High Country Press

WCC Student Honored with Jon H. Poteat Scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society

June 2, 2023 WILKESBORO, N.C. – Colleen Cassell was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Cassell, a member of the WCC NTHS Chapter and a member of the WCC Club of the Arts, graduated earlier this month with an associate degree in advertising and graphic design and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Campbell University.Cassell stated, “Wilkes Community College has given me the opportunity to find an internship position, where I am practicing and utilizing my graphic design skills. I am very honored to receive this scholarship and I look forward to furthering my education and enhancing my technical skills.”

June 2, 2023 From a one-day community blitz during which random acts of kindness made a huge difference all across the High Country, to a six-month “Season of High Country Impact,” Three Forks Baptist Association is determined to continue reaching out in love and service to others.That was the decision made by the association leadership recently and announced during the 184th Spring meeting of the TFBA at Greenway Baptist Church in late April.Director of Missions, Wesley Smith shared how, in the past, there was a one-dayemphasis, usually in September, through which churches of the association were encouraged to share an outreach project — or multiple projects — in their communities and surrounding areas around the High Country.

June 2, 2023 A unique Raleigh-based group taking its state-wide tours from the relaxing coast to the breath-taking mountains — inclusive of “invigorating history, exceptional city and peaceful garden tours” —will be making its way to the area in early June for its High Country Adventure 2023.From June 8-11, “visit NC Concierge” will be escorting 30 guests to visit some of the area’s premiere sites around Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties.

June 2, 2023 Boone, North Carolina, May 20, 2023 — Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Boone, NC is proud to announce advanced promotions of students on May 20, 2023 in the art of 7 Star Praying Mantis and Sil Lum Kung Fu, Shuai Shou Bi Men and Advanced Weapons. Scott Stansberry of Sugar Grove, North Carolina was promoted to the rank of 10th Degree (Duan) Grandmaster Black Sash (Red Sash), the highest rank in the system. Chris Laing of Butler, Tennessee was promoted to the rank of 9th Degree (Duan) Grandmaster Black Sash (Black Belt), the next highest rank in the system. Both of these students are natives of Watauga County. Scott Stansberry has assisted with instruction of the Boone Academy. Chris Laing owns and operates Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Mountain City, Tennessee and Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Abingdon, Virginia.

June 1, 2023 More than 60 local politicians, community advocates as well as representatives from state and federal agencies and organizations gathered at the Hospitality House in Boone on Wednesday to celebrate Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina receiving $446,625 in grants to combat rural homelessness. The money comes from grants of more than $22 million awarded to the state from the department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as HUD. Hospitality House of Northwest NC includes Watauga, Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties. By Zack Hill

June 1, 2023 We’ve all heard the saying, “The numbers don’t lie.” But at the same time, most of us have heard Mark Twain’s famous quote, “There’s lies, damn lies, and statistics.” Still, looking at data, or statistics, if you will pardon us Mr. Twain, does provide valuable insight into what is actually happening beyond headlines, opinions and suppositions. Tom Gidley, REALTOR

May 31, 2023 OASIS, Inc. the local nonprofit serving victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, is celebrating their 45th anniversary this summer with the return of Midnight at the OASIS. Seeking a way to celebrate the impact of 25 years of service to the High Country, OASIS hosted Midnight at the OASIS for the first time in 2003. Now, 20 years later, they invite our community to join them for the first Midnight at the OASIS since 2019.

May 31, 2023 Todd, NC – Come out on Saturday, June 24, for the return of the Riverkeeper Float Fest, sponsored by Appalachian Mountain Brewery and hosted by River & Earth Adventures. This family-friendly event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at River & Earth Adventures’ New River Outpost in Todd, NC.

May 31, 2023 Avery High’s 2023 graduation ceremonies will be held the evening of Friday, June 2nd, on the football turf at the school’s MacDonald Stadium. The school is located at 401 High School Road in Newland. Graduation will commence at 6:00 p.m.Graduates are requested to arrive at the school no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 2nd. Gates will open for families and other guests of those graduating at 5:00 p.m. The graduates, along with high school and Avery County Board of Education officials, will sit on the turf. All others are asked to sit in the stadium’s home side bleachers. By Tim Gardner

Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Stretching Family Food Dollars Through the Summer

May 31, 2023 Contrary to popular belief, summer doesn’t always mean fun in the sun for all families. Some are struggling to find safe places for the kids during the school break. Work schedules, limited income and the stresses of life, in general, often prove to be challenging for a lot of families in our area. Camp registration begins filling up in the middle of winter, and not everyone has grandparents and other relatives to lend a helping hand with childcare. Also among great concerns for many families is making sure the kids receive adequate nutrition during the summer months. For those, especially, who depend on breakfast and lunches provided by school cafeterias during the academic year, it can be a daunting responsibility to have enough food in the cupboards at home to cover the extra meals. By Sherrie Norris

May 31, 2023 The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce celebrated the official opening of Rooster Rock Supply Company with a ribbon cutting last week.This is the second business for owners, Toby and Hailey Oliver. They also own Oliver’s on Main in the Southmarke Center. Rooster Rock Supply Company sells clothing and outdoor lifestyle supplies. The store, located inside the former Wells Fargo Bank space at 983 Main Street, utilizes the former bank’s vault as a changing room. By Kris Testori

May 31, 2023 .On Thursday, June 1, the town of Blowing Rock will celebrate Blowing Rock History Day. At this event, Mayor Charlie Sellers, along with the Blowing Rock Historical Society (BRHS) and the Village Foundation, will host the ribbon cutting for the 21 stations of the History Walk. “Our history walk will be a tremendous new community asset,” said BRHS president Tom O’Brien. “It is a marvelous way to bring our history to life,” he added. The ribbon cutting is at 4 p.m. in Mayview Plaza, located at the intersection of Laurel Lane and Main Street. A celebration at the American Legion building will follow. The community is invited and there will be a free open bar and appetizers. By Kris Testori

May 31, 2023 Active military personnel, retired veterans and families of fallen soldiers, along with grateful civilians, gathered Monday afternoon in Avery County for its annual Memorial Day ceremony to remember those slain from the county and across America in a foreign war.The event is held every year on the Avery County/Newland Town Square, whichfeatures its veterans’ monument with names of all county natives who served during a military conflict and in which war. The county/town square also highlights Armed Forces flags displays and gardens and the Fallen Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Ten Commandments monuments.The ceremony is organized and conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Auxiliary Pat Ray Post 4286, in Newland. Approximately 200 attended this year. By Tim Gardner

May 31, 2023 The Mayor and Council would like to announce that Kevin Rothrock was chosen unanimously to serve as Interim Town Manager until a permanent Manager is selected. Mr. Rothrock has served as Planning Director since July of 2001.Mr. Rothrock is a native of Winston Salem, a ’94 graduate of Appalachian State University, and he worked for the Town of Boone for 6 years prior to coming to the Town of Blowing Rock.

June 1, 2023 BOONE, NC – The historic Appalachian Theatre on King Street continues its themed movie offerings by highlighting music-centric films during its June Jams Film Series. The month begins with a screening of the theatre’s most requested animated feature, “The Lion King”, on Saturday, June 3 with a 2 p.m. matinee showing. Presented by Allen Wealth Management, this 1994 animated blockbuster loosely based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet features music by Elton John and voice work by James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons. This special showing will include captions as audience singing is encouraged!

May 30, 2023 When strolling the streets of downtown West Jefferson, there’s a hidden gem of a business that visitors may miss if they don’t look closely – a place where imaginations run wild and paranormal beliefs are discovered. By Harley Nefe

May 30, 2023 BOONE, NC – Internationally acclaimed jazz artist Emmet Cohen and his award-winning trio take to the Appalachian Theatre stage in Boone at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 10 as a headliner event during the 2023 High Country Jazz Festival. It is one of 14 separate events in ten different locations throughout Boone and Blowing Rock that are part of the 2023 festival, which runs from June 9 through 11. Tickets for The Emmet Cohen Trio are $35 and $42.More than half of the 14 events are free of charge to the general public with tickets on sale for headliner performances via the festival website: www.highcountryjazzfestival.org

May 30, 2023 VALLE CRUCIS, NC – The annual Singing in the Valle music program opens the 2023 Summer Concert Series in Valle Crucis at 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 4 with the vocal and handbell choirs of Holy Cross Episcopal Church joined by singers from Banner Elk Presbyterian Church and the popular vocal trio The Holy Smokes.This concert is the first in a line-up of artists that has been announced for the popular Summer Concert Series at historic St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis with monthly events planned through August 6. A summer mission of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, the picturesque chapel, consecrated in 1862, is located in the Watauga County countryside and provides marvelous acoustics for music with its wooden walls and floors forming a natural sounding board for live performances.

May 30, 2023 Skip Sicker, photographer, and ceramic artist Laurin Jennings are sharing the Cottage from Saturday, May 27 through June 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.From his earliest memories, Skip was drawn to nature. While immersed in mountains, forests, streams and oceans, he finds himself more centered, more alive. In this context, Skip presents his photography for your enjoyment and inspiration. You’ve likely seen Skip’s work in CML Magazine (CML) and didn’t know it was his.

May 30, 2023 Back in 1989, the animated version of “The Little Mermaid” ushered in what came to be known as the “Disney Renaissance,” an era of creative and commercial prosperity where the company reclaimed its position as the king of animated family entertainment. Now in 2023, the company is looking to a live-action version of “The Little Mermaid” to put it back on top of that mountain, minus the animation. Sure, the MCU is doing well, but the studio hasn’t really been connecting with younger audiences lately, at least not at the box office. The pandemic forced “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” to go directly to streaming, “Raya and the Last Dragon” opened too soon after theaters reopened to be a blockbuster, “Encanto” didn’t perform as well as its legacy would suggest, and “Strange World” simply did not find an audience. The best performer since 2019 was last year’s critical flop “Lightyear” with $118 million domestic, a number “The Little Mermaid” is projected to nearly match or even beat by the end of the four-day Memorial Day weekend. By Bob Garver

May 26, 2023 VALLE CRUCIS, NC – There is a framed needlepoint artwork in the choir room at Holy Cross Episcopal Church that reads, “For heights and depths no words can reach, music is the soul’s own speech.” While the author of that phrase is unknown, the revered saying could well be the mantra for an upcoming series of musical concerts.The line-up of artists has been announced for the popular Summer Concert Series at historic St. John’s Church in Valle Crucis with monthly events planned from June 4 through August 6. A summer mission of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, the picturesque chapel, consecrated in 1862, is located in the Watauga County countryside and provides marvelous acoustics for music with its wooden walls and floors forming a natural sounding board for live performances.

May 25, 2023 Boone NC- On May 24th, 2023, around 3:45 p.m., a subject conducting research in Winkler Creek located a deceased individual in the creek behind the Broyhill Wellness Center, located at 232 Boone Heights Drive. Members of the Boone Police Department, Boone Fire Department, and Watauga EMS responded and confirmed the subject was deceased.Detectives of the Boone Police Department responded and identified the deceased as Christopher Lee Strickland, age 35. Strickland was last known to be camping along the bank of Winkler Creek upstream from where he was located. His next of kin have been notified of his death.

May 25, 2023 The High Country is made up of seven counties, a lot of small towns, vibrant communities and an amazing amount of charm and character! It would be impossible to cover every community when looking at Real Estate in the High Country but occasionally, we like to take a look at some of the larger communities in the area and tell you about some of the real estate that has sold in the past 90 days. Paige Carter, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

May 25, 2023 BOONE, N.C. — National Geographic Society CEO Jill Tiefenthaler will give the keynote address at the 2023 Appalachian Energy Summit, hosted by Appalachian State University’s Office of Sustainability on Wednesday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts.The talk is free and open to the public, with reserved tickets available at the Schaefer Center box office. Attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

May 25, 2023 After spending months in deliberation about the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget, the Avery County Board of Commissioners, which consists of Chairwoman Martha Hicks, Vice-Chairman Tim Phillips, Dennis Aldridge, Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr. and Robert Burleson, has finished a proposed 2023-2024 fiscal year budget.The proposed General Fund budget totals $37,131,691.00 and includes $2,625,210.00 in appropriated fund balance. Under its terms, the county’s tax rate will be 40 cents per $100 valuation. That includes 33.5 percent in general tax and 6.5 percent in fire tax. The proposed budget includes no over-all tax increase. But the fire tax was increased by one cent from 5.5 cents. By Tim Gardner

+ More Articles

WCC Student Honored with Jon H. Poteat Scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society

High Country Impact, An Outreach of Three Forks Baptist Association, Expands From One Day to Six Months of Community Service

High Country Adventure 2023 Brings “visit NC Concierge” To Boone

Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy Announces Advanced Promotions of Students

Hospitality House Celebrates Receiving More Than $400,000 in Grants to Fight Homelessness in High Country

High Country Real Estate: Real Estate by the Numbers

OASIS, Inc. to celebrate 45 years of service with Midnight at the OASIS

Riverkeeper Float Fest Returns on June 24, 2023

Avery County High School to Hold 2023 Graduation Ceremonies on June 2nd at MacDonald Stadium

Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Stretching Family Food Dollars Through the Summer

Outdoor Lifestyle Store Opens on Main Street

Ribbon Cutting & Celebration! Blowing Rock History Walk

2023 Avery Memorial Day Ceremony Held to Honor and Remember Veterans Who Perished in Battle

Blowing Rock Announces Interim Town Manager

Appalachian Theatre celebrates Music-Themed Films in June Jams Series

Great Southern Gothic: It’s Not Just A Shop, It’s An Experience

Emmet Cohen Trio Featured at 2023 High Country Jazz Festival App Theatre Hosts “Poster Man for Contemporary Jazz” on June 10

Singing in the Valle Opens 2023 Summer Concert Series at St. John’s Four Musical Groups Combine to Kick-Off 12th Anniversary Season on June 4

Artists at Edgewood Cottage, Skip Sicker and Laurin Jennings Featured Through June 4th

Movie Review: “The Little Mermaid”

Musical Artists Announced for 2023 Summer Concert Series at St. John’s Valle Crucis, Banner Elk, Junaluska Choirs, and Wild Blue Yonder Celtic Band

Body Found in Winkler Creek Identified

High Country Real Estate: High Country Snapshot

National Geographic Society CEO to Speak at App State’s Appalachian Energy Summit June 7th

Avery Board of Commissioners Compile Proposed 2023-2024 County Budget Featuring No Over-all Tax Increase