High Country Press

April 19, 2019 What started as a 1,200 square feet space has grown to more than 4,000 in the last 27 years. The space is home to The Art Cellar Gallery and Framemakers, owned by Pam and Michael McKay. The gallery specializes in fine art, sculpture and other three-dimensional works in clay, glass, wood and stone, working to promote Appalachian artists as often as possible. The in-house frame shop has framed over 20,000 works since opening. In celebration of 27 years, Sarah Myers, the gallery director, says that the Art Cellar is changing up their art shows a bit for the 2019 season. “We’re doing a lot of solo shows this year, and it’s kind of interesting the way we’re doing it.” The Art Cellar is excited for the big shows coming up, starting in May. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

April 19, 2019 Town council members are still weighing the pros and cons to the potential Highway 105 Superstreet design provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The town council and representatives from the NCDOT will be available on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. to potentially answer questions from local citizens that are concerned about what the new project could do to the Highway 105 corridor. One councilmember, in particular, has been out knocking on doors and trying to find out what Boone citizens and business owners on Highway 105 know about the project and what they would like to see happen. Loretta Clawson visited 34 different businesses on Highway 105 this week and is hoping to reach a few more this weekend and Monday before the Tuesday morning meeting. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 19, 2019 It’s much on schedule.That describes the progress of a new transmission line that is being constructed to connect the electrical substations between Sugar Mountain and Banner Elk in Northern Avery County.In 2018, Mountain Electric Cooperative began construction on the Sugar Mountain 69,000 volt (69 kV) Line that will connect a new electrical substation in the Village of Sugar Mountain to its 69 kV electrical grid near its Banner Elk Substation. The new substation will be called the Sugar Mountain Substation.The project’s right-of-way preparation was completed by the end of August 2018. Holes were started being dug for the line in March and pole installation is currently underway. All poles are steel and are being assembled on site. Some are massive in height, reaching more than 100 feet. Almost 60 structures are part of the project–some of which include more than one pole. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

Apr. 19, 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…

April 18, 2019 For three years now, High Country Press has produced a unique Spring publication that has fast become a welcome addition to our other well-received projects found throughout the year.Thanks to a great group of local businesses and sponsors who support us and stand behind what we do — in addition to you, our readers who keep coming back for more — we are pleased to announce that our Spring 2019 High Country Faith Magazine is currently available on stands across the area. This current Spring 2019 issue of High Country Faith, in celebration of our mountain churches and the folks who work so hard behind the scenes, is filled with inspiring stories of churches, individuals and community efforts that help make life in the High Country enviable to those around us. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

April 18, 2019 Tickets are now available online for the 2019 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre series, which will kick-off on June 27 with performances of Mamma Mia!, From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story, and Newsies.Individual show tickets range in price, per person, from $38–43 for adults, to $18–20 for students and/or children. Season ticket prices, per person, range from $114 for premium seating to $99 for general seating. “In my years of directing Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, I can’t remember being this excited,” Artistic Director Janet Barton Speer said. “I look forward to working with our 100-plus-member company as we bring magic to the High Country for the 35th season!”  / Read more…

April 17, 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

April 17, 2019 The Linville Mart Convenience Store located at 4141 Mitchell Avenue caught fire in the early morning of Tuesday, April 16. According to Avery County Assistant Fire Marshall Paul Buchanan, a female employee observed smoke inside the store when she opened it for business at approximately 6:30 a.m. The employee then called Avery 911 to report the blaze. Buchanan said the rush of oxygen from the door being open likely stoked the flames. Buchanan said no one was injured in the fire, and that the building avoided heavy structural damage. However, he noted that the building did have interior smoke and heat damage. Buchanan said the fire was believed to be caused by a malfunctioning drink refrigerator. He added that the unit likely overheated and caused an electrical outlet to catch fire. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

April 17, 2019 Are you prepared to die today? Perhaps no question in life is more sobering than the one that causes us to consider our own mortality. Most of us, if given the opportunity, will avoid death and dying conversations like the plague – pun intended. But if faced head on tough questions can also challenge us to make the most out of every opportunity. Tony Weaver, an adventure loving Ashe County resident, knows firsthand the danger of taking life for granted. After experiencing chest pains, he made an appointment at The Cardiology Center in Boone, NC, part of Watauga Medical Center (WMC). It was there, during his appointment, that he went into cardiac arrest and his heart stopped beating for nearly five minutes. When it counted most, his medial team responded with what Tony can only describe as “divine intervention” to save his life. / Read more…

April 17, 2019 Resort Area Ministries, Inc. (RAM) is now taking applications for Summer Mission Work projects. Each summer, RAM hosts church mission groups from different areas of the United States. These missions groups stay in Boone from three days to a week and assist RAM with work projects and campground ministries. Any low-income family, individual, or senior citizen who own their own homes and cannot do their own labor because of illnesses or physical impairments may be eligible for RAM’s projects. Many of RAM’s clients are senior citizens who are unable to do their own work or cannot afford to pay for the project’s expensive labor costs. The work that the RAM crews provide enables these senior members of our community to stay in their own homes longer and keep their independence. They look forward to the company that the work crews provide, so RAM is not only helping with the home repairs, but also the spiritual and emotional well being of the people. Friendships have developed and nurtured for several years with the work projects as the catalyst. / Read more…

April 17, 2019 Over 100 teachers, parents, children and members of the Watauga County community came together on Tuesday afternoon to make their voices heard in the disapproval of the planned asphalt plant construction on Rainbow Trail off of Highway 194 in Boone. The rally took place outside the Watauga County Administration Building on Tuesday afternoon prior to the Watauga County Commissioners’ meeting that was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thanks to a Facebook event page put together by members of High Country WATCH that reminded everyone of a time and a place, interested supporters arrived around 4:30 p.m. and many wore green. Some of the rallying members walked from Hardin Park School to the administration building with their signs. Organizers put the rally together after the North Carolina Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal on behalf of Watauga County, High Country WATCH and the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 17, 2019. Easter is the most glorious day for Christians all over the world who celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a special time for many families who gather to share a meal and have some fun with the kids. Even the Easter egg hunt has some relevance, as eggs symbolize new life. While many tables will be filled with the traditional fare, including ham, potato salad and various egg and springtime dishes, most cooks also enjoy trying something new or different. Hopefully, the following recipes will help put the finishing touches to your brunch or lunch buffet. / Read more…

April 9, 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

Wordkeepers Group to Meet April 20

Boone Town Council Holding Special Meeting on April 23

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club to Meet April 24

The International Storytelling Center Launches 2019 Live Performance Season on April 25

Studio Preview Party at Anvil Arts Studio, Gallery & Gardens Happening on April 27

High Country Cycling Classic Set For April 27-28

Lees-McRae College to host Children’s Bicycle Safety Clinic Sunday, April 28

Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ Now on Stage at Barter Theatre

HCSA Summer Soccer Camps Happening in June and July

American Airlines Offers Daily Service from TRI to DFW

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

April 16, 2019 High Country WATCH (Wataugans Against Toxins Close to Home) is hoping to make their voices heard loud and clear with a protest on April 16. The public demonstration/protest rally organizers are asking everyone to wear green and be at the Watauga Courthouse, located at 814 W. King St. on April 16 at 4:30 p.m. immediately prior to the County Commissioners’ 5:30 meeting. The public is encouraged to attend the demonstration and lend support to commissioners as they seek a solution. Individuals can speak during the public comment at the meeting and write the county commissioners. A group of concerned citizens, environmental groups and affected property owners gathered to discuss options following the recent Supreme Court ruling that seems to give permission for Radford Quarries to move forward with plans for an asphalt plant on Rainbow Trail in the middle of a neighborhood and near several schools, which stand less than one mile from the proposed site including Hardin Park Elementary, Grace Academy and Boone United Methodist Preschool.  / Read more…

April 16, 2019 On Tuesday, April 23, seven area chambers of commerce are joining together to present a “Special Mega-Network-Business After Hours Event” at the Linville Falls Winery, located just off US Highway 221 in the Linville Falls Community of Avery County. Its Global Positioning System (GPS) address is: 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Newland, NC. Starting at 5:30 p.m. and lasting until 7:30 p.m., the gathering will be headlined by Chambers of Commerce from Avery, Burke and McDowell counties as well as from the townships of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain (Area). Sponsored by Carolina West Wireless and the Linville Falls Winery, the event is free and open to the public. It will include live music from a local music band. Food and general beverages as well as the winery’s famous wines will also be available for purchase. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

April 15, 2019 The funeral services for Jeff and Tanya Borlase, the parents who were killed in Deep Gap last week, will take place on Wednesday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at Alliance Bible Fellowship. Jeff, 43, and Tanya, 44, were found dead on Wednesday night after deputies from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1174 Orchard Road to investigate a suspicious incident. Tristan Noah Borlase, 17, was later apprehended in Johnson County, Tennessee and charged with two counts of murder. Tristan is one of eight children in the family. As the community mourns the tragic incident that took place almost a week ago, the children who are dealing with the untimely loss of their parents at such an early age found the strength inside to write the obituary for both of their parents. A memorial fund has also been set up for the Borlase family. Memorial contributions may be made to a fund for the family, established by Blowing Rock Parks & Rec, in care of Autumn, PO Box 47, Blowing Rock North Carolina, 28605 (Please make checks payable to Alexis Borlase), or to the MSC Education Fund, in care of Manhatten Supply Company, 525 Harbour Place, Davidson, North Carolina, 28036. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 15, 2019 The local real estate market continues to do brisk business, as sales in the first quarter of 2019 increased for the ninth consecutive year, according to the monthly real estate report by the High County Association of Realtors. Local Realtors sold 473 homes valued at $141.4 million from January to March, as recorded in the High Country Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which tracks all Realtor activity in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. That was an increase of 6.5 percent compared to the same time last year (444 homes sold), and up 19 percent compared to the first quarter of 2017 (398). Sales have increased in the first quarter every year since 2010, when only 146 homes worth $37.17 million were sold. / Read more…

April 15, 2019  Fourth grade student Lance Shepherd, a young admirer of science and technology who attends Audrey W. Garrett Elementary School in Mebane, had a chance encounter with Apperion — the premier solar car of Appalachian State University’s Team Sunergy — when the car was installed Monday in the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Apperion is one of more than 50 exhibits to be featured in the museum’s 2019 Triangle SciTech Expo Saturday. The expo showcases the state’s advancements in various technologies and scientific disciplines, and assembles scientists and technical professionals from both industry and universities to engage visitors of all ages in the world of STEM. By Jessica Stump / Read more…

April 15, 2019  The top two movies in the country right now have the exact opposite premise. “Shazam!” is about a young boy who is happy when he turns into an adult. “Little” is about a grown woman who is miserable when she turns into a child. I guess a good companion piece would be “The Hot Chick,” where overgrown teenager Rachel McAdams turns into man-child Rob Schneider. Eh, probably best just to stick to the two new films. By Bob Garver. / Read more…

April 12, 2019 North Carolina’s groundbreaking contributions to American music stretch across bluegrass, gospel, jazz, R&B and beyond. And this year at MerleFest, the state’s rich musical history will be on full display with over 35 N.C. based acts set to grace the stages in Wilkesboro, N.C. and several special North Carolina moments planned throughout the weekend. Come Hear North Carolina, a program of the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Arts Council, has sponsored the festival’s Creekside Stage to celebrate the state’s Year of Music in 2019. MerleFest — which started in 1988 as a tribute to Doc Watson’s son and famed guitarist, Merle — is the largest Americana festival in the country, and Come Hear NC’s Creekside Stage will spotlight a long list of North Carolina musicians influenced by the rich traditions and sounds of the Blue Ridge landscape. / Read more…

April 12, 2019 The Avery County Boards of Commissioners and Education conducted a joint meeting at the latter’s central offices on April 4 to discuss the proposed construction and renovation project at Avery County High School, as well as its bids that were originally scheduled to be opened that day. However, bid opening was cancelled and rescheduled for Tuesday, April 16. Schools Superintendent Bryan Taylor said the bid opening postponement was to provide needed time for the contractors bidding on the project to get estimates from additional subcontractors. The project’s estimated cost has risen from $19.1 million to $23 million. Part of the estimate increase has been attributed to the need to replace equipment at the school, which includes $20,000 for a new boiler. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

April 12, 2019 After an intensive 18 months of introspection and search, St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church has called the Rev. Andrew J. Hege of Lexington, Kentucky to be her next rector.  In his announcement to the congregation, Sr. Warden Chip Myers characterized Fr. Andrew as “a passionate follower of Jesus, committed to the belief that we are all called to the holy work of sharing God’s love, mercy, and justice in the world.” A native of Thomasville, North Carolina, Fr. Andrew is a graduate of Montreat College, Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and Virginia Theological Seminary. He has spent the past five years at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, KY, where he led the formation of a Justice Ministry team that brought together nearly 2,000 people from twenty congregations in that city, to work on the root causes of poverty and other community problems. / Read more…

April 12, 2019 The Easter Bunny is getting closer! The Towns of Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock and Beech Mountain have been busy planning this year’s Easter egg hunts. The Easter Bunny will be at Tweetsie as well. Boone’s Eggstravaganza will take place at Watauga County Public Library at 2 p.m. on April 13. Banner Elk’s Eggstravanga will take place at Historic Banner Elk School at 10 a.m. on April 13. Blowing Rock’s Easter Festival and Egg Hunt will take place in Memorial Park at 10 a.m. on April 13. Beech Mountain’s Hoppy Easter Party will take place at Buckeye Rec Center at 10 a.m. on April 20. Visit the Easter Bunny at Tweetsie on April 19-21. Head out and join the fun before the eggs are gone! By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

April 12, 2019 On April 9, 2019, at approximately 1:15 PM, the Boone Police Department received a 911 report of a deceased woman found in an apartment, located at 165 Robin Lane in Boone. The woman was identified as Patricia Louise Everett, age 59, and the apartment in question was her residence. Boone Police Department detectives responded and investigated, and no foul play was observed. A medical examiner also responded to the scene to assist law enforcement.  / Read more…

April 12, 2019 The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office has officially identified the victims and the suspect in Wednesday night’s murder in Deep Gap. According to Sheriff Len Hagaman, Jeffrey David Borlase, 43, and Tanya Mae Borlase, 44, were found dead on Wednesday night after deputies from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1174 Orchard Road in Deep Gap in reference to a suspicious incident. The incident has sense been ruled a double homicide. On Thursday, the Borlase’s 17-year-old son, Tristan Noah Borlase, was found and arrested in Johnson County, Tennessee. The teen was charged with two counts of murder. The investigation is still continuing, according to Sheriff Hagaman.  / Read more…

April 11, 2019 On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at 10:32PM, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1174 Orchard Road in Deep Gap in reference to a suspicious incident. While officers were on scene, deputies discovered a deceased adult male outside the house and a deceased adult female inside. According to Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman, the incident appears to have been domestic in nature, however the investigation is currently ongoing. In additional updates provided by the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon, a 17-year-old has been taken into custody in Tennessee and was living in the house where the two adults were found dead.  / Read more…

April 11, 2019 Note: Banner Elk Mayor Brenda Lyerly will be providing the High Country Press with news and updates on projects in Banner Elk. This week, Mayor Lyerly provided us with a news updates from the most recent Banner Elk Town Council Meeting. The Banner Elk Town Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 8, 2019 at the Banner Elk Town Hall. A special presentation was made by Police Chief Kevin Hodges to Officer Scott Wilkerson with a certificate recognizing the Officer for meeting the requirements of the Intermediate Law Enforcement Certification Program. Chief Hodges acknowledged Officer Wilkerson for all his hard work and the many hours he has devoted to earning this certification. / Read more…

Apr. 11, 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…

April 11, 2019 Four emerging leaders and a trusted advocate for young professionals were honored during the 3rd annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards luncheon. The sold-out event was held Wednesday at The Harvest House in Boone and was presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Over 40 nominations were submitted by local community members and 16 finalists were recognized during the event. Nominees were sought in the categories of business owner, education, non-profit business professional, and rising star. A biography of each award winner is listed below / Read more…

April 10, 2019 Shooting Stars serves as Watauga Education Foundation’s signature fundraiser event, but it also serves as a way to celebrate the talented children in Watauga’s schools. The date for the Shooting Stars 2019 is this Friday, April 12. Shooting Stars 2019 will be at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at 6:30 p.m. Participating children have been busy developing and perfecting acts of all varieties in individual or group performances. You’ll see singers, dancers, musicians, actors, magicians among other acts. These acts are finalists that have been selected by a judge panel organized by the WEF to perform at this professional-quality talent showcase. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

April 10, 2019 Are you planning your wedding? Crestwood invites you to join them for an unforgettable wedding experience this Sunday, April 14, for their Bridal Showcase. From 1-4 p.m., you’ll have the chance to win door prizes, participate in giveaways, tour the entire facility, meet top High Country vendors, attend the bridal fashion show, visit their relaxing spa and meet their therapists. Plus, there will be breathtaking mountain views for you to enjoy that could be the background for your own wedding. There is no cost for admission for brides and guests, so you cannot miss this Bridal Showcase that gives you a sneak peak into the beautiful weddings at one of the High Country’s most coveted venues. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

April 10, 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

April 10, 2019 The Top 50 local real estate professionals gathered at Movement Mortgage on March 29 to be honored for their 2018 success at the first annual High Country Top 50 Gala. The evening began with registration and a happy hour before a dinner at 6:30 p.m., which was provided by CR Catering. The Top 50 High Country Realtors of 2018 were then honored with leadership awards. The Top 50 were selected based on the volume of buyers and agents in 2018, according to presenting sponsor Angela McLean, Senior Loan Officer of Movement Mortgage. McLean spoke about how these Top 50 local real estate professionals stand out amongst their peers before talking about how her goal for the event, “That was my biggest goal: to make them feel appreciated. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

April 10, 2019 Boone town officials and representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation will be meeting again on Tuesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. to talk about the Highway 105 Superstreet Project. The meeting will be taking place at the town council chambers located at 1500 Blowing Rock Road. The NCDOT will be there with maps to show the updated draft of how Highway 105 Superstreet will look and be there to answer questions from residents and business owners that want to come to the meeting. This meeting is being held by the town council to hear additional community concerns about the project and to have the NCDOT on hand to answer any additional questions. “The Town of Boone appreciates the DOT’s willingness to attend an additional meeting and to provide more information to the community as the town council is faced with making decisions concerning this very important corridor within our town limits. Safety, efficient transportation, bike lanes, sidewalks, lighting, safe crosswalks, existing business impacts and future business development are all factors that must be considered during this process,” said Boone Town Manager John Ward. By Nathan Ham / Read more…