🌱 AFD Responds To 2 Gas Leaks + School Board Letter To Lawmakers

Hello, everybody. It's Wednesday in Asheville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in the community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Couple of thunderstorms. High: 78 Low: 54.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 81 Low: 54.

Here are the top three stories in Asheville today:

1. On Tuesday morning, Jun. 13, Asheville Fire Department crews responded to at least two possible gas leaks. Crews attended a reported gas leak at Indiana Avenue in the West Asheville area after a gas line was reportedly cut due to construction. Later in the morning, there was a reported gas leak at 242 Tunnel Road and the building was evacuated. The leak was on "customer-owned equipment," according to a spokesperson for Dominion Energy. (WLOS)
2. On Monday night, Jun. 12, Asheville City Schools Board of Education members unanimously approved sending a letter to state lawmakers asking them to prioritize funding public education. The letter told lawmakers that the state will continue to have a shortage of teachers if the state does not invest in public education, which they said is one of the most important investments for the future of the state. The letter includes three main requests: an 18 percent increase in teacher pay, "significant investments" in early education and childcare, and a stop to the state's voucher program. (WLOS)
3. Asheville on Bikes (AoB) announced the 2nd annual Bike Fest will be held Friday, Jul. 14, and Saturday, Jul. 15! The 2023 Bike Fest will include food, film, cycling, and more in downtown Asheville. On Sunday, Jul. 16, the Gran Fondo Asheville will conclude the weekend events. (Yahoo.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Wednesday, June 14

• Reflections On Life In Black Asheville At Tempie Avery Montford Community Center (12:00 PM)
• Larry The Cable Guy At Harrahs Cherokee Center Asheville (8:00 PM)

Thursday, June 15

• The Role Of The Black Church In Asheville At Burton Street Community Center (12:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• The City shared some helpful reminders for keeping bears wild and neighborhoods safe. Make sure your trash bin is secure, and you can reduce food odors by rinsing out food containers before throwing them away. (Asheville City Government via Facebook)
• Eight cats have been adopted by their forever families from Cats at Play Café in Asheville! Since May 27, the cafe has made an impact in the community by serving coffee, kitten cuddles, and adoptions. (WLOS)'
• A unique four-bedroom is for sale on Alma Lane for $849,900! Check out the latest homes for sale in the Asheville area. (Asheville Patch)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new 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!