Buncombe County Government offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. This closure includes several county services and departments, while some essential operations will continue as usual.
The Buncombe County Veterans Services Office continues to support local veterans and their families by offering help with disability compensation, pensions not related to service, survivor benefits, and other resources. The office is staffed by Veteran Services Officers Sherry Manning, Mary Ratka, and Heath Smith (Marine Corps). More information can be found at www.buncombenc.gov/617/Veterans-Services.
To recognize veterans and raise awareness of available support services, Buncombe County will participate in Operation Green Light—a national initiative from NACo—by shining green lights at the Buncombe County Courthouse and Health and Human Services building from November 4–11. Residents are encouraged to show support by displaying green lights at home or work. “To honor veterans and highlight local support services, Buncombe County will shine green lights from November 4–11 at the Buncombe County Courthouse (home to Veterans Treatment Court) and Health and Human Services building (home to Veterans Services). This is part of Operation Green Light, a national initiative by NACo to show appreciation for those who served. Residents are encouraged to join by displaying a green light at home or work to show support and help connect veterans with the resources they deserve.”
A Veterans Day Ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville. ART Bus service will be available for those attending.
Most county offices—including Animal Shelter, Sheriff’s Office front desk, administrative offices for Emergency Services & Public Safety Communications, Election Services, Family Justice Center, Health & Human Services (BCHHS), Helene Resource Center, Identification Bureau, One Buncombe Call Center, Parks & Recreation administration offices (with Owen Park, Karpen soccer Field, and Alexander River Park remaining closed), Public Libraries (with digital library access still available), Register of Deeds (online services remain open), and Tax Collections/Property Assessment—will be closed on Nov. 11.
Some operations such as FCC Environmental trash and recycling collection services will operate on a regular schedule that day. Mountain Mobility transit service will also maintain its normal schedule. The Landfill and Transfer Station will remain open.
In education news relevant to local students: In the 2022-23 school year in Buncombe County school districts:
– Of 2,010 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT exam 573 (28.5%) were considered ready for college, while among juniors taking the same test 582 out of 1,931 (30.1%) met college readiness benchmarks.
– For reading on the ACT exam 827 seniors out of 2,010 (41.1%) reached college readiness, with juniors performing similarly—835 out of 1,931 (43.2%) were considered ready.
– In math ACT scores 514 seniors out of 2,010 (25.6%) met college-ready standards; junior students did slightly better with 631 out of 1,931 (32.7%) considered ready for college-level math.
All county residents are invited to participate in events honoring veterans during this period.
