High Country Press

June 28, 2017. The Blood Sweat and Gears ride just concluded another successful event this past weekend, and organizers are already planning next year’s 20th anniversary charity ride as they send out surveys to participants. “There’s no rest for the weary,” BSG Ride Director Scott Nelson said. Jesse Wood • Photos by Ken Ketchie / Read more…

June 28, 2017. When Greg and Debbie Cairns moved to the High Country in the mid-1970s, Foscoe was still largely off the beaten path. If you wanted to stop and grab a bite to eat or warm up with a cup of coffee, you would have had to drive miles to reach the nearest restaurant or diner. But Debbie’s father Don had an idea to fix that. By Bailey Faulkner – Photos courtesy of Debbie Cairns and Ken Ketchie / Read more…

June 28, 2017. 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 Katie Benfield

June. 28, 2017. Boone Parades 5th Annual Back 2 School Festival still seeking $12,000 in sponsorships to buy school supplest for Watauga County kids. – Photo Courtesy of the Kendra Sink / Read more…

June. 28, 2017. Make sure to visit the Inn at Crestwood for their summer music series every Thursday this summer. By Taylor Hawkins – Photo Courtesy of the Inn at Crestwood and The Lenoir Voice / Read more…

June 28, 2017. Visit the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School July 14-16 to enjoy some beautiful, handcrafted artwork by local and regional artists. The Fine Art and Master Crafts Festival will host over 60 vendors this year in July and August. By Katelyn Jenkins – Photo Courtesy of Visit NC / Read more…

June 28, 2017. The Hickory Ridge Living History Museum is scheduled to celebrate independence on July 1 with its annual Burning in Effigy of King George III. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. Photo Courtesy of the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum / Read more…

June 28, 2017. Appalachian Regional Library announces the receipt of a $2,000 grant from the Watauga Legacy Fund, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation. The Watauga Legacy Fund enables the Watauga County Community Foundation to respond to changing community needs and to enhance the quality of community life within the county through annual grants to local nonprofit organizations. / Read more…

June 28, 2017. The 2017 Mile of Flowers, put on the Blowing Rock Garden Club, consisted of stunning gardens of homes and churches throughout Blowing Rock. Along with this, there was a boutique and a tea party, providing participants with a day full of beauty, fun and community. By Katie Benfield, Photo Courtesy of Lonnie Webster / Read more…

June 28, 2017. On June 16, John Edward Heelan, 56, was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a child and solicitation of a child by a computer. A Watauga County jury found Heelan guilty as charged after a week-long trial. / Read more…

June 27, 2017. The Town of Banner Elk held a dedication of the stone clock tower at the corner of Main Street and Shawneehaw Avenue, a new greenspace dubbed the “Corner on Main” park. The dedication featured keynote speakers Mayor Brenda Lyerly and N.C. Senator Deanna Ballard – and the sounds, tunes and chimes of the brand new clock. In addition, Elaine Wold was recognized for her philanthropic efforts to help revitalize downtown Banner Elk. Jesse Wood • Photos by Todd Bush / Read more…

June 27, 2017. The High Country may play host to some of the country’s most famous traveling musicians and artists, but this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers some homegrown talent of its own. Boone local and internationally-renowned embodiment of all things rock Melissa Reaves will take to Neighborhood Yoga for an “intimately explosive concert” with longtime friend and fellow musician Masa Takahashi this Friday, June 30. By Bailey Faulkner – Photos courtesy of Melissa Reaves / Read more…

June. 27, 2017. Scotland returns to Grandfather Mountain on July 6-9 for the 62nd annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. / Read more…

June 27, 2017. When the Tumbleweed brewpub, which would later be named Cottonwood Brewery, opened up in the early ‘90s in Boone, only five other breweries existed in the entire state of North Carolina. Fifteen years later, however, at least seven breweries in the High Country are bottling, canning and pouring beers in Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. Jesse Wood / Read more…

June 27, 2017 You’re probably expecting me to trash this movie. And make no mistake, it deserves to get trashed. Its script is horrendous, its editing is a joke, its jokes are painful, and all the metallic whooshing and clanging get old real quick. It’s the same collection of complaints I always have about the “Transformers” movies. But I can’t work up too much ire for this movie for the simple reason that at this point I’m just too numb.
This is not some sort of submission to the “Transformers” franchise. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

June 27, 2017. Six Students from the Gateway School in Lenoir, NC recently completed “The Grandfather Challenge” hiking program at Grandfather Mountain in Linville. “The Grandfather Challenge” program is sponsored by The Jason Project, Inc., which was formed by the parents of Jason Matthew Nipper, who passed away in June of 2014 at age 26. / 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.

Melissa Floyd-Pickard to Present at High Country Writers Meeting, July 13

Genealogy Gathering at Watauga County Public Library, July 6

Weekly Events at Lost Province Brewing Company, June 28-July 8

The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild to Hold Monthly Meeting, July 6

Read more…
Compiled by Katie Benfield

June 26, 2017. High Country Crime Stoppers and the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office seek the public’s assistance in solving the following crime: On or around June 16, a Kubota 6800 tractor was taken from a business on US Hwy 421 S near the intersection with US Hwy 221 in Deep Gap. The orange Kubota tractor had a green John Deere straight blade attached to the back and a front-end loader on the front. It also had a full cab. It is believed that the tractor was placed on a trailer and hauled away during the night. / Read more…

June 26, 2017. On June 15, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a breaking and entering at a residence in the Valley Cay community. A burgundy 1998 Jeep Wrangler was taken along with numerous household items such as towels, furniture, televisions, and paintings. The residence was last known secure on May 29, 2017. / Read more…

June 26, 2017. At Appalachian State University’s June Board of Trustees meeting, preliminary enrollment numbers were released, board members were honored, new deans were welcomed and new opportunities for university properties were considered. “I am pleased to share that enrollment continues to grow at a slow and steady pace,” stated Chancellor Sheri N. Everts. While emphasizing the numbers are still preliminary, Everts said Appalachian is expecting the largest enrollment in school history for the beginning of fall semester, projected to be at 18,618 students. Not only is this the largest overall class ever, she said, it is the largest freshman incoming class as well. / Read more…

June 26, 2017. The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and the High Country has several different events for everyone to attend, whether its a parade, a dance party or fireworks.
Each and every person in the High Country can find the perfect way to celebrate our nation this July 4th. / Read more…

June 26, 2017. It’s common knowledge that the High Country loves its craft beers. While everyone can agree that’s a great thing, those who favor wine may feel left out. That’s why Angela Kelly at Proper in downtown Boone set out to host Wine and Dine Wednesdays each week. “I feel like this area is so craft-beer-driven, and that’s great too — I do enjoy craft beers — but I feel like wine is ignored a little. People are intimidated by it maybe, and I don’t want them to be,” said Angela, owner of Proper. By Bailey Faulkner – Photos by Ken Ketchie / Read more…

June 26, 2017. The Blue Ridge resort towns of Banner Elk and Beech Mountain come together for the 2nd annual Mile High Fourth of July, a five day celebration that includes live music, fireworks, a parade and plenty of family fun throughout the two towns which are only four miles apart. Photo Courtesy of Todd Bush / Read more…

June 26, 2017. For the first time in the High Country, Sugar Mountain Resort will be hosting the first annual Sugar Mountain Summit Crawl and Classic Car Cruise-In this upcoming Saturday. The Summit Crawl allows people of all ages to hike via foot in a race up the side of the mountain, a total of 6,500 feet! Photo Courtesy of Sugar Mountain Resort / Read more…

June 26, 2017. The Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk will be featuring Herb Jackson, a nationally acclaimed artist, throughout the month of July in an exhibition of textural abstracts called “Paintings and Drawings.” His works will be available for viewing starting on June 29. Jackson will be present at the gallery from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, for an artist talk and book signing. / Read more…

June 26, 2017. The Boone Public Works Department will begin construction on the West King Street Sidewalk Enhancement Project after July 4, 2017. This project will consist of the replacement of approximately 200 feet of sidewalk along the south side of West King Street from the Appalachian Theater to Appalachian Street and will include the installation of brick pavers and a bulb-out, as well as pedestrian signals at the Appalachian Street/King Street intersection. / Read more…

June 26, 2017. Candidates seeking to file for the 2017 municipal elections will file their notice of candidacy at the Watauga County Board of Elections, 842 West King Street, starting at 12:00 noon on Friday July 7, 2017. The following seats are up for election this year: Beech Mountain Town Council; Blowing Rock Mayor; Blowing Rock Town Council; Boone Mayor; Boone Town Council; and Seven Devils Town Council.  / Read more…

June 26, 2017. Watauga County now hosts a MindKare mental health screening kiosk, a touchscreen device that allows residents to learn about behavioral health conditions, participate in confidential assessments and find local treatment resources. Vaya Health, a public managed healthcare organization, and community leaders unveiled the kiosk Wednesday morning at the Watauga County Public Library, located at 140 Queen St. in Boone. / Read more…

June 26, 2017. This past Friday, The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge held its annual primary luncheon fundraiser called “The Power of the Purse.” The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge constantly strives to create positive change and economic assistance to women and children within our home. Story and Photos by Jan Todd / Read more…

June 26, 2017. Appalachian State University Director of Athletics, Doug Gillin, named Shelly Hoerner head softball coach on Friday. Hoerner brings 18 years of head coaching experience with over 500 career wins to the App State program. “We’re looking forward to the experience and excitement Shelly will bring to the program at Appalachian State. I would like to thank the search committee, chaired by Jonathan Reeder, for their work,” said Gillin. / 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.

Weekly Events at Lost Province Brewing Company, June 28-July 8

The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild to Hold Monthly Meeting, July 6

Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger Programs, June 28-July 2

Grandfather Mountain Special Program: “An Appalachian Icon,” July 1

Read more…
Compiled by Katie Benfield

June 23, 2017. Ensemble Stage’s 2017 Season opened on June 16 with “The Star Spangled Girl,” the Stage’s first performance in its new home in Banner Elk. However, the run for that particular play is coming to a close on Saturday, June 24. On that same day, the first children’s theatre production will be taking place at 11 a.m., and it is going to be a new spin on the classic tale of “Rapunzel.” / Read more…

June 23, 2017. On July 1-2, Art on the Greene in Banner Elk is offering artists the chance to showcase their talents by displaying their artwork on the green at the Historic Banner Elk School. Artists include jewelry makers, wood workers, painters, potters and metal artists. By Katelyn Jenkins / Read more…

June 23, 2017. Music for Harmony, a nonprofit group in Boone, will be holding free concerts at the Daniel Boone Native Gardens throughout the summer. The first concert is for children and takes place on Saturday, June 24, at 11 a.m. The other two concerts, on July 1 and July 22, will be focused on the environment and art, respectively. All proceeds go towards local nonprofits throughout the High Country that strive to help people within our community. For the first concert, due to inclement weather that is expected, will be taking place in the rain venue at the Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship located at 381 E. King St. in Boone. By Katie Benfield / Read more…

June 23, 2017. Since 1987 Christmas in July has been filling the streets of Downtown West Jefferson with live music, food, arts and crafts, dancing and most importantly Christmas trees. On June 30 the Festival returns at 3 p.m. until July 1 at 7 p.m. Thousands of people travel each year to enjoy this special event. You don’t want to miss it! By Katelyn Jenkins – Photo Courtesy of the Christmas in July Festival / Read more…