High Country Press

August 22, 2019. This year we celebrate two key events from 1969 that defined us as seekers of science and soul. Like many, I well remember our first steps on the moon that July 20th and the historic mid-August gathering, An Aquarian Exposition: Three Days of Peace and Music, aka Woodstock. Last weekend offered up two Woodstock 50-year celebrations on the rolling land of Max Yasgur‘s Farm in Bethel, NY., the site of 1969’s Woodstock festival. I was blessed to be able to experience both. Imagine pastures, meadows and woods as far as the eye can see, two lane roads and classic American farms  – a land that looks much like it did 50 years ago. No big box stores or franchise wars have stripped the character of this idyllic land. Now, imagine those acres blanketed with families, friends, and strangers clad to reveal their flower power and coming together with hopes to share something special in peace for all. That pretty much sums up the Woodstock site and the vibe, then and now. By Todd Bush / Read more…

August 22, 2019. As 2019’s start to college football season draws closer, Appalachian State arrives this season with a sense of optimistic uncertainty that is both similar and different from the year before. Whereas in 2018 the question of Zac Thomas’ ability to replace long-time starter Taylor Lamb was up in the air, now we find the question of how effective an offense which put up solid numbers last season will function under new leadership with a change in the coaching staff. While on Media Day Coach Drinkwitz mentioned adding an experienced staff makes for an easier system implementation, he also plans to search for a balance of new and old by not shifting too far away from the team’s past identity and building on what has worked with what can work. I expect this to translate into a pretty equal offense somewhat split between rushing and passing, but there is a lot of room for the passing game to be a big part of how Appalachian actually moves the ball down the field in tougher situations. By Colby Gable / Read more…

August 22, 2019. The Carolina Snowbelles, a local precision dance troupe, will be bringing “Christmas in August” to the Town of Banner Elk on August 31 at 7:00 p.m. with a holiday themed, Rockettes-style performance in the Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae College. The Mayor of Banner Elk, Brenda Lyerly, has gone so far as to welcome the festivities with an official proclamation declaring the dates of August 30 and 31 “Christmas in August” in the Town of Banner Elk. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

August 22, 2019. Craft beer lovers and brewers will gather in Boone to celebrate the 12th annual High Country Beer Fest on Saturday, August 24, 2019, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. at the High Country Fairgrounds. Summer’s coolest event will feature more than 60 breweries, live music, local craft food, and educational seminars — all served up in the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. High Country Beer Fest showcases the best of locally crafted beers, as well as beers and ciders from craft and micro-breweries from across the region and the country. The event takes place at the High Country Fairgrounds, 784 Roby Greene Road, Boone, NC.  / Read more…

August 22, 2019. History buffs and train enthusiasts are invited to unite for a weekend-long event to celebrate the golden age of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC), as well as Tweetsie Railroad’s historic, narrow gauge, steam locomotives on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 and 25, 2019 at Tweetsie Railroad theme park. “As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ET&WNC being extended to Boone, N.C. in 1919, locomotive No. 190 will pull an 1870s vintage coach car on non-stop trips around the mountain to recreate historic trains from the narrow-gauge ET&WNC Railroad,” said Cathy Robbins, director of marketing for Tweetsie Railroad. “Meanwhile, the No. 12 locomotive will pull a separate train taking riders on a Wild West adventure. Sunday morning is the only day each year when Tweetsie Railroad features a “doubleheader” as locomotives No. 12 and No. 190 are combined to pull the train. Railroad Heritage Weekend will also include special exhibits, demonstrations, and tours of the park’s unique on-site locomotive repair shop.” / Read more…

August 22, 2019. When filling up at the pump this fall, the majority of U.S. motorists will find savings of potentially more than 25-cents/gallon compared to this summer. The national gas price average, which is already 15-cents cheaper than just five weeks ago, is poised to continue pushing less expensive due to several factors, including less expensive crude oil prices, the drop-off in gasoline demand after Labor Day and the move to winter-blend gasoline. AAA forecasts the national average to drop to $2.40 or lower this fall and offers motorists easy tips to maintain fuel efficiency throughout the year. “Right now, we are predicting that fall gas prices will be significantly lower than they were this summer across the Carolinas,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. “This is due to a number of factors, with the main reason being the low price of crude oil this season.” / Read more…

August 22, 2019. As the Town of Boone welcomes all newly established citizens residing in Town, we would like to remind everyone about Boone’s Sanitation and Recycling Program. The Town provides curbside sanitation services on a weekly basis while recycling is serviced bi-weekly. Both services are provided through a contract with Republic Services, Inc. Residential collection of sanitation and recycling is on the same day of the week with no exceptions. Please see the sanitation & recycling collection schedule along with the recycling calendar online at www.townofboone.net. Garbage and recycling carts are to be placed at the curb the night before or by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Containers must be removed from the curb by 9:00 a.m. the following day. / Read more…

August 22, 2019. For generations, the mountainous region of Western North Carolina was referred to as the Lost Province. Due to The Great Depression, World War I and the natural geographic barriers that prevented the development of connecting roads and infrastructure, lowlanders in the state often joked that the only way to reach the mountains of North Carolina was to be born in them. But being born safely in the High Country in the first half of the twentieth century was no joking matter. As author Howard E. Covington Jr. points out in his book “Caring for One Another,” through the efforts of selfless and dedicated individuals, access to quality healthcare in the landlocked High Country became a reality. In 1897, Rev. Edgar Tufts’ mission field brought him to Avery County where he found a dire need for education and medical access. He recruited Dr. William C. Tate to Banner Elk and eventually Grace Hospital, which was built on the campus of Lees-McCrae Institute (now Lees-McCrae College) opened in 1924. / Read more…

August 22, 2019. A New Leash on Life, a program Avery County Humane Society has participated in since 2006 and which partners it with a correctional institution, had the latest class of dogs graduating on August 20. The program allows eight inmates to train four dogs in basic obedience and agility while serving their court-mandated sentences. The society’s correctional partner is Mountain View Correctional Institute, a medium security prison in the Kalmia Community of the far Southern section of Avery County. The dogs spend ten weeks training and living with the inmates, and there are professional trainers which work with the inmates who are training the dogs about their behavioral and training needs. The New Leash on Life program is one of several which operate through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. It relies totally on donations as it is not provided any federal, state or local (county) funding. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

August 21, 2019. Looking to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your neighborhood? Want to keep an eye on criminal activity in your area? Take a look at these recent incident and arrest reports from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Boone Police Department. Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

August 21, 2019. Arson Daily is a three-piece indie rock group made up of three Appalachian State alumni: Zach Dunham, vocalist/guitarist, Quincy Platt, bassist, and Adam McLean, drummer. Arson Daily will be returning to the High Country to perform at The Local next month with Dead Swells on Saturday, September 7 at 10:30 p.m. The cover charge for the show will be five dollars. Arson Daily was previously signed to App State’s record label, Split Rail Records, which has signed acts such as Rainbow Kitten Surprise and River Whyless. This will be a homecoming show for the trio as their last performance near App State was nearly a full year ago. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

August 21, 2019. Convocation, which will take place in Hayes Auditorium and Broyhill Theatre on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 3:30 p.m., will feature Professor of Biology Stewart Skeate and his speech titled, “A Tale of Two Times and Places.” A traditional celebration marking the start of a new academic year, Convocation centers on keynote speakers such as notable alumni, faculty, or staff. His talk will focus on the similarities and differences of his academic journey with the experiences of current Lees-McRae students, while emphasizing the effect a college’s location can have on the education of students. Skeate earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, before earning his master’s in biology at California State University and his doctorate in biology at the University of Florida / Read more…

August 21, 2019. The general public will have a chance to learn about the potential location for the new Valle Crucis School at an information and input session set to take place at the current Valle Crucis School gymnasium on Tuesday, September 3 at 6 p.m. According to information from the Watauga County Board of education, both school board members and the Watauga County Board of Commissioners will hold this joint meeting to provide information on the proposed construction of a new school in the Valle Crucis community and hear public comment on the issue as well. Some in the Valle Crucis community have taken issue with where the proposed school will be constructed. The land, commonly known as the Hodges Property, is currently under contract by the Watauga County Schools and is a quarter of a mile from where the Valle Crucis School sits right now. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 21, 2019. Beginning August 20 and showing through September 7, you can experience Noyes Capehart’s musings through his new exhibition, “Visual Reflections”. This show will feature the artist’s newest works as well as a glimpse into his past through imagery and the written word. Throughout our lives there are certain thoughts, images and ideas that seem to follow us. This is common place for most people, unlike most people however, artists think to record these images and ideas that keep worming their way into everyday thoughts. Noyes Capehart paints and writes his recollections, creating a visual catalog of imagery and thoughts that span decades. / Read more…

August 21, 2019. Access to reliable high-speed internet at home is something many people take for granted across the country, but Watauga County, like many rural communities, is home to some areas where broadband internet is not readily available. Watauga County Schools — which provides computers to every student in eighth through twelfth grade to take home —  recently received a grant from the 1Million Project that hopes to address internet access issues for Watauga High School students at home. The 1Million Project grant will issue WCS students without home internet access with a wireless cellular hotspot that allows for a high-speed internet connection from any location free of charge. / Read more…

August 21, 2019. The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone is offering a list of brand new events over the next month that focuses on spiritual, mental and physical development through one of a kind advanced programs unlike any other in North Carolina. The Agreements of Love (August 23-25): Spend some time with Don Miguel Ruiz Jr., a Toltec Master of Transformation who has spent his life helping others successfully achieve the Mastery of Love. By illuminating the fear-based beliefs and assumptions that undermine love and lead to suffering and drama in our relationships, this retreat will show you how to heal from emotional wounds, and recover the freedom and joy that are a part of your birthright. Tai Chi Flow (Sept 5-8): Join world-renowned Tai Chi Grandmaster David-Dorian Ross for the Power Freedom and Flow, a holistic approach designed to enhance your vitality, free you from internal and external constraints and help you gain a sense of uninterrupted connectedness. You will return home with your own personally designed body, mind, and spirit practice.  / Read more…

August 21, 2019. This month Sports Illustrated magazine released a list of the biggest upsets in the long and storied history of college football. It consists of numerous nationally-ranked titans who fell to heavy underdogs when practically no one saw it coming. Atop the list was Appalachian State University’s 34-32 victory at Michigan on Sept. 1, 2007. Michigan paid Appalachian State, which then was a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) lower-level team, $400,000 to travel to Ann Arbor for what should have been a blowout victory. Instead, Coach Jerry Moore’s Mountaineers, whopping 41-point underdogs, hit a field goal with seconds remaining to win before a sellout crowd of 109,208 at college football’s largest stadium and millions more watching on the Big Ten Conference Network and listening on Appalachian State and Michigan Radio Networks. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

August 21, 2019. Just a few more spots remain for those wishing to participate in the 4th Annual Cowbelle Classic, happening this Saturday, August 24. Now recognized as one of the area’s premiere events specifically for women, this unique cycling event has gathered a lot of attention and has received overwhelming response since its start in 2016. According to event organizers, four routes have been created to meet the needs of all riders this year, with each route beginning and ending at Old Cove Creek School. Participants may choose the 15, 20, 35 or 64-mile route, allowing beginning through advanced riders to decide on their level of ability and skill.. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

August 21, 2019. On September 17th, the Ashe Country Literature Festival will be featuring a number of prominent authors performing readings and lectures, as well as free workshops available to the public via pre-registration. One of these featured authors includes New York Times Bestselling Author, Diane Chamberlain, who has had twenty-six books published in over twenty different languages. In a variety of these works, including her last three, she chose to utilize North Carolina’s diverse environment either as the primary location where the story is to take place such as The Stolen Marriage, or a secondary location apart from the main setting which holds significant value in some way, as in Pretending to Dance. Her latest, The Dream Daughter, incorporates themes of magical realism with staunch elements of mystery, conspiracy, and suspense. The book was released in 2018 and begins taking place in 1960’s Chapel Hill, North Carolina, although the novel itself extends to an array of places within the state, primarily the Outer Banks. It follows the story of a young widowed mother who lost her husband to the Vietnam War, and shortly after is forced to deal with her child’s critical medical problems through unconventional methods.. By Colby Gable / Read more…

August 21, 2019. The Watauga County Sheriff’s office has been made aware of numerous reports of individuals being scammed within Watauga County and in other states.  One of the most prominent scams has been related to the purchase of dogs through internet websites that appear to be legitimate, but in fact, are run by malicious scam artists. These scam artists take as much money as they can from those attempting to purchase dogs. They claim to need large amounts of money to ship the animals, and when they don’t ship the animals, they provide a fake address that leads to people or property that have nothing to do with the purchase of dogs. The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to not purchase things from unverified websites over the internet. Please do not purchase animals unless you have physically seen the animals and can determine that they exist. People have come to Watauga County from numerous other states to seek the address provided by the scam websites.   / Read more…

August 21, 2019. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / Read more…

August 21, 2019. Whether you eat them in a sandwich, in a salad, stuffed, fried, or stewed, vine-ripened tomatoes are delicious, anyway you slice them. Offering lots of nutritious value, one medium-sized tomato contributes 40% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, 20% of the required Vitamin A, some of which is in the form of beta-carotene, associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Tomatoes are also a good source of potassium, iron and phosphates, as well as Vitamin B and fiber. They are also low in calories and sodium, and contain no fat or cholesterol. The tomato is my all-time favorite garden goodie and thanks a special friends and neighbors, we’ve been able to enjoy them as we wait for ours to ripen. There has been debate for years on the tomato: is it a fruit or is it a vegetable? Believe it or not, an 1893 Supreme Court ruled that because tomatoes are used as a vegetable rather than a fruit, they are legally considered to be a vegetable. I never had any doubt about it. Things sure have changed in the last century, but if a decision had to be made on the best tasting vegetable, I can only imagine the tomato would still reign “supreme!” By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

August 21, 2019. The community is invited to pay tribute to Rachel Deal at a luncheon to be held in her honor on Thursday, August 22 at Stonewalls Restaurant in Banner Elk. Proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction will benefit the Avery County Humane Society (ACHS). Sometimes referred to as “The Mother of Avery County,” Deal has given a lifetime of volunteer service, advocating for animals, children, women, education, medical care and seniors. She will celebrate her 90th birthday in November. Deal is a past recipient The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina to individuals who have demonstrated years of extraordinary service to the state. She was one of the charter members of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature, an organization promoting aging issues before the North Carolina General Assembly. By Jan Todd / Read more…

August 20, 2019. The Cone sisters’ art collection has become renowned worldwide for both its content and the character of its collectors. Those interested will now have a chance to view some of their works and collection at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, from Aug. 3 to Nov. 30, 2019. The Museum’s seasonal Exhibition Celebration for the fall season will be held on Friday, August 23 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Fall Exhibition Celebration will feature “Modern Visions, Modern Art: The Cone Sisters in North Carolina” as one of the three exhibitions being celebrated that night; the other two featured exhibitions are “Modern Visions, Mountain Views: The Cones of Flat Top Manor” and “Southern Strands: North Carolina Fiber Art”. Hors-d’oeuvres, drinks, and music will be offered throughout the evening during the Exhibition Celebration. By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

August 20, 2019. Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery is currently exhibiting over 20 new paintings by renowned American realist painter Jason Drake until August 31. The gallery of Drake’s works, called “Reflections of Home”, showcases the most recent paintings created by Drake in anticipation of the exhibition. This Saturday, August 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jason Drake will be present at Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery to host an artist’s reception for his exhibition. Drake emphasized that everyone is welcome to attend the gallery reception on Saturday to have an opportunity to experience the exhibition full of his latest efforts; he also stated that he would like to share this gratifying experience with as many people as possible! “I urge you to come out on Saturday night because there will not be a selection of my paintings on display like this for quite a while,” said Drake. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

What’s Happening This Week at Lost Province Brewing Company

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club to Meet August 28

Friends of Roan Mountain 2019 Fall Naturalist Rally Happening Labor Day Weekend

Strings & Suds Festival Brings Roots Music To Black Mountain

Blue Ridge BuskerFest Returns to Abingdon August 31

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Receives $125,000 in Grants

Foxx Requests Sec. Wilkie Continue IFB Solutions Contracts

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

August 20, 2019. This year marks the 40th year in existence for the town of Seven Devils, first becoming an incorporated town in 1979. Town residents and visitors are invited out to attend an all-day celebration of Seven Devils that will include unveiling the new town hall as well as some delicious food and great music. “The town council and staff are very excited about the upcoming 40th-anniversary celebration of the town of Seven Devils,” said town manager Debbie Powers. “What a great way to move forward into the next 40 years by dedicating our new town hall at 157 Seven Devils Road.” The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new town hall will be at 10 a.m. with Mayor Larry Fontaine handling the event. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 20, 2019. Asheville-based soul rock band DownTown Abby & The Echoes will return to the High Country this Saturday, August 24th for a night of original music at Boone Saloon. This Saturday will mark the first performance of the fall season for the band of Appalachian State University alumni. Since the band’s last performances in the area last month, DownTown Abby & The Echoes has picked up significant traction in the Southeast music scene and has been named winner of the FloydFest 19 On-the-Rise Competition. DTA&E is also headed to the studio early next month to record its first full-length album of southern-tinged soul originals. / Read more…

August 20, 2019. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets this Sunday, August 25th at 3 pm when the folk trio Odd and Even brings their blend of acoustic folk and Americana music for the next Summer Concert at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church. The concert will be on the front lawn, weather permitting, or move inside in case of rain. Odd and Even features Ashley Wright (“Earleine”) on guitar, Brandon Holder on upright bass, and Lauren Hayworth on banjo and accordion, with all three weaving tight vocal harmonies throughout their musical story-telling.  This unique group offers both original tunes and roots-music standards for a family-friendly summer afternoon of music. / Read more…

August 20, 2019. The Tour de Art, a coalition of galleries and artists’ studios, is Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These Tours are held on the fourth Saturday, June through November with yellow signs marking the venues and maps are available at the gallery. For this Tour de Art Andrew Braitman plans an Art Talk from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He plans a discussion on beauty and substance in his creative process. He states, “these characteristics are more outstanding in my paintings than mere narrative based content”. Braitman’s “Edge of Brilliance by Evolution” exhibition which can be viewed through September 15 consists of over twenty-five paintings ranging from 10” x 8” to 66” x 33”. His paintings project his brilliant color combinations and compositions which make his work very powerful and dramatic. He paints Mother Nature’s beauty along with a composed balance of elements to bring life and signature to his work. / Read more…

August 20, 2019. Bluegrass lovers, along with any fans of good music, are in for a treat this Friday, August 23, as the Summer Concert Series at the Jones House continues with another free concert at 5:00pm. The Town of Boone is delighted to have Cane Mill Road and Hank, Pattie, & the Current take the Jones House stage. This week’s performers stay true to their bluegrass roots, but both acts add a little bit of modern spice – and whole lot of energy – to this traditional genre. First up on the stage will be local favorites Cane Mill Road, whose members are natives of the Blue Ridge. Closing the concert on Friday will be Hank, Pattie & the Current, bringing their signature soulgrass sound to the stage. / Read more…

Aug. 20, 2019 R-rated coming-of-age comedies like “Good Boys” have tapered off in the past decade, at least in the mainstream. There have been a number of small-scale successes like “Lady Bird,” “Eighth Grade,” and this summer’s “Booksmart,” but those films fared better critically than commercially. I think it goes back to 2007’s “Superbad” and how that film nailed the formula so perfectly that for a decade most filmmakers wanted to stay away from the genre for fear of unfavorable comparisons. Or maybe it’s because the teen subgenre du jour shifted naturally from raunchy comedies to supernatural entities to dystopian futures to romances complicated by diseases. Or maybe it’s because the past decade has seen a rise in sensitivity toward topics that were once fodder for these types of comedies; things like bullying, sexual identity, and the objectification of women can’t be played for laughs in this era the way they could in the past. But I primarily subscribe to the “Superbad” theory, which explains why, while watching “Good Boys,” I couldn’t help but think the film exemplified a redundancy that it could never shake. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

August 19, 2019. A crowd of at least 300 people filled the parking lot at Twigs for the first P.B. Scott’s Roundup to be featured on the grounds of where the iconic building used to stand in Blowing Rock. Two bands that used to frequent the stage at P.B. Scotts in the 1970s, Sidewinder and Nantucket, played some of their greatest hits and took a lot of people back to their younger years to remember when the music was everything. “We had a lot of last-minute people because the weather was so good. We had no problems and no complaints,” said event organizer Jean Travers. “The people loved it, the bands loved it, and everything was great. It was so cool to see people with their original P.B. Scott’s memorabilia.” Travers said that plans are already in the works for next year’s event, and similar to this year, the bands featured will continue to be those that played at the original P.B. Scotts. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 19, 2019. Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music will present Boone’s own, The Burnett Sisters Band, in concert on Tuesday, August 27th as a part of its special 2019 Matinee Series! The show takes place at 2:00pm at the Harvest House Performing Arts Venue in Boone! As with all JSMHM matinees, this is a non-ticketed, “Pay as You Exit Concert” – if you enjoy the show, we ask for a $10 donation on your way out! Ranging from ages 12 to 22, The Burnett Sisters Band consists of four siblings who create a unique blend of music in the folk, old-time, and bluegrass traditions. / Read more…

August 19, 2019. On August 29th, the High Country Writers Association will be featuring political aide and writer, David Ramseur, author of Melting the Ice Curtain: The Extraordinary Story of Citizen Diplomacy on the Russia-Alaska Frontier, as well as decades of reporting on Russian-Alaskan cultural intertwining. Ramseur serves as the Chairman for the Anchorage World Affairs Council, and beginning in 1986, worked as press secretary, communications director, chief of staff, and foreign policy advisor to Alaskan Governors Steve Cowper and Tony Knowles, as well as the Mayor of Anchorage Mark Begich. / Read more…