Running water returns to some areas of Asheville; some western NC students back in school

On Sunday, the Executive Director of ArtsAVL -- which supports the arts in Asheville and Buncombe County -- said roughly 80% of Asheville's River Arts District was destroyed in the storm, which could carry some major financial implications.

"Our artists and arts organizations are a major economic driver, and revitalizer," said Katie Cornell, ArtsAVL's Executive Director. According to ArtsAVL, the Asheville Arts scene helps support up to $1 billion in annual sales for the regional economy -- and supports thousands of jobs.

Four students in the Buncombe County Schools district have died from the impacts of Helene.

Buncombe County Schools (BCS) Superintendent Rob Jackson confirmed this news Friday during a Board of Education meeting. The names of the students were not released.

"I'm extremely brokenhearted to share that since the storm's arrival, we've also lost four of our students," he said. "In that loss, and in the tragedy, what we have seen is a response, where I believe that we can take pride in and be heartened by, as we've seen neighbor reach out to neighbors, as we've seen the hands come forward to say what can I do for you?"

Appalachian State University will resume classes after fall break on October 16.

The interim chancellor announced the university, county, town and chamber decided after reporting the infrastructure damaged by Helene is improving.

App State will continue to help students, faculty and staff impacted by Helene.

Officials decided to resume classes on Oct. 16 since the infrastructure damaged by Helene is improving.

Volunteers with the nonprofit Footprint Project and a local solar installation company delivered a solar generator with six 245-watt solar panels, a 24-volt battery and an AC power inverter. The panels now rest on a grassy hill outside the community building.

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