School closes amid western NC gas shortage

ASHEVILLE — The gas shortage in western North Carolina is forcing a community college to close for at least the rest of the week.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College said on its Web site Wednesday the school would close at 4:30 p.m. and remain closed though Sunday. Officials planned to decide Sunday whether the school would remain closed longer.

Classes were canceled on its three campuses and at community locations. Messages left Wednesday with the president’s office and communications department weren’t immediately returned.

Gov. Mike Easley said earlier Wednesday that more gasoline is headed to the fuel-starved region. The governor said oil companies are aware of the gas shortage in the Southeast and are working to transfer fuel into North Carolina.

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