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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

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. 

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

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.

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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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LETTER: Sue Sweeting: Prioritizing Local Public Schools in 2024

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.

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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

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LETTERS: Sue Sweeting: Caring For Residents of Watauga County

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.

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

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.

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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

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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

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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 .

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As New Ballots Are Printed, Absentee Voting on Hold in North Carolina for Next Couple of Weeks

September 11, 2024 County boards of elections in North Carolina are now working to design and print new ballots for the 2024 general election without the We The People Party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates on them, following a state court decision. The N.C. Supreme Court, in a 4–3 ruling late Monday, required election officials to remove the We The People party line from the presidential contest on the ballot, including the party’s presidential nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and vice-presidential nominee, Nicole Shanahan. County boards of elections were prepared to send ballots to voters late last week, which is the state law deadline to begin absentee voting. With the court decision, revised ballots will now be printed and delivered to eligible voters who have requested an absentee ballot as soon as they are available, which is expected to occur in the next couple weeks.

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Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer to Perform in Concert and Lead Workshops on October 13

September 11, 2024 On Sunday, October 13, Two-Time GRAMMY® Award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer will be bringing their musical talents to The Jones House Cultural Center in downtown Boone, offering both a live concert and a series of educational workshops. The event will kick off with two free workshops from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, where participants can learn from these master musicians. Although the workshops are free to attend, an RSVP is encouraged to ensure a spot.

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A Look Back on August to See How High Country Real Estate Looked for This Year

September 11, 2024  While we still have a little bit to go before the official start of Autumn, with school back in session, Labor Day behind us and pumpkin spice everywhere the unofficial start to Fall is here. But, before we fully fall into Fall, let’s take a brief look back on August to see how High Country Real Estate looked for the eighth month of the year. August saw 237 closed single family sales in the High Country Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 237 sales, 210 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 210, 55 were condos or townhomes and 155 were single family detached. By  Raegen Elrod, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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Frank & Kay Golf Classic at Hound Ears Club to Benefit Hospitality House of Northwest N.C.

September 11, 2024 The annual Frank and Kay Golf Classic is set to tee off on Monday September 30, 2024, 1:30 p.m. at Hound Ears Club. This signature event, at the private, award-winning George Cobb designed golf course, supports the endowment for Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. and honors the legacy of philanthropy and leadership that Appalachian State University Chancellor-Emeritus Frank Borkowski and his multi-talented wife Kay have bestowed upon the High Country since their arrival in 1993. 

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Lee Rankin of Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk Inducted Into the WNC Ag Hall of Fame

September 10, 2024 WNC Communities held the 32nd annual Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the WNC Agricultural Center – Davis Event Center in Fletcher.  Watauga County alpaca farmer Lee Rankin, a tireless advocate for agritourism in the Western North Carolina, was inducted at this year’s luncheon. Each year, this event serves as a testament to the hard work, innovation, and commitment of those who have shaped our agricultural heritage and future. It recognizes those responsible for agricultural advancement and aims to encourage, improve, and promote agriculture and agribusiness in the region. Lee Rankin, the visionary behind Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk, North Carolina, has been a transformative force in agritourism and agriculture for over two decades.

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Avery County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest Involving Internet Crimes Against Children

September 10, 2024 On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Avery County Sheriff’s Office along with Sugar Mountain Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant on the residence of Maxcim Kori, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Kori was identified by authorities in Florida pursuant to an Internet Crimes Against Children CyberTipline Report showing his potential involvement with child sexual abuse material. Based on the investigation in Florida, warrants were issued against Kori for Possession, Control, or Intentionally Viewing Sexual Performances by a Child. During the investigation in Florida, officers learned that Kori had moved to North Carolina and was living in Banner Elk.

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App State Marks its 125th Year with Strong Enrollment of 21,570 Students in Fall 2024

September 10, 2024 Appalachian State University marks its 125th year by enrolling 21,570 Mountaineer students in fall 2024, a 1.5% increase over last fall. “Our steady growth is supported by intentionally managed enrollment at the Boone campus and significant growth in both the Hickory campus and App State Online student populations,” App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris announced.

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Grandfather Mountain to Host Girl Scout Day on Sept. 21 Robust Schedule of Offerings

September 10, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, will be hosting its 53rd-annual Girl Scout Day on Saturday, Sept. 21. Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership (all or part of a uniform or a troop roster with the leader’s name on it), and family members will receive discounted admission ($1 off child admission and $2 off adult admission). The day also includes special programming – from 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m. – for scouts, who are invited to join the park’s naturalists for an exciting learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain.

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North Carolina State Lottery Commission Releases August Sports Betting Revenue Report

September 10, 2024 RALEIGH – The North Carolina State Lottery Commission on Monday released its sports betting revenue report for August. The report compiles the sports betting revenue for the month of August as submitted by the eight licensed interactive sports betting operators. Between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31, account holders in North Carolina bet $370,484,774 on sports events, including paid wagering revenue and promotional wagering revenue.  From those bets, account holders won $333,707,885.

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App State Mountaineers Fall on Road to No. 22 Clemson 66-20

September 9, 2024 Clemson made a bounce-back statement against an App State team known for its power-conference upsets and scares, as the Mountaineers had no answer for the 22nd-ranked Tigers in the early going of a 66-20 loss in Memorial Stadium on Saturday night. Before Saturday, App State’s last eight games against power-conference opponents had all been decided by seven points or less, with the Mountaineers going 3-5 in that stretch. They are now 3-3 in their last six games against ranked opponents.

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Homegrown Meets Handmade at the Valle Country Fair on Saturday, October 19, 2024

September 9, 2024 Saturday, October 19 marks the 46th consecutive year that Holy Cross Episcopal Church and the Valle Crucis Conference Center have invited the public to join them in the heart of one of the most ethereal valleys in Western North Carolina for their annual fall festival, the Valle Country Fair. Harvest flavors of Brunswick Stew, Western NC barbecue, homemade apple butter, and hundreds of cakes, pies and breads are served up in this elevation of all things homegrown, handmade and local.

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Judge Denies Request to Remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from NC Ballot, Pauses Sending of Ballots Until Noon Friday for Possible Appeal

September 9, 2024 Raleigh, NC – A Wake County Superior Court on Thursday denied a request from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove his name from North Carolina ballots and reprint ballots without his name. The court also issued a pause on sending out absentee ballots until noon Friday to allow an opportunity for appeal. This means the 100 county boards of elections will not send absentee ballots on Friday morning as scheduled to eligible voters who requested them for the 2024 general election. Instead, unless the NC Court of Appeals orders otherwise, county boards will begin sending ballots out Friday afternoon. Sept. 6 is the deadline for absentee ballot distribution under state law. 

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