Blue Ridge Energy and Sister Co-op Crews, Contractors Make Great Progress Today: 949 Left as of 4:30 pm

February 15, 2025 Despite heavy rain and extensive damage to the electric system from this week’s ice storm, Blue Ridge Energy line technicians and assisting crews are making tremendous progress: power outages are down 949 as of 4:30 pm Saturday. Ashe district stands at 417 members affected; Alleghany district: 344, Wilkes at 166, and Watauga district at 22 members without power at 4:30 pm Saturday. Outages are down from a high of around 14,000 after the ice storm hit.

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Blue Ridge Energy, Assisting Crews Continue 24/7 Restoration Efforts: Full Power Restoration Expected to Last into Weekend Due to Damage

February 14, 2025 After battling widespread, severe damage from Wednesday’s 20-hour period of freezing rain and ice accumulation, Blue Ridge Energy and assisting line technicians are working to restore power to the remaining 4,227 members as of 11 am Friday. Over 800 locations on the cooperative’s 8,000 miles of power line primarily in Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes and Watauga counties were damaged by the heavy icing tearing down trees and large limbs into power lines and breaking poles across the system. “Damage is widespread across four counties and what remains today is some of the worst damage we’ve seen from the storm,” said Renee Walker, director of public relations. “Due to the extent of damage, we project full restoration will take into this weekend,” she explained.

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Blue Ridge Energy and Visiting Crews Continue 24/7 Outage Restoration Efforts for the Remaining 7,816 Members Without Power as of 4:00 pm Thursday

February 13, 2025 A team of 120 Blue Ridge Energy line technicians and crews from sister cooperatives across North Carolina, along with contractors and other staff continue 24/7 power restoration efforts for the remaining 7,816 members impacted by the ice storm that began Wednesday morning. Over 800 locations on the cooperative’s 8,000 miles of power line primarily in Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga counties were damaged: downed trees and large limbs falling and tearing down power lines and breaking poles. As temperatures rose today, and ice fell from trees and power lines, it caused lines to “slap together” creating additional outages.

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Empty Bowls to Postpone Their Annual Event Until 2026 in Consideration of Local Potters and Restaurants Impacted by Hurricane Helene

February 13, 2025 In support of local potters and restaurants impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Hunger and Health Coalition and Watauga High School has chosen to postpone their annual Empty Bowls event until 2026. Empty Bowls is a community staple and longstanding partnership with art students at Watauga High School, local potters to provide pottery, and local restaurants to provide soup for patrons to enjoy. Typically, restaurants donate soup for the event, local potters donate their work, and Watauga High School students create clay bowls to raise funds to support the mission of Hunger and Health Coalition – transforming our community’s hunger into health.

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Severe Damage: All Hands on Deck Effort to Restore Power – Multi-Day Outage Event Possible

February 12, 2025 Blue Ridge Energy line technicians, sister crews from cooperatives across North Carolina, electric contractors and tree trimmers are battling severe destruction to restore power to over 11,000 members in Ashe, Watauga and Alleghany counties Wednesday afternoon.  At this hour, ice accumulation is ongoing, worsening the effects on the grid. Heavy ice has caused widespread damage across the cooperative’s mountain service area. Crews are battling falling trees, powerlines weighed down by ice and continued winter weather to restore power.

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Blue Ridge Energy Crews Battling Ice to Restore Over 2,500 Outages as of 10 am Wednesday

February 12, 2025 Blue Ridge Energy line technicians and sister crews from neighboring cooperatives are battling icy conditions and downed power lines to restore power to over 2,500 members in Ashe, Watauga and Alleghany counties Wednesday morning. While precipitation has stopped, damage from early morning ice has brought down trees onto power lines, causing damage that is widespread across the cooperative’s mountain service area. Hardest hit areas include northern Ashe County along the Virginia line, eastern Watauga County including the Deep Gap community, and across Alleghany County. Assisting Blue Ridge Energy line technicians are an additional 12 crews – 24 line technicians – from neighboring cooperatives in North Carolina.

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Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Happy Valentine’s Day!


February 12, 2025 February 14 is a day we should all remember without fail. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for centuries as a time to honor those we love — and not just in a romantic setting. Named in honor of St. Valentine, a Roman Catholic priest, the legends behind the celebration have varied through the years, but the basic premise of the day is all about the importance of love. The celebration has held its own through time and is one of America’s most expensive holidays, coming in a close third behind Christmas and Easter. Proving our love in 2024 alone cost us nearly $26 billion; that number is expected to soar to over $27 this year. Candy, flowers, jewelry and cards are the most popular Valentine’s gifts, along with a special meal out on the town for many couples. But, don’t think you have to go overboard. There’s something truly heart-warming about those handmade gifts, especially from the kitchen, that probably mean just as much or maybe even more to the recipients  — and will cost much less than something from the store. We’re here to help you with a few ideas to share the love, and with a reminder that chocolate is always a gift that speaks its own language. By Sherrie Norris

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Town Council Retreat, Green Hill Communications Pole and Blowing Rock Academy. A Conversation with Blowing Rock Town Manager, Shane Fox

February 12, 2025. TThe Blowing Rock Town Council retreat took place January 29-31, 2025. High Country Press sat down with Blowing Rock Town Manager Shane Fox to hear his perspective on the retreat along with updates on a variety of other topics. This year’s Town Council retreat was similar to other retreats in recent years – a lot of sitting and listening to presentations about needs in Blowing Rock with recommendations from staff about how to address those needs and what they may cost. According to Fox, this retreat was particularly productive in that the Council was able to separate the long list of needs and challenges into two clear focus areas. By Sam Garrett

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Sugar Mountain Adult Race League Results for Monday Night’s Race

February 11, 2025 The Sugar Mountain Adult Race League enjoyed another Monday night of racing under the stars on a race course that was in tip top shape curiosity of the Sugar Mountain race crew. “They had the course in great shape with hard packed snow and fast conditions for us last night,” said Matt Leonard of Ski Country Sports. “We really appreciate the phenomenal work they do for us each week!” SMARL will be wrapping up the 2025 season next Monday with an award ceremony to be held after the race to crown the fastest teams and individual races. 

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MerleFest Shares Finalists for the 10th Annual Band Competition, Adds Carolina Detour, Wilder Flower, and More to 2025 Lineup

February 11, 2025. MerleFest, presented by Window World, will return to Wilkes Community College the weekend of April 24-27 for its 2025 event. Known for blending incredible live music with strong community ties, MerleFest continues to hold its title as a can’t miss annual tradition for both area natives and visitors from all over the world. This year’s festival will highlight the 10th Annual Band Competition, where eight talented finalists will compete for the opportunity to perform on MerleFest’s iconic Hillside Stage. The competition performances will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the winner announced at 4:30 p.m.

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“A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music” to Open at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum March 1

February 11, 2025. A new exhibition entitled “A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music” will open at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) on March 1, 2025, and will be on view in the Alexander Community Room Gallery through April 26, 2025. This unique exhibition offers an in-depth look at the rich history of Blue Ridge music, including 36 original, letterpress-style posters dating back to as early as 1939. Each poster has detailed information about the life and legacy of the featured musicians.

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The Day the Mountains Cried: One Woman’s Narrative of Surviving Helene Resonates with Regional Readers

February 11, 2025. Like many of us, Yancey County’s Lynda Smith lived through the devastating blows wrought by Hurricane Helene when it ravaged our mountains last September. And, as most of us do, she has memories that will haunt her for a lifetime. But, at the same time, compiling those recollections, along with her insights, hind sights and all the accompanying emotions in between, has proved to be healing. And those of us who “experienced Helene” and have read her book, can closely identify with much of what she has written. “No one expected the devastation that hurricane Helene brought to Western North Carolina,” Smith shared. “This is my story. A story of survival and hope.” And, so begins the easy-to-read, but at the same time a harrowing, page-turning account by Smith, whose long-time dream to retire in the mountains came true a short three years ago. ​ By Sherrie Norris

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Sixth in a Series: The History of Springhaven Inn: Post-World War II to 1977

February 10, 2025. This is the sixth in a series of articles covering the long, rich history of the Springhaven Inn, built in 1888 in Blowing Rock, NC. The post-World War II years were pivotal in the history of the Bark Inn/Springhaven Inn. Sallie Cheatham hired John Reineking (1891-1968) as manager of the Inn in 1942. Reineking had recently moved to Blowing Rock from Brooklyn NY to pursue his interest in real estate investments and had ample ambition. He advertised in many newspapers in the larger cities of the Carolinas to attract visitors to the Bark Inn. Being an adroit entrepreneur, Reineking purchased the Inn from Sallie Cheatham in 1945, reasoning that Blowing Rock stood on the cusp of another period of rapid growth. With war rationing over, automobiles were readily available again and gasoline was no longer difficult to obtain. Families were traveling again and people were coming to the mountains to enjoy the scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway. And, these travelers needed a place to stay! ​ By Dr. Dan Morrill and Catherine Perry `

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Movie Review: “Love Hurts” – “Heart Eyes” – “Companion” Now Playing at Boone Regal

February 10, 2025 For whatever reason, the studios decided that what America wanted this Valentine’s season wasn’t romantic comedies or sweeping dramas, but violent R-rated fare with varying degrees of love and relationship theming. Frankly none of these movies are going to be big commercial hits, with “Dog Man” still ruling the box office this past weekend and “Captain America: Brave New World” sure to dominate Valentine’s Day itself. That’s why I’m smooshing these movies all together here, because they have a way of cancelling each other out. For example, even though the lot includes my favorite film of 2025 so far, it also includes my least favorite. Which brings me to…

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The Green Park Inn, the Grand Old Lady, and Her Favorite Musicians, Bow Out, With Hopes for Their Return 

February 7, 2025  A few weeks ago, as Blowing Rock’s 27th WinterFest event came to a snowy and successful close, the Green Park Inn closed to guests along with it. The historic, 131 year old, rambling, Grand Manor hotel ended its most recent 15-year run as Blowing Rock’s landmark lodging establishment under the ownership of New York hotel “affectionados” Steve Irace and his late brother Gene. With his Saturday night performance at the hotel, Charlie Ellis also ended his decade-and-a-half-long weekend gig entertaining hotel guests, most recently with guitarists Don Miller and Dave Braun. Besides Ellis and owner Steve Irace, the weekend wound down with general manager Lorry Mulhern in her usual spot anchoring customer service and celebrating the hotel’s popular weekend tradition of bringing Ellis to the many local fans of his classic, former local club, the Jazz Parlour. By Randy Johnson

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Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention Returns to Appalachian State University This Weekend

February 7, 2025  The Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention returns to Appalachian State University in Boone this weekend and promises to be a fun-filled, foot-stompin’ good time for all involved. Now in its 17th year, the main event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Plemmons Student Union from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A large crowd is expected to attend again this year, including instrumentalists, vocalists and fans of traditional mountain music for which our area is known. A square dance will serve as the official “kick-off” on the evening prior, Friday, Feb. 7, from 5-7 p.m., in the student union solarium. Saturday’s line-up will feature various competitions for adults and youth, including mandolin, guitar, banjo, fiddle, string band and dance, and held in the Summit Trail Solarium. By Sherrie Norris

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Waterway and Private Property Debris Removal in NCDOT Right-of-Way Will End March 2nd

February 7, 2025. In preparation to move to Waterway and Private Property Debris Removal programs, Watauga County’s NCDOT Right-of-Way debris removal will end March 2nd, 2025.  At that time, citizens will no longer be allowed to dump storm debris (vegetative or construction/demolition) into the NCDOT Right-of-Way as that was a special waiver of local and State ordinances for storm related debris disposal. Individuals placing debris into the NCDOT Right-of-Way after March 2nd may be subject to applicable State and local ordinances. Watauga County understands there may be remedial vegetation and C&D debris remaining after March 2nd and the County will work with vendors to pick up any remaining debris. The Watauga County Transfer Station continues to accept vegetation and construction materials as part of their normal operations and fee schedule. Please send any remaining right-of-way debris concerns to Helene.Debris@watgov.org and those will be addressed by the County’s debris removal contractor.

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Watauga Arts Council Teams Up with Blue Ridge Fiber Guild to Announce “Intro to Fiber” Workshop Series for 2025

February 7, 2025. The Watauga Arts Council (WAC) and Blue Ridge Fiber Guild are excited to unveil their brand new Intro to Fiber Workshop Series, launching on March 22nd and running through August 2025. Every fourth Saturday of the month, from 10 AM to 1 PM, participants will be introduced to a variety of fiber arts, including weaving, spinning, felting, knitting, and natural dyeing. These hands-on workshops are designed for beginners and those looking to expand their fiber art skills in a supportive, creative environment. The guild will also be hosting an open house on February 22, 2025 from 10am to noon at the WAC building. You’re invited to meet the instructors and find out about the classes being offered. There will be light refreshments as guild members show examples of what the classes will cover as well as the instructors’ works.

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Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Super Bowl Sunday Just Hours Away


February 7, 2025 Thousands of football fans are already packing into New Orleans for Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX. Hopefully, the much-anticipated championship game of the National Football League will serve as a welcomed distraction from recent headlines, not only in the Big Easy, but also in the home states of both teams. A week ago, as I sat at my desk writing about favorite foods from the Kansas City and the Philadelphia areas, I had no idea, as did anyone, that these two general locations would soon be in the news for far different reasons than the biggest football game of the year. The January 1 Bourbon Street incident was still fresh in the minds of most Americans when the horrific January 29 mid-air collision occurred in Washington, DC involving a plane that had flown out of  Kansas just a short time earlier and claiming 67 lives. Just two days later, the tragic med jet crash in Philadelphia killing six passengers and injuring dozens more on the ground, left most of us in disbelief, once again, and overcome with sadness and sympathy for all involved. But, as we’ve learned many times over, life goes on, and easier for some than others. There will still be Super Bowl parties this weekend, and food will still be needed. So, with much less excitement than I had this time last week, I’ll share more ideas for sides and other goodies to accompany those Kansas City ribs and Philly Steaks. By Sherrie Norris

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Boone Docs Film Festival Returns to Appalachian Theatre with Another Celebration of Appalachia

February 6, 2025. The 2025 Boone Docs Film Festival, showcasing short documentaries focused on the people who live and work in Appalachia, expands this year to include four blocks across two days – Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. All festival events will take place at the Appalachian Theatre, 559 W. King Street in Boone, North Carolina. Additionally, each of the film screenings will include a panel discussion with participants in the films and/or the filmmakers.

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Boone Has Been Nominated for USA Today’s Best Small-Town Beer Scene – Vote Now!

February 6, 2025. Exciting news—Boone has been nominated for USA Today’s Best Small-Town Beer Scene! We’re up against 19 other towns across the country, and your vote can help put Boone on top! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our amazing local breweries and the vibrant beer culture we have here. Let’s rally together and show everyone why Boone deserves the title! Cast your vote now: Vote Here!

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Feeding Avery Families 2024 Review

February 6, 2025. During 2024, Feeding Avery Families (FAF) provided $1.4 million worth of free food to our hungry neighbors in Avery County, NC. Miraculously, FAF food cost averaged only 17 cents per individual meal, thanks to securing top quality groceries at no or very low expense. In addition, dedicated volunteers kept operation costs low.

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Grandfather Mountain Mourns the Loss of Ajax the Bald Eagle

February 6, 2025. Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has bid farewell to Ajax the bald eagle. Ajax died Wednesday, Feb. 5 following complications from an infection he developed. He was 11 years old. Ajax arrived at Grandfather Mountain on Aug. 26, 2015, estimated to be about 1 and a 1/2 years old. He came from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Fla., after falling from his nest on a golf course. The fall left him with a broken clavicle and humerus in his wing and a broken femur in his leg.

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