High Country Press

September 24, 2018. The Watauga Pioneers stayed unbeaten with a 5-0 record after a 46-12 victory over South Caldwell on the road Friday night. Watauga ran for 330 yards against its opposition, led by quarterback Jackson Greene. The senior ran for 131 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. He also completed all four of his pass attempts for 87 yards and a touchdown. Bryce Satterfield carried the ball 15 times for 92 yards and a score. Jaiden Bond had four carries for 55 yards and a touchdown and Zach West had three carries for 41 yards and a score. Through the air, Eli Suggs caught one pass for a 21-yard touchdown. West had two catches for 46 yards and bond added one reception for 20 yards. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 24, 2018. The last organ recital and Evensong of the season will be this Sunday, Sept. 30, at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock. Organist for this recital will be Kyle Ritter, Canon Organist and Choirmaster at the Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville. This free concert begins at 3 p.m. and is immediately followed by Solemn Evensong (with incense) at 3:30 p.m. Evensong is sung daily at Anglican cathedrals and churches around the world and offers an opportunity for rest and reflection in the midst of our stressful lives. The choir sings Evensong one Sunday each month during the warmer months and everyone is welcome. The church is located on Main Street in Blowing Rock. / Read more…

September 24, 2018. The Watauga Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Boone will hold its annual customer appreciation sale located at 1200 Archie Carroll Road on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the ReStore serve as a primary revenue source for the local Watauga Habitat affiliate. Anyone shopping at the Watauga Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Saturday, Sept. 29 will receive 25% off their purchase, including gently used furniture, home goods, construction items and more. BUBBA burger is generously donating food, which will be served 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. or while supplies last. / Read more…

September 24, 2018. The indoor house concert series continues at the Jones House Cultural and Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 3, with an evening performance that will showcase seven Irish and Old-time musicians across North Carolina and the east coast. The concert—part of a collaborative series between Black & Global Roots Concerts and the Town of Boone’s Cultural Resources Department—will feature Claudine Langille, Zan McLeod, Cora McGovern, Fiddlin’ Al McCanless, Will McCanless, Colin Shoemaker and Bob Vasile. Mark your calendars for an evening filled with folk music and Irish influences. / Read more…

September 24, 2018 Jonathan C. Jordan, Republican member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 93, and Democratic House of Representatives hopeful Ray Russell will discuss the issues at a debate on October 2 at 7 p.m. The Appalachian State Politics Club is sponsoring the debate, which is in room 114 of Belk Library on Appalachian State University Campus. Incumbent Jordan is running for re-election on November 6. Jordan, who was first elected to the chamber in 2010 and has served four consecutive terms, also currently serves as Deputy Majority Whip. Russell announced his intentions to run as a Democrat in 2018 for the N.C. House District 93 seat currently held by Jordan on October 9 of last year. / Read more…

September 24, 2018. In 1960, director Roger Corman created Little Shop of Horrors, a cheap horror film about a man-eating plant and the nasty things it forces its discoverer to do to keep it alive. In 1982 the film was adapted into a stage musical, and then four years later it became a popular movie musical. The Lees-McRae Theater Arts program will present the stage musical in Hayes Auditorium and Broyhill Theatre. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5–6, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7 in Hayes Auditorium and Broyhill Theatre. / Read more…

September 24, 2018. The devastation from Hurricane Florence along the North Carolina coastline and eastern portion of the state has required the help of numerous rescue teams and first responders from all across the state and the country. The Boone Fire Department is part of this rescue coalition doing what they can to help out. In Pender County, a four-person swift water rescue team as well as Boone Fire Chief Jimmy Isaacs and Sgt. Shane Robbins of the Boone Police Department working in the command center have helped play a vital role in numerous water rescues since the team left on Monday afternoon, September 17. “As soon as we knew we were out of the woods with Florence here Monday morning, we got a call from Pender County Emergency Management Director Tom Collins and he knew that we had some resources. We got our first notification that they were going to ask for us at 10 or 11 a.m. and by 2 p.m. our crew was on the road. They actually hit the ground on Monday night at 9 p.m.,” said Mike Teague, the assistant fire chief of the Boone Fire Department. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 24, 2018. On September 20th Recess hosted a Mini Golf Fundraiser for the new Boone Greenway Skatepark at Sunrise Grill!  The event ran from 2pm-10pm.  Each hole was sponsored by a local business or persons’ and Sunrise was kind enough to donate all proceeds that anyone who paid $10 to play a round to the park.   The weather was great and over 100 people came out to support this awesome new project for their community!  The Cardinal had the food truck out, there were beverages donated from Booneshine, AMB and Stone Brewing which all proceeds from them were kindly donated to the Skatepark as well!  Also a Silent Auction was held where there was local Art, Skate and Snow products, gift certificates all donated from local people and businesses that people could bid on throughout the event.  To say the least it was a major success, we raised just a little over $17,000!!! 100% of this is going to the Skatepark! Story by JP Pardy / Photos by Nick Welsh / Read more…

September 24, 2018. A crowd of just over 21,000 fans were in attendance on Saturday to see Appalachian State thump in-state foe Gardner-Webb, 72-7.  This was App State’s largest margin of victory since defeating Campbell 66-0 in 2014. Prior to that, you really have to dig deep in the history books all the way back to 1936 when the Mountaineers set a school record in a 115-0 win over Piedmont. The 72 points scored was the third most in history behind the 115 in the 1936 game and a 79-35 win over Western Carolina in 2007. Fans in attendance also got to see another record tied. Steven Jones blocked two punts on Saturday, tying an App State record for the most in a single game. Chuck Hill blocked two punts in a game against Liberty and again in a game against Western Carolina in 1987 and Dino Hackett blocked two punts in a game against East Tennessee State University in 1985, a game where he also had 27 tackles. Photos by Debbie Carter / Read more…

September 24, 2018. While the High Country patiently awaits its chance to see The Mountain Minor on the big screen, the locally-filmed production is receiving nods of approval across the country at various film festivals. Writer and director Dale Farmer couldn’t be more pleased, he said, on the heels of “a great weekend,” when The Mountain Minor won all three awards for which it was nominated at the Endless Mountains Film Festival in Wellsboro, Pa. The Mountain Minor came away with Best of Festival Narrative Feature, Best Actor (Watauga County’s own Asa Nelson) and Best Director for Narrative Feature. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

September 23, 2018 Appalachian State rolled to a 72-7 home victory against Gardner-Webb on Saturday in Kidd Brewer Stadium. The Mountaineers’ home opener was originally scheduled for last week. That game, a September 15 matchup with Southern Miss, was canceled because of concerns regarding Hurricane Florence. Appalachian State (2-1) scored twice on special teams during a 52-point first half scoring spree and posted the third-highest point total in program history, ranking behind only a 115-0 win against Piedmont in 1936 and a 79-35 win against Western Carolina in 2007. Appalachian State ripped off 401 yards by halftime and finished the game with 692 (260 passing, 432 rushing). The Mountaineers scored their first 49 points in less than nine minutes. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

September 21, 2018 Appalachian State alum and football head coach Scott Satterfield has directed the Mountaineers to unprecedented success over his five-plus years at the helm, including a promising start to the 2018 season. On Friday, Chancellor Sheri Everts and the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees approved a two-year extension on his existing contract, effective through the 2023 season. Since Satterfield became the head coach at his alma mater, the former Mountaineer quarterback has led his teams to a 42-23 record, back-to-back Sun Belt Conference championships in 2016 and 2017, and three straight bowl victories from 2015-17. App State is the first program in FBS history to win bowl games in each of its first three eligible seasons after making the jump from the FCS ranks. / Read more…

September 21, 2018. Avery County was awarded a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand broadband in the county and North Carolina Wireless (NCW), LLC. a Fixed Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) will provide that service. The grant request was submitted to the ARC by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce a 501 (c) (3) organization whose Executive Director is Ms. Melynda Pepple, on behalf of the citizens of Avery County. Ms. Pepple was assisted by the Avery County Manager’s Office and the staff of The High Country Council of Governments in developing the grant request to the ARC. The grant was approved in early 2018. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. The grant is an award of $100,000 for the purpose of expanding broadband service to unserved and underserved areas for Avery County. The grant was awarded with further consideration of serving low-density and low-income areas of the county. Ms. Pepple and the Avery Broadband Committee received early guidance from the NC Department of IT to assist in identifying the unserved and underserved areas. / Read more…

September 21, 2018. Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences, the first project under the ConnectNC Bond referendum that voters passed in 2016 to be completed in the state, had its official ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon. Numerous donors, alumni and students were present to hear comments from Appalachian State Chancellor Dr. Sheri Everts, UNC System President Margaret Spellings, Appalachian Student Government President DeJon Milbourne and others to celebrate this momentous occasion. The 203,000 square foot building with 33 classrooms and 27 lab will be the home to almost 2,300 students that are part of the Beaver College of Health Sciences that will call this building home. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 21, 2018. It’s a yART Supply Sale! While the name sounds a lot like a yard sale, this sale is not your typical yard sale at all! This sale is geared to helping artists, whether it is to acquire lightly used art supplies at a discounted price or to get rid of art supplies they may not need. The Watauga County Arts Council is offering this opportunity for artists to participate in the yART Supply Sale on Saturday, September 29th from noon to 5 p.m. at the Blue Ridge ArtSpace. Artists may lease a space for $15 to set up their own table and sell off those excess supplies many artists seem to collect. / Read more…

September 21, 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 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. Several local businesses and artists have generously donated auction items for the event. Hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the night from recipes straight out of Bourdain’s cookbook, Les Halles. 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. “We’re giving half to the skatepark and the other half to Ethiopian Skatepark,” Brown noted. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

September 21, 2018. As fall begins and Halloween nears each year, Tweetsie Railroad welcomes the Ghost Train Festival, which offers nights of fright to brave guests who are courageous enough to brave the Ghost Train and the many spooky activities that go along with it. The Ghost Train is a weekly event on Fridays and Saturdays from now until the end of October. The gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the park will remain open until 11:30 p.m. The park doesn’t admit anyone into the park after 10:00 each night. The dates for the Ghost Train are: Sept. 21-22 and 28-29 and Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. Advanced tickets are required, as a limited number of guests are admitted nightly. Many dates and times are still available, so purchase a ticket for a specific night and time before they are sold out! By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

Sept. 21, 2018 Letters to the Editor. BY SCOTT ST. CLAIR / Dear Editor, On behalf of High Country Recreation, I would like to thank the county leadership for planning and funding a long needed community recreation center.  With a 5-0 vote, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the funding for this new facility. A community recreation center has been a need identified in our community for a long time.  It has been part of the long range Master Plans of both the town and county for decades. It will improve the health of our citizens by providing a place for people to be active all year long.  As a central gathering place, it will allow people from all over the county to strengthen the social bonds that build a strong community.. Read more…

September 21, 2018. From expansive mountain retreats to off-the-grid living, the 2018 Yancey County Dream Home Tour on October 5 from 10 am-4 pm offers something for everyone. Hosted by the Mayland Community College Foundation, the tour benefits MCC student scholarships. Green Mountain Farm, developed by Brywn and Ben Philips as a way of restoring nature into their lives, is one location featured on the 2018 Home Tour. This property proved perfect in the couple’s search for mountain landscape beauty and experiencing nature without distraction and unwanted noise. This 300-acre nature retreat includes a 5,000-square-foot home, restored log cabins from the mid-1800s, a retreat center, event venue, and barn. / Read more…

September 21, 2018. Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music is pleased to offer a Tuesday, September 25th Matinee, “Dulcimers, Ukuleles and Song”. This concert features Lois Hornbostel and Ehukai Teves and will be presented at the Harvest House in Boone at 2 p.m. This is the fourth of JSMHM’s 25th Anniversary Matinee Series “pay as you exit” shows. No tickets required, if you enjoy the concert, JSMHM hopes that you will make a donation ($10 suggested) on your way out the door! Rodney Sutton, director of JSMH stated, “Our Matinee concerts have been successful beyond our expectations. These afternoon shows have allowed JSMHM to reach bus tour groups from off the mountain in addition to being able to accommodate local groups from retirement villages and assisted living centers. And even more importantly, the matinees have provided an opportunity for long-time friends of Joe Shannon and members of Mountain Home Music who do not get out at night so much anymore to remain a part of our JSMHM family!” / Read more…

September 21, 2018. The first of three special Friday night events at the Jones House celebrating Appalachian State football will be tonight, September 21 from 5-8 p.m. Touchdown Boone is a fun, family-friendly night that will feature prize giveaways, live music and free beer samples courtesy of Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine and Lost Province Brewing. The other two Touchdown Boone nights will be October 19 and November 16. During the event, visitors will get tips on where to park and where to get all the game day supplies needed for a fun tailgating and game experience. There will also be information on restaurants around the area to check out and suggestions on other fun events and places to visit while in Boone. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

Sept. 21, 2018. 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 21, 2018. Come share the excitement at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market this Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at Daniel Boone Park, Horn in the West parking lot in Boone. It was quite the week. Hopefully everyone survived the rain and is ready to get back to business as usual. Fall is already around the corner and there is beautiful produce for you. The farmers’ market will have Kale, Ginger, Potatoes, Pumpkins, and so much more. It’s never to early to start scouting for gifts for the coming holiday season. Come shop for one-of-a-kind art work, pottery, jewelry, photos, flower arrangements, and crafts made by highly skilled artisans. While shopping enjoy mouthwatering pizza, amazing biscuits, scrumptious baked goods, and an outstanding cup of gourmet coffee while enjoying great music. Come join the fun this Saturday!  / Read more…

September 21, 2018. Friday marks the final full day of summer, as the autumnal equinox will happen on Saturday night, signaling the arrival of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The autumnal equinox will officially happen at 9:54 p.m. when the sun is directly in line with the equator and when we see 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Days will continue to see less amounts of daylight as the Northern Hemisphere approaches the winter solstice. People will not notice it immediately, but the arrival of fall also signifies the changing color of the leaves. As daylight hours continue to shorten, plants produce less chlorophyll, meaning the leaves will soon start changing colors as the fall season continues. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 20, 2018. Renovations of the former PNC Bank Building located at 671 W. King Street in Boone have come a long way since earlier this year. The building is now down to the 1940s brick look that was one of the goals of the building renovation. “We’re not going to completely replicate the old façade, but we’re interpreting and going back to the old farmer’s hardware look from the ‘40s with red brick and other little details,” said Bill Dixon of Appalachian Architecture in a previous story by the High Country Press. “The plan is to renovate the entire building with one and two bedroom studio apartments upstairs and Ben & Jerry’s downstairs.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

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…