🌱 Support Asheville PD Billboards + NOAA Heat Mapping In Summer

Hey, Asheville. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cooler with rain at times. High: 60 Low: 43.
• Saturday: Chilly with occasional rain. High: 49 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. The Asheville Coalition for Public Safety has paid for several new billboards around the city that show support for the Asheville Police Department. The billboards are in South Slope, Patton Avenue, and Hendersonville Road. The goal of the billboards is to boost officer morale, increase support for Asheville police, and inspire new recruits. The coalition co-chair Honor Moor said, "We just want people who might be considering a job or a future career in law enforcement to see that there’s a community of people here that really supports them, and, of course, we’re also hoping that our leaders strongly consider significant raises within the police department in the next budgeting cycle." (WLOS)
2. Asheville has been selected for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) heat mapping project that will help determine which areas could use more tree cover and green to help reduce heat. This summer, Asheville GreenWorks will oversee the local project using grant funds from the NOAA. Asheville is one of 14 cities across the nation conducting a study this year. The studies are part of NOAA's Heat Island Mapping Campaign, which has been going on for the past seven years. (WLOS)
3. The Asheville Police Department has identified the man wanted for using fake $100 bills at a local Walmart. Reece Coy Johnson, 32, has been charged with obtaining property by false pretense. Police released a previous booking photo of Johnson and have asked the public to help locate him. Police describe Johnson as six feet one inch tall, 180 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes, and several tattoos. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110, text TIP2APD to 847411, or use the TIP2APD smartphone app. (WYFF4 Greenville)

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Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Friday, April 7

• Live Music With Adam And The Testifiers At Taproom At Highland Brewing Co. (7:00 PM)
• Comedy At Catawba: Love Inks With Dan LaMorte And Natalie Cuomo At Catawba Brewing Company South Slope Asheville (7:00 PM; 9:30 PM)

Saturday, April 8

• Eyes Up Here Comedy At Ginger's Revenge - South Slope Lounge (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The local downtown Asheville restaurant, Holeman and Finch, permanently closed its doors on Apr. 5. The restaurant, located at 77 Biltmore Ave., posted a sign on its doors that said the restaurant staff and owners are grateful to the community for all the support and thanks patrons for "making fond memories and celebrating convivial moments with us." (Subscription: Citizen Times)
• A new exhibition titled "Edge" is open to the public now through Jul. 21 at the Asheville Regional Airport’s art gallery! The art exhibit highlights local artists and consists of many different mediums including ceramic figures, clay vessels, acrylic paintings, collages, and more. (The Biltmore Beacon)
• Going through new home listings in and around Asheville online can be fun, but it's always better to see a home in person. Check out upcoming open houses in the Asheville area, including a three-bedroom home on Stonebridge Drive at 11 a.m. on Apr. 15. (Asheville Patch)

As a heads up, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Easter holiday. You won’t be receiving a newsletter this Monday, but I’ll be back soon with your next update. In the meantime, have a great weekend!

— 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!