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Making Farmers’ Markets for All: Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Announces Double Up Food Bucks Fundraising Week


March 25, 2021. Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is excited to announce its first ever Double Up Food Bucks Fundraising Week from March 27 to April 3, 2021. The week will include opportunities to learn more about the Double Up Food Bucks program, how it supports local farmers, new college student SNAP eligibility policies, volunteer opportunities, and more! Double Up Food Bucks is a healthy food incentive program that doubles the value of federal nutrition benefits (such as SNAP/EBT, WIC Farmers’ Market Vouchers, and Senior Farmers’ Market Vouchers) when people shop at our local farmers’ markets and Food Hub. The program helps families have healthier choices, supports local farmers, and keeps food dollars in our community. It’s a win-win-win on market day!

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Movie Review: ‘The Courier’ Has Actors Who Worked Hard to Craft Suspense and Despair

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March 24, 2021 “The Courier” would have done well to open last month, before the cutoff date to qualify for the Academy Awards. I doubt it would have gotten a Best Picture nomination, and Chadwick Boseman is such a lock for a posthumous Best Actor Oscar for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” that nobody would care if Benedict Cumberbatch eked out a nomination for this film. But it could have been a factor in the Best Supporting Actress race. That field is so scattershot that the Academy omitted Golden Globe winner Jodie Foster (“The Mauritanian”) and nominated Razzie contender Glenn Close (“Hillbilly Elegy”). I would not have been surprised if Rachel Brosnahan, Jessie Buckley, or possibly both pulled in a nomination for this film. And then the awards buzz could have given this film its best shot at commercial success, because as it is, this is a bleak film whose bleakness doesn’t translate into Oscar gold or box office green. By Bob Garver

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Harmony Lanes Remains Focused on Future Infrastructure Projects Around Boone


March 22, 2021. Harmony Lanes is an advocacy group in Boone that has been working hard to create safe, inclusive, multi-modal transportation opportunities in the area. Recently, there are two major infrastructure projects and one trail infrastructure the group helped create. The first major infrastructure project involves the new sidewalks along Highway 194 and the HAWK crosswalk for the entrance of Hardin Park School, which will finally make the entrance to the school safe. There will be more construction on sidewalks this spring and summer, and the crosswalk is waiting on a right-of-way resolution which should come soon. Harmony Lanes is proud to soon make it easier and safer for kids and parents to access the school on foot or by bike.

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Movie Review: ‘Chaos Walking’ Has Likeable Leads but Poor Pacing, Predictability, and Lack of Action

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March 15, 2021 It was weird two weekends ago when the movie theaters in NYC reopened and this movie was playing on all the IMAX screens. I thought the dazzling animation (and Disney branding) of “Raya and the Last Dragon” would have put that film in such prime real estate, but for whatever reason, theaters thought “Chaos Walking” should get those slots instead. I noticed this past weekend that theaters were giving their IMAX theaters to “Tenet,” as if they had more confidence in that six-month-old disappointment than either the thus-far-underperforming “Raya” or “Chaos Walking,” which has been #3 at the domestic box office since it opened. The film hasn’t even been able to beat “Tom and Jerry” for the last two weekends, and that movie is free to anyone with an HBO Max subscription. The film takes place on a distant planet called New World, which is seemingly inhabited only by men. The men are subject to “The Noise,” a series of audible words and holograms that convey their innermost thoughts. Most of the older and supposedly “stronger” men have learned to control their Noise so as to remain enigmatic. But Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland) is so darn young and emotional that his Noise is louder than anyone else’s. By Bob Garver

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U.S. Forest Service Conducts a Burn in Burke County Causing Drift Smoke Across High Country

March 11, 2021 If you’re out and about in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and other parts of the High Country, you’ve probably noticed smoke in the area. The drift smoke is coming from controlled burns the U.S. Forest Service is conducting. The U.S. Forest Service planned three prescribed burns located on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests today, March 11. The Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, is conducting a 1,400-acre burn in Burke County in the Rose’s Mountain unit, which is causing the smoke in Watauga County and other areas of the High Country. By Harley Nefe

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Watauga County Parks and Recreation to Host Drive-Thru Bunny Trail Parade; Vendors Wanted


March 11, 2021. Spring is on its way, which means Easter will be here soon. To celebrate, Watauga County Parks and Recreation will be hosting a drive-thru Bunny Trail Parade on Sunday, March 28. This event is scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Watauga Community Recreation Center parking lot, located at 231 Complex Drive in Boone. Families will be able to enjoy the festive event from the comfort and care of their cars as they follow a route to experience the different exhibits of parade floats and entertainers who will be set up in the parking lot for cars to drive by and see. This event comes after an immensely popular Halloween drive-thru trunk or treat event and a drive-thru Christmas parade that were also presented by Watauga County Parks and Recreation. Watauga County Parks and Recreation is currently seeking individuals, groups, businesses, churches and departments to fill the parking lot with parade vehicles, displays and entertainers. All parade exhibits will be stationary, and prizes will be awarded for the best displays. Vendors are also welcome to offer candy and/or prizes to the parade viewers. There is no fee to register as a vendor. By Harley Nefe

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The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum to Open TRANSFORMATION Exhibition on March 20


March 11, 2021 The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) will open a captivating exhibition on March 20th, guest curated by prominent collectors of contemporary photography Carlos Garcia-Velez, Allen Thomas, and Former Director of The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), Larry Wheeler. The exhibition, on view through August 21, features works from the prestigious North Carolina private collections of Carlos Garcia-Velez, Allen Thomas, Larry Wheeler, as well as Hedy Fischer and Randy Schull, and Chandra and Jimmie Johnson. TRANSFORMATION is an impressive statewide collaborative effort presenting some of the most significant contemporary photographs of our time, as well as several important works from NCMA’s permanent collection. 

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Watauga County Schools Names 2021-22 Teachers of the Year – One From Each School


March 9, 2021. Watauga County Schools has named its 2021-22 teachers of the year — one from each school in the district. Chosen by their peers, the group was selected from a group of more than 300 teachers district-wide at all grade levels. This year’s group includes Maura McGlamery from Bethel, Meagan Kingdon from Blowing Rock, Calvin Cole from Cove Creek, Melissa Miller from Green Valley, Misty Hyler from Hardin Park, Lauren Harkey from Mabel, Haleigh Waterman from Parkway, Melanie Randolph from Valle Crucis and Brandon Winbush from Watauga High School.

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Grandfather Mountain Announces 2021 Schedule of Events

March 9, 2021 Grandfather Mountain is taking outdoor fun to new heights with its 2021 calendar of events. With a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain, the nonprofit nature park and its staff are readying for a safe and eventful year. “At Grandfather Mountain, we like to bridge outdoor fun with education,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Linville, N.C., nature park. “Our 2021 slate of events offers folks mountains of opportunities to have fun while exploring our unique classroom in the clouds.”

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AAA: Gas Prices Continue to Rise in the Carolinas; Most Expensive Since April 2019

March 9, 2021 Pump prices in the Carolinas continue to increase on the week, with North and South Carolina state averages now being the most expensive daily average price since April 2019. North Carolina’s gas price average has climbed 22 cents since mid-February, while South Carolina’s average climbed 23 cents. “Many factors are causing an uptick in prices at the pump including rising crude oil prices, a tightening of supply following last month’s winter storm and an increasing demand,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “I wouldn’t be surprised if prices went up another 5 to 10 cents in the coming days.” North Carolina’s current gas price average sits at $2.57, seeing a 1-cent increase on the week. This is 28 cents more expensive than a month ago and 36 cents more expensive than last year.

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Movie Review: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Has Amazing Animations and Funny Action Sequences

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March 8, 2021 “Raya and the Last Dragon” was the first movie I saw in a New York City theater in nearly a year. No testing the waters with small-scale releases for us, we got a major Disney animated feature on the first day theaters were reopened. And I’d like to take this moment to thank the staffs of the reopening theaters for jumping into action on less than two weeks’ notice to ensure a smooth moviegoing experience. While I’m at it, I want to thank the staffs of the theaters in central Pennsylvania that similarly answered the call back in August. And the staffs of other theaters at dates and places in between. And the ones yet to come. Ah, hooray for everybody! Having the theaters back has me in a celebratory mood. The message of the movie is a nice one about trust and non-violence. The animation is amazing as always, with lip and facial movements so realistic they’d fall into the Uncanny Valley if the animation around them wasn’t so competent. The action sequences are frantic and funny By Bob Garver

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Sugar Mountain’s TDA Redesigns Map to Remind Everyone About the Beauty and Fun of the Area


March 5, 2021. Sugar Mountain is a resort village high in the Blue Ridge Mountains at 5,300 ft elevation, with an average summer high temperature of 73 degrees and an average annual snowfall of 78 inches. However, more than that, the Village of Sugar Mountain’s Tourism Development Authority wants visitors to know that the area is a sweet spot for adventure and relaxation in all seasons. Sugar Mountain’s TDA personnel have recently finished designing a new map of the area that will be distributed around in the spring. The idea of presenting a new illustration of Sugar Mountain started by Mary Kate Litchfield and Mark File talking together and looking at different maps. “We felt like they were a little lacking in showing what this area has to offer in regards to just how much is close to the slopes and how everything you need is so close,” Litchfield said. By Harley Nefe

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“The Schaefer Center Presents” Welcomes the Steep Canyon Rangers to Boone, NC for a Free Livestreamed Concert


March 2, 2021. The Schaefer Center Presents (SCP) virtual performing arts series, presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs, proudly welcomes to the stage of the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts the Grammy-winning bluegrass septet Steep Canyon Rangers, Thursday, March 11 at 8 p.m. Steep Canyon Rangers are Asheville, NC’s Grammy winners, perennial Billboard chart-toppers, and frequent collaborators of the renowned banjoist (and occasional comedian) Steve Martin. The concert will be performed without a live audience, but livestreamed for free to the general public as the penultimate event in the spring virtual series. The event is free, but registration is required.

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Watauga Community Recreation Center to Open April 26; Sign Ups for Memberships Now Available


March 1, 2021. Watauga County Parks and Recreation personnel said they are very excited to announce that the Watauga Community Recreation Center will be opening on Monday, April 26, 2021. This announcement comes after long-awaited anticipation from WCP&R staff and community members alike, as the pandemic delayed the opening of the new WCRC. The facility was completed in late May 2020, but at the time, North Carolina was in the “Safer at Home” Phase II of restrictions, and gyms were not allowed to open. When the state moved to allow 30% capacity in gyms and exercise facilities, it was still not practical to open the WCRC. However, that is about to change in less than 60 days. By Harley Nefe

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Watauga County’s DOT is On Track to Use 2.5 Times the Amount of Salt Compared to Last Winter


March 1, 2021. Department of Transportation employees work around the clock to ensure roads are treated for travel throughout the winter weather in their areas. As these weather conditions may be coming to an end this season, the local DOT has provided insight about its operations. The North Carolina DOT has more than 3,200 specially-trained employees and more than 1,900 trucks that can be used to remove snow and ice. Preparations for road treatment are handled by the DOT maintenance yard in each county. Locally, NCDOT Watauga Maintenance has 21 full-time employees including administrative staff. An additional 4-5 employees from other NCDOT units assist Watauga Maintenance during snow removal. By Harley Nefe

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Movie Review: ‘Tom and Jerry’ Has Too Much Predictable Physical Humor that is Played Out

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March 1, 2021 I didn’t really grow up with the “Tom and Jerry” cartoon. I was more into Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, but I understand the two pairs have similarly adversarial relationships. The key difference is that while Wile E. definitely wants to eat the Road Runner, I don’t think Tom the Cat would know what to do with Jerry the Mouse if he ever caught him. The two need each other as enemies to give their lives purpose. The new film takes place in a world where all humans are live-action and all animals are animated. At least the animated animals are 2-D cartoons and not CGI abominations. Tom moves to New York City with dreams of becoming a famous pianist. Jerry moves to NYC with dreams of lazing about in a luxury apartment. Frankly it’s hard not to side with Tom here for following his passion, as opposed to Jerry, who wants to get ahead with as little effort as possible. Tom tries to earn a living by playing music for people in Central Park, and it takes just a few seconds of Jerry trying to upstage him by dancing for the entire act to be ruined and Tom’s only keyboard to be destroyed. By Bob Garver

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Local Community Wakes up to Total Loss of Historic Todd General Store From Fire


February 26, 2021. As rain falls across the High Country today, Ashe County, the Todd community and surrounding residents are mourning the loss of the Todd General Store, a historical landmark established in 1914. The building had a fire last night, and the Todd Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments responded to the flames around 10 p.m. The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time. Calls seeking comment from Ashe County Emergency Management and the Todd Volunteer Fire Department have not been returned. The story will be updated should High Country Press hear back. By Harley Nefe

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Todd General Store Burns Down in Late Night Blaze Thursday; Cause of Fire Still Under Investigation


February 26, 2021. Ashe County and the community of Todd lost a historical landmark Thursday night as the Todd General Store, established in 1914, was a total loss due to a fire. The Todd Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments responded to the flames around 10 p.m. Authorities say the cause of the fire is still under investigation. No one was injured. The 107-year-old, three-story building has changed owners several times through the years, but it was the oldest operating store in Ashe County and one of the oldest operating general stores in North Carolina. The Todd General Store was located 10 miles south of West Jefferson and 11 miles north of Boone, off Hwy 194 at 3866 Todd Railroad Grade Rd. By Harley Nefe

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Avery County Barn Quilt Trail Re-Created


February 25, 2021. There are many beautiful paintings of quilting squares displayed on buildings and barns around Avery County. Until recently, there was no source of information about these works of art for residents and visitors who wanted to take a driving tour around the county. Most of these pieces were created between 2008 and 2011, when the Avery Arts Council developed a Barn Quilt Trail in the county. The driving trail featured many “quilt squares” showcasing our Appalachian heritage, displayed on historic barns and other buildings. When the arts council disbanded in mid-2012, the website, brochures and all supporting information were lost.

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Update on Attendance at Spring Sporting Events


February 23, 2021 A busy spring sports season has arrived for App State Athletics. Scheduled to compete this spring are baseball, field hockey, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, softball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field and volleyball. Men’s and women’s basketball, women’s indoor track & field and wrestling are in the stretch runs of their winter seasons. The health and safety of our student-athletes remains our top priority while we provide them the opportunity to continue their education and compete for championships this spring. 

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Icy Temperatures Fuel Spikes at Pump in Carolinas

February 23, 2021 Motorists in the Carolinas are seeing some of the most expensive gas prices in over a year. With the forced shutdown of Gulf Coast and some Mid-West refineries due to last week’s winter weather, gasoline stocks have tightened and pump prices have skyrocketed. “Crude production is offline because refineries are now closed,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “Until operations resume and production is back to normal levels, we can expect to see the spike in prices stick around.”

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Local Children Receive Dental Hygiene Products from OP Smiles as part of Smile Drive Campaign


February 23, 2021 Tooth decay is the most common chronic untreated disease in America, making it difficult for millions of children to eat, focus in school and smile. One reason for the prevalence of decay is the lack of basic oral care products in many low-income homes. To raise awareness of the importance of oral health and collect oral care products for children in need, OP Smiles held a Smile Drive at their Boone and North Wilkesboro locations on  Feb. 17. Over 1,500 donated items were collected and were then matched by OP Smiles, generating over 3,000 dental health products. These supplies will be delivered to The Wilkes Public Dental Clinic and The Children’s Council of Watauga County for local children  and youth in need. 

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Movie Review: ‘Nomadland’ Has So Much Passion In Every Scene, Its Brilliance is Appreciated

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February 22, 2021 Since September of last year when the film won top prizes at both the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals, it has been clear that Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” would dominate awards season. Mind you, awards season itself was in question, with all the delays and compromises that affected all institutions in the last year. But whenever awards season was going to take place, “Nomadland” was going to be there to pounce on it and devour its many accolades. Now the film has opened, both in theaters and streaming on Hulu (try to see it in theaters if you can, though with my work schedule I had to settle for Hulu), and it’s frankly it’s not doing too well at the box office. But I have a feeling that things are going to change this coming weekend with the Golden Globe Awards, and even more in a few weeks when Oscar nominations are announced. People are going to want to see this film that is all over those programs. Not much happens in “Nomadland” besides simple conversations and contemplative looks at scenery. Yet so much passion is put into every scene and shot that it seems like there’s zero fat on this movie. It’s like reading Shakespeare – it’s probably not high on the list of things you “want” to do, but if you push yourself to take it in, you’ll appreciate its brilliance. By Bob Garver

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Hunger and Health Coalition Takes Backpack Program Mobile

February 19, 2021 Nearly 20% of Watauga County youth are classified as food insecure, and over 34% of students in Watauga utilize the National School Lunch Program to access subsidized meals in school. The Hunger and Health Coalition, Watauga’s largest and longest-running food pantry, is part of the solution. The organization places food in all ten Watauga public schools through the Backpack Program. Each school receives a supply of meal boxes for school counselors and social workers to send home with students who may not have enough to eat at home. The Backpack Program helps students get enough to eat on weekends when free and reduced price meals are not available, providing more than 5,800 take-home food boxes each year. 

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Winter Weather Delays Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccines; This Week’s Appointments Rescheduled


February 18, 2021 There is an allocation of around 3,000 vaccines, including both Moderna and Pfizer shipments, that is coming to AppHealthCare; however, due to inclement weather, the vaccines have not arrived yet because of shipping delays. The shipments were scheduled to arrive earlier this week, but at this time, it is unknown when they will be received. AppHealthCare will be reaching out to individuals directly to reschedule appointments for those who had vaccine appointments this week. This mostly affects those who were going to receive a first dose. AppHealthCare still has some second dose vaccines it can administer this week for those who already had appointments. They are still planning to have the mass vaccination event at Ashe High School on Saturday for second doses only.  By Harley Nefe

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