 will guide future investments in roads, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and other mobility improvements across the region. This is the final phase of public engagement before the plan is finalized.

Community members are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide feedback on:

• Clarity – Is the content easy to understand?
• Accuracy – Do the maps, data, and descriptions align with local knowledge?
• Priorities – Do the proposed goals, strategies, and projects reflect the region’s transportation needs?

The full draft and comment submission form are available at elevate2050.org.

Weaverville American Red Cross Blood Donor Drive

Please participate if you are able on August 8th. The American Red Cross Blood Drive is from 10:00 - 3:00, held at the Town of Weaverville Community Center,

60 Lakeshore Drive.



To Schedule your donation time: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time

Weaverville Citizens Academy 2026

The Town of Weaverville hosts an annual Citizens Academy to promote open dialogue and provide the community with education about the workings of town government. Any resident is welcome to participate. The curriculum covers current town programs, services, policies, procedures, plus a “behind the scenes” look at how Weaverville’s government operates with sessions led by town department heads and town staff, and tours of each department.



SESSIONS ARE HELD ONCE monthly ON THURSDAY EVENINGS at 6pm for up to 2 hours.

The awarding of certificates and final wrap-up of the annual Weaverville Citizens’ Academy is held as the last session. In order to graduate, participants are expected to attend at least five of the seven sessions and attend one Weaverville Town Council meeting or workshop. Applications to the program are required.

Applications may be sent to Weaverville Town Clerk Tamara Mercer via mail at P.O. Box 338, Weaverville, NC 28787, or via email at tmercer@weavervillenc.org. Applications may also be hand-delivered to the Weaverville Town Hall. The 2025 Citizens Academy begins in January 2026 and will conclude in June 2026. 

Dry Ridge Museum Historic Walking Tour Aug. 16th

Dry Ridge Museum to host a 150th Anniversary Historic Walking Tour. On Aug. 16th at 10:00 a.m. The tour will leave from the Town Clock (downtown Main Street public parking lot and will feature history of the founders, buildings, and churches in downtown Weaverville. For more information, contact Dry Ridge Museum at email address: dryridgemuseum@gmail.com

https://www.dryridgemuseum.com/

August Town Council & Board Meetings:

Town of Weaverville Community Center Program News

Welcome & Happy August from the Town of Weaverville Community Programs Team

Messages from the Weaverville Police Dept.

Batty for Safety: Weaverville Residents and Agency Roles in Bat Encounters

WEAVERVILLE, NC – July 30, 2025 – As summer settles over Weaverville, so too can the presence of bats seeking shelter in homes. While these nocturnal creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem, feasting on insects and keeping pest populations in check, their unexpected appearance indoors can raise concerns for residents. Understanding proper procedures and the roles of various government agencies is crucial for a safe and humane approach to bat encounters.

Bats, particularly species like the Big Brown Bat common in Western North Carolina, often utilize attics, chimneys, and other secluded spaces as roosts, especially during the pupping season. North Carolina law protects all bat species, making humane exclusion the preferred and often legally mandated method of removal.

When a Bat Flies In: Your Immediate Steps-

If you discover a bat in your living space, the immediate priority is safety. Do not attempt to handle the bat directly. Bats can carry rabies, and even a tiny, unnoticeable bite can transmit the virus. If you awaken to a bat in your room, or find one where children, pets, or individuals with impaired mental capacity have been unattended, it's crucial to assume potential contact.

Here's what Weaverville residents should do:

●      Contain the Bat (if possible and safe): Close off the room where the bat is, if it's safe to do so. This prevents it from flying into other areas of the house.

●      Do Not Release It Outdoors: If there's any chance of human or pet contact, the bat needs to be tested for rabies. Releasing it makes testing impossible.

●      Contact Local Authorities Immediately: For bat encounters within the living space, especially where potential contact has occurred, contact the Weaverville Police Department at 828-645-5700.

The Role of Government Agencies and Licensed Professionals:

Several entities play a role in managing bat-human interactions in North Carolina:

●      North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC): The primary state agency overseeing wildlife. The NCWRC provides technical guidance on managing wildlife conflicts and regulates bat removal. They emphasize humane exclusion methods and prohibit bat evictions during the pupping season (May 1st to July 31st). This is because young, flightless pups would be left behind to starve if their mothers are excluded. The NCWRC also licenses Wildlife Control Agents (WCAs), who are trained professionals authorized to handle wildlife removal, including bats.

●      Buncombe County Health Department: This department is crucial in addressing public health concerns related to bats, particularly rabies. If there's a suspected exposure (a bite, scratch, or even potential contact as described above), the Health Department will guide residents on testing the bat and whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is necessary.

●      Local Animal Control (Buncombe County Animal Services / Asheville Animal Services): These agencies respond to calls regarding animals, including bats, within their respective jurisdictions. They can assist with the safe capture of bats for rabies testing when public health is a concern.

●      Licensed Wildlife Control Agents (WCAs): For persistent bat issues like colonies in attics, residents should contact a WCA. These professionals, certified by the NCWRC, are equipped to inspect homes, identify entry points, and implement humane exclusion techniques. They understand the legal restrictions, especially concerning the pupping season, and can advise on the best time for removal and necessary repairs to prevent re-entry. Companies like Critter Control and Asheville Wildlife Removal operate in the Weaverville area and offer these specialized services.



Prevention is Key:

The best way to avoid bat encounters is through proactive exclusion. Regularly inspect your home for small openings – even a gap as small as half an inch can be an entry point for a bat. Seal cracks in foundations, gaps around utility lines, and ensure screens on windows and vents are intact. Consider installing chimney caps.

BearWise BULLETIN

BearWise Bulletin, Attract Birds, Not Bears: Don't choose between watching birds and feeding bears, just think outside the bird feeder, and you will discover how easy it is to invite in the birds without attracting the bears.

Create a Natural Oasis

No matter how much or how little space you have, you can add features that will attract birds. Using native plants commonly found in your area, including trees, flowers and bushes, provides proven food sources and shelter from predators and bad weather. An added benefit for people: native plants attract more bird species and are often easier to grow and care for than non-native plants.

TIP: Avoid pesticides; many birds rely on insects for a big part of their diet.

Stormwater Runoff & Residential Car Washing Tips

RESIDENTIAL CAR WASHING AND STORMWATER:

Stormwater runs directly into streams, rivers and lakes, and carries all pollutants with it directly to our surface waters. This includes soapy water resulting from car washing. Soapy water and the chemicals in many detergents are harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

Many people wash their cars at home, which is allowed.

Please consider the following tips to reduce the likelihood of soapy water getting into storm drains that are connected with our downstream waters:

• Park the car on grass or an area where the water can filter into the ground and not run off to the storm drain. If your driveway drains to an area where it can infiltrate, that works too

• Divert the drainage away from the storm drain

• Use a hose with a shut-off valve to reduce possible runoff

• Dump your soapy water out in a sink or an area where it will filter into the ground

• If you don’t have a good place at home to wash your car, consider a commercial car wash (either self-serve or machine wash) where the wash water drains into the sanitary sewer

Salute to Summer Kids Party Aug. 23rd

Salute To Summer happening August 23rd, 2025, in the Main Street Nature Park.

Weaverville Business Association is hosting a fun-filled, free, action-packed day just for the kids before school kicks off!

WBA is seeking volunteers for 2025 Art in Autumn

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ART IN AUTUMN:

Celebrating the 18th Annual Art in Autumn on September 20th, 2025 from 10am - 6pm. 

This event is hosted by the Weaverville Business Association and brings over 100 juried artists from across the Southeast to Main Street. It is free and open to the public. Booths will line Main Street and local restaurants will be open. NOTE: - Main Street from Church to Brown will be closed all day.

Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of tasks, including: artist booth relief, parking (our most urgent need), water distribution and sales, trash pick-up, and staffing at the information/merch booth. Each volunteer gets a free t-shirt and a fun day working with great people.

• Please make a note if you have physical capabilities that make certain tasks unappealing, or physical capabilities that make certain tasks more appealing.
• Early morning volunteers sign in at Mangum Pottery between 5:45 and 6 AM. 
• All other volunteers, please check in at the Information Booth (at the intersection of Main Street & Merrimon Avenue) a few minutes prior to your designated time.
• If you're scheduled to arrive after 10 AM, please be sure you allow at least a few extra minutes to find parking.

WBA Art in Autumn sign-ups

Save the Dates - September 5th & 27th!

150th Anniversary Mill Wheel Festival on Sept. 27th

Mill Wheel Festival is Happening Sept. 27th!

Sept. 27th will mark exactly one year since catastrophic Hurricane Helene devastated much of the greater Asheville area, including our cherished, historic mill wheel on Reems Creek. We invite you to celebrate Weaverville's remarkable resilience and rebirth made possible by all the tireless efforts of our town emergency and public works staff, merchants and neighbors helping neighbors since then. Please save that date on your calendars for the first annual Mill Wheel Festival from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Lake Louise Park. 

Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons, Buncombe County Commissioner Amanda Edwards (scheduled to appear) and our own Dry Ridge Historian Judy Craggs will present brief remarks, followed by the official christening of the new Reems Creek mill wheel by town officials, 150 years after its original installation by the Robinson Family. And don't miss out on delicious pizza from Blue Mountain and pastries from Well Bred, while they last!   

More details to come. We hope to see you there!

Weaverville Town Hall

30 South Main Street,

P.O. Box 338,

Weaverville, NC 28787

Phone: (828) 645-7116