High Country Press

June 14, 2019. A total of 11 town council seats and one mayoral seat in four Watauga County towns will be up for grabs in November as the filing period for candidates will begin at noon on July 5 and will last through noon on July 19. “In order to file for these seats, candidates must live within the town limits of which they are applying,” said Donna Houck, Watauga County Board of Elections Deputy Director. The Boone Town Council will have three seats up for election, currently filled by Marshall Ashcraft, Lynne Mason and Loretta Clawson. In Blowing Rock, two town council seats held by Albert Yount and Jim Steele will be up for election as well as the mayoral seat currently held by Charlie Sellers. Blowing Rock’s mayoral seat is up for election every two years while Boone’s mayoral seat is up every four years. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 14, 2019. A day in the North Carolina mountains can be so magical you never want it to end – and the year’s longest day is just around the corner. Blue Ridge Mountain Club is thrilled to help families and fans of the High Country celebrate the occasion with Summer Soulstice 2019. Once each year, the BRMC community in Blowing Rock opens its gates to the public for a day of camaraderie and community – and next Saturday, June 23, is that day. Summer Soulstice will offer a host of exciting activities for guests of all ages, and it’s sure to be a memorable way to kick off the season. Best of all, the day-long event benefits the Boone Hospitality House, a non-profit agency devoted to helping those in crisis, poverty and homelessness rebuild their lives. For the adventurous, a full view of the property’s 6000+ acres and gorgeous mountain views can be enjoyed via guided UTV trail rides, and the new Lamborghini Urus SUV will be available on-site.  / Read more…

June 14, 2019. The proposed 2019-2020 budget has been presented to the Boone Town Council and will be discussed at a public hearing Tuesday, June 18 followed by a meeting on Thursday to adopt the new $28,749,600 budget. The budget was put together by Finance Director Amy Davis and will be presented by Town Manager John Ward. The budget will maintain the current tax rate of $0.41 but there will be an overall 1.18 percent tax increase for the Town of Boone of 1.82 percent from $5,713,950 to $5,782,321 for the Boone. The general fund totals $17,071,448 – a 2.3 percent increase above the current year budgets. With that comes many other increases, such as the Narcotics Department which will increase $5,600 (from $27,000 to $32,600). Water and Sewer will rise $920,730 (from $7,074,900 to $7,995,630). By Laura Boaggio / Read more…

June 14, 2019. Avery County Schools Superintendent Bryan Taylor has formally announced his resignation. Taylor told the Avery County Board of Education members of his intent to step down from the post during a closed session of the Avery County Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday, June 11. Taylor sent an email throughout the Avery School System the next day (June 12) to announce the resignation. The email reads: “After much thought and prayerful consideration, I have decided to resign as Superintendent of Avery County Schools. The unexpected death of my father and unexpected health issues have led me to reevaluate various aspects of my life. I am very proud of the achievements we accomplished during my tenure. Thank you for all you do for the young people of Avery County. I wish you the best moving forward.” By Tim Gardner / Read more…

June 13, 2019. Boone, North Carolina drone pioneer Nelson Aerial Productions has taken home first place in the Second Annual Engineering Drone Video of the Year contest held at AUVSI Xponential in Chicago, IL. The video titled “The Big Boom” documents 10 separate building implosions across the United States. Of the 10 implosions, eight were for Greensboro, NC based D.H. Griffin Wrecking Company and two were for explosives demolition company, Pettigrew Inc., based out of Swedesboro, NJ. Jordan Nelson of Nelson Aerial Pros was in attendance to receive the award. “Most people will never get to experience the raw power of an implosion. I love the challenge of telling the story from every angle,” said Nelson.  / Read more…

June 13, 2019. At Tuesday’s Blowing Rock Town Council meeting, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the hotly discussed Rainey Lodge was approved by a 3-1 vote. Doug Matheson, Jim Steele and Virginia Powell voted to support the permit while Albert Yount voted against it and Sue Sweeting was recused from voting. Rainey Lodge is a proposed 40-room hotel that will be constructed in downtown Blowing Rock on less than one full acre of land near Rainey Street, Morningside Drive and U.S. Highway 221. The project has drawn the ire of elected officials and residents in Blowing Rock with complaints ranging from traffic impacts, the height of the building and property valuation. “This has been a very tough situation for all of us, council and citizens,” said Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers prior to the council’s vote on Tuesday. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 13, 2019. Singing on the Mountain has been welcoming one and all for the past 95 years, and this year is no different. On Sunday, June 23rd, all are welcome to join in a free gospel music festival set in MacRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain. The 95th annual Singing on the Mountain will return to Linville, N.C., with a full lineup of gospel music sensations, including: The Collective, The Cockman Family, Michael Combs, Patricia Smith, New Covenant and Adam Beard. Singing on the Mountain is not only about the music, but the gospel message, as well. This year’s message will be delivered by David Chadwick, host of the radio program, “The David Chadwick Show,” and accomplished author, who is passionate about sharing the gospel. / Read more…

June 13, 2019. The Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre will kick off the month of July with the premiere of A Whale of a Tale Saturday, July 6. A Whale of a Tale is the creative re-telling of the biblical story of Jonah. The show will kick off on Saturday, July 6 with additional showings July 20, 27, and August 3. All shows begin at 10 a.m. in the Shelton Learning Commons on the campus of Lees-McRae and cost $10. / Read more…

June 13, 2019. Avery County High School held its annual commencement and graduation ceremony on June 7th in the school’s gymnasium, sending off the latest group of graduates into the next journey of their lives. There were 134 in the 2019 graduating class, which marks the 50th in the school’s history. The ceremony had to be moved indoors from the school’s MacDonald Stadium due to heavy rain. According to Avery Schools Superintendent Bryan Taylor, the 2019 graduating class received a half million dollars ($500,000.00) in scholarship awards to attend colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning. The Avery High Band and chorus were featured during graduation as “Pomp and Circumstance” was played as the graduates marched into the gymnasium in front of a capacity crowd of family, friends, special guests, teachers and school system officials.  By Tim Gardner / Read more…

June 13, 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 13, 2019. The beginning date for replacing the bridge that crosses the Watauga River on Highway 105 will be March of 2020, according to North Carolina Department of Transportation Division 11 Project Manager Ramie Shaw. “Our letting schedule is March 17, 2020, for this project,” Shaw said Wednesday afternoon. Construction will begin soon thereafter and will include both daytime and nighttime construction and there will not be any required detours for travelers. “We will not be closing the bridge so there will be no detours. We will be doing staged construction, building one lane of the bridge at a time keeping one lane open to traffic,” Shaw said. There will also be some blasting needed at times for this project, however, Shaw said that the blasting will not be done during peak travel times. Lane closures during blasting are expected to be around 30 minutes. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 13, 2019. Virginia “Ginny” Stevens – a woman whose respect for Blowing Rock’s history was so sincere that she spent the last 3 decades of her life ensuring its preservation – will be leaving one more indelible mark on the town’s rich history. At 4 pm this Sunday, June 16th, the Friends of Ginny Stevens will commence the dedication of the street formerly known as Chestnut Street. As of Sunday, it will be known as Ginny Stevens Lane. Ever since she arrived in town with her husband David in 1985, Ginny Stevens had made her love for the town of Blowing Rock clear. In addition to co-founding the Blowing Rock Historical Society and leading its important work for many years, Ginny Stevens worked at the 1888 Museum (housed in the last remaining cottage of the historic Watauga Hotel), was active in Preservation North Carolina (in which role she helped to preserve many historically relevant buildings in Raleigh), and made herself heard often at Blowing Rock Town Council meetings. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

June 12, 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 12, 2019. Looking for a way to be active and spend time with your family? Run, walk or crawl your way to the summit at Sugar Mountain Resort is hosting their 3rd annual Summit Crawl on July 6. The Summit Crawl is a fun and competitive (if you want it to be) event via foot to the mountain’s 5,300’ peak where participants can find first aid and water stations sponsored by Lowes Foods. Once you’ve finished at the top, board the Summit Express and enjoy a relaxing and scenic ride back to the base. The event features a mass start on the gravel/dirt road directly in front of the base lodge at 10 a.m. The route follows Easy Street, Gunther’s Way and Northridge slopes and will be marked on event day. Kim Jochl says that “it’s tough, but it’s fun. You feel really good when you get to the top.” By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

June 12, 2019. Sponsored by the Blowing Rock Historical Society, Jerry Burns Day is Tuesday, June 18. An informal celebration will be held at Edgewood Cottage at 3:30 pm. A resolution to celebrate June 18th each year as “Jerry Burns Day” commemorating the town’s greatest cheerleader of his generation, and the man who is still remembered by many as the spirit of goodness in our village, was made in 2012. It’s been said that Jerry put the sunshine in every story for the Blowing Rocket; he was the editor for over 44 years. Jerry’s birthday is celebrated each year with a program highlighting a particular family’s history here in Blowing Rock.This year, Susie Greene will share her family’s history along with stories of the nightlife in Blowing Rock during the 40’s through the 80’s  / Read more…

June 12, 2019. Chetola Resort and artist/curator Brenda Councill have created an event filled weekend featuring renowned national artists, celebrities and star entertainment, including imaginative, family-friendly activities. August 9-11 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. each night features continuous engaging entertainment for the entire family. Chetola Resort’s lakeside setting provides the outdoor venue that has achieved landmark status among travelers to the High Country. The lake provides a dramatic backdrop for juried exhibition of over 50 nationally renowned sculptors traveling from the west coast, the southeast and midwest. Monumental scale and mid-scale works of art curated by Ms. Councill will be temporarily installed along the path around the lake. / Read more…

June 11, 2019. Rarely does a high school student graduate at the age of 15 — even before obtaining a driver’s license — but that’s exactly what is happening this week in Boone when Christian Hughes walks across the stage for his diploma. Set to graduate from Watauga High School on Friday night, Hughes will head to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall, the top Aerospace Engineering program in the nation for 16 years. It is at that prestigious school that he plans to prepare for a career in aerospace engineering, and also hopes to one day become an astronaut and go to Mars. On the surface, Hughes seems a lot like other teenagers. He likes to play video games, particularly Counter Strike. He hangs out with his family, goes bowling with his father every Monday night and looks forward to “Wing Night” at Elevation 3333 every Friday night. Most days, he wakes up around 6 a.m. and goes to sleep around 9 p.m.  By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

June 12, 2019. The area’s housing market in May continued its shift to the benefit of sellers as the busy summer selling season got off to a strong start, according to the High Country Association of Realtors® monthly rest estate report. Sales prices continued to increase, both in median sales price and price per square foot. Sellers also received more of what they were asking for at closing, with the listing price to sales price ratio the highest recorded for a month in at least three years. Local Realtors® sold 235 homes worth $71.79 million in May, according to the High Country Multiple Listing Service (MLS). It tracks the sales activity of all member Realtors® located in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. It was the busiest May for local Realtors® in more than 13 years, with sales up 18.7 percent compared to last May (198 homes sold). It was also the busiest overall month since last August (295). / Read more…

June 12, 2019. Some consumer survey results indicate that neckties still top the list of Father’s Day gifts. We know that all dads — or even most dads these days — do not wear ties on a regular basis, so if yours doesn’t, offer a “subtle” hint or two by wrapping up a few helpful tools for him to use around the house — like hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers. Or, if he is a self-professed handyman and already pretty punctual in his attempts to take care of those squeaky doors and drippy leaks, think about dropping by a sporting goods store for a new fishing rod or set of golf clubs — or a hammock. Even if your funds are low and the best you can do is show up on Sunday with a few brownies or cookies on a colorful paper plate and tied up with a bow, it will mean the world to him just to know you care. See below for a few ideas. If your father is alive, spend the day with him and make every moment count. Your time will prove to be the best gift you can give him. Let us not forget those children who have lost a father this year, and those fathers who have lost a child. I dedicate this column to my husband, Van Norris, who has been —and continues to be — the greatest father and grandfather that a child could possibly hope for. Happy Day, Dads! / Read more…

June 11, 2019. The Lees-McRae Women’s Soccer program has invited boys and girls ages four to 14 to its annual recreational summer soccer camp to learn new soccer skills, tricks and moves from the women’s and men’s coaching staff and the women’s soccer team. “It’s very soccer intensive in the morning, but we are going to have different sections in there and we will be breaking them up based on their age groups to go over the specific points of soccer,” said Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach Erin Barca. Campers will be able experience age-appropriate coaching as the Lees-McRae College Athletic Complex harbors four different soccer fields.  By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

June 11, 2019. For nearly a century, the pastoral MacRae Meadows in Linville, resting in the shadows of Grandfather Mountain, have welcomed thousands of visitors to the daylong event known as Singing on the Mountain. Now in its 95th year of bringing people together from all ages and stages of life, the annual event is set to take place again on Sunday, June 23. Always held on the fourth Sunday in June, with rare exceptions, The Singing on the Mountain, will again offer a great line-up of gospel musicians and singers that delight the large audiences every year, scheduled along with a midday message of inspiration.  By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

June 11, 2019. The wait is almost over for the start of Beech Mountain Resort’s Summer Concert Series. This Saturday, the Steep Canyon Rangers will take the stage as the headliner for the first show of the summer. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and then the music will get underway at 7 p.m. with Acoustic Syndicate opening the show. Acoustic Syndicate considers themselves to be “newgrass legends” from western North Carolina. They have been playing songs and instrumental jams for 25 years. After a brief intermission at 8 p.m., the Steep Canyon Rangers will hit the stage at 8:30 p.m. and will play until 10 p.m. The Grammy-Award-winning Steep Canyon Rangers are from Asheville. In addition to winning a Grammy Award for their album “Nobody Know You,” the group also won the International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year Award. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 11, 2019. Friday marks the silver anniversary of Watauga County’s fight for a cancer cure as the 25th annual Relay for Life kicks off at Watauga High School. Event chair, Brian Barker and his hardworking committee are ready to check off another historic fundraising event as part of the American Cancer Society’s efforts to eradicate cancer. Hundreds of cancer survivors, family members and friends are expected at this year’s event, including about 20 teams and dozens of volunteers who come together to celebrate and remember. It’s always a poignant time for all involved — from the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m., with the survivor’s lap shortly thereafter, through the luminaria ceremony two hours later..  By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

June 4, 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 11, 2019. In celebration of their 27th anniversary, the Art Cellar Gallery is changing up their 2019 season. The current exhibit, opening today, is called “The Art of the Landscape.” Installed artwork at the exhibit includes new works by Scott Boyle, Trey Finney and Tony Griffin. Join the artists for the opening reception this weekend, June 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitors will be able to enjoy exhibits, artist talks and other special events this year. The remaining exhibits this year are solo shows as the gallery is changing up their shows for the 2019 season. By Hailey Blevins / 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

North Carolina Native Plant Society Blue Ridge Chapter is Meeting on Wednesday

Events Happening at the Banner Elk Artists Gallery

This Week’s Ranger Programs at Cone Manor

Community Yard Sale on June 15 to Benefit Historic Banner Elk School

Birds, Bugs, & Blooms Nature Walk is this Saturday

Baha’i Devotional Meeting on “God’s Love and Guidance” is Sunday

Summer Soulstice Happening June 22

Kent Paulette will be Painting Each Saturday Evening at Studio 140

Call for Artists and Crafters for “Art Around Caldwell Studio Tour” to be held July 13

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

June 11, 2019. Blowing Rock is a quaint little town that’s always bustling with life. The setting is perfect for families looking to enjoy a Sunday evening concert in Blowing Rock’s Memorial Park. Sing, clap and dance along with The King Bees this Sunday at 4 p.m. The King Bees is a Blues and American Roots band. Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville and Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni call the mountains of NC home, but they also travel the world with their music. The band is in its 31st year this year and continues to bring fun as they share their love of Blues and American Roots music everywhere they go.  By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

June 11, 2019. The June edition of the High Country Magazine is officially back and ready to pick up at your favorite businesses across the High Country, or at our office located at 1600 Highway 105 in Boone. You can also read the magazine cover to cover online if you are not in the area. This year’s June edition features stories on the High Country United Way, the Western Youth Network, Mt. Bethel Reformed Church, Rev. Edgar Tufts, local designer Dianne Davant Moffitt and the 100th anniversary of the Tweetsie Railroad. / Read more…

June 11, 2019. Watauga County Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Elliott was recently named Northwest North Carolina Superintendent of the Year by the Northwest Regional Educational Service Agency (NWRESA), an organization that provides professional services, staff development and support for public schools in the region. The Regional Superintendent of the Year Award winner is chosen by fellow superintendents from the 12 school districts in Northwest North Carolina. Award winners from each of the eight regions are eligible to go on to win statewide recognition for their work. NWRESA Executive Director Don Martin said Elliott was chosen for the award for his dedication to public education and commitment to Watauga County Schools. “Elliott was selected by his peer superintendents for this award because they recognize his hard work and leadership both in Watauga and the state and regional levels,” Martin said. “He is well known and highly respected across our state as a vocal champion for both Watauga County Schools and for public education.” / Read more…

June 11, 2019. The Stephenson Center for Appalachia at Lees-McRae College is kicking off a summer full of traditional mountain entertainment and insight into the area culture starting Wednesday, June 12. With additional events on June 19 and 26, the center will host everything from musicians and area nonprofit leaders, to writers and photographers. All events will begin at 7 p.m. in the Dotti M. Shelton Learning Commons and are free to the public. The event on June 12 will feature area musician Floyd Townsend and musicians from Avery JAM to perform a concert of mountain music. A longtime Banner Elk fixture as an educator and musician, Floyd has mastered everything from traditional bluegrass, and old-time mountain, to gospel and more.  / Read more…

June 11, 2019. The Watauga County Board of Education voted unanimously Monday, June 10 to appoint Phil Norman Principal of Hardin Park School. Norman is set to take the job at Hardin Park after an extensive interview and vetting process led by Superintendent Dr. Scott Elliott. The process is designed to evaluate candidates for administrative roles in the district. The hiring process began with a stakeholder survey in which teachers, parents, students and community members were given the opportunity to express traits they’d like to see in a leader at their school. Hardin Park’s survey received 416 public responses. Norman, who has served as Principal of Green Valley School for the past five years, was chosen after a four round interview process with an interview committee of 30 people and a one-on-one interview with Elliott. Elliott said Hardin Park, Watauga’s largest K-8 school, required a skilled and experienced candidate to lead effectively. / Read more…

June 11, 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 11, 2019. The rain on Friday, June 7, did nothing to dampen the spirits of 125 fourth-grade students, five teachers, several volunteers and the school superintendent from delivering random acts of kindness throughout Watauga County. In fact, the “Love Bus” participants made 60 stops along their designated route as unsuspecting public servants, community leaders, business owners, medical staff and patients in various healthcare settings, individuals and many others were astonished by being handed a gift certificate, flowers, coins at the laundry, snacks and a plethora of other thoughtful gifts. While the unique community outreach might still be the best kept secret around, it has grown by leaps and bounds since it’s humble beginning five years ago.  By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

June 11, 2019  I just barely enjoyed 2016’s “The Secret Life of Pets.” The cutesy animated movie about house pets had to scratch and claw its way to a Two and a Half Star rating (now a B-) from me. I remember that the main story about cozy domestic dog Max (Louis C.K., a bad casting choice at the time and an even worse one in hindsight) having his world turned upside down by overbearing rescue Duke (Eric Stonestreet) and the two having to learn to cooperate and share did nothing for me. Fortunately, that movie was saved by its supporting players, especially villainous bunny Snowball (Kevin Hart). Now comes a sequel that does not need to be saved by Kevin Hart (of all people), it’s funny at every turn. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

June 11, 2019 Six to near-ten inches of rain fell across Avery County from late last Thursday night into Monday evening, resulting in some flooding. However, the problems it caused were only minimal when compared to other nearby regions such as Watauga County, which suffered major flooding issues in some regions. “We dodged a big bullet from these rains,” said Avery County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr. “The situation certainly wasn’t as bad as it could have been and there were only a few problems. Most of rivers, streams and creeks in the county reached capacity, but did not exceed their banks. Our fire departments, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), communications and sheriff’s departments as well as various volunteers did a wonderful job of helping anyone in need during this period of near-continuous and sometimes heavy rain.” By Tim Gardner / Read more…