High Country Press

May 21, 2019  Last year, Cove Creek became Watauga County’s second school to be recognized for its dedication to sustainability, earning a designation as a North Carolina Green School of Excellence. This week, with the help of dozens of community members, students at Cove Creek ensured that legacy would reach far into the future, holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school’s newest addition — a 5-kilowatt photovoltaic solar array. Cove Creek worked to install the equipment with the help of NC GreenPower, a group that supports renewable energy carbon offset projects by providing grants for solar installations at K-12 schools across the state. With the help of the SECU Foundation, Climate Voices US, Mast General Store, Haircut 101 and dozens of community members, Cove Creek students raised more than $14,000 to support the solar array’s installation at the school. / Read more…

May 21, 2019 The North Carolina Museum of History will host the debut of Rufus Edmisten’s memoir, aptly named “That’s Rufus: A Memoir of Tar Heel Politics, Watergate and Public Life” on Thursday, May 30 from 6- 9 p.m., including a reception to be held in the museum’s lobby. Admission is free, but the museum asks that attendees register in advance to hear Edmisten speak. For the unacquainted, Rufus Edmiston (or just “Rufus”, as he prefers to be called) has been a key figure in both the Watergate investigation and years of North Carolina law and government – he is undoubtedly someone who has stories to tell. Born in 1941 in Boone, NC, to Walter and Neil Edmiston, Rufus’s mountain farmboy upbringing instilled him with an integrity that he maintained throughout his political career. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

May 21, 2019  Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 25 from 2 to 5 p.m., as Carlton Gallery hosts its 37th Spring Group Exhibition with an Artists’ Reception. This is an opportunity for visitors and patrons to meet many of the standing gallery artists in attendance. This event is open to the public and free of charge.The Spring Group Exhibition features “New Beginnings with Jewels of Art” and the gallery is filled with color, light and creative energy from the new paintings, glass, sculpture, wood, clay, wearable fiber and jewelry from the local, regional and national artisans. / Read more…

May 21, 2019  Kicking off the summer with Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music’s Memorial Day Weekend Concert has become an ingrained tradition in the High Country. This coming Sunday, May 26th, The Silvio Martinat Swing Band will be making its first ever appearance on the JSMHM stage. The concert takes place at the Harvest House Performing Arts Venue in Boone, beginning at 7:30pm. This 2019 edition is titled “A Memorial Day Salute – Patriotic Swing” and it will be hosted by long time friend of JSMHM, David Johnson, who often plays with The Silvio Martinat Swing Band(TSMSB). Johnson has been a fixture at these shows for years and is known for his many performances with JSMHM concerts with the Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys. As a apart of the tradition for these concerts, the members of TSMSB have put together a special patriotic set of music to honor not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice in all of the wars ever fought by our country, but also current veterans who have served, by playing the anthems from each of the USA’s military branches. / Read more…

May 21, 2019 The 17th Annual Adult Services Expo attracted a large crowd to Boone Mall on Friday, May 17, during which several seniors were recognized, local agency representatives shared valuable information and others came to learn more about available services in the High Country.“I would say that it was a huge success,” said Billie Lister, current chair of the Adult Services Coalition which hosts the event each year. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, plus we awarded many door prizes throughout the day and were able to give the community an idea of the many adult services that are available in the area.” By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

May 21, 2019 Before you head out onto the water, don’t forget to check Swim Guide for the latest information about the health of the Watauga River. This is the public’s best resource for knowing which streams and river recreation areas are safe to swim in, and which have failed to meet safe water quality standards for bacteria pollution.“Before jumping into the river, it’s great to see how clean the water is.’” says Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill, who leads river floats and cleanups throughout the year. “The Swim Guide is the best resource for those of us who love to play on the Watauga. ” / Read more…

May 20, 2019 Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers wants to see more county funds coming to his end of Watauga County. Mayor Sellers has told the High Country Press that he intends to speak at Tuesday’s Watauga County Commissioner’s Meeting with the hopes of seeing more county tax dollars to be given to the smaller towns outside of Boone such as Blowing Rock, Seven Devils, and Beech Mountain. One of the main agenda items for Tuesday’s meeting is the public hearing for county citizens to comment on the proposed budget for the 2020 fiscal year. That is when Mayor Sellers will make his points to the county commissioners. “My whole issue is that I do not feel like that Blowing Rock reaps a lot of benefits from these property taxes that we are paying to Watauga County,” said Sellers. “Within the city limits of Blowing Rock this year, we pay $3.6 million that goes to Watauga County. We get $12,000 for parks and rec and $35,000 for fire and rescue and that is essentially it.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

May 20, 2019  For the last ten years, talented artists have charmed and informed visitors and locals alike in a little cottage with a big history. Edgewood Cottage was once the summer home and studio of renowned artist Elliott Daingerfield. Mr. Daingerfield sought the calm and beauty of the mountains to paint. Talented women artists from Philadelphia and New York came to Blowing Rock in the summers to be trained and mentored by Daingerfield. Locals called them “The Painting Ladies,” and many went on to be very successful. Blowing Rock resident Ineke Thomas recalled a conversation shortly after the cottage had been renovated by the Blowing Rock Historical Society. The late local historian Ginny Stevens and local artist Nancy Britelle brainstormed that Edgewood Cottage could be used today as it had been used in Daingerfield’s day: to further the love of art in the High Country. / Read more…

May 20, 2019 The Wilkes Heritage Museum is pleased to host the Twelfth Annual Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, June 7th. The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame exists to showcase and preserve the rich musical heritage of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains area from northern Georgia to northern Virginia. The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame educates, defines and interprets the history of music in the region with exhibits, an annual celebration of inductees, recordings of performances, and an interactive database.The 2019 inductees include: Patsy Cline, Nationally Known Artist; Fiddlin John Carson, Pioneer Artist; Kenny Baker, Sideman and Regional Musician; Bluegrass Unlimited, Media and Scholar; Bill Clifton, Songwriter; Union Grove Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention, Special Contributor, Promoter and Organizer. The 2019 Dr. T. R. Bryan Wilkes County Heritage Music Award recipient is Mike Palmer. / Read more…

May 20, 2019 Letters to the Editor. BY GEORGE WILCOX / Dear Editor, This public hearing was a tipping point for Blowing Rock creating division rather than unity to protect our shared concerns for the future of our community, especially our historic downtown that is our leading economic development asset.   The issues raised during the hearing are not whether the community would benefit from a new hotel, but the polarization created by the developer friendly CUP process which didn’t allow for a full consideration of how the developer, the community, and council could work together for the best outcomes. Read more…

May 20, 2019  Spirit Ride’s 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Fundraiser on May 2 was a smash success! Attendees streamed in the entrance, anxious to see all that the evening had to offer. Held at the beautiful Rising Star Equestrian Center in Boone, NC, people came from near and far to enjoy the fundraiser again this year. Smiles all-around underlined the energy and excitement this event generated.Wendy Hawk, a longtime Spirit Ride supporter shared, “The derby party was incredible. Seeing so many people come out to support an organization designed to help children warmed my heart. It is evidence of how important this organization has become to the people in this area of North Carolina and that when someone has a dream to do good for others, it is a dream worth investing in.” / Read more…

May 20, 2019 If you are among the growing number of grandparents raising grandchildren in your home, you need to know about High Country Caregivers, a local nonprofit organization designed to help kinship caregivers in their journey. Serving the High Country since 2008, the organization provides valuable support, resources and information to those who have taken on the responsibility of surrogate parenting due to the absence of the biological parents. Realizing that many of you have concerns for the safety and wellbeing of your grandchildren at all times, and especially during the summer months, HCC would like to help you by providing summer camp opportunities. / Read more…

May 20, 2019 This Wednesday, May 22, join us for a Buy Boone Lunch sponsored by ECRS. Because ECRS is generously covering the meal cost, every dollar donated this Wednesday, May 22, will be utilized by the cafe in its mission to fight food insecurity in the High Country. Just like each day at F.A.R.M Cafe, guests are encouraged to donate what they are able for a great lunch. When asked why their company chooses to support F.A.R.M. Cafe, ECRS Chief Operating Officer, David Sprague, stated, “We believe in being good stewards to the High Country that we’ve called home for thirty years. That’s why we’re focused on giving back: creating jobs, providing educational opportunities to students, and contributing to causes that help our neighbors. We’re proud of the great work done by the folks at F.A.R.M. Cafe, combating food insecurity and providing delicious meals in the process. We are honored to partner with them.” / Read more…

May 20, 2019  This past Friday and Saturday the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) hosted its annual Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival, which encourages artists to spend two days painting “en plein air” (a French phrase that means “outdoors” or “in the open air”) around the town. While artists have likely been painting outdoors since painting began, the 19th century Impressionist movement and the Hudson River school of landscape painting were particularly concerned with capturing scenes on-location. Since then, plein air painting has entered the popular repertoire; North Carolina has a particularly strong community of plein air painters. Plein air painting takes advantage of the unique lighting and movement of natural subjects – qualities that are often impossible to achieve in a studio. By TzarWilkerson / Read more…

May 17, 2019  For the past ten weeks, 12 community members have been raising money on behalf of the Watauga County Habitat for Humanity for its fifth annual Big Kahuna contest. The original campaign goal was to raise $35,000 but by completion, over $39,200 was brought in. On May 15, the final day of the campaign, $24,000 had been raised and it was unclear whether or not the $35,000 would be reached. However, in the final hours, the Kahunas managed to not only meet but also exceed the goal. “I did not see how we were going to reach our goal. We had originally budgeted $35,000 but I would have been thrilled to raise $30,000,” said Allison Jennings, director of development for Watauga Habitat for Humanity. “But our community pulled together and supported each other because that was what it was all about: supporting people, not just Habitat.” By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

May 17, 2019 The Newland Board of Aldermen approved a one-time reduced water rate for the new Avery County Pool located in the Town and a pair of sponsorships to help with the municipality’s promotional events during their regular monthly meeting May 7th. During his Town Administrator and Water Works report, Hoilman requested that the Board give a “one-time break” to the Avery County government to fill up the County’s new Dive-In Pool with water from the Town. Johnson made a motion to reduce the pool’s water rates in half for the one-time water fill-up. The motion passed unanimously (5-0) By Tim Gardner / Read more…

May 17, 2019 Although he was struggling with mental illness throughout his mid-teens and young adult life, Jason Matthew Nipper found peace and serenity as he and his parents hiked the challenging trails at Grandfather Mountain in Linville. Jason passed away in 2014, and his parents James & Cheryl Nipper formed a non-profit entity called The Jason Project, Inc., and launched “The Grandfather Challenge” program in 2015 in honor of Jason. This is a very unique wilderness hiking, adventure, leadership and mentoring program which focuses on teenage students who suffer from mental disorders and/or drug addictions, 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. The foundation provides backpacks, hiking boots, raincoats, and all other costs associated with the program.  / Read more…

May 17, 2019 If anyone ever doubted the High Country’s compassion for its fellowman, those thoughts will be dispelled once again as the community comes out in force to remember heroes and to support its neighbors in need.It happens May 17-18, during the Seventh Annual Hunter’s Heroes Community Dinner and Memorial Run, a combined weekend event that serves as a stark reminder of why we care and why we do the things we do around here.It all started when The High Country was shattered by the July 26, 2012 death of Deputy Sheriff William Mast, Jr., and the circumstances that surrounded the tragedy for all involved. However, thanks to the caring community that we are — and one that sticks together in good times and bad — a bright light was illuminated through a memorial event the following year which continues to grow brighter every year.Hunter’s Heroes, an event named for Mast’s son, who was born 17 days after his father’s death, will once again bring the community together as one in an effort to not only remember a fallen hero, but to help others in their time of need. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

May 17, 2019 Northwestern Studios will present two family-friendly dance productions next weekend. “Just Dance!” will be presented on Friday, May 17th at 6:00pm & Saturday, May 18th at 2:00pm. “The Sun and The Moon: A Children’s Comedic Ballet” will be performed on Saturday, May 18th at 6:00 pm and Sunday, May 18th at 2:00pm. All performances are at Watauga High School’s Ross Auditorium.“Just Dance!” is a lively show blending many different styles of dance.The dancers have worked all year learning various elements within each dance style and now get to share what they have learned. The audience will be delighted by the upbeat tap, contemporary, and hip-hop dances, along with performances by the award- winning Northwestern Starz Competition Team. Come support the dancers in the hard work!  / Read more…

May 15, 2019  In keeping with the CAF’s goal of celebrating the U.S. Air Force’s rich history, the AirPower History Tour offers the people of the Tri-City area the opportunity to experience World War II-era aviation at Tri-Cities Aviation in Blountville May 29 to June 2. Admission to the ramp is free for children under ten years old ($8 for youth, $15 for adults) and will allow visitors to purchase rides and tour the cockpits of the bombers FIFI (a Boeing B-29 Superfortress) and Diamond Lil (a Consolidated B-24 Liberator) when they aren’t in the air. In addition to the two bombers, the C-45 Expeditor and the PT-13 Stearman  and other aircraft will also be available for rides Wednesday through Sunday. While the supporting aircraft will be offering rides all five days, the B-29 and the B-24 will only be flying on the mornings of Saturday and Sunday. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

May 15, 2019 Rick Baker, who grew up in the Banner Elk Community of Avery County and was a multi-sport, standout athlete at Avery County High School in the 1980s, has been named Director of Athletics at Mars Hill University. The appointment was officially announced by the school on May 8th.Mars Hill University is located in Mars Hill, NC, and is a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II school that is part of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). Baker previously served as Mars Hill’s longtime sports information director and assistant athletics director. He had served as the school’s interim athletics director for several months and will assume the director’s duties on a permanent basis June 1st. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

May 15, 2019 The recent cold front should be coming to an end after today. The low temperatures that we’ve experienced this week will be gradually warming up as we approach the weekend, with highs in the 70s Thursday through Sunday. According to Ray’s Weather Center, “It’s safe to say we won’t experience a morning this cool again until October.”The low temperature in Boone dipped down to 45 degrees on Monday and 43 degrees on Tuesday. Wednesday morning offered up the coldest low temperature of 35.7 degrees, the lowest temperature since April 15 when Boone residents woke up to 35.4 degrees. In Blowing Rock, the lowest temperature reported was 39 degrees on Tuesday morning. It was 43 degrees on Monday morning and 44 degrees on Wednesday morning.At higher elevations, temperatures were even chillier the past three days. On top of Snake Mountain, the low temperature reached 34.3 degrees on Tuesday. At both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, the morning temperatures on Tuesday nearly reached freezing at 33.2 degrees. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

May 15, 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

May 15, 2019  The Three Forks Baptist Association’s executive council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to accept Garland Honeycutt’s resignation. Honeycutt has served as the TBFA’s Executive Associational Missionary since his election on May 1, 2017. Under his guidance, the TFBA had pursued goals of unity and revitalization in the 35 churches in their association. According to a statement from the TBFA, “Garland’s resignation comes after the leadership of the Three Forks Baptist Association and Avery Baptist Association learned of personal and moral failure during his tenure as our executive associational missionary.” Garland has also served for five years as the Director of Missions with the Avery Baptist Association’s 23 Southern Baptist Churches. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

May 15, 2019 The palpable excitement of Appalachian State University’s Class of 2019 — nearly 4,000 students — was evident throughout Friday and Saturday’s commencement exercises. Graduates — including a student veteran, two App State Online students, a bilingual special education major and an aspiring doctor who is an advocate for rural health care — addressed crowds that in turn shared cheers, tears, hugs and laughter. During six commencement ceremonies, approximately 525 graduate students and 3,293 undergraduates decked in black and gold regalia crossed the platforms in the university’s Holmes Convocation Center and Rosen Concert Hall to receive their degrees, turning their tassels toward their future. By Jessica Stump / Read more…

May 15, 2019  Home sales in the NC High Country remained strong in April and outpaced activity a year ago, according to the latest real estate report by the High Country Association of Realtors.Just over half of the sales activity was in Watauga County, which is seeing a rising trend in sold prices. Local Realtors sold 173 homes worth $51.5 million in April, according to the High Country Multiple Listing Service (MLS). It records all Realtor activity in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties.Through the first four months of the year, local Realtors sold 649 homes worth $193.75 million. That’s an increase of 4 percent from this time last year (629 homes sold worth $163.13 million) and up 22 percent from 2017 (533 homes worth $137 million). / Read more…

May 15, 2019 Less than a year after an area mineral processing plant illegally discharged hydrofluoric acid into the North Toe River, the facility, along with five other nearby mining facilities, are up for discharge permit renewals from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources. Approximately one hundred concerned citizens, elected officials and representatives from the local mining industry and the Division of Water Resources filled the Mitchell County Senior Center in Ledger May 2, for a public hearing about those draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System wastewater permits for the mining facilities in Avery and Mitchell counties. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

May 15, 2019. May is National Egg Month, a celebration of the incredible, edible little oval food staple without which few cooks could make it through the day.According to the American Egg Board, which is the US egg producer’s link to the consumer in communicating the value of the egg, it really is good for us, despite the contrary cholesterol-related data we’ve heard and read about in recent years. Studies now indicate that it’s really OK to eat eggs, without the worry of negative side effects. Those of us aiming for the low-carb, high protein way of life love this tidbit of information.Also, the AEB tells us, eggs age more in one day at room temperature than in one week in the fridge, and that white-shelled eggs are produced by hens with white feathers and earlobes, while brown shelled eggs come from hens with red feathers and red ear lobes.Referred to by some old-timers as “hen fruit,” the egg is one of the most utilized kitchen staples. Currently, according to the egg board, each of the roughly 280 million laying birds in the U.S. produces from 250 to 300 eggs a year. In total, the U.S. produces about 75 billion eggs a year, about 10 percent of the world supply. Each year, about 60 percent of the eggs produced are used by consumers, about 9 percent are used by the foodservice industry and the rest are turned into egg products which are used mostly by foodservice operators to make the meals we eat in restaurants and by food manufacturers to make foods like mayonnaise and cake mixes. Using highly sophisticated technology, egg producers have kept prices low. While other food costs have skyrocketed, eggs continue to be one of nature’s best bargains among high-quality protein foodsWe are also told that it takes a hen 24-26 hours to “lay” an egg, from start to finish — and 30 minutes later, she starts all over again! Without the egg, we would never know the joys of omelets, soufflés or quiche, and it’s one of those things, so versatile in nature that it can be fried, scrambled, poached, baked, boiled and consumed in many different ways. Hope you enjoy a few of our ideas. / Read more…

May 14, 2019. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / Read more…

May 14, 2019  Avery County 4-H Youth Development is back for our 19th year of offering school-age youth, quality summer services where they can learn-by-doing and gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. 4-H Summer WOW, (Wonderful Opportunities Waiting), offers parent/guardians and youth a fun, safe, inclusive environment paired with caring adults and researched based resources! 4-H WOW offers many fun, educational activities that develop life skills and are centered on the 4-Hs’: Head to clearing thinking, Hearts to greater loyalty, Hands to larger service and Health to better living for club, community, country and world. 4-H also focuses on three essential elements of positive youth development: belonging, generosity, and independence. 4-H Summer WOW is offering a wide variety of hands-on activities and field trips for youth ages 5 to 13. / 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

BE Artists Gallery Third Thursday Social Happening May 16

Sound Traveler Opens St. Mary’s Concert Season on May 19

Haute Route Delivering International Cycling Event and Economic Boost to Asheville 

N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Market Gardening Workshop Scheduled for May 28

Foxx Announces 2019 Teacher in Congress Internship; Foxx Awarded For Conservative Excellence

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

May 14, 2019  From guitars, ukuleles, mandolins, and fiddles to banjos, harps, cellos, and dulcimers, Burnsville NC’s upcoming Luthier Invitational promises to present a variety of instruments of expert craft, as well as some masterful playing. Held at the Burnsville Town Center, tickets to the Invitational are $10 at the door, or $15 for both days. On May 25th-26th, participants can attend workshops by 30 of the finest luthiers from all over the country, with topics ranging from guitar maintenance to an introduction to the ukulele (individual workshop registrations range from $10 to $25). The Invitational begins on Saturday at 9am and lasts until 4:30pm, then on Sunday from 10am until the it comes to a close at 3:30pm. By Tzar Wilkerson / Read more…

May 14, 2019  I should start off by saying that I’m not a fan of “Pokémon.” I have never found the game or its creatures to be cute, funny, interesting, or worthwhile. Except for Squirtle the Turtle, who I just “get” because of my love of turtles. But I feel that it’s important for you to know that this review is not coming from a place of fandom. If you or someone in your family is indeed a fan of Pokémon, they will probably like this movie more than I did. I’ve been told that many people who don’t like Pokémon do in fact like this movie (it’s currently sitting at a 63% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the best-reviewed video game adaptation of all time), but I am not one of them. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

May 14, 2019 Coming this May 17th-19th, the area’s High Country Wine Trail will be introducing their first-ever Wine Trail Scavenger Hunt event. Participants will buy a ticket good for one free tasting (if they can solve the riddle) at each of the four wineries, Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, Linville Falls Winery, and Watauga Lake Winery. Those who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a stemless wine glass with an exclusive High Country Wine Trail design. They will also be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize of a $20 gift certificate to each winery, an $80 value. / Read more…

May 13, 2019 Oasis celebrates 41 years of service to the High Country and its victims of domestic abuse this year. The non-profit organization has served survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Watauga and Avery County since 1978. The celebration will be combined with the 16th annual Midnight at the Oasis fundraiser this Friday, May 17. The 16th Midnight at the Oasis will be held from 7-11 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn & Suites in Blowing Rock. As usual, the event will feature live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres with Middle Eastern themed food and a cash bar. Capture your favorite moments with friends in a photo-booth throughout the evening. Guests will also have the opportunity to hear success stories from survivors here in the High Country. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…