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Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce and Mitchell Economic Development Commission Unite Forces to Drive Local Prosperity

March 11, 2024 In a landmark move shifted to amplify economic growth and foster community development, the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce and the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission have announced their decision to join forces. The strategic merger brings together two powerhouse organizations dedicated to advancing the economic vitality and prosperity of Mitchell County and its residents. By combining resources, expertise, and networks, the unified, but separate entity will significantly enhance its capacity to attract investment, support local businesses, and cultivate a thriving economic environment throughout the county. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Mitchell County trajectory, signaling a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

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ECRS Makes Donation to AppHealthCare’s Mother-Baby Home Visiting Program

March 11, 2024 ECRS, a local transaction and retail solutions business, has made a donation to AppHealthCare’s Mother-Baby Home Visiting program. The $5,000 donation will be given to the F.A.R.M. Cafe to support the purchase of meals for families participating in the Mother-Baby program in Watauga, Ashe and Avery Counties. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to give back to a program that gave me a lot of support when I had my son in December of last year.” said Caroline Catoe, ECRS President. “No matter your circumstances, every mother needs a village around her when she has a baby. Having an experienced nurse come to my home, provide me with tips and a warm meal, and check on my health and my baby’s was so beneficial. I only wish this program had existed when I first became a mother several years ago.”

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Local Author, Randy Johnson, Named Travel Media Competition Winner from NATJA


March 8, 2024 The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) announced that High Country writer Randy Johnson has won a Gold Award and an Honorable Mention in the 32nd Annual North American Travel Journalists Awards. The awards are held annually by NATJA, a national organization of travel journalists, to honor the best in travel writing, photography and destination marketing. Both awards were given for articles that Johnson published in WNC Magazine, a Western North Carolina lifestyle magazine based in Asheville and a sister publication of Charleston and other magazines.Johnson won Gold in the “Cultural Travel” category for a feature article titled, “The Life and Legacy of Shelby Native and Bluegrass Icon Earl Scruggs,” about the Earl Scruggs music center museum and local music venues (in the Fall 2023 issue).

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2024 Avery Primary Election Results… Burnop, Webb, and Wright Claim School Board Seats; Incumbents Aldridge and Phillips Join Benfield in Winning County Commission Republican Primary

March 6, 2024 Three first-time candidates for county offices and two incumbents won in their respective races to highlight Tuesday’s Primary Election in Avery County. In the Republican County Commissioners race, incumbent Dennis Aldridge received the highest number of votes with 1,860.  His fellow-incumbent, Tim Phillips, finished second with 1,841 votes. Junior Benfield finished third with 1,661 votes. Jason Grindstaff was fourth with 1,396 votes. Former county commissioner Bill Beuttell finished fifth with 1,387 votes and Josh Aldridge was sixth with 792 votes. By Tim Gardner

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Avery Board of Commissioners Approve Paying for Architectural Plans for Proposed Parks and Recreation Center 


March 6, 2024 For the highlight of their regular monthly meeting on March 4, the Avery County Commissioners approved paying an estimated $101,350.00 to an architectural company to develop plans for a new Parks and Recreation Center for the County. All commissioners—Chairman Tim Phillips, Vice-Chairman Dennis Aldridge, Martha Hicks, Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr., and Robert Burleson—were present for the meeting. County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr., Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Board Cindy Turbyfill, County Finance Officer Caleb Hogan, and County Attorney Michaelle Poore were also in attendance. The commissioners adopted a resolution in favor of paying the CPL Architecture-Engineering-Planning Company of Charlotte, North Carolina —for its architectural services for the proposed parks and recreation center by a 3 to 2 vote. By Tim Gardner

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Superior Civil Court Lawsuit By Former Director of 911 Emergency Communications Against County of Avery Scheduled for March 25

March 6, 2024 A trail for a lawsuit filed by a former employee against the County of Avery is set to begin on March 25 in Avery County Superior Civil Court. James (Jamey) Johnson, a former Avery County Communications Department-911 Emergency Call Center Director filed the lawsuit, claiming Wrongful Discharge and a State of North Carolina Constitution Violation after being fired from the post by county officials. By Tim Gardner

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Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Finalists for 8th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards

March 6, 2024 Sixteen members of the High Country community have been selected as category finalists for the 8th-annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards. This showcase of emerging leaders is presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, set for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Appalachian Theatre in Boone. Red carpet arrivals and a pre-event reception set the stage for an evening of celebration and recognition. This year, 67 nominations were received across four categories: Business Owner, Education Professional, Non-Profit Professional, and Rising Star. Nominees were acknowledged for their business achievements, community and civic involvement, and other related activities

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Wilkes Community College Dental Assisting Students Volunteer at Give Kids A Smile Event

March 6, 2024 The dental assisting students at Wilkes Community College volunteered at the Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic on Friday, February 2, 2024, as part of the Give Kids A Smile program. The program was created by the American Dental Association Foundation in 2003 to provide oral health care services and education to underprivileged children. The students contributed to providing care for approximately 60 patients, all of whom were Wilkes County natives with no dental insurance coverage. The event was made possible by the volunteering of dentists, hygienists, assistants, and students, and over $34,000 worth of treatment was provided free of cost to these patients. The patients received a range of dental procedures, including preventive and restorative care

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CCC&TI Partners with Local Eye Care Physicians to Offer First Ophthalmic Apprenticeships in NC

March 1, 2024 Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and professionals with Morganton Eye Physicians, Graystone Eye and Western Carolina Eye Associates have recently partnered together to offer new pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for students interested in entering the field of ophthalmology. These agreements are the first of their kind in the state and offer local students the opportunity to get hands-on experience and training in the clinical setting.

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Community Support Needed For Boone Woman Volunteering in African Children’s Home

February 26, 2024 McKenna Gragg of Boone is known for her love for children and making sure they receive the best of care in any situation. Since a child herself, Gragg has had a heart for serving others and at no time has that been more evident than in her recent decision to leave Boone for an ultimate childcare experience. “I am planning to go to Johannesburg, South Africa in July to spend a few months volunteering at Door of Hope children’s home,” Gragg shared recently with High Country Press. Door of Hope, she explained, is a Christian nonprofit organization that has been open for nearly a quarter of a century and has saved over 1500 infants from abandonment. By Sherrie Norris

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Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Permanently Protects the Johns River Headwaters and Iconic Viewshed in Blowing Rock

February 19, 2024 Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina announces the purchase and permanent protection of a 326-acre parcel of land in Blowing Rock, NC, that contains the headwaters of the Johns River and is part of an iconic view seen from The Blowing Rock attraction, U.S. 321 and other locations within the town limits of Blowing Rock.The property is positioned on the Blue Ridge escarpment, partially located in both the Blowing Rock and Globe communities of Caldwell County, and is part of the viewshed corridor of the sweeping and magnificent mountainous panorama.

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On Feb, 18th Avery County Sheriff’s Office Responded to Residence with Female Critically Injured and Male Subject Deceased Outside

February 19, 2024 On Sunday 18 February 2024, Avery County 911 Center received a call in reference to a 58 year old female unconscious and breathing at 128 Peregrine Lane, Newland NC. Avery County Medics responded to the residence and located a female critically injured inside the residence and a male subject deceased outside the residence. Avery County Sheriff’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. The investigation is in the preliminary stages and is ongoing. This incident is believed to be isolated and poses no threat to the community. When the investigation is completed, we will provide an update of our findings. 

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Matthew Makdad Named General Manager of App State’s New River Light and Power


February 19, 2024 Matthew Makdad, P.E., has been named general manager of Appalachian State University’s New River Light and Power (NRLP), effective Feb. 1. Makdad had previously served as the utility’s engineering supervisor since 2017. In his new role, Makdad is responsible for overseeing the operations of NRLP, ensuring safe and reliable electricity is provided to the nearly 9,000 commercial and residential customers within the public power utility’s territory in and around Boone, including the App State Boone campus. The utility’s infrastructure includes 1,500 transformers and nearly 100 miles of overhead and underground power lines. Makdad leads a motivated team of highly skilled lineworkers, technicians and support staff that includes business officers, customer service representatives, billing, mapping and communications.

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Crossnore Communities for Children Elects New Board Members, Including One from Linville

February 19, 2024  Crossnore Communities for Children is proud to announce three new members to its Board of Trustees. Dr. April Ruffin-Adams from Winston-Salem, Thomas (Tom) Dale from Linville, and Austin Szyperski from Charlotte were welcomed to the Crossnore Board at the annual meeting on January 26. For more than 100 years, Crossnore Communities for Children has worked to help each child find their way home. Crossnore serves children and families in western North Carolina through foster care and adoptions, outpatient and school-based therapy services, family preservation, and Youth Independent Living.

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Town of Boone Notification of Discharge of Untreated Wastewater on February 16, 2024

February 19, 2024 North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters. In accordance with that regulation. The following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county. The Town of Boone had a discharge of untreated wastewater on February 16, 2024 of an estimated 7,000 gallons located in the area of 346 Howard Street. The discharge started at 2:00 p.m. and continued until 9 p.m.. The untreated wastewater was discharged into the Boone Creek in the New River River Basin.

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Avery County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Dan Brigman, Contract Is Renewed


February 15, 2024 The Avery County Board of Education renewed the contract of Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Brigman during its regular monthly meeting on Monday night, February 12. All Board members were present at the meeting–Chairman John Greene, Vice-Chairwoman Kathey Aldridge, Pat Edwards, and Randy Singleton.  The contract renewal was approved by a 3 to 1 vote. Greene, Aldridge, and Edwards vote in favor of renewing the contract. Singleton voted against. Dr. Brigman became Avery County’s superintendent during the 2019-2020 school year. His contract renewal will be for four additional years, and more precisely, approximately three years and five months since it is retroactive back to July 1, 2023

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UPDATE: Arrest Made in Watauga County Sheriff’s Office Investigation into a Homicide

February 9, 2024 The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred earlier today at 5350 NC Hwy 194 North. At approximately 5:48pm, the Watauga County 911 Center received a call reporting that someone had been shot at this address.  Alexander Matthew Jackson, 25 years old and resident of 5350 NC Highway 194 North Boone, NC; was taken into custody following his contact with 911 communications shortly after the incident. Jackson reported to authorities that he had shot Michael Ross, 38, of Elk Park, NC.

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February 9th Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for March 5 Primary Election

February 6, 2024  Eligible North Carolinians who want to cast their ballot in person on Primary Election Day – Tuesday, March 5 – must register to vote by Friday, Feb. 9. Feb. 9 is also the deadline for registered voters to change their party affiliation before the primary. Under state law, the regular voter registration deadline is 25 days before an election. Individuals who miss the deadline may register and vote during the in-person early voting period, which runs from Feb. 15 through March 2, at any early voting site in their county.

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Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Releases Its Final Economic Indicators Report for 2023

February 1, 2024  As the first month of 2024 nears its conclusion, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce released its Q4 Economic Indicators Report for 2023. This redesigned quarterly report examines five key statistics within the Watauga County & High Country Economy, featuring a summary of local impacts by Dr. Harry Davis, Appalachian State and North Carolina Bankers Association Professor and long-standing regional economist. The report also includes quick stats and commentary on local commercial real estate activity provided by James Milner, CCIM, Appalachian Commercial Real Estate and a summary of the residential real estate market supplied by Stacie Pineda, Stacie Pineda Real Estate Group.

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Grandfather Mountain’s 2023 Weather in Review

January 31, 2024  Grandfather Mountain is a rugged place known for its wild and fast-changing weather. While no records were set or broken in 2023, the year saw many noteworthy monthly totals, according to data collected at the nature park’s official weather reporting stations near the Mile High Swinging Bridge and Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Some notable observations, and how they compare to Grandfather’s 69 years of recorded data, are included in the story.

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NC State Lottery Commission Approves March 11 as Start Date for Legal Sports Wagering

January 25, 2024  RALEIGH –The North Carolina State Lottery Commission on Wednesday set Monday, March 11, as the day that legal sports wagering can begin in North Carolina. Under the Sports Wagering Authorization approved by the commission, members of the public who are twenty-one years old or more and who have established accounts with a licensed operator can use their phone or electronic device as of noon, March 11, to place sports wagers on licensed operators’ sports wagering platforms. The Authorization also sets Friday, March 1, as the date when licensed operators can begin registering accounts for new players and accepting account deposits.

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Watauga County Communicable Disease Situation Update from Appalachian District Health Department

January 22, 2024  Cases reflected in Watauga County data are categorized by the reporting county, and have been updated to include both confirmed and probable cases. Confirmed and probable cases are classified based on case definitions for the respective disease according to the NC Communicable Disease Manual and as classified in the North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System. Cases not reported include sensitive cases that may be identifiable due to low numbers and concerns for patient identity and privacy. Cases are categorized monthly based on their earliest date of their symptoms, or if unavailable or not relevant, their test date. Due to delays in reporting, data in recent months may be incomplete, and data in prior months may change as cases are reported.

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W.A.M.Y.’s ‘Santa for Seniors’ Gift Drive Brings Holiday Cheer to More than 1400

January 22, 2024  “December 2023 marked the fifth year of W.A.M.Y. Community Action’s “Santa for Seniors” gift drive. With generous support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, WAMY successfully distributed a record number of more than1,400 holiday gift bags to senior citizens in assisted living facilities, under hospice care, or homebound. These gifts were personally delivered by dedicated local volunteers and contained items such as blankets, puzzle books, lotion, lip balm, socks, candies, and other treats. WAMY continues to serve individuals in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.

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February’s Agenda Item Submission Deadline and Solicitation for Boards for the Town of Boone

January 18, 2024 If anyone wishes to have an agenda item considered by the Boone Town Council at one of their upcoming regular meetings, scheduled for Wednesday, February 14 at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., it must be submitted to the Town Clerk by Friday, February 2, 2024, at 5 p.m. The Town of Boone is also currently soliciting applications from people who would like to serve on the following boards: See Story

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Man Arrested After Disrupting the Avery County Board of Commissioners Meeting on January 16


January 19, 2024 A male was arrested after disrupting the Avery County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, January 16, at the start of its public comment segment. The male, William Barthel, age 30, of Spruce Pine, had a banner with him at the back of the Commissioner’s Board Room in the County Administration Building in Newland that contained a vulgarity. As moderator of the meeting, Board Chairman Tim Phillips asked Barthel to remove the banner.  He refused and Phillips then asked the two Avery County sheriff’s deputies present to remove Barthel from the meeting for disruption of it. After a brief scuffle with sheriff’s deputies in the Board room, Barthel was removed by them to the adjoining hallway.

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