High Country Press

December 17, 2018. Fans, alumni and other school officials gathered on Monday morning to welcome new football head coach Eliah Drinkwitz to the Mountaineer family. “Today is really a great day to be a Mountaineer. We know that what we do here encompasses and touches a lot of people and that’s why when you bring someone new into the family and give them a welcoming like this, it’s very impressive,” said Doug Gillin, the Director of Athletics at Appalachian State. Drinkwitz, 35, was introduced as the 21st head coach in App State history on Monday at the Mark E. Ricks Athletic Complex. “What truly makes this place so unique and so special is you,” Coach Drinkwitz said to a large crowd inside the athletic complex. “I really believe that people are the most powerful resource. The pride and tradition of championships is because of you and I’m certainly excited to be your new football coach and I couldn’t be any happier to bring my family to join the Appalachian State football and university family.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 17, 2018 Churches across the High Country are welcoming you to celebrate the true reason for the season at this year’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Meet new friends as you join in communion and are reminded of what Christmas truly means. Several churches will also be having services before Christmas: On Dec 17th, Henson Chapel United Methodist Church will host a Jesus’ Birthday Party celebration at Mabel School at 6 p.m. On December 19th, Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church will host a Service of Hope, Light and Remembrance at 6 p.m. On December 21st, AppFaithHealth will hold a Longest Day Worship service at 6 p.m. in the Watauga Medical Center auditorium. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

December 16, 2018 Appalachian State claimed its fourth consecutive bowl victory by mauling Middle Tennessee State 45-13 Saturday night in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Mountaineers used an offensive explosion that included trick plays and 448 total yards along with a stingy defense than limited Middle Tennessee State to only one touchdown and 62 rushing yards, while making six sacks. The win gives the Mountaineers at least 11 victories for the second time in the last four seasons. They finished 11-2, a mark which they also achieved in 2015. They were 10-3 in 2016 and 9-4 a year ago. Appalachian State also claimed this year’s Sun Belt Conference title, beating Louisiana-Lafayette 30-19 in the league’s championship game Dec. 1 in a battle of the East and West Division champions, respectively. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 14, 2018. Leadership from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) and Appalachian State University have announced a new co-admission agreement that will create a seamless pathway for students who want to start at CCC&TI and complete their degree at Appalachian State. The Aspire Appalachian Co-Admission Program will provide students who complete a two-year associate degree at CCC&TI with a 2.25 GPA or higher with guaranteed admission to Appalachian State to finish their undergraduate degree. Joined by Appalachian State Chancellor Dr. Sheri Everts for the signing ceremony on Appalachian’s campus on Wednesday, Dec. 12, CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch described the agreement as “monumental.” “I want to thank Chancellor Everts, Provost Kruger and the entire leadership team at Appalachian State University for your vision, for your leadership and for your partnership,” Poarch said. “This is a monumental day for Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. It’s great to be able to demonstrate the collaboration and strength we have in Western North Carolina.” / Read more…

December 14, 2018. Our Winter Visitor Guide and December Magazine are now available throughout the High Country. Pick yours up at a grocery store, restaurant or retail store across Watauga and Avery counties. The Winter 2019 Visitor Guide is the guide to things to do and where to go this winter. A large focus is on all the fun events happening at the ski slopes in the High Country- Sugar Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain and Beech Mountain. Of course it’s not all skiing. There’s also information on restaurants, shopping, snow tubing, ice skating and other fun things offered throughout the High Country. Our December 2018 Magazine keeps you up to date on what’s going on around the High Country as winter gets closer. This year, the magazine focuses on Investing in the Library, Christmas with the Sofields, Fun and Games in the High Country, It’s All About the Customers, Honoring Our High Country Veterans and Saving the Hemlocks. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

December 14, 2018. This year, as a part of Banner Elk’s Small Town Christmas, businesses had a friendly competition for the best decorated Christmas tree. The inaugural First Annual Christmas Tree Festival was sponsored by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. The following businesses had entries in the contest: Banner Elk Olive Oil & Balsamics, Best Western Mountain Lodge, Blue Ridge Village, Cultural Art Center at the Historic Banner Elk School, My Best Friend’s Barkery, Stonewalls Restaurant, The Perry House & Dunn’s Deli, and The Twisted Twig Antiques. The winners of the contest, announced December 8th following the Christmas parade, are Scott Garland and Tim Heschke, owners of Stonewalls Restaurant in downtown Banner Elk. Garland says, “One of my favorite Christmas songs is Dolly Parton’s  “Hard Candy Christmas”, and that was my inspiration for the tree. It was great seeing all the families having their photos taken beside the tree. We are very honored and grateful to have been chosen as the winner for the contest.”  / Read more…

December 14, 2018. Thousands of women and children in the High Country need our help this time of year to make sure they have at least one healthy meal a day. Winter weather has arrived and schools are about to be out for the holidays and this will put a strain on many families. The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge (WFBR) invites the High Country community to support our neighbors by giving the gift of food. No one should go hungry and with your help we can pack the van. The WFBR is hosting a food drive called “Pack the Pantry” from December 3-17. The food drive van will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside of First National Bank at 2111 Blowing Rock Road in Boone. Help them pack the van with non-perishable goods such as canned fish or meat, canned soups, crackers, pastas, peanut or almond butter, baby food and formula, granola bars, juice boxes, nuts, and cereal. Home-canned goods cannot be donated. / Read more…

December 13, 2018. As snow piled up across the High Country, the local ski resorts were certainly enjoying the turnout from avid skiers and snowboarders. SugarFest at Sugar Mountain Resort on Saturday went off without a hitch according to Kim Jochl, the Vice President and Director of Marketing at Sugar Mountain. “We got 24 inches of snow and it was wonderful. The vibe and the energy was incredible and everyone was having a great time,” Jochl said. “It was perfect powder, it wasn’t real light where it blew away and the storm didn’t bring a lot of wind with it. People were happy to be testing the equipment in all the snow, the fireworks were great, it was just a great environment.” Olympic ice skater Paul Wylie put on a show for the crowd on Friday night and even stuck around to join Olympic skier Andrew Weibrecht for his skiing sessions. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 13, 2018. The 2018 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl will pit the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA against each other when Appalachian State battles Middle Tennessee State this Saturday, Dec. 15 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m.Appalachian State is a 7-point favorite in the game, which will be nationally televised on ESPN. The game can also be heard live on the Appalachian State IMG Network via the following radio affiliates: 97.3 FM (North Wilkesboro) – FLAGSHIP; 96.5 FM/1450 AM (Boone); 1270 AM (Gastonia/Charlotte); 1150AM (Rock Hill, SC/Charlotte); 101.5 FM/600 AM (Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point); 107.7 FM/1450 AM (Hendersonville); 1350 AM (Asheville); and 99.3 FM/96.5 FM (Raleigh). The Mountaineers and Blue Raiders have met three times previously. Appalachian State won 18-7 in Boone in 1974. Middle Tennessee won 24-21 in Murfreesboro, TN in 1989, in the first round of the Division I-AA playoffs. The Blue Raiders also claimed a 35-10 win in Murfreesboro in the first round of the 1992 I-AA playoffs. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 13, 2018 Numerous email bomb threats have been reported across the country, including here in Boone. According to the Boone Police Department about three hours ago, State Farm Road was closed after a bomb threat was made to the Blue Ridge Medical Offices where four medical offices currently reside: Appalachian Gastroenterology, Appalachian Rehabilitation, Blue Ridge Dentistry and Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat. State Farm Road was reopened a little after 3 p.m. according to an update on the Boone PD Facebook Page. Another Facebook post around 3:15 from the Boone PD said that “e-mail bomb threats being received, locally and throughout the country, are being proved as hoaxes. Our officers have responded to a number of them in Boone. Remain vigilant and call police if you observe any suspicious persons or devices. By Nathan Ham / 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.

TONIGHT: TAC Talk: Country Music Pioneers of Southern Appalachia

Next Wordkeepers Meeting Happening Saturday, December 15

Wilkes Playmakers Announce Auditions for BACK TO THE 80s

Three Days of Giving Blood Drive Begins December 17

Men’s Caroling Scheduled for Thursday, December 20

Beech Mountain Seeking Input on Survey Through January 15

MerleFest Adds Brandi Carlile, Dailey & Vincent, and The Brother Brothers to 2019 Lineup

Congress Completes Work on Landmark Juvenile Justice Reform Legislation

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

December 13, 2018. Shoppes at Farmers is an eclectic emporium that combines goods from local artists and experienced retailers to create a one-stop shopping experience like no other in the High Country. Located on West King St., Shoppes at Farmers is the perfect place to shop for Christmas. In 1924, Clyde Greene and his business partners opened Farmers Hardware on King St. in Boone. Farmers Hardware closed in 2004, but the family decided to develop the building into a retail emporium where they would offer spaces for individuals and businesses to rent and sale their goods. Brandon Langdon, the owner of Shoppes at Farmers, says that the store is “kind of a mini mall, emporium type situation where the 25 vendors rent spaces from us and set up their booths, and we sell it for them.” By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

December 13, 2018. It has been a big year for Booneshine Brewing. The craft brewery moved their brewing operations to the former Highland International paint building at the industrial park off of Highway 421. Booneshine along with other local businesses including Hatchet Coffee, Center 45 and Destination by Design have all dubbed this area as “East Boone.” “We think this is the direction that the town almost has to grow. The town is going to be moving some of their offices out here, we’ve got the soccer fields right next to where we are, Rocky Knob mountain biking park, we feel great about this side of town. As it grows, we’re happy to be over here,” said Booneshine co-owner, Tim Herdklotz. Currently, Booneshine still has its tasting room at Basil’s Fresh Pasta and Deli, however that will be changing soon as Booneshine expands their location to add a restaurant and deck along with their brewing operations. They will have about 3,500 square feet for the restaurant portion of that which they plan on starting construction on soon in the hopes of having it open by late spring of 2019. The new location features a total of 9,000 square feet with about 4,500 of that being used for brewing space. Herdklotz says at the previous location next to Basil’s, they had about 1,200 square feet. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 13, 2018. Finding myself in the midst of what has been described as an “epic” snowstorm this week has given me some much-needed time to think, plan and begin to implement my Christmas decorating, baking, wrapping, etc. We were able to enjoy the Boone Christmas parade on Saturday, and   later that afternoon, a time fellowship and good food with close friends before the snow arrived. But, not before I took a big chunk out of my finger while using my newest kitchen gadget. Yes, the hoopla at Sam’s Club was correct. The mandoline slices everything well. Even so, I was looking forward to a cookie-baking, candy-making event on Monday with participants in the Watauga Relatives as Parents Program that I facilitate, but we just couldn’t make it to our destination in nearly two feet of snow. And, then, on Tuesday, we had to cancel our Avery County group’s Christmas party, since some of us are still snowed in. So, yes, I’ve had a little extra time that I have enjoyed immensely. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

December 13, 2018. Appalachian State University has officially announced the hiring of Eliah (Eli) Drinkwitz as its new head football coach. The 35-year-old Drinkwitz has been the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for record-setting NC State teams the past three seasons, as he joined the Wolfpack after excelling in a similar role at Group of Five conference power Boise State. His five-year contract, which runs through the 2023 season, was approved Thursday morning by Chancellor Sheri Everts and the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees and is subject to North Carolina Board of Governors approval. Drinkwitz will take over the program from Scott Satterfield, who was hired by Louisville after six seasons at Appalachian State. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 13, 2018. With winter storms being the third-leading cause of property damage, AAA Carolinas is urging homeowners to properly insure their homes and providing tips on what to do after a storm. “Though insurance policies can vary from property to property, it is still important to know your rights and to try to cover yourself in the best way possible for your situation,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. In each claim filing event, make sure to record all damage for your record. To help mitigate further loss or damage, please be sure to keep your receipts if you need to make emergency repairs. AAA Carolinas recommends contacting your insurance agent to speak specifically about your policy and what it covers, as all coverages differ. / Read more…

December 13, 2018. Do you remember your first camping experience? It probably included activities like setting up a tent, cooking over a fire, and stargazing. Chances are experiences like these sparked curiosities and hopefully helped shape a lifelong love for the outdoors. As the High Country’s local land trust, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) works to conserve and expand outdoor opportunities for people to enjoy the region. Whether that is protecting places like the scenic ridgeline of Grandfather Mountain, establishing access to the Watauga River on Guy Ford Road, or expanding the boundaries of Elk Knob State Park, BRC believes that recreation is an important aspect of land conservation. / Read more…

December 12, 2018. 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

December 12, 2018. The Annual Invitational Mug Show sponsored by Doe Ridge Pottery and Potters of the Blue Ridge is here is back for its second year. The 2018 Mug Show started in November and is continuing through December. Doe Ridge Pottery invites everyone out to see pieces by local artists. Doe Ridge Pottery and Potters of the Blue Ridge have brought back the Mug Show for 2018 after the success of the success of last year’s Mug Show. All work shown in the show will be available for sale. Proceeds from the Mug Show will be going towards the artists themselves, and a portion will go to PRP, a non-profit organization, to continue to support its mission. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

December 12, 2018. It has been over 48 hours since most of the snowfall ended in the High Country and there are a lot of people still digging out cars, cleaning off sidewalks and parking lots. Crews for the Town of Boone Public Works have been hard at work since the start of the storm and will be on into the future, that according to Boone Public Works Deputy Director Todd Moody. “We’ve had crews working day and night on 12-hour shifts. We started that on Saturday night,” said Moody. All of the snow removed in Boone eventually ends up piled in the Horn in the West parking lot. Moody estimated that right now there is close to 7,250 cubic yards of snow in the parking lot with more still to come. “That has all come out of the downtown area. It’s been a while since we have had a pile of snow like that,” Moody said. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 12, 2018. Ensemble Stage’s 2018 Holiday Musical Variety Show, A Banner Elk Christmas, will began Dec. 7 and will continue showcasing Dec. 9, 14, 15 and 16 at the Hahn auditorium (185 Azalea Circle SE). Ensemble Stage has dedicated performances to the holiday season for ten consecutive years. Each year, performances are influenced by the nostalgia of different eras, specifically the 60’s and 70’s. This year, A Banner Elk Christmas will continue this tradition, thematically following the animated aesthetic of the holiday shows of the 60’s and 70’s along with lots of singing, dancing and costumes. A Banner Elk Christmas will feature a variety of different holiday-inspired music with over 40 different songs, including non-secular and traditional Christmas music, making the show an hour and five minutes long. The music is also paired with accompanying choreography, helping to bring forth a feeling of excitement among the audience. By Kelyn Wilhoit / Read more…

December 12, 2018. In celebration of Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music’s 25th Silver Anniversary Concert Season, MHM is happy to present its “An Appalachian Christmas” Concert. This free concert marks the 22nd year of a Mountain Home Music holiday tradition that celebrates the real “reason for the season.” As the late MHM’s be-loved founder, Joe Shannon once said, “As MHM closes the door on its current season, in the process, it opens the door for others.” No admission is charged for this benefit concert, but a love offering will be collected, and 100 percent of the proceeds are given to two worthwhile community non-profit organizations known for helping those less fortunate. The benefactors once again are the Hospitality House, which is Watauga County’s homeless shelter, and Santa’s Toy Box, which helps to assure that children in Watauga County get a visit from Santa.  / Read more…

Dec. 12, 2018 This past Thursday, I was all set to type up a B- review of the fourth weekend of “Instant Family” (a little gaggy at times, otherwise fine) when I stumbled across tickets to a next-day screening of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” which officially opens next Friday. I think the idea was that AMC wanted to get a head start on that “Spider-Man” money since nothing new was opening this weekend. I grabbed a ticket and the next night went to the sold-out show. It turned out that the unusual showtime was just one of many things this movie does differently that makes it amazing. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

Dec. 12, 2018. 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…

December 11, 2018. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / Read more…

December 11, 2018. Watauga County Schools and Avery County Schools went ahead and made the decision to call off school for students on Wednesday, December 12. “Due to the number of snow and ice covered roads still across our county and district, there will be no school for students on Wednesday, December 12. It will be an Optional Teacher Workday. Teachers and staff may report on a two hour delay to ensure safe travels to work. The Holiday/ Snowday Program at Hardin Park is scheduled to open at 7:30 a.m. As a reminder, schools will be in session on Thursday, January 3 and Friday, January 4 following the holiday break. For those families that have already made plans to be away on those days, we ask that you please work with your teachers to make up any missed assignments,” said a statement from Watauga County Schools. Avery County Schools also made their decision on Tuesday evening with a Facebook post stating “the Avery County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, December 12. Although the main roads are in decent condition, many of our secondary roads remain very dangerous. Several of our bus turnarounds are still in bad shape. It will be an Optional Teacher Workday for staff. Those who opt to work may report one hour late.” / Read more…

December 11, 2018 FootballScoop.com is reporting that North Carolina State’s Dwayne Ledford has pulled himself out of contention for the Appalachian State head coaching job and has joined Scott Satterfield’s staff at Louisville. Ledford, a former Appalachian State assistant, most recently has been N.C. State’s offensive line coach and running game coordinator. With the news that Ledford is out of the process, FootballScoop.com has listed three candidates that Athletics Director Doug Gillin is considering at Appalachian State. Those include: Ruffin McNeill, associate head coach and interim defensive coordinator at Oklahoma; Alabama co-offensive coordinator Josh Gattis; and Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Nate Woody. McNeill was East Carolina University’s head coach from 2010-15 and was Appalachian State’s defensive coordinator from 1993-96. Gattis has been offered the offensive coordinator position at Maryland and could also be a candidate for Temple’s head coaching position. Woody has previously been Defensive Coordinator at Appalachian State under Satterfield, but took the same post at Georgia Tech this past season. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 11, 2018. ‘Tis the season for giving, and a local foundation has been generous with holiday gifts to make life better for people and animals in Avery County. This December, gifts from the High Country Charitable Foundation have enhanced the efforts of four Avery County based nonprofits. Food insecure individuals will receive hams for their Christmas dinner tables, through Feeding Avery Families. Needy children will find toys, educational supplies and clothing under their Christmas tree thanks to the Avery County Sheriff’s Office program of Christmas for Kids and the efforts of Reaching Avery Ministry and Avery Project Christmas. Even the dogs and cats at the Avery Humane Society will benefit from a commercial clothes washer and dryer to keep their bedding clean and fresh.  / Read more…

December 11, 2018  Election of new county officers and a delay in the preparation of the county’s 2017-18 fiscal year audit were among the action approved at the regular monthly meeting of the Avery County Board of Commissioners December 3. All commissioners-Martha Hicks; Blake Vance; Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr.; Tim Phillips; and Dennis Aldridge were present. County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr.; Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Commissioners Cindy Turbyfill; Finance Officer Tim Greene; and County Attorney Michaelle Poore also were present. It was the first meeting for Aldridge as a commissioner. He was the high vote-getter in the November General Election, being elected to serve a four-year term. He replaces Faith (Faye) Lacey, who did not seek re-election to the Board. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 11, 2018. The biggest snowfall that the High Country has seen for several years was a headache to many residents and visitors. For one Todd man, he took advantage of the the powdery white stuff that fell to the ground and built one spectacular Snow Santa. Lee Cahill lives on Railroad Grade Road in Todd and took the time to create this masterpiece over the last couple of days of snowfall across the area. If you need a lift into the Christmas spirit after being snowbound for the last few days, venture out to see the Snow Santa before he melts away.   / Read more…

December 11, 2018  Appalachian State assistant coaches Bryan Brown and Frank Ponce are joining the University of Louisville football coaching staff right away. They will become the first hires made by Scott Satterfield, the six-year Mountaineers head coach who was named earlier this week as the new head coach of the Cardinals. Brown was thought to be a possible candidate to replace Satterfield as Appalachian State’s head coach, but instead will be the defensive coordinator at Louisville. He filled the same role this past season for Satterfield at Appalachian State. His appointment at Louisville may mean he was not going to be under consideration for the Appalachian State head job. It’s unclear what role Ponce will fill at Louisville. Brown and Ponce were members of Satterfield’s original Appalachian State staff, when he became head coach in late 2012, with the 2013 season his first as head coach. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

December 10, 2018. The snowstorm held off just long enough for Banner Elk to have their Christmas Parade Saturday night followed by some Christmas cheer in the Tate-Evans Park. Crowds gathered along Main Street for the parade procession with floats and lots of candy for the kids. Santa Claus’s float traveled to Tate-Evans Park where Santa took his place in his chair to greet kids and to listen what they wanted for Christmas. The miniature train had a large line of families waiting for a turn for a ride through the park. “Every year we try to make A Small Town Christmas a little bigger and a little better,” says organizer Jo-Ann McMurray of the Banner Elk Chamber. “It’s an old-fashioned, small-town Christmas. It reminds me of how nice Christmas was when I was growing up and how much we all looked forward to it.”  / Read more…

December 10, 2018. Snow flurries ended Monday morning after dropping another couple of inches of snow throughout the night. Skies are clearing and temperatures are rising above freezing. The main roads are in good shape this morning with back roads still very snow covered and fairly slick. Town of Boone crews were busy in Downtown Boone moving out massive piles of snow. Jim Cantore and his Weather Channel crew were packing up this morning and heading back to Atlanta.  / Read more…

December 9, 2018. Chilly temperatures and cloudy skies were on hand for Boone’s Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday. King Street was lined with parade watchers who were treated to a 40 minute parade. The parade made it on the national airways because Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel was on hand to report on the upcoming snowstorm and used the parade as a backdrop to his reporting.  / Read more…

December 8, 2018. The High Country woke up to at least a foot of snow this morning with heavy snow still coming down. Ray’s Weather Site says the forecast in right on track for another 3 to 6 inches as the day unfold. “The event is unfolding as expected. Temperatures aloft will get ever so close to freezing bringing the potential for sleet into play later today. The basic story line remains in place. Expect 15″-20″ across NW NC, with a few spots just above that 20 inch mark.” says Ray Weather at 7:00 a.m. this morning.  / Read more…