High Country Press

Celebrating and Preserving Local Heritage: Watauga County Heritage Museum One Step Closer to Reality

September 17, 2024 After nearly a year of talking, planning and gathering support for a much-needed chapter in Watauga County’s history and heritage, a group of visionaries came together to celebrate a major milestone on Saturday, Sept. 14. Honoring their past, with a mission to preserve and protect it all for future generations, this group of about 30 people, along with families and friends, publicly proclaimed on Saturday that they are moving ahead with plans to establish a heritage museum for Watauga County. Chaired by Diane Cornett-Deal, the Watauga County Heritage Museum committee, officially recognized on Saturday as charter members, is comprised of citizens representing longtime families from every corner of the county, and all with a passion for preserving local history. By Sherrie Norris

September 17, 2024 Appalachian State University’s High Country Humanities — with support from North Carolina Humanities — will present “Folk Music as an Expression of Culture: Talks with Acoustic Demonstrations” on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 2:45–4 p.m. at Valle Crucis Community Park’s Herrick Pavilion and Stage, located at 2892 Broadstone Road in Banner Elk. The event is free and open to the public. Join App State Hayes School of Music faculty members for folk music demonstrations, and listen and learn to identify the defining characteristics of folk genres. Dr. Laurie Semmes will speak about the bandura, the national instrument of Ukraine, and Mark Freed will present on Appalachian folk music. Following these presentations, Dr. Jacob Kopcienski will lead an audience question-and-answer session.

Local Ballot Includes Five County, Four Judicial, One State Senate, One State House Seats and Two Referendums

September 17, 2024 The 2024 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5. Polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. According to the State Board of Elections, any voter in line at a polling place to vote after 7:30 p.m. may still vote.In addition to National and North Carolina statewide elections, Avery County voters can cast ballots in three county elections, including for three County Commission seats, Register of Deeds, and Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, as well as in six district elections, including for four Judicial seats, one State Senate seat, one State House seat, and one Town of Newland Referendum, the latter of which only registered voters who live within the town’s limits may vote. By Tim Gardner

September 17, 2024 The twelfth annual Wayne Benfield Memorial Benefit will be held Saturday, September 21 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Crossnore First Baptist Church Family Center, located at 220 East Crossnore Drive (just a half mile off U.S. Highway 221) in the Crossnore Township of Avery County. Everyone is welcome to attend.As in the previous Memorial Benefits, it will support an Avery County community member or members in need. There is no set cost to attend, but donations will be accepted at the door that covers music, food and drink, and fellowship with others, of which all are offered at the Memorial Benefit. Proceeds generated at this year’s Memorial Benefit will be given to cancer patient Haley Carroll, to pay toward her massive medical bills. Carroll is battling triple-negative breast cancer, and with her diagnosis came extremely high bills due to her many medical appointments and related expenses. By Tim Gardner

September 17, 2024. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland.

September 16, 2024 RALEIGH, N.C. (September 16, 2024) – New rules adopted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have shifted the timing of the western zone black-powder and gun seasons, and increased antlerless hunting opportunities in many western zone counties.The new black-powder season will begin on Saturday, November 16, and end Friday, November 29. Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28 and 29, 2024) are designated as Youth Days in the western zone.

September 16, 2024 Spencer, N.C. – With the holidays quickly approaching, the N.C. Transportation Museum is celebrating the return of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Spencer, N.C.! This immersive family-oriented experience hosted nearly 1.6 million riders at 54 locations in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia in 2023. Popular dates and times are expected to fill quickly, but seats are now available for departures beginning November 8 and continuing on select dates through Dec. 23.

September 16, 2024 RALEIGH, N.C. (September 16, 2024) – After 34 years of service to the state of North Carolina, Cameron Ingram, executive director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024. Ingram has served as NCWRC executive director since August 2020.

September 16, 2024 The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will implement Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations on 34 trout waters beginning Oct. 1.Under Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations, no trout may be harvested or possessed from identified waters between Oct. 1 and one half-hour after sunset on June 6, 2025. No natural bait may be possessed, and anglers can fish only with artificial lures with one single hook. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell.

September 16, 2024 App State Football’s third straight win against East Carolina required a first-half rally and plenty of fourth-quarter resolve. Traveling for their first FBS-vs.-FBS matchup against the Pirates in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, after a 2021 win in Charlotte and 2023 victory in Boone, the Mountaineers prevailed 21-19 on Saturday despite falling behind 16-0 in the opening 10 minutes with a big crowd of 46,117 on hand for the in-state showdown. Joey Aguilar threw for a career-high 424 yards and two touchdowns, including a 36-yard, go-ahead score to Makai Jackson late in the third quarter. Jackson finished with 86 yards, compared to 129 on seven catches from Kaedin Robinson and 108 on five receptions from Christan Horn.

September 16, 2024 “Speak No Evil” is a remake of a 2022 Danish movie with a famously vile twist. I went into this film expecting it to have the same twist. That’s not to say that I expected it to have the same “ending,” exactly, as I knew the film might deviate from the source material once it reached a certain point. But there could be no question that it was indeed winding its way to that point. It was no surprise that what came after that point was horror movie shlock, but I was surprised by how captivated I was by what led up to that point.

September 16, 2024 Letters to the Editor. By Billie Rogers /Sue Sweeting, a long-time friend and acquaintance, approached me when she discovered I was involved in a Deep Gap community organization, and she knew she had resources that would benefit a project we are working on. Sue has been politically involved for many years and knows where to go to find the answers you need – places I am not familiar with, but they can be a great help to us. Several emails and discussions evolved to relay her knowledge and networking skills to us. We are grateful for all of them.

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club Next Monthly Meeting in on September 25

September 16, 2024 The Watauga County Republican Women’s Club (WCRWC) will have its next monthly meeting on Wednesday September 25th at The Dan’l Boone Inn, 130 Hardin Street, Boone, NC. Lunch at 11:30 AM for $14, with meeting to follow at noon. All interested in furthering the Republican cause in the High Country are welcome to attend and are invited to join. Call 828/832-6864 for more information. The WCRWC usually meets the last Wednesday of the month. See us on Facebook and learn more.

September 13, 2024 The annual Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum is scheduled for Monday, September 16 from 5:00-9:30 PM and will be broadcast live from the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. The event is co-hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce. This event is free and open to the public. In order to maintain decorum, political literature and signage will be not be allowed in the room. For those unable to attend in person, this event will be broadcast live, in its entirety, on YouTube, WATA (1450 AM / 96.5 FM), and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce website. Archives of each segment of the forum will be made available on Boone Area Chamber of Commerce platforms following the event.

September 13, 2024 The Schaefer Center Presents (SCP) performing arts series, presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources, welcomes acclaimed modern dance company AILEY II: The Next Generation of Dance on Oct. 4 at 7:30pm. The company, known as the younger version of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, celebrates 50 years of creativity, artistry and choreography at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts to open the SCP fall season. Tickets range from $25-$45, with $15 tickets available for all students.Purchase tickets at TheSchaeferCenter.org, in person at the Schaefer Center box office (733 Rivers Street), or by calling 828-262-4046.

CISA & FBI Public Service Announcement – False Claims Of Hacking Voter Information

September 13, 2024 The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are issuing this announcement to raise awareness of attempts to undermine public confidence in the security of U.S. election infrastructure through the spread of disinformation falsely claiming that cyberattacks compromised U.S. voter registration databases.

September 13, 2024 NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. – 112 Saint Andrews Drive has sold for $1,800,000. This landmark transaction represents the highest sale price ever recorded in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, setting a new benchmark for luxury real estate in the area. The property was marketed exclusively by Ben Bowen of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Lake Norman—Cornelius office. Nestled on 12 acres of pristine, gated land, this majestic mansion is an exquisite oasis of luxury living. From the moment one approaches through the grand driveway, the estate’s elegance and sophistication are immediately apparent. Boasting high-end finishes and unparalleled craftsmanship at every turn, this palatial residence seamlessly blends comfort with opulence.

September 13, 2024 The Blowing Rock Garden Club is excited to announce its upcoming fundraiser, “Wildflower Bingo,” set to take place on Thursday, September 26 from 6:00-8:00p.m. This lively event will be held to raise funds for the maintenance and improvement of the beloved Memorial Garden in downtown Blowing Rock. Tickets for Wildflower Bingo are priced at $20 each, which includes a bingo card, a raffle ticket and a selection of snacks to enjoy throughout the evening. Attendees will have the chance to win fantastic prizes from local businesses and artisans, while supporting a great cause that benefits the entire community. In addition, silent auction items will be available, such as Tweetsie Railroad tickets, 4 rounds of golf from Linville Harbor, art prints and carvings from local artists.

September 13, 2024 Letters to the Editor. By Nancy Zeiss / I’m writing in support of Sue Sweeting as the County Commissioner for District 5 (Blue Ridge, Blowing Rock, Elk, and Stony Fork) in the 2024 fall election. Sue and I have been friends for 24 years, since my family moved to Watauga County. Our daughters were dear friends and grew up together from the age of 12. Sue also became my primary care provider. She was an excellent health care advisor and saw my family through a very difficult health crisis, expertly. I will always be grateful for her care. I am a retired Watauga County Schools employee, one of my highest priorities for a locally elected official is the care and support of our public schools, its students and dedicated employees. Sue is a supporter of public schools and will advocate to address school vouchers.

Message from the publisher: High Country Press will expand outside Blowing Rock to include all of Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties

September 12, 2024 Since 2012 folks who live in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties have visited highcountrypress.com to stay up to date with news of the day, celebrate individuals, businesses and organizations who are investing in and giving back to our community and to follow local politics, sports and events. In November 2022, I made a statement during a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Sunset & Vine about the possibility of launching a print newspaper in Blowing Rock and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The High Country Press team devised a business plan to launch the Blowing Rock paper, then, each year thereafter, launch one paper in West Jefferson, then Newland, then Banner Elk and so on. On October 3, 2023, High Country Press – Blowing Rock became a reality. By Sam Garrett

September 12, 2024 Letters to the Editor. By Carrington Pertalion / I was fortunate in my early career as a Registered Nurse to work with Sue Sweeting, FNP at the Watauga County Health Department in the mid-1990’s. Her exemplary skills as a healthcare practitioner and as a patient advocate were impressed upon me in my early career. Sue has been a role model for me and a friend to my family for 3 decades. Sue Sweeting has served as County Commissioner in the past and was outstanding in her role representing and protecting local law enforcement, public school teachers, staff and students, healthcare workers, and all residents of Watauga County.

September 12, 2024 Registration has opened for the 2024–2025 academic year for the Appalachian State University Home School Physical Education (PE) program. Sponsored by the Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education at App State, the Home School Physical Education program is led by Dr. Brooke Towner, an assistant professor of Physical Education and a certified physical education teacher. Parents may register homeschooled children ages 5 to 12 to participate in the physical activity program, which offers 50-minute sessions twice a week during the fall and spring semesters at Varsity Gym on App State’s Boone campus.

Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Pumpkin Glows As A Fall Favorite

September 4, 2024 . Has one of the season’s favorite flavors already grabbed hold to your taste buds and decor, like it has for so many others? Of course, we’re talking about the great pumpkin! Hardly a restaurant menu or store display anywhere misses out on spotlighting the pumpkin as a special feature this time of year. I usually don’t “go pumpkin” until October, but I’d likely be too late if I wait much longer. Like everything else, it seems to be rushed this year. Apparently, the giant colorful gourd has grown in abundance around these parts once again — huge piles are showing up on roadside stands everywhere. A little history-digging reminds us that pumpkins are believed to have been first cultivated in Central America, and that Spanish and Portuguese explorers carried pumpkin seeds back to Europe in the 14th century. However, In North America, Native Americans grew pumpkins for food long before the first Europeans arrived on the continent in the 1600s. The pumpkin certainly has its share of lore associated with it, and even beyond that, its orange coloring indicates a high content of carotene pigments such as lutein, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which becomes vitamin A in the body. By Sherrie Norris

Outsmart the Scammers: Cybersecurity and Fraud Awareness Panel Discussion Sept. 18

September 11, 2024 Incidents of fraud are on the rise, and scammers’ tactics are becoming more complex. No one is immune! That’s why it’s important to educate yourself about fraud. Learn important strategies to help protect yourself and the ones you love. We’ll share: How to spot red flags that may indicate a fraudulent encounter. Where to turn in the event you or a loved one is targeted. Steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Panel will include Boone Police Department, Watauga Sheriff’s Department, and External Financial Fraud Investigator Tommy Crosby

Appalachian State University Chancellor Search Advisory Committee Meeting Sept. 13

September 11, 2024 Appalachian State University’s Chancellor Search Advisory Committee will convene virtually at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024. The meeting will be livestreamed from the Leon Levine Hall Board Room on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and available for the public to watch at chancellor.appstate.edu/search .

+ More Articles

Celebrating and Preserving Local Heritage: Watauga County Heritage Museum One Step Closer to Reality

App State’s High Country Humanities Presents ‘Folk Music as an Expression of Culture’

Local Ballot Includes Five County, Four Judicial, One State Senate, One State House Seats and Two Referendums

Wayne Benfield Memorial Benefit to be held Saturday, September 21 at Crossnore First Baptist Church Family Center in Avery County

Watauga, Avery Obituaries – September 17, 2024

Changes in Effect for 2024-25 Deer Hunting Season in Western NC

Do You Believe? THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Returns to the N.C. Transportation Museum!

NCWRC Executive Director Ingram to Retire After 34 Years of Service

Delayed Harvest Trout Waters Open Oct. 1

Inspired Rally Gives App State Dramatic Road Win at ECU 21-19

Movie Review: “Speak No Evil” Now Playing at Boone Regal

LETTERS: Sue supports local communities and all families. When you can be ANYTHING, choose to be KIND

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club Next Monthly Meeting in on September 25

2024 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum Hosted by the Boone Area & Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce is Monday, September 16 from 5:00-9:30 PM at Appalachian Theatre

Ailey II Kicks off the Fall Season of The Schaefer Center Presents Series on October 4th

CISA & FBI Public Service Announcement – False Claims Of Hacking Voter Information

Majestic Mansion is the Most Expensive Home Sale in the History of North Wilkesboro

Blowing Rock Garden Club to Host Wildflower Bingo Fundraiser for Memorial Garden Sept. 26

LETTER: Sue Sweeting: Prioritizing Local Public Schools in 2024

Message from the publisher: High Country Press will expand outside Blowing Rock to include all of Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties

LETTERS: Sue Sweeting: Caring For Residents of Watauga County

Registration Opens for App State’s Home School Physical Education Program; Deadline Sept. 16

Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Pumpkin Glows As A Fall Favorite

Outsmart the Scammers: Cybersecurity and Fraud Awareness Panel Discussion Sept. 18

Appalachian State University Chancellor Search Advisory Committee Meeting Sept. 13