High Country Press

September 19, 2019. Lees-McRae College and the Town of Banner Elk invite the High Country community to the second annual Family Picnic and Concert on Thursday, Sept. 19. Starting at 5 p.m. in Tate-Evans Park in Banner Elk, the evening will feature live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, inflatable games for all ages, and interactive novelties. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to Feeding Avery Families. Free parking will be available at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School and Banner Elk Town Hall parking lots. The evening’s musical performances will feature Boone-based songwriter and musician Shay Martin Lovette and Southwest Virginia-based band If Birds Could Fly. / Read more…

September 19, 2019. The NC Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council (OHAC) is pleased to award a North Carolina Schools Go Outside (GO) Grant to Blowing Rock School. “Seventh-grade students from Blowing Rock School will be given the opportunity to participate in an overnight outdoor experience at Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center. Students will engage in activities involving hiking, camping and learning essential survival skills including fire making and shelter building. A requirement by the state for all seventh graders is to learn about homeostasis. Students will be able to apply this concept to a real-life experience by learning how to maintain homeostasis in an outdoor setting,” said Blowing Rock School teacher Liz Tincher. The NC Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council established the NC Schools Go Outside (GO) Grants earlier this year. Go Grants are $250 to $2,500 grants that will be provided to access field study locations and assist with other expenditures that result from form taking students outdoors. / Read more…

September 19, 2019. On Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at 12:18 a.m., the Boone Police responded to 359 Old East King Street, apartment 305, after receiving a 911 call about a tenant finding holes on the interior wall of her bedroom that appeared to be caused by a gunshot. Officers arrived on scene and determined that the holes were consistent with a gunshot and determined that it came from the neighbor’s apartment. Officers then made entry into the neighbor’s apartment 307 and located an individual that was deceased. The deceased male was 19 years of age from Tryon, North Carolina. The medical examiner has determined that the cause of death was self-inflicted. Boone Police Department detectives are investigating the incident. / Read more…

September 19, 2019. On September 20, the Climate Action Collaborative of Appalachian State will participate in the Global Climate Strike, a strike on the 20th and the 27th calling those around the world to leave their work or their classrooms in protest of climate injustice. Students, school faculty, and local community members are all taking part, marching in solidarity with millions in over 150 countries who are joining in the Global Climate Strike. The goal is to educate others about climate emergencies, and to push for more climate action toward renewable energy, respecting Indigenous lands, and stopping deforestation, to name just a few of their demands. The Climate Action Collaborative is a mixture of environmentally-concerned students and faculty at Appalachian state University, aiming to fight against climate catastrophes that come with climate change and harmful environmental practices. The march will begin at Watauga County Public Library, starting at 4 PM this coming Friday, and progressing through downtown King Street.. By Adam Estabrook / Read more…

September 18, 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

September 18, 2019. Students at Cove Creek School are set to spend a little more time in the creek thanks to a donation from Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development, a non-profit that works to study and protect natural resources in Northwest North Carolina. The organization recently donated 35 pairs of water shoes to second graders at the school. Cove Creek sits on a plot of several acres on Vanderpool Road in Vilas. The school building, playground, track and gym are obvious features to passersby, but perhaps the school’s best-kept secret is a large tract of woods and creek access along the back of the property. Thanks to their surroundings, students at Cove Creek are uniquely situated to learn about their environment by taking their science classes out into the field and getting first-hand experience in their local ecosystem. / Read more…

September 18, 2019. Just in time for the spooky Halloween season and Homecoming 2019, the Lees-McRae Theatre Arts program will breathe life into one of our most well-known horror legends—with a Mel Brooks twist—as it presents the musical Young Frankenstein October 3–6. Based on the 1974 movie of the same title, Young Frankenstein tells the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (he prefers to pronounce it “Fronkensteen”) who is the grandson of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein, maker of monsters. The young doctor may have inherited the family name and castle in Transylvania, but he did not inherit his family’s penchant for digging up bodies and reanimating them with a lightning storm. With typical irreverent and slightly naughty Mel Brooks humor, the jokes are fast and furious as he both satirizes and pays tribute to the Hollywood horror genre. Director Dr. Michael Hannah, associate professor of theatre arts, says the musical holds onto many of the visual and verbal gags that made the movie so popular nearly 40 years ago. / Read more…

September 18, 2019. At 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, September 21st in the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Stadium, the Appalachian State Mountaineers will move forward from an off Saturday by facing the Tar Heels for just the second time. North Carolina won 56-6 in a 1940 home game, and this year’s game opens a three-game series that concludes with Appalachian State playing host to UNC at Kidd Brewer Stadium in 2022 and returning to Chapel Hill in 2023. This year, Appalachian State will attempt to knock off a school for many years their superior in classification and is still regarded as the primary state school. However, the Mountaineers have had much better football fortunes in recent years. Since the start of the 2015 season, Appalachian State is fifth nationally in win percentage (79.6) behind only Clemson (93.5), Alabama (93.5), Ohio State (89.5) and Oklahoma (86.0).   North Carolina, on the other hand, has struggled to a combined 5-18 mark the last two seasons. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 18, 2019. With Watauga County Schools back in session, the Boone Police Department wants to remind the public of the following important safety considerations. Safety of our children walking to school is paramount. Utilizing existing sidewalks is the safest way to travel to and from school for pedestrians. Proper adult supervision is necessary to ensure this safety. Recently, there has been an increase in unaccompanied, young children attempting to cross Jefferson Road (Hwy 194) near Hardin Park School. Parents wishing to have their children walk from an off-site location to school must ensure proper supervision is always present. If you are walking with your child on Jefferson Road (Hwy 194) and need to cross the highway to reach the school, go to the entrance of the school where a Boone Police officer will be directing traffic. The officer will assist you in crossing the highway in a safe manner. Do not cross the highway at another location; the officer is unable to provide you safe passage if you do so. / Read more…

September 17, 2019. Football season is here and tailgating is in full swing. These seasonal gatherings have grown immensely in recent years and have become quite the sensation leading up to the main event. They can be as simple as sandwiches and chips, or an elaborate and time-consuming spread. While you don’t have to spend days preparing for a tailgate party, we know that competition is a big thing, on and off the field, so it all comes down to personal preference. Traditionally, these portable parties are held in a stadium parking lot, where it’s not uncommon to see smoke pouring out of the grills for those who opt for the chops, steaks, ribs, wings, burgers and dogs. Sandwiches and subs score big with reliable sides, like pasta and potato salads, veggies, specialty breads, baked beans, etc. Cookies, bars and pound cakes are easy to handle; leftover snacks can be packed up and hauled in your bag for game time treats. Keep in mind food safety: proper storage before and after, as well as thorough cooking. Have lots of ice available and containers to handle any perishables. Keep cold items cold and hot items hot before eating. Don’t forget disposable plates, cutlery, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, paper towels, folding tables, seating and trash bags. And please don’t leave your trash in the parking lot. Most of all, stay safe and have a great time! By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

September 17, 2019. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / 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

New Opportunity School for Women Founder Jane Stephenson and Lees-McRae College Professor Michael Joslin Invite the High Country Community to a Book Signing Event on September 18

SNIPS End of Summer Crafts Sale Coming September 21

Fall Litter Sweep Underway; Boone Clean-Up Day Coming September 21

New Zealand Recording Artist Performing in Lansing on Saturday, September 21

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club Meeting on September 25

High Country Habitat Restoration Coalition Greenway Workday is September 26

Free Aging Wellness Checks Begin September 27

Viking Classic Tournament of Bands is September 28

MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Accepting Entries for 2020 Festival on October 1

Fall Ushers in the 47th Annual National Storytelling Festival

Appalachian State Offering Free Youth Softball Clinic on October 6

Foxx Announces Benefits Workshop for Seniors

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

September 17, 2019. Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music presents Strictly Clean and Decent in concert on Tuesday, September 24th as a part of its special 2019 Matinee Series! The show takes place at 2:00pm at the Harvest House Performing Arts Venue in Boone! As with all JSMHM matinees, this is a non-ticketed, “Pay as You Exit Concert” – if you enjoy the show, we ask for a $10 donation on your way out! Strictly Clean and Decent(SC&D) is an acoustic trio featuring multi-instrumentalist Patrick Crouch, guitarist and key board player, Kay Crouch, and up-right bass player, Ron Shuffler. This concert is supported by the following private sponsors; Dr. E. Frank Hancock DDS, and Barbara and Larry Freiman. Business sponsors include; Mast General Store, Mountain Time Publishing, and the High Country Press. Additional support is provided by the Anne & Alex Bernhardt Foundation – A component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation, Boone TDA, The Watauga County Arts Council and Grassroots Funds from the NC Arts Council. / Read more…

September 17, 2019. A Pack-the-Mack fundraiser will be held Tuesday, October 1 when the Appalachian State Men’s Soccer hosts border rival East Tennessee State. A picnic-style dinner for $7 per person will be offered in the parking lot by the stadium field prior to the game. Dinner includes burgers, hotdogs, sides, desserts, and a drink. As with all ASU home soccer games, there is no charge for attendance. 100% of all dinner sales will go toward returfing and maintaining the fields TMSC. The first phase of returfing was completed last spring on the stadium field. The second phase will be done in approximately 5 years. / Read more…

September 17, 2019. On the Same Page Literary Festival has begun. While most events are free of charge, there are a few that require a reservation and one that requires a small cost to cover food service. So, get out your calendars and call, email, or visit the Ashe County Arts Center for your reservations for the following events before they fill up! / Read more…

September 17, 2019. Dr. Howard Neufeld is a professor of biology at Appalachian State University, and he is just as concerned about the changing colors of fall as we are. Famous for his observations and predictions, he’s better known publicly as the “Fall Color Guy,” and he’s where many of us get our information on what to expect from our beautiful trees. Last fall, the High Country unfortunately was not blessed with its usual gorgeous colors, due in part to warm temperatures in September and October months. Dr. Neufeld expressed his disappointment last year on both the Fall Color Report and his Facebook page, although his optimism came through in his latest Fall Color Report on November 4, noting that in spite of the bad weather, “…we weren’t entirely without color, and there were some locations with good color if you searched hard enough.” Color enthusiasts would do well to keep an eye on his pages, where he often specifies dates and locations concerning the turning leaves. By Adam Estabrook / Read more…

September 17, 2019. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University has a full roster of exhibitions, ARTtalks, workshops and other exciting events scheduled for the fall season. A Fall Exhibition Celebration will be held on Friday, October 4 from 6-10 p.m. Held in conjunction with the downtown Boone Art Crawl, the public is invited to engage, discover and connect through the arts at the Turchin Center. During this event the Turchin Center will feature six exhibitions, including the opening of Keith Bryant: Metaphorical Reality in the Mayer Gallery. Numerous exhibiting artists will be on-hand to meet visitors and provide insight into their intriguing work. The musical group Belleville Rendezvous will perform, refreshments and a cash bar will also be available. This event is free and open to the public / Read more…

September 17, 2019. Allen Tate Realtors® announced September 10th that it has acquired Blowing Rock Investment Properties in Blowing Rock, N.C., an independent residential brokerage firm serving Blowing Rock, Boone and surrounding areas. This announcement marks Allen Tate’s entry into the North Carolina High Country region. The 62-year-old company operates a total of 46 local offices spanning the Charlotte, Triad, Research Triangle and High Country regions of North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina. Allen Tate is the Carolinas’ leading real estate company, with 21,190 closed transactions and $5.75 billion in closed sales volume in 2018 / Read more…

September 17, 2019. He has been described as perhaps one of the country’s most colorful politicians in the last half-century — and he’s coming home to Boone to launch his autobiography. Thanks to the efforts of the Watauga County Historical Society and The Jones House Cultural and Community Center, native son Rufus Edmisten returns for a special event at which he’s looking forward to reminiscing with old friends, meeting new ones and signing his recently released autobiography, “That’s Rufus: A Memoir of Tarheel Politics.” The event gets under way at the Jones House on Friday, October 4 beginning at 5 30 p.m., just one of several efforts spearheaded by the Watauga County Historical Society in an effort to preserve local history and celebrate the people who made it what it is. “We are delighted to be hosting Rufus Edmisten as he comes home to Boone,” said Bettie Bond, president of the WCHS. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

September 17, 2019. After landing in second place in the Southeast region and 21st overall in 2017, Lees-McRae has once again been selected to join fellow colleges and universities across the nation competing for the coveted title of National Outdoor Champion. The challenge, which begins on Monday, Sept. 16 and lasts until Sunday, Oct. 13, “is a Mother-Nature-meets-March-Madness competition with 98 schools from across the country going head-to-head for four weeks to see who can get the most people outside and active,” according to the AORE Campus Challenge website. The challenge asks participants to download the Campus Challenge app and track their activities for points. The school with the most logged outdoor activities (points) wins the title of National Outdoor Champion. Other recognitions and prizes include Outsider of the Year, regional winners, recognition awards, and free gear. By Nina Mastandrea / Read more…

September 16, 2019. For 96 years the annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show has featured stellar jumping horse competition. However, on September 21 the history of show jumping in Blowing Rock will take a giant leap. The $50,000 purse for the James Fisher International Grand Prix demands a more competitive structure to a typical jumping competition. This is the largest purse in the history of show jumping in Blowing Rock.  Twenty-five to thirty International riders and US Grand Prix Champions will compete in this pivotal jumping event. To capture the winner’s share of the purse, the horses and riders must navigate a far more complex course of fences than is typical for jumpers at the Blowing Rock show. Fences will range to almost five feet in height, and the wider obstacles will be as much as 5½ feet deep. / Read more…

September 16, 2019. If you are among the area’s growing number of relatives taking care of a loved one in your home, you need to know about High Country Caregivers. HCC is a stand-alone not for profit organization dedicated to relatives caring for loved ones — whether as surrogate parents with younger children, or as direct caregivers for those with life-limiting illnesses and debilities. Through a variety of programs, HCC comes alongside local families in need of respite and resources to help ease the heavy load they carry. Helping to navigate the system— HCC points kinship caregivers to agencies available to help with legal, financial, emotional and physical challenges that can easily become overwhelming and frustrating for everyone involved. / Read more…

Sept. 16, 2019 We get a movie like “Hustlers” about once a year. It’s a story, told through narration from the main character, about their role in a criminal operation, from its humble beginnings to its dizzying heights to its tragic downfall. Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” is the king of this genre, with the director’s “Casino” and “The Wolf of Wall Street” also prominent examples, along with recent entries like “War Dogs,” “American Made,” and to an extent, “The Mule.” The difference between those movies and “Hustlers” is that those movies generally use strippers as symbols of excess with barely any character. Here the strippers are the main characters, but there’s still plenty of excess. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

September 13, 2019. On September 6, 2019, High Country Council of Governments held its annual awards banquet to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions by elected officials, local government employees, and advisory committee members. High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) is a planning and development agency serving local governments in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties. Award winners were selected by elected and appointed officials from the seven-county region. HCCOG Planning & Development Director, Phil Trew, presented the first award. / Read more…

September 13, 2019. Get ready to tee off on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 1:30 p.m. at Hound Ears Club for Hospitality House’s annual Frank and Kay Golf Classic. This signature event honors the legacy of philanthropy and leadership that former Appalachian State University Chancellor Frank Borkowski and his multi-talented wife Kay have bestowed upon the High Country since their arrival in 1993. “Frank and Kay have been an integral part of the mission and vision of Hospitality House,” stated Hospitality House director of development Todd Carter. “The organization was only nine years old when they arrived in Boone. This year, as we celebrate our thirty-fifth year, we continue to be blessed by their support; that’s twenty-six years and counting for the Borkowski’s.”   / Read more…

September 12, 2019. The NCDOT Board of Transportation Officially approved the 10-year State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) from 2020-2029. The board made the approval official last Thursday. A total of 1,319 highway projects, 86 aviation projects, 234 bike and pedestrian projects, six ferry projects, 23 public transit projects, and 50 rail projects were either amended or added to the 10-year plan throughout North Carolina. “The department’s 10-year transportation plan is updated every two years. Projects scheduled in the first six years of the plan are considered committed and are not re-evaluated when a new plan is developed. Projects in the final four years of each plan are prioritized again based on technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents,” the NCDOT said in a press release.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 12, 2019. A late summer heatwave has hit the High Country with temperatures that reached the mid-80s on Wednesday, including a new record high of 85 degrees in Boone. The record beat the old record of 83 degrees that was set on September 11, 1931, according to data provided by Ray’s Weather Center. Thursday’s record could also be in jeopardy of falling. The current record of 84 degrees was also set in 1931. High temperatures will be in the mid-80s once again throughout the area. After today, the heat will drop back into the 70s for the rest of the week, however, the rain chances also increase after today with a greater risk of showers and thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday. Sunday and Monday appear to be nicer with highs in the mid-70s and only a slight risk of precipitation. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

Sept. 12, 2019. A look at the recent deed transfers in Watauga County. The information comes courtesy of the Watauga County Register of Deeds. Compiled by Debbie Carter / Read more…

September 12, 2019. The annual Avery County Agriculture and Horticulture Fair was held September 4-7 at the Heritage Park property on Vale Road in Newland. The event’s director, B.J. Beuttell described it as a smash success, mainly a result of having approximately double the people attending compared to last year’s. Beutell said a total of 7,080 went through the Fair gates for its four days this year. Between 3,000-4,000 attended the 2018 Fair, which ran five days. “I believe everyone involved with the Fair is pleased about how everything went off this year,” Beuttell declared. “Fortunately, there was beautiful weather each day of the Fair and our attendance was among the best we’ve ever had. And it was the very best we’ve had in probably the last 20 years, With all considerations, the Fair was a great success.” By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 12, 2019 Letters to the Editor. BY REP. RAY RUSSELL / Dear Editor, House Republican Leaders intentionally deceived House Democrats, the press, and the public about a session held at 8:30 am, September 11, 2019, and rammed a vote on the State Budget through the House. At the end of a non-voting session Tuesday night, the House Rules Committee Chairman David Lewis, who presided over the session, told Minority Leader Darren Jackson that no votes would be taken in the 8:30 am session Wednesday. The Minority Leader communicated this information to House Democrats via email. Also, Rep. Lewis texted reporters that there would be no votes in the 8:30 am session Wednesday. (Copies of the text have circulated widely in news reports and social media.) I presume the purpose was to keep reporters from being on the floor to cover what would happen. To add context, the House has scheduled scores of “No Vote Sessions” since January. This is normal operating procedure to dispense with parliamentary procedures that do not require the presence of members. Read more…

September 11, 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

September 11, 2019. Acrylic painting, photography, graphite drawing, and mixed media works on paper are a few of the many creative works that Lees-McRae College Communication Arts and Design faculty will feature during this year’s faculty exhibition. Free and open to the community, the exhibition will be available for viewing in the King-Shivell Gallery in the Cannon Student Center from Thursday, Sept. 12 until Monday, Oct. 7. The event will kick off with an opening reception from 12:30–2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. Communication Arts and Design faculty and artists featured during the event include associate professor and program coordinator Melissa Ball-Martin, professor Michael Joslin, assistant professor Angelia Wilson and King-Shivell Gallery Director Michael Iauch. / Read more…

September 11, 2019. Come dance to the music of The Collective at the 4th Annual Oz Ball Saturday, September 14th from 6-8pm at the Buckeye Recreation Center on Beech Mountain. Dress as your favorite character from the Wizard of Oz, or come as you are! The Collective, a local rock-and-roll band famous for their danceable tunes, will perform music throughout the event. Dave Calvert of The Collective also owns Carolina Barbecue, which will be catering the event with delicious North Carolina BBQ. The Oz Ball is held every year as a supplementary event during the Autumn of Oz events held at the Land of Oz in Beech Mountain. The Oz Ball is a completely separate event from the other Oz events in Beech Mountain; one does not have to attend any other Oz-related event to attend the Oz Ball. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

September 11, 2019. The Blowing Rock Music Festival is back this year to welcome a variety of talent to the event stages at The Blowing Rock Attraction at 432 Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC on Saturday, September 14. The Blowing Rock Music Festival presents an impressive lineup at a unique venue where attendees can enjoy intimate concert spaces and amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Headline entertainers for the 2019 Blowing Rock Music Festival include The Harris Brothers, Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers, Shelby Rae Moore Band, Soul Benefactor, Jeff Little Trio, Wayne Henderson, The Neighbors, Charlie Carpenter, Cecil Palmer and Gloria Coffey, Mitch and Masten, and more. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

September 11, 2019. The Avery County Airport Authority has been honored by the Avery County Commissioners. As part of Avery’s “Celebrate County Government,” originated by County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr., the Airport Authority members were recognized at a Board of Commissioners meeting last week. The Airport Authority directs operations for the Avery County Airport at Morrison Field, which encompasses approximately 70 acres and is located on Brushy Creek Road, one-fourth mile off U.S. Highway 19-E in the Ingalls Community. The Airport Authority members are appointed by the Avery County Commission. Each member is known to possess high volumes of expertise about the many intricacies of airport procedures in general and Avery’s Airport in particular. By Tim Gardner / Read more…