From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A widespread Spectrum internet and phone outage across Buncombe County about 2:30 a.m. Aug. 4 was caused by a criminal act of vandalism on London Road in South Asheville, where wires and fiber optic cables were pulled down from a utility pole, Patrick Paterno, senior director of field communications for Spectrum, noted in an official statement.

Spectrum’s service in the county reportedly was fully restored by 4:05 p.m. Aug. 4.

 Following is a summary of the impact of the outage:

• Public services: Buncombe County administrative phone lines and non-emergency services were temporarily disrupted, although emergency 911 dispatch remained fully functional. 

• Local businesses: Downtown Asheville restaurants, medical offices like Novant Health Surgical Partners, and remote workers experienced widespread internet and communication disruptions. 

• Motive and industry trends: Spectrum’s statement noted that thieves frequently target and cut lines mistakenly believing they contain valuable copper, even though fiber optic cables contain none. The company also pointed out that the telecom industry faced more than 18,000 such criminal attacks in 2025.

From Staff Reports 

LAKE LIURE, N.C. — Lake Lure’s beloved Rainbow Bridge, which was washed away by Tropical Storm Helene on Sept. 27, 2024, is being rebuilt as part of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge garden restoration.

Work on a new 12-foot structure and custom water feature began Aug. 7-8, with the permanent memorial project projected for completion by the end of the year. 

Hundreds of recovered pet collars will find a permanent home on the new bridge. 

Following are details of the iconic bridge’s background and destruction:

• Helene’s severe floodwaters devastated the historic gardens and completely washed away the original Rainbow Bridge.

• The site served as an emotional memorial where grieving owners hung collars and tags to remember lost pets.

• Hundreds of missing collars and parts of the original structure were later uncovered in the debris by local contractors and volunteers.

From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —Asheville City Schools eliminated its middle and high school orchestra programs for the 2026–27 school year, citing low student enrollment. 

The decision was finalized on Aug. 10, when the city Board of Education deadlocked 3-3 on a motion to reverse the cuts.

A subsequent Board of Education vote to reverse the cut resulted in another 3–3 deadlock, leaving the termination in place despite heavy protests from students, parents and community members. 

Reasons cited for the cut and its ramifications are as follows:

• Low enrollment: District officials stated that student numbers in the strings program were too low to justify retaining the teacher allocation. 

• State funding limits: Leaders noted that tighter state teacher allotments and localized funding constraints forced difficult choices regarding staff distribution.

• Staff reassignment: The primary orchestra teacher, Franklin Keel, is being reassigned elsewhere within the district.

Following is a summary of the community outcry and response…

• Packed board meeting: Dozens of students and parents turned out at the Asheville City Schools Administration Building wearing “Save Our Strings” gear and holding instruments to protest.

• Student advocacy: Young students spoke out about how the tight-knit music community provided emotional support, academic focus and a sense of belonging. 

• Deadlocked vote: A motion brought before the school board to save the program tied 3–3, meaning the cancellation stands. District staff have stated they will help affected students transition into alternative electives.