Asheville Community Care, Traffic Woes, and Wild Lands in Focus

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, June 28th, 2025. We are waking up to another warm and sunny weekend in the mountains, with highs reaching the upper 80s, so be sure to stay hydrated if you are heading out.

Our top story today centers on community and care as the Foster Church hosts a free health clinic this weekend. Serving the uninsured and underserved, volunteer medical professionals are offering dental, vision, and general medical services today and tomorrow. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who need a health check or a little help, so spread the word or stop by if you or someone you know could use these services.

Asheville’s busy roads continue to see challenges. On Thursday, a tragic accident on Interstate 40 eastbound near Exit 44 caused significant delays and, unfortunately, resulted in one fatality. The Asheville Police and Fire Departments responded quickly, turning vehicles around to ease congestion, but all eastbound lanes were temporarily closed. If you are traveling through that corridor today, expect residual slowdowns and drive with extra caution.

Shifting to local development, many residents are keeping a close eye on the status of the proposed Costco in Enka. While it has been over three months since Costco submitted plans for a new location, city officials have yet to provide updates on the application’s progress. This ongoing limbo is testing the patience of shoppers eager for bulk bargains and job opportunities, but it also underscores the sometimes slow wheels of city planning.

Looking at environmental news, concerns are rising about potential federal rollbacks of the Roadless Rule, which could threaten some of western North Carolina’s last untouched wild lands. Local guides and conservationists are voicing their love for the region’s pristine forests and river valleys, emphasizing the irreplaceable experiences they offer for backpackers and anglers alike. Preservation efforts remain crucial for keeping Asheville wild and wonderful.

Today is also the final day for public input on a proposed Fisher House at the Charles George VA Medical Center. This two-story facility would provide free lodging for veterans and their families while receiving care, an important resource for those traveling to Asheville for treatment. The VA is encouraging community members to share their thoughts or any concerns about historic or archaeological sites in the project area before the consultation window closes at 5 PM.

For weekend plans, Asheville’s vibrant arts and music scene is in full swing. Check out the local farmers markets for fresh produce and artisan goods, or stroll through downtown where street performers and pop-up galleries add color to every corner. With clear skies and summer energy in the air, it is a perfect time to explore the city’s trails, greenways, and nearby waterfalls.

That is all for today’s Asheville Local Frequency. Stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and make the most of all Asheville has to offer this weekend. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We will see you tomorrow with more local updates.