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Studio K Presents The Nutcracker: The Magical Holiday Tradition Continues in Boone Dec. 8-10

November 28, 2023 The Nutcracker is one of those timeless treasures that comes around once a year, performed by countless dance troupes on stages across the world. Nowhere is the seasonal ballet loved more than it is in Boone, where for nearly four decades, Studio K Youth Ballet Company has produced the enchanting presentation this time each year.From Thursday, Dec. 8 — Sunday, Dec. 10, audiences of all ages will fill the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone for the production, in which more than 300 local dancers — from ages 2 to 70 — will bring the magic to life once again. By Sherrie Norris

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The Winter Season is Underway at North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

November 28, 2023 Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, North Carolina. Tuesday, November 28, 2023 – With the snowmaking machines roaring and snow squeaking underfoot, the winter season is underway at North Carolina’s Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. Over the past few days, wintry weather has made its way to the North Carolina High Country with temperatures dipping into the teens and lower 20’s, giving the Resort’s opening team solid conditions to lay down an early season carpet of snow.     

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Movie Review: “Napoleon”

November 27, 2023 Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” did rather well for itself over Thanksgiving weekend, opening in the #2 position at the domestic box office behind the second weekend of the new “Hunger Games.” A debut at #2 behind a not-particularly-beloved returning champion may not sound impressive, but my prediction was that it wouldn’t even finish in the top three. The film is a three-hour, R-rated historical epic that isn’t getting great reviews or generating much Oscars buzz outside of the technical categories. I thought for sure its performance would pale in comparison to family-friendly fare like “Wish” or “Trolls Band Together.” By Bob Carver

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Rep. Ray Pickett to run for Re-Election in 2024

November 23, 2023 Rep. Ray Pickett has issued the following statement: “I’m excited to announce that I plan to seek re-election to the North Carolina General Assembly as the 93rd District’s representative. I’m proud of my accomplishments in the legislature, and I look forward to the chance to continue to represent my constituents in the High Country in the North Carolina House of Representatives.”

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Carlton Gallery’s Holiday Open House On November 24 And 25

November 23, 2023 Carlton Gallery begins its 41st Winter Group and Small Works Exhibition with the annual Holiday Open House on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25 – 10 to 5. Everyone is invited to start the season by visiting the gallery to view mesmerizing art in many media while enjoying hot cider or tea and holiday sweets, along with sharing in community spirit.

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Candidate Filing for 2024 Elections Begins December 4

November 23, 2023 Voters across North Carolina soon will learn the candidates who will vie for their votes in 2024. Candidate filing for most contests in the 2024 elections begins at noon on Monday, December 4, 2023, and ends at noon on Friday, December 15, 2023.

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Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. Awarded $2.5 Million Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Grant to Help Rural Northwest North Carolina Families Find Safe Shelter, Housing and Stability

November 22, 2023 Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina, a regional nonprofit  homeless services agency working in seven rural counties to provide housing, shelter, food access,  homeless prevention, street outreach, counseling, and crisis assistance, today announced that it has  received a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund—the largest gift in the organization’s  history. This is the sixth round of annual Day 1 Families Fund grants, which recognize leading  organizations doing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families experiencing homelessness  secure housing and achieve stability. 

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Grant Program for Community Enhancement Announces Avery as One of Eighteen Counties Meeting Eligibility Guidelines

November 22, 2023 The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) and Dogwood Health Trust are partnering to launch the WNC Community Enhancement Program that will award grants to charitable organizations and eligible public agencies to fund projects in downtowns or commercial corridors that enhance appearance, infrastructure, and/or the pedestrian experience. By Tim Gardner

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Sherrie Norris Lovin Spoonful Cooking Column: Visions of Sugar Plums Becoming Reality


November 22, 2023 At no time of the year are our culinary skills put to the test as they will be in the coming weeks. There just seems to be greater expectations placed on a reputable cook/baker/candy-maker during the Christmas/holiday season than at any other time. Whether self-imposed, imagined, or simply a fact of life, we who love to create confections in the kitchen are kicking into high gear to cover the bases — and our counters.  By Sherrie Norris

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$2 for Teachers!

November 21, 2023 Are you a teacher in Watauga County? As a sign of our appreciation for everything you do, Auntie Anne’s and Jamba Boone will be starting our new promotion, $2 for Teachers!

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Who are the real winners in the real estate class action lawsuits?

November 21, 2023 As the CEO of the High Country Association of Realtors® and Multiple Listing Service (MLS), representing more than 800 members and 1,100 MLS subscribers, I felt it imperative to address the current legal landscape in our industry. While there are a number of cases being litigated across the country, none of which are in North Carolina or South Carolina, the outcome of these cases will negatively impact the consumer. By Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer

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2023 Outdoor Hockey Classic

November 21, 2023 On the night of November 17th, 4,200 fans gathered at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC for the 2023 Outdoor Classic between Appalachian State and UNC Charlotte’s hockey teams. It marked the first time in the 25-year history of App’s hockey program that they played a match outdoors.  By Josh Floyd

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Local Community Clubs Recognized at WNC Honors Awards Ceremony

November 20, 2023 Several local community clubs were among those recently recognized during the annual Western North Carolina Honors Awards ceremony, a program of  the Asheville-based WNC Communities organization. Deep Gap, Foscoe, and Mountaineer Ruritan clubs of Watauga County, along with Peak Creek and Todd Ruritan clubs of Ashe county, were among those recognized on  Saturday, November 11, in Asheville.  Representatives from these groups were among the 260-plus community leaders and volunteers from 14 WNC counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who gathered for the much-anticipated event.  By Sherrie Norris

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Daniel Boone Chapter NSDAR Honors Veterans

November 20, 2023 November is a busy month for the Daniel Boone Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Also known as the NSDAR, or as more commonly recognized, the DAR, the Boone-based organization not only takes seriously the patriotism and sacrifices of their forefathers, but they also honor veterans from those early days right up to the most recent and current conflicts.  By Sherrie Norris

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Senator Hise and Representative Greene Honored

November 20, 2023 Beech Mountain, NC – Senator Ralph Hise and Representative Dudley Greene were honored at a reception given by the Beech Mountain Town Council. Both legislators received a Proclamation of Appreciation from the Town Council for their work, along with Representative Ray Pickett, to provide $14 million dollars for a drought mitigation project for the town in North Carolina’s recently passed budget.

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Movie Review: “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”

November 20, 2023 I’ve been referring to this movie as “Hunger Game of Thrones.” It’s a prequel to “The Hunger Games,” but the influence of a certain HBO fantasy series is pretty apparent with the casting of Peter Dinklage and the “Song of Ice and Fire”-like subheading. I’ve seen it as little more than an attempt to combine two franchises that were wildly popular in their 2010’s heyday, but audiences have since left behind, frankly with a bad taste in their mouths after underwhelming finales. Watching the whole movie as opposed to gleaming the advertising does make it feel like less of an ill-advised cash grab, but still not great.   By Bob Carver

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Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: The Thanksgiving Countdown Has Begun!


November 16, 2023 Folks, we’re just a week away from Thanksgiving. Funny how it seems like only  yesterday we were filling treat bags and now we’re ready to stuff the turkey. Let’s keep Thanksgiving in our hearts every day and be mindful of our blessings. Let’s try harder to take nothing —or no one — for granted. And for those who have an empty seat at the table, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as  you face this holiday season. By Sherrie Norris

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October 2023 MLS Report

November 15, 2023  The Natonal Associaton of REALTORS® recently released its 2023 Profile of Home Buyes and Sellers. The report states, “that reliance on real estate professionals remains strong. Although 100% of respondents said they used the internet in the home search process, a vast majority—89% of both buyers and sellers—said they worked with a real estate professional on their sale or purchase. Only 5% of sellers cited the “agent’s commission” as an important factor in choosing their agent: Reputa􀆟on of the agent, whether the agent was “honest and trustworthy,” and knowledge of the neighborhood ranked as the most important factors”.

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