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Remembering Elizabeth Young: A Champion to the End

August 22, 2023 Few death announcements have affected more people across Watauga County than that of Elizabeth Young on Sunday, Aug. 20. Most knew Elizabeth from the Hunger & Health Coalition in Boone, where since 2014, she served until recently as the nonprofit organization’s Executive Director. Others might have become acquainted with her in her earlier role as  Director of Community Relations at Deerfield Assisted Living, or after her promotion there to the facility’s Executive Director.  By Sherrie Norris

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Patriarch of Cabbage Row, Dale Greene, Passes Away at 83

July 5, 2023 The death of Dale Greene has left a void not only in the High Country, but also along the entire east coast; as the owner of Hollar and Greene Produce Company, headquartered in Boone, Greene was known far and wide for his business acumen, his compassion and generosity. By Sherrie Norris

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Remembering Lillian Turchin

May 15, 2023 Lillian Grace Athey Turchin, a remarkable artist whose life was an embodiment of love, family, and the joy of creation, passed away on May 13, 2023, at the extraordinary age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire. Born on July 8, 1925, in New Orleans, Lillian was the daughter of Mena Pulitzer Athey and Bert Floyd Athey. Growing up in a close-knit family, she shared countless joyous moments with her adored brother, Harold Athey, and a vast network of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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AMOREM Patient Receives Phone Call from Peyton Manning

April 27, 2023 MORGANTON — Peyton Manning made a special phone call on March 3 to one of his biggest fans, Tammy Haga. Haga was admitted to AMOREM services in early February with a diagnosis of metastatic bone cancer. Not long after meeting Haga, her AMOREM care team learned of her admiration for NFL legend, Peyton Manning.

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Remembering Lee Warren —Community Saddened by Death of Beloved Longtime Dentist

March 20, 2023 The unexpected death of longtime local dentist, Robert “Lee” Warren, on Friday, March 17, has saddened the High Country. As his obituary so aptly describes, “The world has lost a true gentleman, renowned dentist, beloved husband and loving father. As news of Warren’s death began to circulate over the weekend, tributes began pouring into the family via phone calls, texts, social media and personal visits. By Sherrie Norris

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Lee Winston Ammann, Beloved Son, Husband, Father, Family Member and Friend to Many, Passed Away Suddenly on Saturday, February 11


February 16, 2023 . With deepest sorrow we announce that Lee Winston Ammann, our beloved son, husband, father, family member and friend to many, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Those who knew Lee, even just a little, have lost a shining light in their lives. He was a wonderful, fun-loving father and never met a stranger, being, as the situation required, goofy, funny, sympathetic, and compassionate. He was generous with his time and always strove to lift up those family and friends who needed help. And his smile could light up a room and always brought an answering smile to others.

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High Country Mourns Death of Beloved Judge, Alexander Lyerly; Flags Flying at Half-Staff in His Honor

December 15, 2022 As news began to circulate on Tuesday of the death of beloved Judge Alexander Banner Lyerly, tributes started pouring in on social media and through other media outlets across the High Country and all of Western North Carolina. The first official tribute was released as a proclamation by the Town of Banner Elk in memory of its native son, and where his wife, Brenda Lyerly, serves as long-time mayor. The resolution, highlighting some of Judge Lyerly’s contributions to the area, also requested that flags locally be flown at half-mast in his memory and honor. By Sherrie Norris

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