WCU teams with Blue Ridge Pride Center
A collaboration between Western Carolina University, the University of North Carolina Asheville and the Blue Ridge Pride Center will gather oral histories, archival materials and photos for an ongoing LGBTQ+ community research project.
The Blue Ridge Pride Center is a nonprofit founded in 2008 and estimates the region is home to some 35,000 people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Amanda Wray, project founder for the Pride Center, is an associate professor at UNCA, teaching women’s studies, gender and sexuality studies, and writing and rhetoric courses. Her academic work and her civic efforts concentrate on equity and anti-racist rhetoric, oral history research and community engagement within higher education.
COVID cluster found at Waynesville Police Department
Statement from Waynesville Police Department: The Waynesville Police Department has taken the necessary steps to identify those affected and exposed. We are thankful that those that have been affected are home recovering and getting the care they need. While navigating these cases, there has been no lapse in service or impact on our ability to serve this community. Law-enforcement and other first responders continue to answer calls and interact with the public in a very uncontrolled environment. That role requires us to enter into persons’ homes, have direct physical contact with people, and transport individuals in our vehicles. While continuing to perform our duties, in a variety of situations and scenarios, we will continue to do so in the safest manner possible and do our part in limiting the spread of this virus.”
Resuming court proceedings now in local hands
Newly elected Chief Justice Paul Newby wants judicial districts, not state officials, deciding when and how to resume full court functions, including jury trials.
This week, Newby said he believes key coronavirus-connected safety decisions are better made at the local level, by judges, and not in Raleigh.
He suggested court officials consult with local health directors and examine other data.
“We will be following the lead of our two senior resident superior court judges and the chief district judge,” District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said. “They fully understand the dangers of COVID-19 and the continued need for appropriate safety precautions.”