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LETTERS: RESPONSE to NC Colleges Host Drag Shows, Funded with Student Fees

Nov. 30, 2023 Letters to the Editor. By Christina Moore / In response to Jacquie Barker’s Nov 29 letter of concern about a drag show/drag bingo performance funded in part by AppState’s APPS at Appalachian Theater, I am pleased to inform her that she, nor anyone at ASU nor the community, is required to attend events Jacquie Barker doesn’t believe are “appropriate”. Ms Barker will be pleased to know that other people may attend the events, even though Jacquie doesn’t find the events appropriate.

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$2 for Teachers!

November 21, 2023 Are you a teacher in Watauga County? As a sign of our appreciation for everything you do, Auntie Anne’s and Jamba Boone will be starting our new promotion, $2 for Teachers!

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Who are the real winners in the real estate class action lawsuits?

November 21, 2023 As the CEO of the High Country Association of Realtors® and Multiple Listing Service (MLS), representing more than 800 members and 1,100 MLS subscribers, I felt it imperative to address the current legal landscape in our industry. While there are a number of cases being litigated across the country, none of which are in North Carolina or South Carolina, the outcome of these cases will negatively impact the consumer. By Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer

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Local Community Clubs Recognized at WNC Honors Awards Ceremony

November 20, 2023 Several local community clubs were among those recently recognized during the annual Western North Carolina Honors Awards ceremony, a program of  the Asheville-based WNC Communities organization. Deep Gap, Foscoe, and Mountaineer Ruritan clubs of Watauga County, along with Peak Creek and Todd Ruritan clubs of Ashe county, were among those recognized on  Saturday, November 11, in Asheville.  Representatives from these groups were among the 260-plus community leaders and volunteers from 14 WNC counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who gathered for the much-anticipated event.  By Sherrie Norris

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Daniel Boone Chapter NSDAR Honors Veterans

November 20, 2023 November is a busy month for the Daniel Boone Chapter of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Also known as the NSDAR, or as more commonly recognized, the DAR, the Boone-based organization not only takes seriously the patriotism and sacrifices of their forefathers, but they also honor veterans from those early days right up to the most recent and current conflicts.  By Sherrie Norris

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The Town of Boone Awarded a North Carolina Attorney General’s Environmental Enhancement Grant

November 9, 2023 In March 2023, the Town of Boone applied for a North Carolina Attorney General’s Environmental Enhancement grant. On November 7th, 2023, the Town of Boone was awarded $41,400 through this program. The grant will match a $653,500 grant that New River Conservancy received to restore 1,620 linear feet of the South Fork of the New River on the Greenway Trail near Deerfield Road.

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“Surviving the Holidays,” Sunday, Nov. 5, Offers Hope and Encouragement For Those In Grief 

October 30, 2023 Holidays are difficult for many of us for a myriad of reasons, but for those who have experienced the recent death of a loved one, the pain often seems unbearable. To help those who are hurting,  and especially as they prepare for the upcoming holidays, Mount Vernon Baptist Church of Boone is offering a special session of its GriefShare Ministry from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5.“We know that facing the holiday season can be so challenging when you are grieving the death of a loved one,” said Bud Russell, Pastor of Congregational Care and Adult Discipleship at Mount Vernon. “We would like to invite those in our community who have experienced the  passing of a loved one to join us for ‘Surviving the Holidays,’ one-time session, that we think  —and hope — will offer strength and comfort for the days ahead.” By Sherrie Norris

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The Schaefer Center Presents Series Announces Its 2024 Spring Season

October 26, 2023 BOONE, NC — The Schaefer Center Presents (SCP) performing arts series, presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs, announces its Spring 2024 season. From folk-rock legends (Indigo Girls), rising stars (Ashley McBryde) and fusion-funk (Snarky Puppy), to an epic choral masterpiece, a jazzy Great American Songbook, and a dance troupe celebrating Black voices, a treasure trove of artists take center stage at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts this spring. All events will be held at the Schaefer Center at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale Thursday, Nov. 9 at 10am at TheSchaeferCenter.org.

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Forever Young Cloggers Bring Home the Gold from State Senior Games

October 25, 2023 It’s been a great year for local dancers who strive to keep alive the mountain tradition of clogging. The young — and young at heart — have all made their hometown proud in various competitions, and none any more so than four women representing High Country Senior Games, at both local and state levels. By Sherrie Norris

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Boone Sunrise Rotary Annual Fruit Sale

October 23, 2023 Boone Sunrise Rotary is hosting its annual fruit sale, which raises funds for the club’s scholarship and grants programs.  Our fruit is shipped fresh from Florida River Indian Groves just in time for the upcoming holiday season.  You can purchase fruit for your own enjoyment or as a gift for a colleague or loved one.Your order will be delivered to Boone, NC in mid-December.  You will receive notification about dates, times, and location for pick up.

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Halloween at the Farmers’ Market and Third Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest

October 18, 2023 Boone – The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is thrilled to announce the return of the Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest, set to take place during Halloween at the Market on October 28th. This creative and family-friendly event is presented in partnership with the Watauga Arts Council and made possible through the generous support of Fishel Organic Farm.To ensure that all participants have access to pumpkins for the contest, pumpkins will be available for pickup at the Watauga County Farmers’ Market on October 23rd, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Fishel Organic Farm, our generous sponsor, will provide these pumpkins for free upon registration.

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Police Chase Ends in Crash

October 17, 2023 On October 17th, 2023, shortly before 10:00 am, the Boone Police attempted to stop a vehicle on NC Highway 105, that was reported as stolen.  The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and fled resulting in a chase that ended in a vehicle crash outside the Boone city limits on Blowing Rock Rd. near Niley Cook Rd. Both occupants of the suspect vehicle fled on foot following the crash and were quickly apprehended. 

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Tarpestry: Built in the Blue Ridge

October 12, 2023 With the mountain scenery that surrounds the area and the breathtaking views that can be enjoyed by all, the High Country is a hub for outdoor opportunities. Hiking, camping, and picnicking are just some of the ways nature enthusiasts can experience the environment. And with all of these activities, there is one product available that can take one’s adventure to the next level. Whether you’re going to a live music festival or catching a sporting event at the park, Tarpestry tarps make a statement no matter the occasion. By Harley Nefe

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High Country Real Estate: September Statistics

October 5, 2023 Welcome to October in the High Country, also known as the closest thing to heaven known to humans. It’s not just about pumpkin spice and sweater weather that accompany the dropping  temperatures. With the  leaves changing daily, every ride in sight of trees is a burst of glorious color that is different with every single trip. There is a golden quality to the light that kisses these slightly shorter days but it only lasts such a short time. By Karen Cleghorn, REALTOR

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W.A.M.Y. Community Action Celebrates National Energy Awareness Month this October

September 29, 2023 BOONE, N.C. – W.A.M.Y. Community Action is proud to participate in and promote National Energy Awareness Month this October. This initiative emphasizes the importance of energy conservation, efficiency, and the advantages of weatherization. National Energy Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility towards energy usage and its impact on our planet.

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Steak Dinner To Benefit Cole Ellis Scholarship Fund Oct. 10: Last Chance to Reserve Your Ticket is Friday

September 27, 2023 The inaugural Cole’s Cattleman Supper, planned to become an annual fundraising event for a scholarship fund in memory of Cole Ellis, will take place Tuesday, October 10 at The Mill at Rock Creek in Boone. Friday, Sept. 29th will be the last day to reserve your tickets for this worthwhile event. When the life of young Ellis ended in a tragic farm accident almost a year ago, the High Country rallied together in his memory. The Ellis family found comfort, as best they could, by the support and respect shown to them in the difficult days that followed. By Sherrie Norris

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The Boys of Summer

September 19, 2023 Since it was first codified in the middle of the 19th century, the uniquely American game of baseball has largely survived the winds of change. Technology brought instant replay to TV monitors, digitized strike zones, and aluminum bats, but the bases are still roughly 90 feet apart, and the pitcher’s mound is 60 feet from home plate.  By David Rogers

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FRONTLINE TO FARM SPONSORS NC FARMER VETERAN COALITION CONFERENCE

September 19, 2023 Frontline to Farm, an Appalachian State University College of Fine and Applied Arts program designed to help connect farmer veterans and communities, is pleased to announce that Boone will host the first ever Western regional Farmer Veteran Coalition of North Carolina Education Conference.The conference, planned for October 13th from 7:30 to 4:00, will include speakers and farm tours. The speaker portion of the program will be held at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and include experts in sustainable agriculture, project planning and grants, agritourism, and farmer mental health.

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Frank and Kay Golf Classic Tees Off at Hound Ears Club

September 18, 2023 Boone, N.C. ­– Get ready to tee off on Monday October 2, 2023, 1:30 p.m. at Hound Ears Club for the annual Frank and Kay Golf Classic to benefit Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina. This signature event, at a private, award-winning George Cobb designed golf course, supports the organization’s endowment and honors the legacy of philanthropy and leadership that  Appalachian State University Chancellor-Emeritus Frank Borkowski and his multi-talented wife Kay have bestowed upon the High Country since their arrival in 1993. 

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High Country Real Estate: Adieu August

September 7, 2023 The official, astronomical end of summer isn’t until Saturday, September 23, though the meteorlogical  summer ended August 31. While the mercury is still spending a lot of its time in the upper range of the thermometer, pumpkin spice has hit the coffee shops and if you look you will notice the leaves are beginning to change. We are 2/3 of the way through 2023 and it won’t be long before the temperature is dropping and the leaves are  displaying their most glorious season of splendor. By Sandi Dascoulias, REALTOR

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Samaritan’s Purse Responds To Hurricane Idalia’s Destruction in Florida

September 6, 2023 Before Hurricane Idalia made its way through Florida last week, Samaritan’s Purse was ready and waiting in nearby Georgia to begin picking up the pieces left behind by the quickly-moving storm. Just  as soon as the hardest-hit areas were identified, and it was safe to do so, the response teams of the Boone-based international disaster relief organization — with two tractor-trailers packed with tools and relief supplies, in addition to shower and kitchen trailers — moved in, set up and hit the ground running.  By Sherrie Norris

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