1000 x 90

Announcements

Rebecca Anderson Graduates from Bates College

July 26, 2024 Rebecca Anderson of Boone, N.C. graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, with a major in Biological Chemistry and Mathematics and a minor in Digital and Computational Studies. Anderson graduates as a member of the College Key, an honor reserved for students who have exhibited outstanding character, academic excellence, campus and community service, as well as leadership and future promise, and of Phi Beta Kappa, an organization recognized as conferring the highest undergraduate academic honors and as the oldest Greek letter society in the United States. Anderson was also granted the Bates Senior Scholar Award, an honor bestowed upon graduating seniors who have participated in varsity sports for four years and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Read more

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Announces Their 34th Home Dedication

July 25, 2024 Watauga Habitat is thrilled to announce the dedication of their 34th home, which occurred on July 20, 2024. The Gay family of four invited Habitat supporters, their church community from the Harvest House, and their friends and family into their home for an official Home Dedication. The Home Dedication is a ceremony that functions as the symbolic passing of the keys from Watauga Habitat for Humanity to the homeowner, signifying the transfer of ownership.

Read more

Author Ron Rash to Speak at The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country August 7th

July 25, 2024 The Watauga County Public Library is proud to welcome Ron Rash, prolific and award- winning author best known for his writings about rural Appalachia, to The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country on August 7th at 6:00 PM. Mr. Rash will discuss his twentieth book, The Caretaker, set in Blowing Rock in 1951. Please join us for an enlightening talk followed by a book signing, with copies of The Caretaker and a selection of Mr. Rash’s other books available for purchase courtesy of the Appalachian State University Bookstore. Admission is free.

Read more

42nd Mid-Summer Group Exhibition Opening at Carlton Gallery; Opening Reception Saturday, July 27th from 2:00-5:00 pm

July 24, 2024 Carlton Gallery begins its 42 Mid-Summer Group Exhibition on Saturday, July 27 with an Opening Reception, 2-5 pm. The Opening Reception is always an ideal time to meet attending artists who will be happy to discuss their artwork. Nature’s Symphony: A Multifaceted Landscape Exhibition presents a collaboration of the gallery artists who render the landscape in diverse compositions from contemporary, abstract to impressionistic traditional.This exhibition showcases new paintings exemplifying the beauty and grandeur of scenic locales, vistas, waterfalls, mountain streams, and bucolic barns. Each painting is rendered in the artist’s unique style, color palette, and interpretation of the subject matter.

Read more

ServeNC To Have Local Impact as Area Churches Join in On Statewide Project August 3 – 10

July 24, 2024 For a number of years, churches within the Three Forks Baptist Association have come together for designated days of community service. For 2024, what has been known as High Country Impact is joining with a statewide emphasis called ServeNC. And no one is more excited about the combined effort than Wesley Smith, Executive Director at TFBA. “We currently have 12 churches in our association that have signed up to join over 1,000 NC Baptist churches in serving our communities for this event,” he said. And it’s all happening locally August 3-10. As an example, Smith said, “Mount Vernon Baptist Church is doing several projects that week, one of which is serving the Bradford Park Community.” By Sherrie Norris

Read more

Back 2 School Festival Urgently Seeking Donations, Sponsorships for August 10th Event

July 24, 2024 The 2024 Back 2 School Festival is coming up on August 10, and is still actively seeking donations and sponsorships. “We still need about $50,000 in order to make the festival happen” said festival coordinator, Kendra Sink. “We’re coming to the community to ask for help to make sure we can get everything we need for our students.” Every year the Back 2 School Festival serves hundreds of Watauga County school children whose families are struggling to meet the need of back to school shopping. Last year, over 1,800 children attended the festival, and received everything from backpacks, crayons, pencils, and 3-ring binders, to a new pair of shoes, and even a fresh haircut courtesy of volunteer stylists from the area.

Read more

Come and Ride the Rural Roller-Coaster Roads at the Boone Gran Fondo on August 4

July 23, 2024 Sitting at just over 3,000 feet above sea level in North Carolina’s high country, mid-summer temperatures in Boone, NC, are among the most comfortable in the Southeast. Early August is a prime time to be in Boone! Nestled in the Western Carolina Appalachian Mountains the scenery in Boone is unparalleled with grand vistas stretching over 100 miles. The laid-back atmosphere of this western North Carolina college town is contagious. One of the smaller fields for a Gran Fondo National Series event, the Boone Gran Fondo has a supportive, family feel with great local food. There are distances of 24, 57 or 95 miles to suit all abilities of cyclists. The rural roller-coaster roads around Boone are a ton of fun, and quite challenging.

Read more

Writers, Young and Old Invited to Wordkeepers at the Ashe County Arts Center August 17

July 23, 2024 Writers, young and old!  Come to Wordkeepers, a gathering of writers in the High Country at the Ashe County Arts Center, 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 17th, at 4:00 in the afternoon.  Refreshments will be provided, and a warm and welcoming audience awaits your own original works.  Readers are asked to keep their selections, from any genre, to under eight minutes, but please join us and share, or at least join us and listen.  If you would like to read, please contact Sandy Lassen at slassen@skybest.com so that she can reserve your slot.  

Read more

Hospitality House 40th Anniversary Luncheon to take Place August 16 at Chetola; Featuring Internationally Recognized Trauma Survivor and Advocate Tonier Cain

July 22, 2024 Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina is thrilled to welcome internationally recognized trauma-informed care expert and survivor Tonier Cain as the guest speaker for its fortieth anniversary Hope Luncheon. Taking place 11:00 a.m. Friday August 16, 2024, lakeside at the award-winning Chetola Resort, individual tickets are $40 to attend or a table of eight may be purchased for $400. This is the agency’s largest annual fundraiser, and guests will be encouraged to give generously to reach their goal of $100,000. 

Read more

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Encore as Its Latest Watauga Leadership Institute Program Beginning in September

July 19, 2024 In an effort to expand the course offerings of its Watauga Leadership Institute, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the creation of Encore, a class designed as a professional development enhancement for local business and community leaders. Launching in September 2024, Encore offers attendees the opportunity to expand their leadership knowledge, mindset, and skills. Each 90-minute session will provide deeper insight into topics introduced during previous Watauga Leadership Institute courses while encouraging the self-renewal and reflection toward guiding leadership principles.

Read more

Grandfather Mountain and Kitty Hawk Kites Celebrate 50th Anniversary of First Hang Glider Flight at Grandfather with Commemorative Event at Linville, and Nature Park on July 27

July 18, 2024 Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, and Kitty Hawk Kites are set to celebrate the flight of the latter’s founder and the first person to hang glide off the mountain, John Harris, with programming, a panel discussion and fun on Saturday, July 27. The two iconic North Carolina attractions and businesses are marking 50 years since that “first flight,” with activities open to Grandfather Mountain guests and included with regular admission. There will be no actual hang glider flights from the mountain during this celebration.

Read more

Take a Look and See How We Are Doing at the Hospitality House of Northwest N.C.

July 18, 2024 Thank you for being one of our valued supporters. We want to convey our thanks and make sure that you know the positive impact that you are having in the community. and make sure that you know the positive impact we are having in the community. Below is our 2023 Annual Summary for you to view and/or download. Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. has been providing housing, shelter, food access, counseling, and crisis assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty-related crises since 1984 – and your support has made this possible. 

Read more

Top to Toe 5K Race Coming to Mitchell County on August 3rd

July 18, 2024 The Top to Toe 5K is an adventurous descent from the top of a quto the bottom of the Toe River valley. Built for record chasers and families alike, this course begins at The Quartz Corp’s Chalk Mountain and ends at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine. The race proceeds benefit Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, NC Mineral and Gem Festival. Each registered participant receives one free admission ticket to the NC Mineral and Gem Festival as well as a t-shirt!

Read more

Mountain Home Music Announces Next Matinee Concert Series on July 23 from 2:00 to 3:15

July 17, 2024 Mountain Home Music is excited to announce the next 2024 Matinee Concert series to be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 115 E King St, Boone from 2 to 3:15 pm.  Join us on July 23 for Tucker Connor and Steve Lewis. Twelve year old Tucker Conner is a long-time member of the Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians and wowed audiences at the inaugural Boone’s Got Talent showcase! He will be joined by national banjo champion Steve Lewis who also holds the title of Walnut Valley National Bluegrass Banjo Champion, and he placed second in their guitar competition in. Lewis is a member of the Mountain Home Bluegrass Boy’s and Tucker’s guitar teacher.

Read more

State Board of Elections Recognizes We The People as Official NC Political Party

July 17, 2024 Raleigh, NC — The State Board of Elections on Tuesday recognized the We The People Party of North Carolina as an official political party in the state. Recognition of this party means voters now have eight choices of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, Republican, or We The People parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the We The People Party if they wish. For information on how to do that, see Updating Registration.

Read more

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week and USA Olympic Team at Beech Mountain’s Farmers Market on Friday, August 2nd

July 17, 2024 We will celebrate National Farmers Market Week and the USA Olympic Team on Friday, August 2nd at the Beech Mountain Farmers’ Market.  40 vendors will showcase their local fresh organic produce, honey, baked goods, plants, flowers, microgreens, gourmet dog treats, fine art, homemade crafts, jewelry, body and hemp products, leather, woodwork, farm raised beef/pork, ice cream and much more. And celebrate with a sample of Mookie’s Kettle Korn while supplies last! Ample parking, Doggie Hospitality, Town Welcome Station and music add to your market experience.

Read more

UNC Health Appalachian Announces the Retirement of President and CEO Chuck Mantooth Effective January 1, 2025


July 13, 2024 . After a distinguished career spanning over three decades in healthcare leadership, Chuck Mantooth, President and CEO of UNC Health Appalachian (UNCHA) has decided to retire, effective January 1, 2025. “Chuck has been an integral part of UNC Health Appalachian since he joined the organization in 1992. When we began discussing his retirement in Fall 2023, we asked him to give us another year and continue through 2024 and he graciously agreed,” said UNCHA’s Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Deal. “His vision, dedication, and commitment to improving healthcare for the communities of northwest North Carolina have left an indelible mark on the organization. Under his leadership, UNC Health Appalachian has seen significant growth and development while enhancing patient care, expanding services, and fostering a culture of excellence.” Mantooth’s leadership has transformed UNCHA and positively impacted the broader healthcare landscape in northwest North Carolina. His dedication to service and excellence has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, patients, and the community.

Read more

Tim Turner and Bill Brown Celebrate Old Friends New Art at Anvil Arts Studio and Gallery on July 19th and 20th

July 12, 2024 Over the past 43 years Anvil Arts Studio and Gallery has seen a multitude of changes. It began as Bill Brown’s private iron working studio, where he produces large-scale sculpture as well as architectural commissions. Over the years, we have turned the property into an exquisite sculpture garden and expanded the gallery to include other artistic mediums with painters, glass artists and woodworkers. Bill continues to create work that is at times deeply personal and also pieces that address current world issues. This year we are very excited to welcome local painter and potter Tim Turner to the gallery

Read more

Samaritan’s Purse Deploys Disaster Relief Unit to Southeast Texas after Hurricane Beryl

July 11, 2024 Samaritan’s Purse is responding to Southeast Texas after Hurricane Beryl unleashed a barrage of severe weather with damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall that claimed at least 8 lives and inundated communities. Today, a Disaster Relief Unit—a tractor-trailer filled with tools and equipment—is on the way to Brazoria County, Texas where the hurricane-force winds toppled large trees and damaged hundreds of homes.

Read more

Symphony by the Lake in Blowing Rock Returns to Chetola Resort on Friday, July 19th

July 11, 2024 Symphony of the Mountains returns to perform at the 2024 Symphony by the Lake in Blowing Rock, NC. Their concert, “Live from Vienna” with soloist Roy Cornelius Smith, will take place outdoors at Chetola Resort on Friday, July 19th at 7:30pm. With Symphony of the Mountains’ electrifying performance, this concert promises to be an unforgettable night for fans of all ages.

Read more

NC State Board of Elections Recognizes Constitution Party as Official NC Political Party

July 10, 2024 The State Board of Elections on Tuesday recognized the Constitution Party of North Carolina as an official political party in the state. Recognition of this party means voters now have another choice of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, or Republican parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the Constitution Party if they wish. For information on how to do that, see Updating Registration.

Read more

Watauga County Farmers’ Market Celebrates 50th Anniversary Throughout July

July 9, 2024 The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is excited to announce a month-long celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary, culminating in a grand anniversary party on Saturday, July 27th. The festivities began this past Saturday, July 6th, commemorating the day North Carolina Governor James E. Holshouser attended the formal dedication of the market in 1974. Throughout July, the market invites the community to immerse themselves in its rich history with the Market Memory Installation. This special exhibit encourages customers to contribute cherished photos, news clippings, and favorite memories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and community spirit.

Read more

+ More Articles