High Country Press

June 26, 2019. It’s almost time once again to celebrate America’s birthday, and whether some people like to think so or not, we’re still “One nation under God.” Since claiming our independence from Britain on July 4, 1776, thousands have left their native homelands headed to the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” so they, too, can realize the American Dream. I’m afraid that many of us who were blessed to be born on American soil so often take for granted our heritage, as well as our freedom. It is my hope that during this special time of celebration that each of us will reflect upon our good fortune to be called a native of this great nation —and to think about the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. I hope the ideas found in this week’s column will help with your celebration as we prepare to pay tribute to our country. / Read more…

June 26, 2019. On June 21, just days after the 25th anniversary of Relay for Life in Watauga County — an event he helped establish and one that he dearly loved — Hugh Tilson of Boone passed away at the age of 89. The dedicated community volunteer, truly with a servant’s heart, had experienced various health concerns in the recent past, but succumbed after suffering a stroke. Tilson was well-known in the area, a highly respected gentleman who always put the needs of others before his own. Perhaps he was best known for his efforts in assisting his wife, Sue Tilson, in organizing the Watauga Unit of the American Cancer Society in 1980. That interest subsequently led to the couple introducing Relay for Life to the area several years later. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

June 25, 2019. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / Read more…

June 25, 2019. June 30 will definitely be a bittersweet day for Ashe County Arts Council Executive Director Jane Lonon. Lonon will retire from her position at the end of this week after serving as executive director since 1988. “It’s just been the best job in the whole world. I’ve been privileged to be a part of an organization that cares so much about the community that it serves and works so hard to use the arts to affect change, from downtown beautification and revitalization to quality programming that we’re able to pass on to the next generation,” Lonon said. “It’s just been a busy, active, positive effort by lots of people and I have been fortunate enough to get to be a part of it.” Lonon moved to Ashe County in 1981 and initially began serving the Ashe County Arts Council as a volunteer and a board member before accepting the executive director position in 1988. All in all, Jane has dedicated 38 years of her life to promoting arts in the community with the Ashe County Arts Council. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 25, 2019. The Sugar Mountain’s Concerts on the Deck mean a time for grillin’ and chillin’ on the deck at the Caddyshack Cafe. Enjoy the view from the mountain as you listen along to The King Bees (this Wednesday), the Rockabilly’s and the Smokin’ Joe Band at upcoming performances. The Caddyshack Cafe hosts the free Sugar Mountain Summer Concerts, giving the summer concerts the nickname “Grillin’ and Chillin’.” Each week features a different menu with the different bands. Meals may include from grilled hamburgers and hotdogs to roast pork loins to meatloaf. The meals are buffet style for $12 and include main meal, a side and a drink. Dinner is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and the bands play from 6-9 p.m. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

June 25, 2019. The newly-opened Horton Hotel gathered its staff along with friends, family, and special guest Rep. Ray Russell for a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Sunday. The Horton Hotel has been open since February and has had a ton of support from the community and guests have experienced a great stay at the downtown Boone hotel. Fulton and Denise Lovin purchased the 9,000-square-foot building and construction for the Horton Hotel started in May of 2017. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 25, 2019. Based on his latest book, Mountain Summer: A Personal Journey through the Season of Appalachia, award-winning photographer and writer Michael Joslin will present a lecture Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. in the Shelton Learning Commons on the campus of Lees-McRae. The presentation, which will take attendees through our mountains’ bountiful summer season, is free and open to the public. / Read more…

June 25, 2019. 2019’s “Concerts in the Courtyard” series is off to a particularly strong start. According to the grill’s General Manager, Lee Ammann “This year’s been the best start to any year we’ve had – usually the first few weeks are a little slower. This year, the 2nd week we had a great turnout; the deck was full and the lawn was full. We encourage everybody to come out early, because we will fill up fast.” Performers in a variety of genres will be playing at the concerts, from reggae to jazz to rock to blues to surf music. “We usually try to get going between 6 and 6:30, depending on the band and how far they have to travel. The music generally runs until about 9 o’clock depending on the crowd. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

June 24, 2019. The Boone Tourism Development Authority unanimously passed its 2019-20 budget last Wednesday at their annual budget meeting. The total budget approved for the Boone TDA was $1,565,958, an increase of $35,558 from the 2018-19 budget year that will come to an end on June 30. According to the budget details, the Boone TDA is expecting to bring in $1,475,000 in occupancy tax from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. To balance out the budget, the remaining income is projected to be $87,958 allocated from the General Fund Balance and $3,000 in interest earned. Projected expenditures for the year include $635,000 in marketing and advertising costs, $491,667 spent on tourism-related items for the Town of Boone, $344,291 in contract fees to the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, $55,000 in legacy event sponsorships and other TDA board priorities, $20,000 in sports tourism, $15,000 in public relations services and $5,000 in professional services. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 24, 2019. Mountain Home Music was created by Joe Shannon in 1994 as a way to celebrate the talents of the many skilled musicians he’d come into contact with over the years, and to expose audiences to Appalachian music and culture. Over the course of its 26 year history, the organization has gone through several name changes, produced over 250 concerts, hosted over 800 Appalachian performers, and, in 2002, were awarded non-profit status. If you have an interest in appreciating the skilled musicians of Appalachia in a listener-friendly environment, the 4th of July show at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium will feature the Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys and the King Street Brass band. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

June 24, 2019. Former Appalachian State volleyball coach Toni Wyatt has passed away after a battle with ALS. Wyatt served as head coach of the Mountaineers from 1976 to 1986, amassing a program-record 233 wins and finishing with a .649 winning percentage. She also served as a coach for the Mountaineer club softball team during her time at App State. Wyatt laid the groundwork for the program, leading the Black and Gold to multiple Southern Conference titles. Wyatt was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year twice (1984, 1986) and coached eight student-athletes to First Team All-Southern Conference honors. In April, the Mountaineer volleyball team took part in the Walk to Defeat ALS in support of Wyatt with the name of “Team Toni” (pictured left). In all, the event in Boone raised nearly $47,000 to fight ALS, nearly doubling its goal. App State Athletics sends its condolences to the Wyatt family.  / Read more…

June 24, 2019. Todd, NC’s annual Summer Music Series will be hosting five more free concerts at Cook Memorial Park this summer. Visitors to historic downtown Todd can attend concerts by The Lucky Strikes (June 29), King Bees (July 4), Wayne Henderson & Friends (July 13), The Tillers (July 27) and Cane Mill Road (August 10). With the exception of the special July 4th performance by King Bees – which will take place around 11:30 a.m., after the 11 a.m. Todd Liberty Parade – all of the concerts will be held from 6-8 p.m. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

June 24, 2019 This may be the most boring movie review you ever read. Don’t get me wrong, “Toy Story 4” is far from a boring movie. In fact, it packs in so much action that I wondered if it could even reach a satisfactory conclusion in its 100 minute runtime (spoiler alert: of course it did). No, it’s boring because I have nothing but compliments for this movie. The most consistently praise-worthy franchise in movie history continues its praise-worthiness, Pixar has done it again, this movie should make history by becoming the first animated movie to win the Best Picture Oscar, blah blah blah. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

June 24, 2019. In the heart of the parking opportunities that is downtown Boone, the gravel lot adjacent to Vidalia is now open for parking for Vidalia customers. “In the past, we’ve had use of the parking lot in the evenings. With a little negotiation with our landlord we were able to secure a majority of the spots for some daytime use as well.” said Vidalia coproprietor Alyce Ratchford, “Everybody knows what the parking situation is like downtown, and how quickly it can fill. Our landlord was open to us being able to have those spaces in a more full-time capacity. So that’s how it all kinda came about.” By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

June 24, 2019. Jeff Little’s appearance in Avery County last year was such a huge hit, the folks at Mountaineer Equipment in Pineola decided to invite him back to perform once again, much to the delight of their friends and neighbors. The Jeff Little Trio, which currently includes Steve Lewis and Luke Little, Jeff’s son, will be featured in a special indoor concert on Saturday, June 29 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Mountaineer Equipment event center. Near the Blue Ridge Parkway and a short drive from anywhere in the High Country, this venue offers a unique opportunity that will be enjoyed by the entire family. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

June 21, 2019. The Gamekeeper Restaurant are celebrating the grand opening of their new outdoor patio, a scenic spot that will be available to diners on a first-come-first-serve basis. Locals and regular guests are invited to sip on some wine while trying out a few appetizers that the restaurant will be considering for their outdoor menu. Wren’s Nest Landscaping built the outdoor patio in a “quick and clean manner” and now, the Gamekeeper has invited guests to experience the space and take advantage of the Boone summer weather. The patio hosts 8 tables, with the possibility of a new bar and a chef’s table on the way. Ken and Wendy Gordon bought the Gamekeeper in 2000. Since then, their appreciation for cooking has remained evident in every aspect of preparation and presentation. By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

June 21, 2019. The 68th Season of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association production of Kermit Hunter’s outdoor drama, “Horn in the West”, is set to begin this Friday. The production is the longest-running Revolutionary War outdoor drama in the country, and this year’s performances will make improvements on the tried-and-true formula of the show. While the drama’s musical numbers have traditionally been sung a cappella, the addition of instruments to this Summer’s performances puts a new twist on the songs. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

June 21, 2019. The much-anticipated Boone Greenway Skatepark is closer to becoming a reality after Recess Skate and Snow owner JP Pardy updated the project at Tuesday’s Boone Town Council meeting. A GoFundMe to bring in donations from the community has also been set up to make fundraising efforts for the skatepark much easier. “With all the support the skatepark has received from the town council and the community, we decided to reach out to some of our friends in the skate park building industry and get some feedback on what we are working with,” said Pardy. Andy Duck with Artisan Skateparks based out of Kitty Hawk met with Pardy, Boone Town Manager John Ward and Boone Public Works Deputy Director Todd Moody at the site of the future skatepark to get an idea of what the construction needs would be. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 20, 2019. A new real estate venture has opened in Banner Elk that will add in a special benefit to the community it serves. License partners James J. Ward and Tricia Ward Holloway along with managing broker Jami Prince will lead the newly established Engel & Volkers Banner Elk. “Banner Elk is an ideal expansion market for Engel & Volkers,” said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO of Engel & Volkers Americas. “Our growth has always been dictated by our clients, where they are coming from and where they want to be. Banner Elk joins our growing network inclusive of many desirable resort destinations and the markets that feed into them, and we’re thrilled to have James, Tricia and Jami leading the charge. Collectively, they bring a new level of industry prowess, expertise and luxury client service to the area.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 17, 2019. The ninth annual Doc Watson Day Celebration takes place at the Jones House Friday, June 21, starting at 4:00 p.m., featuring performances by Brooks Forsyth, Charles Welch, the Burnett Sisters, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Crouch, and The Jeff Little Trio. In 2011, Mayor Loretta Clawson declared the third Friday in June as Doc Watson Day, and the downtown statue of Watson picking his guitar on a bench was unveiled. Watson attended and gave one of his final performances in Boone, passing away the following spring. / Read more…

June 17, 2019. Wahoo’s Adventures will be holding its annual Float Fest June 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., which includes a day of tubing in the New River and camping the night before and day of. Float Fest is a BYOB event and will take participants on a 3-hour leisurely float that loops and ends where it began. The water is knee-deep at some parts and waist-deep at others in this “slow-moving, natural mountain stream” as General Manager Jim Roberts said. The event will start at 10 a.m. with tubing and continue until 2 p.m. with live music from The King Bees, a blues band. Staff member Katrinka Walsh, who has sung blues all around the world, will also be giving her first performance at this event. By Laura Boaggio / Read more…

June 20, 2019. Ensemble Stage Theatre, located in Banner Elk, is planning to put a fresh spin on an old classic tale with the premiere of a new play. Aimed towards a younger audience and presently set to have its first showing on June 22, Ensemble will present the creative re-telling of The Tortoise and the Hare entitled, “The Tortoise vs. the Hare 2: This Time, It’s Personal” by Sean Abley. The play not only tells the story of how the slow-and-steady Tortoise beat the overly-confident Hare but also focuses on their great-grandkids, Ro-Shell the tortoise and Jack Rabbit the bunny, who are talked into a rematch to settle old scores. By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

June 20, 2019. Charles H. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville has broken ground for new facility additions to its inpatient behavioral health unit. The project, which has been in the works for a long time, will expand the facility’s ability to meet behavioral health needs. The project will include two new facilities in which 27 behavioral health beds will be added to the existing 10 beds at the Critical Access Hospital. In 2018, the facility could only admit approximately 500 patients and had to turn away around 4,500, according to Hospital President Carmen Lacey. She noted that the need for behavioral beds runs in contrast to the hospital’s declining medical beds use. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

June 20, 2019. A look at the recent deed transfers in Watauga County. The information comes courtesy of the Watauga County Register of Deeds. Compiled by Debbie Carter / Read more…

June 20, 2019. A total of 343 graduating seniors from Watauga High School were honored last Friday night at the Holmes Convocation Center on Appalachian State’s campus. The 2019 senior class included 313 tradition graduates and 30 early graduates. These seniors accounted for over $4 million in college scholarship money and have already earned 667 college credits. A total of 29 graduates have already earned a community college degree along with their high school diplomas.  / Read more…

June 20, 2019. Friday, June 21 will mark the longest day of 2019, as the Summer Solstice will begin at 11:54 a.m. The sunrise will be at 6:09 a.m. tomorrow morning and sunset will be at 8:47 p.m., giving everyone in the High Country 14 hours, 37 minutes and 36 seconds of daylight, making it the longest day of the year. Days will slowly begin to get shorter, only by a few seconds of course. The Summer Solstice is also four hours and 56 minutes longer than the Winter Solstice will be in December. While it is the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice is not necessarily the day of the year with the earliest sunrise and latest sunset. June 10 through June 16 saw the sun come up at 6:08 a.m. June 27 through July 1 will have the latest sunsets happening at 8:48 p.m. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 20, 2019  “Men in Black: International” doesn’t deserve to call itself a “Men in Black” movie. Sure it’s about a mismatched pair of secret agents (Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth) who wear black suits and sunglasses and police space aliens and wipe people’s memories with a flashing neuralyzer, but it lacks the heart that gave the first three “Men in Black” movies their identity. And I’m not just saying that because we have two new leads instead of the legendary team-up of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, I would have been fine with any two leads as long as they had good chemistry. I’m saying that because these new characters and the story surrounding them are not funny, exciting, or interesting. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

June 19, 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

June 18, 2019. The Avery County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution concerning financing the high school construction and renovations project during their bi-monthly meeting on June 17.   By a 4-0 vote, the Commissioners adopted a resolution as required by the North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC), which is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the fiscal health of local entities and whose approval is mandated for certain types of financial agreements, including many involving capital assets. The resolution authorizes the execution and delivery of an installment financing agreement, a Deed of Trust, an Escrow Agreement, a third party custodian agreement, an amended and restated lease agreement and a construction agreement with the Avery County Board of Education and related documents in connection with installment financing for school improvements. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

June 19, 2019. The Blowing Rock Attraction is hosting its third annual Shagging at the Rock on June 22. This day will be dedicated to the appreciation and enjoyment of a dance known as shagging, a Carolina dance that derivatives from the Jitterbug and the Charleston. “The dance became highly popular in Southern states such as North and South Carolina as well as parts of Georgia,” said Charlie Sellers, mayor of Blowing Rock and general manager of the Blowing Rock Attraction. Shagging at the Rock will have four three bands playing, which will include Silk Groove, the Holiday Band and Wayne Euliss as Elvis, in addition to The Tams. Gates for this rain-or-shine event open at 8:30 a.m., and the music is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m at The Blowing Rock on Highway 321 South. By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

June 19, 2019. It has always been considered a “rite of passage” when speakers and musicians are invited to participate at Singing On The Mountain, one of the south east’s premiere summer events. But, when you are invited back year after year, it becomes part of the family tradition for which the event has been known for nearly a century. On Sunday, June 23, as hundreds make their way to MacRae Meadows in the shadows of Grandfather Mountain near Linville — often considered “the singing grounds” — many will admit that they return for two good reasons: Michael Combs and The Cockman Family. According to the folks behind the scenes, these two entertainment headliners truly are among the reasons why Singing on the Mountain continues to draw crowds back, time after time. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

June 19, 2019. An Appalachian Summer Festival celebrates its milestone 35th anniversary season with a buzzworthy lineup of live performances and special events. The 2019 Schaefer Popular Series includes a diverse array of artists and musical talents, guaranteed to delight audiences of all backgrounds. The 2019 performances include: Ben Folds with the Winston-Salem Symphony, Patti LaBelle, Chris Botti, Lily Tomlin, Punch Brothers and The Temptations. The closest upcoming performance is Ben Folds with the Winston-Salem Symphony on June 29. The performance will be at 8 p.m. in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. / Read more…

June 19, 2019. After taking a year off to catch their breath, the women of Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Valle Crucis are holding another rummage sale on July 19 and 20, 2019. Overflowing all of the floor space in the parish hall located beside the stone church with the red door on NC Highway 194 in Valle Crucis, the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 19-20. Having learned from past sales what the shoppers want, the 2019 rummage sale will feature crafts, kitchen wares, toys, seasonal decorations, garden goods, linens, home decorating items, books and jewelry. / Read more…

June 19, 2019. Horse Helpers invites members of the High Country Community to celebrate the organization’s 15th Anniversary on June 25 from 7-10 p.m. Put on your dancing chaps, stick some rhinestones to your boots, and join us for an “Intergalactic Gitdown” concert and out-of-this-world dance party featuring Melissa Reaves, Jeff Sipe, Masa Takhashi, and John Ray. They will be jamming all evening at The Beacon in Boone, 125 Graduate Lane, off N.C. 105. Tickets are $15 at the door with a cash bar. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Horse Helpers of the High Country. Horse Helpers’ mission is to be a voice for and to protect all equine through equine rescue, education, and advocacy and to establish and inspire positive human-animal bonds. / Read more…

June 19, 2019. Do you have a child between the ages of 12-15 who loves or is interested in mountain biking? At Sugar Mountain Resort’s Gravity Mountain Bike Camp from July 1-3, kids can work on improving their mountain biking skills. The resort says that kids are going to have so much fun that they won’t want to go home! It will be three days of fun, friends and developing and improving their mountain bike gravity skills. The camp is for all levels of ability, but they do recommend that participants have ridden on a mountain bike trail at least once before. Participants will be grouped according to level of ability, so everyone will be taught at a pace that works better for their level. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…