A Walk Through Time: Marshall’s Beloved Penland and Sons Rebuilds after Helene

February 27, 2025 Georgette Shelton has early memories of helping her father and Uncle Joe sweep up the family’s shop on Marshall’s main street. With its tall wooden shelves, high ceilings, and display of antiques, Penland and Sons, a department store that carries everything from clothing to shoes and books

Wax, Paper and Wood: Culinary Instructor Bronwen McCormick's Recipe for Resilience

December 16, 2024 Artist and Culinary Lab Manager and Instructor Bronwen McCormick is no stranger to loss. The watercolor painter experienced the unexpected death of her husband in 2022. The sting of that loss temporarily halted her creative life, including her painting practice.

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: History Professor John Martin on Post-Helene Cleanup

December 11, 2024 Like everyone else, A-B Tech History Instructor John Martin thought about leaving town when Helene hit, and his home lost power and water. But the 38-year-old, who grew up in Shelby on Lake Lure, couldn’t bring himself to leave town.

'My Life's Work': Community College Helping Students Adapt After Helene

December 6, 2024 Charlotte, N.C. — Colleges and universities across western North Carolina are continuing to adapt to new challenges in the aftermath of Helene.

Hundreds Seek Post-Helene Aid at A-B Tech Resource Fair

December 4, 2024 Buncombe County, N.C. (WLOS) — Hundreds of Buncombe County residents spent the day at A-B Tech connecting with organizations that will help them move forward nearly 10 weeks after Helene.

Hugs in Mugs: Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Offers Respite to Area First Responders

November 19, 2024 Just five days after the storm, Bridge & Tunnel Coffee’s famous Yellow Truck headed out into the community, hoping to resume business as usual. Owner Greg Fulcher and co-owner and Head Chef Bobby Nagelberg quickly found that the city’s needs had drastically changed.

Asheville Tea's Dreams Wash Away in Historic Flood

November 8, 2024 Asheville, N.C. — Jessie Dean, of West Asheville, has dreamed of owning a tea company, procuring ingredients directly from small farmers to redefine how tea is sourced and enjoyed.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Braces For The Road Ahead After Hurricane Helene

October 28, 2024 Sunday, Oct. 27, marks one month since Hurricane Helene ripped through western North Carolina. While recovery efforts are underway, needs will continue to surface in the weeks and months ahead — everything from professional counseling to dehumidifiers to warm clothing as the winter months approach.

Reopening Message from President John Gossett

October 24, 2024 When this devastating storm hit western North Carolina four weeks ago, the people rushing into it to save lives were community college graduates: law enforcement, rescue, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, etc.

A-B Tech Post-Helene Reopening Set for October 28

October 22, 2024 A-B Tech Community College will reopen for all students and programs on Monday, October 28, following a month-long closure due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.

A-B Tech Reopening Update, October 11, 2024

October 11, 2024 First, I want to thank our community, state, and federal partners for the work you are doing to help our region recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Statement Announcing A-B Tech Closure Due to Hurricane Helene, October 2, 2024

October 2, 2024 My prayers are with our employees, students, and community. We have experienced a catastrophe unlike any other in WNC. I know you and your families are struggling and hurting, as am I, from the loss we have experienced.