🌱 Man Slashed In Neck At Asheville Bus Stop + More Police On Patrol

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny, nice and warm. High: 80 Low: 45.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 80 Low: 49.

Business owners and marketers in Asheville: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. Asheville police are investigating an incident that led to a man getting slashed in the throat with a knife at a bus stop. At about 5:30 a.m. on Apr. 18, the victim asked a man for a cigarette, which allegedly led to the suspect slashing the victim in the neck with a knife and then leaving. Police said the wound appeared to be non-life threatening and that the victim refused treatment. Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect. (WYFF4 Greenville)
2. On Friday, Apr. 14, Asheville City Council's pilot program to address Asheville Police Department (APD) shortages began. Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office deputies will help patrol downtown Asheville in marked vehicles to supplement APD’s patrol units. Many downtown businesses agree that a bigger police presence will help curb crime. Mitch Boudreaux, a leather craftsman at Paul Taylor’s Custom Sandals on Wall Street, said, "One of the things I’ve heard about recently is folks being concerned about shootings. Many of them are seeing stories locally, visitors from Waynesville and area towns." He also said, "A bigger presence would put the public at ease." (WLOS)
3. The Asheville Fire Department is organizing an update of the City of Asheville's Emergency Operations Plan and the Continuity of Operations Plan. The City of Asheville is asking residents to take a survey to share thoughts on "emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, as well as to understand how the City of Asheville can continue to improve." The survey allows residents to provide input on how to best prepare for emergencies in the community. (WLOS)

Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Wednesday, April 19

• Taylor Knighton At Grey Eagle Patio Stage (5:00 PM)
• Well-Crafted Music With Matt Smith At Taproom At Highland Brewing Co. (6:00 PM)

Thursday, April 20

• The Snozzberries At Asheville Hemp Festival At Pack Square Park (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Mark your calendars for the free family festival on Sunday, May 7 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park! Asheville Parks and Recreation's (APR) annual Tiny Tykes Day will be held from 2-5 p.m. for kids 5 years old and under. Activities include tumble and bounce houses, face
  painting, twisty balloons, craft making, biking, obstacle courses, special guests, train rides, sing-alongs, and more. (The City of Asheville)
• Many local employers in and around Asheville are searching for new employees. Check out the part-time and full-time job openings in the area including shipping operator, operations coordinator, and project manager. (Asheville Patch)
• The local real estate scene is buzzing with activity, and a variety of homes are available to choose from these days. Check out the latest homes for sale in the Asheville area, including a three-bedroom on Graystone Road for $595,000. (Asheville Patch)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll catch up with you 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!