High Country Press

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…

June 23, 2017. Wahoo’s Adventures is partnering with Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant of West Jefferson to bring the Float Fest back to the High Country. The Float Fest takes place on the New River, featuring tubing, disc golf, games, local music, local food trucks and local beer. All proceeds go towards benefitting High Country Pathways. / Read more…

June 23, 2017. The Tour de Art returns for its 9th season in the High Country, offering community members the opportunity to tour local artist galleries and studios. Each studio and gallery on the map differ from each other, providing a unique experience at each and every one of them. Look for the yellow signs and the hot pink map so that you can participate every fourth Saturday of the month from now until November. / Read more…

June 23, 2017. Heritage Hall in Mountain City, TN is dedicated to bringing great shows at good prices to the community. Through the months of June and July, Heritage Hall will host multiple musical performances, including The Jeff Little Trio and Phantom. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this nonprofit organization is sure to provide you with an entertaining evening for an affordable price. / Read more…

June 23, 2017. Blood, Sweat, and Gears will be hosting their 19th Annual ride Saturday, June 24th in the High Country. The ride will begin and end in Valle Crucis with an option to do a 90 mile or a 50 mile ride. The estimated time it takes to complete the routes is around 9 hours. Be on the watch on June 24 for bike traffic and cyclists during the day. By Taylor Hawkins – Photo Courtesy of Blood, Sweat, and Gears / Read more…

June 21, 2017. Strictly Strings and Strictly Clean & Decent will be performing at the Jones House as part of the 2017 Summer Concerts at the Jones House. The two bands will be setting up and playing from the Jones House porch, starting at 5 p.m. / Read more…

June 23, 2017. FORUM at Lees-McRae has been well-known for decades for providing the community with amazing and high-quality performances. FORUM’s 2017 summer series begins June 26th, having already sold out general admission for their first show. By Taylor Hawkins – Photo Courtesy of FORUM at Lees-McRae and Double Grande / Read more…

June 23, 2017. The 66th season of Horn in the West is fast approaching, waiting to bring drama, action and entertainment to the High Country. Tonight, June 23, is opening night for the 2017 season with special discounts for Watauga residents. Photo Courtesy of Horn in the West / Read more…

June 23, 2017. There has been constant activity of artists as new sculptures are installed, lifted by hoists or carefully carried and gently placed under trees orin the green lawn in the Studio Sculpture Garden & Gallery,
which is located on Highway 221 at the same location of well-known artist Bill Brown’s sculpture studio.
/ Read more…

June 23, 2017. Lees-McRae will present its performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on June 25th. This play lasts from June 25 until July 2.
By Taylor Hawkins – Photo Courtesy of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre / Read more…

June 23, 2017. An Appalachian Summer Festival returns to the High County with amazing performances in music, dance, theatre, film and other visual art. Each performance is unique and stunning, and regardless of taste, everyone will be able to find something they enjoy throughout the series that starts on June 27 and lasts until August 5. By Katie Benfield – Photo Courtesy of Appalachian State University / 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.

Watauga County Gospel Singing, June 24

Concert at St. John’s Episcopal Church, July 2

Summer Excursion Train Through the Great Smoky Mountains, Aug. 12

Blue Ridge Parkway Evening Program, June 24

Blue Ridge Parkway Evening Programs, June 30, July 1

Read more…
Compiled by Katie Benfield

June 22, 2017. The 36th Annual Cornbread Cook-Off returns to the Old Hampton Store in Linville this Saturday, June 24, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Competitors will need to bring in their cornbread by noon on Saturday in order to be in the running for the winning cornbread. Photo Courtesy of the Old Hampton Store / Read more…

June 22, 2017. 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…

June 22, 2017. High Gravity Adventures will be adding a new Zip Line Tour by July 4 of this summer season. The Zip Line Tour swings adventurers all throughout the trees of the High Country, over ravines and even on a 70 foot free fall. Photo Courtesy of High Gravity Adventures / Read more…

June 22, 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 22, 2017. Letters to the Editor. Jeanne Supin / Dear Editor, Rumor has it Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will reveal the secret healthcare bill on Thursday. That’s right – the words “rumor” and “secret” best define a bill that would affect all 326,474,013 Americans, a bill that would throw 19-23 million people off insurance, a bill that would decimate essential benefits like maternity care, mental health treatment, and addiction services, a bill that would allow insurance companies to charge more for pre-existing conditions and put strict annual and lifetime limits on how much they would cover and pay for, a bill that would destroy Medicaid (a program that has been a successful cost-effective safety net for 52 years), and a bill that could cause as many as 43,956 new deaths per year. / Read more…

June 22, 2017. On Saturday, the Town of Banner Elk will be holding a ceremony to dedicate a new stone clock tower as the first installation in a new park in the heart of town. The public is invited to attend. / Read more…