🌱 2nd Day Of Juneteenth Celebrations Canceled + City Rebuffs Rep. Ed

Good morning, Asheville. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 73 Low: 62.
• Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 75 Low: 62.

Here are the top stories in and around Asheville today:

1. The second day of the City of Asheville's Juneteenth festival has been cancelled as of Saturday, Jun. 17, following a shooting that occurred downtown near Pack Square as vendors began to close down their facilities and locals dispersed close to 9:00 p.m. The cause of the shooting is still under investigation; two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and witnesses claim to have heard an argument before shots were fired around 8:51 p.m. Saturday evening. (WLOS)
2. Local officials clashed with Republican U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards at a summit held by the Congressman where Rep. Edwards characterized the city of Asheville and Buncombe County as hotbeds of crime threatening the quality of life and historic character of western North Carolina. Democratic Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer criticized Rep. Edwards' negative assessment of the city, claiming that instead of mismanagement and corruption on the part of city and county-level officials, a lack of community and state government investment in affordable housing, healthcare, and education is to blame for the crime leading the city's spate of bad press. (Citizen Times)
3. A nearby Swannanoa woman celebrating her 105th birthday on Jun. 19 gave an interview to WLOS where she credited an active lifestyle and healthy diet for her long life. Betty Penland also gave thanks to the grace of God for her longevity, and shares her good health with her sister, Sue, who has just recently turned 100, and will be in the local area for Betty's birthday. (WLOS)

Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Monday, June 19

• Making Scents At The North Carolina Arboretum (All Day)

Tuesday, June 20

• Toddler Story Time At Oakley Library (10:30 AM)
• Guided Trail Walk At The North Carolina Arboretum (1:00 PM)
• LEGO Builders Club At Pack Memorial Library (3:30 PM)
• Author Kelvin Chin - Marcus Aurelius Updated: 21st Century Meditations on Living Life At West Asheville Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Local nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services is asking for community support to help cover the costs of pro-bono services offered by Pisgah Legal in support of immigrants living in western North Carolina — and gifts made in the coming week (through to Jun. 21) will be matched by an anonymous donor! (Transylvania Times)
• Miles Bosworth writes in the opinion-editorial section of the Mountain Xpress that locals ought to be more critical of the city and local government, and more active in the fight to get changes made in how the community is served by those holding elected office. (Mountain Xpress)
• The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the grand opening of NuBlue Service Group, a company which will be providing plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services to the Asheville metro area! (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. I'll be in your inbox soon with another update!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!