June 13, 2023 BRAHM (The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum) is pleased to accept a Presentation Grant of $1,000 from South Arts to fund an artist residency with electric cellist, Brianna Tam.
June 13, 2023 On June 6th, 2023, Watauga County Habitat for Humanity hosted The Big Cheese 2023 Finale at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone, N.C.. This event, formerly known as “The Big Kahuna,” marked the end of a two month fundraising campaign that seven different teams participated in. The fundraiser is a friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for Watauga County Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build safe and affordable housing. Fundraising efforts finished at 7:45pm on June 6th, and the winning team was crowned at 8pm the same night.
June 12, 2023 Few blockbuster franchises are as reviled by critics as “Transformers.” The 2007 original and its 2009 sequel “Revenge of the Fallen” both have special places among the worst movies of all time. Later sequels weren’t exactly improvements (though 2018 spinoff “Bumblebee” was surprisingly-well-reviewed), but they didn’t inspire the same vitriol, if only because everyone knew to lower their expectations. Still, the “Transformers” brand is associated with eyesore special effects, nauseating mechanical whooshing noises, and unfunny comedy. Director Michael Bay is out, as apparently even he’s sick of these movies, but Steven Caple Jr. steps in seamlessly to ensure that the new movie is still a blemish on the summer movie calendar. By Bob Garver
June 12, 2023 BANNER ELK, NC – The community is invited to the 19th Annual Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans worship service at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 25, at 11 a.m. “Kirk” is Scottish for church. On this day, the congregation celebrates the church’s Scottish heritage by participating in this Scottish-American tradition. This blessing of the tartans honor both local and church heritage since it was the Scots who brought the Presbyterian Church to America.
June 9, 2023 Coming to Blowing Rock this week? Two artists are in residence this week at Edgewood Cottage: Jack Hamrick, who works in oils, and watercolorist JoAnn Pippin, both would enjoy discussing their art with you.
June 9, 2023 In partnership with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Appalachian State University’s Mathematics and Science Education Center, and the Friends of the Watauga County Public Library, the Watauga County Public Library is hosting a climate change exhibit titled “Real People, Real Climate, Real Changes” complete with 9 panels and 2 interactive tables. One of the panels focuses on the local region and is titled “Hotter Days, Hotter Nights”.
June 9, 2023 The Watauga County Public Library will be closed on June 17. Parking will be available for Boonerang attendees with the exception of permit spots in the back parking lot marked with a “P”.
June 8, 2023 The last annual Native Plant Society Sale of 2023 is set for June 17. The location is the Daniel Boone Native Gardens located at 651 Horn in the West Drive, Boone.
June 7, 2023 The Watauga County Commissioners rejected the proposed fiscal year 2022-23 county budget by a vote of 3-2 in a tense meeting Tuesday night. Commissioners Ray Russell and Charlie Wallin voted in favor of approval with chair Larry Turnbow and commissioners Braxton Eggers and Todd Carter voting against. By Zack Hill
June 7, 2023 In a county commission form of government, a body of elected commissioners is responsible
for both the executive and the legislative duties, meaning they enact local policies by adopting
resolutions and ordinances and then administering them. They also set a county’s property tax
rate, adopt budgets, oversee spending and supervise county employees. By Tim Gardner
May 31, 2023 Approval of the county’s $37,131,681.00 Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund budget highlighted the Avery Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, June 5. All commissioners–Chairwoman Martha Hicks, Vice-Chairman Tim Phillips, Dennis Aldridge, Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr. and Robert Burleson–were present for the meeting, as were County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr., Assistant County Manager and Clerk to the Board Cindy Turbyfill, County Finance Officer Caleb Hogan and County Attorney Michaelle Poore. By Tim Gardner
June 7, 2023 According to the International Dairy Foods Association, June is National Dairy Month; it actually began in 1937 as National Milk Month in an effort to promote drinking milk, and eventually grew to include all dairy products. The folks at the IDFA remind us that this is a perfect time to kick-start the summer with nutrient-rich dairy foods. From calcium to potassium, they tell us, dairy products — such as milk — contain important nutrients which may help with weight management, as well as blood pressure, bone-related issues, including osteoporosis, and even certain cancers. Whether it’s the protein that helps repair muscle tissue or vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, the experts describe dairy products as “a natural nutrient powerhouse.” By Sherrie Norris
June 7, 2023 If you think you’ve felt the ground shaking a bit recently but aren’t quite sure, you’re actually standing on pretty firm ground as seven earthquakes have roiled western N.C. over the last two weeks, according to the United States Geographical Survey. By Zack Hill
June 6, 2023 As the Art Cellar Gallery prepares for our second feature exhibition of the Summer we reflect on Hatcher, Hayes & Geci, our previous show, for the unique dynamic it provided to our season schedule. A colorful, contemporary, and highly textured exhibition to kick off our season with a bang, it also provided our clients with a different variety of art than they’ve come to expect from the Art Cellar. Now, with our second showing, we present a style and subject matter that starkly contrasts the Hatcher & Glass collection. With these curated shows, we hope to provide a wide range of fine art that lends itself to all of our clients, regardless of personal tastes and styles.
June 6, 2023 The recent “Lifesaver Event” in Boone proved to be just that for a number of area citizens who attended the seminar sponsored by Jason Sirmon, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, along with Blackburn, Childers & Steagall, CPAs, both of Boone. Registration assistance was provided by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.Held at the High Country Home Builders Association in Boone, the two-day sessions brought to the forefront some of today’s hot topics on aging and financial issues, led by area and state experts. It was not only educational and informative, attendees agreed, but it was helpful to hear from others in the audiemce who have experienced, or are currently in the midst of some of life’s toughest situations. By Sherrie Norris
June 5, 2023 BOONE, NC – At 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, The Reggie Buie Group will perform under the tent at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock as the final headliner event during the 2023 High Country Jazz Festival. It is the last of 15 separate events in ten different locations throughout Boone and Blowing Rock that are part of the 2023 festival, which runs from June 9 through 11. The 2023 festival is presented by Mast General Store with additional support from Explore Boone and Hampton Inn & Suites, Boone.
June 5, 2023 Raleigh, N.C. The State Board of Elections invites the public to comment on two temporary rules proposed to implement the photo ID requirement for in-person and absentee-by-mail voters in North Carolina, beginning with the 2023 municipal elections.These rules are necessary to ensure uniform implementation of the photo ID requirement by all 100 county boards of elections and in all 3,000-plus polling locations. They are similar to rules adopted by the State Board and approved by the Rules Review Commission in prior iterations of the photo ID law.
June 2, 2023 WILKESBORO, N.C. – Colleen Cassell was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Cassell, a member of the WCC NTHS Chapter and a member of the WCC Club of the Arts, graduated earlier this month with an associate degree in advertising and graphic design and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Campbell University.Cassell stated, “Wilkes Community College has given me the opportunity to find an internship position, where I am practicing and utilizing my graphic design skills. I am very honored to receive this scholarship and I look forward to furthering my education and enhancing my technical skills.”
June 2, 2023 From a one-day community blitz during which random acts of kindness made a huge difference all across the High Country, to a six-month “Season of High Country Impact,” Three Forks Baptist Association is determined to continue reaching out in love and service to others.That was the decision made by the association leadership recently and announced during the 184th Spring meeting of the TFBA at Greenway Baptist Church in late April.Director of Missions, Wesley Smith shared how, in the past, there was a one-dayemphasis, usually in September, through which churches of the association were encouraged to share an outreach project — or multiple projects — in their communities and surrounding areas around the High Country.
June 2, 2023 A unique Raleigh-based group taking its state-wide tours from the relaxing coast to the breath-taking mountains — inclusive of “invigorating history, exceptional city and peaceful garden tours” —will be making its way to the area in early June for its High Country Adventure 2023.From June 8-11, “visit NC Concierge” will be escorting 30 guests to visit some of the area’s premiere sites around Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties.
June 2, 2023 Boone, North Carolina, May 20, 2023 — Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Boone, NC is proud to announce advanced promotions of students on May 20, 2023 in the art of 7 Star Praying Mantis and Sil Lum Kung Fu, Shuai Shou Bi Men and Advanced Weapons. Scott Stansberry of Sugar Grove, North Carolina was promoted to the rank of 10th Degree (Duan) Grandmaster Black Sash (Red Sash), the highest rank in the system. Chris Laing of Butler, Tennessee was promoted to the rank of 9th Degree (Duan) Grandmaster Black Sash (Black Belt), the next highest rank in the system. Both of these students are natives of Watauga County. Scott Stansberry has assisted with instruction of the Boone Academy. Chris Laing owns and operates Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Mountain City, Tennessee and Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy of Abingdon, Virginia.
May 31, 2023 Avery High’s 2023 graduation ceremonies will be held the evening of Friday, June 2nd, on the football turf at the school’s MacDonald Stadium. The school is located at 401 High School Road in Newland. Graduation will commence at 6:00 p.m.Graduates are requested to arrive at the school no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 2nd. Gates will open for families and other guests of those graduating at 5:00 p.m. The graduates, along with high school and Avery County Board of Education officials, will sit on the turf. All others are asked to sit in the stadium’s home side bleachers. By Tim Gardner
May 31, 2023 Contrary to popular belief, summer doesn’t always mean fun in the sun for all families. Some are struggling to find safe places for the kids during the school break. Work schedules, limited income and the stresses of life, in general, often prove to be challenging for a lot of families in our area. Camp registration begins filling up in the middle of winter, and not everyone has grandparents and other relatives to lend a helping hand with childcare. Also among great concerns for many families is making sure the kids receive adequate nutrition during the summer months. For those, especially, who depend on breakfast and lunches provided by school cafeterias during the academic year, it can be a daunting responsibility to have enough food in the cupboards at home to cover the extra meals. By Sherrie Norris
May 31, 2023 The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce celebrated the official opening of Rooster Rock Supply Company with a ribbon cutting last week.This is the second business for owners, Toby and Hailey Oliver. They also own Oliver’s on Main in the Southmarke Center. Rooster Rock Supply Company sells clothing and outdoor lifestyle supplies. The store, located inside the former Wells Fargo Bank space at 983 Main Street, utilizes the former bank’s vault as a changing room. By Kris Testori
May 31, 2023 .On Thursday, June 1, the town of Blowing Rock will celebrate Blowing Rock History Day. At this event, Mayor Charlie Sellers, along with the Blowing Rock Historical Society (BRHS) and the Village Foundation, will host the ribbon cutting for the 21 stations of the History Walk. “Our history walk will be a tremendous new community asset,” said BRHS president Tom O’Brien. “It is a marvelous way to bring our history to life,” he added. The ribbon cutting is at 4 p.m. in Mayview Plaza, located at the intersection of Laurel Lane and Main Street. A celebration at the American Legion building will follow. The community is invited and there will be a free open bar and appetizers. By Kris Testori