Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What the court’s decision means for Weaverville’s new hospital plans

Happening soon: Rock n Soul with Pleasure Chest on the Asheville Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
Wednesday December 24th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Asheville! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the court’s decision means for Weaverville’s new hospital plans
  • Why did Asheville’s beloved elephant mural suddenly disappear before Christmas?
  • How Mission Hospital made NICU babies’ first Asheville Christmas feel magical

Also on today's calendar: Unwrap the Funk w/ Anne Combs & Company Funk and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 65 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy and misty, temps: high: 69, low: 44.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy with mist, with a high of 59 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Top NC court rejects case that could block Weaverville hospital (wbt.com) — A new 67-bed AdventHealth hospital in Weaverville can now move forward after the N.C. Supreme Court refused to hear Asheville-based Mission Hospital’s challenge to its state certificate of need. The ruling ends a key legal roadblock and clears the way for expanded hospital capacity serving Buncombe, Graham, Madison, and Yancey counties, after years of wrangling over how and where to add beds.
   

2. Answer Man: What happened to the elephants? What types and amounts of drugs did law enforcement confiscate this year? • Asheville Watchdog (avlwatchdog.org) — An Asheville reader asks why the whimsical “Elephants on Parade” mural near the I-240/Tunnel Road funnel vanished, and NCDOT confirms it was removed for not meeting public art rules. The column also breaks down a year’s worth of drug seizures and related arrests by Asheville Police and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, offering a snapshot of local enforcement trends.
   

3. Mission Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit babies get dressed in Christmas attire (wlos.com) — Families with babies in Mission Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Asheville got a festive boost when Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by, with preemie-sized Christmas outfits donated by Preemies of the Carolinas. Staff and the Family Support Network of WNC also provided ornaments and stuffed animals to help make first Christmases in the NICU feel a little warmer.
   

4. 'It doesn't feel real': family of fatally shot teen react to arrest made, murder charge (wlos.com) — An 18-year-old Buncombe County resident reported missing in November was found fatally shot in Candler, and a 21-year-old Cullowhee man is now charged with first-degree murder and held without bond. Investigators, including the Asheville Police Department, say the killing was not random and believe it happened elsewhere in Buncombe County, while the victim’s grieving family is left seeking answers as the case moves through court.
   

📸 Around Asheville

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📣 Asheville Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday December 24
  • Trolls: A Field Study
    The North Carolina Arboretum , 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way , Asheville
    8:00 am
  • Produce Market – Beacon
    Bounty & Soul Community Center , 216 Whitson Ave , Swannanoa
    4:00 pm
  • Weaverville Tailgate Market
    60 Lakeshore Dr , Weaverville
    8:00 pm
    • Thursday December 25
  • Winter Lights
    The North Carolina Arboretum , 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way , Asheville
    6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Rascal was LOST on December 21, 2025 in Asheville, NC 28806 near Near lees creek rd Asheville Nc Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information… (Nextdoor Carmel Ridge)
  • A little help needed…
    I have a friend who is having to move asap. They are looking for a minimum 2 BR, somewhere around $1800/monthly rental, and must be pet-friendly… (Nextdoor Kenilworth)
  • Lincoln Property Company, Inc. posted a job opening for Porter in Asheville. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Asheville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Asheville here.

Ok Asheville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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