June 20, 2018. By a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Avery County Commissioners approved a 2018-19 fiscal year county budget of $29,638,311.00 during their bi-monthly meeting June 18. A highlight of the budget is that there is no tax increase from the past fiscal year. All Commissioners–Martha Hicks (Chairperson); Blake Vance (Vice-Chairman); Wood Hall (Woody) Young, Jr.; Tim Phillips; and Faye Lacey were present. Other top county officials attending included: County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr.; Finance Director Nancy Johnson; Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Board Cindy Turbyfill; and County Attorney Michaelle Poore. Approximately 25 others were present at the meeting. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

June 14, 2018. Community leaders and concerned citizens got together on Tuesday afternoon at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk for a special meeting to learn about and discuss the opioid abuse issues plaguing Avery County. The meeting was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club of Banner Elk and had approximately 110 people there in attendance. A five-person panel as well as a special guest speaker, a recovering opiate addict, were there to share their thoughts on the opioid abuse problem in Avery County and some ways to start trying to fix the problem. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

May 31, 2018. Avery County Sheriff Kevin Frye has confirmed that the body of a drowning victim was recovered from the Elk River Falls area near Elk Park on Wednesday, May 30. According to Frye, the body was recovered from the waters by law enforcement and emergency personnel around noon yesterday. Frye said the body is believed to be that of 26-year-old Thomas McCardle Jr. of Ohio. McCardle was visiting North Carolina and was in the river on Sunday, May 20, when, according to witnesses at the scene, he was pulled underwater by strong undertow near the base of the falls. An ongoing search has been underway for McCardle’s body since then. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

May 30, 2018. On Monday, May 28, Avery County held its annual Memorial Day celebration on the Newland Town Square between its veterans monument, Armed Forces flags displays and gardens and the Fallen Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Ten Commandments monuments. The ceremony honored Avery County natives or residents who perished while fighting for our great nation in a military battle. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday was held on May 30 from 1868 to 1970. The holiday has been observed every year on the last Monday of May since 1970. It marks the unofficial start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

April 18, 2018. Join the Mayland Community College Foundation for a FREE ScieNCe Festival Celebration Star Party at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory on April 21. Free daylight activities and tours for the Earth to Sky Park and observatory begin at 5:30 PM at the observatory located at 66 EnergyXchange Drive in Burnsville. / Read more…

April 4, 2018. Join Lees-McRae College in celebrating spring’s return to the mountains during the eighth annual Appalachian Heritage Week April 9–13. Sponsored by the Stephenson Center for Appalachia, the College will highlight coal mining and other unique aspects of mountain heritage throughout the week. / 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.

MerleFest Announces 2018 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Finalists

Town of Boone Outside Agency Funding Notice

Invisible Theatre Pop Up Play, 4/6

Mayland Community College Star Party, 4/21

Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

March 28, 2018. During a public hearing March 23, the Avery County Commissioners hired Capital Development Services of Winston-Salem, NC to perform fundraising training and related work for the County and its Cooperative Extension Service. The Commissioners’ action was approved by a 4-1 vote. Commissioners Martha Hicks (chairperson), Blake Vance (vice-chairman), Tim Phillips and Wood Hall (Woody) Young, Jr. voted to hire Capital Development Services. Commissioner Faye Lacey voted against. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

Feb. 19, 2018. During the month of February, help W.A.M.Y have a heart for our community! For only one dollar, you can purchase a heart from one of the participating vendors. Your heart goes right back into supporting your community and helping to break the cycle of poverty in the high country.  / Read more…

Feb. 16, 2018. Are you or a friend looking for a course that will help you improve your business? Perhaps you aresimply looking to learn a new trade or skill. Mayland Community College is offering several course to the public. The starting dates vary per class.  / Read more…

Feb. 2, 2018. Last weekend, skiers and snowboarders gathered from as far away as New York state gathered at Appalachian Ski Mountain to brave the elements, and compete in the USASA Southeastern Series boardercross/skiercross weekend. Over the two days, there were 4 races. These competitions serve as the regional qualifier for the USASA National Championships to be held in April at Copper Mtn. Colorado. The Southeastern Series takes their show on the road over the next couple of weeks. / Read more…

Feb. 2, 2018. Mayland Community College is offering a plethora of courses that cater to various interests including agriculture, business, marketing, social media and more. Compiled below is a list of MCC courses to supplement and foster a tremendous learning environment. MCC serves as the educational gateway to opportunity.  / Read more…

Jan. 24, 2018. Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, marks the annual Point-in-Time Count. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, coordinated by the Northwest Continuum of Care (CoC), is the annual documentation of the extent of homelessness in our region, which includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. / Read more…

Jan. 19, 2018. The Watauga County Public Library is in its eighth year of offering tax assistance for the 2018 filing season. The library program began in 2011 with Rao Aluri as the Site Coordinator; Tim Dannenfelser, a graduate student in Accounting at Appalachian State University, will be the new Coordinator. The (VITA) Volunteer for Tax Assistance program provides free income tax preparation and free electronic filing for eligible low to moderate-income Watauga County residents. The program operates in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service and receives financial support from the Friends of the Library and the IRS. / Read more…

Jan. 19, 2018. An elk, a Girl Scout, two cougars and a bagpiper walk onto Grandfather Mountain… The punchline? It’s 2018 at the Linville, N.C., nature preserve and attraction. No joke. / Read more…

Jan. 17, 2018 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 Kate Herman

Jan. 5, 2018. Something for everyone. Perhaps no other term better personifies the many programs offered at the Williams YMCA of Avery County for people of all ages and any physical fitness level. Since its opening in 2007, the Williams YMCA of Avery County truly has fulfilled its mission statement of: Putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. By Tim Gardner / 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.

Special Olympics Annual Partnership with Boone Police and Publix, 1/13 and 1/20

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center: Share the Health Fair to Offer Free Screenings and Other Services,  1/13 and 1/18

Students Should Take FAFSA Verification Process Seriously

Meeting Notice for the North Carolina Native Plant Society-Blue Ridge Chapter

Town Council Planning Retreat, 1/25

The Town of Boone Historic Preservation Commission Meeting, 1/9

Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

Jan. 3, 2018 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 Kate Herman

Dec. 30, 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 Kate Herman

For the adults ages twenty-one and up, the High Country bars are inviting you to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the best. Depending on where you are staying, here is a list of some  of the High Country bar celebrations.

Bayou Smokehouse and Grill

Boone Saloon

The Cardinal

The Local

Lost Province Brewing Company

Twigs Restaurant and Bar

Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

Dec. 27, 2017. December 29, 2017. In the Winter, the High Country is known for being a skier’s paradise. For our friends who will be celebrating New Year’s in the High Country, it can be hard to find the perfect resort celebration. So, compiled below is a detailed list of resort events for New Year’s Eve. Happy skiing and snowboarding! By Kate Herman / Read more…

Dec. 21, 2017. Parents! Winter is here, and you know what that means… It’s Snowboarding season! If your kid is interested in snowboarding, the Appalachian Snowboarding Club is something to look into. The season just started, and the ASC is accepting new members. This club is an excellent way to keep your child active, while learning new skills and experiencing competition. By Kate Herman – Photos by Appalachian Ski Mountain / Read more…

Dec. 20, 2017. Watauga Surgical Group will become of a member of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) on January 1, 2017. The practice, which is located less than a mile from Watauga Medical Center, will join Appalachian Regional Medical Associates (ARMA), the healthcare systems multi-specialty practice. / Read more…

Dec. 20,, 2017. The American Red Cross is urging eligible donors to give more life to patients now and into the new year by giving blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood this holiday season. / Read more…

Dec. 20, 2017. Over 1,000 pounds of food in the form of cans, dry-goods and other non-perishable items were donated to local food bank, Feeding Avery Families, by the help of Lees-McRae students, faculty and staff. / 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.

Water Intake Information

Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild  Meeting, 1/2

Football Bowl Games and North Carolina

Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

Dec. 11, 2017. On Friday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m., the curtain goes up on our annual holiday musical variety show, An Ensemble Christmas.  With 24 musical numbers containing all or parts of over 30 yuletide songs, including performances by the Carolina Snowbelles and Western Carolina Youth Ballet, this fast-paced tribute to the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television holiday shows of the 60’s and 70’s is sure to rejuvenate your holiday spirit. An Ensemble Christmas will also be performed on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:00 p.m. / Read more…

Dec. 11,, 2017. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital (CMH). For staff and patients, the holiday season officially begins after Kyle Lee and his Plant Operations team find, cut, transport and decorate the annual Christmas tree in the hospital lobby. It takes Lee’s team of six a full day to set up and decorate the tree. But to him, it’s not simply part of his job – it’s so much more. Many people look forward to this joyous occasion, but few are aware of the man or the motive behind the tree. / Read more…

Dec. 11, 2017. Elk have arrived at Grandfather Mountain, just in time for the mountain’s habitat keepers to select the winning names in the 2017 Elk Naming Contest. The elk, which arrived Thursday, Dec. 7, are officially named Doc, Merle and Watson — after world-famous bluegrass/folk icons and High Country natives Doc and Merle Watson — thanks to a submission from Sharon Webb, of Charlotte, N.C. / Read more…

Dec. 8, 2017. Before a large gathering, the Newland Board of Aldermen (Town Council) swore in three new members, elected its Mayor Pro-Tem and re-appointed the town’s top officials for 2018 during its regular monthly meeting December 5. All Aldermen (Town Council members) Lauren Jaynes Turbyfill, Joleta Wise, Jamey Johnson, Kenny Caraway and Greg Seiz were present.  Other town officials attending included:  Mayor Valerie Jaynes; Town Administrator Keith Hoilman; Finance Officer Lisa Meinhardt; Town Attorney Joe Seegers; and Town Clerk and Board of Aldermen secretary Tammy Gardner. / 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.

ASAP Local Food is Hosts Two Events Relating to Business and Farming,  12/12 and 2/24

“Amnesty Week” at Public Library to Benefit The Hunger Coalition, 12/16

Library Holiday Hours and Late Opening for Staff Training, 12/8, 12/23- 12/25, 1/1/18

High Country Lifelong Learners Movie: “Sense and Sensibility,” 12/11

Changes to Medicare Part A and B for 2018

Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

Dec. 8, 2017. Wayne Sumner, President of Jackson Sumner and Associates from Boone, NC was awarded by Governor Roy Cooper the highly prestigious and honorable “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” award on December 4, at the company’s annual Christmas Party. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is, “among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina,” its website states. / Read more…

Dec. 8, 2017. For years, Lees-McRae College has been providing students with a cutting-edge education to take on the healthcare world. With programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the school will continue to offer its expanding programs for another confirmed decade. / Read more…

Dec. 6, 2017. The Avery County Commissioners elected its Board’s officers and the county’s top officials for 2018 during their regular monthly meeting December 4. By unanimous (5-0) votes, the commissioners re-elected Hicks as Board chairperson and Vance as vice-chairperson.  The commissioners also re-appointed (by 5-0 votes):  Barrier as County Manager; Cindy Turbyfill as Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Board; Michaelle Poore as county attorney; and Nancy Johnson as Finance Officer / Read more…