High Country Press

May 23, 2019 Over the past several weeks, Green Valley School’s fifth grade students read Linda Sue Park’s “A Long Walk to Water,” a novel that tells the story of Nya, a fictional South Sudanese girl, who must walk several hours each day over great distances to supply her family with drinking water.In the book, the Nya’s life is changed dramatically when a well and school are constructed in her village. “A Long Walk to Water” ends with a message of hope, one Green Valley’s fifth-graders wanted to carry outside the realm of fiction and translate into real-world impact. After finishing the book, the students banded together to search for ways they could help those affected by the water crisis in Sudan. With the help of their teacher, Carly Mize, they found their way to Boone-based non-profit Wine to Water, an organization that works to provide access to clean drinking water across the world. / Read more…

May 22, 2019 Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers spoke briefly at Tuesday night’s Watauga County Commissioner’s meeting and left with a bit of optimism for how his town, and other towns in Watauga County, can work together with the county on future budget requests. “I stated going into it I thought they (the commissioners) were doing a good job, and it’s a tough job. I know everybody wants a piece of the pie and being the mayor of Blowing Rock, I understand,” Sellers said. “There was nothing negative said by them or myself. I think they expected me to come in loaded for bear but I lightened up. Sellers added that he feels like the county commissioners will be more open to future requests made by towns for funding help. “We’ve got a new town manager coming into Blowing Rock. I think we can all work together, Blowing Rock, Boone, Beech Mountain, Seven Devils, and the county, we can all work together as one with the common goal of improving our communities moving forward,” Sellers said. “I think if we continue a positive dialogue, and everybody has a positive dialogue, it will continue well.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

May 22, 2019 When nearly 200 cancer survivors —along with their closest family members and caregivers — gather in one location, there will inevitably be a lot of smiles, tears, hugs and words of encouragement spoken. Tuesday evening’s Relay for Life Survivor Dinner and Celebration proved all that to be true — and that was just the beginning! Hosted annually by Watauga County Relay for Life, the event was held once again at the Family Life Center of Greenway Baptist Church in Boone where 180 registered survivors joined together to celebrate their victories.” By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

May 22, 2019. Memorial Day ushers into the High Country a season of outdoor dining, when many families and friends gather for the year’s first “official” picnics and cookouts.It’s a great weekend for food and fellowship, but more importantly, a time to reflect upon the supreme sacrifice that countless American soldiers gave for our freedom. Let’s not forget what it’s all about.. / Read more…

May 22, 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 22, 2019 Three times each summer, the green at the Historic Banner Elk School comes to life with Art on the Greene, featuring quality, hand-made arts and crafts from select regional and national artisans. Art on the Greene takes place Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend. The festivities include food vendors and other entertainment. Art on the Greene this Memorial weekend will take place May 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  / Read more…

May 22, 2019 Memorial Day is a time in which we remember the people who died while serving in the U.S.’s armed forces. The holiday has been observed since 1868. Many visit cemeteries and memorials each year to honor those they knew who died in military service, decorating graves with flowers, military insignia and flags in remembrance. Memorial Day events include: Avery County Memorial Day Celebration, Memorial Day Weekend Block Party Experience, 12th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Boone Mall and JSMHM Memorial Day Weekend Concert. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

May 22, 2019 On Monday, May 27th, Avery County will hold its annual Memorial Day celebration between its Veterans Monument and Gardens and the Fallen Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Ten Commandments monuments on the Newland Town Square.  The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. and honors Avery natives or residents who perished while fighting for our great nation in a military battle. Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony.  By Tim Gardner / Read more…

May 22, 2019  Neither the first “John Wick” movie from 2014 nor its 2017 follow-up did enough business to warrant an official review from me. How I wish they had. I could have written about how much fun I had watching Keanu Reeves play the world’s greatest assassin amidst a world full of assassins. The second movie in particular had me beaming for hours afterward, trying to whittle down which scene was my favorite before giving up and declaring something like a five-way tie. Now comes a third movie, which I wish we had gotten right after the second. How come “The Matrix” gets two sequels less than six months apart from one another and this vastly superior franchise doesn’t? By Bob Garver. / Read more…

May 22, 2019  Tim Miller, owner of Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his business this year. Over the course of those 25 years, Miller has continually strived to provide the highest quality framing and art gallery experiences to the High Country. Since he opened in 1994 Miller, estimates that he has framed over 32,000 pieces of art. In celebration of their 25th year in business, Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery will be holding an informal anniversary event on Saturday, May 25th from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

May 22, 2019  The Tynecastle Zuha Mart that includes a convenience store and a Exxon Gas island, located at 3980 Highway 105 in Invershield, will soon be reopening and will later be joined by the adjacent McDonalds fast food restaurant that will also be opening again this summer or fall. Both closed after being damaged by a fire on December 6, 2018. The fire started in the kitchen part of McDonalds, according to the Avery County Fire Marshal’s Office.“ It was a pretty major loss for the establishment there,” Avery Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Buchanan said following the incident. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

May 21, 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 21, 2019 All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to go full steam ahead for a day of engaging activities and fun adventures at Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019. Children will spend a day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock on June 7. Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is presented by Mattel. Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends™ themed activities. The tour, now in its 24th year, will make 37 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2019. For two back-to-back weekends, little engineers and their families are invited to take a three-mile ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway, and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends fun with crafts, photo ops and more. / Read more…

May 21, 2019 The Art Cellar Gallery is excited to kick off the season with their first exhibition. Through the Eyes of Robert Eoff & The Nature of Clay by Judy Brater, began May 14th and continue through June 8th. This exhibition marks the beginning of many solo/group shows taking place this year. This first exhibition showcases the watercolor paintings of artist Robert (Bob) Eoff and the delicate hand formed clay works of artist Judy Brater. Together these two artists work fill the gallery with bright, fun colors and welcome the viewer in to an intimate look at the world around us; from fish in a stream to the little yellow finch perched on a branch. Join us to see these wonderful shows and come meet the artists at the opening reception May 25, 4-6 p.m. / Read more…

May 21, 2019 As a young man, Daniel Boone may have courted his bride under the white oak still standing near Wey Hall off Rivers Street. By the time Watauga Academy — the institution that would become Appalachian State University — opened in 1899, the tree had already weathered close to 200 High Country winters. According to Appalachian arborist Chris Erickson, the tree is healthy, despite time and a changing campus. It might not be the oldest tree on campus, but it’s close — there are likely older trees in Appalachian’s Nature Preserve, he said. Erickson said the age of a white oak can be estimated by measuring its diameter and multiplying by five, although the calculations vary by species and many factors skew the results. With a circumference of approximately 16.5 feet and a diameter of 60.1 inches, and allowing for other age factors, he estimates the massive Quercus alba clocks in at between 225 and 300 years. By Elisabeth Wall / 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

Tot Lot Playground Reopens at Watauga County Parks and Recreation

Next Baha’i Devotional Meeting is Sunday, May 26

New Children’s Store to Open in Downtown Blowing Rock Memorial Day Weekend

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club to Meet May 29

Lees-McRae Athletics Inks Five-Year Partnership with BSN, Nike

CBP to Open Global Entry Enrollment Center at Tri-Cities Airport

Foxx to Host Assistance to Firefighters Grant Workshops

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

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…