🌱 APD Arrests 2 Men For Local Shooting + Downtown Resurfacing Project

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 75 Low: 55.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 48.

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Here are the top three stories in Asheville today:

1. The Asheville Police Department arrested Antwan Edward Johnson Jr., 24, and Nasir Marlun Davidson, 21, in connection to the Sunday, May 14, shooting near Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. Davidson and Johnson were charged with going armed to the terror of the public and dischargi of a firearm in city limits. Johnson was also charged with trafficking in opium or heroin by possession, possession of a firearm by a felon, and more. Detectives believe there are additional suspects, and the investigation is ongoing. (WSPA 7News)
2. The North Carolina Division of Transportation's (NCDOT) next Asheville paving project will begin on May 30, with crews removing old pavement and laying down new asphalt in the middle of downtown Asheville. Crews will work overnight from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. in four sections on Broadway Street and Biltmore Avenue, near I-240 to the intersection with South Charlotte Street. Detours will be set up during the overnights. According to a DOT spokesperson, this plan will reduce the impact on drivers and businesses during the resurfacing project. (WLOS)
3. On Tuesday, May 23, the Asheville City Council will conduct a public hearing for residents to share their thoughts on the proposed $239.7 million operating budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. According to the results of the city’s public survey on budget priorities, public safety and emergency response were the community’s biggest concerns, followed by homelessness and affordable housing. Tuesday, Jun. 13, is the tentative date for the council to vote on the final budget. (Mountain Xpress Asheville)

Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Monday, May 22

• Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic At Noble Cider Downtown (6:30 PM)

Tuesday, May 23

• Beer Week: Crawfish Boil - Sierra Nevada Brews + Music + Crawfish At The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub (4:00 PM)
• Angel Du$t, JiveBomb, and Life's Question At Different Wrld (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Thursday, May 18, two West Buncombe County men plead guilty to setting multiple historic farm structures on fire in 2021. Blake Cameron Williams, 23, and Anthony DeWayne Boyd, 21, plead guilty to five counts of burning certain buildings, five counts of felony conspiracy to commit the arsons, and six counts of burning personal property. As of May 21, the cases for the third suspect involved, 28-year-old Ashley Debra Neal, are still pending. (WYFF4 Greenville)
• The Department of Justice granted the Asheville Police Department funds to hire a wellness coordinator and create a wellness program for its officers. The program aims to promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of its officers. Matthew Eichman, the new wellness coordinator, said the program is "incredibly holistic." (WLOS)
• Looking for something fun to do this week? Check out Explore Asheville's event calendar! Including Mitch's Totally Rad Trivia Monday's at Highland Brewing on May 22, BINGO night with Asheville Food and Beverage United on May 23, a Chocolate and Beer pairing event with Conjure Chocolate on May 23, and so much more. (Explore Asheville)
• Whether you're looking for a new home or just curious about the prices in your area, it's always good to stay up-to-date on the local real estate market! Check out the latest homes for sale in the Asheville area, including a unique three-bedroom on Piney Mountain Drive for $469,000. (Asheville Patch)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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!