The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo is a website dedicated to news and information about the people, places and events in and around the Swannanoa Valley.

It is produced by Fred McCormick, who has served as a journalist, editor and photographer in the community since 2014.

01/05/2026

The Black Mountain Town Council, in a special called meeting this morning, selected Richard Hicks to serve as interim town manager. The administrator will step into the role, Jan. 20. Find out more about the decision and search for a permanent town manager in the story below.

Richard Hicks to begin temporary administrative role, Jan. 20 Fred McCormick The Valley Echo January 5, 2026

12/30/2025

This year, as the Swannanoa Valley continued its recovery from Helene, the community witnessed the return of old traditions, addition of new businesses and a renewed sense of determination. With a new year beginning in the coming days, below is a look back at the top stories of 2025.

Looking back at the top stories of 2025 Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 30, 2025

12/22/2025

The Black Mountain Town Council plans to interview two candidates for the interim town manager position, while considering executive search firms to assist in the process of identifying a permanent replacement for the role. Find out more in the story below.

Town council meets to discuss administrative transition plan Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 21, 2025

12/19/2025

A local fundraiser that encourages the community to celebrate the holiday season while helping neighbors stay warm through the winter is back for its 15th year. Find out where to find the 52 entries in Deck the Trees and why the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry is seeing increased demand for assistance, in the story below.

Annual fundraiser debuts new format in 15th year Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 19, 2025

12/17/2025

An elegant dining experience, crafted by local couple and restaurant veterans Chef Jake and Ali Whitman, has come to Cherry Street. Read all about Bev’s Steak, an upscale Japanese-inspired steakhouse, in the story below.

New downtown steakhouse shares creative twist on Japanese influences in ‘cozy, but refined’ atmosphere Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 4, 2025

12/16/2025

An annual celebration of the local business community recognized the efforts of volunteers, supporters and merchants, as the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce hosted its Christmas Dinner and Gala. Find out more about the event and view photos of the gathering in the story and gallery below.

Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce recognizes members, nonprofits and volunteers with festive soirée Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 15, 2025

12/15/2025

The Black Mountain Town Council held a special called meeting and closed session this morning to discuss the recent resignation of the town manager. Find out more about the board’s plans to seek an interim administrator before permanently filling the position in the story below.

Special call meeting and closed session begins discussion following resignation of Josh Harrold Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 15, 2025

12/13/2025

Senior Asante Martin scored 33 points while grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists last night, as Owen opened its conference schedule with a 69-57 victory at home over Polk. See photos of the game in the gallery below.

Senior Asante Martin scores 33 in home victory over Wolverines Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 12, 2025

12/12/2025

Black Mountain native Mike Begley, who has practiced law in his hometown for 40 years, has been enshrined in the N.C. Bar Association Legal Practice Hall of Fame. Find out more about the attorney and former mayor, and how his focus on service and humility has guided his professional and personal life, in the story below.

Black Mountain attorney’s 48-year career honored by state bar association Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 10, 2025

12/07/2025

The holiday season is underway in the Swannanoa Valley, with the return of the annual Black Mountain Christmas Parade. See photos of the celebration, organized by the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, in the gallery below.

Annual Christmas parade rolls through Downtown Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 6, 2025

12/06/2025

More than a year after Tropical Storm Helene forced the popular Black Mountain eatery to move into a temporary location, Ole’s Guacamoles celebrared the return to its longtime home. Find out more about the local business, including its future plans to return to Asheville, in the story below.

Popular Black Mountain restaurant returns to previous location, following extensive Helene damage Fred McCormick The Valley Echo December 6, 2025

11/26/2025

Three Warhorses, led by a career-high 24 points from senior Jackson Warnock, scored in double digits last night, as Owen secured its fourth straight victory to open the season. See photos of the home team’s 69-49 win over R-S Central in the gallery below.

Owen senior scores career-high in 69-49 home victory Fred McCormick The Valley Echo November 25, 2025

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http://www.thevalleyecho.com/

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