High Country Press

September 20, 2018. Taste of the Blue Ridge at the Linville Falls Winery on Sept. 24th is just around the corner! Today, we’re featuring 3 of our Live Auction packages that highlight the history, culture and fun experiences found in each of the counties in our region. The highest bidder for the Taste of Avery package will enjoy a two-night stay at Banner Elk Winery & Villa, plus golf at Mountain Glen Golf Club, and passes to Grandfather Mountain. The Taste of Mitchell includes two rounds of golf at Grassy Creek Golf Club, and dinner for two at the Little Switzerland Chalet. The Taste of Yancey package includes a personal tour with native resident Danny McIntosh though historical sites across the county. Taste of the Blue Ridge is our annual fundraiser supporting the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children. This year’s party will feature a savory Italian-themed meal catered by Reid’s Café, wine and beer tastings, with both live and silent benefit auctions, and other fundraising games throughout the night. By Jennifer Simpson / Read more…

September 20, 2018. It’s that time again for the annual BOLO Fest in Boone. The 2018 Boone Solo Performance Fringe Festival will be happening this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in three different areas in Boone. One thing that makes this festival unique is that all performances include just one person. Performers can have behind-the-scenes help but should be the only person on stage. All performances will have their own sets, costumes and props. Tickets for each performance are $5. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

Sept. 20 2018 Letters to the Editor. BY KAREN CARTER / Dear Editor, As to this recreation center’s new cost figure of $38 M +, in this spendthrift, special interests, ASU-controlled County government, what would one expect ?  There is no doubt the costs will increase further. This is just another tragic example, history is full of them, of an unrestrained mobocracy – a system of powerful minorities.  Some riot in the streets, looting, burning businesses, endangering lives, costing millions and billions in destruction in their ugly attempts to get something for nothing. Then there are others, whether as individuals or groups, who twist the arms, in many cases, literally, threaten weak and spendthrift officials who don’t have the guts or the balls to say “NO!”. 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.

American Red Cross to Collect Donations for Hurricane Florence Relief at Saturday’s Appalachian State-Gardner Webb Game

Dog Wash Fundraiser at Bistro Roca Happening This Saturday 

High Country United Way Helping Communities Affected by Hurricane Florence

Tanger Outlets Hosting App State Homecoming Tailgate September 29

Boone Water Intake Update

‘I Started Screaming and Hollering’, Wilkes County Woman Says of $1 Million Win

State Sees Surge in Malicious Email; NC DIT Reminds Email Users to Eye Electronic Communications Closely

Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Accepting Entries Beginning October 1

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

September 20, 2018. In its ongoing effort to support literacy, and especially the local public library, members of the Watauga County Library Endowment recently presented a gift to the library in the amount of $8,060. Those funds have been earmarked for a poster-size printer for Storywalk and other programs, in addition to serving as matching funds for the Emergent Readers Alphabet Ready initiative and helping to fill a funding gap for youth books. This latest gift is just one of many since the endowment’s inception in 1997. According to Jack James, charter member and current endowment treasurer, the nonprofit organization has donated, to date, nearly $82,000 in support to the Watauga County Library, thanks to private donations and ongoing support of its members, as well as careful investment and management practices of its board of directors. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

September 20, 2018. After getting an unexpected week off, the Appalachian State Mountaineers return to gridiron action this Saturday, September 22, at home in Kidd Brewer Stadium against the in-state Gardner-Webb University Runnin’ Bulldogs. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. The game will be available on ESPN-Plus. Playing in Boone for the first time in 2018 after last weekend’s scheduled game with Southern Miss was canceled because of Hurricane Florence; the Mountaineers are 65-20-2 in home openers. This will be the eighth time Appalachian State has played Gardner-Webb and the first time since claiming a 45-7 home win in 2007. Appalachian is a perfect 7-0 in the series with a 6-0 record in Boone. Appalachian State has competed in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference since 2014. Gardner-Webb competes in the lower level Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and is a Big South Conference member. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 20, 2018. The 19th Annual Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run takes place here on Saturday, September 22. The event, formerly known as the Mayview Madness 5K, still traverses the Mayview neighborhood in Blowing Rock. The 5K run, sponsored by Stick Boy Bread Company, starts at 8:00 a.m. adjacent to the American Legion Hall and finishes in front of Bistro Roca restaurant, where post-race snacks will be provided and awards presented. The 1-Mile Fun Run, presented by Blue Ridge Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, starts by Bistro Roca on Wonderland Trail at 9:00 a.m. Last year’s run saw 209 runners from all over the Southeast. / Read more…

September 13, 2018. A new skatepark is coming to the Boone Greenway in the near future. While dates haven’t been set for construction yet, the effort to raise funds has already begun. In February 2018, the Boone Town Council voted unanimously to approve the new skatepark site and a $25,000 budget to begin construction. The rest of the funds needed for the project, however, will come from public and private donations. A partnership between The Gamekeeper and Recess Skate and Snow is underway to raise money for the future Boone Greenway Skatepark. On September 20, Recess Skate and Snow will host a mini golf fundraiser at Sunrise Grill from 2-10 p.m. to raise money for the new Boone Greenway Skatepark. Recess invites everyone to come out and play mini golf to support the new skatepark. It’s $10 to play and free to loiter around! The holes are sponsored by many different businesses and there will also be a silent auction.On September 24, The Gamekeeper Restaurant will hold a tribute dinner and auction in honor of Anthony Bourdain’s legacy from 5 p.m. to roughly 9 p.m. From 5-7:30, a silent auction will take place. Around 7:30, a live auction for larger items and art pieces will begin. Tickets are $40 per person. Tickets can be purchased and donation inquiries can be made at 828-963-7400. The Gamekeeper will be splitting the proceeds from this night between two skateparks. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

September 19, 2018 Watauga County Commissioners met on Tuesday and received an update on the new recreation center, including an increased budget and a timeline for construction. According to Chad Roberson, an architect with Clark Nexsen, the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the construction of the project is $32,937,626 with a total project budget of $38,547,395. The budget total will include other costs not associated with the construction, including fees, survey costs, technology and equipment as well as furniture and fixtures. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place on October 16. The new recreation center will be constructed at the old Lowes building at the intersection of State Farm Road and Hunting Hills Lane. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 19, 2018. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, in partnership with the Department of Art at Appalachian State University, is hosting a Steamroller Print Fest on Oct. 5. Activities will take place at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and will include the afternoon Print Fest with printing, print demonstrations, a variety of printmaking kiosks, food, live music and more. An evening gallery talk will kick-off the Downtown Boone First Friday Art Crawl. These events are free and open to the public. On Saturday, a printmaking workshop for Appalachian State students will take place on the campus in Wey Hall. The public is invited to observe the workshop; however, space is limited. / Read more…

September 19, 2018. Appalachian State’s University Forum Committee will be hosting Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Shaefer Center for the Performing Arts from 7 to 8 p.m. A reception will be held from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Reverend Jackson, known as “the Great Unifier,” will be speaking about civil rights, his topic being “With Justice for All: Human Rights and Civil Rights at Home and Abroad.” “With Justice for All: Human Rights and Civil Rights at Home and Abroad” is open for the general public to attend. Seats are first come, first served. On-campus parking will be free since the event is after 5 p.m.
/ Read more…

September 19, 2018. Celebrate fall’s arrival by joining the Lees-McRae community in an evening of mountain music. On Thursday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. on Nebel Green or Evans Auditorium, depending on the weather, two musical groups will welcome the season with vibrant sounds. Presented by the Stephenson Center for Appalachia and the Student Development Office, this program is free and open to the public. If the weather is good, bring a lawn chair or blanket to relax on the green, located behind the Cannon Student Center and above Avery Residence Hall. In case of rain, the event will be held in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center. / Read more…

September 19, 2018. 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 19, 2018 Avery County has long been known as one of “The Christmas Tree Capitals of the World.” Therefore, it seems only fitting that a Christmas tree grower from the county will supply The White House Christmas tree. Larry Smith of Mountain Top Fraser Fir in Newland was recently awarded the 2018 Grand Champion designation at the National Christmas Tree Association’s Christmas Tree Contest in Green Bay, Wisconsin, giving him the honor of providing the official White House Christmas tree. Since 1966, members of the NCTA have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room. Every other year the NCTA hosts a national tree contest at which growers, industry experts and consumers vote to select the Real Christmas Tree grower who will provide the official White House Christmas Tree and as well as one for the Vice President’s residence. To qualify for the national contest, growers must first win their state or regional competitions, so being named National Grand Champion is a significant achievement. 2018 marks the 53rd year a member from the National Christmas Tree Association has presented the official White House Christmas Tree. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 19, 2018. After 114 years of working with homeowners and individuals, Piedmont Federal is now providing account services to businesses. “Our customers who have their personal accounts and home mortgages with Piedmont Federal have been asking for us to provide a local option for their small business banking,” explained Richard Wagner, Piedmont Federal’s CEO & Chairman. “We have the staff, infrastructure, and systems in place right here in town to give small businesses a truly local choice for their banking with the same award-winning level of customer service offered with our individual banking products.” / Read more…

Sept. 19, 2018 Makoto’s will be hosting the fifth annual charity golf tournament at one of the High Country’s finest golf courses on Tuesday, September 25. The tournament will have a four-person Captain’s Choice format and has a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. The tournament will feature a 50/50 cash raffle, silent auction and great winning team prizes. Dinner will be held at the Blowing Rock Country Club Lakehouse following the tournament and is being sponsored and provided by Sysco Foodservice. Participants can register or get more information by contacting Gwen Dhing at 828-264-7976 or by email at makotosboone@gmail.com. Net proceeds from the tournament will go to Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S., a 501 c 3 non-profit organization housed at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church and run solely by volunteers. / Read more…

September 19, 2018. If you are one of the luckier parents with kids who will gladly eat a meal in the school cafeteria, then you are one of the lucky ones, indeed. I know that’s not the case with a lot of kids, so moms and dads have to get creative to come up with the right kind of lunch for their kids. Yes, it is possible to create something nutritious and fun to eat at the same time. Giving the kids a little say-so in the matter makes the effort less frustrating. Give them a few options and let them decide what they want to pack, hopefully the night before.. Let them choose from a selection of “good-for-you” snacks, such as freshly cut-up veggies like carrot sticks, celery sticks; then let them choose something from the fruit list. Those handi-snack packs are a big hit, with mixed fruit, Jell-O, pudding and more — and don’t forget the string cheese, squeezable yogurt, etc. Just make sure you throw in a plastic spoon, if needed. It’s also fun to transform sandwiches into “fun food” by slicing them with an assortment of cookie cutters. And if that’s not enough to keep lunch from being “boring,” use a variety of bread-like products such as pitas, bagels, English muffins, buns and tortilla wraps, instead of plain white slices. The possibilities are endless, but it might take a little experimenting to see what works for your family.. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

September 18, 2018. The following are recent obituary notices from Austin and Barnes and Hampton funeral homes in Boone and Reins-Sturdivant in Newland. / Read more…

September 18, 2018. Horse Helpers of the High Country hosted their 9th Annual Silent Auction this past Friday evening at Whispering Waters Farm on Shulls Mill Road near Hound Ears. Attendees enjoyed the beautiful setting of the farm that featured live music, drinks and a catered buffet from Reid’s Café Catering. On site were a few of their rescued horses plus a room full of silent auction items that numbered over 100.. / Read more…

September 18, 2018 During their bi-monthly meeting September 17, the Avery County Commissioners discussed a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Loan Application for new construction and renovations at the county’s only high school and held a joint meeting with the county’s fire commission and the Chief’s of the County’s twelve Fire and Rescue departments. All Commissioners — Martha Hicks (Chairperson); Blake Vance (Vice-Chairman); Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr.; Tim Phillips; and Faye Lacey were present at the meeting. Other top county officials attending included: County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr.; Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Board Cindy Turbyfill; and County Attorney Michaelle Poore. Barrier told the Commissioners during an official public session at the meeting that the County has applied for a $19,500,000.00 USDA loan for the high school project. He said there are various detailed parts to completing the loan application, but that he and Poore are working feverishly to complete it and that they will have it submitted by its September 30 deadline. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 18, 2018 Restaurants that truly care about the quality of their menu offerings use the freshest ingredients possible. Now, it will be easier for locals and visitors alike to find restaurants that source products from the High Country. High Country Grown is a marketing initiative launched by the Watauga Food Council to promote restaurants that source locally-produced products in the mountains of North Carolina. Certified restaurants are listed on the High Country Grown website. They also are provided with a gold, silver, or bronze level certification window sticker to display. Restaurants that qualify for a gold level certification source at least 10 locally grown or made products at all times. Current gold level qualifiers are Lost Province Brewing Company, Proper Restaurant, and Stick Boy Bread Company.  / Read more…

September 18, 2018. For nearly a decade, a group of compassionate women, most of whom make their homes at Beech Mountain primarily during the summer months, has been providing gifts of comfort to local organizations serving individuals in trauma-induced situations. Each Monday afternoon during the summer, usually a dozen or so skillful artisans come together in the upper level of Beech Mountain Club’s recreation center for a couple of hours to knit, crochet and enjoy fellowship, while discussing their next project for someone in need of a hug. Thus, “Comfort Squares” helps cover the High Country community through a special outreach opportunity that impacts a wide range of families and individuals each year. By Sherrie Norris / 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

Appalachian State Board of Trustees to Meet September 20-21

Notice of Special Meeting of the Watauga Public Facilities Corporation

The Steel Wheels to Play in Wilkesboro on September 22

Watauga County Singing Convention is September 22

Grandfather Mountain Girl Scout Day Rescheduled for September 22

Public Hearing and Planning Commission to Meet September 24

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club to Meet September 26

Final Senior Softball Tournament of the Season is Friday, September 28

Craft Enrichment Program Classes Underway For This Fall

Watauga County Arts Council yART Supply Sale Happening September 29

Watauga County Republican Party Hosting Reverse Raffle on October 5

Third Annual Community Fall Dance is October 6

Blowing Rock Youth Organization Receives Grant From Killington World Cup Committee

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

September 18, 2018 Perhaps an accurate way to term Storm Florence’s impact in Avery County would be that it was minimal, but that it could have been a lot worse. Avery County Manager Phillip Barrier said Avery dodged a “major bullet for the most part” as Florence brought steady and consistent, but not heavy downpours to the county, causing relatively minor problems. According to reports from the National Weather Service, Avery County received between 4 ½ to 5 inches of rain from Saturday until Monday afternoon. Barrier heaped praise on the county’s emergency services outlets for their efforts during Hurricane Florence, saying it was a “total team in its most powerful sense.”  By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 18, 2018. The local housing market was sizzling in August, as Realtor® sales were the highest recorded in the High Country area in at least 13 years. Rising mortgage rates didn’t deter buyers. Neither did prices, with the average closing price the highest in eight years. There were 292 homes worth $85.8 million sold in August, as recorded by the High Country Multiple Listing Service (MLS). It tracks Realtor® sales in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. That was by far the most homes sold in the four-county area since at least 2005. The next highest monthly total was 244, recorded in October 2016. Since 2005, there have been 12 months when MLS sales surpassed 210 homes. Two of those occurred this year (August and July). Three others occurred in 2017 (August, September and October). / Read more…

September 17, 2018. On September 7, 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 Executive Director, Julie Wiggins, presented the first five awards. / Read more…

September 17, 2018. N.C.-based Americana band Possum Jenkins and Brewer World Tour present the Fifth Annual Carolina Ramble & Reunion at beautiful Brayshaw farm near Boone in Bethel, NC. The event takes place from Friday to Sunday, September 28 to 30, 2018. The Ramble is an intimate, fall music festival featuring food, camping, games, and fun for the whole family.  Gates open on Friday at 4:00 p.m., with music running from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. On Saturday, gates will open at 9:00 a.m., with music running from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Performers include Possum Jenkins, Tellico, David Childers & The Serpents, Melissa Reaves, Soul Benefactor, Wurlitzer Prize, Earleine, The Worthless Son-In-Laws, Dave Brewer’s Foscoe Four, Molly McGinn, The Little Stony Nighthawks, Clint Roberts & The Wonder Drug and Crenshaw Pentatocostal. / Read more…

September 17, 2018. Things could have certainly been much worse in the High Country. Some precipitation forecasts had parts of the mountain counties receiving upwards of 10-15 inches of rain. Thankfully for a lot of low-lying areas and people living near rivers and streams, rainfall measurements fell well short of that overall. However, flooding was still a problem, particularly in Ashe County where every low water bridge in the county was still underwater Monday morning, that according to Ashe County Emergency Management. The NCDOT will be in charge of reopening those bridges when possible. “We will inspect them for damage and reopen as soon as we can after the water recedes,” said Charles C. Reinhardt, the Division 11 Maintenance Engineer. Late Sunday night, Ashe County Emergency Management issued a statement about a potential dam breach at the Headwaters Dam in the Creston community. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 17, 2018. An area of U.S. Highway 221 between West Jefferson and Deep Gap is currently closed after large chunks of asphalt broke apart after the remnants of Hurricane Florence rolled through the area Sunday night. “It is looking like it will take until Wednesday before repairs are complete,” said Charles C. Reinhardt, Division 11 Maintenance Engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The portion of road that is closed is near the intersection of Mulatto Mountain Road and is roughly seven miles from downtown West Jefferson. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

Sept. 17, 2018 I never really got into the original “Predator” from 1987. I rented it to see future governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura together, and essentially tuned out once Ventura was eliminated after very little communication with Schwarzenegger (see “The Running Man,” also from 1987, if you want to see the two interact in a meaningful way i.e., fight to the death). But I did retain that the Predator is a space alien that hunts humans for sport and has dreadlocks for some reason. Thirty years, a couple battles with the “Alien,” and a few reboots later, and we’re getting “The Predator,” an attempt to revive a “legendary” movie monster that I never found all that interesting. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

September 17, 2018 Watauga, Ashe and Avery County Schools all cancelled school on Monday, September 17 after what was left of Hurricane Florence drifted through the area over the weekend. Watauga County Schools closed for students, teachers and all 10-month employees on Monday. It will be an Annual Leave Day.  All 11 and 12-month employees had the option to report on a two-hour delay to ensure safe travels to work. Ashe County Schools are closed Monday as well. It will be an optional teacher workday for 10-month employees. The writing workshop for grades 6-8 has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 20 at the same time and place. Avery County Schools closed for students and staff and there will be on after school activities for the day.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 16, 2018 All classes and academic obligations are canceled Monday, Sept. 17, and Tuesday, Sept. 18. Confidence is growing for the Boone area to experience significant potential impact from Hurricane Florence, and the safety of students, faculty and staff traveling to campus is paramount. Appalachian State University has been encouraging its students, faculty and staff to prepare for Florence since Tuesday, Sept. 11, and given specific safety tips they could take ahead of the hurricane, which was expected to make landfall in North Carolina Friday.  On Tuesday, Sept. 11, a decision was made to cancel classes Thursday, Sept. 13, and Friday, Sept. 14, to allow students who live in areas likely to be severely impacted by Hurricane Florence to prepare accordingly. On Friday, Sept. 14, the decision was made to cancel classes Monday, Sept. 17, and Tuesday, Sept. 18, with confidence growing for the Boone area to experience significant potential impact from Hurricane Florence, in a message stating “the safety of students, faculty and staff traveling to campus is paramount.” / Read more…

September 16, 2018. St. Mary’s of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock lost their 100 year old maple tree last night at around 10:00 p.m. when winds associated with Topical Storm Florence blew the tree over into the front lawn of the church. Although one large branch hit the roof near the bell tower that cause a gutter to come loose, no structural damage has been found. Morning church services proceeded on schedule Sunday morning. The church has been celebrating its centennial this year, and church members have discussed that the tree was probably planted during the time the church was being built. Jim Brooks, a member of the church stated that after viewing the tree this morning, it was pretty evident how rotten the tree core had become. / Read more…

September 14, 2018. Residents in the High Country are beginning to make their final preparations for the upcoming heavy rains and wind that will be hitting the area from what is left of Hurricane Florence. Rainfall totals are estimated to range anywhere from 6-12 inches across areas of the High Country with the eastern parts of the Blue Ridge seeing the highest totals, according to the most recent forecast from Ray’s Weather Center. Precision Printing along Blowing Rock Road in Boone has started stacking sandbags in front of the building in preparation for the possible flooding. Employees at New River Building Supply have been busy selling sandbags as well as generators and gas cans which have all been in high demand over the past couple of days. As of 4 p.m. they still had roughly 100 sandbags left. New River Building Supply is also open on Saturdays until noon for anyone that might need some last-minute supplies. Watauga County Emergency Management announced earlier on Friday that Alliance Bible Fellowship, located at 1035 Highway 105 Bypass in Boone, will be used as a shelter for residents in the county, opening at 5 p.m. on Saturday. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 14, 2018. The North Carolina High Country is likely to get pounded with heavy rain and possibly have various emergency problems caused by Hurricane Florence (Tropical Cyclone) starting Saturday and continuing into Tuesday. And as a result, Avery County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Martha Hicks has issued a State of Emergency for the entire county beginning at 12:00 noon on Saturday. It will remain in effect until all possible dangers from the hurricane end. A provision of the State of Emergency order is that the county may enforce a curfew between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. each day it remains in effect. Restricted business operations and access to certain areas and buildings may also be implemented in the county according to the State of Emergency declaration. By Tim Gardner / Read more…