Station News

written by Malachi Mena

During the month of July, The Asheville  Blade celebrated their tenth anniversary. They shared with us the story of the spark that lit the fuse, resulting in the creation of the decade old local news co-op. 

On Asheville FM’s , Sweet Tea, KP Whaley intervieweds David Forbes, founder of The Asheville Blade. She explained the issues faced with her past position as a writer for Mountain Xpress 10 years ago. With concerns regarding working conditions to management to overall ethics, Forbes as well as multiple other writers attempted to unionize. 

In December 2013, Forbes was working on a story exposing slumlords in Buncombe County. She said the specific case in which she was focusing on was extensively documented, with the Board of realtors along with Buncombe County records showing proof of poor housing conditions. As soon as the story was complete and ready for publishing, the story was pulled by the editor, in concerns of it reflecting too poorly on landlords. Forbes was pressured to rewrite her piece to ultimately favor landlords but firmly refused. She didn’t feel she could let this case go unexposed, so she created a blog where she could post this expose, resulting in the creation of The Asheville Blade. 

Forbes settled on the name, finding interest in the term “Blade” and its history. Not only was the name used for militant abolition and pro labor publications in the aftermath of the civil war, but was also used in the first publications of groundbreaking queer media in the 60’s & 70’s. Additionally, Forbes goes on to say that “a blade sends a message, you know? Since day one … we’ve been here to fight.”

The team behind The Asheville Blade recognizes that their work seemingly comes with retaliation but this doesn’t prevent them from reporting on the things they value. Rather, this retaliation motivates and sparks greater motivation for those at The Asheville Blade and the future of their co-op. In their article “The Blade Turns 10,” the coop says “We come through all this more dedicated than ever to the path ahead,” as they make a toast to the next 10 years.  

written by Jordan Lenoir

The NC Herb Association invites herb enthusiasts to join them along with special speakers to Wild Herb Weekend.  The event promises to  promote the production of herbs, the further education and research of herbs, and herbal products. 

On the Asheville FM Newshour, Patryk Battle interviewed Dr. Jeanine Davis who revealed what attendees can expect, anticipate, and prepare for at Wild Herb Weekend! 

Dr. Davis, who specializes in Horticulture Sciences at NC State University stated that the purpose of The NC Herb Association is to “promote the growing, marketing, and use of herbs and herb products [and we do this] through education and when we have the funding we support some research.” Along with their newsletter and self-sponsored conferences, they partner with other organizations “all working to keep the standards and quality of herbal products high.” 

Battle also gave some brief insight into Wild Herb Weekend, calling it an idyllic scene and a jam-packed schedule with diverse herb-related subjects. This exciting weekend takes place in Valle Crucis in a beautiful 450 acre valley south of Boone surrounded by several trails, nature, a waterfall, and rustically historic architecture. Dr. Davis expressed that Wild Herb Weekend is her “favorite event of the whole year.” There are many presentations, classes, and workshops along with special guest speakers; Robin Rose Bennett, Mark Williams, and Doug Elliot. All meals are served in the cafeteria with a wide variety of food. Most dietary needs can be met as well. Dr. Davis also reveals that this event is “not designed for children”  

The NCHA was established in 1987 and has been holding Wild Herb festivities since 1988. According to Dr. Davis’ article on NCHA’s website NC Herb Association, the 80s were a new and exciting time for herbs. Several cooking shows and magazines were devoting entire sections of their media toward herbs. Along with the flourish of herbs in the media, came the uprise of herbal products. During this new uproar of herbs, a marketing specialist, Ross Williams saw the great potential for herbs and conducted a small meeting of herb business owners interested in starting a commodity group. The following year, the first official meeting of the NCHA was conducted. Following this meeting, the very first Herb Day was organized. Just like every year, the very first Wild Herb Weekend was held at the Valle Crucis Conference Center in July of 1988. Wild Herb Weekend was started to honor Herb Day and continue spreading its celebratory mission. 

For more on Wild Herb Weekend and The NCHA visit https://www.ncherbassociation.org/ 

AshevilleFM Live Music Sessions – Reggie Headen and Nightime Noon