High Country Press

April 19, 2018. Early voting began at the Watauga County Administration Building Thursday morning at 8 a.m., ahead of primary election day coming up on Tuesday, May 8. One stop early voting will be available weekdays through May 5, according to Watauga County Board of Elections Director Matthew Snyder. “Voting has been somewhat steady all day, not too crazy,” Snyder said. “So far, 43 voters have come in at a steady pace throughout the day.” Of the 43 ballots cast as of Thursday at 4 p.m., 23 were Democrats, 19 were Republicans, and one voter was unaffiliated, Snyder said. By Luke Weir / Read more…

April 19, 2018. Rochelle Weinstein, a USA Today best-selling author and part time resident at Beech Mountain, recently released her latest literary work of art, “Somebody’s Daughter.” The book was released on April 17 and it focuses on the devastating effects that social media can have on a family. The book tells the story of Emma and Bobby Ross living life on the shores of Miami Beach. They have twin daughters, Zoe and Lily, run a successful business and are highly respected members in their community. Then, on the night of the girls’ fifteenth birthday party, they learn – in a devastatingly public way – of Zoe’s mistake. When a private indiscretion with a classmate at a party goes viral, the entire Ross family is thrust into the center of a shocking public scandal. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 19, 2018. It’s never too late to bring back the glory days on the diamond. The High Country Senior Softball Team is hoping to add more men ages 60 and over to their team for the upcoming season. Players get together each Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Lees-McRae College and each Thursday at 10 a.m. at Watauga County Parks and Recreation’s Complex Field in Boone. The season starts on June 1 and ends on September 30.
By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 17, 2018. The 2018 State of the Child/State of the Community Forum held in Boone on Tuesday, April 17, was a huge success as evidenced by a crowd of 300-plus people filling Mount Vernon Baptist Church for the day-long event. Presented by the Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative, the forum was designed to help community members address the need to prevent trauma and build resiliency. As a follow-up to the local 2107 State of the Child event, an introduction to becoming a trauma-informed community, Tuesday’s event attracted a wide representation of area and regional agencies and other interested individuals. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

April 18, 2018.  The Friends of Watauga County Public Library are holding their annual meeting Wednesday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m., according to member Joan Hearn. Since 1974, the Friends have engaged in fundraising and volunteering on behalf of the Watauga County Public Library. “Friends of the Library is a nonprofit, all-volunteer group,” Hearn said. “Our only function is to help support the library by funding things government money doesn’t cover.” The group’s annual meeting April 25 will begin with an optional lunch catered by F.A.R.M. Café for a suggested donation of $8 a plate. Following lunch, renowned local historian Eric Plaag will deliver a talk about the Digital Watauga Project, beginning around noon. By Luke Weir / Read more…

April 18, 2018. The 2018 racing got underway this past Saturday at Mountain View Speedway, located at the High Country Fairgrounds. The event got off to an early start with a driver Meet-n-Greet at 10 a.m., then racing action started later in the day with a good field of cars and fans on hand. Racing action resumes this Saturday at 5 p.m. with nine divisions in action including 602 Modifieds and a 100-Lap Enduro to cap off the evening’s events. / Read more…

April 18, 2018. The High Country Grizzlies are inviting all hometown heroes to this Sunday’s home game against the Triangle Torch. Veterans and active military members, first responders, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses, doctors and teachers are all eligible for a $5 ticket at the door by showing an ID or badge.
By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 18, 2018. With just one week until MerleFest 2018, the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. is buzzing with activity. The festival, presented by Window World, kicks off next Thursday, April 26, at 2:30 p.m., and runs through Sunday, April 29; an estimated 75,000+ participants will gather at this year’s annual homecoming of musicians and music lovers to celebrate the world renowned MerleFest. With over 120 artists performing on 13 stages spread across campus, MerleFest fans have come to expect the unexpected. / Read more…

April 18, 2018. Award-winning co-authors David Harman and Appalachian State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Harvard G. Ayers announce that their recently published book, Train Wreck Earth, is among the Top 100 best books in the 2018 Shelf Unbound Best Indie/Self-Published Book Competition. Shelf Unbound is an indie book review magazine published by Shelf Media Group. Train Wreck Earth ranks No. 45 in this prestigious competition. / Read more…

April 18, 2018.   A new music series in the High Country will continue on Sunday April 22 when Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship hosts local and regional favorite singer songwriter Alexa Rose and her friends Clint Roberts and Jackson Emmer for an evening of original songs and the stories, ideas, or moments that inspired them. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with a community pot-luck in the Founder’s House with music beginning at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. A suggested donation of $15 per person will support the performers and (if extra) Fellowship outreach.. / Read more…

April 18, 2018. Join the Mayland Community College Foundation for a FREE ScieNCe Festival Celebration Star Party at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory on April 21. Free daylight activities and tours for the Earth to Sky Park and observatory begin at 5:30 PM at the observatory located at 66 EnergyXchange Drive in Burnsville. / Read more…

April 17, 2018.  Thirsty? Grab a glass and fill it to the rim right from the sink. Satisfying, isn’t it, to have the privilege of drinking a glass of clean water whenever you want? To brush your teeth, bathe, and even cook with the water that comes directly from the tap in your home. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for many global citizens. Across the United States, most citizens have easy access to clean drinking water. However, not all countries have the ability to obtain clean water. Referred to as the global water epidemic, the inability to access clean water in other parts of the world is causing overwhelming illness and even death in young children and adults. By Savannah R. Watts / Read more…

April 17, 2018. After Monday’s nasty wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow, gusty winds took over the High Country on Monday night and Tuesday, even leading to a few power outages in Ashe County. Currently 195 residents in Ashe are still without power as of 4 p.m. In Boone, a wind gust of 63 MPH early this morning was recorded at Watauga Medical Center, according to the National Weather Service. A gust of 52 MPH was reported as recently as 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 17, 2018. Beech Mountain, NC – Fresh off being named on the Brewers Association’s list of the “50 Fastest-Growing Small and Independent Craft Breweries in the U.S.”, Beech Mountain Resort is announcing a reconfigured Taproom and Grill.  To help facilitate these exciting changes, Beech Mountain Resort has named Will Young as the new Director of Food and Beverage. Young brings over 15 years of culinary and brewing experience to Beech Mountain Resort and is most noted for his prior ownership of Blind Squirrel Brewery.. / Read more…

April 17, 2018. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / Read more…

April 17, 2018. A long-standing tradition of presenting an annual musical production enters its 30th year for the Watauga High School drama department. This year, the Playmakers will be presenting “Cinderella Enchanted” starting this Thursday, April 19 and lasting through Saturday, April 21. The musical will take place each night at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the school’s front office from now through opening day. Saturday’s showing will also feature an open gala celebrating 30 years of theater at Watauga High School. Those who have performed in the past are invited to attend. The gala will also honor the directors of the show, Sarah Miller and Zach Walker, who were presented with the North Carolina Theater Conference Excellence in Teaching Award. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 17, 2018. James & Cheryl Nipper, the parents of Jason Matthew Nipper, are pleased to announce the opening of the 2018 Season of their unique and challenging hiking program for at-risk youth taking place at Grandfather Mountain. This program focuses on teenage students who suffer from mental disorders and/or drug addiction, and also serves kids struggling with other personal problems for reasons beyond their control, including instances of parental abuse or neglect, placement in foster homes, and similar obstacles and challenges in their lives. / Read more…

April 17, 2018. Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music welcomes the North Sea Gas band back to the High Country for a special spring concert as part of its 25th Anniversary 2018 Concert Series. This trio of highly entertaining musicians is one of Scotland’s most popular folk bands featuring great vocals and tremendous three part harmonies. Guitars, mandolin, fiddle, bouzouki, harmonica, whistles, bodhrans, banjo and good humor are all part of the entertainment. They have received Gold and Silver Disc awards from the Scottish Music Industry Association and regularly have sold out shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The concert takes place on Saturday, April 21st at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone, at 7:30pm – doors open at 7pm. / 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.

Boone Vendors Invited to Showcase Goods at Tractor Supply’s Spring Market Day

Town of Boone Public Announcement

Jerky Outpost Opens Second Location in Blowing Rock

Town of Boone to Hold Public Hearing April 23

Upcoming Classes at Mayland Community College

S.N.I.P.S. Fundraiser set for April 19

Appalachian State Athletics Complex Named for Alum Mark Ricks

Award-Winning Christian Bands Coming to Freedom Hall for Tri-Cities Region Area Will Graham Celebration

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

April 17, 2018. Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) is proud to announce its recognition as one of the “Healthiest Companies in America” by Interactive Health, a national provider known for its preventive programs that encourage employees to adopt new health habits. ARHS is one of 184 companies across the country recognized this year for empowering employees to make significant and sometimes life-saving changes to improve their health. ARHS is proud to win this award in its inaugural year with Interactive Health. The “Healthiest Companies in America” award means that ARHS has reached or exceeded an exemplary 70 percent participation rate for its employee wellness program, and the workforce’s overall health risk is low. Health risk is calculated for each participating employee based on the results of an annual evaluation that involves a blood draw, health screening and a detailed questionnaire. / Read more…

April 17, 2018. At $2.71, gas prices are at their most expensive point in nearly three years and continue to climb. On the week, the national average increased a nickel. “Expensive crude oil prices, unrest in the Middle East and strong domestic demand, are some of the factors driving spring gas prices toward new heights,” said AAA Spokesperson Tiffany Wright. “Gas prices could increase another 5 to 10 cents this season, but right now we don’t expect we’ll see the $3 mark.” In the Carolinas, pump prices have hit their highest of the year as well. In North Carolina, the state average is currently $2.62, a six cent increase over the past week. In South Carolina, the state average is $2.48, a five cent increase on the week. Despite the increase, South Carolina still ranks among the least expensive states for gas prices in the country. / Read more…

April 17, 2018. From one tiny house, a community is born. LIFE Village, a local nonprofit currently in the beginning stages of production, has hopes of becoming a lifelong home for those with autism or related disorders as well as for those residents of Boone who want to be part of this community. Candace Lang, the Vice President and Director of Development of this new initiative, has a long history of working with those with disabilities. Her daughter, Erin, 17, is multiply handicapped, and before Erin was born, Lang worked as a speech therapist for nine years. As Lang’s sister is also a special education teacher, Lang would often help out in her classroom. By Kelly Knowles and Jordan Klug / Read more…

April 17, 2018. With less than a month until primary elections in North Carolina, candidates for various federal, state and local offices are ramping up their campaigns. Jenny Marshall and DD Adams, the two Democratic Party candidates vying for a seat in the United States House of Representatives, are determined to knock Virginia Foxx, longtime incumbent for North Carolina’s 5th District, out of office. Foxx, a Banner Elk resident, was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2004, and has been the 5th district’s representative ever since. As the incumbent’s sixth term in congress comes to an end, Marshall and Adams, both residents of Winston-Salem, are on campaigns to replace Foxx in the nation’s capital by winning the general election in November. But only one of the two will make it out of primary elections May 8. By Luke Weir / Read more…

April 17, 2018.   The Boone Trash Fashion Show is a community initiative that values the invention of fashionable products created out of goods deemed useless, unwanted, imperfect, or disposable. “Where trash meets fashion, innovation is born!” A local group of community members has partnered with Appalachian State’s Office of Sustainability to produce this year’s show. It is a collaborative project between designers, creatives, community members, business owners, and students to raise awareness of use and reuse patterns in our local mountain region. This is an ALL AGES show! The doors open at 4:30. The same runway show will run at 2 separate times: 5:30pm and 6:30pm.. / Read more…

April 17, 2018. The Watauga Education Foundation presents Shooting Stars 2018, a county-wide talent show case featuring students from Watauga County Schools. The Shooting Stars performance will be Friday, April 27th at 6:30 pm at ASU’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Visual artists will be included in the talent showcase. The artwork from these students is being displayed at the Jones House during the month of April. Shooting Stars will feature 27 performances from talented students in Watauga County. Here’s the lineup for the remainder of the evening: / Read more…

April 16, 2018. Who doesn’t love to spend time on the Blue Ridge Parkway? This coming Saturday, April 21, you have a chance to not only drive on the historic scenic route, but you also have the opportunity to help maintain the beauty of its campgrounds that attract thousands of visitors to the area each year. In its inaugural Project Parkway Campground Cleanup, The National Park Service is inviting area residents to be part of a volunteer effort, along with parkway staff, to help clean up and beautify the eight parkway campgrounds prior to their May opening. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

April 16, 2018. It might not have felt like spring outside on Monday in Blowing Rock, but elected officials and town citizens gathered on Main Street for an official groundbreaking ceremony on one of spring’s biggest projects in the town. The Laurel Lane Beautification Project is a three-phase project that started in 2017, made possible through a public/private partnership between The Village Foundation, the Town of Blowing Rock and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 16, 2018. There were no Amish and no barns involved, but the spirit was just like a traditional Amish barn raising in Banner Elk last Saturday! Only on April 14, different segments of the community came together to erect playground structures and spruce up the Tate-Evans Park in downtown Banner Elk.  Called Kiwanis One Day, this gathering had all the components of an Amish barn raising…it was a frolic, a work event that combined socializing with a practical goal.  At the end of the workday, more than 50 volunteers felt a greater sense of community!. By Jim Swinkola / 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

BRAHM Movies at the Museum to Feature ‘After Coal’ on April 19

Free Public Seminar on April 19: Is There Hope for Hemlocks?

Black Violin Continues ‘Classical Boom Tour’ April 20 at the Schaefer Center

Annual Mountain Day of Service Expands Further into the Community for 14th Year

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

April 16, 2018. Mother Nature just had to bring in one more round of snow showers for the High Country on Monday after heavy rains and thunderstorms dampened the area on Sunday. Boone received almost three inches of rain on Sunday with the official total measuring in at 2.78 inches. Blowing Rock had over three inches of rain at 3.14 inches. Linville had 3.57 inches of rain and Banner Elk got nearly four inches of rain with a total of 3.91 inches. Jefferson and West Jefferson saw right at three inches of rainfall while Phillips Gap at the Blue Ridge Parkway had 3.88 inches. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 16, 2018.   The Coffee, Cake and Candidates forum at F.A.R.M. Café on the evening of Monday, April 23, will allow local voters a chance to meet and learn about candidates for various political offices in upcoming midterm primary elections, according to an event announcement from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. A number of political candidates, including incumbent U.S. House Representative Virginia Foxx, will engage in a round-robin style question and answer forum following a round of two-minute introductory statements starting at 5 p.m., the statement said. By Luke Weir / Read more…

April 16, 2018. For the past four decades, Dr. Pat Morgan has been a staple in Watauga County Schools, sharing his love for reading with students at Cove Creek, Bethel and Mabel schools. Over the last 41 years of reading in classrooms, Dr. Morgan has left an impression generations of students. This month, in recognition of the long volunteer service,  Dr. Morgan was presented with the Watauga County Board of Education’s Servant’s Heart Award, the highest honor the board presents. / Read more…

April 16, 2018. Since their first concert in 1987, the members of Watauga Community Band (WCB) have practiced, played and performed locally, entertaining the masses and building life-long relationships. On May 6, 2018, the band will play its annual spring concert at Rosen Concert Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. Or if you are out around the Rotary Club Gazebo in Blowing Rock on any summer Sunday evening, the red-shirt summer band will play popular tunes for everyone’s listening pleasure. Combining flexibility and creativity the community band creates a space for people to play music for everyone to enjoy. By Lauren Stearley and Hayden Souza / Read more…

April 16, 2018. The Fourth Annual Rising to the Occasion Youth Rally returns to the Old Cove Creek Gymnasium for a three-day event beginning Wednesday April 25 and running through Friday 27. With a 7:30 p.m. start time each evening, the rally is hosted this year by Victory Baptist Church in Newland and Bibleway Baptist Church in Boone. Supported and made possible by many of the pastors and churches in the area, said moderator/coordinator Ethan Greene, pastor of Victory Baptist, “We want to emphasize that this is not a one or two church meeting. It is for everyone!” By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

April 13, 2018. Volunteers are needed to help keep Boone clean with the annual spring litter sweep starting this weekend and the Boone Clean-Up Day coming April 21. The town-wide clean up initiative from April 14 through April 28 encourages residents to clean their property of litter and debris. Town residents will receive an addition free curbside pickup for trash cleaned up, including household items, yard debris and brush. On April 21, volunteers are invited to come to the Town of Boone Public Works Center at 321 East King Street between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be assigned a location to clean inside the town limits. Gloves and bags will be provided. From 12-1 p.m. refreshments will be provided at the Public Works Center. By Nathan Ham / Read more…